key. The Pileated Woodpecker, for example, is black and white with a red crest. Because this bird is mostly black and white, it will be found in the black and white section. Each color section is also arranged by size, generally with the smaller birds first. Sections may also incorporate the average size in a range, which, in some cases, reflects size differences between male and female birds. Flip through the pages in that color section to find the bird. If you already know the name of the bird, check the index for the page number. In some species, the male and female are remarkably different in color. In others, the color of breeding and winter plumages differs. These species will have an inset photograph with a page reference and, in most cases, are found in two color sections.
In the description section you will find a variety of information about the bird. On is a sample of information included in the book.
Range Maps
Range maps are included for each bird. Colored areas indicate where in New Hampshire and Vermont a particular bird is most likely to be found. The colors represent the presence of a species during a specific season, not the density or amount of birds in the area. Green is used for summer, blue for winter, red for year-round and yellow for areas where the bird is seen during migration. While every effort has been made to accurately depict these ranges, they are only general guidelines. Ranges actually change on an ongoing basis due to a variety of factors. Changes in weather, species abundance, landscape and vital resources, such as availability of food and water, can affect local populations, migration and movements, causing birds to be found in areas that are atypical for the species.
Colored areas simply mean bird sightings for that species have been frequent in those areas and less frequent in others. Please use the maps as intended–as general guides only.
male
Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
SUMMER
| Size: | 7" (18 cm) |
| Male: | Nearly all-black bird with a black chest and belly. Pale yellow on back of head and nape of neck. White patch on wings and rump. |
| Female: | pale yellow with dark brown stripes on the head, thin dark line extends through the eye, dark streaks on back and sides |
| Juvenile: | similar to female, lacking dark streaks |
| Nest: | ground; scraped-out depression lined with grass; 1 brood per year |
| Eggs: | 4-6; gray to red brown with brown markings |
| Incubation: | 10-13 days; female incubates |
| Fledging: | 10-14 days; female and male feed young |
| Migration: | complete, to South America, mostly Brazil |
| Food: | insects, seeds |
| Compare: | Male Bobolink is similar in size to the male Red-winged Blackbird, but lacks the red and yellow wing bars. Look for yellow on the head, a white patch on the wings and the black belly of male Bobolink. |
Stan’s Notes: A member of the blackbird family. Closely related to meadowlarks. A common bird of prairies, grasslands and open fields. In spring, the male will perch on plant stems and repeat its bubbling “bob-o-link” song (which provided the common name). Gives a loud, repeated “ink” whistle during flight. When disturbed, the female will run from her highly concealed ground nest before taking flight. By late summer, the males will have molted to a drab color similar to the females.
male
Eastern Towhee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
SUMMER
| Size: | 7-8" (18-20 cm) |
| Male: | Mostly black with dirty red brown sides and a white belly. Long black tail with a white tip. Short, stout, pointed bill and rich red eyes. White wing patches flash in flight. |
| Female: | similar to male, but is brown, not black |
| Juvenile: | light brown with heavily streaked head, chest and belly, long dark tail with a white tip |
| Nest: | cup; female builds; 2 broods per year |
| Eggs: | 3-4; creamy white with brown markings |
| Incubation: | 12-13 days; female incubates |
| Fledging: | 10-12 days; male and female feed young |
| Migration: | complete, to southern states, South America |
| Food: | insects, seeds, fruit; visits ground feeders |
| Compare: | Slightly smaller than the American Robin, which lacks the white belly. The Gray Catbird lacks the black head and rusty sides. Common Grackle lacks a white belly and has a long thin bill. Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak has a rosy patch in the center of its chest. |
Stan’s Notes: Common name comes from its distinctive “tow-hee” call given by both sexes. Mostly known for its characteristic call that sounds like, “Drink-your-tea!” Seen hopping backward with both feet (bilateral scratching), raking up leaf litter for insects and seeds. The female broods, but the male does most of the feeding of young. In southern coastal states, some have red eyes; others have white eyes. The red-eyed variety is seen in New Hampshire and Vermont.
male
Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
YEAR-ROUND
SUMMER
| Size: | 7½" (19 cm) |
| Male: | Glossy black bird, reminiscent of a male Red-winged Blackbird. Head is chocolate brown. Pointed, sharp gray bill. Dark eyes. |
| Female: | dull brown bird, bill similar to the male bill |
| Juvenile: | similar
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