From the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, 
Vol. xvm, Oct. 6, 1875. 
List of Birds observed at Grand River Agency, Dakota 
Ter., from October 7th, 1872, to June 7tii, 1873. ByW. 
J. Hoffman, M.D., late Act. Asst. Surgeon, U. S. Army. 
My observations extend over a period of only eight months, and 
the list is therefore incomplete. At the time of my arrival at the 
Agency, in October, many species had already gone southward, and 
others were just beginning to appear when I was ordered farther 
north, to join the Yellowstone Expedition. Many other species 
might undoubtedly have been noted, but for the danger of meeting 
with hostile Sioux, in venturing too far away from the settlement. 
Grand River Agency (and Military Post) is situated about midway 
between Fort Rice and Fort Sully, the distance to either place being 
about eighty miles, by land. Situated upon the western bank of the 
Missouri River, and half a mile above the mouth of Oak Creek, it is 
consequently on one of the mud flats, or river bottoms. Opposite 
the Agency there is also an island, covered with an undergrowth of 
willows and cottonwoods. The eastern banks of the river are des- 
titute of vegetation on account of the barren bluffs, and it is only 
upon the western side that we find a variety of trees and shrubs. 
Here we find the cottonwood (Populus monilifera'), several varieties 
of Salix, the bullberry (Shepherdia argentea'), wild plum (Prunus 
virginianus), grape and Clematis, forming a dense undergrowth of 
vegetation, and a safe retreat for many of the feathered tribe. As 
the prairie is nearly destitute of shrubbery few birds are found away 
from the bottom lands, excepting the raptores. 
Mr. J. A. Allen, in his " Notes on the Natural History of por- 
tions of Montana and Dakota," p. 15-16, mentions quite a number 
of birds as common at Fort Rice which I did not meet with at Grand 
River up to June 7th. His observations at the former locality were 
made from the 10th to the 20th of June, and I am inclined to believe 
that several of these species made their appearance there during the 
second week of June. I also saw quite a number of species procured 
and preserved at Fort Rice, which I failed to notice at Grand River 
two weeks before. 
Oak Creek is so called from the great numbers of oak trees grow- 
ing along its banks as far as ten miles inland. Few nests were found 
during my stay, and the scarcity no doubt depends upon the rascality 
of the young Sioux. These boys- can be found at nearly all hours 
of the day, scouring the underbrush in all directions in search of eggs Hoffman.] 
170 
[October 6, 
and birds. They are always armed with blunt arrows and bows, and 
know, too, how to use them very effectually. 
In the following list I have added notes respecting each species, 
stating whether J common or abundant or rare, as will be seen upon 
reference. 
1. Tui'dus migratorius Linn. Robin. 
Rather scarce. But one pair was found breeding in the vicinity of 
the Agency. 
2. Turdus'Pallassi Cab. Hermit Thrush. 
Saw very few specimens. Obtained but two skins. 
3. Tui'dus fuscescens Stephens. Wilson's Thrush. 
Several pairs were observed near the hospital for several days, and 
finally disappeared. I saw the species again at Fort Rice. 
4. Galeoscoptes carolinensis Cab. Cat Bird. 
Common; and is found amongst the thickets nearly everywhere. 
5. Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.) Cab. Brown Thrush. 
Not as abundant as the last species. Found two pairs breeding on 
the island, opposite the Post. 
6. Sialia arctica Sw. Rocky Mountain Bluebird. 
Not very common. Saw several pairs near the truck garden, in May, 
7. Polioptila eoerulea (Linn.) Scl. Blue-gray Gnat-catcher, 
Very rare; procured but one specimen. 
8. Parus atricapillus var. septentrionalis (Harris) Allen, 
The only specimens I found were moving up the timbered bottom 
along Oak Creek. 
9. Sitta carolinensis var. aculeata Allen. Slender-billed 
Nuthatch. 
The only specimen I saw was a mutilated skin obtained near the- 
head waters of Grand River, by a young Indian, and by him worn as- 
an ornament in a raccoon-skin cap. 
10. Troglodytes aedon var. Parkmanii (Aud.) Cones. 
Western House Wren. 
Rather common. 
11. Anthus ludovicianus (Gm.) Licht. Titlark. 
Found migrating southward late in September, and very abundant. 
12. Neoeorys Spraguei Scl. Missouri Sky Lark. 
Saw no specimens near the Post, but was informed that they bred 
at the head waters of Oak Creek. This species prefers marshy soil 
or where the grass is longer and denser than it usually occurs on the 
prairies. 1875.] 
171 
[Hoffman. 
13. Mniotilta varia Vieill. Black-and-white Creeper. 
Saw several specimens at Oak Creek, and on the island, on June 2d; 
14. Helminthophaga ruficapilla (Wils.) Bd. Nashville 
W arbler. 
Quite common in the bottoms, where well timbered. 
15. Dendroeca sestiva Baird. Yellow Warbler. 
Common along the river. 
16. Geothlypis trichas Cab. Maryland Yellow throat. 
Rather common; appeared to be migrating northward when ob- 
served. 
17. Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say) Cab. Cliff Swallow. 
One small colony built their nest under a bridge crossing Oak 
Creek, half a mile southwest of the Agency. No eggs could be ob- 
tained at my time of departure - June 7th. 
18. Vireo olivaceus Vieill. Red-eyed Vireo. 
Saw several specimens, but received only one. 
19. Collurio sp. 
Saw but one specimen of this genus, and could not get near that. 
Had no gun at the moment. 
20. Chrysomitris tristis Bon. Yellow Bird. 
Saw but few specimens, and they remained near the Agency for 
only one day. 
21. Plactrophanes ornatus Towns. Chestnut-collared Bunt- 
ing. 
Apparently very rare. Saw but four specimens. Oak Creek. 
22. Plectrophanes Maccowni Bd. McCown's Bunting. 
Found less frequently than the preceding species ; but generally 
associating with it when found. 
23. Junco hyemalis var. Aikeni (L.) Ridgw. 
Procured several specimens late in October ; associates with the 
following species. 
24. Junco cinereus var. caniceps (Wood.) Coues. Gray- 
headed Snowbird. 
This species was also common until the approach of the extremely 
cold weather (in November), when the thermometer usually stood 
below zero. 
25. Spizella socialis Bon. Chipping Sparrow. 
Rather common among all the thickets. 
26. Spizella pallida Bon. Clay-colored Sparrow. 
Common. Found breeding. Hoffman.] 
172 
[October 6, 
27. Chondestes grammaca Bon. Lark Finch. 
Not as common as the two preceding species. Found farther 
away from the Agency. 
28. Molothrus pecoris Swain. Cow Bird. 
Not of frequent occurrence. Several pairs found associating with 
a flock of Xanthocephalus icterocephalus in the vicinity of the corral 
and stables; also found miles north of the Agency, at the herders' 
camp and corral. Found it again on Rose Bud Creek, west of Fort 
Rice, where I also found an egg, in nest of Calamospiza bicolor. 
29. Agelaeus phoeniceus Vieill. Red-winged Blackbird. 
Very rarely seen. 
30. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus Baird. Yellow- 
headed Blackbird. 
Very common. Immediately after their appearance at the Agency 
and vicinity, I collected quite a number of skins of males, of which 
some had the yellow of dark orange, and others nearly a cream white 
(except the head) . 
31. Sturnella ludoviciana var. neglecta All. Meadow 
Lark. 
Common. Found several times in the surrounding prairie, but I 
think accidental. The note of this variety is exactly similar to that 
of the same species, as it occurs in Nevada. 
32. Icterus spurius Bon. Orchard Oriole. 
Scarce. Saw but two pairs. 
33. Icterus Baltimore Daud. Baltimore Oriole. 
Occasionally observed amongst the willows and cottonwoods on 
the island. 
34. Icterus Bullockii Bon. Bullock's Oriole. 
Rather common all along the timbered river bottoms. (Rare above 
Fort Pierre, Hayden). More or less frequent all along the river, to 
Fort Rice, Heart River, Yellowstone River, etc., see also Allen 
" Nat. Hist. Montana and Dakota (Yellowstone Expedition), 1873." 
35. Quiscalus purpureus Licht. Crow Blackbird. 
Frequently seen, though rare. 
36. Corvus corax Linn. Raven. 
Not often seen in this vicinity. 
37. Corvus americanus Aud. Common Crow. 
Rather common. 1875.j 
173 
[Hoffman. 
38. Pica melanoleuca var. hudsonica All. Magpie. 
Saw none near the Agency. Occur occasionally on the Buttes, 
two miles northward, and eight miles up Oak Creek. 
39. Tyrannus carolinensis Bd. Bee Martin. 
Saw but few on the island. 
40. Tyrannus verticalis Say. Arkansas Flycatcher. 
Not common. Shot but two near Oak Creek. 
41. Sayornis sayus Bd. Say's Flycatcher. 
Saw but few. These birds no doubt appear later in the spring 
than other summer birds. 
42. Ceryle alcyon Boie. Kingfisher. 
Saw several specimens, but always on the wing. 
43. Pious pubescens var. Gairdneri Cones. Downy Wood- 
pecker. 
Occasionally found in the groves of oak trees along Oak Creek. 
44. Melanerpes erythrocephalus Swain. Red-headed 
Woodpecker. 
Rather common in the timbered portions of the valleys. 
45. Colaptes auratus Sw. Golden-winged Woodpecker. 
Occasionally seen, though difficult to approach. 
46. Bubo virginianus Bon. Great Horned Owl. 
Rather rare. 
47. Brachyotus palustris Bon. Short-eared Owl. 
Occasionally found on Oak Creek. 
48. Syrnium nebulosum Gray. Barred Owl. 
Met ^ith occasionally in the timbered bottoms along Oak Creek, 
and on the island. 
49. Nyctea scandiaca (^inn.) Newt. Snowy Owl. 
Seen but twice. The Indians report it as not uncommon. 
50. Speotyto cunicularia var. hypogsea Cones. Burrow- 
ing Owl. 
Abundant eight miles north of the Agency, at the prairie dog 
towns. 
51. Falco sparverius Linn. Sparrow Hawk. 
Common farther away from the Agency. 
52. Buteo borealis Vieill. Red-tailed Hawk. 
Only occasionally seen. 
53. Buteo Swainsoni Bon. Swainson's Hawk. 
Shot but two specimens, which I take to be mates. Hoffman.] 
174 
[October 6, 
54. Archibuteo ferrugineus Gray. Western Rough-legged 
Hawk. 
Not seen near the Agency. Indians procured specimens on Oak 
Creek, ten miles inland. 
55. Pandion haliaetus (Linn.) Cuv. Fish Hawk. 
Saw this species along the Missouri River at various times during 
autumn and spring. Found no nests. 
56. Aquila chrysaetos Linn. Golden Eagle. 
The only specimens seen were brought to the Agency from the 
head waters of Grand River, near the Black Hills. 
57. Haliaetus leucocephalus Savig. Bald Eagle. 
Saw several in May. The Indians frequently shot specimens along 
the Missouri, between Grand River and Standing Rock (forty miles 
farther north), also at the head waters of Grand River. The feathers 
are highly prized by the natives for a variety of purposes, chiefly in 
head decorations. 
58. Cathartes aura (Linn.) Ill. Turkey Buzzard. 
Of frequent occurrence at the Agency Corral, ten miles south of 
the settlement. 
59. Zensedura carolinensis Bon. Carolina Dove. 
Very common. 
60. Ectopistes migratoria (Linn.) Sw. Wild Pigeon. 
Saw but one small flock throughout my whole stay at the Post. 
One male bird was procured. 
61. Centrocercus urophasianus Sw. Sage Cock. 
Not often found near the Agency, though considerable numbers 
are brought in by the Indians, who shoot them on the plains, where 
artemisia occurs. 
62. Cupidonia eupido Bd. Prairie Hen. 
Rather abundant; and during the extremely cold weather has been 
oun I near the stables and corral. 
63. AEgialitis vociferus Bp. Killdeer Plover. 
Rather common. 
64. Recurvirostra americana Gm. Avocet. 
Saw several specimens in June. Reported as common in some 
localities. 
65. GallinagO Wilsoni Bp. Wilson's Snipe. 
Never saw any specimens near Grand River, although it occurs at 
Cheyenne River, and near Fort Rice. 
66. Tringa minutilla Vieill. Least Sandpiper. 
Rather common along the water courses. 18'4,] 
175 
[Hoffman. 
67. Numenius longirostris Wils. Long-billed Curlew. 
Occasionally found along Oak Creek, in the vicinity of grassy and 
moist soil, although no nest has been found, neither do the Indians 
know of its breeding here. 
68. Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron. 
Occasional flocks observed migrating in May. The Indians ob- 
tained several specimens. The tarsi are highly prized for making 
riding-whip handles. 
69. Nyetiardea grisea var. nsevia Allen. American Night 
Heron. 
Not resident, and of seldom occurrence. 
70. Grus canadensis Temm. Sandhill Crane. 
Migrant. The Indians sometimes secure specimens; they use the 
skins for making ornamental pouches. 
71. Fulica americana Gm. Mud Hen. 
Common along the banks of the Missouri River. 
72. Cygnus buccinator Rich. Trumpeter Swan. 
Saw skins only. The Indians sometimes preserve these for orna- 
menting various articles. This species occurs occasionally on the 
small inland lakes, formed in early spring by the melting snow. 
73. Cygnus americanus Sharp. American Swan. 
Rare, though more frequent than the preceding species. 
74. Anser hyperboreus Pall. Snow Goose. 
Great numbers passed northward during the middle of April. 
Stragglers are occasionally found on the Missouri River, or on some 
of the smaller tributaries. 
75. Branta canadensis Gray. Wild Goose. 
Numerous during April. They are reported as breeding on many 
of the inland lakes north and northeast of this settlement. Young 
birds have also been found at the head-waters of Oak Creek. 
76. Anas boschas Linn. Mallard. 
Migrant. 
77. Spatula clypeata (Linn.) Boie. Shoveller. 
Migrant; sometimes found during the summer. 
78. Bucephala albeola Bd. Dipper. 
Saw several specimens ten miles below the Agency; one or two 
were shot from the steamboat. 
79. Felecanus trachyrhynchus Lath. White Pelican. 
Said to occur frequently. Saw quite a number of skulls in various 
Indian tents.