ransas JLUMT REFERENCE ROOM •T O be , *KEft T.«£ ROOM From the collection of the z n z_ m Prelinger i a oJibrary p San Francisco, California 2006 REFERENCE THE BIRD BOOK PASSENGER OR WILD PIGEON Female Male Young THE BIRD BOOK ILLUSTRATING IN NATURAL COLORS MORE THAN SEVEN HUNDRED NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS; ALSO SEVERAL HUNDRED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEIR NESTS AND EGGS BY CHESTER A. REED, B. S. GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY I9IS Copyright, 1914, by CHARLES K. REED All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian ,- 1 BARN OWL Tr^o^ VnneY --M^ \oes ^V- ing Sea and also nests '-».^ commonly in Hudson Bay .y'#*' ** -, and Greenland, as well as '* '• . .-'•'* ^»l%*-'» *"'**''% ;^ in the Eastern Hemis- ^ "«AiJt "'«£*• -\'i^ ," -sWi phere. They nest indiffer- ently on high rocky cliffs or on low sandy islands. Ex- 3ept when the eggs are laid in a sandy depression in the soil, quite bulky nests are made of seaweed and moss. The eggs are laid about the first of June; Greenish brown thev numbei> tW° ^ thliee and have a ground color of brownish or greenish brown and are blotched with umber. Size 2.80 x 1.83. Data. — Mackenzie Bay, Arctic America. June 18, 1899. Nest made of seaweed and grass on an island in the bay. 41 THE BIRD BOOK 44. GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. Larus glaucescens. Range. — North Pacific coast, breeding from British Columbia northwards and wintering from the same country to southern California. This Gull is very like the preceding except that the primaries are the same color as the mantle, and are tipped with white. Length about 27 inches. Not so northerly distributed a bird as the previous ones, and consequently better Iceland Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Pale greenish brown known. They breed in large numbers both on the high rocky cliffs of the islands along the coast and on the low sandy islands of the Aleu- tian Chain. On Copper Island they breed on the inaccessible cliffs overhanging the water. As in the case of the Iceland Gull, when the nests are on the cliffs, a large nest of seaweed is made, whereas if they are on the ground, especially in sandy places no attempt is made at nest-building. The eggs have a greenish brown ground color and dark brown spots. Sise 2.75 x 2.05. Data. — West Coast of Vancouver Island. June 20, 1896. Three eggs; nest made of seaweed. Located on a low ledge. Collector, Dr. Newcombe. 45. KUMLIEN'S GULL. Larus Kumlieni. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding in Cumberland Sound and wintering as far south as Long Island. This bird differs from the Glaucous-winged only in the pattern of the gray markings of the primaries and in having a little lighter mantle. It is quite common in its breeding haunts where it places its nest high up on the ledges of the cliffs. The eggs are not different apparently from glaucescens. 46. NELSON'S GULL. Larus nelsoni. Range. — Coast of Alaska. Plumage exactly like that of Kumlien Gull and questionably a new species. The nests and eggs are not to be distinguished from the preceding. 42 47. GREAT-BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus marinus. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS Range. — North Atlantic on both the American and European sides; breeds from Nova Scotia northward and winters south to the Great Lakes and the Middle States. The largest of the Gulls (thirty inches long) and unlike any other. The mantle is dark slaty black, and the primaries are black with white tips. The bill is very large and powerful and m Great Black-backed Gull Kumlien's Gull Grayish buff quite strongly hooked. They are quite abundant birds in their range, and are very quarrelsome, both among themselves and other species. They do not breed in as large colonies as do the other Gulls, half a dozen pairs appropriating a small island to the exclusion of all other birds. They are very rapacious birds and live to a great ex- tent, especially during the breeding season, upon the eggs and young of other birds such as Ducks, Murres and smaller Gulls. They place their nests upon the higher portions of sandy islands. They are made of grasses and seaweed. The three eggs are laid early in June; they are grayish or brownish, spotted with brown and lilac. Size 3x2.15. Data.- -South Labrador, June 21, 1884. Three eggs. Nest on a small island off the coast; of grasses and moss. 18. SLATY-BACKED GULL. — Larus schistisagus. Range. — North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. This Gull, which is similar to the Great Black-backed, but is smaller and has a lighter mantle, does not breed in any considerable numbers on the Ameri- can side of the Pacific. It nests in June on some of the islands in Bering Sea and probably more commonly farther onrth. They often nest in company with other species, placing their small mounds of seaweed on the ground on the higher parts of the islands. The full set contains three eggs of grayish or brownish color, spotted with dark brown or black. Size 2.90 x 2. Data. — Har- rowby Bay, N. W. T. Canada, June 11, 1901. Nest of grass, roots and mud and lined with dry grass; on point making into the bay. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. 43 THE BIRD BOOK 49. WESTERN GULL. Larus occidentalis. Range. — Pacific Coast, breeding from southern California to British Columbia. This bird, which is the most southerly distrib- uted of the larger Gulls is twenty-four inches in length. Mantle slate colored; primaries black, both these and the secondaries being broadly tipped with white. These Gulls nest abundantly on the Farallones, the majority of them showing a preference for the lower portions of the island, although they nest on the ledges also. Besides man, these Gulls are the greatest enemies that the Murres have to content against. They are always on the watch and if a Murre leaves its nest, one of the Gulls is nearly always ready to pounce upon the egg and carry it away bodily in his bill. The Gulls too suffer when the eggers come, for their eggs are gathered up with the Murres for the markets. They make their nests of weeds and grass, and during May and June lay three eggs showing the usual variations of color common to the Gulls eggs. Size 2.75 x 1.90. [50.] SIBERIAN GULL. Larus affinis. This bird does not nest in North America, and has a place on our list, by its accidental occur- rence in Greenland. It is an Old World species and its nesting habits and eggs are like those of the Herring Gull. 51. HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus. Range. — Whole of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding from Maine and British Columbia north- __, ward and wintering south to the Gulf. This Gull, which formerly was No. 51a, a sub- Western Gull species of the European variety, is now regarded Herring Gull as identical with it, and is no longer a sub-species. It is twenty-four inches in length, has a light gray mantle and black primaries which are tipped with white. The Herring , ^- "\-~ ~~^ Gulls nest in colonies «*••%. •«* ^. ' in favorable localities throughout their range, chiefly on the coasts and islands. A few pairs also nest on islands in some of the inland bodies of fresh water. Except in places where they are continually molested, when they will build in trees, they place their nests on the ground either making no riest on the bare sand, or building a bulky nest of seaweed in the grass on higher parts of the island. Buff They lay three eggs of a grayish color marked with brown. In rare cases unspotted bluish white eggs are found. Size 2.8 x 1.7. 44 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 52. VEGA GULL Larus vegae. Range.— Coast of Alaska, south in winter to California. Similar to the Herring Gull, but with the man- tle darker, but not so dark as in the Western Gull. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Herring Gull, except that in a ser- ies, the eggs of the Vega will average a little darker in ground color. It nests during May on the coasts and islands of Bering Sea, placing its eggs in a hollow on the ground. Size 2.75 x 1.65. Grayish brown 1 Gull California Gull 53. CALIFORNIA GULL. Larus calif orni- Range. — Western North America, breeding in til the interior. Kiim'-i>i: A smaller Gull than the Herring with the prim- aries grayish instead of black; length twenty-five inches. This Gull is found in winter on the coast from British Columbia southward to Lower California, but nests in the interiar from Utah northward. They nest very abundantly around the Great Salt Lake, placing their nests generally upon the bare ground. Sometimes there is a scant lining of grasses or weeds and again the nests will be situated in the midst of a tussock of grass. Three or four eggs generally constitute a set, but occasionally five are laid. The usual nesting time is dur- ing May. They show the same great variations in color and markings com- mon to most of the Gulls. Size 2.60 x 1.80. 51. RING-BILLED GULL. Larus delawarenis. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding from the United States north- ward and wintering south to the Gulf States. A small Gull, eighteen inches in length, with a light gray mantle, black primaries with white tips, and always to be distinguished in the breeding sea- son by the black band around the middle of the greenish yellow bill. They nest in enormous colonies on islands in the interior of the country and in smaller colonies on the coasts. Thousands of them breed on the lakes of the Dakotas and northward. The majority of them nest on the ground, although on the coast they are often found on the cliffs. They commonly lay three eggs placing them in a slight hollow in the ground, generally on the grassy portions of the islands. The color varies from grayish to brownish, marked with brown and lilac. The height of the nesting season is in June. Size of eggs, 2.80 x 1.75. 45 THE BIRD BOOK 55. SHORT-BILLED GULL. Larus brachy- rhynchus. Range. — Breeds from the interior of British Columbia northward to Alaska; south in winter to Lower California. The Short-billed or American Mew Gull is seven- teen inches in length, has a short, stout bill and is otherwise similar to the preceding species. Nests on islands in the lakes and along the river banks of Alaska. The nest is made of grass, weeds and moss and is placed on the ground. Pale greenish-brown Early in June the birds lay their set of three eggs, the ground color of which is greenish brown mark- ed with dark brown. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data, — Mackenzie River, N. W. T., June 13, 1900. Three eggs. Nest made of seaweed and grass and placed on the ground on an island in the river. [56.] MEW GULL. Larus canus. This is the European variety of the above spe- cies, breeding commonly both in the British Isles and northern Europe. This species is given a place in our avifauna because of its accidental appearance in Labrador. Short-billed Gull Heerman's Gull 57. HERRMAN'S GULL. — Larus heermanni. Range. — Pacific Coast of North America from British Columbia south to Panama, breeding chiefly south of the United States border. A very handsome species, often called the White-headed Gull, and wholly unlike any other; length seventeen inches. Adults, in summer, have the ntire head, neck and throat white, this shading quite abruptly into the slaty upper and upder parts; the primaries and tail are black, the latter and the secondaries being tipped with white. The legs and bill are vermilion. They are found off the coast of California, but are not believed to breed there. They are known to breed on some of the islands off the Mexican coast nesting on the ground the same as the other species. The three eggs are greenish drab in color and are marked with different shades of brown and lilac. Size 2.45 x 1.50. 46 58. LAUGHING GULL. Lams atricilla. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from the Gulf to Nova Scotia, chiefly on the coast. A beautiful Gull, 16 inches long, with a dark slate colored head, gray mantle, black Pale grayish brown Laughing Gull primaries, and white neck, underparts and tail. Bill and feet red. This bird has its name from its peculiar laughing cry when alarmed or angry; it is also called the Black-headed Gull. They nest by thousands on the islands off the Gulf Coast and along the South . -^ Atlantic States. The nest is placed on the ground and is made of sea- weed. Three, four and sometimes five eggs are laid, of a grayish to greenish brown color, marked with brown and lilac. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data.— Timbalin Is., La., June 3, 1896. Three eggs. Nest of drift grass thrown in a pile about 8 inches high, slightly hollowed on top, in low marsh back of beach. Collector, E. A. McTlhenny. RING-BILLED GULL-Gray 47 THE BIRD BOOK 59. FRANKLIN'S GULL. Larus franklini. Range. — Interior North America, breeding from middle United States northward. Like the last but smaller and with the primar- ies light. Underparts rosy in breeding season. Nests very abundantly in the marshes of Minne- sota and northward. Nest made of grasses and Franklin's Gull Bonaparte's Gull Grayish brown placed in the marsh grass barely above the sur- face of the water. Eggs same color as the last but the markings more inclined to zigzag lines. Size 2.10 x 1.40. Data. — Heron Lake, Minn., May 26, 1885. Nest of wet sedge stalks and rubbish placed in a bunch of standing sedge in shallow water; at least five thousand birds in rookery. Collector, J. W. Preston. 60. BONAPARTE'S GULL. Larus Philadelphia. Range. — Breeds in the northern parts of North America; winters from Maine and British Columbia to the southern border of the United States. Smaller than the last; 14 inches long. Plumage similar, but bill slender and black. They nest in great numbers on the marshes of Manitoba and to the northward. The nests, of sticks and grass, are placed on the higher parts of the marsh and the usual complement of three eggs is laid during the latter part of June. The eggs are grayish to green- ish brown, marked with dark brown and lilac. Size 1.90 x 1.30. Pale grayish brown 48 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS [60.1] LITTLE GULL. Larus minutus. This Gull is the smallest of the family; it is a European bird, and has accidentally strayed to our shores but a few times. Its plumage is sim- ilar to that of the Bonaparte Gull but the bill is red. It breeds in the marshes around the Baltic Sea, placing its nest of dead vegetation on the highest parts of the marsh. They lay three eggs of a greenish gray color marked with dark brown and lilac. Size 1.75 x 1.25. 61. Ross GULL. Rhodostethia rosea. Range. — The Arctic regions, south in winter to Alaska, Greenland, northern Europe and Asia. This beautiful bird is the most rare of all the Gulls, being very difficult to obtain because of its extreme northerly distribution. It is in form and plumage like Bonaparte Gull, with the excep- tions that the head is white, there being a nar- row black collar around the neck, the tail is wedge shaped, and the whole under parts from the chin to the tail are rosy in the breeding plum- age. The nests and eggs remain still undiscover- ed, although Nansen, in August 1896, found a supposed breeding ground in Franz Josef Land, because of the numbers of the birds, but found no nests. 62. SABINE'S GULL. Xema sabinii. Range. — Arctic regions, breeding from Alaska and Greenland and northward, and wintering south to New England. Sabine Gul1 A handsome bird, having the slaty hood bordered behind with a black ring, the primar- ies black, white tipped, and the tail slightly forked. They breed abundantly on the marshes of northern Alaska and Greenland, nesting the same as others of the species. The two or there eggs are laid in June. They are greenish brown in color and are marked with dark brown. Size 1.75 x 1.25. Data. — Hudson Bay, August 1, 1894. Eggs laid on the ground in Greenish brown the moss; no nest except the hollow in the moss. Rose Gull THE BIRD BOOK 63. GULL-BILLED TERN. Gelochelidon nilotica. Range. — Found in North America along the Gulf Coast and on the Atlantic Coast north to Virginia and casually farther. This is one of the largest of the Terns, is 14 inches long, has a short, thick, black bill and a short slightly forked tail; the crown is black, mantle pearly gray, white below. This species is very widely dis- tributed, being found in Europe, Austra- lia, Asia and Africa. They are known locally as "Marsh Terns" where they breed in immense numbers on some of the marshes about the Gulf, particularly in Texas. They also breed on many of the islands along the Coast, rarely mak- ing any nest, but laying the eggs in a hollow in the sand. They nest most abundantly in the latter part of May, generally laying three eggs. They are of a yellowish, grayish or greenish buff color and are spotted with brown and lilac. Size 1.80x1.30. Data. — North- ampton Co., Va., May 28, 1882. Three eggs laid on a mass of seaweed on marsh above tide water. Pale greenish buff 64. CASPIAN TERN. Sterna caspia. Range. — Like the preceding species, this bird is nearly cosmopolitan in its range, in North America breeding from the Gulf Coast and Texas northward to the Arctic Regions. This beautiful bird is the largest of the Tern family, being about 22 inches in length, with the tail forked about 1.5 inches. The bill is large, heavy and bright red; the crest, with which this and the next three species are adorned, is black. The mantle is pale _-~^^ pearl and the under parts " • «* • m white. These Terns some- times nest in large colonies and then again only a few pairs will be found on an island. In Texas, the breed- ing season commences in May, it being later in the more northern breeding grounds. They may be re- garded as largely eastern birds, as while they are com- mon in the interior of the country, they are rarely found on the Pacific Coast. Two or three eggs constitute a com- plete set; these are laid on Grayish buff the sand in a slight hollow scooped out by the birds. They vary from gray to greenish buff, marked with brown and lilac. Size 2.60 x 1.75. Data. — Hat Is- land, Lake Michigan, July 1, 1896. No nest. Two eggs in a hollow in the gravel. Fully a thousand terns nesting on about one acre. Collector, Charles L. Cass. 50 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 65. ROYAL TERN. Sterna maxima. Range. — Temperate North and South America, breeding in the United States locally from Texas and the Gulf States northward to the northern boundary of the United States. The Royal Terns nest in great numbers on the coasts and islands on the South Atlantic and Gulf States and in the marshes of southern Texas. Grayish buff Like the former species they lay two or three eggs in a hollow on the bare sand. The eggs are the same size but differ in being more pointed and having a lighter ground and with the mark- ings more bold and distinct. Size 2.60 x 1.70. 66. ELEGANT TERN. Sterna elegans. Range. — Pacific Coast of South and Central America; north to California in summer. A similar bird to the Royal Tern, but easilyGull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Cream color distinguished by its smaller size, slender bill, and more graceful form. In the breeding plumage the under parts of these Terns are tinged with rosy, which probably first gave the birds their name. They breed on the coasts and islands of Mexico and Central America, placing their eggs on the sand. They are be- lieved to lay but a single egg, like that of the Royal Tern, but smaller. Size 2.40 x 1.40. Data. — Honduras, Central America, June 5, 1899. Single egg laid on the sandy beach. 51 THE BIRD BOOK 67. CABOT TERN. Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida. Range. — A tropical species breeding regularly north to the Bahamas and Florida; casually farther north. A beautiful bird distinguished from the three preceding ones by its smaller size (sixteen inches) and by the bill which is black ~-^; Klegant Tern Cabot's Tern Cream color with a yellow tip. They nest in colonies on the shores of islands in the West Indies and Baha- mas, but not to a great extent on the United States Coast. Their two or three eggs have a creamy ground color, and are boldly marked with brown and black. Size 2.10 x 1.40. [68.] TRUDEAU'S TERN. Sterna trudeaui. Range. — South America; accidentally along the coast of the United States. A rare and unique species with a form similar to the following, but with the coloration entirely different. About fifteen inches in length; tail long and deeply forked; bill yellow with a band of black about the middle. Whole head pure white, shading into the pearly color of the upper and under parts. A narrow band of black through the eye and over the ear coverts. A very rare species that is supposed to breed in southern South America. Given a place among North American birds on the strength of a specimen seen by Audubon off Long Island. 52 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 69- FORSTER'S TERN. Sterna forsteri. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from Manitoba, Mass., and California, south to the Gulf Coast and Texas. Length about fifteen inches; tail long and deep- ly forked; crown black, back and wings pearl and under parts white. Bill orange red. This spe- cies and the three following are the most grace- ful of birds in appearance and flight. Their move- Forsters Tern Common Tern Eggs in a hollow on grassy Brownish buff ments can only be likened to those of the Swal- lows, from which they get the name of "Sea Swal- lows." Their food consists of fish, which they get by diving, and marine insects. They breed by thousands in the marshes from Manitoba to Texas and along the South Atlantic coast. The eggs are laid in a hollow on the dry grassy portions of the islands or marshes. They generally lay three eggs and rarely four. They are buffy or brown- ish spotted with dark brown and lilac. Size 1.80 x 1.30. Data. — Cobb's Island, Va., June 8, 1887, bank. Collector, F. H. Judson. 70. COMMON TERN. Sterna hirundo. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding both on the coast and in the in- terior from the Gulf States northward. This bird differs from the preceding chiefly in having a bright red bill tipped with black, and the under parts washed with pearl. These are the most com- mon Terns on the New England coast, nest- ing abundantly from Virginia to Newfound- land. These beautiful Terns, together with others of the family, were formerly killed by thousands for millinery purposes, but the practice is now being rapidly stopped. In May and June they lay their three, or some- times four eggs on the ground as do the other Terns. They are similar to the pre- ceding species but average shorter. Data. — Duck Is., Maine, June 30, 1896. Three eggs in marsh grass about fifty feet from beach. No nest. Collector, C. A. Reed. 53 I Buff THE BIRD BOOK 71. ARCTIC TERN. Sterna paradisaea. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding from New England northward to the Arctic Regions and wintering south to California and the South Atlantic States. A similar bird to the last, differ- ing in having the bill wholly red and the feet be- ing smaller and weak for the size of the bird. A more northern bird than the last, breeding abund- antly in Alaska, both on the coast and in the in- terior. In the southern limits of its breeding range, it nests in company with the Common Tern, its nests and eggs being indistinguishable from the latter. When their nesting grounds are approached, all the birds arise like a great white clour, uttering their harsh, discordant "tearrr, tearrr," while now and then an individual, bolder than the rest, will swoop close by with an angry "crack." On the whole they are timid birds, keep- ing well out of reach. The nesting season is early in June. Eggs like the preceding. Data.— Little Duck Is., Me., June 29, 1896. Three eggs in a slight hollow on the beach, three feet above high water mark. 72. ROSEATE TERN. Sterna dougalli. Range. — Temperate North America on the east coast, breeding from New England to the Gulf. These are the most beautiful birds, having a delicate pink blush on the under parts during ^ Arctic Tern Roseate Tern Aleutian Tern Grayish or Brownish the breeding season; the tail is very long and deeply forked, the outer feath- ers being over five inches longer than the middle ones; the bill is red with a black tip. They nest in large colonies on the islands from Southern New Eng- land southward, placing the nests in the short grass, generally without any lining. They lay two or three eggs which are indistinguishable from the two preceding species. 73. ALEUTIAN TERN. Sterna aleutica. Range. — Found in summer in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. South in winter to Japan. This handsome Tern is of the form and size of the Common Tern, but has a darker mantle, and the forehead is white, leaving a black line from the bill to the eye. They nest on islands off the coast of Alaska, sometimes together with the Arctic Tern. The eggs are laid upon the bare ground or moss, and are similar to the Arctic Terns, but average nar- rower. They are two or three in number and are laid in June and July. Size 1.70 x 1.15. Data. — Stuart Is., Alaska. Three eggs in a slight hollow in the moss. 54 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 74. LEAST TERN. Sterna antillarum. Range.— From northern South America to southern New England, Dakota and California, breeding locally throughout its range. These little Sea Swallows are the smallest of the Terns, being but 9 inches in length. They have a yellow bill with a black tip, a black crown and nape, and white forehead. Although small, these little Terns lose none of the grace and beau- ty of action of their larger relatives. They nest Least Tern Sooty Tern Light buff in colonies on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, placing their eggs upon the bare sand, where they are sometimes very difficult to see among the shells and pebbles. They are of a grayish or buffy color spotted with umber and lilac. They number two, three and rarely four, and are laid in May and June. Size 1.25 x .95. Data. — DeSota Beach, Fla., May 20, 1884. Three eggs laid on the sandy beach. Collector, Chas. Graham. 75. SOOTY TERN. Sterna fuscata. Range. — Tropical America, north to the South Atlantic States. This species measures 17 inches in length; it has a brownish black mantle, wings and tail, except the outer feathers of the latter which are white; the forehead and under parts are white, the crown and a line from the eye to the bill, black. This tropical species is very numerous at its breeding grounds on the small islands of the Florida Keys and the West Indies. They lay but a single egg, generally plac- ing it on the bare ground, or occasionally building a frail nest of grasses. The egg has a pinkish white or creamy ground and is beautifully sprinkled with spots of reddish brown and lilac. They are laid during May. Size 2.05 x 1.45. Data. — Clutheria Key, Bahamas, May 28, 1891. Single egg laid on bare ground near water. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. /" ^ * \x Creamy white 55 THE BIRD BOOK [76.] BRIDLED TERN. Sterna anaetheta. Range. — Found in tropical regions of both hem- ispheres; casual or accidental in Florida. This Tern is similar to the last except that the nape is white and the white of the forehead extends in a line over the eye. The Bridled Tern is com- mon on some of the islands of the West Indies and the Bahamas, nesting in company with the OS, Creamy white Sooty Terns and Noddies. The single egg is laid on the seashore or among the rocks. It is creamy white beautifully marked with brown and lilac. Size 1.85x1.25. Data. — Bahamas, May 9, 1892. Single egg laid in a cavity among the rocks. Col- lector, D. P. Ingraham. 77- BLACK TERN. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. Black Tern Noddy Black Skimmer V- ~ V Range. — Temperate America, breeding from the middle portions of the United States northward to Alaska; south in winter Beyond the United States Border. The identity of these Terns cannot be mistaken They are but ten inches in length; the whole head, neck and under parts are black; the back, wings and tail are slaty and the under tail coverts are white. Their dainty figure with their long slender wings gives them a grace and airi- ness, if possible, superior to other species of the family. They are very active and besides feeding upon all manner of marine Crustacea, they capture many insects in the air. They nest in large colonies in marshes, both along the coast and in the interior, making a nest of decayed reeds and grasses, or often laying their eggs upon rafts of decayed vegetation which are floating on he water. The nesting season com- mences in May, they laying three eggs of a brown- ish or greenish color, very heavily blotched with blackish brown. Size 1.35 x .95. Data. — Winne- bago City, Minn., May 31, 1901. Three eggs. Nest made of a mass of weeds and rushes floating on Deep greenish brown water in a swamp. Collector, R. H. Bullis. 56 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS [78.] WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. Hydrochelidon leucoptera. Range. — Eastern Hemisphere, its addition to Amer- ican birds being made because of the accidental appearance of one bird in Wisconsin in 1873. They lest very abundantly among the lakes and marshes Greenish buff of southern Europe, placing their eggs the same as the American spe- &*-.- * cies, upon masses of decayed reeds v"» - and stalks. They lay three eggs which have a somewhat brighter appearance than the common Black Terns because of a somewhat light- er ground color. 79. NODDY. Anous stolidus. Range. — Tropical America, north to the Gulf and South Atlantic States, A peculiar but handsome bird (about fifteen inches long), with a silvery white head and the rest of the plumage brownish, and the tail rounded. They breed in abundance on some of the Flor- ida Keys, the West Indies and the Bahamas. Their nests are made of sticks and grass, and are placed either in trees or on the ground. They lay but a single egg with a buffy or cream colored ground spotted with chestnut and lilac. Size 2.00 x 1.30. Atwood's Key, Bahamas, June 1, 1891. Nest made of sticks and grasses, three feet up a mangrove. Col- lector, D. P. Ingraham. Buff Noddy 57 THE BIRD BOOK SKIMMERS. Family RYNCHOPID^E Skimmers are Tern-like birds having a very strangely developed bill. The lower mandible is much longer than the upper and very thin, the upper edge being as sharp as the lower. The lower mandible is rounded at the end while the upper is more pointed. Young Skimmers are said to have both mandibles of the same length, the abnormal development not appearing until after flight. Skimmers are very graceful birds, and, as implied by their name, they skim over the surface of the water, rising and falling with the waves, and are said to pick up their food by dropping the lower mandible below the surface, its thin edge cutting the water like a knife. There are four species of Skimmers, only one of which is found in North America. 80. BLACK SKIMMER. Rynchops nigra. Range. — The South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, breeding from New Jersey southward. The Black Skimmer is about eighteen inches in length, and be- sides the remarkable bill is a bird of striking plumage; the forehead, ends of the secondaries, tail feathers and under parts are white; the rest of the plum- age is black and the basal half of the bill is crimson. Skimmers nest in large communities, the same as do the Terns, laying their eggs in hollows in the sand. They are partially nocturnal in their habits and their hoarse barking cries may - - " , be heard after the shadows of night have x • 4^ enveloped the earth. Fishermen call them llfc * 4 ). % A by the names of "Cut-water" and "Sea Dog." ««' . \ The nesting season commences in May and * . •. * continues through June and July. They lay from three to five eggs, having a creamy or yellowish buff ground, blotched with black, chestnut and lilac. Size 1.75x1.30. Buffy yellow Data. — Cobb's Is., Va., June 8, 1894. Three eggs laid in a hollow on the beach. No nest. 58 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. Order III. TUBINARES. ALBATROSSES. Family DIOMEDEIDAE Albatrosses are the largest of the sea birds and have an enormous expanse of wing, the Wandering Albatross, the largest of the family, sometimes attain- ing an expanse of fourteen feet. Their nostrils consist of two slightly project- ing tubes, one on each side near the base of the bill. They are unsurpassed in powers of flight, but are only fair swimmers and rarely, if ever, dive, getting their food, which consists of dead animal matter, from the surface of the water. 81. BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS. Diomedea nigripes. Range. — North Pacific from California north- ward. This Albatross is thirty-two inches in length; it is of a uniform sooty brown color shad- ing into whitish at the base of the bill, which is rounded. Like the other members of the family, this species is noted for its extended flights, fol- lowing vessels day after day without any apparent period of rest, for the purpose of feeding on the refuse that is thrown overboard. They breed during our winter on some of the small isolated islands in the extreme southern portions of the globe. They lay a single white egg on the bare ground. 82. SHORT- TAILED ALBATROSS. Diomedea albatrus. Range. — North Pacific Ocean in summer, from Lower California to Alaska. With the exception of the Wandering Albatross, which is now regard- ed as doubtful as occurring off our coasts, the Short-tailed Albatross is one of the largest of the group, measuring thirty-six inches in length, and has an extent of seven feet or more. With the exception of the black primaries, shoulders and tail, the entire plumage is white, tinged with straw color on the back of the head. They breed on the guano islands in the North Pacific off the coasts of Alaska and Japan. They lay a single white egg on the bare ground or rocks. As with the other members of the family, the eggs are extremely variable in size, but average about 4.25x2.50. 59 THE BIRD BOOK 82.1. LAYSAN ALBATROSS. mutabilis. Diomedea im- Laysan Albatross Yellow-nosed Albatross Sooty Albatross Range. — Laysan Island of the Hawaiian Group, appearing casually off the coast of California. This species breeds in large numbers on the is- land from which it takes its name. The birds are white with the exception of the back, wings and tail, which are black. The birds, having been lit- tle molested in their remote island, are exceeding- ly tame, and it is possible to go among the sitting birds without disturbing them. Mr. Walter K. Fisher has contributed an admirable report on this species in the 1913 Bulletin of the Fish Com- mission, the report being illustrated with numer- ous illustrations of the birds from photos by the author. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare ground. [83.] YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS. Tlialassogeron culminatus. This is a species which inhabits the South Pa- cific and Indian Oceans, and is said to rarely oc- cur on the California coast. They breed during our winter on some of the small islands and dur- ing our summer are ocean wanderers. An egg in the collection of Col. John E. Thayer was taken on Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean; Sept. 1st, 1888. The nest was a mound of mud and grass about two feet in height. The single white egg measured 3.75 x 2.25. It was collected by George Comer. 84. SOOTY ALBATROSS Phoebetria-palpebrata. Range. — Southern seas, north in our summer along the Pacific coast of the United States. This species is entirely sooty brown except the white eyelids. It is similar to the Black-footed Albatross from which species it can be distinguished in all plumages by the narrow base of the bill, while the bill of the former species is broad and rounded. They breed commonly on isolated islands in many quarters of the southern hemisphere. Sometimes this species constructs a mound of mud on which to deposit its single white egg, and also often lays it on the bare ground or rock. A specimen in Mr. Thayer's collection, taken by Geo. Comer on So. Georgia Is. in the South Atlantic ocean, was laid in a hollow among loose stones on the ledge of an overhanging cliff. Size 4.10 x 2.75. 60 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS EGG OF SOOTY ALBATROSS — White FULMARS, SHEARWATERS and:PETRELS Family PROCELLARIDAE Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels are Gull-like birds with two nostril tubes located side by side, in a single tube, on the top of the bill at it's base. The Fulmars are mostly northern birds while the majority of the Shear- waters nest in the extreme south during our winter, and appear off our coasts during the summer. Their food consists of fish or offal which they get from the surface of the water; large flocks of them hover about fishermen, watch- ing their chance to get any food which falls, or is thrown, overboard. THE BIRD BOOK [85.] GIANT FULMAR. gigantea Macronectes Range. — This Petrel is a native of the south- ern seas and is only casually met with off the Pacific coast. It is the largest of the family, being about three feet in length, and is normally a uniform sooty color, although it has light phases of plumage. They nest in December on many of the islands south of Africa and South America, laying their single white egg on the bare rocks. 86. FULMAR. Fulmarus glacialis glacialis. Range. — North Atlantic coasts from New England northward, breeding from Hudson Fulmar Bav and southern Greenland northward. This bird which is 19 inches in length, in the light phase has a plumage very similar to that of the larger Gulls. They nest by thousands on rocky islands of the north, often in company with Murres and Gulls. Owing to the filthy habits of the Fulmars, these breeding grounds always have a nauseat- ing odor, which is also imparted to, and retained by the egg shell. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare rocks, in crevices of the cliffs, often hundreds of feet above the water. Size 2.90 x 2. Data. — St. Kilda, off Scotland. June 5, 1897. Single egg laid on rock on side of sea cliff. Collector, Angus Gillies. 62 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 86'b. PACIFIC FULMAR. Fulmarus glaci- alis glupischa. This sub-species of the preceding, has a darker mantle than the common Fulmar; it is found on the northern Pacific coasts where it breeds on the high rocky cliffs, the same as it's eastern relative. They nest in large colonies, every crevice in the rocks having its tenant. Their flight is graceful like that of the Gulls, which they closely resemble. They lay but a single white egg, the average dimensions of which are slightly smaller than those of the common Ful- mar. Data. — Copper Is., Alaska. May 14, 1889. Egg laid in a crevice among the cliffs. 86.1. RODGER'S FULMAR. Fulmarus rodgers. Range. — North Pacific, breeding in large num- bers on some of the islands in Bering Sea; south to California in winter. Very similar to the two preceding species except that the back is mixed with whitish, it is not believed to have a dark phase. Their breeding habits and eggs do not differ from the common Fulmar. The eggs are laid on the rocky cliffs during June. Pacific Fulmar Slender-billed Fulmar 87. SLENDER-BILLED FULMAR. Priocella glacialoides. Range. — Southern seas, appearing on the Pacific coast of the United States in the summer. This species has a paler mantle than the others of the family, and the primaries are black. The make-up and plumage of the whole bird is more like that of the Gulls than any of the others. They probably breed in the far south during our winter, although we have no definite data relative to their nesting habits. 63 THE BIRD BOOK 88. CORY'S SHEARWATER. Puffinus borealis. This species probably breeds in the far south. It has been found only off the coast of Massa- chusetts and Long Island. This is the largest of our Shearwaters, and can be distinguished from the next species by its wholly white underparts, its light mantle and yellowish bill. We have no data relative to its nesting habits. 89. GREATER SHEARWATER. Puffinus gravis. Range. — The whole of the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of them spend the latter part of the summer off the New England coast, where they are known to the fishermen as Haglets. Their upper parts are brownish gray, darker on the wings; bill and feet dark; under parts white, with the middle of the belly and the under tail cov- ers dusky. Length about 20 inches. Little is known concerning their nesting quarters, al- though they are said to breed in Greenland. From the fact of their early appearance off the New England coast it is probable that the great- er part of them nest in the far south. [90.] MANX SHEARWATER. Puffinus puffinus. This species inhabits the North Atlantic ocean chiefly on the European side, being abundant in the Mediterranean and in the British Isles. These birds deposit their single pure white eggs in Cory" Shearwater Greater Shearwater crevices among the cliffs, on the graound or in burrows dug by themselves. Size of egg 2.35 x 1.60. Data. — Isle of Hay, North Scotland. June 1, 1893. Single egg laid at the end of a three foot burrow. Egg of Audubon's Shearwater — White 64 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 91. PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER. Puffinus creatopus Range. — Pacific Ocean, north on American side to California in summer. This species, whose breeding habits are little known, is similar in size and color to the Greater Shearwater, differing chiefly in the yellowish bill and pinkish colored feet. 92. AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER. Puffinus Iherminieri. Range. — Middle Atlantic, ranging north in late summer to Long Island. This bird, having a length of but twelve inches, is the smallest of the Shearwaters found along our coasts. Large colonies of them breed on some of the small islands and keys of the West Indies and Bahamas, and not so commonly in the Ber- mudas. Their eggs, which are pure white, are de- posited at the end of burrows dug by the birds. Size of egg 2. x 1.35. Their nesting season com- mences about the latter part of March and con- tinues through April and May. After the young are able to fly, like other members of the family, the birds become ocean wanderers and stray north to southern New England. Data. — Bahamas, April 13, 1891. Single egg laid at the end of a burrow about two feet in length. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. [92.1.] ALLIED SHEARWATER. Puffinus assimilis. This is an Australian and New Zealand species that has accidentally strayed to the shores of Nova Scotia. Pink -fooled Shearwater Black -ven ted Shearwater Town senc's Shear \vatei 93. BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER. Puffin us opisthomelas. Range.— Middle Pacific coast of the Americas, north in late summer along the coast of California. This species breeds commonly on the islands off the coast of Lower California, especially on the Gulf side. Their single egg is white, size 2. x 1.30, and is located at the end of a burrow. Data. — Natividad Is., Lower California, April 10, 1897. Single egg laid on the sand at the end of a burrow six feet in length. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 93.1. TOWNSEND'S SHEARWATER. Puffinus auricularis. This bird ranges from Cape St. Lucas, south along the Pacific coast of Mex- ico, breeding on the Revillagigedo Islands off the Mexican coast. 65 THE BIRD BOOK 94. SOOTY SHEARWATER. Puffins fuligi- nosus. Range. — A common species off the Atlantic coast in summer; breeds along our northern coasts, and it is also supposed that many of them nest in southern seas and reach our coasts early in the summer. These Shear- waters are entirely sooty gray, being some- what lighter below. They are called "black haglets" by the fishermen, whose vessels they follow in the hope of procuring bits of refuse. They commonly nest in burrows in the ground, but are also said to build in fissures among the ledges. Their single white egg measures 2.55x1.75. Data. — Island in Ungava Bay, northern Labrador, June 14, 1896. Egg laid in a fissure of a sea cliff. Collector, A. N. Mc- Ford. Sooty Shearwater Dark-bodied Shearwater Slender-billed Shearwater 95. DARK-BODIED SHEARWATER. Puffinus griseus. This is a southern species which, after hav- ing nested on islands in the far south during our winter, comes north and appears off the Pacific coast of the United States during the summer. It is a similar bird to the Sooty Shear- water, but is considerably darker and the under coverts are whitish. Their nesting habits are the same as those of other members of the fam- ily. Size of egg, 2.40x1.65. Data. — Stewart's Island, New Zealand, February 15, 1896. Single egg at the end of a long burrow. 96. SLENDER-BILLED SHEARWATER. Puffinus tenuirostris. Range. — Northern Pacific Ocean in the sum- mer, extending from Japan and Alaska south- ward. Supposed to breed in the southern hemis- phere, as well as probably on some of the Aleu- tians in Alaska. 96.1. WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER. Puffinus cuneatus. Range. — North Pacific, breeding on the Revil- lagigedo Islands off the coast of Mexico, and probably on some of the small islands in the Gulf of California. [97-] BLACK-TAILED SHEARWATER. Priofinus cinerus This is a Shearwater which inhabits the south- ern hemisphere, but which has accidentally wan- dered to the Pacific coast of the United States. It is dark above and whitish below, with black under tail coverts. It breeds in the far south. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS [98.] BLACK-CAPPED PETREL. tata. Msirelata hasi- This is not a common species; it is an inhabit- ant of tropical seas and has only been casually found on our coasts or inland. It is a handsome species with white forehead, underparts and nape with a small isolated black cap on the crown; the rest of the upper parts are blackish. It is a native of the West Indies. [99-] SCALED PETREL. Mstrelata scalaris. This is another rare species which is an in- habitant of southern seas. A single specimen taken in New York State gives it a claim as a doubtful North American species. It is a hand- some bird, the feathers of the grayish upperparts being edged with white, thus giving it the appear- ance of being barred. Its egg have only been known to science within the past few years. Data. — Preservation Inlet, New Zealand, June 7, 1900. Single white egg. Size 2.40 x 1.75. Collec- tor, P. Seymour. Parent bird taken with the egg. 100. FISHER'S PETREL. JEstralata fisheri. This is a handsome bird known only from the type specimen taken off Kadiak Is., Alaska, by Mr. Fisher. Black-capped Petrel Scaled Petrel Fisher's Petrel [101.] BULWER'S PETREL. Bulrveria bulweri. An eastern Atlantic species which is only an accidental visitant to our shores. They breed on the Madeira Islands where the eggs are laid in crevices among the rocks or in burrows in the ground. Size 1.75 x 1.55, white. [102.] PINTADO PETREL. Daption capensis. This is the Cape Pigeon of the southern hemisphere. It has only accidentally occurred on our coast. G7 THE BIRD BOOK Least Petrel Stormy Petrel Forked-tailed Petrel 103. LEAST PETREL. Halocyptena microsoma. Range. — Pacific coast of America from Lower California to Panama. The Least Petrel is the smallest of this family, in length measuring only 5.75 inches. Their plumage is entirely dark sooty. They have been found breeding on San Benito Island, Lower California, and they prob- ably do on others farther south. The single 'jgg that this bird lays is white with a wreath of fine black specks around one and sometimes both ends. Data.— San Benito Is., Lower California, June 12, 1897. No nest, the egg being simply laid on the bare rock in a crevice. Size 1.00 x .75. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 1 0-1. STORM PETREL. Thalassidroma pela- gica. North Atlantic Ocean chiefly on the European side, wintering south to New Brunswick. Small- est of the white rumped, black petrels; 5.75 inches in length. This species is the orig- inally called "Mother Gary's Chicken" by the sailors. They nest abund- antly on many of the is- lands off the coasts of Europe and the British Isles, laying their single White egg either in burrows or crevices among the cliffs. Data. — Coast of County Kerry, Ireland, June 1, 1895. Single egg laid at the end of burrow in a sea cliff. Size 1.05 x. 80; white with a wreath of very fine dots about the larger end. Collector, G. H. McDonald. 105. FORKED-TAILED PETREL. Oceanodroma furcata. Range. — North Pacific from California to Alaska, breeding in the Aleutians. These birds have a plumage of bluish gray, the wings being darker and the underparts lightest. The nests are made in burrows or crevices in the banks. Data. — Uniak Is., Alaska, June 10, 1900. No nest. Single egg laid at the end of a burrow. Several pairs nesting near. Egg white with a fine wreath of purplish black specks about the large end. Size 1.25 x .£5. 68 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 105.2. KJEDING'S PETREL. Oceanodroma kcedingi. This bird is similar to Leach Petrel, but is smaller and the tail is less deeply forked. Its range is from California to Panama breeding on the Revillagigedo Islands off Mexico. 106. LEACH'S PETREL. hoa. Oceanodroma leucor- Range. — North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, breeding from Maine and from the Farallones, northward to Greenland and the Aleu- tians. These are the most common of the Petrels found on our coast; they are eight inches in length, of a sooty brown color, and have a white rump. The forked tail will at once distinguish them from any of the Atlantic Petrels. They nest in burrows in the ground, laying a pure white egg, sometimes with a very faint dusty wreath about the larger end. Size 1.20 x .95. These birds generally take turns in the task of incubation, one remaining at sea during the day and returning at night while his mate takes her turn roving the briny deep in search of food. The young are fed by regurgitation upon an oily fluid which has a very of- 4.-, fensive odor. This odor is always noticeable about an island inhabited by Petrels and is always re- tained by the eggs or skins White Kseding's Petrel Leach's Petrel Guadalupe Petrel of these birds. They are very rarely seen flying in the vicinity of their nest- ing island during the day; the bird that is on the nest will remain until re- moved by hand. Data.— Pumpkin Is., Maine, June 22, 1893. Single egg; nest of a few grasses at the end of a burrow dug in the bank. Collector, J. Lefavour. 106.1 GUADALUPE PETREL. Oceanodroma macrodactyla. This species, which is very similar to the preceding, except for a longer and more deeply forked tail, breeds on Guadalupe Is. Their eggs are white very minutely wreathed . . . with reddish brown; they are, however, nearly al- ^K^SlfS^^Si^^^^ ways nest stained to an uneven brownish color. Data/ — Guadalupe Is., Lower California, March 24S 1897. Single egg laid on a few oak leaves and pine needles at the end of a three foot burrow. Size of egg 1.40 x 1.00. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 69 White, nest stained THE BIRD BOOK Black Petrel Ashy Petrel 107. BLACK PETREL. Oceanodroma melania. Range. — South Pacific, from southern Califor- nia southward, breeding on the small islands on both coasts of Lower California. They are sim- ilar to the Leach's Petrel except that the rump is blackish. Data.— San Benito Is., Lower Califor- nia, July 23, 1896. White egg laid on bare ground at the end of three foot burrow. Size 1.40 x 1. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 108. ASHY PETREL. Oceanodroma Tiomochroa. Range. — California coast, breeding on the Far- allones and Santa Barbara Islands. This species, while not common, nests in all manner of localities on the Farallones, conceal- ing their eggs under any rock or in any crevice that may attract their fancy. Their single white egg is only faintly if at all wreathed with fine dust-like specks of reddish brown. Size 1.15 x .86. Data. — Farallone Is., California, June 12, 1895. Egg laid on sand in crevice at the base of a stone wall; well concealed. Collector, Chester Barlow. 108.1. SOCORRO PETREL. Oceanodroma socorroensis. Breeds on Socorro, San Benito and Coronado Islands, placing its eggs at the end of burrow. Data. — San Benito Is., Lower California, July 12, 1897. Single egg at the end of a burrow 3 feet in length. Egg pure white very finely wreathed with pale reddish brown. Size 1.15 x .87. Collec- tor, A. W. Anthony. 70 109- WILSON'S PETREL. Breeds in the southern hemisphere in February and March and spends the summer off the Atlan- tic coast as far north as Newfoundland. This spe- cies can be distinguished from Leach Petrel by its square tail and from the Stormy Petrel by its large size and yellow webs to its feet. These birds are the greatest wanderers of the genus, being found at different seasons in nearly all quarters of the globe. Their single egg is white. Size 1.25 x. 90. [110.] WHITE-BELLIED PETREL. Fregetta grallaria. A small species (length about 7.5 inches) in- habiting southern seas. Recorded once at Flor- ida. General plumage blackish. Upper tail cov- erts, bases of tail feathers, under wing coverts, and abdomen, white. [111.] WHITE-FACED PETREL. Pelagodroma marina. Range. — Southern seas, accidentally north to the coast of Massachusetts. This beautiful spe- cies is of about the same size as the Leach's Petrel. It has bluish gray upper parts; the whole under parts, as well as the forehead and sides of head, are white. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS Oceanites oceanicus. White Wilson's Petrel White-billed Petrel White-faced Petrel These birds have the same characteristics as do others of the species, pat- tering over the water with their feet as they skim over the crests and troughs of the waves. They are not uncommon in the waters about New Zealand where they breed. Their single eggs are about the same as Leach's Petrel, are brilliant white and are, very strongly, for a Petrel egg, wreathed about the large end with dots of reddish brown. Size 1.32 x .90. Data. — Chat- ham Is., New Zealand, January 7, 1901. Egg laid at end of a burrow. Collec- tor, J. Lobb. This egg is in Mr. Thayer's collection. 71 THE BIRD BOOK TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. Order IV. STEGANOPODES TROPIC BIRDS. Family PHAETHONTIDAE Tropic Birds are Tern-like birds, having all the toes connected by a web, and having the two central tail feathers very much lengthened. 112. YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD. Phccthon americanus. Range. — Tropical regions, breeding in the Ba- hamas, West Indies and the Bermudas, casual in Florida and along the South Atlantic coast. The Tropic Birds are the most strikingly beautiful of all the sea birds; they are about 30 inches in length, of which their long slender tail takes about 20 inches. They fly with the ease and grace of a Tern, but with quicker wing beats. They feed on small fish, which they capture by Dull purplish darting down upon, and upon snails which they get from the beach and ledges. They build their nests in the crevices and along the ledges of the rocky cliffs. While gregarious to a certain ex- tent they are not nearly as much so as the Terns. The nest is made of a mass of seaweed and weeds; but one egg is laid, this being of a creamy or pale purplish ground color, dotted and sprinkled with chestnut, so thickly as to often obscure the*!!3Yellow-bill?d Tropic Bird ground color. Size 2.10x1.45. Data —Coney Is ^ Red-billed Tropic Bird / TOTJPALMATE SWIMMERS 113. RED-BILLED TROPIC BIRD. Phcethon cethereus. Range. — Tropical seas, chiefly in the Pacific Ocean; north to southern California. They breed on several islands in the Gulf of California. This species differs from the preceding in having a red bill, and the back being barred with black. Their plumage has a peculiar satiny appearance and is quite dazzling when viewed in the sunlight. They are strong fliers and are met with, hundreds of miles from land. They often rest upon the water, elevating their long tails to keep them from getting wet. They nest, as do the preceding species, on rocky islands and are said to also build their nests in trees or upon the ground. The single egg that they lay has a creamy ground and is mi- nutely dotted with chestnut. Pale purplish size 2.40 x 1.55. Data.— Daphone Is., Galapagos Is., South Pacific, March 6, 1901. Egg laid in hole of a sea cliff. The eggs are easily told from those of the yellow-billed by their much larger size. Collector, R. H. Beck. [113.1] RED-TAILED TROPIC BIRD. Phcethon rubricaudus. Range. — Tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, accidental off the coast of Lower California. This is a singularly beautiful species resembling the latter except that the central tail feathers are bright red, with the extreme tips white. During August and September they breed in large colonies on small islands in the South Seas. On Mauritius Island they build their nests either in the trees or place them on the ground; the nest is made of seaweed, sticks and weeds; numbers of them nest on .•*£'.>* "*. f JK32WHB^^^V Laysan Is., of the Hawaiian group, concealing their nests on the ground under over- hanging brush. The single egg has a pale purplish ground speckled with brown. Pale purplish ground color 73 THE BIRD BOOK GANNETS. Family SULIDAE Gannets are large stoutly built birds, having the four toes joined by a web; they have a small naked pouch beneath the bill; the bill is a little longer than the head, and the tail is quite short. The plumage of the adults is generally white, that of the young grayish. 114. BLUE-FACED BOOBY. Sula syanops. Range. — Widely distributed in the tropical seas, north casually to Florida and breeding in the Ba- hamas. Like the rest of the Gannets, this one is stupid and will often remain on the nest until removed with the hand, merely hissing at the intruder. Often they lay their eggs on the bare ground, but sometimes the nest is lined with seaweed or grass. They lay either one or two eggs early in April. These eggs are of a dull white color and are heav- ily covered with a chalky deposit. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Data.— Clarion Is., Mexico, May 24, 1897. Nest a mere hollow in the sand near the beach. Col- lector, A. W. Anthony. 114.1. BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY. Sula nebouxi. Range. — Pacific coasts and islands from the Gulf of California southward to Chili. These birds nest in numbers on the island of San Pedro Martir in the Gulf of California. They lay but a single egg, placing it upon the bare rock. Their breeding season extends from the latter part of March into May. The egg is a dull white, generally nest stained and is covered with the usual chalky deposit. Size 2.35x1.60. Data. — Clarion Island, Mexico, May 21, 1897. Two eggs in a hollow in the sand near the beach. Collector, A. W. Anthony. Blue-faced Booby Blue-footed Booby .115. BOOBY. Sula leucogastra. Range. — Tropical coasts and islands of the At- lantic; north casually to Georgia. The common Booby is an abundant bird on some of the islands of the Bahamas and Bermu- das; it is commonly called the Brown Booby be- cause the upper parts are of a brownish gray. These birds, as do the other Gannets, have great powers of flight and without apparent effort dart TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS Chalky bluish white, nest stained about with the speed of an arrow. They are quite awkward upon their feet and are not very proficient swimmers. They rarely rest upon the water except when tired. Hundreds and some- times thousands of them breed in company, lay- ing their eggs upon the bare rocks. Sometimes a few sticks or grasses will be placed about the bird to prevent the eggs from rolling away. They generally lay two eggs, chalky white and nest stained. Size 2.40x1.60. Data. — Key West, Ba- hamas, April 14, 1891. No nest; two eggs laid on the bare rocks. Booby Red-footed Booby 115.1. BREWSTER'S BOOBY. Sula brewsteri. Range. — Pacific coast from Lower California southward. This Gannet re- places the common Booby on the Pacific coast. It nests abundantly on many islands in the Gulf of California, and in company with the blue-footed variety, on San Pedro Martir Island. They generally lay two eggs, placing them upon the bare rocks and surrounding them with a ring of sticks and seaweed to keep them in place. The eggs are chalky white and cannot be distinguished from those of the other Boobies. Data. — San Benedicto Is., Lower California, May 18, 1897. Single egg laid on the sand amid a few blades of grass. 116. RED-FOOTED BOOBY. Sula piscator. This is another species that is only occasionally taken on the Florida coast. The habits of the birds and their nesting habits are the same as those of the others of the family. Two chalky white eggs are laid. Data.— San Benedicto Is., Lower California, May 18, 1897. Single egg. Nest a few twigs of rank grass. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 75 THE BIRD BOOK 117- GANNET. Sula bassana. Range. — North Atlantic, breeding, in America, only on Bird Rocks in the St. Lawrence. These are the largest of the family, being 35 inches in length. They feed on fish which they catch by diving upon, from the air. When flying their neck is carried fully extended. They rest on the water when tired, the numerous air cells beneath the skin, causing them to sit high up in the water and enabling them to weather the severest storm in perfect safety. The only known breeding place in America is Bird Rocks, where they nest by thousands, placing their nests in rows on the narrow ledges; the nests are made of piles of seaweed, mud and stones. They lay but one egg of dingy white color and covered with a chalky deposit. On St. Kilda Island, off the coast of Scotland, they breed by millions. They are very tame and will frequently allow them- selves to be touched with the hand. It is said that thousands of the young are killed by fisher- men every year and marketed in Edinburg and other places. Data.— St. Kilda Island, Scotland, June 18, 1896. Single egg laid on a large mass of seaweed on a sea cliff. Collector, H. McDonald. Chalky bluish white 76 TOTIPALMATK SWFMMKKS DARTERS. Family ANHINGIDAE 118. WATER TURKEY. Anhinga anhinga. Range. — Tropical America, north to the South Atlantic States and up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois. Anhingas or Snake Birds are curiously formed creatures with a Heron-like head and neck, and the body of a Cormorant. They live in colonies in inacces- sible swamps. Owing to their thin and light bodies, they are remarkable swimmers, and pursue and catch fisli under water with ease. When alarm- ed they have a habit of sinking their body below water, leaving only their head and neck visible, thereby having 4 the appearance of a water snake. They also fly well and dive from their perch into the water with the greatest celerity. They nest in colonies in the swamps, placing their nests of sticks, leaves and moss in the bushes over the water. They breed in April, laying from three to five bluish eggs, covered with a chalky deposit. Size 2.25 x 1.35. Data. — Gainesville, Florida, May 18, 1894. Nest in the top of a button-wood tree, made of leaves and branches, overhanging the water. Collector, George Graham. Chalky bluish white I M<: LI CAN POND Washington Zoological Park i i THE BIRD BOOK CORMORANTS. Family PHALACROCORACID^E Cormorants have a more bulky body than do the Anhingas; their tail is shorter and the bill strongly hooked at the tip. Cormorants are found in nearly all quarters of the globe. They are very gregarious and most species are maritime. They feed upon fish which they catch by pursuing under water. Most of the Cormorants have green eyes. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 119. CORMORANT. PTialacrocorax carbo. Range. — The Atlantic coast breeding from Maine to Greenland. The common Cormorant or Shag is one of the largest of the race, having a length of 36 inches. In breeding plumage, the black head and neck are so thickly covered with the slender white plumes as to almost wholly obscure the black. There is also a large white patch on the flanks. They nest in colonies on the rocky shores of New- Chalky greenish or bluish whitae foundland and Labrador, placing their nests of sticks and seaweed in rows along the high ledges, where they sit, as one writer aptly expresses it, like so many black bottles. A few pairs also nest on some of the isolated rocky islets off the Maine coast. During the latter part of May and dur- ing June they lay generally four or five greenish white, chalky looking eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.40. Data. — Black Horse Rock, Maine coast, June 6, 1893. Four eggs in a nest of seaweed and a few sticks; on a high ledge of rock. Collector, C. A. Reed. Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant: 120. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus. Range. — The Atlantic coast and also in the interior, breeding from Nova Scotia and North Dakota northward. This is a slightly smaller bird than carbo, and in the nesting season the white plumes of the latter are replaced by tufts of black and white feathers from above each eye. On the coast they nest the same as carbo and in company with them on rocky islands. In the interior they place their nests on the ground or occasionally in low trees on islands in the lakes. They breed in large colonies, making the nests of sticks and weeds and lay three or four eggs like those of the common Cormorant but averaging shorter. Size 2.30 x 1.40. Data. — Stump Lake, North Dakota, May 31, 1897. Nest of dead weeds on an island. Six eggs. Collector, T. F. Eastgate. 79 Walter Raine NESTS OF DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS 80 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 120a. FLORIDA CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax auritus ftoridanus. This sub-species is a common breeding bird in the swamps and islands of the Gulf coast and north to South Carolina and southern Illinois. The nests are placed in the mangroves in some of the most impenetrable swamps and are composed of twigs and lined with leaves or moss. They lay three or four chalky bluish white eggs. Size 2.30x1.40. Data. — Bird Is., Lake Kissimee, Florida, April 5, 1898. Three eggs. Nest made of weeds and grass, in a willow bush. 120b. WHITE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax auritus cincinatus. Range. — Northwestern coast of North America, breeding in Alaska, and south to the northern boundary of the United States, breeding both in the interior and on the coast, in the former case generally on the ground or in low trees on swampy islands and in the latter, on the rocky cliffs of the coasts and islands. The nests are built in the same fashion as the other Cormorants, and the three to five eggs are similar. Size 2.45 x 1.40. 120c. FARALLON CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus. Range. — This sub-species breeds on the coasts and islands of California and southward. In company with other species of Cormorants, these birds breed in large numbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and rocks. They breed most abundantly during May. When nesting on the inland islands, they place their nests in low bushes. Their nests and eggs are similar to those of the other Cormorants. Size 2.40 x 1.50. Data. — Farallones, Cali- fornia. Nest of weeds and seaweed on the rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 121. MEXICAN CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax vigua mexicanus. Range. — Breeds abundantly from southern Texas, south through north rarely to Kansas; har Greenish white Mexico; recently been found breeding in limited num- ber on some of the Bahamas. In the interior they nest in trees, chiefly those overhanging or growing in the water. On the coasts they nest on the rocky ledges, as do the other Cormor- ants. They nest in colonies building their abode of twigs and weeds, and during May laying three or four eggs, greenish white in color and chalky, as are all the Cormorants. Size 2.25 x 1.35. 81 120c — 122 THE BIRD BOOK 122. BRANDT'S CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. Range. — Pacific coast breeding along the whole coast of the United States. This species is found more abundantly on the Faral- lones than is the Parallone Cormorant. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, these cling closely to their nests, for fear of being robbed by the Gulls, that are ever on the watch to steal either eggs or young. Their nesting iiabits and eggs are identical with those of . the other species. Size 2.50 x 1.50. Data. — Bird Island, California, May 24, 1885. A very bulky nest of seaweed on the rocks. Collector, A. M. Ingersoll. 123. PELAGIC CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax pel- agicus pelagicus. Range. — Coast of Alaska. These are perhaps the most beautiful species of Cor- morants, having brilliant violet green metallic reflec- tions and, in the breeding plumage, crests on the fore- head and nape, as well as large white flank patches. They breed in large colonies on the Aleutian Islands, placing their nests of sticks and sea mosses on the rocky ledges, often hundreds of feet above the sea level. Three or four eggs are laid during May and June. The young birds' when hatched are naked and black, and are re- pulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. The eggs are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2.30 x 1.40. 123a. VIOLET-GREEN CORMORANT. Phalacro- corax pelagicus robustus. This sub-species is found on the Pacific coast from Washington to the Aleu- tian Islands. Their habits and nests and eggs are the same as those of the Pelagic Cormorant, nesting on the high cliffs of the pM^s^^-.r^-^a^ss^-.-agi rocky islands. The eggs are the same size as those of the preceding. 123b. BAIRD'S CORMORANT. agicus resplendens. This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Wash- ington south to Mexico. They nest on the Parallones, but in smaller numbers than the other varieties found there. Both the birds and their eggs are smaller than the preceding. Size of eggs 2.20 x 1.40. 1 24. RED-FACED CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax urile. Range. — Southwest coast of Alaska, migrating to Japan in the winter. This species differs from the Pelagic chiefly in having the forehead bare. They do not differ in their breeding habits from others of the family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the Chinese tame and have them catch fish for them, placing a ring around their neck to prevent their swallowing the fish. Their nesting places are very filthy, being covered with excrement and remains of fish that are strewn around the nests. They breed in June laying three or four eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.50. — j93b 124 82 Phalacrocorax pel- TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS PELICANS. Family PELECANID^E Pelicans are large, short legged, web footed (all four toes joined by a web) birds, the most noticeable feature of which is the long bill with its enormous pouch suspended from lower mandible. This pouch, while normally contracted, is capable of being distended to hold several quarts. It is used as a scoop in which to catch small fish. Their skin is filled with numerous air cells, making them very light and buoyant. 125. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding in the interior, from Utah and the Dakotas northward. These large birds, reaching a length of five feet, are entirely white except for the black primaries. They get their food by approach- ing a school of small fish and, suddenly dipping their head beneath the sur- face, sometimes scoop up a large number of fish at a time; after allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, they proceed to swallow their catch. They nest in large communities on islands in some of the inland lakes. Great Salt Lake, Utah, and Shoal Lake, Manitoba, furnish breeding ground for many thousands of Pelicans. They build their simple nests on the ground, making them of sticks and weeds. They generally lay two eggs, but often three or four. Size 3.45 x 2.30. Data. — Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, June 19, 1884. Two eggs. Nest a slight hollow in the ground, surrounded by a few sticks. Collector, F. F. Leonard. Chalky white 83 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN 84 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 126'. BROWN PELICAN. Pelecanus occidental™. Range. — Found on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Brown Pelicans are about 50 inches in length; they have a blackish and grayish body and a white head and neck with a brown stripe down the back of the latter. The pouch is a dark green- ish brown. This species is maritime and is not found inland. They breed in large colonies on many of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico and on Brown Pelican White Pelican Chalky white Pelican Island on the east coast of Florida, in which latter place they are now protected from further depredations at the hand of eggers and gunners. Their fishing tactics differ from those of the White Pelican. They dive down upon the school of fish from the air and rarely miss mak- ing a good catch. Their nests are quite bulky structures made of sticks and weeds and grasses. These are generally located on the ground but occasionally in low mangroves, these latter nests being more bulky than the ground ones. They lay from two to five chalky white eggs during May and June. Size 3. x 1.90. Data. — Tampa Bay, Fla., May 29, 1894. Three eggs. Nest in the top of a stout mangrove; made of sticks, branches and leaves. Collector, Geo. Graham. 127. CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN. Pelecanus calif ornicus. Range. — Pacific coast from British Columbia south to the Galapagos Islands. This bird is similar to the preceding, but larger and the pouch is reddish. They breed abundantly on the Coronado Islands and southward. Their habits, nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Brown Pelican. Size of the three or four chalky white eggs is 3.10 x 1.95. Data. — Coronado Islands, Calif., March 28, 1897. Three eggs. Nest of sticks, lined with green leaves, located on the ground. Collector, H. McConville. 85 THE BIRD BOOK MAN-O'-WAR BIRDS. Family FREGATID^E 128. MAN-O'-WAR BIRD. Fregata aqtiila. Range. — Tropical seas, north regularly in America to the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, casually farther. Man-o'-war Birds or "Frigates," as they are often called, are remarkable birds in many re- spects. In comparison with their weight they have the largest expanse of wing of any known bird. • Weighing only about four pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet, their wings being extremely long and pointed. The length of the bird is about 40 inches, of which the tail com- prises about 18 in., 10 inches of this being forked. They have a large bright orange gular sac, a long, White hooked bill, and small slightly webbed feet. Their powers of flight combine the strength of the Albatrosses and the grace of the Terns. They are very poor swimmers and do not dive, so are forced to procure their food by preying upon the Gulls and Cormorants, forcing them to drop their fish, which the pirates catch before it reaches the water. They also feed upon flying fish, catching them in the air, whither they have been driven by their enemies in their natural element. They nest in large colonies on some of the Bahama Islands and on some of the small Florida Keys. Their nests are small frail platforms of sticks and twigs and the single egg is laid in March and April. It is white and has a smooth surface. Size 2.80 x 1.90. Data. — Key Verde, Bahamas, March 6, 1889. Single egg. Nest a frail affair of sticks on a cactus. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. Man-O'-War Bird LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS Order V. ANSERES DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. Family ANATIDAE The birds comprising this family are of greatly varying sizes, but all have webbed feet, and generally the bill is broader than high, and is serrated on the edges or provided with gutters to act as a strainer in assisting the birds to gather their food. 12Q. MERGANSER. Mergus americanus. Range. — North America, breeding from the northern border of the United States northward. The three species of Mergansers are almost exclusively fish eating birds. Therefore their flesh is unpalatable and they are known as "Pish Ducks." They are also sometimes called "Saw- Brownish buff bills" because of the teeth-like serration on both the upper and the under mandibles. Unlike the other species of ducks, their bills are long, slend- er and rounded instead of being broad and flat; it is also hooked at the tip. Like the Cormorants, they often pursue and catch fish under the water, their teeth-like bills enabling them to firmly hold their prey. The American Mergansers, Goosanders, or Shel- drakes, as they are often called, are found botii on the coast and in the interior. Except in cer- tain mountainous regions, they breed chiefly north of the United States. The male bird has no crest and the head is a beautiful green, while the female has a reddish brown crest and head, shading to white on the chin. They build their nest in hollow trees near the water. It is made of grasses, leaves and moss and is lined with feath- ers from the breast of the female. During May, they lay from six to ten eggs of a creamy or buff color. Size 2.70 x 1.75. Data. — Gun Is., Lake Winnipeg. June 16, 1903. Eleven eggs in a nest of white down, located between two large boulders. Collector, Walter Raine. American Merganser Red-breasted Merganser <^gsr> 87 THE BIRD BOOK Hooded Merganser Mallard 130. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Mergus ser- rator Range. — North America, breeding from north- ern United States northward. This species is more abundant than the pre- ceding. It is slightly smaller, being 22 inches in length, and the male is crested. Found abundant- ly in the United States in winter. Breeds com- monly in the interior of British America and in Labrador and Newfoundland. They make their nests on the ground, near the water, concealing them under rocks or tufts of grass. The nest is made of grasses, leaves and moss and lined with feathers. They lay, generally, about ten eggs of a buffy or greenish buff color. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Data. — Lake Manitoba, N. W. Canada. Two eggs in a hollow lined with down, under a patch of rose bushes near shore. Collector, Jos. Karnaugh. 131. HOODED MERGANSER. Lophodytes cucullatus. Range. — North America, breeding locally through- out its range, in the interior. These are beautiful Grayish white little Ducks distinguished from all others by the semi-circular, compressed crest which is black with an enclosed white area. They make their nests in hollow trees, in wooded districts near the water, lining the cavity with grasses and down. They lay ten or twelve grayish white eggs. Size 2.15 x 1.70. 132. MALLARD. Anas platyrhynchos. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from northern United States northward, and wintering south to Panama and the West Indies. Contrasting with the preceding Pish Ducks, the Mallards are regarded as one of the most esteemed table birds. They feed on mollusks and marine insects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water. They nest in many localities in the United States but more abundantly north of our borders. They nest in fields in close proximity to ponds or lakes, placing their nests of grasses and feathers in the tall grass. In May and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a buffy or olive color. Size 2.25 x 1.25. Data. — San Diego, Cali- fornia, May 19, 1897. Nest made of grass, lined with down, placed on the edge of a field near a pond. 8* Lake Winnipegosls, June 16, 1902 Walter Kaine NEST AND EGGS OF AMERICAN MERGANSER This species usually nest in holes in trees, but on this island they were nesting in holes under boulders. THE BIRD BOOK 133. BLACK DUCK. Anas rubripes. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from the middle portions north to the Hudson Bay ter- ritory and Labrador. Throughout their breeding region, one or more pairs of these ducks nest in nearly every favorable locality. Their nests are placed on the ground in marshes, swamps or fields bordering a pond or lake, the nest being concealed in the long grass Black Duck Florida Duck Pale greenish buffi or reeds. They breed in equal abundance, either in the interior or along the sea coast; in the lat- ter case their nests are often placed beside of, or under an overhanging rock. It is made of weeds, grass and moss and is lined with feathers and down. They lay from six to twelve eggs during May and June; these are buff or greenish buff in color. Si^a 2.30 x 1.70. Data. — Duck Is., Maine, June 3, 1893. Nest of grasses, concealed in a large tuft on water's edge. 134. FLORIDA DUCK. Anas fulvigula fulvigula. Range.— Florida and the GuK of the Mississippi. This is a similar, lighter colored, locally distributed race of the foregoing. The most noticeable difference in plumage between this and the Black Duck is the absence of markings on the chin. The habits are the same, and the eggs, which are deposited in April, are similar to those of the Black Duck, but smaller. Size 2.15 x 1.60. 90 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS MOTTLED DUCK. Anas fulvigula macu- losa. Range. — Gulf coast of Texas and up the Miss- issippi Valley to Kansas. The habits of this bird differ in no way -from the preceding ones. The six to ten eggs are greenish buff in color. Size 2.15 x 1.55. 335. GADWALL. Chaulelasmus streperus. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, chiefly in the United States and north to Manitoba, chiefly in the interior. Widgeon Creamy buff South in winter to the Gulf. The males of these birds may be identified by the white speculum and the chestnut wing coverts. Gadwalls nest on the ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of bordering fields; they make lit- tle or no nest but line the cavity with down from their breasts. They lay from seven to twelve Gadwall eggs of a creamy buff color. Size 2.10 x 1.60. Data.— Benson Co., North Dakota, June 19, 1898. Eight eggs. Nest on the ground among rank grass on a low island in Devils Lake. Made of weeds lined with down. Collector, E. S. Rolfe. 136. WIDGEON. Mareca penelope Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, only in the Aleutian Islands ; rare or accidental in other parts of the country. The European Widgeon is sim- ilar in build and plumage to the fol- lowing species, except that the whole head, with the exception of the white crown, is chestnut. They build their nests in the rushes, mak- ing them of reeds and grass and lining them with feathers. They lay from six to ten light buff color- ed eggs. Size 2.20 x 1.50, u THE BIRD BOOK 137. BALDPATE. Mareca americana. Range. — North America, breeding in the in- terior from Texas north to Hudson Bay. The Baldpate (so-called because of the white 3rown) or American Widgeon is a handsomely marked bird and is regarded as a great table delicacy. The male birds cannot be mistaken for any other species because of the white crown, Baldpate Green-winged Teal Creamy white wing coverts and underparts and the broad green stripe, back of the eye. They breed locally in many parts of the country, building their nests of grass and weeds, neatly lined with feathers, on the ground in marshes. They lay from six to twelve creamy eggs. Size 2.15 x 1.50. Data. — Lac Aux Morts, North Dakota. Eight eggs. Nest of grass and down on ground in a grassy meadow. Collector, E. S. Bryant. [138.] EUROPEAN TEAL. Nettion crecca. An old world species that is casually found on both coasts of America. 139. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Nettion carolinense. Range. — Whole of North America, ^******** breeding chiefly north of the United States. A small, handsome species, the male of which can readily be identified by the reddish brown head and neck, with the large green patch behind each ear ; length fourteen inches. Green-winged Teals are our smallest representative of the Duck family. They are eagerly sought by sportsmen, both because of their beauty / ^^^^^^^^•P^" and the excellence of their flesh. They are among the most common of Ducks in the interior, where they nest generally in tufts of grass along ponds, lakes or -as;,^ brooks. Nest of grass and weeds, lined with down from the bird. Eggs buffy, Buff four to ten in number. Size 1.85 x 1.25. 92 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 140. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Querquedula discors Range. — North America, breeding from north- ern United States northward; rare on the Pacific coast. Another small species, known by the blue wing coverts and the white crescent in front of eye. They nest in the same localities with the preced- ing species, placing their nest of grass and weeds on the ground in meadows near water. Eggs buffy white. Six to twelve in number. Size 1.90 x 1.30. 141. CINNAMON TEAL. tera Querquedula cyanop- Range. — Western United States, chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains. Casually east to Texas, Illinois and British Columbia. The Cinnamon Teal is another small Duck, marked by the uniform rich chestnut plumage and light blue wing coverts. The speculum is green. The nesting habits are the same as those of the Teals, the nests being placed on the ground in marshes or fields near water. Their nests are closely woven of grass and weeds and lined with down and feathers from the breast of the bird. The eggs are pale buff and number from six to fourteen. Size 1.85 x 1.35. [141.1.] RUDDY SHELDRAKE. C as area ferruginea. This is an Old World species that has acci- dentally occurred in Greenland. Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal 93 THE BIRD BOOK 142. SHOVELLER. Spatula clypeata. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding in the interior from Texas northward. This strikingly marked Duck is twenty inches in length, has a green head and speculum, blue wing coverts and chestnut belly. The bill is long and broad at the tip. It makes its nest on the ground in marshy places, of grass, weeds and Dull olive gray Lead gray feathers. Six to ten eggs constitute a complete set. They are greenish or leaden gray color. Sise 2.10 x 1.50. Data. — Graham's Island, North Dakota, May 28, 1899. Nest of dead weed stems and grass, lined with down. Ten eggs. Collector, E. S. Bryant. PINTAIL. Dafila acuta. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America from northern United States north- ward, wintering south to Panama. This species, which is also known as the Sprig-tail, is very common in the United States in the spring and fall migrations. It is about thirty inches long, its length depend- ing upon the development of the tail feathers, the central ones of which are long and pointed. They breed casual- ly in many sections of the United States, but in abundance from Mani- toba to the Arctic Ocean. They nest near the water, laying from six to twelve eggs of dull olive color. Size 2.20 x 1.50. Data. — Graham's Island, Devil's Lake, N. Dakota, June 15, 1900. Ten eggs. Nest on the ground, of weeds, lined with down. Colony breed- ing. Collector, B. S. Bryant. 04 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 144. WOOD DUCK. Aix sponsa. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from Labrador and British Columbia south to Florida. Bridal Duck is a name often given to this, the most beautiful of all Ducks. They are beautifully marked, have a large crest, and are iridescent with all colors of the rainbow. They frequent wooded country near ponds and Rich buff lakes, feeding on water insects and mollusks in the coves. They build their nests in hollow trees and stumps, often at quite a distance from the water. When the young are a few days old, they slide, scramble, or nutter down the tree trunk to the ground below, and are led to the water. The nest is made of twigs, weeds and grass, and warm- ly lined with down. The eggs are a buff color and number eight to fifteen. Size 2. x 1.5. [145.] RUFOUS-CRESTED DUCK. Netta rufina. Wood Duck Redhead A European species; a single specimen taken on Long Island in 1872. 146. REDHEAD. Marila americana. Range. — Nofrth America at large, breeding from northern United States northward, chiefly in the in- terior. A bird commonly seen in the markets where it is often sold as the following species because of their similarity. The nests are placed on the ground in marshes or sloughs, and are made of grasses, lined with feathers. Eggs from six to fourteen in number, of a buffy white color. Size 2.40 x 1.70. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 147. CANVAS-BACK. Marila valisineria. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding chiefly in the interior from the United States to the Arctic Ocean. A noted table bird, especially in the south where it feeds on wild celery. Can be distinguish- ed from the Redhead by its darker head, lighter back, and gradually sloping bill. They nest abund- antly in Manitoba, their habits being the same as the preceding. They lay from six to ten eggs of a darker shade than the Redheads. Size 2.40 x 1.70. Data. — Haunted Lake, N. Alberta, June 12, 1897. Ten eggs. Nest of reeds in a heavy reed bed out in the lake. Collector, Walter Raine. 1 18. SCAUP DUCK. Marila marila. Range. — North America, breeding from North Dakota northward, chiefly in the interior; south in winter to Central America. Canvas-hack American Scaup Duck Pale greenish gray This and the following species are widely known as "Blue-bills" owing to the slaty blue color of that member. Their plumage is black and white, somewhat similar in pattern to that of the Red- head, but darker, and the whole head is black. They nest, in marshes about many of the ponds and lakes in the interior of British America. The nest is made of marsh grasses and lined with feathers. The six to ten eggs are pale grayish or greenish gray. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Data. — Saltcoats Marshes, N. W. Canada, June 15, 1901. Ten eggs. Nest in the grass; a depression lined with down and dried grasses. Collector, Walter Raine. 97 THE BIRD BOOK 149- LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Marila affinis. Range. — North America, breeding from North Dakota and British Columbia northward; win ters south to Central America. This Duck is distinguished from the preceding, chiefly by its size which is about two inches less, or 17 inches in length. The nesting habits are the same as those of the Greater Scaup and the eggs are similar but smaller. Size 2.25 x 1.55. Data. — Northern Assiniboia, June 10, 1901. Ten eggs on grass and down at the edge of a lagoon. Collector, Walter Raine. 150. RING-NECKED DUCK. Marila collaris. Range. — North America, breeding in the inter- ior, from North Dakota and Washington north- ward. Winters from Maryland on the east and British Columbia on the west to Central America. Lesser Scaup Duck Ring-necked Duck Lead gray Similar to the Lesser Scaup in size and plum- age, except that it has a narrow chestnut collar around the neck, the back is black instead of barred with white, and the speculum is gray instead of white. The habits and nesting habits of the Ring-neck do not differ from those of the other Scaups. They lay from six to twelve eggs. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — Cape Bathurst, N. Y. T., June 18, 1901. Ten eggs in a slight hollow in the moss, lined with down. Collector, Captain Bodfish. 98 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 151. GOLDEN-EYE. americana. Clangula clangula Range. — North America, breeding both on the coast and in the interior, from the northern bord- er of the United States northward to the Arctic Ocean. These are handsome Ducks known as "Whis- tlers" from the noise of their wings when flying, ind "Greatheads" because of the puffy crest. The Grayish green head is greenish with a large round white spot in front of, and a little below the eye. The rest of the plumage is black and white. This species nests in hollow trees near the water, lining the cavity with grass, moss and leaves, and lining the nest with down from thefr breasts. In May and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a grayish green color. Size 2.30 x 1.70. 152. BARROW'S GOLDEN-EYE. Clangula islandica- Range. — Northern North America, breeding north of the United States except from the moun- tainous portions of Colorado northward. This Golden-eye differs from the preceding chiefly in the shape of the white spot before the eye, which in this species is in the form of a crescent. The size is the same, about 20 inches in length. The reflections on the head are purplish rather than greenish as in the preceding. The nesting habits are the same, they building in hollow trees near water. The six to ten eggs are not different from the preceding. Size 2.30 x 1.65. Data. — Alfusa, Iceland, June 30, 1900. Seven eggs. Nest of grass and down in a box attached to a tree by an islander. American Golden-eye Barrow Golden-eye 99 THE BIRD BOOK Buffle-head Old-squaw 153. BUFFLE-PIEAD. Charitonetta albeola. Range. — North America, breeding from United States northward. Winters south to Mexico. Gunners know this handsome little duck by the names of "Butter-ball," and "Dipper," a name also given to Grebes. It is also quite similar, but smaller (15 in. long), to the American Golden-eye but has a large white patch on the back of the Buff Dull buff head, from eye to eye. It is an active bird and, like the two preceding, is capable of diving to a great depth to get its food. Its nesting habits are like the preceding. Eggs eight to fourteen. Size 2 x 1.40. Data. — Alberta, Canada, June 6, 1899. Seven eggs. Nest in hole in tree stump, lined with down. Collector, Dr. George. 154. OLD-SQUAW. Harelda hy emails. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions; south in winter to New Jersey and Illinois. The Long-tailed Duck, as it is called, is especially noticeable because the breeding plumage of the male differs markedly from that in the winter. In summer their general plumage is black- ish brown, with a white patch around the \ eye, and white belly. In winter they are \. largely white. The central tail feath- ers are much lengthened. They breed abundantly in Greenland, Alaska and the Hudson Bay Territory, placing their nests of grasses and weeds on the ground near the water. It is generally conceal- ed in the long grass. The eggs number from six to twelve. Size 2. x 1.50. Data — N. Iceland, June 10, 1900. Nest on ground, lined with down. Collector, S. H. Wallis. 100 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 155. HARLEQUIN DUCK. histrionicus. Histrionicus Range. — Northern Hemisphere in America, breeding from Newfoundland and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, northward. South in win- ter to California and New England. A beautiful and most gorgeous bird, not in col- ors, but in the oddity of the markings, the colors only including black, white, gray and chestnut. Either sex can be recognized by the small short Greenish buff bill. They breed mostly in single pairs along swiftly running streams, placing their nest, which is woven of weeds and grasses, in the ground near the water. It is also claimed that they some- times nest in hollow trees. They lay from five to eight eggs, yellowish or greenish buff in color. Size 2.30 x 1.60. Data. — Peel River, Alaska, June 13, 1898. Seven eggs in a hollow in river bank, lined with down. Collector, C. E. Whittaker. Harlequin Duck Labrador Due 156. LABRADOR DUCK. dorius. Camptorhynchus labra- This bird, whose range was from Labrador to New Jersey in the winter, has probably been extinct since 1875, when the last authentic capture was made. It is a strange fact that a bird of this character should have been completely exterminated, even though they were often sold in the markets. Only forty-one specimens are known to be preserved at present and nothing is known in regard to their nesting habits or eggs. 101 THE BIRD BOOK 157- STELLER'S DUCK. Polysticta stelleri. Range. — Arctic regions in America, chiefly on the Aleutian Islands and northwest coast of Alaska. A very beautiful species eighteen inches long; head white, washed with greenish on the fore- head and nape; chin, throat, neck, back, tail and crissum, black; underparts chestnut; wing cov- erts white, the long scapulars black and white. It breeds on the rocky coasts and islands of Bering Sea. The six to 'nine eggs are pale olive green in color. Size 2.25x1.60. Data. — Admir- alty Bay, Alaska, June 22, 1898. Nest on a hum- mock of the tundra, near a small pool, lined with grass and down. Collector, B. A. Mcllhenny. 158. SPECTACLED EIDER. Arctonetta fischeri. Range. — Coast of Alaska from the Aleutians to Point Barrow. >teller's Duck Spectacled Eider Pale olive green Like the rest of the true Eiders, this species is black beneath and mostly white above. The head is largely washed with sea green, leaving a large patch of white, narrowly bordered by black around each eye, thus resembling a pair of spectacles. The nests are made of grass and seaweed and lined with down; they are placed on the ground in clumps of grass or beneath overhanging stones. The five to nine eggs are an olive drab or greenish color. Size 2.70 x 1.85. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, June 15, 1898. Six eggs. Nest of moss and down in a hollow in dry tundra. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 159- NORTHERN EIDER. Somateria mollissima borealis. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding from Labrador to Greenland and wintering south to New England. A large Duck similar to the next species, but with the base of the bill differing, as noted in the description of the following species, and with a more northerly distribution. The nesting habits are the same as those of the other Eiders. Six to ten eggs generally of a greenish drab color. Size 3. x 2, 102 LAMELLIROST^AL SWIMMERS 160. EIDER. Somateria dresseri. Range. — Atlantic coast, breeding from Maine to Labrador and wintering south to Delaware. This species differs from the preceding only in the fleshy part of the base of the bill, which ex- tends back on each side of the forehead, it being broad and rounded in this species and narrow and Greenish drab pointed in the Northern or Greenland Eider. This species, but more especially the Northern Eider, are the ones chiefly used for the eider-down of commerce. The preceding species is often semi- domesticated in Greenland, the people protecting Eider them and encouraging them to nest in the neigh- Pacific Eider borhood. They make their nests of seaweed and grass and warmly line it with down from their breast; this down is continually added to the nest during incubation until there is a considerable amount in each nest, averaging about an ounce in weight. The birds are among the strongest of the sea ducks and get their food in very deep water. Their flesh is not good eating. Their eggs number from five to ten and are greenish drab. Size 3. x 2. 161. PACIFIC EIDER. Somateria v-nigra. Range. — North Pacific from the Aleutian Islands northward, and east to Great Slave Lake. This bird is, in plumage, like the Northern Eider, except that it has a black V-shaped mark on the throat. They nest sparingly on the Aleutian Islands, but in great numbers farther north on the coast about Point Barrow. Their habits, nests and eggs are precisely the same as those of the eastern forms. Their eggs number from five to ten and are of olive greenish color. Size 3. x 2. Data.— Cape Smythe, Alaska, June 8, 1900. Eight eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss, lined with grass and down. 103 THE BIRD BOOK 162. KING EIDER. Somateria spectabilis. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from Labrador to Greenland and the Arctic Ocean; south in winter to the New Eng- land States and rarely farther on the eastern side, and to the Aleutians on the Pacific; also casually to the Great Lakes in the interior. A handsome and very different species from any of the foregoing, having the crown ashy blue, and the long scapulars black instead of white. It also has a broad V-shaped mark on the throat. Like all the other Eiders, the female is mottled brown and black, the different species being very difficult to separate. The nests are sunk in the ground and lined with down. Eggs number from six to ten. Size 2.80 x 1.80. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, July 5, 1898. Five eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss on tundra lined with moss and down. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 163. SCOTER. Oidemia americana. Range. — Northern North America, breeding from Labrador, the Hudson Bay region and the Aleutien Islands northward; winters south to Virginia, the Great Lakes and California. Scoters or "Coots" as they are generally called are sea ducks whose plumage is almost wholly black; they have fantastically colored and shaped bills. The American Scoter is entirely black without markings; base of bill yellow and orange. This species nest as do the Eiders, often conceal- ing the nest, of grass and feathers, under some overhanging rock. They lay from six to ten eggs of a dingy buff color. Size 2.50 xl.70. Data. — Mackenzie Bay, June 15, 1899. Ten eggs. Nest a hollow in the sand, lined with down. Buff 104 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS [164.] VELVET SCOTER. Oidemia fusca. An Old World species that has accidentally oc- curred in Greenland. 165. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Oidemia deglandi Range. — Abundant in North America, breeding from Labrador, North Dakota and British Colum- bia, northward. Wintering south to the Middle States, southern Illinois and southern California. The largest of the Scoters, length 22 inches, distinguished by a large white speculum on the wing, also a white comet extending from under the eye backwards. It also has a yellow eye. Like the other Scoters, this species often feeds in very deep water. They are strong, active div- ing birds, and are also strong on the wing, gen- erally flying close to the surface of the water. Their flesh is not regarded as good eating, al- though they are often sold for that purpose. They nest on the ground, generally in long grass or under low bushes making a coarse nest of grasses, and sometimes twigs, lined with feathers. They lay from five to eight eggs of a pale buff color. Size 2.75 x 1.85. 166. SURF SCOTER. Oidemia perspicillata.