Overview:
The text is a comprehensive guide to the birds of the Rocky Mountains, specifically Colorado. The author, Leander Keyser, explores the diverse avian life of the region, highlighting the influence of altitude on bird migration and distribution. He compares and contrasts eastern and western species, noting their unique adaptations to different environments. Keyser shares his personal experiences while birdwatching in various locations, from the plains to the timberline and even the summit of Gray’s Peak.
Throughout the book, Keyser provides detailed descriptions of various bird species, including their appearance, songs, nesting habits, and migratory patterns. He also delves into the unique characteristics of western birds and their distinctions from their eastern counterparts.
Key Findings:
- Vertical Migration: Many birds in the Rockies migrate vertically, moving up and down the mountains based on season and availability of resources.
- Unique Western Species: Colorado’s avi-fauna boasts numerous species not found in the East, including the green-tailed towhee, lazuli bunting, and Clark’s nutcracker.
- Bird Adaptations: Birds exhibit distinct adaptations to the diverse climates and altitudes of the Rockies, highlighting the role of environment in shaping avian characteristics.
- Bird Behavior: The text provides insights into various bird behaviors, including nesting, feeding, singing, and interspecies interactions.
Learning:
- Bird Identification: The reader will learn how to identify various bird species, both common and unique to the West, through detailed descriptions and comparisons with eastern species.
- Bird Song: The text provides a detailed analysis of bird songs, including their structure, nuances, and potential meaning.
- Bird Ecology: The reader will gain a deeper understanding of the ecological factors influencing bird distribution and migration in the Rockies.
- Bird Behavior and Interactions: The text explores different bird behaviors, such as territoriality, nesting, feeding, and interspecies interactions.
Historical Context:
The text was written in 1902, a time when bird populations were still relatively abundant and the Rocky Mountains were less impacted by human development. The author emphasizes the significance of preserving natural habitats and protecting birds from exploitation.
Facts:
- The white-crowned sparrow is a common summer resident of the Rockies, but it breeds far north in eastern North America.
- The green-tailed towhee is a musical bird that thrives on steep, bushy mountain sides.
- The magpie is a unique bird with a long, slender tail and a loud, raucous call.
- The American pipit is a bird of the alpine heights, often nesting above the timberline.
- The ruby-crowned kinglet is a small, brightly colored bird that sings a unique, melodious tune.
- The brown-capped leucosticte is one of the highest-ranging birds in Colorado, nesting above the timberline and often seen on snowy peaks.
- The Arkansas flycatcher is a large, colorful bird with a loud, insect-like buzz.
- The lark bunting is a black bird with a white patch on its wings that sings a distinct, rhythmic melody.
- The western wood pewee is a flycatcher with a shrill, piercing call.
- The mountain bluebird is a beautiful bird with all-blue plumage.
- The water-ousel is a unique bird that lives by rushing mountain streams, diving for food and nesting in rock crevices.
- The long-crested jay is a common bird of the foothills, known for its distinctive black crest.
- The Rocky Mountain jay is a hardy bird that braves the harsh winters of the alpine zone.
- The lazuli bunting is a small, colorful bird with a distinctive song.
- Lewis’s woodpecker is a unique woodpecker with a black and white body and a red forehead.
- The western meadow-lark is a common bird of the plains, known for its melodious song.
- The mockingbird is a mimic bird that sings a variety of tunes.
- The burrowing owl is a nocturnal bird that nests in underground burrows.
- The house-finch is a common bird of the urban and suburban areas of Colorado.
Statistics:
- Colorado has 389 bird species and varieties, with 243 known to breed.
- The white-tailed ptarmigan breeds at an altitude of 11,500 to 13,500 feet.
- The American pipit migrates from the south and reaches an altitude of 12,000 to 13,000 feet by June.
- The Arkansas flycatcher nests in a willow tree on the treeless plains.
- The lark bunting nests in shallow pits dug in the ground.
- The green-tailed towhee nests in a bush at an altitude of 9,520 feet.
- The Rocky Mountain jay nests in pine trees at altitudes between 8,000 and 11,500 feet.
- The lazuli bunting breeds at altitudes up to 7,000 feet.
- The western meadow-lark breeds at altitudes up to 11,000 feet.
- The mountain bluebird breeds from the plains to the timberline.
- The white-crowned sparrow breeds at altitudes between 8,000 and 11,000 feet.
- The willow thrush breeds in foothills and parks up to 8,000 feet.
- The Townsend’s solitaire breeds at altitudes between 8,000 and 12,000 feet.
Terms:
- Alpine: Relating to high mountain regions above the timberline.
- Avi-fauna: The bird life of a particular region.
- Boreal: Relating to the northern regions of the world.
- Cosey: Comfortable and cozy.
- Cog-wheel train: A train that uses cogs to climb steep inclines.
- Copse: A small, dense group of trees.
- Crepuscular: Active during twilight.
- Demesne: A person’s estate, territory, or property.
- Elysium: A paradise.
- Filigree: Delicate, intricate decorative work.
- Gorge: A narrow, deep valley with steep sides.
- Gulch: A ravine.
- Habitat: The natural home of a plant or animal.
- Ingle: A cozy nook or corner, often by a fire.
- Intermittent: Starting and stopping at intervals.
- Lyrical: Relating to poetry or song.
- Mesa: A flat-topped hill with steep sides.
- Minstrel: A singer, especially one who performs traditional songs.
- Nocturnal: Active at night.
- Osines: A large order of birds that includes songbirds.
- Panoramic: Offering a wide, sweeping view.
- Plateau: A large, flat area of high ground.
- Precipitous: Extremely steep.
- Provender: Food for animals.
- Rhapsody: A passionate, emotional expression.
- Ruse: A trick or deception.
- Sable: Black.
- Solitudes: Unpopulated, isolated areas.
- Subtropical: Relating to regions with a warm, humid climate.
- Syllogistic: Relating to a form of logical reasoning.
- Terrestrial: Relating to the land.
- Timberline: The highest elevation at which trees can grow.
- Tussle: A fight or struggle.
- Undulatory: Moving in a wave-like pattern.
- Vesper: Relating to the evening.
- Wary: Cautious and watchful.
- Zenith: The highest point, especially in the sky.
Examples:
- The author describes his encounter with the green-tailed towhee on the side of Pike’s Peak, noting its beautiful chestnut crown and rich, melodious song.
- The author recounts his experience climbing Gray’s Peak and his encounters with various birds, including the white-crowned sparrow, the pipit, and the brown-capped leucosticte.
- The author describes the unique nesting habits of the Arkansas flycatcher, which builds its nest in a lone willow tree on the plains.
- The author details the vocalizations of the long-crested jay, including its raucous calls and its soft, friendly chatter.
- The author shares his observations of the water-ousel, a bird that dives into rushing streams to catch insects and nests in rock crevices.
- The author describes the striking appearance and the elaborate song of the lark bunting.
- The author describes the remarkable aerial flight and song of Townsend’s solitaire.
- The author shares his experience finding a nest of the green-tailed towhee, noting the bird’s shyness and the mother’s distress when her young are disturbed.
- The author details the behavior of the rock wren, a bird that sings from high, pointed rocks and hides its nest in crevices.
- The author describes a colony of cliff swallows nesting beneath the eaves of a barn and their unique method of retiring for the night.
Conclusion:
“Birds of the Rockies” is a fascinating and informative guide to the avian life of the Colorado Rockies. The author’s engaging writing style and detailed observations provide a glimpse into the diversity, beauty, and ecological significance of these birds. From the unique adaptations to the high altitudes to the distinctive songs and behaviors, the text provides a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the birds of this majestic region. The book is a valuable resource for both novice and experienced birdwatchers, encouraging readers to explore the natural world and appreciate the incredible diversity of bird life.