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——REVISED EDITION——

Bird Guide

Water Birds, Game Birds and Birds of trey |

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East of the Rockies

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BIRD GUIDE
Birds, Game Birds and Paes Of Prey

EAs?T OF THE ROCKIES Pre \
ue : ;
CHESTER A. REED

: : g
LIBRARIES _&
“a ee a

Author of

North American Birds’ Eggs, and, with Frank M. Chapman, of Color Key to North
American Birds. Curator in Ornithology, Worcester Natural History Society.

1910
THE MUSSON BOOK COMPANY, Limited,

Toronto.

Copyrighted 1906.
Copyrighted, 1910, CHAS.K. REED,

Worcester, Mass.

PREFACE.

While strolling through a piece of woodland, or perhaps along the marsh
or seashore, we see a bird, a strange bird,—one we never saw before. Instantly,
our curiosity is aroused, and the question arises, ‘““What is it?” There is the
bird! How can we find out what kind it is? The Ornithologist of a few years
ago had but one course open to him, that is to shoot the bird, take it home, then
pore through pages of descriptions, until one was found to correspond with the
specimen. Obviously, such methods cannot be pursued today, both humane and
economical reasons prohibiting. We have but one alternative left us: We must
make copious notes of all the peculiarities and markings of the bird that is be-
fore us. On our return home, we get down our bird books,’and there are many
excellent ones. After carefully looking through the whole library, we find that,
although many of our books are well illustrated, none of them have the picture
of what we seek, so we adopt the tactics of the “Old-time” Ornithologist, before
mentioned, and pore over pages of text, until finally we know what our bird
was. It is for just such emergencies as this—to identify a bird when you see
it, and where you see it, that this little pocket “Bird Guide” is prepared. May
it be the medium for saving many of today’s seekers for “bird truths,’ from the
many trials and tribulations willingly encountered, and hard and thorny roads
gladly traveled by the author in his quest for knowledge of bird ways.

Worcester, Mass. CHESTER A. REED.
1906.

INTRODUCTION.

The study of the birds included in this book, is much more difficult than that
of the small land birds. Many of the birds are large; some are very rare; all
are usually shy and have keen eyesight, trained to see at a distance, in fact,
many of them have to depend upon their vigilance, for their very existence.
Therefore, you will find that the majority of these birds will have to be studied
at long range. Sometimes, by exercising care and forethought, you may be
able to approach within a few feet of the bird you seek, or induce him to come
to you. It is this pitting your wits against the cunning of the birds that furn-
ishes one-half of the interest in their sudy. Remember that a quick motion will
always cause a bird to fly. If you seek a flock of plover on the shore, or a heron
in the marsh, try to sneak up behind cover if possible; if not, walk very slowly,
and with as little motion as possible, directly towards them, by so doing you
often will get near, for a bird is a poor judge of distance, while a single step
sideways, would cause him to fly. Shore birds can usually best to be observed
from a small “blind,” near the water’s edge, where they feed. Your powers of
observation will be increased about ten-fold if you are equipped with a good
pair of field glasses; they are practically indispensable to the serious student
and add greatly to the pleasures of anyone. Any good glass, that has a wide
field of vision and magnifies three or four diameters, is suitable; we can recom-
mend the ones described in the back of this book.

WHAT TO MAKE NOTE OF.—What is the nature of the locality where
6

seen; marsh, shore, woods, etc.? If in trees does it sit upright or horizontal?
If on the ground, does it run or walk, easily or with difficulty? If in the water,
can it swim well, can it dive, does it swim under water, can it fly from the water
easily, or does it have to patter over the surface before flying? What does it
seem to be eating? Does it have any notes? Does it fiy rapidly; with rapid
wing beats or not; in a straight line or otherwise? Does it sail, or soar? In
flecks or singly? These and hundreds of other questions that may suggest
themselves, are of great interest and importance.

A PLEA TO SPORTSMEN.—Many of the birds shown in this book are
Game Birds, that is, birds that the law allows you to shoot at certain seasons
of the year. Some of these are still abundant and will be for numbers of years;
others are very scarce and if they are further hunted, will become entirely ex-
terminated in two or three years. Bow-whites are very scarce in New England;
Prairie Hens are becoming scarce in parts of the west; the small Curlew is
practically extinct, while the larger ones are rapidly going. In behalf of all
bird lovers, we ask that you refrain from killing those species that you know
are rare, and use moderation in the taking of all others. We also ask that you
use any influence that may be yours, to further laws prohibiting all traffic in
birds. The man who makes his living shooting birds, will make more, live
longer and die happier, tilling the soil than by killing God’s creatures. We do
not, now, ask you to refrain from hunting entirely, but get your sport at your
traps. It takes more skill to break a clay pigeon than to kill a quail.

7

Wape—___s Lesser Coverks;Shoulder Back _— Scapulars

Crown ‘ ae ee og Widadle Coverts
| Super ones ~~ : ae hee we Greater Coverts

Foreheak~ > z OS Sy DD Vertials
Bee NCCT), VA ye =) acies
Lore s ae OE 0.0 eee ee! Secona

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Lar Coverts Sh. cay eee SBPeim acres
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ALula or Spurious Wing ie =

Primacy Coverts op | Tail Coverts

Vader Tork Coverts

TOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD. @% Xo Bes

Jarsus

Characteristics of Form or Habit, That Will De- ORDER 1.

termine to What Order or Family Birds Belong. Gauss: sii ga GREBE.
GREBES; Colymbidew:—Form, duck-like; bill point- Ue Has wo tail.
THINGS TO REMEMBER. a

ORDER 1. DIVING BIRDS—Pygopodes. ane *
ed and never flattened; notail; legs at extreme end of =
body; each flattened toe with an individual web;
wings small. Flies rapidly, but patters along the
water before taking wing. Expert divers, using
wings as well as feet, to propel them, under water.

LOONS. Family Gaviide:—Larger than Grebes;
bill, long, heavy and pointed; tail very short; feet
webbed like a duck’s, but legs thin and deep; form
and habits, grebe-like. Ges ma: ies feet.

AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS. Family Alcidw:— EA, oe
Bills very variable; tail short; usually takes flight : y ORDER 2. ar

es

when alarmed, instead of diving as do grebes and ES 2s
loons. With the exception of puffins, which stand on a
their feet, all birds of this order sit upon their whole

leg and tail. They are awkward on land; some can

hardly walk. 9

CA
Baad 4 Aina ‘Noe ee ee
— Yuter-toe Longest.
A AUK, MURRE and -
My DURAN.
Have no hind-toe,.

of This order stand on
Ae tarsus and Sov, guecist
the Pugsin whieh stends

ORDER 2. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS.—Longi-
pennes.

SKUAS, JAEGERS. Family Stercorariide:—Ma-
rine birds of prey; bill strongly hooked, with long
sealy shield, or cere, at the base; claws strong and
curved, hawk-like; flight hawk-like; plumage often
entirely sooty-black, and always so on the back.

. GULLS, TERNS. Family lLarid@:—Gulls have
hooked bills, usually yellowish, yellow eyes and pale,
Bz ewe TOSI s\y\mmMer. Webbed feet. Head, underparts and square tail are
Thy white in adults, back, pearl-grey; exceptions are the
co four small black-headed gulls, which also have red-
ORDER 3. dish legs. Gulls fly with the bill straight in front,

and often rest on the water. Terns have forked tails,

pea BESS black caps, and their slender, pointed bills and small
<_< eX SCOPE REL Webbed feet are usually red. They fiy with bill
ae er pointed down, and dive upon their prey.

see
(ewe nnwaren ORDER 3. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS.—Tubinares.
Separate FULMARS, SHEARWATERS, PETRELS. Family

Procellariide:—Nostrils opening in a tube on top
10 of the hooked bill. Plumage of fulmars, gull-like;

shearwaters entirely sooty black, or white below;
petrels blackish, with white rumps,—very small ORDER 4.

birds. All seabirds. mele CrROPIC BIRD. | |
ORDER 4.. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS.—Stegan- = —— =

opodes. A\l Sourtoes NS
All four toes joined by webs. connected by Z
TROPIC BIRDS. Family Phaethontidw:—Bill and a wobenis chacauteristl=
form tern-like; middle tail feathers very long. BSetMysa aaah ees
GANNETS. Family Sulidae:—Bill heavy and 7 oo.
pointed; face and small throat pouch, bare. aN
SNAKE-BIRDS. Family Anhingide:—Bill slender ee ANHINGA.
and pointed; neck and tail very long, the latter
rounded; habits like those of the following. = CORMORANT.
CORMORANTS. Family Phalacrocoracid@e:—Bill

slender, but hooked at the tip; plumage glossy black pe
and brown; eyes green. They use their wings, as — So PELICAN,
well as feet, when pursuing fish under water. hetivie ronens
PELICANS. Family Pelecanide:—Bill very long ea ioe
and with a large pouch suspended below. mee ee ye
MAN-O-WAR BIRDS. Family Fregatide:— (=———— =»

very long and strongly hooked; tail long and forked;
wholly maritime, as are all but the preceding three. aL

eee
pa |
MALLARD.

a _
Mallard S y
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os a oe ey

side View.

ape.

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ORDER 7.

OF
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em epavel

\ SPOONBILL.

ORDER 5. DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. Anseres.

Mergansers, with s!ender, toothed bills, with which
to catch the fish they pursue under water.

Other ducks have rather broad bills, more or less
resembling those of the domestic duck. Their flight
is rapid and direct. River ducks have no web, or
flap, on the hind toe; they get their food without go-
ing entirely under water, by tipping up. Sea ducks

) have a broad flap on the hind toe.

ORDER 6. FLAMINGOES. Odontogloss2e.
Family Phoenicopterid@: — Large, long-necked,
pink birds with a crooked box-like pill, long legs and
webbed feet.
ORDER 7. HERONS, IBISES, ETC. Herodiones.
Long-legged, wading birds, with all four toes long,
slender and without webs. Usually found about the
muddy edges of ponds, lakes or creeks, and less
often on the sea shore. Wings large and rounded.
SPOONBILL. Family Plataleid@:—Bill long, thin
and much broadened at the end; head bare.
IBISHS. Family Ibidid@w:—Bill long, slender and
curved down. Ibises and Spoonbills fly with the
neck fully extended.

STORKS. Family Ciconiid@:—Bill long, heavy
and curved near the end; head and upper neck bare.

HERONS, BITTERNS, EGRETS. Family Ardei-
de:—Bill long, straight and pointed; head usually
crested, and back often with plumes. Herons fly
with a feld in the neck, and the back of the head
resting against the shoulders.

ORDER 8 MARSH BIRDS. Paludicole.

Birds of this order, vary greatly in size and ap-
pearance ,but all agree in having the hind toe ele-
vated, whereas that of the members of the last or-
der, leaves the foot on a level with the front toes;
neck extended in flight.

CRANES. Family Grudide:—Very large and
heron-like, but with plumage close feathered; top of
head bare; bill long, slender and obtusely pointed.

COURLANS. Family Aramid@e:—Size mid-way
between the cranes and rails; bill long and slender.

RAILS, ETC. Family Rallide:—Bills are varia-
ble, but toes and legs long; wings short; flight slow
and wavering; marsh skulkers, hiding in rushes.
Gallinules have a frontal shield on the forehead,
Coots have lobate-webbed feet; short, whitish bills.

anaes 8.

CRANE,

SS
LIMPKIN,

= — SN
=

13

SET)
zat N CLAPPER

RAIL.

: ORDERS.
Se ae
EG mag

PUACAROPE. — ISI OCEN«
Ae

© Typica\ sandkbiber
oil and Ss

TURNSTONE,

(x =

OYSTER-CATCHER. sa—
/ >
El ——- io)

= = = ee
——————— SSeS

14

ORDER 9. SHORE BIRDS. Limicole,

Comparatively small, long legged, slender-billed
birds seen running along edges of ponds or beaches.

PHALAROPHS. Phalaropodide.—Toes with lobed
webs.

AVOCETS,- STILTS. Recurvirostride :—Avocet,
with slender recurved bill, and webbed feet; stilt,
with straight bill, very long legs, toes not webbed.

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. Family Scolopa-
cidw:—Bills very variable but slender, and all, ex-
cept the Woodcock, with long pointed wings; flight
usually swift and erratic.

PLOVERS. Family Charadriid@:—Bill short and
stout; three toes.
TURNSTONES. Family Aphrizid@:—Bill short,

stout and slightly up-turned; four toes.
OYSTER-CATCHERS. Family Hematopodid@:—
Bill long, heavy and compressed; legs and toes stout;
three toes slightly webbed at base.
JACANAS. Family Jacanide:—Bill with leaf-like
shield at the base; legs and toes extremely long and
slender; sharp spur on wing.

ORDER 10. FOWLS Galline.
Ground birds of robust form; bill hen-like; wings
short and rounded; feet large and strong.
PARTRIDGES, GROUSE. Family Tetraonidw:—
Legs bare in the partridges, feathered in grouse.
TURKEYS, PHEASANTS. Family Phasianide:—
Legs often spurred, or head with wattles, etc.
GUANS. Family Cracid@e:—Represented by the
Chachalaca of Texas.
ORDER 11. PIGEONS AND DOVES. Columbe.
Family Columbid@e:—Bill slender, hard at the tip,
and with the nostrils opening in a fleshy membrane
at the base. Plumage soft grays and browns.
ORDER 12. BIRDS OF PREY. Raptores.

VULTURHES. Cathartide:—Head bare; feet hen-like.
HAWKS, EAGLES. Falconid@:—Bill and claws
strongly hooked; nostrils in a cere at base of bill.
BARN OWLS. Aluconidae:—Black eyes in trian-
gular facial disc; middle toe-nail serrated.
HORNED OWLS, ETC. Bubonide:—Facial disc
round; some species with ears, others without.

ORDER 10.
BOB-WHITE. soonve

ho Ta
ono Meg

gRDER \Wae

15

BIRD GUIDE

PART I

Water Birds, Game Birds and Birds of Prey

Part 2 contains Land and Song Birds, the two books
giving every bird east of the Rocky Mountains

DIVING BIRDS—Order Pygopodes
GREBES—Family Colymbide
WESTERN GREBE

1. Hehmophorus occidentalis. 25 to 29 inches.

All grebes have lobate-webbed feet, that is each toe |.

has its individual web, being joined to its fellow only
for a short distance at the base.

This, the largest of our grebes, is frequently known |

as the “Swan Grebe” because of its extremely long, thin §
neck. In summer the back of the neck is black, but |

in winter it is gray like the back.
Notes.—Loud, quavering and cackling.

Nest.—A floating mass of decayed rushes, sometimes

attached to upright stalks. The 2 to 5 eggs are pale,

bluish white, usually stained (2.40 x 1.55). They {8

breed in colonies.

Range.—Western North America, from the Dakotas |

and Manitoba to the Pacific, and north to southern
Alaska. Winters in the Pacific coast states and
Mexico.

2

HOLBELL GREBE
2. Colymbus holbelli. 19 inches.

This is next to the Western Greke in size, both being
much larger than any of our others. In summer, they
are very handsomely marked with a reddish brown neck,
| silvery white cheeks and throat, and black crown and
crest, but in winter they take on the usual grebe dress
,of grayish above and glossy white below. Because of
their silky appearance and firm texture, grebe breasts
_of all kinds have been extensively used in the past to
adorn hats of women, who were either heedless or igno-
rant of the wholesale slaughter that was carried on
that they might obtain them.

Nest.—Of decayed rushes like that of the last. Not
in as large colonies; more often single pairs will be
found nesting with other varieties. Their eggs average
smaller than those of the last species (2.35 x 1.25).

Range.—North America, breeding most abundantly in
the interior of Canada, and to some extent in the Da-
18 kotas. Winters in the U. 8., chiefly on the coasts.

HORNED GREBE
3. Colymbus awritus. 14 inches.

As is usual with grebes, summer brings a remark-
able change in the dress of these birds. The black, puffy
head is adorned with a pair of buffy white ear tufts
and the foreneck is a rich chestnut color. In winter,
they are plain gray and white but the secondaries are
always largely white, as they are in the two preceding
and the following species. The grebe diet consists al-
most wholly of small fish, which they are very expert
at pursuing and catching under water. One that 1 kept
in captivity in a large tank, for a few weeks, would
never miss catching the shiners, upon which he was fed,
at the first lightning-like dart of his slender neck. They
also eat quantities of shell fish, and I doubt if they will
refuse any kind of flesh, for they always have a keen
appetite.

Nest.—A slovenly built pile of vegetation floating in
the ‘“ sloughs ” of western prairies. The 3 to 7 eggs are
usually stained brownish yellow (1.70 x 1.15).

Range.—Breeds from Northern Illinois and So. Dakota
northward; winters from northern U. 8. to the Gulf of
Mexico.

20

AMERICAN EARED GREBE

4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. 13 inches.

This is a western species rarely found east of the
Mississippi. In summer, it differs from the last in hav-
ing the entire neck black; in winter it can always be
distinguished from the Horned Grebe by its slightly
upeurved bill, while the upper mandible of the last is
convex. In powers of swimming and diving, grebes are
not surpassed by any of our water birds. They dive
at the flash of a gun and swim long distances before
coming to the surface; on this account they are often
called “ devil divers.” They fly swiftly when once a-wing,
but their concave wings are so small that they have to
patter over the water with their feet in order to rise.

Nest.—They nest in colonies, often in the same sloughs
with Horned and Western Grebes, laying their eggs
early in June. The 4 to 7 eggs are dull white, usually
stained brownish, and cannot be separated from those
of the last.

Range.—Western N. A., breeding from Texas to Mani-
toba and British Columbia; winters in western U. 8.
and Mexico.

LEAST OR ST. DOMINGO GREBE

5. Colymbus dominicus brachypterus. 10 inches.

This is much smaller than any others of our grebes;
in breeding plumage it most nearly resembles the fol- |
lowing species, but the bill is black and sharply pointed.
It has a black patch on the throat, and the crown and
back of the head are glossy blue black; in winter, the
throat and sides of the head are white.

Nest.—Not different from those of the other grebes.
Only comparatively few of them breed in the U. S. but
they are common in Mexico and Central America. Their
eggs, when first laid, are a pale, chalky, greenish white,
but they soon become discolored and stained so that they
are a deep brownish, more so than any of the others;
from 3 to 6 eggs is a full complement (1.40 x .95).

Range.—Found in the United States, only in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas, and south-
wards to northern South America.

bo

2

PIED-BILLED GREBE
6. Podilymbus podiceps. 13.5 inches.

In any plumage this species cannot be mistaken for
others, because of its stout compressed bill and brown
iris; all the others have red eyes. In summer the bill
is whitish with a black band encircling it; the throat
is black; the eye encircled by a whitish ring; the breast
and sides are brownish-gray. In winter they are brown-
ish-black above and dull white below, with the breast
and sides washed with brown. Young birds have more
or less distinct whitish stripes on the head.

Wotes.—A loud, ringing “ kow-kow-kow-kow (repeated
many times and ending in) kow-uh, kow-uh.”

Nest.—Of decayed rushes floating in reed-grown ponds
or edges of lakes. The pile is slightly hollowed and, in
this, the 5 to 8 eggs are laid; the bottom of the nest is
always wet and the eggs are often partly in the water;
they are usually covered with a wet mass when the bird
is away. Brownish-white (1.70 x 1.15).

Range.—Whole of N. A., breeding locally and usually
in pairs or small colonies.

LOONS—Family Gavide
LOON; GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

7. Gavia immer. 31 to 35 inches.

In form, loons resemble large grebes, but their feet
are full webbed like those of a duck; they have short,
stiff tails and long, heavy, pointed bills. They have no
tufts or ruffs in breeding season, but their plumage
changes greatly. The common loon is very beautifully
and strikingly marked with black and white above, and
white below; the head is black, with a crescent across
the throat and a ring around the neck. In winter, they
are plain gray above and white below.

Loons are fully as expert in diving and swimming as
are the grebes. They are usually found in larger, more
open bodies of water.

Notes.—A loud, quavering, drawn-out “ wah-hoo-o-o.”

Nest.—Sometimes built of sticks, and sometimes sim-
ply a hollow in the sand or bank under overhanging
bushes, usually on an island. The 2 eggs are brownish
with a few black specks (3.50 x 2.25).

Range.—N. A., breeding from northern U. S. north-
wards; winters from northern U. S. southwards.

we”

BLACK-THROATED LOON

9. Gavia arctica. 28 inches.

This loon lives in the Arctic regions and only rarely
is found, in winter, in Northern United States. In sum-
mer, it can readily be distinguished from the common
loon by the gray crown and hind-neck, as well as by
different arrangement of the black and white markings.
In winter, they are quite similar to the last species but
can be recognized by their smaller. size, and can be dis-
tinguished from the winter plumaged Red-throated Loon
by the absence of any white markings on the back.
Like the grebes, loons have to run over the surface ot
the water in order to take flight, and they are prac-
tically helpless when on land. Their flight is very rapid,
in a straight line, and their neck is carried at ful!
length in front. This species has red eyes, as do al!
the other loons.

Nest.—The same as the last species, but the two eggs
have more of an olive tint and are smaller (3.10 x 2.00).

Range.—Arctic America, wintering in Canada and oc-
easionally in Northern United States.

RED-THROATED LOON

ll. Gavia stellata. 25 inches.

Besides being smaller than the common loon, this
species has a more slender bill, which has a slightly
up-turned appearance owing to the straight top to the
upper mandible; in summer, its back and ‘head are gray,
with no white spots, although the back of the head has
a few white streaks; there is a large patch of chestnut
on the foré-neck; the under parts are white. In winter,
it is gray above and white below, but the back is sprin-
kled with small white spots; at this season it can easily

be distinguished from Holbeell Grebe by the absence of |
any white patch in the wings as well as by the differ- |

ently shaped feet.

Nest.—A depression in the sand or ground, not more
than a foot or two from the water’s edge, so they can
slide from their two eggs into their natural element.
The eggs, which are laid in June, are olive-brown,
specked with black (2.90 x 1.75).

Range.—Breeds from New Brunswick and Manitoba

north to the Arctic Ocean; winters throughout the
United States.

AUKS, MURRES and PUFFINS—Family Alcide
PUFFIN; SEA PARROT

13. Fratercula arctica. 13 inches.

Puflins are grotesque birds, with short legs, stout
bodies and very large, thin bills, that of the common
Puffin being 2 in. in length and about the same in
height; the bill is highly colored with red and yellow,
and the feet are red; eyes, white. It will be noticed
that the blackish band across the throat does not touch
the chin, this distinguishing it from the Horned Puffin
of the Pacifie coast. Adults in winter shed the greater
portion of their bill, lose the little horns that project
over the eye, and the face is blackish; they then re-
semble young birds. They live on rocky shores, the
more precipitous the better. They stand erect upon
their feet and walk with ease.

Notes.—A low croak.

Nest.—They breed in large colonies on rocky cliffs,
laying their single white eggs (2.50x 1.75) in erevices.

Range.—Breeds from Matinicus Rock, Me., northward;
winters south casually to Cape Cod. Large-billed Puffin
(F. a. naumanni) is found in the Arctic Ocean.

BLACK GUILLEMOT; SEA PIGEON
27. Cepphus grylle. 13 inches.

These birds are very abundant about the rocky islands
from Maine northward. They may be seen sitting in
rows on the edges of the rocks, or pattering along. the
water as they rise in flight, from its surface, at a boat’s
approach. In summer “the plumage is entirely black,
except the large white patches on the wings; legs red;
eyes brown. This species has the bases of the greater
coverts black, while they are white in Mandt Guillemot
(C. mandtii—No. 28), which is found from Labrador
northward. In winter, these birds are mottled gray and
white above, and white below, but the patches still show.

Notes.—A shrill, piercing, squealing whistle.

Nest.—Guillemots lay two eggs upon the bare rock or
gravel in crevices or under piles of boulders where they
are difficult to get at. They are grayish or ereenish-

white, beautifully and heavily Bietehed with black and
brownish (2.40 x 1.60).

Range.—Breeds on coasts of North Atlantic from ~
Maine northward; winters south to Long Island.

MURRE

30. Uria troille. 16 inches.

In summer the throat is brownish black, but in win-
ter the throat and sides of head are white; feet blackish
bill, long and stout, 1.7 in. dene while that of Brunnich
Murre (Uria lomvia—No. 31), is shorter (1.25 in.) and
more swollen. The ranges and habits of the two species
are the same. Murres are very gregarious, nesting in
large colonies on northern cliffs. In summer every ledge
available at their nesting resort is lined with these
birds, sitting upright on their single eggs.

“ce

Notes.—A hoarse imitation of their name “ murre.”

Nest.—Their single eggs are laid upon the bare ledges
of cliffs. They are pear ~shaped to prevent their rolling
off when the bird leaves; greenish, gray or white in
color, handsomely blotched or lined with blackish (3.40
x 2.00). Their eggs present a greater diversity of color-
ation and marking than those of any other bird.

Range.—Breeds from the Magdalen Is. northward;
28 winters south to Long Island.

RAZOR-BILLED AUK

32. Alca torda. 16.5 inches.

Similar in size and form to the murre, but with a
short, deep, thin black bill, erossed by a white line. In
summer, with a white line from the eye to top of bill,
and with a brownish black throat; in winter, without
the white line and with the throat and sides of head
white. They nest and live in large colonies, usually in
company with Murres. Their food, like that of the
murres, puffins and guillemots is of fish and shell fish,
or marine worms. They get these from the rockweed
along the shores or by diving; they are good swimmers,
using both their feet and wings to propel them through
the water, the same as do the grebes and loons.

Notes.—A hoarse grunt or groan (Chapman).

Nest.—Their single eggs are laid on ledges of cliffs;
they are not nearly as pointed at the smaller end, as
murre eggs, and are always grayish white in color,
marked with blackish blotches (3.1 x 2.00).

Range.—Breeds from the Magdalen Islands north-
ward; winters south to Long Island.

GREAT AUK

33. Plautus impennis. 29 inches.

This largest of the auks lived, as far as we have
authentic record, until 1844, when it became extinct,
largely through the ageney of man. Although nearly
twice as long a bird as the Razor-billed Auk, their wings
were shorter than those of that bird, being only a trifle
longer than those of the little Dovekie; they were flight-
less, but the wings were used to good advantage in swim-
ming. Being in the direct line of travel between the
old world and the new, sailors, on passing vessels, killed
countless numbers of them for food, and in some eases
merely for the love of slaughter. They lived on coasts
and islands of the Atlantic from Mass., northwards.
There are about seventy mounted birds preserved, of
which five or six, as well as some skeletons, are in this
country.

Their eggs resemble those of the Razor-bill but, of
course, are much larger (5.00x 3.00). About 70 of
these are in existence, six being in this country (Wash-
‘ington, Phila., and four recently purchased by John E.
Thayer, of Lancaster, Mass.).

DOVEKIE; SEA DOVE

34. Alle alle. 8 inches.

These little auks, called “ice birds ” by the fishermen,
are very abundant in the far north. In summer, they
have a blackish brown throat and breast, but they are
never seen in the United States or southern parts of
the British possessions in that plumage. In winter,
their throats and sides of the head are white as well
as the rest of their upper parts. At all seasons the
edges of the scapulars and tips of the secondaries are
white, as are usually spots on each eyelid. tven in
winter, they are only casually found on our coast, for
they keep well out at sea. Occasionally they are blown
inland by storms and found with their feet frozen fast
in the ice of some of our ponds or lakes.

Nest.—They lay single pale greenish blue egg

vs, plac-
ing them in crevices of sea cliffs; size 1.80 x 1.25.

Range.—Breeds on islands in the Aretie Ocean and
on the coasts of Northern Greenland; winters south to
Long Island and casually farther.

32

LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS—Order Longipennes
SKUAS AND JAGERS—Family Stercorariide
SKUA
35. Megalestris skua. 22 inches.

These large birds are the most powerful and audacious
pirates among the sea fowl of northern waters. Their
whole form is indicative of strength; form robust, feet
strong, and bill large, powerful and hooked. Their
plumage is of a nearly uniform blackish-brown, with
white shafts to the wing feathers and a white patch
at the base of the primaries.

Nest.—They do not nest in large colonies, only a sin-
ele or a few pairs breeding in the same locality. Their
nests are hollows in the ground, a short distance back
from the rocky shores. The two eggs that they lay are
olive brown, spotted with blackish (2.75 x 1.80).

Range.—North Atlantic coasts, chiefly on the Old
World side, breeding from the Shetland Islands and
possibly Greenland, northwards. They are only rarely
found on our coasts even in winter, but have been taken
as far south as New York.

POMARINE JAEGER

36. Stercorarius pomarinus. 21 inches.

Jaegers are more slender in form than the Skuas, but
like them are piratical in their habits, preying chiefly
upon terns. Off Chatham, Mass., I have often watched
them in pursuit of the graceful terns, but, excellent
fliers as the latter birds are, they were always over-
taken and forced to drop the fish that they carried, and
the jaeger would rarely miss catching it as it fell. This
species has two color phases independent of sex or age.
In the light plumage the top of the head is black; rest
of the upper parts and the under tail coverts brownish
black; underparts and bases of primaries, white. Dark
phase,—Entirely blackish brown except the white shafts
to wing feathers and bases of primaries. In any plu-
mage they can be distinguished from the other species
by the rounded, lengthened central tail feathers.

Nest.—A hollow in the ground in marshy places. The
two eggs are olive brown spotted with black.

Range.—Northern hemisphere, breeding north of the
Arctic Circle; winter from Mass. southward.

3

PARASITIC JAEGER
37. Stercorarius parasiticus. 17 in.

Two phases of color, both similar to those of the last,
but the central pair of tail feathers are pointed and
project about 4 in. beyond the others; bill 1.4 in. Iong,
with the nostril nearest the end. All jaegers have gray-
ish blue legs with black feet, and brown eyes. They
are called “ Jiddy hawks” by fishermen, who often feed
them fish liver. Their flight is like that of a hawk.
The nesting habits and range are the same as the next.

LONG-TAILED JAEGER
38. Stercorarius longicaudus. 21 in.

| Like the last species, but with the pointed central tail

feathers projecting 8 or 10 in. and with a shorter bill
(1.15 in.) and the nostril about midway of its length.
It is less often found in the dark phase.

Notes.—Shrill wailing whistles.

Nest.—Nest and eggs like those of the Pomarine
Jaeger.

Range.—Arctic regions, wintering south to Florida.

GULLS AND TERNS—Family Laride
IVORY GULL

39. Pagophila alba. 17 in.

Entirely pure white with the shafts of the primaries ©
yellowish; bill dark at base and yellow at tip; eyes
brown, surrounded by a narrow red ring; feet black.
Young birds are spotted with brown on the head, tips
of wing and tail. This beautiful “Snow Gull,” as it is
ealled by whalers, is abundant at its breeding ground ;
in the Arctic regions, but is rarely seen as far south |
as the United States. It breeds the farthest north of =
any of the gulls except Ross Gull.

Nest.—Of grasses and seaweed, usually on ledges of §
cliffs, but occasionally on the ground farther inland.
The three eggs, laid in June, are grayish-buff, marked
with brown and black (2.30 x 1.70).

Range.—Breeds only north of the Arctic Circle, and
winters south to New Brunswick and British Columbia;
casually to Long Island and the Great Lakes.

KITTIWAKE
40. Rissa tridactyla. 16 in.

In summer, with plumage white, except the gray back
and wings, and solid black tips to the primaries; in
winter, the sides and back of the head are washed with
the color of the back; young birds are like winter adults
but have a dusky spot back of the eye; feet blackish,
bill yellow in adults and black in young birds. Kitti-
wakes are very abundant in their northern breeding
ground, and are common off the New England coast in
winter. They usually keep well out at sea, often hov-
ering around fishing boats to pick up refuse that is
thrown overboard. They can easily be identified by
their small size, the distinct black tip to the wings and
their black feet.

Notes.— Keet-a-wake, keet-a-wake.”

Nest.—A pile of small sticks, grass and weeds, placed
on ledges of sea cliffs. The 3 or 4 eggs are olive gray,
with black markings (2.20 x 1.70).

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence north
to the Arctic Circle; winters south to Long Island and
easually farther.

GLAUCUS GULL
42. Larus hyperboreus. 28 in.

Plumage white with a pearl gray mantle; no black
in the plumage, the primaries being white or grayish;
bill and eye yellow, the former with a red spot at the
end of the lower mandible; feet flesh color. In winter,
the head is slightly streaked with brownish. Young
birds are mottled grayish brown and white, of varying
shades, but always lighter than the young of the Her-
ring Gull. Some specimens are very beautiful, being
entirely white, with a few spots of brownish on the
back, resembling the markings of a light-colored Snowy
Owl. This species is one of the largest and most power-
ful of the gull family, only surpassed by the Great
Black-backed Gull.

Nest.—Usually a bulky strueture cf grasses, seaweed
and moss placed on the ground; the two or three eggs are
brownish gray with brown and black spots (3.x 2.20).

Range.—Breeds from Labrador and Hudson Bay
northward; winters south to New England, the Great
Lakes and Calif.

ICELAND GULL

43. Larus leucopterus. 25 in.

Plumage exactly like that of the Glaucus Gull but
the birds are smaller and are found farther north.
Range.—Breeds in Greenland and winters south to
Northern New England and the Great Lakes.

KUMLIEN GULL

45. Larus kumlieni. 27 in.

Plumage very similar to that of the Iceland and
Glaucus Gulls, but with the primaries conspicuously
gray, with white tips. As usual with the gull family,
. this species feeds largely, during the nesting season
upon eggs and young of other sea birds. They seem to
have a special liking for Cormorant eggs, and these un-
gainly creatures have to sit on their nests very closely
to prevent being robbed.

Range.—Breeds about the mouth of Hudson Bay;
winters south to Long Island.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL

47. Larus marinus. 29 in.

Largest and most powerful of our gulls. Adults in
summer have the head, tail and underparts white, back
slaty black, eyes and bill yellow, with a red spot near
the tip of the lower mandible; feet flesh color; primaries
tipped with white. In winter, the head is streaked with
dusky. Young birds are mottled with dusky brown

above, and streaked with the same below. These birds |

are very rapacious, and besides feeding upon refuse, fish |
and shellfish, devour, during the summer season, a great
many eggs and young of other sea birds; this habit is
common to nearly all the larger gulls.

Notes.—A laughing “ ha-ha” and a harsh “ keouw.”

Nest.—Either hollows on the ground or masses of "

weeds and drift, hollowed out to receive the three 7,

grayish brown eggs, spotted with blackish and lilac.
(d2x 2:15).

Range.—These gulls breed from Newfoundland north-
ward, being most abundant on the Labrador coast. In
winter they are found as far south as the Carolinas,
usually in company with Herrings Gulls.

HERRING GULL
51. Larus argentatus. 24 in.

Adults in summer, white, with gray mantle, and black
primaries tipped with white. In winter, the head and
neck are streaked below with grayish brown. Bills of
adults, yellow with red spot on lower mandible; eye
yellow; feet flesh color; bill of young, flesh color with
a blackish tip. These are the most abundant of the
larger gulls and the best known because of their south-
erly distribution. Several of the smaller Maine islands
have colonies of thousands of birds each, and in winter
-great numbers of them are seen in all the harbors along
our seacoast. Young gulls are born covered with down,
and ean run swiftly and swim well.

_ Notes.— Cack-cack-cack ” and very noisy squawkings
when disturbed at their breeding grounds.
Nest.—A hollow in the ground, or a heap of weeds

and trash. The three eggs are olive-gray, spotted with
black (2.8 x 1.7).

Range.—Breeds from Maine, the Great Lakes and Da-
kotas northward; winters south to the Gulf of Mexico.

RING-BILLED GULL

54. Larus delawarensis. 18 in.

Adults in summer.—White with pearl gray mantle;
ends of outer primaries black with white tips; eye yel-
low: feet and bill greenish-yellow, the latter crossed by
a black band near the tip. In winter, the head and
neck are streaked with grayish. Young birds are mot-
tled brownish-gray above, and the tail has a band of
blackish near the end.

The adults can be distinguished from the Kittiwakes,
which most closely resemble them, by the yellowish feet
and white tips to the black primaries.

Nest.—In hollows in the ground, usually in grass.
The two or three eggs are gray or brownish gray,
strongly marked with black (2.80x 1.75). They breed
in large colonies, often in company with other gulls
and terns.

Range.—Whole or North America, breeding from New
Foundland, Dakota and British Columbia northwards,
most abundantly in the interior; winters from Northern
United States southward.

LAUGHING GULL

58. Larus atricilla. 16 in.

Largest of the black-headed gulls. Bill and feet car-
mine-red; primaries wholly black or only with slight
white tips; eye brown; in breeding season, with the
underparts tinged with pinkish. In winter, without the
black hood, the head being tinged with grayish, and the
bill and feet dusky. Young birds are like winter adults
with the back more or less mixed with brownish and
\ the tail crossed by a black band. The most southerly
, distributed of our eastern gulls, its northern breeding
place being on the southern shore of Mass.

Notes.—Strange cackling laughter; hence their name.

Nest.—Heaps of rubbish and weeds on the ground in
wet marshes. The 3 to 5 eggs are gray or olive-gray
with black spots (2.25 x 1.60).

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf of Mexico north to
Mass., and in the interior to Ohio, but most abundantly
on the South Atlantie coast. Winters from the Caro-
linas to Northern South America.

FRANKLIN GULL
59. Larus franklini. 15 in.

Adult in summer.—Hood dark; mantle lighter than , ae
the last species; primaries gray with black ends broadly | #—
tipped with white; underparts rosy; bill and feet red, |
the former dark toward the tip, and more slender than 9
that of the Laughing Gull. In winter, the plumage *
changes the same as that of the last but the color of the
primaries and the shape of the bill will always indentify
this species. These gulls are strictly birds of the inte- '/y
rior, nesting on low marshy islands in ponds or sloughs,
often in company with grebes, upon whose eggs they
subsist to a great extent.

Notes.—Similar to those of the last species.

Nest.—A mass of weeds, ete., on the ground in
marshes, often partly floating in the water. The eggs |
are similar to those of the Laughing Gull but the mark- Fa
ings are usually in the form of zigzag lines as well as Siemmec:
spots (2.25 x 1.60).

Range.—Interior of North America, breeding from |
Iowa and the Dakotas north to Middle Canada; winters
from the Gulf States southward.

43

BONAPARTE GULL
60. Larus philadelphia. 14 in.

Adult in summer.—Hood lighter gray and not as
extensive as in the last two species; bill slender and
black; feet coral red; primaries white with black tips
and outer web of first one; mantle paler than either of
the last. In winter, the head is white with gray spots
back of the eyes. Young birds have the back mixed
with brownish and the tail with a band of black near
the tip, but the bill and primaries always separate this
species in any plumage from the other black-headed
gulls. Thes little gulls are one of the most beautiful
and graceful of the family, but they are rarely found
in the U. 8. with the dark hood.

Nest.—Of weeds and grass on the ground, but not in
the watery situations chosen by the preceding species.
The three eggs are olive-brown, marked with blackish
(1.90 x 1.30).

Range.—Breeds in the interior from Hudson Bay and
Northern Manitoba northward. Winters from Maine,
the Great Lakes and British Columbia southward.

ROSS GULL; WEDGE-TAILED GULL

61. Rhodostethia rosea. 13 in.

Bill short and slender; tail wedge-shaped. Adults in
summer.—With no hood, but with narrow black collar;
mantle light pearl; primaries wholly white with the
exception of a blackish outer web to the first one; feet
coral red, and underparts tinged with rosy in the nest-
ing season. In winter, with no black collar nor pink
underparts, and with blackish spot before the eye.
Young mixed with blackish above, and with a_ black
band across the tip of the tail; feet black; easily dis-
tinguished, when in the hand, by the very small bill,
and the wedge shaped tail. This gull has the most
northern distribution of any known bird, except, pos-
sibly, the Knot. Its breeding grounds were first re-
ported by Nansen in 1896, in Franz Josef Land. It is
one of the rarest birds in collections.

Range.—Polar regions, south in winter to Point Bar-
row, Alaska, and Disco Bay, Greenland.

SABINE GULL

62. Yema sabini. 14 in.

Tail slightly forked; bill small and black, tipped with
yellow. Adults in summer.—Head with a slaty-gray
hood, edged with a black ring around the neck; outer
primaries black, with white tips, and edge of shoulder
black; feet blackish; eye ring orange red. In winter,
without the hood or collar, but the head is tinged with
gray on the ears and nape. Young birds most nearly
resemble those of the Bonaparte Gull, but the primaries
are blackish, and the tail slightly forked. This species
is very abundant within the Arctic Circle, but is not
as boreal as the last.

Nest.—In depressions in the ground, usually lined
with grass; the three eggs are olive-brown, marked with
deeper brown and black (1.75 x 1.25).

Range.—Breeds from northern Alaska and the islands
about the mouth of Hudson Bay northwards; winters
south on the Atlantic coast to Maine and rarely New
York.

GULL-BILLED TERN

63. Gelochelidon nilotica. 14 in.

Differs from all other terns in the shape of its black
bill, which is stout, but with the upper mandible not
hooked nor curved, as in the gulls. _ Tail forked about
1.5 in. Adults have the crown black in summer, while
in winter the head is white, with the nape and spot in
front of eye, black mixed with white. Young birds are
similar to winter adults but have the back feathers
margined with brownish, and the neck streaked with
gray. This species is found only on our South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, and is not abundant anywhere.

Notes.—A high, thin, somewhat reeay “ tee-tee-tee,”
sometimes suggesting a weak voiced katydid (Chap-
man).

Nest.—A slight, unlined depression in the short marsh
grass or on the beaches. ‘lhe three eggs are olive gray,
spotted with black and brown (1.80 x 1.30).

Range.—Breeds in Texas and along the Gulf and
South Atlantic coasts to Virginia; later, may wander
north to New England; winters south of the U. 8.

CASPIAN TERN
64. Sterna caspia. 21 in.

Largest of our terns. Bill heavy and bright red;
head crested; tail forked about 1.5 in.; eyes brown.
Adults in summer have the crown and occipital crest
glossy black. Winter adults and young birds have the
crown mixed with white, and the latter are also blotened
with blackish on wings and tail.

Nest.-—The 2 or 3 buffy, spotted eggs are laid in hol-
lows in the sand. Size 2.60 x 1.75.

Range.—Breeds locally along the South Atlantic coast
and in the interior to Great Slave Lake.

ROYAL TERN
65. Sterna maxima. 19 in.

Similar to the last, but smaller; bill more slender;
tail forked 3.5 in.

Nest.—A hollow in the sand. The 2 or 3 eggs are
creamy buff, with distinct blackish-brown spots (2.60 x
WeA)))

Range.—Breeds in the Gulf States and north to Vir-
ginia and Calif.; winters south of the U. 8.

CABOT TERN
67. Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida. 16 in.

Head crested; bill and feet blackish, the former with
a yellow tip. Adults have the crown glossy black.
Young birds, and winter adults, have the crown mixed
with white, and the former have blackish markings on
the wings; tail forked 2.75 in. Like the majority of
terns, these breed in immense colonies.

Nest.—Their two or three eggs are deposited in slight
hollows in the sand. They are cream colored, boldly
spotted with blackish brown (2.10 x 1.40).

Range.—Breeds on the Florida Keys, Bahamas and
the West Indies; later may stray north as far as New
England; winters south of the United States.

TRUDEAU TERN
69. Sterna trudeaui. 14 in.

This is a 1are South American species, described by
Audubon as having occurred in New Jersey and New
York. It has the form of the Forster Tern, a bright
yellow bill and no black crown, but a black line through

the eye to the ears.
4

FORSTER TERN
69. Sterna forsteri. 15 in.

No crest on this or any of the following terns. Tail
forked 4 in.; below pure white. In summer, with bill
and feet orange red; crown black. In winter, the crown
is white, but there is a blackish patch about the eyes,
and the bill and feet are dark. These beautiful birds
/ are often known as ‘“‘Sea Swallows,” because of their
_ similarity in form and flight to those well known land
; birds. They are the embodiment of grace as they dart
about high in the air, bill pointed downward, alert and
ready to dart down upon any small fish or eel that
may attract their fancy. They usually get their food
by plunging.

Notes.—A sharp, twanging “ cack.”

Nest.—A hollow in the ground, in which the 3 eggs are
laid in June. Eggs whitish, greenish or brownish, vari-
* ously marked with brown, black and lavender. (1.80x
| 1.30).

Range.—Breeds in the interior, north to Manitoba,
and on the coasts to Virginia and Calif. Winters from
the Gulf States southward.

oe

COMMON TERN
70. Sterna hirundo. 15 in.

Mantle darker than that of any of the similar terns;
washed with grayish below; bill and feet bright red,
the former shading to black on the tip; tail less deeply

forked (3.1 in.); edge of outer primaries and outer ;

tail feathers, blackish. Changes in winter correspond
to those of the last. Young birds have the feathers on
the back margined with brownish.

Note.—An energetic ‘“ tee-arr, tee-arr.”

Nest.—The three eggs are laid in a slight hollow on

the sandy beach.

Range.—Breeds locally from the Gulf States to Green-

land and Hudson Bay; winters south of the U. S.

ARCTIC TERN
71. Sterna paradisea. 15.5 in.

Similar to the Common Tern, but tail longer (forked
4.5 in.) and bill wholly red. In winter, bill and feet
dark, as are those of the others.

Range.—Breeds from Mass. northwards; winters in
the south.

51

sar eS

ROSEATE TERN
72. Sterna dougalli. 15.5 in.

This species is the most gracefully formed of the terns.
The tail is 7.5 in. long, forked to a depth of 5.25 in.
In summer, the bill is blackish, changing to red only at
the base. The underparts are a beautiful rosy tint in
the breeding season; tail entirely white; feet red. In
winter the usual changes occur, and young birds have
dusky edges to the feathers of the back and wings.
Terns are now becoming more abundant on our coast,
their slaughter and persecution for millinery purposes
fortunately having been stopped in time to prevent their
extinction.

They feed chiefly upon small fish and marine insects,
and often gather about fishing boats, waiting for an
opportunity to dive after any bit that may be thrown
overboard.

Notes.—A harsh “cack” and “ tee-arr,” ike that of
the common Tern.

Nest.—Eggs like those of the similar terns.

Range.—Breeds on the Atlantic coast north to Mass.;
winters south of the U. 8.

LEAST TERN

74. Sterna antillarum. 9 in.

Smallest of our terns. Adult in summer.—Crown.,
nape, and line through the eye, black; forehead and
line above the eye, white; bill and feet yellow, the for-
mer black at the tip. In winter, the crown is white, the
blackish being restricted to the nape and about the eyes.

These pretty little sea swallows were abundant both
on the coast and in the interior but are yearly becom-
ing more scarce especially on the Atlantic coast. They
are very aggressive when anyone approaches their nest-
ing grounds and will continually dash down at you as
they utter their sharp cries of disapproval.

Notes.—A sharp, metallic clattering “ cheep, cheep.”

Nest.—Two or three eggs are laid upon the bare sand.
They are buffy-gray, sharply specked with blackish (1.25
Xg.00))i-

Range.—Breeds north to Mass., the Great Lakes and
Calif.; winters scuth of the United States.

SOOTY TERN
75. Sterna fuscata. 17 in.

Adult in summer.—Above sooty-black, except the
white outer tail feathers. Crown, line through the eye,
_ bill and feet, black; forehead and underparts white; eye
red. Young birds are smoky slate color all over, with
the tail feathers, and some on the back and breast, tipped
with whitish. This is the “egg bird” of tropical coun-

tries, thousands of their eggs being taken for food.
_ Note.—A nasal ‘“ ker-wacky-wak” (Chapman).

Nest.—A single egg deposited in-a hollow in the sand;
it is creamy-white, spotted with blackish-brown.

Range.—Tropical countries; breeds north to the Flor-
ida Keys and islands in the Gulf of Mexico; sometimes
wanders north to New England.

BRIDLED TERN
76. Sterna anetheta. 15 in.

Similar to the last, but the back and wings much
lighter, and the white of the forehead extends over the
% eyes; nape whitish.

54 Range.—Breeds north to the Bahamas.

BLACK TERN

77. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. 10 in.

Adults in summer with the head, neck and underparts,
black; back, wings and tail, dark gray; eyes brown.
In winter, the forehead, neck and underparts are white;
nape and patch back of eye blackish.

In summer these little terns are found only in the
interior, where they nest about marshy ponds. They
are very pugnacious and will sometimes touch an in-
truder with their wings as they dart past. As usual
with the family, they nest in colonies.

Notes.—A sharp “ peek.” (Chapman).

Nest.—A pile of weeds and trash in sloughs on the
prairies, or about the edges of marshy lakes, the nests
often being surrounded by, and partly floating in the
water. The three eggs are very dark colored, having
an olive-brown or greenish background, blotched with
black. (1.85 x .95).

Range.—Breeds in the interior from middle U. 8.
north to Alaska and Hudson Bay; winters south of the

U. S., migrating along the Atlantic coast as well as in
the interior.

NODDY

79. Anous stolidus. 15 in.

Adults with the crown silvery-white, the rest of the
plumage being scoty-brown; the bill, feet and line to
the eye are black. The plumage of these beautiful birds
is very soft and pleasing to the eye. They look to be
gentle and confiding, and a closer acquaintance shows
that they are. They will frequently allow themselves
to be touched with the hand before they leave their
nests. They are abundant in some of the Bahaman and
West Indian Islands, where they nest in company with
other species.

Notes.—A hoarse reedy “cack” increasing to a gut-
tural “k-r-r-r-r-r-r-r.” (Chapman).

‘

Nest.—Of sticks and grasses, placed at low elevations
in the tops of trees and bushes, or upon the ground.
The single egg that they lay is buffy, spotted with black
and brown. (2.00 x 1.30).

Range.—Breeds north to the Bahamas and on Bird
Key near Key West; rarely wanders on the Atlantic
coast to South Carolina.

SKIMMERS—Family Rynchopide
BLACK SKIMMER
80. Rynchops nigra. 18 in.

These strange birds are not apt to be mistaken for ~
any other. They are locally abundant on the South
Atlantic coast as far north as Virginia. Their flight
is swift and more direct than that of terns; they fly |
in compact flocks, in long sweeps over the water, feed- —
ing by dropping their long, thin mandible beneath the |

surface and gathering in everything edible that comes ~~

in their path.

Notes.—Baying like a pack of hounds.

Nest.—Their 3 or 4 eggs are deposited in hollows in,
the sandy beaches. They are creamy-white, beautifully
marked with blackish-brown and gray. (1.75 x 1.30).

Range.—Breeds on the Gulf coast and on the Atlantie
coast to New Jersey; after nesting, they occasionally
wander northward as far as Nova Scotia; winters from
the Gulf States southwards.

TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS—Order Tubinares
SHEARWATERS—Family Procellaride
FULMAR

86. Fulmarus glacialis. 19 in.

Bill short and stout, compared to that of the shear-
waters, strongly hooked at the tip and with the nostrils
opening out of a single tube, prominently located on the
top of the bill. They have two color phases, the light
one beingegull-like, but the tail is gray like the mantle;
eyes brown; bill and feet yellowish. In the dark phase
they are uniformly gray above and below. These plum-

. ages appear to be independent of sex or age. They are

extremely abundant at some of their breeding grounds
in the far north. The birds are constant companions
} of the whalers, and feed largely upon blubber that is
_ thrown overboard.

Nest.—Their single white eggs are laid upon bare
ledges of sea cliffs. (2.90 x 2.00).

_ Range.—Breeds in the North Atlantic and Arctic
Oceans from Labrador and northern Scotland north-
ward; winters south regularly.

CORY SHEARWATER
88. Puffinus borealis. 21 in.

This rare bird is found off the coast of New England
and in Long Island Sound from July to September. It
is slightly larger than the similar Greater Shearwater,
the back and head are lighter in color, the entire under-
parts are white, and the bill is yellowish. Its nesting
habits and eggs are unknown, but they are supposed to
breed in the Antarctic regions.

The majority of specimens that have been taken have
been found off Chatham, Mass.

AUDUBON SHEARWATER
92. Puffinus lherminieri. 12 in.

This small shearwater, except in point of size, is quite
similar to the following, but the under parts are white,
except the under tail coverts which are sooty; the back
and head are somewhat lighter too. They nest in abun-
dance on some of the Bahaman and West Indian Isiands,
and can usually be met with off the South Atlantic
coast in summer. 1

Their eggs, which are pure white (2.00x 1.35), are
deposited at the end of burrows dug by the birds.

GREATER SHEARWATER
89. Puffinus gravis. 20 in.

Entire upper parts, top and sides of head, bill and
feet, grayish or brownish-black; middle of belly and
under tail coverts dusky. This species is the most
abundant of the shearwaters found off our coast. They
are constant attendants of the fishermen when they are
at work, and at other times are usually to be seen
flying low over the water, or resting in large bodies
upon its surface. Their flight is peculiar and distine-
tive-—three flaps of the wings then a short sail, re-
peated over and over. Possibly this habit is acquired
by their swooping down into the troughs of waves, then
flapping to clear the next crest. They are very greedy
and continually quarreling among themselves in order
to get the lion’s share of the food. They are called
“ Haglets ” by the fishermen.

Notes.—Harsh, discordant squawks when feeding.

Nest.—While the habits of these birds are well known
their breeding places are yet a mystery.

Range.—Whole North Atlantic coast in summer.

SOOTY SHEARWATER

94. Puffinus griseus. 17 in.

Sooty grayish-black all over except the under wing
coverts, which are whitish; eye brown, bill and feet
black. A few of these may usually be seen with flocks
of the Greater Shearwaters, and sometimes a flock com-
posed entirely of this variety will be encountered. They
are expert swimmers on the surface of the water, but
I have never seen one dive. Their food is almost if not
wholly composd of oily refuse gathered from the sur-
face of the water. In order to take flight, they paddle
along the water a few steps; it is difficult for them to
rise, except against the wind. If you sail upon them
irom the windward, they go squawking and pattering
over the water in all directions, and can frequently be
caught in nets. They are very tame, and will some-
times take food offered them, from the hand.

Notes.—Guttural squawks like those of the large
species.

Range.—North Atlantic coast in summer.

eemeresce Er | STORMY PETREL

104. Thalassidroma pelagica. 5.5 in.

Smallest of our petrels, and darker than either the
Leach or Wilson; tail square; upper tail coverts white,
tipped with black.

This species is rare on the coasts of this country, but
is common on the shores of the old world. It is the
original ‘“* Mother Cary’s Chicken.” They nest abun-
dantly on the shores of Europe and the British Isles.

Their single white eggs, deposited at the end of bur-
rows, are dull white with a faint wreath of brown dots.

WILSON PETREL

109. Oceanites oceanicus. 7 in.

Tail square at end; coverts white, not tipped with
black; legs long, with yellow webs. This species is very
abundant on our Atlantic coast from July to Sept.,
spending the summer here after having nested in the
KXerguelen Is. in February. Their upper parts are much
more darker than those of Leach Petrel.

62 Their note is a weak twittering “ keet-keet.”

LEACH PETREL

106. Oceanodroma leucorhoa. 8 in.

Tail forked; tail coverts white, not tipped with black;
legs much shorter than those of Wilson Petrel, which is
the only other common species on our eastern coasts.
Leach Petrel is a very abundant breeding bird on Maine
islands and northward. Some of the soft peaty banks
of islands are honeycombed with entrances to their bur-
rows, which extend back, near the surface of the ground,
for two or three feet, and terminate in an enlarged
chamber. Here one of the birds is always found during
the period of incubation, and sometimes both birds, but
one is usually at sea feeding during the daytime, re-
turning at night to relieve its mate. All petrels and
their eggs have a peculiar, characteristic and oppressive
odor.

Notes.—A weak clucking.

Nest.—Single egg at end of burrow; white with a
very faint ring of brown dots around the large end.

Range.—Breeds northward from Maine; winters to
Virginia.

TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS—Order Steganopodes
TROPIC BIRD—Family Phethontide
YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD

112. Phethon americanus. 30 to 34 in.

Form tern-like, but with the central tail feathers
much lengthened (about 18 in.); legs short and not
very strong; all four toes connected by webs.

These beautiful creatures fly with the ease and grace
of a tern, but with more rapid beating of the wings.
They are strong and capable of protracted flight, often
being found hundreds of miles from land. They feed
upon small fish which they capture by diving upon
from a height above the water, and upon snails, ete.,
that they get from the beaches and ledges. They are
_ very buoyant, and sit high in the water with their tails
elevated to keep them from getting wet.

Nest.—A mass of weeds and seaweed placed upon
| rocky ledges. The single egg that they lay is creamy,
/so thickly sprinkled and dotted with purplish brown as
to obscure the ground color. (2.10 x 1.45).

..Range.—Breeds north to the Bahamas and Bermudas.

GANNETS—Family Silide
BLUE-FACED BOOBY

114. Sula cyanops. 28 in.

Bill, face and naked throat pouch, slaty-blue; eye
yellow; feet reddish. Plumage white except the pri-
maries, secondaries and other tail feathers, which are
black. Young birds are streaked above with gray and
brownish, and are dull white below. Boobies are birds
of wide distribution in the Tropics, this species being
rarely seen in southern Florida, but quite abundant on
some of the West Indian islands. Owing to the numer-
ous air cells beneath their skin, they are very buoyant
and can ride the waves with ease during severe storms.
They secure their prey, which is chiefly fish, by plung-
ing after it.

Nest.—Their one or two eggs are laid usually upon
the bare ground on low islands, or sometimes in weed-

lined hollows. The eggs are pure white, covered with
a thick chalky deposit (2.50x 1.70).

Range.—Breeds north to the Bahamas and the Gulf
of Califernia; sometimes strays to Flcrida.

5

BOOBY

115. Sula leucogastra. 30 in.

This species, commonly called the Brown Booby, is
brownish black with the exception of a white breast and
underparts. Young birds are entirely brownish black;
bill and feet greenish yellow; eye white. They are
one of the most abundant breeding birds upon many of
the Bahaman and West Indian Islands. They have
great powers of flight and dart about with the speed
of arrows, carrying their long bill and neck at full
length before them. They are awkward walkers, and,
owing to their buoyaney, it is difficult for them to
swim under water, but they are unerring in securing
their prey by plunging upon it from a height.

Nest.—They breed in colonies of thousands, laying
their two eggs upon the bare sand or rocks. The eggs
are chalky white, more cr less nest stained. (2.40x
1.60).

Range.—Breeds in the Bahamas and West Indies;
wanders north casually to the Carolinas.

GANNET

117. Sula bassana. 35 in.

Primaries black; rest of plumage white; back of head
tinged with straw color; bill and feet bluish black.
Young grayish or brownish black, mottled above and
streaked below. This species is the largest and most j
northerly distributed of the gannet family. Thousands
upon thousands of them breed upon high rocky islets
off the British coast. The only known nesting places
used by them in this country are Bird Rock and Bona-
venture Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; in these j
places they nest by thousands, their rough piles of sea-
weed touching each other in long rows on the narrow

ledges.
Notes.—A harsh “ gor-r-r-rok.” (Chapman).

Range.—North Atlantic, breeding, on the Americar
side, only on islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Win
ters along the whole United States coast, floating in
large flocks out at sea, and rarely coming on land.

67

DARTERS—Family Anhingde
ANHINGA; SNAKE BIRD

118. Anhinga anhinga. 35 in.

Adult male with a glessy greenish-black head, neck
and underparts, the neck being covered behind, in breed-
ing season, with numerous filamentous, whitish plumes.
Female and young with neck and breast fawn color in
front. Eyes red, face greenish and gular pouch orange.
Middle tail feathers curiously crimped. These peculiar
birds spend their lives within the recesses of swamps,
the more dismal and impenetrable, the better. They
perch on limbs overhanging the water and dive after
fish, frogs, lizards, ete., that pass beneath, from which
they get one of their names, American Darter. They
swim with the body submerged, with only their serpent-
like head and neck visible; hence they are called Snake-
birds.

Nest.—Of sticks and leaves in bushes or trees over
water, large colonies of them nesting in the same swamp.
The 3 to 5 eggs are bluish, covered, with a chalky de-
posit (2.25 x 1.35).

Range.—Breeds north to the Carolinas and J1l. Win-
ters in Gulf States.

CORMORANTS—Family Phalacrocoracide
CORMORANT

119. Phalacrocorax carbo. 36 in.

Largest of our cormorants; tail with 14 feathers.
Adults with glossy black head, neck and underparts;
in breeding season with white plumes on the neck and
a white patch on the flanks. Young with throat and
belly white, rest of underparts mixed brown with black.
Cormorants feed chiefly upon fish which they pursue
and catch under water. They were formerly extensively,
and are now to a less extent, used by the Chinese to
eatch fish for them, a ring being placed around their
neck to prevent their swallowing their prey.

Nest.—Made of seaweed and sticks on narrow ledges |

of rocky islets or sea cliffs, this species being entirely
maritime. The four eggs are greenish-white, covered
with a chalky deposit. (2.50 x 1.40).

Range.—Breeds from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland

north to Labrador and Greenland; winters south to the
middle states.

69

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

120. Phalacrocorax auritus. 30 in.

Tail with 12 feathers; distinguished from the last
species in any plumage by the shape of the gular sac;
on the common Cormorant the feathers on the throat
extend forward to a point, making the hind end of the
pouch heart-shaped, while in the present species it is
convex. In breeding plumage, this species has a tuft of
black feathers on either side of the head. The throat
pouch is orange yellow; eyes green. These cormorants
are found to some extent along the Atlantic coast, in
summer, from Maine northward, but they are chiefly
birds of the interior, being particularly abundant in
Manitoba.

Nest.—On ledges on the coast, and on the ground in
the interior, or in trees. The nests are made of sticks
and weeds, shallow, shabby platforms holding 5 or 4
egos. The eggs are bluish-green and chalky.

Range.—Breeds from Maine, on the coast, Minnesota
northward; locally in North Carolina. Winters in the
Gulf States. 120a., Fla. Cormorant, found in the South
Atlantie and Gulf States, is smaller.

MEXICAN CORMORANT Snes

121. Phalacrocorax vigua mexicanus. 25 in.

Adults with feathers bordering on the gular sac, white.
In breeding plumage, the sides of head and neck have
tufts of filmy white feathers, eyes green, as they are in
all cormorants. All cormorants are expert swimmers
and frshermen. They never plunge for their prey, but
pursue and catch it under water, the same as do the
grebes. When perching, they sit erect with their neck
bent in the form of a letter S. They fly with their
necks outstretched, and with rather slow wing beats.
They are very gregarious and nest in large colonies,
this species always being found in swamps or heavy
shrubbery, surrounding bodies of water.

Nest.—Usually in trees overhanging the water. or
upon the ground, in either case being made of sticks
and weeds. The 3 to 5 eggs are bluish-green, covered
with a chalky deposit (2.25 x 1.35).

Range.—Breeds north to the extreme southern bound-
ary of the United States; wanders north casually to
Ill. in summer.

PELICANS—Family Pelecanide
WHITE PELICAN

125. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus. 5 feet.

White with black primaries. Eye white; bill and
| feet yellow, the former in the breeding season being
adorned with a thin upright knob about ‘midway on the
top of the upper mandible. The large pouch, with which
pelicans are armed, is used as a dip net to secure their
food, which consists of small fish. The White Pelican
scoops up fish as he swims along the surface of the
water; when he has his pouch partially filled, he tilts
his head, contracts the pouch, thereby squeezing the wa-
ter out of the sides of his mouth, and swallows his fish.

Nest.—Of sticks and weeds on the ground on isiands
ry shores of inland lakes. They breed in colonies, and
igs their eggs in June. The two or three eggs are pure
white (3.45 x 2.30).

Range.—Breeds in the interior from Utah and Minn.
northward. Winters on the Gulf coast and in Florida;
rare on the Atlantie coast.

BROWN PELICAN

126. Pelecanus occidentalis. 4.5 feet.

Pouch greenish; eye white; back of neck in breeding
season, rich velvety brown; at other seasons the whole
head is white. These pelicans nest abundantly on some
of the islands on the Gulf coast of the U. S., on Pelican
Island on the east coast of Florida, and sometimes on
the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. Like the
White Pelican, this species lives chiefly upon small fish,
but they procure them in a different manner. They are
continually circling about at a low elevation above the
water and, upon sighting a school of fish, will plunge
headfirst into it, securing as many as possible.

Nest.—Either on the ground or in low trees, in the
latter case being more bulky than in the former; com-
posed of sticks and weeds. The three to five eggs that
they lay are pure white with the chalky covering com-
mon to eggs of birds belonging to this order.

Range.—Breeds on the Gulf coast, and on the South
Atlantic, north to South Carolina; later may casually
stray t. New England; winters on the South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts.

MAN-O’-WAR BIRDS—Family Fregatide
MAN-0O’-WAR BIRD; FRIGATE BIRD

128. Fregata aquila. 40 in.

Eye brown; bill long, comparatively slender, and flesh
colored; gular sae orange; feet small and weak, with
the four toes joined by webs. Frigate birds are strictly
maritime; they nest in large colonies and usually travel
in large companies. In expanse of wing compared to
size of body they are unequalled by any other bird, and
in power of flight they are only surpassed, possibly, by
the albatrosses. They can walk only with difficulty and
are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and
long tail, but they are complete masters of the air
and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of
small fish is secured by plunging, or preying upon
other sea birds.

Nest.—A low, frail platform of sticks in the tops of
bushes or low trees. They lay but a single white egg
in Mareh or April; size 2.80 x 1.90.

Breeds in the Bahamas, West Indies, Lower California
and possibly on some of the Florida Keys.

ORDER ANSERES
AMERICAN MERGANSER

129. Mergus americanus. 25 in.

Bill, feet and eye red in male, the former with a black
stripe along the top; plumage black and white, with a
greenish-black head; no crest. Female gray and white,
with brown head, crested; chin white; eye yellow. These
birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with
sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a
great extent. They are exceptionally good swimmers
for members of this family, and can chase and ecateh
their fish, using their wings to aid their legs in pro-
pelling them through the water.

Nest.—In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or
less often on the ground. The nest is made of leaves
and grasses and lined with downy feathers from the
breast of the female. The 6 to 9 eggs are creamy-buff
(2230 x 1.75) 3 June:

Range.—Whole of North America. Breeds from New
Brunswick, North Dakota and California, northward.
Winters from the northern boundary of the U. S. south
to the Gulf of Mexico.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
130. Mergus serrator. 22 in.

Eye, bill and feet red, like those of the last species,
but the head is crested on the male, as well as the fe-
male, and a band across his breast is mixed rusty and
black streaks. The female has not as brightly colored
a head as the female of the American Merganser, and
the throat is not pure white. They can be distinguished
in any plumage, from the fact that the nostril is nearer
the eye than it is the tip of the bill. while that of the
last species is located midway between the eye and the
tip of the bill. This is the species that is most often
found in salt water. It is also found inland but not
as commonly as the last.

Notes.—A low croak.

Nest.—On the ground, concealed in tufts of long grass
or overhanging rocks. Their 5 to 10 eggs are olive buff
in color (2.50x 1.70); June, July.

Range.—Breeds from Maine and IIl., northward; win-
ters throughout the United States.

HOODED MERGANSER
131. Lophodytes cucullatus. 17 in.

Bill short compared to those of other mergansers, and
black. It is not apt to be mistaken for any other duck,
because of its small size and the large crest with which
both sexes are adorned, that of the male being black
with a large, white patch, and that of the female plain
brown.

The male has the power of raising or lowering his
erest; when excited he will at times repeatedly open
and shut it like a fan. When at a distance on the
water, the male might possibly be mistaken for the
Bufile-head, as that species also has white on the head,
but its back also is largely white. Both male and
female have yellow eyes.

Notes.—Low, muttered croakings.

Nest.—In holes of trees on the banks of, or near,
streams or lakes. The bottom of the cavity is lined
with grasses and down, and on this they lay 8 to 12
grayish white eggs (2.15x 1.70); May, June.

Range.—Breeds locally throughout the U. 8., but most
abundantly north of our borders; winters in the South.

MALLARD

132. Anas platyrhynchos. 23 in.

Male.—Head, green; speculum purplish-blue; bill
olive-green; legs orange; eyes brown. The female most
closely resembles the Black Duck but is lighter colored,
more brownish, and the speculum, or wing patch, is
always bordered with white. This species is one of
the handsomest and most valuable of ducks. It is the
eogener of the domestic ducks, and is largely used as
a table bird.

Their food consists chiefly of mollusks and tender
grasses. These they usually get in shallow water by
“tipping up,” that is, reaching the bottom without go-
ing entirely under water. They also visit meadows and
the edges of grain and rice fields for food.

Notes.—A nasal “ quack,” often rapidly repeated when
they are feeding.

Nest.—Of grass, lined with downy feathers, concealed
in tufts of grass near the water’s edge. The 6 to 10
eggs are buffy or olive-greenish (2.25 x 1.65).

Range.—Breeds from the northern tier of states north-
ward; winters in southern half of the U.S.

BLACK DUCK

133. Anas rubripes. 22 in.

General plumage mottled blackish, the feathers hav-
ing lighter edges; throat, buffy, streaked with blackish;
crown and line through eye, nearly solid blackish; specu-
lum bluish-purple, with no white; bill greenish-black:
legs brownish. Black Ducks breed locally in pairs,
throughout northern United States and southern Can-
ada. This is the species most often seen in New Eng-
Jand. When in flight, it can usually be recognized by
the dark colored underparts and the white lining to the
wings. Its habits are just like those of the Mallard,
with which it is closely related.

Notes.—A “ quack,” like that of the Mallard.

Nest.—Placed on the ground, not far distant from the
water’s edge; made of grass and feathers; the 6. to 10 |
eggs are buff-colored (2.30 x 1.70) ; May, June.

Range.—Breeds locally from N. Y. and Iowa north-
ward; winters south to the Gulf.

FLORIDA DUCK
134. Anas fulvigula, 21 in.

Mueh lighter than the Black Duck, all the feathers
being broadly margined with buffy; throat nearly clear
buffy without markings. The habits of this species,
which is restricted to Florida and the Gulf coast to
Louisiana, are the same as those of the northern Black
Duck.

Notes.—Precisely like those of the Mallard.
Nest.—Of grass and down, on the ground, the eggs

being like those of the Black Duck but. averaging a
trifle smaller (2.15 x 1.50); April.

Range.—Florida and the Gulf coast to La.; resident.
134a., Mottled Duck (A. f. maculosa), is very similar
to the Florida species, but is mottled with black on the
beily. instead of streaked. It is found on the cozst of
Texas and north to Iwansas.

GADWALL.

135. Chaulelasmus streperus. 20 in.

Male with chestnut wing coverts and white speculum;
lining of wings white; eyes brown. The female is simi-
lar, but the back and wings are brownish-gray and the
speculum gray and white. A rather rare migrant 1m §
New England, common in the Middle States and abun- |
dant west of the Mississippi. They are usually found —
in meadows and grain fields bordering marshes or lakes. |
As is usual with ducks, these do most of their feeding
early in the morning or after dusk, and _ spend the
greater part of the day in sleeping. They are of the
most active and noisy of ducks, which accounts for their

Latin name “ streperus,” meaning noisy.

Notes.—A rapid, shrill quacking.

Nest.—Feather-lined hollows in the ground, concealed
by patches of weeds or tall grass. Eggs 7 to 10, creamy
buff color (2.10x 1.60); May, June.

Range.—Northern Hemisphere; breeds in northern
United States, except the eastern portion, and in Can-
ada; winters along the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

6

WIDGEON
Mareca penelope. 19 in.

Crown buffy; head reddish brown; wing coverts white;
speculum green. Female with blackish speculum, and a
pale, rusty head, neck, breast and sides, streaked or
barred with blackish. The Widgeon is an Old World
duck that rarely, and accidentally, strays to our At-
lantic or Pacific coasts. It breeds in America only in
the Aleutian Islands. Its habits are the same as the
next species, our American Widgeon.

In the Old World it is regarded as one of the best
of table ducks. Its food consists of marine and tresh-
water insects, small shell-fish, seaweed and grass. Its
nidification is just like that of the Baldpate.

BALDPATE; AMERICAN WIDGEON

137. Mareca americana. 19 in.

Wing coverts and top of head white; rest of head and
neck finely specked with black; speculum and_ broad
stripe back of eye, green; female, similar but with the
whole head specked, and with no green on the ears.
They can usually be identified at a distance by the ab-
sence of any dark areas, and when flying by the white-
ness of the underparts. Baldpates are common and well
known birds throughout North America, where they are
called by a great variety of names, most of which refer
to the bald appearance of the top of the head, owing to
the white feathers. Their food consists of mollusks,
insects, grain, and tender shoots of grass; their flesh is,
consequently, very palatable and they are much sought
as table birds.

Notes.—A shrill, clear whistle.

Nest.—Of grass, lined with feathers from the breast
of the female; situated on the ground in tall grass near
the water’s edge. 8 to 10 buff eggs (2.15 x 1.50): June.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL

139. Nettion carolinense. 14 in.

Head reddish-brown; speculum and large patch back
of eye, green; a white crescent in front of wing. Female
with the head and neck whitish, finely streaked with
dusky; wings as in male. These ducks are abundant in
most parts of the United States, but are rather uncom-
/mon in New England. They are usually seen in flocks
of ten or a dozen, and often a single bird, or two or
three, may be found with a flock of Mallards. They
frequent ponds, marshes and rush-grown shores of creeks,
rivers or lakes, feeding upon shellfish, insects, aquatic
plants and seeds.

Notes.—Shrill, piping whistles, rapidly repeated.

Nest.—On the ground under the shelter of tall grass;
it is made of weeds and grass, and lined with feathers.
They lay from 5 to 9 eggs, buffy (1.85x 1.25); May,
June.

Range.—Breeds from the northern tier of states north-

ward; winters from Va., Ill. and British Columbia,
southward.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

140. Querquedula discors. 15.5 in.

Male.—Head gray, with a white crescent in front of |

the eye; underparts buffy, heavily spotted with black;
wing coverts blue; speculum green. Female similar to |
the female Green-winged Teal, but with blue wing eov- |
erts. Teal can easily be distinguished from other ducks |
by their small size; the present species can usually be
separated from the last, by the darker underparts, the
longer neck and smaller head. Their flight is very
rapid; it probably appears to be more rapid than that
of other ducks because of the much smaller size of the |
Teal. They usually fly in compact lines and when ready |
to alight, do so very precipitously.

Notes.—a weak, but rapidly uttered quacking.

Nest.—Made of weeds, placed in tall grass bordering |

marshes or ponds. 6 to 10 buffy eggs are laid during
May or June. (1.90x 1.30).

Range.—Breeds from Maine, Ohio and Kansas north- 9

ward; winters in the lower half of eastern United
States.

CINNAMON TEAL
141. Querquedula cyanoptera. 16 in.

Male with the whole head, neck and underparts bright
cinnamon; wings as in the Blue-winged species. Female
similar to the female Blue-wing, but more rusty below,
and the throat is tinted or quite dark, while that of
the last species is usually light. These beautiful birds
are very abundant west of the Rocky Mountains, but
are of only casual or accidental occurrence east of the
Mississippi Valley and sometimes Southern Florida.
Their favorite nesting places are in fields of tall grass
or clover, in close proximity to marshes or ponds.

Nest.—Compactly woven of grasses and lined with
down; they lay from eight to as many as thirteen buffy
white eggs, size 1.85 x 1.35; May, June.

Range.—Breeds in Western United States and British
Columbia. Occurs rarely in the Mississippi Valley,
Southern Texas and Florida.

SHOVELLER
142. Spatula clypeata. 29 in.

Bill long, and much broader at the tip than at the
base; head and speculum green; belly reddish-brown;
breast and back, white; wing coverts, pale blue; eye
yellow; feet orange. Female with head, neck and under-
parts, brownish-yellow, specked or streaked with dusky;
wings as in the male, but not as brightly colored.
Easily recognized in any plumage by the large, broad
bill. If it were not for this large and ungainly shaped

bill, this species might be classed as one of our most |

beautiful ducks, when in full plumage, which is only
during the breeding season; at other seasons the head
of the male is largely mixed with blackish.

Nest.—Of fine grasses and weeds, lined with feathers;
they lay 6 to 10 grayish eggs (2.10x 1.50); May.

Range.—Whole of the northern hemisphere. Breeds
in America, from Minnesota and Dakota northwards,
and locally farther south; winters on the South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts; rare during migrations on the North
Atlantic coast.

PINTAIL

143. Dafila acuta. 22 in.

Tail pointed, and, in the male, with the two central
feathers considerably lengthened; neck unusually long
and slender for a duck; form more slender than that
of other ducks. Male with brownish head and _ stripe
down back of neck; back and sides barred with black
and white; speculum green, bordered with white or buff.
Female mottled brownish, buffy and black, but to be
known by the sharply pointed tail feathers and long
neck; speculum brownish. These ducks are strong swim-
mers and good fliers, but poor divers; they get their
food the same as does the Mallard by “tipping up,”
their long neck enabling them to feed in comparatively
deep water. They are quite timid and lurk in the tall
erass of the marshes during the daytime, feeding chiefly
after dark.

Notes.—Quacks like those of the Mallard.

Nest.—On the ground, and like that of other ducks,
well lined with feathers; 6 to 12 eggs (2.20x 1.50).

88 Range.—Breeds from Tl]. and Iowa northward; win-
ters in southern half of the U.S.

WOOD DUCK

144. Aix sponsa. 19 in.

Head crested in both sexes, the feathers being espe-
cially lengthened on the nape. No other American duck
that can possibly be mistaken for them. The male
Wood Duck is the most beautiful of the family, in this
or any other country, its cnly rival being the gaily col-
ored Mandarin, of China. In summer, they may be
found about the edges of clear ponds or lakes, especially
those located in woods remote from human habitations.
They are very local in their distribution and only one
or two pairs will be found in a locality. In most parts
of their range they are rapidly diminishing in numbers.

Notes.—A soft whistled “ peet, peet”? and a squawky,
danger-note like * hoo-eek, hoo-eek.”

Nest.—In the hollow of a tree usually near the water’s
edge. The bottom is lined with soft downy feathers,
and 8 to 15 buffy eggs are laid (2.00 x 1.50).

Range.—Whole of the United States and southern

Canada, breeding locally throughout the range. Win-
ters in southern half of the U.S.

REDHEAD

146. Marila americana. 19 in.

Note the shape of the bill of this species, as compared
to that of the similarly colored Canvas-back. The male
Redhead has a bluish bill with a black tip, and his back
is much darker than that of the Canvas-back; eye yel-
low. The female has the throat white and the back
plain grayish-brown, without bars. Kedheads dive and
swim with great agility; they feed largely upon water
plants and mollusks which they get from the bottom of
ponds, or along the seashore. They breed very abun-
dantly in the sloughs of the prairies in the Northwest.

Notes.—A hollow, rapid croaking.

Nest.—Of crasses, lined with feathers, in marshes.
Their 6 to 12 eggs are buffy white (2.40x 1.70); May,
June.

Range.—Breeds chiefly in the interior, from Minnesota
and Dakota northward, and to a lesser degree north
90 from Maine. Winters in southern part of the U.S.

CANVAS-BACK
147. Marila vallisneria. 21 in.

Differs from the Redhead in the shape of its black
bill, its blackish forehead, very light back and red eyes.
The female has the back grayish-brown, finely barred
with black. Like the last species, Canvas-backs are
excellent swimmers and divers, and can secure their

food from a considerable depth. In winter they are jj

found in great abundance on the Atlantic coast from

Maryland southward, and are one of the most persist- JJ

ently hunted birds, for their flesh is much esteemed,
and they have a high market value. They are seen in
large flocks, and are difficult to approach, but are said
to decoy as easily as any other.

Notes.—Harsh croaks, little different from those of
the Redhead.

Nest—On the ground in marshes or sloughs, the
hollow being lined with grasses and feathers from the
breast of the female; 6 to 10 eggs (2.40x 1.70).

Range.—Breeds in the interior from Minnesota and |
Dakota northward; winters from Maryland and British
Columbia southward. Rare in New England.

AMERICAN SCAUP DUCK
148. Marila marila. 18 in.

Head black, glossed with greenish; speculum white;
bill dull bluish; eye yellow. Female resembles that of
the Redhead, but has a white speculum. These ducks
are perhaps better known as Blue-bills, than as Seaup
Ducks. They are one of the most abundant migrants
on the Atlantic coast, and are one of the most active of
the family, diving at the flash of a gun.

Notes.—A peculiar grunting quack.
Nest.—Of grass and feathers on the ground in
marshes.

Range.—Breeds from Minnesota and Dakota _ north-
ward. Winters south of New England.

LESSER SCAUP DUCK
149. Marila affinis. 17 in.
Slightly smaller than the last, and with the head of
the male glossed purple instead of green.

Range.—Breeding range same as that of the last;
winters in the scuthern half of the U. 8.

RING-NECKED DUCK

150. Marila collaris. 17 in.

Male with a narrow chestnut neck ring; head glossed
with purple; back black; chin white: bill blackish, with
a bluish band near the end; eye yellow. Female with
white cheeks, eye ring and region about the base of the
bill; otherwise similar to the female of the Redhead,
but smaller.

These ducks are usually met in flocks of from one
to three dozen, the same as the preceding two _ black-
headed ducks. Their flight is very rapid, and they are
equally agile when in the water. They are seen on
the Atlantic coast only in winter, and remain just as
far north as the water remains open.

Notes.—A low grunting ‘“quanck.”

Nest.—Of grasses and feathers in marshes and on
bogs. The 6 to 10 eggs are grayish-white (2.25 x 1.60) ;
June.

Range.—Breeds in the interior of Minnesota north-
wards; winters throughout the United States.

94

BUFFLE-HEAD

153. Charitonetta albeola. 14 in.

Head iridescent with green, purple and blue, and with
a large white patch extending from eye to eye, across
the back of the puffy crest. Female with a white patch
on either side of her brownish head; speculum white.
They are known by a great variety of names such as
“Butter Ball,” ‘ Spirit “Duck, ” “Dipper,” ete., the ma-
jority of which refer to the celerity with which they
can disappear under the water. They are always on
the alert and will dive at the flash of a gun. They are
able to continue incessant diving for a long period and
can remain under water for a long time. Their flight is
very rapid, and when alighting in the water they make
considerable splash, but can take wing from it easier
than the majority of ducks.

Notes.—A single guttural croak.

Nest.—In hollow trees; eggs greenish gray (2.00x
1.40) ; June.

Range.—Breeds from the northern boundary of the
U. S. northward; winters throughout the U.S.

AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE
151. Clangula clangula americana. 20 in.

Head puffy, or slightly crested. Male with greenish
head and a round white spot between bill and eye.
Female with a brownish head and white speculum.

Notes.—A hoarse croak, rarely uttered.

Nest.—In cavities of hollow trees near ponds or on
the banks of streams. 6 to 10 grayish green eggs (%.30 x
1.70); June.

Range.—Breeds from the northern parts of the north-
ern tier of states, northward; winters throughout the
Wi SE

BARROW GOLDEN-EYE
152. OClangula islandica. 20 in.

Head bluish with a white crescent at base of bill;
eye bright yellow in both this and the last species;
female practically indistinguishable from the preceding,
although the bill of the present species is shorter and
comparatively higher at the base.

Range.—Breeds from Northern U. 8. north to Labra-
dor and Alaska, and in the Rockies, south to Colorado;
winters in the northern half of the U. 8.

OLD SQUAW; LONG-TAILED DUCK
154. Harelda hyemalis. 6 21; Q 16 in.

This species is one of the very few ducks that change
their plumages in summer and winter. The female is
marked similarly to the male but is very much duller
eolored, and lacks the long tail feathers with which
the male is adorned. They are sea ducks and, while
they are usually found to some extent on some of the
larger lakes or ponds, during migrations, they are very
abundant on the Atlantic coast. They are excellent
swimmers and dive to great depths in search of food.
It is said (Nelson) that in their summer home, during
the mating season, they frequently dive under the water
from the air, a habit that none of the other ducks, ex-
cept rarely the Pintail, indulge in.

Notes.—A confused, but rather musical gabbling.

Nest.—On the ground near water; thickly lined with
downy feathers; eggs laid in June,

Range.—Breeds from Labrador and Alaska north-
ward; winters south to Long Island Sound and the
96 upper Mississippi Valley.

HARLEQUIN DUCK
155. Histrionicus histrionicus. 17 in.

Male very oddly and handsomely marked, as shown;
female blackish-brown, lighter below and with a whitish
spot before and one behind each eye. During the win-
ter, they are seen in flocks off the coast, from Maine
and sometimes from Long Island Scund northward. In
summer, they are usually found only in pairs along
rivers or creeks, and in the Rocky Mountains they fre-
quent the turbulent streams that are the homes of the
Water Ouzel. When swimming, Harlequins sit high in
the water, but they are able to get under the surface
with the greatest of speed.

Notes.—A rapidly uttered, clattering whistle.

Nest.—On the ground, in erevices under rocks, the
hollow being well lined with down; also said to nest
in hollow trees; their 5 to 8 eggs are greenish-buff and
measure 2.30 x 1.60; June.

Range.—Breeds from New Brunswick north and north-
west to Alaska and the Arctic Ocean, and south in the
Rockies to Colorado; winters south to the Middle States
and Calif.

7

LABRADOR DUCK

156. Camptorhynchus labradorius. 20 in.

Male with the head, breast and wings, white; narrow
stripe over the top of the head and down the back of
the neck, ring around the neck, back, primaries and
entire underparts, black. Female mottled brownish-gray
and blackish, with white speculum.

Labrador Ducks were never very abundant within the
memory of any living person, but they were oecasion-
ally shot and were found sometimes in the New York
markets. At that time little heed was paid to them
and they became extinct before anyone realized the
fact. Their record has been traced down to 1875, since
which time none have been taken. As far as known
there are but 38 or 40 of them preserved. They were
formerly found from Long Island Sound north to Lab-
rador.

NORTHERN EIDER

159. Somateria mollissima borealis. 23 in.

Base of bill extends on either side of forehead in a
point, a mark that will distinguish it from the next
and very similar species, in any plumage. The female
Eider presents a most remarkable difference in plumage
from that of the male, and, unlike the females of most
species, is a very handsome bird.

Nest.—Of grasses lined with down: concealed in tall
grass or under bushes; the 6 to 10 eggs are greenish-
drab (3.00 x 2.00); May, June.

Range.—Breeds on Labrador and Greenland coasts.

AMERICAN EIDER

160. Somateria dresseri. 23 in.

This is the Eider that is usually seen on the Atlantic
coast and is the only one that breeds south of Labra-
dor. The base of the bill, that encroaches on either side |
of the forehead is rounded, and broader than that of
the last. They nest from Maine (rarely) northward,
and winter south to Long Island.

KING EIDER

162. Somateria spectabilis. 23 in.

The feathers of the sides of the bill of this species
do not reach to the nostril, while in the two preceding
ones, they do. This is the chief point of difference in
distinguishing the females, which very closely resembl.
each other. Adult males, as can be seen, are very dif-
ferent from the other Eiders. As is usual with the
Hiders, the male of this species moults to a plumage
resembling that of the female, during the late summer,
when he has shed his wing feathers and is, for a period
flightless. This is a part of Nature’s plan to give her
feathered children protection when they most need it.
While the females are sitting upon the eggs, they are
deserted by the males, which congregate in large flocks,
and drift aimlessly about until ‘joined by the females
in Fall.

Nest.—A depression in the ground, lined with feath-
ers. Eggs like those of the last species.

Range.—Breeds from northern Labrador and the Aleu-
tian Islands, Alaska, northward; winters south to Maine
and easually to Long Island Sound.

AMERICAN SCOTER peas EAE
163. Oidemia americana. 19 in.

Adult male, entirely black; bill black with enlarged —
base yellow; eye brown. Female plain brownish-black,
lighter below. All the Scoters are better known to |
sportsmen as “coots,’ this species being the Butter-
billed Coot, while the female is the Gray Coot.

Notes.—A long musical whistle. (Elliott).

Nest.—On the ground usually well concealed. Their
6 to 10 eggs are a creamy buff color (2.50 x 1.70).

Range.—Breeds from Labrador northward. Winters ~
south to the Middle States and Lake States.

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

165. Oidemia deglandi. 22 in.

This species is the most abundant of the Scoters win-
tering off the New England coast, where they congregate
in immense “rafts,” floating off shore.

Nest.—Concealed in long grass, lined with feathers;
5 to 8 buffy eggs (2.75 x 1.85) ; June.

Range.—Breeds from North Dakota and Newfound-
land northward; winters in the northern half of U. 8.

SURF SCOTER

166. Oidemia perspicillata, 20 in.

Male black with a white patch on top of the head
and another on the nape: eye white: bill red, white and
yellow, with a large black spot near the base. Female
a uniform grayish brown, lighter below, with a whitish
patch in front of each eye; young birds are like the
female but also have a white patch back of the eye.
That they are very abundant is apparent from the size
of a single flock seen by Nelson about 10 miles out to
sea from St. Michaels, Alaska; it formed a continuous
band for about 10 miles in length and from a half to
three-quarters of a mile in width. All the * Coots”
have heavy bodies, making it rather difficult for them
to rise from the water, along which they run for a few
yards before springing into the air.

Nest.—A feather lined hollow on the ground, like that
of other ducks; eggs creamy buff (2.40 x 1.70).

oe

Range.—Breeds from Newfoundland, Manitoba, and
British Columbia northward; winters south to Virginia,
Mhio and California.

RUDDY DUCK

167. Hrismatura jamaicensis. 15 in.

Bill short, broad, with an upturned appearance; tail
feathers very narrow, stiff and pointed. Male in sum-
mer, with black crown, whitish cheeks, throat and belly,
and reddish-brown back, breast and sides. In winter,
the cheeks are duller colored and the back mixed with
grayish. Female with crown, back and sides grayish;
cheeks showing traces of white as on the male. These
ducks are very sprightly, either in the water, on land,
or a-wing. Their flight is very rapid, their stiff, short
Wings producing a buzzing sound that gives them the
local name of Bumble Bee Coot. They have a great
variety of names referring to some character of their
form, such as Broad-bill Dipper, Bull-neck, Bristle-
tail, ete.

Nest.—Of grasses or rushes, lined with down, placed
in tall grass near the water or in clumps of rushes
growing out of the water; 6 to 12 grayish eggs (2.40 x
1.75), very large for the size of the bird; June.

Range.—Breeds in the interior of northern U. S. and
in Canada; winters in southern United States.

Re

164

LESSER SNOW GOOSE
169. Chen hypeboreus. 25 in.

Plumage entirely white; ends of primaries black; top
and back of head sometimes tinged with rusty; bill and
feet red; eye brown. This variety is like the next, which
is the bird commonly seen in the East, although the
Lesser Goose is found east to the Mississippi Valley.

GREATER SNOW GOOSE
169a: C. h. nivalis. 33 in.

Snow Geese travel in large flocks, the same as do the
Canada Geese, led by an old male that has traveled the
airy road many times before. At times, flocks are seen
on the prairies, so large that they give the ground the
appearance of being covered with snow. They are very
wary and will all take flight at the first alarm.

Notes.—Usually silent, but they sometimes *“ honk.”

Nest.—Of grasses, sometimes, but not always, lined
with down; 5 to 8 buffy white eggs (3.40 x 2.40); June.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the
South Atlantic coast.

BLUE GOOSE

169.1. Chen caerulescens. 28 in.

Head and neck white, often tinged with rusty on the —
face; underparts brownish-gray. Young birds are simi-
lar but the head is brownish; bill and feet reddish;
eye brown. This handsome goose is found only in the

interior, but a few accidental birds have been taken on |

the Atlantic and two on the Pacifie coasts. While it |
is not an abundant species, flocks of twenty or thirty are ©
often seen in the Mississippi Valley. They are some- |
times seen with Snow Geese, but for the most part keep |
by themselves. On their march to their breeding grounds
they branch off from the routes chosen by the Snow Geese,
and turn to the eastward, breeding east of Hudson Bay,
while the white geese are found chiefly to the westward.

Nest.—A glass-lined depression on the ground; eggs :
deep buff color (2.50x 1.75); June.

Range.—Breeds in the Hudson Bay region and in
Labrador; winters on the west coast of the Gulf of
Mexico, migrating through the Mississippi Valley.

106

AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE

l7la. Anser albifrons gambeli. 28 in.

Forehead, white; head and neck gray: under parts
mixed black and white; feet yellow; bill pinkish; eye
brown. These geese reach the U. 8. on their return from
the Aretic regions about the first of October; they are
very abundant on the Pacific coast and fairly common
in the Mississippi Valley, but are rare on the Atlantic
coast. They are very noisy birds and in some sections
of the country are known as Laughing Geese. From
being shot at so frequently, they are very wild and
difficult to approach, sentinels being stationed to give
alarm if danger approaches, when they are feeding.

Notes.—A confused honking, likened to laughter.

Nest.—Of grasses on the ground, usually in marshes;
nearly always lined with down from the breast of the
female. The four to nine eges are buffy (3.00 x 2.05) ;
May, June.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions, chiefly west of

Hudson Bay; winters south to the Gulf coast and Calif.;
rare on the Atlantic coast.

CANADA GOOSE

172. Branta canadensis. 38 in.

The best known and most widely distributed of our
geese. In the northern states they are always eagerly
looked for in the Spring, for their arrival is a sure
indication that the backbone of Winter has_ broken.
Their familiar honking is heard long before the thin,
wavering, black, V-shaped line appears on the horizon;
as it draws nearer, the volume of sound increases, re-
sembling the baying of a pack of hounds, and at last,
the flock sweeps overhead with deafening cries; large
birds, with long necks fully outstretched, wings beating
the air in unison, and all following the leadership of
one bird in their journey over their invisible path.

Nest.—Of grasses and feathers, on marshes or near
ponds; 4 to 9 buffy drab eggs (3.50 x 2.50); May, June

Range.—Breeds from Labrador, Dakota, and British
Columbia northward; winters in Southern U. 8. 172a.
Hutchins Goose (B. e. hutehinsii) is smaller (31 in.)
and found in Western N. A., casually east of the Miss.
172¢. Cackling Goose (B. ¢. minima) is still smaller
(24 in.) ; is found in the same range.

107

108

BRANT

173a. Branta bernicla glaucogastra. 26 in.

Head, back and breast black, sharply defined against
the grayish-white of the underparts; a whitish patch
on either side of the neck. They are very abundant on
the Atlantic coast in winter, and when not too per-
sistently hunted are unsuspicious; they do not fly in
regular formation like the Canada geese, nor do they
appear to have any special leader. They are inquisitive
and easily decoyed, and consequently large numbers of
them are shot annually. They are noisy, their notes
being a peculiar, guttural “ car-r-r-rup” or “ r-r-rup,”
and when in the presence of a large flock, the sound is
deafening. (Elliott).

They feed upon tender water plants and roots, which
they get from the bottom by tipping up, and not by
diving.

Nest.—A depression in the ground, lined with grass
and feathers; eggs grayish-buff (2.80x 1.75); Jufhe.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the
Atlantic coast and less often in the Mississippi Valley,
from Mass. and II]. southward.

BLACK-BELLIED TREE DUCK

177. Dendrocygna autumnalis. 22 in.

Legs and neck long; bill and feet pinkish; eye brown;
head and neck chiefly gray; breast and back brownish;
belly and under tail coverts, black; wing-coverts white
and gray. ‘These peculiar shaped ducks are not rare in
certain localities along the Rio Grande in Southern
Texas, and are abundant in Mexico and Central Amer-
ica. They are not timid and are frequently caught and
domesticated. They ean walk and run eracefully, and
often feed in grain fields at consider able distance from
water; they also eat shoots and seeds of aquatic plants.
Like the Wood Duck, they nest in hollow trees, often
at some distance from water, and, as soon as the young
appear, help them to the ground and lead them to the
water.

Notes.—A loud, shrill whistle.

Nest.—Usually lined with down, in cavities of hollow
trees; the 6 to 15 eggs are pure white (2.05 x 1.50) ;
May.

Range.—Found in the United States only in the
Southern part of Texas.

FULVOUS TREE DUCK
178. Dendrocygna bicolor, 22 in.

Form like that of the last, but with the head, neck,
rump and underparts rusty, and with no white in the
wings. The Fulvous Duck is much more abundant in
the United States than the Black-bellied, and is casually
found as far north as Kansas and Nevada, while it is
regularly found in Texas and Louisiana, where it is
known as the Long-legged Duck. Owing to the nature
of its diet, which consists chiefly of grain, roots and
water plants, the flesh of this bird is esteemed as an
article of food, and many are killed for sueh. When
wounded, they are said to be difficult to capture, owing
to the speed at which they can run; they also swim
and dive well.

Nest.—Loeated in the hollow of a tree, the bottom of
the cavity usually being lined with feathers. They lay
from ten to fifteen pure white eggs, and as many as
thirty-two have been found in one nest, but these were
probably laid by two or more females; May.

Range.—Texas and Louisiana, and north casually to
Kansas and Nevada. Winters in Mexico.

WHISTLING SWAN
180. Olor columbianus, 54 in.

Nostril situated at a greater distance from the eye
than it is from the end of the bill; a small yellow spot
on the bare space in front of the eye; plumage entirely
white; bill and legs black. This is the swan that is
found on the Atlantic coast, and is most abundant in
the Miss. Valley. It is rare north of Chesapeake Bay,
but it is abundant from there southward, in winter.

They make a beautiful sight against the blue sky, their 7

immense white wings slowly fanning the air and their
long necks extended.

Notes.—A peculiar, flageolet-like “Who, who, who.”
(Elliott).

Nest.—A mass of weeds, grass and feathers on the !
ground; 3 to 6 greenish buff eggs (4.00 x 2.75).

Range.—Breeds within the Aretie Circle; winters
south to the Gulf of Mexico; rare north of Va. on the
Atlantic. 181. TRUMPETER SWAN (Olor bucinator)
is larger (65 in.) and is found west of the Miss. It

breeds from Ja., northwards. Nostril midway between ~

eye and tip of bill.

‘ : ORDER ODONTOGLOSSZ
FLAMINGOES—Family Pheenicopteride
FLAMINGO

182. Phanicopterus ruber. 46 in.

These large, beautiful birds are found in Southern
Florida, and casually north to South Carolina, but it is
doubtful if they breed within our limits. They fly with
their long neck fully extended and legs trailing behind,
a remarkable sight when a flock of several thousand is
seen in flight. In 1904, Mr. F. M. Chapman visited a
_. large breeding colony in the Bahamas, photographing

_ the birds in every conceivable position. .Their nests are
- mud-built structures, about a foot high, placed close
_ together in the marshy interior of low lying islands,
fF or on sandbars. The top is slightly hollowed out to
} receive the single egg (3.40x 2.15), which is covered
~ with a chalky deposit. They sit astride the nest with
their legs doubled under them.

Notes.—A honking like that of Canada Geese.

Range.—Resident in the Bahamas and West Indies;
north to Florida,

HERONS, STORKS, IBISES—Order Herodiones
Family Plataleide
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
183. Ajaia ajaja. 33 in.

Head entirely bald in adults, and only feathered to
the eyes in young birds; bill long, thin, flat and very
much broadened at the end, variously colored with
green, blue and orange; eyes and legs red. Young birds,
without the bright carmine shoulders or saffron tail of
the adults. These peculiar but handsomely tinted birds
were formerly abundant in Florida and in the adjoin-
ing states, but so many have been killed for their feath-
ers, that they are now rare and confined to the most
inaccessible swamps of Southern Florida. Spoonbills
travel and nest in communities; their flight is strong
and Heron-like, but they carry their neck fully extended,
their ample wings slowly beating the air.

Nest.—A frail structure of sticks, in mangroves or |
low trees; 3 or 4 pale, greenish blue eggs splashed with |
brown (2.50 x 1.70) ; May, June.

Range.—Florida and the Gulf States, and Southern
Texas.

3

IBISES—Family Ibidide
WHITE IBIS
184. Guara alba. 25 in,

Tips of primaries black; plumage, otherwise, entirely
white; bill, face and legs, orange red or carmine. Young
with head and neck, and more or less of the body,
brownish or streaked with brown. White Ibises are
very abundant in the South Atlantic and Gulf States,
breeding in immense rookeries in remote swamps, plac-
ing their frail platforms in bushes over the water or
sometimes weaving nests out of rushes, attached to up-
right canes and brake. These rookeries are very untidy
and offensive to human beings, and millions and millions
of black flies and mosquitoes will be encountered by any
who wish to investigate the breeding places of these
birds.

Notes.—A loud, harsh croak.

Nest.—Of twigs in bushes, or: of rushes in the tangle
and brake of marshes; 3 or 4 whitish eggs, handsomely
spotted and splashed with brownish.

Range.—Breeds north to South Carolina and Southern
Ill. Winters from the Gulf States southward.

SCARLET IBIS

185. Guara rubra. 25 in.

This beautiful species is wholly bright scarlet, except
for the black primaries; young birds are found in all
stages of plumage from the brownish-gray and white of
the first year birds, to the full plumage of the adults.

This is a tropical ibis that abounds in northern South
America, but is yearly decreasing in numbers, owing
to the persistency with which they are hunted, their
feathers being much in demand for tying trout flies, as
well as for decorating hats. a barbarous practice that
is being stopped in this country, by legislation and
public sentiment.

Nest.—In rushes or mangroves like that of the last
species; the eggs are the same size but average brighter
in color (2.25 x 1.60).

Range.—Northern South America, casually north to
the Gulf States, but has not been reported for years
in our country.

GLOSSY IBIS

186. Plegadis autumnalis. 25 in.

Like the next, which is our common species, but with
the feathers about the face not white, as in that species.

Range.—Tropical America, casually north to south-
eastern United States.

WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS

187. Plegadis guarauna. 24 in.

Bill, face and legs, carmine red; feathers bordering
the face, white; wings and tail glossy greenish-black;
rest of plumage rich chestnut-brown, glossed with pur-
ple on the head. They nest by thousands in extensive
swamps, in company with herons.

Nest.—Strongly and compactly woven of dead rushes
attached to living stalks, well cupped, thus differing
from that of any of the herons; eggs plain greenish
blue (1.95x 1.35); deeper and brighter than those of
any of the herons.

Range.—Texas, New Mexico, Ariz., Calif., and south-
ward.

STORKS—Family Ciconide
WOOD IBIS
188. Mycteria americana. 40 to 46 in.

Entire head unfeathered and covered with scales;
both head and legs are pale bluish in color; eye brown;
plumage entirely white except for the glossy purplish-
black primaries and tail. This large bird is a true
stork and is very similar to the common European
Stork. The name ibis was incorrectly and unfortunately |
applied to this species, and tends to confusion. Its
flight is very easy and graceful, accomplished with a |
slow flapping of the wings, alternated at short intervals —
with long sails. At times they mount high in the air
and circle about like hawks or vultures.

Notes.—Loud, hoarse croaks.

Nest.—A shallow platform of sticks in bushes or at Bae
low elevations in trees, usually over the water, the birds __
swarming in the most inaccessible swamps. Their 3 or
4 eggs are white and granular.

Range.—Breeds in the Gulf States and north to South
Carolina; later may stray north to New York.

BITTERNS, ETC.—Family Ardeide
AMERICAN BITTERN
190. Botaurus lentiginosus. 28 in.

Much variegated with brown and _ yellowish-brown;
adults with a long, broad, black stripe on either side
of the white throat; eye yellow; legs and base of bill
ereenish-yellow. Bitterns have a great many local
names, most of which refer to the peculiar pumping
noise that the male makes during the mating season.
Perhaps the most common of these is ‘ Stake-driver.”
Bitterns are found in bogs or marshes; they remain
concealed by the tall grass until any intruder is very
near, before they take flight.

Notes.—A squawk of alarm: song a hollow “ punk-
er-lunk.”

Nest.—A erass-lined hollow in tufts of grass or turf,
in the middle of bogs or marshes. 3 or 4 plain brownish
eggs, measuring 1.95x 1.50. But one or two pairs nest
in a locality; May, June.

Range.—Breeds in the northern half of the United
States and Southern Canada; winters in southern half
of the United States.

LEAST BITTERN
191. Lxobrychus exilis. 13 in.

Male with the crown and back glossy black; female
with these areas hair-brown, and streaked with brown
below. These diminutive little bitterns are very shy and
retiring, and seldom seen away from the reed grown
marshes or ponds that they frequent.

Notes.—A hoarse croak, and a softly repeated * coo.”

Nest.—A platform of dead rushes twisted about the
living stalks. The 3 or 4 eggs are pale bluish white.
(2% -9); May, June:

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf States, locally to South-
ern Canada; winters from the Gulf States southward.

CORY LEAST BITTERN
191.1. Jxobrychus neorynus. 13 in.

This extremely rare little bittern is of the same size
and form as the common species. The crown, back,
wing-feathers and tail are black, and the rest of the
plumage is more or less intense chestnut brown. The
majority of specimens have been taken in Florida and
Ontario, with one each from Michigan and Massachu-
setts. There are about twenty of them known to be
preserved.

GREAT WHITE HERON

192. Ardea occidentalis. 50 in.

This is the largest heron that we get in North Amer-
ica, surpassing even the Great Blue. Its plumage is
entirely white; no “aigrettes” on the back, but two
white plumes on the back of the head and the feathers
of the breast much lengthened, the same as in adult
Blue Herons; bill, eyes and legs yellow. <A gray phase
of this heron, or a hybrid between it and the Great
Blue Heron, is occasionally found in Southern Florida;
it is similar to the Blue Heron, but paler and with the
head and neck white.

Nest.—A large platform of sticks placed in the tops
of mangroves. Their three or four eggs are not dis-
tinguishable from those of the next species; June.

Range.—Said to be not uncommon on some of the
Florida Kevs.

GREAT BLUE HERON

194. Ardea herodias. 48 in.

Adult Blue Herons are very handsome birds, as may
be seen in the illustration. Young birds, and nine out
of ten that we see will be young birds, are much duller
colored and have no plumes. It takes several years
for them to attain their perfect plumage. Their nests
are placed in the tops of the tallest trees and are, con-
sequently, difficult to get at. In some heronries, trees
have been found containing as many as 40 nests. In
flight, herons always carry “their head drawn in against
the shoulders, the “neck being curved below.

Nest.—A platform of sticks in tall trees in wet woods.
3 or 4 pale greenish-blue eggs (2.50 x 1.50); May, June.

Range.—Breeds locally throughout the United States
and Canada, either in colonies, or single pairs where
they are persecuted as in New England; winters in
Southern U. S. 149b. Ward Heron (A. h. wardi) is
similar but lighter below and the neck is darker and
browner; it abounds in Florida.

121

AMERICAN EGRET
196. Herodias egretta. 41 in.

Entirely white, with no plumes on the head but with
a long train of straight “aigrette” plumes growing
from the middle of the back; bill and eye, yellow; legs
and feet, black. Young and adults in winter, without
plumes. The hand of man, to gratify the desire of
woman, has ruthlessly slaughtered thousands upon thou-
sands of these exquisitely beautiful birds; in Florida
where they were abundant a few years ago, only strag-
glers are seen. A few of these heronries are yet left,
either because they are in wildernesses where man has
not yet penetrated, or are strongly protected by the
humane owners of the land. It is only at the breeding
places that they can be killed in numbers, as at other
times they are shy; and it is only during nesting season
that they wear their beautiful plumes.

Nest.—A frail platform of sticks, at low elevations,
in bushes usually over water in swamps. Eggs, 3 or
4 in number, plain bluish green (2.25x 1.45); April
to June.

SNOWY HERON

197. Egretta candidissima. 24 in.

Plumage white; in breeding season with numerous
recurved plumes growing from the middle of the back;
long crest of plumes on the back of the head, and on
the breast. Bill black, greenish at the base and abcut
the eyes: legs black; feet yellow. This species is the
most beautiful of the Egrets and consequently is the one
that has suffered most from “plume hunters.” Al-
though they are now protected wherever they can be,
their ranks have been so decimated that extermination
is threatened within a few years; the demand for their
plumes is still so great that lawless men will commit
murder to obtain them (Warden Bradley having been
shot in 1905, while preventing the destruction of herons
in Southern Florida).

Nest—In swamps, in company with other small her-
ons, the nests being frail platforms of twigs on branches
of trees. Eggs pale greenish-blue.

Range.—Breeding range formerly coincident with that
of the last, but now very rare.

REDDISH EGRET
198. Dichromanassa rufescens. 29 in.

Two color phases, the gray being the most common :—
Head and neck, including plumes on neck and breast,
reddish-brown; rest of plumage gray, the plumes on the
back being lightest; feet blue-black; bill yellowish
at the base and black at the tip. In the white phase,
the plumage is entirely, or nearly, white, including the
plumes. As usual, these egrets associate in large flocks,
of their own kind or other small herons. Their food
consists of small fish, frogs, lizards, insects and mice.
They will stand motionless in shallow water, for a long
time waiting for their prey, and woe to the creature
that comes within striking distance of their spear-like
bill. Their flight is strong and graceful as they make
their way from their breeding places to their feeding
grounds on the mud flats, left bare by the receding tide.

Nest.—Like that of other herons; eggs slightly more
greenish blue than those of the other egrets (1.9 x 1.45) ;
May, June.

Range.—Breeds in the Gulf coast states, and north
to South Carolina.

LOUISIANA HERON

199. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis. 26 in.

In breeding plumage, with short plumes on the back,
extending three or four inches beyond the tips of the
wings. Throat, front line of neck, and underparts
white; head and neck reddish-purple; back and wings
slaty; crest whitish; bill and legs dark; eyes red. A
very abundant species throughout the year, on the Gulf
coast of the United States. Their bearing is one of
self-esteem and their walk slow and stately; they are
often called “* Lady of the Waters,” because of the im-
posing picture that they make. They are very sociable,
rarely quarrel among themselves, and are usually found
in company with Little Blue Herons and Egrets.

Nest.—They nest in communities in mangroves in
southern Florida and in swamps, in company with many
other species, in the northern portions of their range.
Their nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of
the Snowy Heron.

Range.—Breeds and is resident in the South Atlantic
and Gulf States.

LITTLE BLUE HERON
200. Florida caerulea. 22 in.

Tlead and neck, maroon; rest of plumage slaty-blue;
plumes on back of head, breast and on the back; eyes
yellow; bill and feet greenish. Young birds are white,
usually with a tinge of bluish on the forehead and ends
of the wings. They can be distinguished from the simi-
lar Snowy Herons by the greenish-black legs, while the
legs of the latter are black with yellow feet. These
little herons are resident and most abundant in the
South Atlantic and Gulf States. They are at home in
and enjoy the rankest and most impenetrable swamps,
where only birds or reptiles can tread with safety.
Yet herons are an interesting group and, in their own
way, perform useful service to mankind by destroying
quantities of reptiles, insects and mice.

Nest.—The nesting habits and eggs of this species are
the same as those of the little Snowy Heron and the
egos cannot be distinguished with certainty.

Range.—Breeds north to Virginia and Illinois; later
may stray north to New England.

GREEN HERON
201. Butorides virescens. 17 in.

Smallest of the family, except the Least Bittern. In
breeding plumage, they are one of the most beautiful
of herons. They may be found in marshes; along creeks
or about the edges of shallow ponds or lakes. They
are often seen sitting upon a partly submerged log
sunning themselves, or waiting for a tempting frog or
fish to pass within reach. When they are among rushes,
they will usually attempt to escape observation by
mimicking their surroundings, and they do so very suc-
cessfully. When they are alarmed and take flight they
utter a single sharp shriek. At other times they utter
a series of hollow screams, “ qu-ick, qu-ick,’” and also a
hollow croak.

Nest.—In bushes, in communities or in company with
other species in the south, but usually a few pairs nest
in a locality in the northern states and Canada. Eggs
pale bluish-green (1.45x 1.10).

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to Manitoba and Nova
Seotia; winters in the Gulf States.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
202. Nycticorax nycticorax nevius. 24 in.

Bill much heavier than that of the herons; neck and
legs shorter and stouter; eye red; bill black; legs and
bare space in front of eye, pale yellowish-green. Young
birds are mottled with brownish-gray and white; eyes
yellow. As their name implies, these herons do most
of their feeding after dusk, sleeping during the greater
part of the day. Their heronries are usually located in
swamps, and preferably in coniferous trees. A visit to
one of these is very interesting, but old clothes must
be worn, for their homes are filthy. On your approach,
the old birds flap away, and circle about with squawks
of disapproval, and all the young birds commence a
loud ticking noise, like what would be produced by hun-
dreds of huge ‘ grandfather’s clocks.”

Notes.—A harsh ‘“ quark.”
Nest.—A platform of sticks; eggs pale bluish-green.
(2.00 x 1.40).

Range.—Breeds north to New Brunswick and Mani-
toba; winters in the Gulf States and southward.

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
203. Nyctanassa violacea. 23 in.

Like the last species, the head of this one is adorned
with three long, rounded, white plumes; in life these
plumes are rarely separated, but are nested together so
that there appears to be but one. As dusk approaches,
these birds sally out from their roosting or nesting
places, and with slow, measured flaps, wing their way
to their feeding grounds, which are usually fresh water
bogs, teeming with animal and insect life. After dark
the “quark” of Night Herons is frequently heard as
the birds pass overhead, and they can very easily be
decoyed by a crude imitation of their call. This species
is principally confined to the South where it is found in
heronries of its own kind, or in company with others.

Notes.—Like those of the Black-crowned Night Heron.

Nest.—A platform of sticks in trees, in swamps. 3 or
4 pale bluish-green eggs (2.00 x 1.40); May.

Range.—Breeds north to South Carolina and Southern
Illinois: later may stray farther north.

9

130

CRANES, RAILS, ETC.—Order Paludicolz
CRANES—Family Gruide
WHOOPING CRANE
204. Grus americana. 50 in.

Plumage white, with black primaries; the inner wing
feathers greatly lengthened, making a flowing train.
Head of adult, largely bare, carmine colored, and with
a few black hair-like feathers; eye yellow; bill and legs
black. Young birds are whitish, mixed with gray.
These great birds are not uncommon on the prairies of
interior America, where they frequent the edges of
marshes and sloughs. They are very wary and their
great height enables them to see anyone a long way
off, above the marsh grass. They were formerly found
on the South Atlantie coast, but are now extremely rare
there.

Notes.—A loud whooping scream.

Nest.—On the ground, usually in marshes; it is a
bulky mass of grass and weeds, with the hollowed top
a foot or more above ground. The two eggs that they
lay are brownish-buff, spotted with brown. (3.75 x 2.50) ;
May, June.

LITTLE BROWN CRANE
205. Grus canadensis. 36 in.

Like the next and better known species, but smailer
and browner, especially on the wings.

Range.—Breeds in the interior of Northern Canada;
migrates, west of the Mississippi and east of the Rockies,
to Mexico.

SANDHILL CRANE
206. Grus mexicana. 44 in.

Plumage entirely grayish with a few brownish feath-
ers; bare skin on top of head, red. These cranes are
locally distributed in the Gulf States, and in the inte-
rior north to Manitoba. ‘Their food consists largely of
grasshoppers, worms and lizards. Unlike herons, their
young are born covered with down and can run about
as soon as they appear. . When flying, cranes carry
their neck full outstretched.

Nest.—On the ground like that of the Whooping
Crane.

Range.—Winters on the Gulf coast and in Florida;
breeds north to Manitoba.

131

COURLANS—Family Aramide
LIMPKIN

207. Aramus vociferus. 27 in.

These singular birds are the connecting link between
the cranes and the rails. They are rarely seen in flocks,
usually living a secluded life in pairs. They are often
known as the “erying bird,” because of the peculiar

wailing cries that they utter, both in daytime and after
nightfall. They are great skulkers, and it is difficult
to make them fly ; when they do take wing, it is only to
go a few rods before dropping into the shelter of the
reeds again. They can run rapidly, having a peculiar
mincing gait, that is said to have given them the name
of Limpkin.

Notes.—A peculiar wailing ‘* whee-ee-eu.”

Nest.—A loosely constructed platform of sticks, leaves,

‘ass and moss, located a few feet from the ground in
tangled underbrush or vines. The 4 to 7 eggs are butty
white, blotched with brown (2.30x 1.70) ; April, May.

Range.—Breeds and is resident in Southern Florida,
and casually Texas.

RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS—Family Rallide
KING RAIL
208. Rallus elegans. 18 in.

Back handsomely patterned with black, olive-brown —
and gray; wing coverts reddish-brown; neck and breast, |

rich cinnamon-brown, brightest on the breast. Sides |

sharply barred with black and white. This species is

the handsomest of the rails, and is the most distinctly By

and brightly marked. They are excellent runners and |
are very difficult to start from the marsh grass within *
which they are concealed. They are usually found in |
fresh water marshes, while the next species is most
abundant in salt marshes; they are both often found in
the same place and must be seen at close range to dis-—
tinguish them,

Notes.—A loud “bup, bup, bup’
in a roll. (Chapman).

Nest.—Of grass and weeds on the ground in marshes.
The eggs are pale buff, spotted with reddish-brown
(1G x22) Jume:

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf coast north to Conn.,
Ont., and Minn. Winters in southern U. S.

b

repeated and ending

CLAPPER RAIL
211. Rallus crepitans. 15 in.

General color above olive-grayish, with no strong black
markings; breast pale brown; flanks barred with gray
and white. This species is found almost exclusively in
salt marshes, where they skulk about like rats. During
exceptionally high tides, when their hiding places are
covered, many of them are killed by negroes and white
men for food; they can swim, but usually run across
the marsh, making use of blades of grass, sticks or
whatever trash may be in their course, as stepping
stones.

Notes.—Loud and clacking like those of the King Rail.

Nest.—Of grasses on the ground in salt marshes; 6 to
14 buffy eggs, spotted with brown (1.70 x 1.20).

Range.—Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast, north to
Mass. The following subspecies are darker and very
locally distributed. 21la, Louisiana Clapper (R. ¢. satu-
ratus), coast of La. 211b, Scott Clapper (R. ¢. seotti),
Gulf coast of Fla. 21le, Wayne Clapper (R. ce. waynei),
134 east coast of Fla. to 8. C.

VIRGINIA RAIL
212. Rallus virginianus. 9.5 in.

Coloration almost exactly like that of the King Rail, |
but the bird is much smaller. Like that species, this
one prefers fresh water marshes. They have a great
aversion to flying, and, like other rails, will trust to
their legs for safety, should danger threaten; probably
no other birds are as dexterous as the rails in thread-
ing their way through the close standing rushes. <A1-
though they do not have webbed feet, they can swim
fairly well, and also dive, but they do so only when
they are forced to. They look extremely awkward as
they run over the trash on the marsh, their head and
neck erect and extended, with their head rapidly turn-
ing from side to side as though looking for a place of
safety.

Notes.—A guttural, rattling “ cut-cut-cut-ee.”

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground or in tufts of rushes;
eges creamy-white, specked with brown. (1.25 x .90) ;
May, June.

Range.—Breeds in the northern half of the United
States and southern Canada; winters in southern U. S.

CAROLINA RAIL; SORA
214. Porzana carolina. 8.5 in.

Adults with the face and throat black. Young with
no black on the head. This species is not apt to be
confused with any, except, possibly, the Virginia Rail,
which is somewhat larger, and always has the breast
conspicuously cinnamon color. These birds are very
abundant in nearly their whole range, but they are so
secretive in their habits that their presence is often not
noticed. Unless disturbed, they pass the greater por-
tion of the day in slumber, and do most of their feeding
after dusk, when their confused, clucking notes are
heard all over the marshes. All of the rails have this
habit of feeding chiefly at night, perhaps through fear
of enemies during the day time, for they seem to be very
timid birds.

Notes.—A rapid clucking, “ kuk, kuk, kuk,” ete

Nest.—A rude structure of grass and rushes on the
ground in either salt or fresh marshes; 6 to 16 buff
colored eggs with reddish brown specks.

Range.—Breeds in the northern half of the U. 8. and
136 northwards; winters in the southern half.

YELLOW RAIL
215. Coturnicops noveboracensis. 7 in.

This is a handsome bird, the entire plumage having
a glossy lustre. The back is blackish, with all the
feathers edged with white, while the head, neck and
breast have a peculiar yellowish-brown shade.

Nest.—On the ground; made of rushes and grass
woven and twisted together; the 6 to 12 eggs are rich
buff color, specked in a wreath about the large end, with
reddish-brown; size 1.10 x .80; June.

Range.—Breeds in northern U. 8. and southern Can-
ada; winters in the southern states.

BLACK RAIL
216. Creciscus jamaicensis. 5 in.

Much smaller than any of our other rails; very dark. —

Notes.—A peculiar, loud clicking sound.

Nest.—Of grass and rushes, well cupped to receive the
6 to 12 eggs; these are creamy white, speckled with
reddish brown (1.03x.75); June.

Range.—Breeds in the United States north to Mass.,
southern Minn. and Oregon. Winters in the West Indies
and Central America.

PURPLE GALLINULE

218. lonornis martinicus. 13 in.

Bill shorter and stouter than that of the rails, and
with a hard shield at the base, that extends on the fore-
head to the top of the head. This species is beautifully
‘colored with purplish-red and blue on the underparts,
and greenish on the back and wings; legs yellow; bill
carmine, tipped with yellow. The habits of the galli-
‘nules are practically the same as those of the rails.
They inhabit marshes, where they creep cautiously but
rapidly through the upright stalks, or run over the
slimy surface, where none but birds with extremely long
» toes could get a foothold. Their powers of flight are
weak, and they do not take wing unless they are cor-
nered or wish to cross some stream.

Nest.—Woven of grasses and rushes, and placed either
on the ground or attached to living rushes, usually over
the water; their 5 to 10 eggs are rich cream color,
spotted with reddish brown (1.60 x 1.15).

Range.—Breeds in eastern United States, north to
North Carolina and southern Illinois; winters south of
the U. S.

FLORIDA GALLINULE

219. Gallinula galeata. 13 in.

Bill and crown plate, red, tipped with yellow; legs
greenish with a red ring around the top; plumage gray
changing to blackish on the head and neck. Florida
Gallinules are very noisy, especially during the mating
and breeding season, and marshes in the south, where
they breed by hundreds, fairly ring with their cries,
chuckles and squawks. They have an almost endless
variety of notes but all of them are harsh and explosive.
At times they appear to be stupid, and allow anyone to
approach im a boat, near enough to touch them with an
oar. When frightened, and with no protecting rushes
to conceal them, they will rush off over the grass and
water, with much spattering and squawking.

Nest.—Usually fastened in the marsh grass or flags
above water; made of rushes and grass; the eggs are
similar to those of the Purple Gallinule but are duller.

Range.—Breeds north to southern New England, On-
tario, Minnesota and Oregon; winters in southern U. S.

140

AMERICAN COOT

221. Fulica americana. 1d in.

Bill and frontal shield as in the gallinules, but the
bill is whitish with a blackish ring near the tip; each
individual toe is furnished with a large scalloped web;
otherwise their plumage is grayish like that of the
Florida Gallinule. Coots are, locally, very abundant
throughout temperate North America in summer. Like
gallinules, they inhabit reedy pools, sluggish streams
and boggy marshes, where they are at least safe from
human pursuit. They conceal themselves among the
reeds, so as to escape observation, taking wing only
when they are obliged to. They are expert swimmers,
and can dive and swim for long distances under water;
in this respect they have a decided advantage over the
rails and gallinules.

Nest.—Like that of the gallinules; 6 to 15 grayish
egos, finely speckled with black (1.80x1.30). May,,
June.

Range.—Breeds throughout temperate America, rare
on the North Atlantic coast; winters in southern U. 8.

SHORE BIRDS—Order Limicoie
PHALAROPES—Family Phalaropodide
RED PHALAROPE
222. Phalaropus fulicarius. 8 in.

Bill heavier than any of the other phalaropes; feet
lobate-webbed. Adults in summer have the entire under-
parts reddish brown; side of head white; upper parts
gray. white and black. In winter, head and underparts
are white: back gray. Phalaropes differ from any other
of our birds, in that the female is the larger and brighter
plumaged bird, and the duties of incubation are largely
or chiefly performed by the male bird. These phalaropes
are very rarely seen in the United States in their breed-
ing plumage; when they come in the Fall, nearly all
have changed to their dull winter dress, and they keep
this until after they leave us in the Spring.

Nest.—A hollow in the ground, lined with a few
grasses; eggs greenish buff, spotted with blackish.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions: winters south
to New York, Calif., and Ohio, chiefly on the sea coasts.

141

NORTHERN PHALAROPE
223. Lobipes lobatus. 7.5 in.

Bill short and slender. Female in summer with
reddish-brown breast; gray upper parts mixed with
white and buff; throat and belly, white. Male, similar
but duller colored. In winter, the upper parts are gray
mixed with white, and the underparts are pure white.
This is a maritime species that nests in the far north,
and appears on our coast only for a short time during
migrations. Like the last, they are expert swimmers
and pass most of their time, when not breeding, upon
the surface of the water, where they can outride the
most severe storms in safety. They feed upon minute
insects that they secure from beds of floating kelp.

Notes.—A sharp, rapidly repeated, metallic * tweet.”
Nest.—A_ grass-lined hollow in the ground; eggs
greenish-buff, spotted with black (1.30 x .90).

Range.—Breeds from Labrador, Hudson Bay and
Alaska northward. Winters south of the United States,
migrating along both coasts, and to some extent in the
interior.

WILSON PHALAROPE

224. Steganopus tricolor. 9 in.

Bill long and slender. Female in summer with a
black line through eye, shading into a broad stripe
of rich chestnut on the sides of the neck. Male much
duller colored and slightly smaller. This phalarope
is one of the most beautiful of all our shore birds,
and is the most southerly distributed of the phalaropes.
It is a bird of the interior, and is only rarely or cas-
ually met with on the sea coasts. It commonly travels
about in small companies instead of large flocks as the
other two species do, and is not as often seen on the
water, although it can swim well.

Notes.—Usually silent, but has a low quack.

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground, usually concealed
in a tuft of grass, and near the border of a marsh or
pond; the 3 or 4 eggs are brownish or greenish-buff
with black markings (1.30 x .90); June.

Range.—Breeds chiefly in the interior, from Towa and
California, north to Hudson Bay; winters south of the
US:

143

AVOCETS AND STILTS—Family Recurvirostride
AMERICAN AVOCET

225. Reecurvirostra americana. 17 in.

Bill slender and recurved; feet webbed; feathers on
the underparts very thick and duck-like, being imper-
vious to water. In summer, the head and neck are pale
cinnamon color; young birds and winter adults have
the head and neck white, but the rest of the plumage
is the same as in summer. These interesting waders
are very abundant in some localities on the western
plains. During the breeding season, if not molested,
they become very tame; at other times they are quite
wary. Their food consists of water insects and small
crustacea, which they secure in a novel manner. Wad-
ing along in shallow water, with their head immersed,
they keep their bill moving from side to side through
the soft mud.

_ Nest.—Of grass, on the ground; the eggs are brown-
ish-buff spotted with black (1.90 x 1.30); May, June.
Range.—Breeds locally from Texas and southern Cali-

fornia northward to Saskatchewan; rare or casual east

of the Miss. and on the Atlantic coast.

BLACK-NECKED STILT

226. Himantopus mexicanus. 15 in.

Legs extremely long, and bright red; neck and bill
moderately long and slender. Male black and white
as shown; female and young with the back brownish.
These very long-legged creatures are found in suitable
places west of the Mississippi River, and are especially
abundant in southern California. Stilts are poor swim-
mers, but habitually feed in comparatively deep water,
that is up to their bodies, their whole head, neck and
upper parts of the body often being submerged while
thus engaged. They are strong and swift on the wing,
twisting as they fly, so as to alternately show their
black upper parts, then the white surfaces beneath; this
is a habit that is common to several varieties of shore
birds.

Nest.—On the ground as usual; eggs greenish-buff,
spotted with black (1.80x 1.25); May, June.

Range.—Breeds in the Gulf states and southern Cali-
fornia, north to Dakota; winters south of U. 8., except
in southern California. Rare on the Atlantic coast.

10

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.—Family Scolopacide
AMERICAN WOODCOCK

228. Philohela minor. 11 in.

Bill very long; eyes very large and located near the
top of the head; form heavy; legs short; plumage much
mottled with black, brown and gray. These peculiar
birds are very well known throughout their range, to
gunners and sportsmen, who have been the means of
almost completely exterminating them in some _ locali-
ties. They are found in runs along the edges of brooks,
where the mud is soft. Their food is of worms, insects
- and their larve, which they get from the ground by
‘boring with their long bills. Their flight is very rapid,
and when startled they double and twist in their haste
to get away, their three narrow outer wing feathers
producing a peculiar whistling sound.

Notes.—A low peep, and a twittering.

Nest.—Simply a hollow amid the surrounding leaves;
the 4 eggs are buff, with yellowish-brown spots (1.50 x
1.15); April, May.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding chiefly from Ohio
and New Jersey, northward; winters in southern U. 8.

WILSON SNIPE
230. Gallinago delicata. 11 in.

Bill very long, but not as heavy as that of the Wood- |

cock; eyes not abnormally large; head striped with
black and whitish; back handsomely variegated with

black, brown and white; sides barred with black and ;
white. The Snipe frequents more open country than #

the Woodcock, being found in marshes or along open
brooks. Like the Woodcock, they often le still and

trust to their colors to prevent their being seen, but if &

they are observed, and they are always on the alert,
they instantly take wing and pursue a zigzag course out
of sight. Like the last species they procure their food
by boring, the tip of the bill being flexible, so they can
grasp their food when they feel it.

Notes.—A sharp, harsh whistle as they take wing.

Nest.—Depressions in the grassy edges of ponds or

marshes; eggs olive gray, marked with blackish. (1.50x @

1.10); May, June.

Range.—Breeds from the northern tier of states north- * =

ward. Winters in southern U. 8.

i pes me 4 DOWITCHER
. 231. Macrorhamphus griseus. 10.5 in.

Bill very long like that of the Snipe. Adults in sum-
mer are reddish-brown below, more or Jess specked with
black on the breast and barred with black on the sides;
above mottled with brown and black, hghter, or even
white, on the rump. In winter, they are gray above
and white below, the breast being tinged with gray and
streaked with dusty. Dowitchers are known as Red-
breasted Snipe and as Robin Snipe by gunners, with
whom they are great favorites. They usually travel in
flocks, and often with flocks of other species. Their
notes are a series of musical whistles, easily imitated,
and the birds are easily attracted thereby.

Nest.—As usual on the ground; eggs greenish-buff,
spotted.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the Arctic regions;
winters south of the U. 8S.

232. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (M. scolopaceus) ,
is found in western N. A. The bill is supposed to be
longer, but the plumage is identical and the birds prob-
ably are.

STILT SANDPIPER
233. Micropalama himantopus. 8.5 in.

Bill slender and only moderately long. In summer,
the entire underparts are rusty-white, barred with black-

ish; ear-coverts and top of head browner; back mixed |

brown and black. In winter, they are gray above and |

whitish below, with the breast streaked with dusty. |
They seem to be one of the least abundant of our shore |
birds, single individuals being found in flocks of other |

species, rather than in flocks of themselves. They are

usually more shy than the birds with which they are |

associated, perhaps because they lack companionship of

their own kind. They have a musical whistle, not dis- |

tinctive from that of many others of our small shore
birds.

Nest.—The three or four eggs are laid in a hollow in
the ground, usually in the grass back from the beach;
eggs grayish, blotched with various shades of brown.

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding in the Arc-
tic regions and migrating through the United States to
South America, chiefly on the Atlantic coast.

aa

| KNOT

234. Tringa canutus. 10.5 in.

Bill moderately long and quite stout; form more
robust than most of our shore birds. Adults in summer,
mixed brownish and gray, above, and uniform reddish-
brown below. - In winter, plain gray above and white
below; young similar but with feathers on the back
. edged with white. It is an abundant species on the
' Atlantic coast during migrations, and is known by vari-
cus names such as Red-breasted Sandpiper and Robin
Snipe, when in summer dress, and as Gray-back when
in winter plumage. It is usually found on the ocean
beach, where it follows the waves as they recede, pick-
ing up numerous insects left there, and retreating be-
fore the next wave.

Notes.—An ordinary Sandpiper whistle.

Nest.—Not positively known, but a supposed egg
obtained by Lieutenant Greely in the vicinity of Fort
Conger was pea-green in color, with small brown spots.
(ETO IEO OE

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; migrates chiefly
150 on the Atlantic coast, to South America.

PURPLE SANDPIPER
235. Arquatella maritima. 9 in.

Upper parts blackish, margined with buffy; breast
and sides slaty purple. In winter, blackish, without
the rusty edging to the feathers. These dark colored
little sandpipers prefer bold rocky coasts.

Notes.—A loud, shrill whistle.

Nest.—A hollow in the ground, among grass and
weeds, lined with a few grasses; eggs grayish buff,
handsomely splashed with various shades of brown.

Range.—Breeds from northern Labrador and _ the
mouth of Hudson Bay northward; winters south to
Long Island Sound and the Great Lakes.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER
239. Pisobia maculata. 9 in.

Crown and back blackish, strongly edged with red-
dish-brown; an ashy-gray wash on the breast, with nu-
merous streaks of blackish. Well known and called by
a great variety of names, of which Jack Snipe and
Grass Snipe are probably the most common.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; migrates
through the U. 8. to South America.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER
240. Pisobia fuscicollis. 7.5 in.

Upper tail coverts white; below white, but with the
throat and breast streaked with dusky, these markings
extending on the sides to the tail.

Notes.—Musical whistles in no way different from
those of the Least Sandpiper.

Nest.—On the ground, in grass back of beaches; eggs
gray, profusely blotched with blackish brown.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Labrador and
Hudson Bay northward; migrates through the U. 8.
~ east of the Rockies, to southern South America.

BAIRD SANDPIPER
241. Pisobia bairdi. 7.5 in.

Of the same size, form and general coloration as the
White-rumped Sandpiper, but the upper tail-coverts are
blackish, and the breast is only very faintly streaked.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions, and migrates
~ chiefly through the interior, but to some extent on the
coast, south to southern South America.

LEAST SANDPIPER
242. Pisobia minutilla. 6 in.

Smallest of our sandpipers. Upperparts blackish,
edged with bright chestnut; breast and sides ashy-gray,
conspicuously streaked with dusky.

Notes.—A musical whistle, “ peet-weet.”

Nest.—A grass lined hollow: eggs grayish, heavily
blotched with blackish brown (1.15 x.80).

Range.—Breeds from Nova Scotia and northern Brit-
ish Columbia northward; winters from the Gulf States
and California southward.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
246. Hreunetes pusillus. 6.25 in.

Feet with small webs between the toes at their base.
Similar in size and form to the Least Sandpiper, but
the upper parts are not as bright rusty, and the breast
is only faintly streaked with dusky.

Range.—Breeds from Labrador northward.

247. WESTERN SANDPIPER (E. mauri) is very
similar; more rusty above, with stronger markings.

RED-BACKED SANDPIPER

243. Pelidna alpina sakhalina. 8 in.

Bill slightly decurved and rather stout. Adults in
summer, with the upper parts largely bright rusty;
belly black; head, throat, breast and sides strongly
streaked with black. In winter, dull brownish-gray
above and white below, with the breast washed with
erayish and slightly streaked with dusky. Found in
large flocks on both the Atlantic and Pacifie coasts, dur-
ing migrations, but rarely in the interior. Their flight
is very rapid and performed in very compact flocks that
act as if governed by one impulse. They are very
active, feeding for a short time in one place, then flying
to another. They are found most abundantly on sand
bars and mud flats, rather than on the open beach.

Nest.—Usually on dry, grassy knolls, a hollow in the
earth being lined with a few dried grasses. Eggs pale
greenish or brownish gray, spotted with blackish. (1.40
x 1.00) ; June.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions, and winters
from the Gulf coast and southern California, southward.

SANDERLING

248. Calidris leucophea. 8 in.

Toes short and stout; no hind toe. Adults in sum-
mer, variegated above with bright reddish-brown and
black; below white, the breast being strongly washed
with rusty and spotted with black. In winter, plain
grayish above and white below; head white, except the
crown; young birds are like winter adults but have
the back with some blackish. In the interior this spe-
cies is found on the edges of lakes and rivers. On the
coast, it is one of the boldest of the shore birds, feed-
ing on the edge of the outer beach, often under the comb-
ing crest of the incoming waves, retreating just as the
wave breaks and is dashed to foam on the beach. They
are usually wary and will not allow a close approach.

Nest.—On the ground; eggs greenish-buff, spotted
with black.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters south
to Patagonia, migrating on both coasts and to a less
extent in the interior.

MARBLED GODWIT

249. Limosa fedoa. 19 in.

Bill long and slightly recurved. Back, wings and tail,
rufous, barred with black; rump usually white, with
black bars; underparts pale rufous with narrow bars;
head grayish, with black streaks on the crown and
sides. Young similar, but whiter below and with few
or no bars. These large waders are found in moderately
large flocks both in the interior and on the coast in the
fall. They frequent salt marshes on the coast, and the
borders of ponds and lakes in the interior. They are
much hunted and are consequently very wary, usually
taking wing as soon as anyone appears in sight. They
are readily decoyed, and thousands perish annually at
the hands of sportsmen. They are known by many
names, Marlin and Straight-bill Curlew probably being
the most commonly used.

Range.—Breeds in the interior from Iowa north to
Saskatchewan. Winters south of the U. 8., migrating
along both coasts as well as in the interior.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT

251. Limosa haemastica. 15 in.

Bill slightly recurved; tail black at the end, and
white at the base, not barred as that of the last species
always is. Above blackish, with rusty margins; below
deep reddish-chestnut, barred, chiefly on the sides, with
black. In winter, similar but duller both above and
below, with only traces of bars on the flanks, and with
the breast more or less streaked. This species is more
abundant on the Atlantic coast during migrations than
the last. It is most often known as the Ring-tailed
Marlin, owing to a very strong contrast between the
black tail, white rump and dark upper parts as the
bird flies. They are usually found in the marshes back
of the ocean beach, and, owing to their large size, car
be seen for a long distance.

Notes.—A loud, shrill whistle.

Nest.—A grass lined hollow in marshes; eggs brown-
ish buff, blotened with blackish (2.20 x 1.40).

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters south
of the United States, migrating chiefly on the Atlantic
eoast, but to some extent down the Miss. Valley.

GREATER YELLOW-LEGS
254. Totanus melanoleucus. 14 in.

Bill long and rather slender; legs long and yellow or
greenish yellow. Head and neck streaked with gray
and white; back black margined with white; rump
white; tail barred black and white; underparts white,
washed with gray on the breast, and with numerous
black arrow-head markings. In winter, similar, but
with no black markings below.

Notes.—A loud three-syllabled whistle.

Range.—Breeds from northern portion of Miss. Val-
ley in the U. S. northward; winters from the Gulf
States and southern California southward.

LESSER YELLOW-LEGS
255. Totanus flavipes. 10.5 in.

Very similar in form, color and markings to the
large Yellow-legs, but smaller in every way.

Range.—Breeds in the interior of Canada, north to
the Arctic Ocean, and possibly in northern Miss. Valley.
Winters from the Gulf States southward, migrating in
the interior and along the Atlantic coast.

SOLITARY SANDPIPER

256. Helodromas solitarius. 8.5 in.

Above olive-grayish, streaked on the head and neck,
and sharply speckled on the back and wings, with white;
tail sharply barred with black and white; below white,
streaked on the breast and barred on the sides with
gray and white. In winter, with fewer white markings
on the back. It is often confused with the Spotted
Sandpiper that frequents the same places, but should ~
be easily identified when it flies by its barred tail and =
linings of the wings. They have the habit, common to
nearly all the shore birds, of elevating their wings after
alighting, and then carefully folding “them on the back.

Nest.—For a long time their eggs were unknown, but ¥
are now known to be laid in the nests of other land
birds, at low elevations in trees or bushes near water.
They have been found in Manitoba in a Waxwing’s nest.
Eggs bluish-green with blackish-brown blotches.

Range.—Breeds from Northern U. S. northward;
winters south of the U.S.

WILLET

258. Catophophorus semipalmatus. 16 in.

Bill long and quite stout; feet with small webs be-
tween the bases of the toes. Upper parts brownish-
gray, more or less speckled with black; most of sec-
ondaries and bases of primaries white, very conspicuous
in flight, and easily distinguishing it from any other
wader of its size. Usually found in small flocks along
the edges of marshes; they are said to be quite shy
except during nesting season, and to be difficult to de-
coy. After breeding they wander northward and are
often seen in flocks of other migrating species. When
standing on the beach they often indulge in curious
antics, bowing and flirting their tails.

Notes.—A loud, shrill whistle, “ pill-will-willet.”
Nest.—On the ground; eggs buffy, blotched with
brown.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to New Jersey; later
strays to Maine. 258a, Western Willet (S. s. inornata)
is supposed to be slightly larger and paler. Breeds
from Texas to Manitoba; winters along the Gulf coast.

BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER
261. Bartramia longicauda. 12 in.

Upper parts blackish with greenish-brown edgings;
tail brownish with black bars, and white tips to the
outer feathers. Underparts white, with prominent in-
verted, black arrow head markings on the breast and
along the sides. These birds are more often known as
Upland Plovers, because they are found on dry _ hill-
sides, rarely near water. West of the Miss. they are
said to occur in large flocks in the Fall, but in the East,
half a dozen or so would be considered a fair sized flock.
They feed upon small grasshoppers and other small in-
sects, sometimes chasing them for a considerable dis-
tance before securing them. They are shy and usually
take wing as soon as they see you.

Nest.—Of grasses, usually concealed in clumps of
grass or weeds in the middle of fields; eggs buffy,
blotched with yellowish-brown (1.75 x 1.25); May, June.

Range.—Breeds locally in the northern half of the
United States and Southern Canada; winters south of
the U. S.

ll i

161

-BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
262. Tryngites subruficollis. 8 in.

Bill short and slender. General color above, blackish-
brown margined with tawny; underparts buffy, with a
few black specks on the sides of the breast. Primaries
blackish-brown on the outer webs, the inner webs, as
well as those of the secondaries, being whitish, peculiarly
speckled with black; these markings are characteristic
and are found on no other of our shore birds. It seems
* to be most nearly related to the last species, and like

that, is often found on hillsides at a distance from water.

Notes.—A low, weak ‘“ tweet.”

Nest.—A scantily lined depression on the ground; the
four eggs are grayish-buff, boldly blotched with rich
chestnut-brown and black (1.45x 1.05); June.

Range.—Breeds in Arctic America; winters in South
America, migrating chiefly through the interior of the
United States, but to a less degree on the coast.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER

263. Actitis macularia. 7.5 in.

Below white, with round blackish spots, heaviest on |
the breast and sides; above olive-brown or gray, with ~
faint black bars; a narrow black line from the bill
through the eye to the ears. Young entirely white |
below, with the breast faintly tinged with gray. These
birds are abundant and breed locally throughout the
United States and the greater part of Canada. One or
more pairs will usually be found nesting in the fields
about all small ponds, or among the weeds that grow
about edges of pools and lakes. They have a peculiar
habit of “teetering,” whether standing still or while
feeding on the banks of streams or ponds; other birds
do this but not nearly as persistently as Spotted Sand-
pipers.

Notes.—A clear “ peet-weet;
whistle.

Nest.—On the ground in fields or near the edges
of pools or streams; eggs buffy, boldly spotted.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to Hudson Bay; win-
ters south of the U.S.

” also a single melodious

LONG-BILLED CURLEW

264. Numenius americanus. 23 in.

Bill much decurved and very long (4 to 8 in.), the
longest of any of our shore birds. Plumage variegated
with rufous and blackish above; bright buffy or rufous
below, streaked on neck and breast, and barred on the
sides with blackish. ‘* Sickle-bills,” as these birds are
often called, are the largest of our shore birds. They
are very conspicuous either when flying or walking on
the marshes or sandbars, their size appearing gigantic
when they are in a flock of smaller plover, as sometimes
happens. They fly in compact flocks, evidently led by
one individual, for they wheel and circle in_ perfect
unison, sailing up in the wind on outspread wings, when
about to alight.

Notes.—A flute-like whistle, ‘‘ ker-loo.”

Nest.—On the ground; eggs greenish-buil, with small
black spots over the whole surface (2.50 x 1.80).

Range.—Breeds in the Upper Miss. Valley, north to
Manitoba; winters in the Gulf States, and southward;
formerly bred on the South Atlantic coast: strays to
New England and New Brunswick in the fall.

HUDSONIAN CURLEW

265. Numenius hudsonicus. 17 in.

Darker brown above, than the Sickle-bill; crown broad-
ly striped with blackish and buff; underparts grayish,
streaked on the breast and barred on the sides with
blackish. This and the succeeding species are summer
inhabitants of the Arctic regions, being found within
our borders only for a short time in the Fall and Spring.
It is found in fresh and salt water marshes, as well as
on mud-flats and on sandy beaches of the seashore.
They are very unsuspicious and are easily stalked, or
decoy very easily, coming to wooden caricatures of them-
selves stuck up in the mud, or to crude imitations of
their whistles; consequently large numbers of them are
shot and they are becoming scarce.

Notes.—Similar to that of the last.

Nest.—Hollows in the ground, lined with grasses and
weeds; eggs buffy, blotched with brownish-black (2.25
x 1.60).

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions. Winters south
of the United States, migrating both on the coast and
in the intertor.

ESKIMO CURLEW
266. Numenius borealis. 13.5 in.

Bill comparatively short (about 2 in.) and little
eurved. Above, marked similarly to the last; below
white or pale buff, often thickly covered on the breast
and sides with streaks and arrow head markings of
blackish. Primaries and most of the secondaries plain
brownish-black, without the variegation of the last spe-
cies. A few years ago this was considered the most
abundant of the curlews, but so persistently have they
been hunted that they are now practically exterminated.
When it comes to looking after their safety, curlews
are, perhaps, the most stupid of the shore birds for they
do not seem to realize the dangerous character of man-
kind in general, and they have paid the penalty. I trust
that all sportsmen will refrain from shooting these birds.

Nest.—Like that of the Hudsonian; eggs similar but
smaller. i

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the Arctic regions
and migrating through the Plains, Mississippi Valley,
and to a less extent on the Atlantic coast, to South
America. Very rare now anywhere.

PLOVERS—Family Charadriide

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER
270. Squatarola squatarola. 11.5 in.

Hind toe very small. Bill short and stout. Adults
in summer with the back, wings and tail barred or
marked with black and white; top of head and nape
white, except for a few black markings on the crown;
face, throat, breast and fore part of belly, black. In
winter, brownish-black, somewhat mottled, above; below
dull white. Young similar to winter adults, but the
back is spotted with yellowish-white. While these hand-
some plover migrate to some extent, and sometimes in
large flocks, through the interior of the United States,
they are chiefly and most abundantly found on the coast.
They are the plover most eagerly sought by gunners.

Call.—A plaintive whistle, “ ter-lee.”’

Nest.—Grass-lined: hollows in marshes or dry land,

back from the beach; eggs greenish-buff, spotted with |

black.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters in _

South America, migrating through the U. S. in Sept.
and May.

167

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER

s

272. Charadrius dominicus. 10.5 in.

No hind toe. Back and tail mottled with black and
yellow; below, more or less entirely black to the tail.
Young and winter adults, more or less spotted with
yellow and blackish-brown above, and grayish-white be-
low, with indistinct streaks on the breast. Often con-
fused with the last species in this plumage, but is
smaller, bill smaller and more slender, and the axillars,
or feathers nearest the body, under the wings, are gray
while those ot the Black-bellied Plover are black. This
species is now regarded as rare on the North Atlantic
coast during migrations, while in the interior it is more
abundant than the last species. They do not seem to be
as suspicious as the Black-bellies, and a flock will often
allow a close approach, even when they see you.

Nest.—Nesting habits like those of the last, and other

shore birds; eggs slightly smaller (1.90 x 1.30).

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters south
to South America.

KILLDEER

273. Oxyechus vociferus. 10 in.

No hind toe. Rump and base of tail reddish-brown;
breast crossed by two black bands. Like the Spotted
Sandpiper, this bird is locally and abundantly distrib-
uted throughout: the United States and Southern Can-
ada; it is, however, rare in New England, where it is
sometimes found in the Fall. It frequents meadows,
fields and ploughed ground, where it feeds upon insects,
and around the edges of pools and streams where it gets
small shellfish and larve. As usual, they will attempt
to lead an intruder away from their nest by feigning
lameness.

Notes.—A loud, noisy and incessant “ killdee.”

Nest.—A slight hollow in the ground, usually in a j
clump of weeds; sometimes lined and sometimes not; §
the four eggs are greenish-buff, heavily blotched with
black.

Range.—Breeds locally throughout United States, ex-

cept New England, and southern Canada; winters in
southern U. 8.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
274. Hgialitis semipalmata. 7 in.

Small web between the bases of the two outer toes.
Single broad, black band across the breast; black line
from base of bill to eye. They are very abundant on
our seacoast in Fall, both in flocks composed entirely of
their own kind, and also with Least and Semipalmated
Sandpipers. They usually keep on the inner side of
sandbars or muddy flats bordering marshes, rather than
on the open ocean beach. It is also found in smaller
flocks, about ponds_and marshes in the interior of the
country. They are usually unsuspicious and will allow
a close approach, or if you are still, will run by within
a very few feet.

Notes.—A clear double whistle, usually uttered when
on the wing or when alarmed. They decoy to an imita-
tion of it.

Nest.—On the ground; eggs buffy, sparsely specked
with black. (1.30 x .90) ; June.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence north-
ward; winters from the Gulf States southward.

PIPING PLOVER
277. Bgialitis meloda. 7 in.

Very pale above; no black in front of eye; black patch
on each side of breast. Young similar, but the black
replaced by grayish, as is the case with the last spe-
cies. This species, apparently, never could be classed
as abundant and of late years, it is becoming rather
rare along our Atlantic coast; this is probably more
due to the building of summer resorts and homes along
their former breeding grounds than to hunters. They
are rather more shy than the last species, but will usu-
ally attempt to escape by running along the beach or
by hiding, rather than by flight. Owing to their light
colors it is very difficult to see them at any distance.

Notes.—A two-syllabled piping whistle.

Nest.—On the ground; eggs buff with fine black
specks.

Range.—Breeds on the coast from Va. to Newfound-
land and in the Mississippi Valley.

SNOWY PLOVER
278. Hgialitis nivosa. 6.5 in.

Very small and very pale colored. Small black patch
on either side of the breast, on ear coverts, and on
erown. Bill more slender but longer than that of the
Piping Plover.

Notes.—Low, mournful, piping whistles.

Range.—United States chiefly west of the Rockies,
east to Kansas and north to Dakota.

WILSON PLOVER
280. Ochthodromus wilsonius. 7.5 in.

Bill large and heavy for birds of this genus. <A black
band across the neck, not extending to the back of the
neck; dark line between eye and bill.

Notes.—A ‘“ mixture of whistle and chirp,’
ferent from that of allied plovers. (Elliott).

Nest.—A shallow hollow in the sand, sometimes con-
cealed by short beach grass; eggs grayish, spotted and
seratched with blackish brown (1.25 x .95).

Range.—Breeds on the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts
north to Virginia; later may stray to Maine.

> very dif-

172

MOUNTAIN PLOVER

281. Podasocys montanus. 9 in.

No black on breast or sides, but with black band on
top of head and a black line from bill to eye. Above
grayish-brown; below buffy across the breast, white else-
where. Mountain or Prairie Plover, as they are often |
and better called, are abundant on the western prairies.
Like the Bartramian Sandpiper, they do not frequent
the vicinity of water, but live and get their food in the
dry grass-covered districts. They are not at all shy |
where they are not hunted. Like all the family, they
are very fleet on foot, and may often be seen chasing |
grasshoppers or other active insects. Their flight is
very rapid, often devious and usually at a low elevation.

Notes.—A single, low, musical whistle.

Nest. —A depression in the ground, anywhere on the
prairie. Eggs brownish-gray, blotched with blackish.

Range.—West of the Mississippi River, breeding north
to Dakota. Winters from Southwestern United States
southward.

TURNSTONE
283. Arenaria interpres. 9.75 in.

Very similar to the next, which is the one figured,
but slightly larger, and with black prevailing in the
upperparts. This is the Old World species, found in
America only in Labrador and Alaska.

RUDDY TURNSTONE
283.1. Arenaria interpres morinella. 9.5 in.

Bill short and stout, the upper mandible being
straight, so that the bill has an upturned appearance.
Legs “reddish on adult birds and orange on young.

Known by a great many names, referring to its pe-
culiarly pied appearance :—Calico-bird, Checkered-snipe,
ete. An abundant species usually found on pebbled
beaches. i

Notes.—One or two clear whistles.

Nest.—A scantily lined hollow; eggs grayish, beauti-
fully marbled with brown, lilac and blackish.

Range.—Breeds in the Arctic i1egions; winters in
174 Southern South America, migrating cn both coasts.

AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER

286. Hematopus palliatus. 19 in.

Bill very long, heavy, compressed, and thin and chisel-
like at the tip. Bill and eye, red; legs flesh color.
These large, awkward looking birds are not scarce on
the South Atlantic coast, where they are met with in
pairs or small companies. They run with great swift-
ness, or walk sedately along the beaches and marshes
gathering insects and fiddler crabs, of which they are
very fond. They are said to have got their name from
the habit of eating oysters when they found them with
the shell open, a practice that would be extremely haz-
ardous for them to undertake, as these shellfish close
their two valves very quickly and would be apt to catch
the bird. Owing to their large size they are frequently
shot at and, consequently, are usually shy.

Nest.—A depression in the sand; the two or three
eges are buffy, spotted with blackish-brown (2.20x
1.50); May.

Range.—Breeds on the coast north to Virginia; later
may stray to Nova Scotia. Winters south of the U. 8.

MEXICAN JACANA

Jacana spinosa. 8 in.

A very peculiar species. Bill plover-like; at the base,
terminating in a leaf-like sheaf that covers the fore-
head; a hard spur on the shoulder of each wing; legs
and toes extremely long, the toenails being abnormally
so, the hind nail often being an inch and a half long.
Young very different from the adult.—Grayish-brown
above, with wings greenish-yellow as in adult; below
whitish, darker across the breast and on the sides; a
light line above the eye. Jacanas are inhabitants of
marshy, muddy pools and ponds, where they can easily
run over the surface, their long toes getting a good
foothold on the floating aquatie plants. They are said
to be very pugnacious in defence of their young, and also
to fight among themselves during th> mating season.

Nest.—Nests made of weeds and trash, on little float-
ing islands or lily pads. 3 to 5 olive colored eggs,
curiously scrawled with black. (1.20x .95); May.

Range.—Is found and breeds within our borders only
in Southern Texas.

GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC.—Order Galline
Family Odontophoride
BOB-WHITE; QUAIL; VIRGINIA PARTRIDGE
289. Colinus virginianus. 10 in.

Male with white throat, bordered with black; female
with a yellowish-brown throat, and line above eye. One
of the most popular “game birds,” so populsr that it
is exterminated in New England, and birds imported
from the west are unable to regain the lost foothold.
Found in stubble and low brush, where they hide until
almost stepped upon. They feed upon insects and grain.

Notes.—A clear whistled ‘ bob-white ” and a series of
low, elear whistles when in flocks.

Nest.—Of grass at the end of tunnel in tall grass
bordering fields; 8 to 16 white eggs (1.20 x .95) ; May.

Range.—Resident east of the Rockies, north to Minn.
and Ontario. 289a, Fla. Bob-white (C. v. floridanus),
found in southern Florida is extremely dark (shown on
plate). 289b, Texan Bob-white (C. v. texanus) is paler
with black areas wider.

12

178

SCALED PARTRIDGE
Callipepla squamata. 10 in.

With a whitish or buffy-white crest; plumage bluish-
gray, with darker edges giving the bird the appearance
of being covered with scales. The female is more brown-
ish. but is marked the same as the male. These birds
are locally abundant in arid, cactus-covered deserts,

* often at a distance from water, and frequently in com-
pany with Gambel Partridge.

Nest.—8 to 15 eggs are laid in some hollow under a

low bush or cactus; they are creamy-white, dotted with

minute specks of pale brown. (1.25x .95); April, May.

Range.—Mexico north to Central and Western Texas,
New Mexico and Arizona.

293a. Chestnut-bellied Sealed Partridge (C. s. castano-
gastris), is more richly colored and has a chestnut patch
on the middle of the belly. It is found in southern
Texas and northeastern Mexico.

GAMBEL PARTRIDGE

295. Lophortyx gambelii. 10 in.

Head with an elegant recurved crest of six or seven
feathers; normally these are carried in one packet so
that there appears to be but one feather, but when ex-
cited, or during the mating season, they may separate
the feathers, or sometimes curve them forward so as to
touch the bill. Hindhead and sides chestnut, throat and
middle of beitly black. Female with the throat light
and hindhead gray; crest small; no black on belly. An
abundant species both in mountains, valleys or deserts,
near or remote from water. Habits like those of the
eastern Bob-white, but instead of taking wing, they will
generally run.

Nest.—Eggs laid on the ground under any suitable
cover; creamy-white, handsomely blotched with brown.

Range.—Resident in western Texas, New Mexico and
Arizona, north to southern Utah and Nevada.

179

180

MEARNS OR MASSENA PARTRIDGE
296. Cyrtonyx montezume mearnsi. 9 in.

Bill very stout and compressed. Crest large, puffy
and flat. Markings on the male very grotesque and
clownish; general color of the female, pinkish brown
with streaks of black, and white specks, below, and
barred and streaked above. ‘These strange birds are
very local in their distribution in the southwest, rare
in some localities and occurring in quite large flocks in
others. They are so confiding in their disposition, that
this, in connection with their clownish plumage, has
given them the name of “ Fool” Quail. They frequent
dry deserts, valleys, or mountains up to an elevation of
at least 8,000 feet. When startled, they often squat
down, and can almost be caught in the hand, but when
they do fly, their flight is very rapid, and accompanied
with a peculiar clucking noise.

Nest.—A depression in the ground, lined with grasses,
and concealed in clumps of weeds or grass. Their eggs,
like those of other partridges, are numerous, pure white,
and not as sharply pointed as those of the Bob-white.

Range.—Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

DUSKY GROUSE
297. Dendragapus obscurus. 20 in.

Plumage gray, white and black, with a few rusty
markings on the back; wide gray band on tip of tail.
Female smaller, browner and more barred above. These
large grouse are found on side hills or in gulches, usu-
ally not far from water. Like our common Ruffed
Grouse, during mating season, the males of this species
strut about with tail fully spread over the back, and
head thrown back until it nearly touches the tail. At
this season they are very pugnacious and the woods will
resound with their challenging *toots,”’—loud and _ hol-
low sounds with a ventriloquial effect.

{ges laid on ground in woods, usually under
fallen logs or at the bases of trees; buffy, sparsely
spotted with brown. (2.00 x 1.40); May, June.

Range.—Rocky Mts., from Mexico to Montana and
east to South Dakota. 297b., Richardson Grouse (D. o
richardsonii), is found on the eastern slopes of the
Rockies, north to British America. Little or no band
on the tail.

181

HUDSONIAN SPRUCE GROUSE
298. Canachites canadensis. 15 in.

Very similar to the next, which is our common spe-
cies, but the female is not quite as rusty. Found in
Labrador and about Hudson Bay.

CANADA GROUSE; SPRUCE GROUSE
298e. C. c. canace. 15 in.

Male black and grayish; female chiefly rusty, barred
with black. The Spruce Grouse is usually found in
dense thickets and groves or swamps of evergreen woods.
It 1s one of the least suspicious of birds, and in winter,
is sometimes knocked down by sticks in the hands of
deer hunters. Their flesh is unfit to eat and conse-
quently they are not hunted..

Notes——A drumming, said to be produced by the
wings, when in the air; a clucking by the female.

Nest.—Eggs laid on the ground, usually under low,
spreading branches of spruces; bright buff with bold
black blotehes. (1.70 x 1.25).

Range.—Northern New England, New York and Min-
nesota, northward.

RUFFED GROUSE

300. Bonassa umbellus. 17 in.

Crested and with two large, black, neck-ruffs; plum-
age brown, black and white. Female with the ruffs
smaller and usually brownish. These grouse have two
color phases, the general tone of plumage being either
reddish brown or gray, independent of age or sex of
bird. These naturally wild, shy grouse are the kings
of the eastern game birds, their wariness and speed with
which they will dodge through the trees being the only
reasons they have so long withstood the hunting to
which they are subjected. During spring, the male
struts often, tail expanded into a half circle, head
thrown back to meet the upturned tail, and ruff spread
so as to farm a complete collar. They make a loud
drumming by beating the air with their wings.

Nest.—Eges on leaves in the woods; plain brownish-
buff (1.55 x 1.15).

Range.—Resident from Va. and Ark. north to south-
ern Canada. 300a., Canadian Ruffed Grouse (B. u.
togata), is found in the southern British provinces and
northern New England.

WILLOW PTARMIGAN
301. Lagopus lagopus. 15 in.

In winter, white with black tail feathers. In sum-
mer, usually reddish-brown with black bars. This
species has a much stouter bill than the next.

Nest.—Eges laid on the ground. Rich buffy, so heav-
ily blotched and streaked with black as to nearly con-
cea ites (iivosxleZo)).

Range.—Breeds in the northern half of Canada, mi-
grating southward to southern Canada.

301a., Allen Ptarmigan (L. 1. alleni), found in New-
foundland, is similar, but in winter the shafts of the
primaries are always black.

ROCK PTARMIGAN
302. Lagopus rupestris. 14 in.

In winter, like the last species, except that the bill
is smaller, and the lores are black.

Range.—From the Gulf of St. Lawrence and north-
ern British Columbia northward. 302a. Reinhardt
Ptarmigan, replaces the last variety in northern Labra-
dor. 303. Welch Ptarmigan (L. welechi), found in New-
foundland, is said to be grayer in summer.

PRAIRiE HEN; PINNATED GROUSE
305. Tympanuchus americanus. 18 in.

Tufts of neck feathers rounded or square at the
ends, long on the males, and short on the females.
Above, barred with brownish-black and white or buffy
white, the bars being of about equal width; top of
head barred black and grayish. Female differs from
the male in having the tail feathers barred, whereas
they are black in the male. Found locally throughout
the prairie regions of the Mississippi Valley north to
Manitoba. Owing to the immense numbers shot for
sale in eastern markets, they have become exterminated
in many places where they were formerly abundant. Male
birds have a loose sae or naked skin beneath the tufts
of feathers on the neck; they inflate these to the size of
small oranges, and then produce a loud, hollow, reso-
nant booming sound.

Nest.—Anywhere on the ground on the prairie; eggs
olive-buff, finely specked with brown.

Range.—From La. and Tex. north to Manitoba and
Dakota. 305. Attwater Prairie Hen, smaller and
darker, is found in Louisiana and Eastern Texas.

- HEATH HEN
306. Tympanuchus cupido. 17 in.

Neck feathers pointed; scapulars more broadly
tipped with white; axillars always barred; top of head
paler and always brownish. ‘These differences will
always separate this species from the very similar
western bird. They were formerly found throughout
Southern New England and the Middle States, their
range meeting that of the Prairie Hen, but now they
are restricted to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, south
of Mass., and probably the true form is extinct there,
for western birds have been liberated on the island and
interbred with the natives.

LESSER PRAIRIE HEN
307. Tympanuchus pallidicinctus. 16 in.

Nearest like the prairie hen but paler above, the
brown bars being narrower and lighter colored, but
with the edges blackish, giving the back of the bird
a very different appearance from thet of the Prairie
Hen. It is found in western Kansas, Indian Territory
and Texas.

PRAIRIE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE
308b. Pedicecetes phasianellus campestris. 18 in.

No pinnates or ruffs on the neck, but the head is
crested a little more than that of the Prairie Hen;
tail with the central feathers nearly two inches longer
than the rest, which are also graduated so the outside
ones are much the shortest. Plumage much paler
than that of the Prairie Hen, and feathers on the
breast and sides being marked with blackish loops.
Found in more or less abundance on the plains and
prairies west of the Mississippi River. In mating sea-
son flocks of them indulge in curious antics, dancing,
ruffling their feathers, and cooing and crowing.

Nest.—Eggs laid in a hollow in the ground, usually
sheltered by a tuft of grass or bunch of weeds. The
eggs are brownish-drab, finely specked, over the whole
surface, with blackish-brown. (1.70x 1.25).

Range.—West of the Miss. River, from New Mex-
ico and Indian Territory north to Manitoba. 308.
Sharp-tailed Grouse, is found in the interior of Brit-
ish America from Hudson Bay to Alaska. Darker
and less rusty than the preceding.

SAGE GROUSE

309. Centrocercus urophasianus. 29 in.

The female of this large and very interesting grouse,
differs from the male only in its smaller size and paler,
duller plumage. They are found in abundance on the
dry sagebrush-covered plains about the Rocky Mts. and
to the westward. In summer they feed largely upon
insects and buds of various plants, but in fall and
winter, their food is almost entirely the leaves of the
sagebrush; at this season, in consequence, their flesh
is unfit to eat, so they are not hunted for market, and
are able to pursue a life of quiet as far as man is
concerned. In spring, they inculge in amusing play,
as do all the grouse; they have a few wiry hairs on
either side of the neck, covering the naked saes that
correspond to those of the Prairie Hen; they strut
about with these sacs inflated, and their spread tail,
erect, making peculiar buzzing sounds.

Nest.—KEggs laid on the ground under sagebrush;
greenish-buff, spotted rather sparingly with brown.

Range.—Sagebrush covered plains from New Mexico
to Southern British Columbia and Assiniboia

188

Family Meleagride
WILD TURKEY

310. Meleagres gallopavo silvestris. 48 in.

Female much smaller and duller colored than the
male. These fine, large birds frequent woodlands and
borders of streams, where they search through the un-
derbrush for food in the daytime and sleep in the tall-
est trees at night. They are one of the shyest birds,
and they have reasons for being, for they have been
hunted until there are none left in New England and
northern Middle States. Wild Turkeys strut and gob-
ble precisely like domestic ones. Their plumage is
more of a coppery bronze color and their upper tail
coverts are rusty, without white edges.

Nest.—Eggs laid on the ground among leaves, usu-
ally in dense thickets; buff, spotted with brown. (2.55

x 1.90).

Range.—From Penn. and Ohio south to the Gulf
States west to Arkansas. 310b., Florida Wild Tur-
key. found in Florida, is smaller. 310¢., Rio Grande
Turkey, is found in southern Texas; it has upper tail-
coverts edged with buff.

190

RING-NECKED OR MONGOLIAN PHEASANT

*** Phasianus torquatus

The male of this beautiful pheasant varies greatly
in length according to the development of the tail,
sometimes being 36 in. in length; the female aver-
ages about 22 in. and is plain colored, but still a
very handsome bird. Males vary greatly in the rich-
ness of their colors, and in the width of the white
collar on the neck, the latter depending upon the ex-
tent to which they have been interbred with the Eng-
lish Pheasant, the latter bird having no white on the
neck. These pheasants have been introduced in Ore-
gon and Washington and are very abundant there now.
Attempts at introducing them in the East have not been
as successful, but in some private preserves they are
doing well. They are rather sluggish in their habits,
compared to our Ruffed Grouse, and usually try to
escape by running or hiding rather than by taking wing;
when they do fly, they go in a straight line and rather
slowly.

FAMILY CRACIDA

CHACHALACA

311. Ortalis vetula meecalli. 21 in.

Plumage olive-brown above, and gray below; head
erested; sides of head and chin, naked, orange-red.
These birds are found in southern Texas, in dense
woods, thickets and chaparral. They are very noisy,
their calls being loud, harsh, clackings, ** cha-cha-lac,”
repeated rapidly and taken up by all the birds in the
neighborhood. They are not usually shy and are often

domesticated. They are also hunted to some extent, —

but their flesh is said not to be very good eating, and
their body is quite small compared to the length of the
bird.

Nest.—A frail platform of sticks, placed in serub-
by brush or bushes, a few feet above the ground. They
lay four white or buffy-white eggs, the shell of which
is very rough and hard (2.25x 1.55); April.

Range.—Eastern Mexico north to southern Texas.

191

192

PIGEONS AND DOVES—Order Columbe
Family Columbide
PASSENGER PIGEON
315. Ectopistes migratorius. 16 in.

Head and back bluish-slate; below, rich rusty brown.
Only a few years ago, up to 1880, they were extremely
abundant in eastern North America, Seemingly incred-
ible stories are told of the immense flocks and roosting
places of these birds, and most of them are authentic.
It is unfortunate that the camera was not extensively
used then, so we have no visual records of them. A
nesting place in Michigan is described as 28 miles in
length by about four in width, and every tree in the
woods, throughout this whole tract, had several nests,
and some were filled with them. Flocks darkening the
sky and covering several square miles are recorded.
And, today, but one or two stragglers are reported in
a year, and these are usually doubtful. They were
shot and netted at their roosting and nesting places,

_ barreled up and sent to market for sale, this continuing

so long as there were birds enough to make it profit:
able, and we reap the result—no birds.

MOURNING DOVE

316. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. 12 in.

Upperparts olive-brown; below, buffy-gray; a small
black mark on the ears above the iridescent neck patch.

These birds never flock as Passenger Pigeons did,
traveling in companies of six to a dozen, and they have
no common nesting or roosting places, but nest any-
where in the woods, orchards or vines. As they are
not often hunted, they are not shy, and in some local-
ities are very tame, especially when they are breeding.
Their food consists of seeds, grain, berries and insects,
most of which they get from the ground. They nest
either in trees, bushes or on the ground, most often
the former. Their nests are very frail platforms, com-
posed of only a few twigs and rootlets; when on the
ground, usually no nest is made. Their two eggs are
pure white, as are those of all doves. They are loving
birds, always cooing to each other, and are very atten-
tive to their young until they are full grown.

Range.—Breeds throughout the United States and
southern Canada, except northern New England and
the Provinces.
13

193

WHITE-FRONTED DOVE
318. Leptotila fulviventris brachyptera. 12 in.

No black ear-mark; under wing coverts rusty chest-
nut. Forehead whitish; all but central pair of tail
feathers tipped with white.

Nest.—Indistinguishable from that of the next species.

Range.—Central America and Mexico, north in Feb-
ruary to valley of Lower Rio Grande.

WHITE-WINGED DOVE
319. Melopelia asiatica. 12 in.

Large black patch on the ears; tail only moderate-
ly long, and broadly rounded, with large white ends
to the outer feathers. Besides the regular cooing notes,
common to doves, this species has a peculiar song lik-
ened by some, to the first attempts at crowing, of a
young rooster.

Nest.—A shabby platform of twigs, lined with bits
of weeds, moss and leaves; placed at any height from
the ground in bushes, trees or cacti. Eggs white.

Range.—Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and casually
southern Florida, southward.

GROUND DOVE
320. Chemepelia passerina terrestris. 6.75 in.

Size very small; tail short and nearly square. Back
of head blue-gray; forehead and most of underparts
pinkish. Bill, feet and eye, more or less red.

Nest.—A frail structure of twigs, lined with pine
needles; placed usually at low elevations in bushes.
The two eggs are pure white.

Range—South Atlantic and Gulf States; abundant
near the coasts; winters throughout its range.

320a., Mexican Ground Dove, found from Texas to
California, is slightly paler than the eastern species.

INCA DOVE
312. Scardafella inca. 8 in.

Tail long, with the outer feathers tipped with white,
and shorter than the middle ones. Feathers mostly
margined with brownish-black. The bases of the pri-
maries are bright chestnut, and the whole underwing
is of that color; bill black; eye and feet reddish.

Range.—Southern Texas, southern Arizona and south-
ern New Mexico.

VULTURES, HAWKS AND OWLS—Order Raptores
AMERICAN VULTURES—Family Cathartide

TURKEY VULTURE OR BUZZARD
325. Cathartes aura septentrionalis. 30 in.

Tlead naked; red or carmine; bill dull whitish; eyes
brown; feet pinkish. Plumage blackish-brown.

Nest.—Their two eggs are laid upon the ground, be-
tween rocks, under logs, or in hollow trees; they are
whitish, handsomely blotched with brown.

‘Range.—Breeds from the Gulf north to New Jersey,
Illinois, Minnesota and British Columbia.

BLACK VULTURE
326. Catharista wrubu. 24 in.

Entire plumage, including the naked head, black;
feet and tip of bill yellowish. Under surface of the
*~ wings white, making it very easy to identify.

Nest.—Two eggs, greenish-white, blotched with brown-
ish. (3.00 x 2.00).

Range.—Resident north to North Carolina, southern
Illinois and JXansas.

FALCONS, HAWKS AND EAGLES—Family Falcon-
idz

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE
327. EHlanoides forficatus. 24 in.

Tail long and deeply forked; plumage white, and
glossy black; feet short but stout; bill black, with
cere and feet bluish-gray. The flight of these birds
is very swift and swallow-like; at times they circle
about for long periods, on motionless wings; at others,
they will be seen swooping over marshes and_ low
ground; the evolutions they perform during the mating
season are wonderful to behold, floating, sailing, dou-
bling and turning, in all imaginable positions, as
though they were a part of the air itself.

Notes.—A shrill whistled ‘ peet-peet.”

Nest.—Composed of twigs, lined with moss and root-
lets; usually located in the tops of trees at great
heights; 90 to 125 feet from the ground not being
uncommon; eggs pale bluish-white, very handsomely
marked with brown. (1.85 x 1.5).

Range.—Breeds north to Virginia, Manitoba and Min-
nesota; winters south of the United States.

197

WHITE-TAILED KITE

328. Hlanus leucurus. 16 in.

Head, underparts and tail, white; shoulders black;
upperparts gray. Young, with the back tinged with
rusty. Their food consists largely of snakes, but they
also eat a great many small rodents and insects.

Nest.—Made of sticks, weeds and leaves, and placed
in trees at quite an elevation from the ground; eggs
creamy white, profusely blotched with brown.

Range.—Texas to central California, and less often
east of the Miss. River, north to South Carolina.

MISSISSIPPI KITE
329. Ictinia mississippiensis. 14 in.

Head, underparts and ends of secondaries, bluish-
gray. Lores and tail black; back dark; eyes red.

Nest.—Of sticks and weeds in the tops of tall trees;
eggs bluish white, usually unmarked, but occasionally
with a few brownish specks. (1.65 x 1.25).

Range.—Breeds north to South Carolina, southern
Illinois and Kansas; winters south of the United States.

EVERGLADE KITE

330. Rostrhamus sociabilis. 15 in.

Bill very slender and much hooked, the lower mandi-
ble being decurved somewhat, to match the upper; the
cutting edge of the bill without a tooth or notch,
as most hawks and kites have. lLores naked and yel-
lowish, like the cere; eyes red. Plumage blackish; rump
and bases of outer tail feathers, as well as tip white.
This tropical species is found in the United States, only
in the southern half of Florida, in the densest swamps,
being fairly abundant in the Everglades. They are said
to feed exclusively upon a certain species of water snail,
and each bird has a particular perch to which he takes
every snail he captures, and after skillfully extracting
the animal with its curiously modified beak, it drops
the shell on the mound beneath. (Bendire).

Nest.—Of twigs, lined with leaves and weeds, placed
at low elevations in bushes or underbrush, often over
water; eggs pale greenish-white, spotted with brown.

Range.—Southern Florida.

MARSH HAWK

331. Circus hudsonius. 19 in.

Upper tail coverts and base of tail white. Male,
blue-gray above; below whitish, streaked and barred
with rusty. Female and young.—Above rusty brown-
ish-black; below rusty with dusky streaks on the breast
and sides. As shown by its name, this hawk is found
most abundantly in or around marshes or wet meadows.
I have found them especially abundant in boggy marshes
such as frequented by bitterns. Their flight is quiet
and owl-like, and as they do most of their feeding
toward dusk, they often seem like owls as they flit
by without a sound. Their food is composed chiefly of
meadow mice and moles, which they spy and dash
down upon as they fly at low elevations.

Notes.—A_ shrill whistle when their nest is ap-
proached.

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground in marshes; four
plain bluish-white eggs. (1.80x 1.40); May, June.

Range.—Breeds locally in the whole of the United
States and Canada, north to Hudson Bay; winters in
the southern half of the United States.

200

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK

332. Accipiter velox. 12 in.

This little hawk, so near like the Cooper, is one of |
the most active of the family, and from this fact it |
gets its name velox, meaning swift. It is often seen ,

in woods, orchard, or even about buildings in large
cities, in which latter places, it does good service in
catching English Sparrows. If they would confine
their food to these birds, no one would object, but un-
fortunately they will take any little bird that comes
within their reach, or that they are able to catch.
They are one of the very few hawks that do live
largely upon birds, and even they destroy a_ great
many mice.

Notes.—A shrill, three-syllabled whistle.

Nest.—A rude and usually frail structure of twigs, |

placed in branches of trees, usually at quite low ele-
vations (15 ft.). Eggs white, beautifully blotched with
brown. (1.45x 1.15).

Range.—Breeds chiefly in northern U. S. and Canada;
winters throughout the United States.

201

COOPER HAWK
333. Accipiter cooperi. 16 in.

This hawk is a large edition of the last species. All
hawks vary in size, this one and the last, perhaps,
more than any others. Female hawks are always the
largest. A large female of the Sharp-shinned variety,
is often as large as a small male Cooper, but the
crown of the Cooper is darker than that of the Sharp-
shinned, and his tail is always rounded, while that of
the last species is nearly square at the end. This is
also .a destructive species; it is usually one of these
two hawks, or the Goshawk, that is responsible for
the ill-feeling with which farmers regard all of the
family. All small hawks are known to farmers as
“Chicken Hawks,” and large ones as “ Hen Hawks,”
but the majority of our hawks rarely disturb fowls.

Nest.—Of sticks in crotches of trees, usually quite
high up; often old crows nests are used; eggs bluish-
white, unmarked or very faintly specked with brown.
(1.90 x 1.45); April.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf north to southern
Canada; winters from Mass. and Oregon southward.

AMERICAN GOSHAWK
334. Astur atricapillus. 23 in.

Adults, above bluish-slate, darkest on the crown;
a whitish line over the eye; below white, finely waved
with gray. Young, brownish-black, with lighter edg-
ings to the feathers; below whitish, streaked with
blackish-brown. Young birds can easily be distin-
guished from those of any other species by their large
size and the long tail. This handsome species is one
of the most rapacious and destructive of our birds
of prey. Their short wings and long tail enable them
to glide among the thickest foliage with great speed,
and even the Ruffled Grouse cannot escape them. In
the north where they live in summer, they destroy
great numbers of Ptarmigan and Spruce Grouse, and
come to us in the winter with their appetite whetted
for a diet of poultry and our game birds, being ex-
ceedinely bold in their capture.

Nest.—Of sticks lined with weeds and bark, in tall
trees: eggs white, unmarked.

Range.—Breeds throughout Canada; winters in the
northern half of the United States.

203

204

HARRIS HAWK
335. Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi. 20 in.

Tail coverts, base and tip of tail, white. Adults
with the shoulders, thighs and under wing-coverts, red-
dish-brown. Young with rusty edgings to feathers on
the back; below, rusty buff with blackish spots or
streaks; thighs barred with blackish. Space in front
of eye, bare except for stiff hair-like bristles, yellow-
ish like the cere. This species is the connecting link
between the vultures and hawks of the genus buteo.
Its feedings habits are similar to those of the vul-
tures, with which it often associates when feeding upon
carrion. They are very sluggish birds and their flight
is slow and heavy; when not feeding they are usually
perched on one foot on some dead limb, dozing.

Nest.—Made of sticks, twigs and weeds, placed in
bushes or low trees. Their three or four eggs are
dull white, unmarked (2.10 x 1.65).

Range.—Mexico, north to southern United States
chiefly in Texas, but also found in New Mexico and
casually east to Louisiana.

RED-TAILED HAWK
337. Buteo borealis. 21 in.

One of the handsomest and most powerfully built
of our hawks. Adults with the tail rusty-red, with or
without a narrow blackish band near the tip; below
white, with a band of blackish streaks across the
breast, and dusky markings on the sides. Young birds
are similar, but have the tail grayish-brown with
black bands. An examination of the food of this bird
of prey, made by the Department of Agriculture, shows
that, instead of living upon poultry as most farmers
think, their food consists chiefly of frogs, snakes, liz-
ards, mice and insects, less than one in ten of the
stomachs examined containing any remains of poultry.

Notes.—A shrill whistle or scream.

Nest.—Of sticks, weeds, leaves and trash high up
in tall trees; eggs white, spotted with blackish-brown.

Range.—Breeds in United States and Southern Can-
ada; winters in the United States. 337a., Kvider Hawk
is a paler race found on the plains from Minn. to
Texas. 337d., Harlan Hawk, is darker and has the
tail mottled with blackish; found in the Gulf States.

205

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

339. Buteo lineatus. 19 in.

Adults with the shoulders bright reddish-brown;
primaries and secondaries barred with black and white;
below buffy thickly barred with rusty-brown. Young
with the shoulders duller; underparts white, streaked
all over with blackish-brown. This is one of the most
abundant of the birds of prey in Eastern United States,
and it is also one of the most useful, destroying quan-
tities of moles and field mice, as well as grasshoppers.
Usually one or more pairs will be found in a piece of
woods. One pair that I know, and I presume it is
the same pair, each year has its nest on the edge of a
colony of Black-crowned Night Herons and, during the
season, they live and feed their young largely upon the
young of these birds.
| Nest.—Of sticks, lined with weeds and strips of bark;

eges white, blotched with brown (2.15 x 1.75). April,
i May.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to Maine and Minne-
sota. 339a. Fla. Red-Shouldered Hawk, found in Flor-
ida and north to So. Car., is paler colored.

SENNETT WHITE-TAILED HAWK
341. Buteo albicaudatus sennetti. 22 in.

Adults grayish-slate above ard to the sides of the
throat; tail and underparts white, the former with a
subterminal band of black and indistinct wavy lines
and the latter with fine barring on the sides. ‘The
shoulders are largely chestnut. Young birds are brown-
ish-black above and usually white below, but the under-
parts are variable—often streaked with rusty and
blackish, or even wholly black.

They are useful hawks, their food consisting chiefly
of insects and moles or mice. :

Nest.—Built in bushes in open land, rarely more than
six feet above ground. Composed of sticks, dry weeds
and grasses making a bulky structure visible for a long
distance. Three eggs are not uncommon but two is the
usual number; they are dirty white with very few
marks of brown (2.35x1.85). Their nesting season
ranges from as early as February to July.

Range.—Not uncommon on the Gulf coast of Texas
and in the lower Rio Grande Valley, southwards into
South America.

SWAINSON HAWK
342. Buteo swainsom. 20 in.

This species has the greatest variety of plumages
of any of our hawks. It has only three outer prima-
ries notched near the tips, while the two last species,
which are the only ones that can be confused with it,
have four. Adults in the light phase have a band of
rich chestnut across the breast. Adults in the dark
phase are uniform blackish-brown, with some rusty
edgings and with thighs more or less rusty. Young
birds are buffy below, with elongated blackish spots.
Its harmless character can be understood from the
fact that it is no unusual sight to find other birds,
such as Arkansas Kingbird and Bullock Oriole, nest-
ing in the same tree; and the first mentioned species
goes even further than this, sometimes constructing
its home in the sides of the nests of the hawks.

Nest.—Of sticks and twigs, either in trees or on the
ground on rocky ledges; eggs white, spotted with
brown. (2.20x 1.70).

Range.—Western N. A., breeding from Texas to the
Arctie regions; east to Illinois and west to the Pacific.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK
343. Buteo platypterus. 16 in.

Adults grayish-brown above; below, streaked on the
throat and breast, and barred below, with rusty-brown;
tail with three blackish bars. Young similar above;
below white, streaked with blackish-brown. They are
most apt to be confused with the Cooper and Red-
Shouldered Hawk, but when in flight, it can usually be
distinguished at a distance, from the former by its
shorter tail, and from the latter by its smaller size
and rounded wings. They may be classed as abundant
east of the Great Plains. They are rather solitary in
their habits, especially during the breeding season,
when but one pair is usually found in a piece of woods.

Notes.—A long, squeaking wail, sounding much like
two branches rubbing together and creaking.

Nest.—Of sticks, invariably lined with pieces of bark;
usually placed in crotches next to the trunks of large
trees, but not usually at a great height; eggs whitish,
more or less blotched with brown and gray.

Range.—Breeds north to New Brunswick and Mani-
toba; winters in southern half of the United States. 209

14

AMERICAN ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
347a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. 22 in.

Legs feathered to the toes. Adults blackish on the
- back and belly; head and breast, more or less grayish-
~~ white, streaked with dusky; tail white, barred on the
end with black; eyes brown. In the dark phase they
are blackish-brown, more or less mixed with rusty.
This large, heavily-built species is found in the United
States, only in winter; it frequents thinly wooded dis-
tricts or meadows, where it catches its prey, which
consists of small rodents, insects and reptiles. It is
very irregular in its appearance, especially in the east,
but it is most often found near the coast. It is a
sluggish species and I doubt if it does any harm to
wild birds or to poultry; it certainly does a great deal
of good.

Nest.—Of sticks, on rocky ledges; eggs bluish-white,
boldly splashed with brown. (1.90 x 1.55).

Range.—Breeds north of the United States border;
winters in northern United States.

FERRUGINOUS ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK

348. Archibuteo ferruguneus. 23 in.

Legs feathered to the toes. Adults with back, shoul- | a
ders, thighs and legs, rusty, barred or streaked with |
black; tail grayish-white, tinged with rusty. Young
birds are brownish-black, above and without any rusty
below. In the dark phase they are sooty-brown, more
or less varied with rusty, and the tail is the same as
in the light plumage. Their bill is larger and tail
longer than that of the last species. A fairly abundant
hawk on the plains and prairies west of the Miss.,
usually not at a great distance from water.

Nest.—Usually on the ground on bluffs or rocky
ledges, but sometimes in trees; made of sticks and
weeds; sometimes used year after year, and then be-
coming bulky, as it is added to each year; eggs white,
handsomely spotted and blotched with blackish-brown,
very variable.

Range.—Breeds west of the Miss., from Kansas, lo-
cally, and the Dakotas, abundantly, north to Sas- —
katchewan. Winters south to Mexico. 911

212

GOLDEN EAGLE
349. Aquila chrysetos. 35 in.

Legs feathered to the toes. Plumage blackish-brown,
adults having the lengthened feathers on the nape,
golden-brown, and the tail more or less mixed with
white; leg feathers rusty. These large, handsome, well-
built birds of prey are fairly abundant in thinly set-
tled country west of the Miss., especially in mountains
and foot-hills. They are very powerful birds and a
single pair of them will rule the whole country in which
they reside. They are very shy in the presence of
man and will never attack a persou or show fight
unless wounded or surprised at their meals. Their
food consist of prairie dogs, rodents, ducks and even
fawns.

Notes.—A shrill a * kee-kee-kee.”

Nest.—A very bulky structure of large sticks, lined
with twigs, needles and in some eases evergreen; eggs
creamy-white, spotted, splashed and clouded with vari-
ous shades of brown and gray (2.90 x 2.50).

Range.—West of the Miss., from Mexico northward;
rarely eastward to the Atlantic coast.

BALD EAGLE

352. Halicetus leucocephalus. 34 in.

Legs not feathered to the toes. Adults with white
head and tail. Young birds similar in color to those
of the Golden Eagle, but blacker and with the legs
always bare on the lower half. Young, with brown
eyes, like those of the last; adults with yellow eyes
and feet. This handsome bird of prey, our national
emblem, is resident and locally distributed throughout
the United States and Canada, always near streams
or lakes, and most abundant on the seacoasts. Their
food, like that of the Golden Eagle, is chiefly caught
by themselves, and consists of any small mammals,
geese, ducks, ete., and during the summer, or when
their usual food is scarce, they feed upon fish, which
they either catch for themselves or taken by force
from Ospreys.

Nest.—Of sticks large and bulky, and usually in tops
of very tall trees; two eggs, pure white. (2.75x 2.10).

Range.—Resident locally in whole of North America.

213

WHITE GRYFALCON
353. Falco islandus. 23 in.

Adults in perfect plumage, pure white, slightly barred
on the back and spotted below with black.

Nest.—Of sticks, lined with grasses and feathers;
placed on ledges of cliffs; eggs bulky white, specked
with reddish brown, often so thickly that the ground
color is obscured (2.30 x 1.80).

Range.—Arctic region, breeding in Northern Green-
land, and wintering to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and
casually to northern Maine.

GRAY GYRFALCON
354. Falco rusticolus. 23 in.

Adults white, heavily barred above, and streaked be-
low with gray and black.

Range.—Arctic regions, south in winter, rarely to
northern United States.

354a. GYRFALCON (F. r. gyrfaleo). Similar to the
last but darker, the latter being usually more white than
dusky, while this is the reverse.

354b. BLACK GYRFALCON (F. r. obsoletus). Much
darker than the last, the markings tending to be buffy
white spots on a grayish black ground.

PRAIRIE FALCON

355. Falco mexicanus. 18 in.

A blackish patch on the sides of the throat, similar
to that of the Duck Hawk. Above brownish black, much
paler and never with the slaty color of the Duck Hawk;
below streaked or spotted with blackish brown. These
falcons are fairly abundant on the western plains and
prairies, and are also found in wooded mountain regions.
They are strong and active and will fight fiercely if cap-
tured. They live upon small mammals, birds and occa-
sionally, grouse. Their flight is very swift and accom-
plished by rapid wing beats, with occasional sailings.

Notes.—A cackle, and rapidly repeated “ kee-kee-kee.”
(Bendire).

Nest.—A mass of sticks and trash, on bluffs or rocky
ledges, and sometimes in trees; eggs reddish buff, thickly
sprinkled and blotched with brown. (2.50 x 1.60).

Range.—Eastern border of the Great Plains to the
Pacific; and from Saskatchewan to southern Mexico.

OTA

DUCK HAWK

356a. Falco peregrinus anatum. 17 in.

Black moustache mark, or patch on each side of the
throat. Adults white below, tinged with buffy on the
breast and sides, and lightly barred with black; above
bluish slate, darkest on the crown. Some adults are
darker, and much more heavily barred than others.
Young, brownish black with rusty edges to the feath-
ers; below, buffy, heavily streaked with blackish. This
is one of the handsomest and most dashing of the rap-
tores, and is very similar to the one formerly most used
for the chase in England. They are swift and fearless
in pursuit of their prey, and the fastest flying ducks as
well as the slower herons fall easy victims to their
valor. Their feet are exceptionally large, and they are
often, on this account, known as Great-footed Hawks.

Nest.—Eges laid upon bare ledges or soil, with very
little, if any, nest. Bright buff, marked with rich rusty
brown. (2.05 x 1.55).

Range.—Breeds in Northern United States and Can-
ada, most abundant west of the Miss.

PIGEON HAWK

357. Falco columbarius. 12 in.

Adult male, bluish slate above, with black shaft lines
to the feathers; below buffy on the breast, sides and
thighs; streaked on the breast and barred on the flanks
with black; tai’ with four black bands. Female and
young, blackish brown above; below streaked with
dusky. These little falcons are very bold and coura-
geous when led by the pangs of hunger, chasing their
prey close to human beings, and they have been ienowa
to follow birds, which, in their fright, have dashed
through windows in houses. .They live upon any of the
smaller birds, as well as rodents, grasshoppers and
other insects.

Nest.—Usually a slight platform of twigs in trees,
deep in the woods, less often in cavities in trees, and
sometimes on ledges; eggs buffy, heavily blotched with
chestnut. (1.50 x 1.20).

Range.—Breeds chiefly north of the United States,
but occasionally on the northern border; winters in
northern United States.

RICHARDSON MERLIN

357b. Falco columbarius richardsonii, 12 in.

Both adults and young are similar to the same of
the last species, but they are much paler colored, and
the tail is crossed by six light bars. The habits of this
species, which seems to have quite a limited range, are
precisely like those of the Pigeon Hawk. Like that
species, it flies swiftly, with rapidly beating wings, and
occasionally sails and soars. The under surface of the
wings is prominently barred, but not as much so as
- that of the Pigeon Hawk; it is very conspicuous when

in flight.

Nest.—Either in hollow trees, or a rude platform of
sticks, usually not very high from the ground; eggs
buffy white, handsomely blotched with brown. (1.60
x¢ I)

Range.—From the Miss. to the Rockies, and from
Mexico north to Saskatchewan, locally distributed.

SPARROW HAWK

360. Falco sparverius. 10.5 in.

This is the smallest and one of the handsomest of our
hawks. Cannot be mistaken for any other species, be-
cause of its bright colors and odd marking. The female
is barred on the back, wings and tail, while the male
has but a few short bars on the back. The general tone
of both, above, is a bright rusty-brown. This is the
most abundant hawk that we have, and it is also best
known, chiefly because it is found commonly in the vicin-
ity of farmhouses and commonly on the outskirts of
cities. Their flight is peculiar, a few rapid wing beats,
then a short sail, alternately. They are very noisy in
mating season and when the young birds first fly, their
notes being a ~apidly repeated, * killy-killy-killy.” Their
food is of grasshoppers, mice and rarely small birds.

Nest.—Usually in cavities in trees, often in deserted
Flicker holes, the eggs being laid upon the bare wood.
They are cream colored, finely sprinkled and spotted
with brown. (1.35x 1.10).

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf States to Labrador and
Hudson Bay. Winters in southern United States.

AUDUBON CARACARA
362. Polyborus cheriway. 22 in.

These peculiar birds cannot be mistaken for any of
our hawks or faleons. They are very sluggish birds,
with habits resembling both those of buzzards and some
of the hawks. They are usually known in localities
where they are found, as Caracara Eagles. As we might
suspect from the shape of their bill, the naked and
bristle-covered lores, and the feet, which have not the
strongly hooked talons of hawks, the food of these birds
is largely carrion. It is terrestrial in its habits and is
most often seen, when not in flight, either upon the
ground, or standing erect on branches at low elevations.
They are more quarrelsome in their disposition than
are vultures, and frequently fight over their prey.

Nest.—A bulky, but shabby pile of sticks and weeds,
in bushes or low trees; eges buff, sprinkled, spotted or
blotched with yellowish brown or chestnut. (2.50 x 1.80).

Range.—Resident of the Mexican border of the U. 8.
and in southern Florida.

AMERICAN OSPREY; FISH HAWK

364. Pandion halietus carolinensis. 23 in.

Real old birds have the head whiter, and less white
edging to the back feathers, than do the young. Feet
very strong, and very hard and rough, perfectly “adapted
to grasping slippery fish; outer toe can be used equally as
well, either in front or behind, when perching or grasp-
ing their prey. Their food is entirely of fish, which
they catch themselves, by plunging after it, hovering in
the air a few seconds while watching the fish, prepara-
tory to diving upon it. They are alw ays found about
water and are very numerous on the seacoasts, where
twenty or more may frequently be seen at a time. They
are protected by law in some states, and by public sen-
timent in most others.

Notes.—A loud, tremulous, piercing whistle.

Nest.—Usually in trees; large and bulky, of sticks;
sometimes on the ground, telegraph poles, chimneys,
ete. Eggs creamy buff, blotched with rich brown. (2.40
x 1.80).

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to Labrador and Alas- 22)
ka; winters in the southern half of the U. 8.

FAMILY ALUCONIDA

BARN OWL
365. Aluco pratincola. 18 in.

Plumage very soft, finely barred and specked; gen-
eral coloration gray, yellowish-brown and white. No
ear tufts; eyes small and brown; face very long; legs
very long. These peculiar owls aire abundant in the
south, where they are commonly known as * Monkey-
faced Owls,” because of their odd visage. They are
very useful birds, and are usually recognized as such.
Their food consists almost wholly of small squirrels,
rodents, reptiles and insects. It does most of its hunt-
ing just after dusk and early in the morning. Its flight
is “rather slow and entirely noiseless, as 1s that of all
the members of the family.

Nest.—In hollow trees, under the roofs of barns or in
caves; the four to six eggs are pure white. (1.70 x 1.30).

Range.—United States, breeding north to New York,
Ontario, and Washington. Winters in the southern half
of the United States.

HORNED OWLS—Family Bubonide
AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL
366. Asio wilsonianus. 15 in.

This species can readily be distinguished from the
next, which is the only one of the same size, by its long
ear tufts; it is also darker, and the markings on the
breast are largely in the form of bars. In the northern
portions of the United States, this species is probably
the most abundant of owls, excepting the little Screech
Owl. It is often quite common, where its presence is
little suspected, because, unless disturbed, it flies only
at night and is a rather silent species. During the
daytime it is usually sitting upright in the dense tops
of evergreen trees. Crows often discover them, and pro-
claim their hiding place to the whole neighborhood by
their incessant cawing. Owls of all kinds are in dis-
favor with crows.

Notes.—A soft-toned ‘‘wo-hunk, wo-hunk.” (Bendire.)

Nest.—They lay from four to seven pure white eggs,
usually in old crow nests.

Range.—Resident from the Gulf to Nova Scotia and
Manitoba.

SHORT-EARED OWL

367. Asio flammeus. 15.5 it.

Ear tufts very short; general color buffy, not nearly
as brown nor as dark as the last species usually is.
They are not nearly as nocturnal as most of the owls,
and most of their hunting is done about dusk, when
they may be seen flying close to the ground over marshes
or low land. Their flight is perfectly silent, which aids
them in securing their prey of field mice, which they
usually get without stopping in their flight, just swoop-
ing Agar. extending their long legs. acid with wicked
little claws s, and it is all over with the little rodent, he
being carried to a nearby stump, and devoured, fur,
bones and all.

Notes.—A very short, shrill ery, evidently their call
note, and a low clucking uttered as they swoop over
your head; besides the usual snapping of the bill.

Nest.—On the ground, usually in marshes; the four
to seven eggs are pure white. (1.55 x 1.25).

Range.—Breeds locally from the Gulf to the Arctic
regions; winters throughout the United States.

BARRED OWL
368. Strix varia. 20 in.

Eyes dark brown. This is the most abundant of the
large owls throughout its range. It has no ears. This
species is the common * hoot owl,” that is the terror of
small children and many older ones. They are noisy
birds, and two of them like to get at opposite sides of a_
piece of woods and talk to each other. Their notes are
very variable but are oftenest combinations of * who-
whos ” and * too-toos,” often ending in a mournful wail.
They spend the day in slumber, unless routed out of
the dense trees where they rest, by crows or human
beings. They are one of the least harmful of the family
and should be protected.

Nest.—Usually in hollow trees, but sometimes in old
crow nests. Eges pure white (1.95x 1.65).

Range.—Resident in eastern North America. 368a.
Florida Barred Owl (alleni), is smaller, darker and the
toes are unfeathered, as are those of 368b, Texas Barred
Owl, found in southern Texas.

15

GREAT GRAY OWL

7

370. Scotiaptex nebulosa. 27

me
5

Tail long; eyes small and yellow. This large owl is
only rounds in Northern United States during “the win-
ter. Its tail is unusually long, as are all its feathers,
thereby making it appear a very much larger bird than
it really is; it weighs but little more than the Barred
Owl. They do not appear to be in especial abundance
anywhere, but occasionally large flights of them will
occur in some parts of the country; they seem to occur
most freely in Minnesota and North Dakota. They are
nocturnal like the majority of the family, and subsist
largely upon mice and hares.

Nest.—Of sticks, in trees, usually pines, in heavily
wooded districts; eggs white. (2.15 x 1.70).

Range.—Breeds from southern Labrador, Hudson Bay
_ and Alaska northward; winters south to the northern
' border of the United States and casually to Long Island
and Illinois.

RICHARDSON OWL
371. Cryptoglaux funerea richardsom. 10 in.

This species bears considerable resemblance to the lit- | 87h
tle Acadian Owls, but is grayer; the top of the head |
has numerous round white spots and the wing coverts | —
are spotted with white.

Nest.—Usually in holes of trees; eggs white. |

Range.—Breeds throughout Canada, and possibly in |
the northern parts of the northern states; winters south |
to northern United States.

SAW-WHET OWL; ACADIAN OWL.
372. Cryptoglaux acadica. 8 in.

Smallest of our eastern Owls; no ear tufts. General | ~
color brownish above and white below with the sides 372_—
streaked with brown. No markings on wing coverts, but ©
scapulars spotted with white. It is chiefly nocturnal | —
in its habits and, consequently, is not often seen even if |
they are abundant.

Range.—Breeds from northern U. 8. northward; win-
ters in northern United States. 227

ni

SCREECH OWL
373. Otus asio. 9.5 in.

Two color phases independent of age, sex or season;
eyes yellow; has ear tufts. The Screech Owl, or its
sub-species, is found throughout the United States, and
is one of the most abundant and best known of the
family. They are not at all timid, in winter fre-
quently being found in church towers, while on the
outskirts of cities and in the country, they reside, at all
seasons of the year, in orchards. They remain mated
for life, and live in the same tree for years, if not too
much disturbed by curious boys. Both adults and the
four young are often found in the nest together, and
they offer no resistance when they are removed by
hand. Their food is almost wholly of insects and
rodents.

Notes.—A wavering trill.

Nest.—In holes of trees; eggs white (1.35x 1.20).

Range.—Resident in U .S. and southern Canada.
373a. Florida Screech Owl (floridanus), is smaller
and slightly darker. 373b. Texas Screech Owl (ime-
ealli), is smaller and more heavily barred on the
sides.

GREAT HORNED OWL
375. Bubo virginianus. 23 in.

Has ear tufts, thus distinguishing it from any other
of our large, powerfully built owls. These large birds
are the fiercest, most active and most destructive of
the family. Their size and strength allows them to
kall skunks and woodchucks, as well as poultry, grouse
and small mammals and birds. They seem to be es-
pecially fond of skunks, and nearly all of them that I
have seen or handled, have given unmistakable evi-
dence of their recent and close association with these
animals.

Notes.—A deep, dismal
earthly shriek.

Nest.—Usually in deserted hawk or crow nests, and
also in hollow trees; eggs white. (2.25x 1.85). Feb.,
March.

Range.—Breeds and resident from the Gulf to Lab-
rador. 375a. Western Horned Owl (pallescens) is paler
colored;, found in the plains and Rockies north to
Manitoba. 375b. Aretic Horned Owl (subarecticus), is
chiefly black and white; found in Arctic America, win-
tering south to northern border of United States.

‘

‘“who-who,” and a loud un-

SNOWY OWL
376. Nyctea nyctea. 25 in.

No ear tufts. Plumage white, more or less heayily
spotted with black, the female usually being quite
strongly barred on the back. They are locally abundant
in the far north, preferring low, mossy lands to the
more timbered districts. Here they find an abundance
of food during the summer months, living upon hares,
lemmings, ptarmigan and ducks. They are about the
equal of the Horned Owl in strength, and usually will
weigh a few ounces more; they will frequently kill
animals or birds as heavy, or heavier, than themselves.
They also catch a great many fish; these they get in
shallow water among the rock-weed covered stones, by
reaching down quickly and seizing their prey in their
strong claws.

Nest.—On the ground in dry portions of marshes;
the 2 to 8 eggs are pure white.

Range.—Breeds from Labrador and Hudson Bay,
northward, and possibly farther south; winters cas-
ually to the Middle States, and commonly ‘to Minne-
sota and Maine.

AMERICAN HAWK OWL

377a. Surnia ulula caparoch. 15 in.

Tail long and rounded; plumage mottled black, white
and gray, with little, if any, brownish tinge; heavily
barred with black. These owls, curiously resembling a
hawk in build, and more so in flight, are very active
and hunt more during the daytime than after dark.
They feed largely upon small rodents and lemmings
which are very abundant in their summer home, and
also kill a great many small birds. They seem to be
impartial to wooded districts, or open marshes and
low lands, where they may be seen skimming about
close to the ground. -

Nest.—Kither of sticks in the tops of trees, or in
hollow cavities. The eggs are white, as are those of
all owls, and nearly globular in shape. (1.40 x 1.25).

Range.—Breeds from Newfoundland and Manitoba
northward, and possibly farther south on the moun-
tains. Winters south to northern United States, rarely
to New York and Illinois.

BURROWING OWL

378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogea. 10 in.

Legs very long, and nearly bare on the lower part
of tarsi: tail short; no ear tufts. An abundant and
useful species in the prairie regions west of the Mis-
sissippi. They live in the same region that prairie
dogs are found, using deserted burrows of these ani-
mals, or taking them by force, for they are more than
a match for these curious animals; they do not, as
has often been said, live peaceably in the same _ bur-
rows with them. On the contrary, young prairie.
dogs, as well as rodents, small snakes and birds, form
a large part of their daily diet. They are both diur-
nal and nocturnal, doing most of their hunting after
dusk, but often seen sitting at the mouth of the bur-
row during the daytime. The six to ten eggs that they
deposit at the end of these burrows are white.

Range.—West of the Miss. Valley, north to South-
ern Manitoba and British Columbia. 378a. Florida Bur-
rowing Owl (flovidana), is smaller and whiter; found
in southern Florida.

PN: DLE xX.

PNUOIAEDY SRM ge hence cka cen aecb ate tesa fa ae 68
PAr Lope CEM ECAIGS nits cotet bois.) Kove oe eis. eayseye 30
FVAZOV=D ULE eae acne eich ecchote ate 29
VOCE ta AIMETICAN -soistrs kisi scr cs 144
BIBLE e -AMNETIGAN! “2.2.2 oem. wae « 118
COBY IGEAS Geni oteicneeusid cass the es 119
IUERISIIO 6665 Sha tae Ge cia eR ecne Ht Coe 119
BOGAN Be Monee ea Be Ripe UE
TRIO TRITG IST papete oe ae ee ie cr er airs
MEST 9,” Meee Ed bein Pen eH ES Or iBT
FESGV OO LD Vgen teoy choos ot oA stat Sa) hata ax rai aie icio tons 66
TEx TYEE aN Ges hs eas eee pay Poe ne 65

LES Tecavia tuum heae vay Oe re or av aie oy co oho cols Ge aiclans 112
@araicana. Adubom) a2 o.3.540+0--- 220
(C216 aT Eee a aie es a sr Poe 191
G@ooupeAMeERiGAW yn ocr ds ede ws 140
(COOVENTIYOTOE TIN SR errs Gain Rete eee 69
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Cormorant, Double-crested ....... 70
KLOni dat PSs AA oes eer 70
NU S> CCST Ae A MAR Ale Pyne teed eine fal
Crane; Little. Browns \.cc.258ee-: 131
Samahiyplile sage. Masweta teats 151
aViovoroy opbave See erp eareBra patcia od Moti 130
Curlewe HsSkim@e Goya... seroma cree 166
EVWGSOMTa Teeter eer te are 165
ones Diller oon cae oe 164
DOVES fawn ee ter hese aan wane 3
DOVE. MG TOUNGs Wye a comtee aces here 195
TUG ais LAF Sh Reverse hand eie seein 195
IM OUTAT TINS yA eae 5 sy h oredr oreue er oe 193
WV bite-fronted meena ass fee 194
Wihite-wil@ed’= one's. s 6b eink: 194
TO OW CM Cis m Parana ha es stckals tus cheeses 148
one billedmencnt aie... dees ee 148

Duck, Am. Golden-eye .....-..-- 94° “Duck, Pimtail oir ee teen 88

iNjtis Siew Sb owacudcevosoosc 92 Redhead: d:<sc000 coke 90
Baildpate meas clever n 83 Ring-necked! “5... s. ee. 4s selene 93
Barrow Golden-eye .....-..-.- 94 Ruddy 2.04.2. Je)5ce reer 103
IIE “gAdud cowadovod adncoade 79 Soom YANO, Hodasconscc Bo oe 101
Black-bellied Tree .........- 109 a Surfs « nd linia eee 102
BS ithlectiCalemeee teers cic nie ienate 95 White-winged ...... 101
(GenaveiSI@A@ke” scoqcacccnaecuads yl Shovellen 2... e gece eee 87
Mider,) AMeEricane es... er 99 Teal, Blue-winged ........... 85

INGUIN “Goooaamco aoa. 99 “ Cinnamon eee 86

LEG ake tee tira Sauces dota eHO DESOTO 100 sf Green-winged ........ 84
LUiionetts mans Sats Olek mroO.s Ooo" 80 Wideeon! (sas. aqee eee eee 82
IMnihyowks) Wie Jacobs ooncoc' 110 WOOd. 20.4 ccd. che egos keener 89
Gaal seg ereowsde voce oouc 81 Hagle, Bald. 2.2). . Scie me -erentnarens PANS
ISO Awan oacoucoads oe 97 @olden. -...2322 hese ee Lahore
ibjeitere Sezhitgy Shgacooounacnod 92 Weret, American .....-.-..++-++- 122
le orresreneyl oo 6 ocho ec0000 5 96 Reddish. <..¢ «26.02 124
WAoIlOIe - Lescol asoooonde coos 98 iWiter, American =: cjaetcmilaene 99
IWIGHUE WAG) “A ear me oma gosto o Ol 78 Northern: —.. i). eesisdeeiee eee $5)
VIOLA Eten S Gcnckqumeabes Ota nike a5 otc 80 1. Gh it a eres corn ri did 7 ¢'0 100
Ol@ Sawa peecere ee eae 96... Falcon, Prairie 0.22 eer etree 215

PIAMMnEO, AMETICAN. . oe. 22a 26
ED aC MES TNG Ce poe, cele, sv-1 en -y svaniahia. a) eerste ca
ERIE eI te eee sie euch ccs, 3) Sea are 1a e eoaecs ©
Gaihimile = Monga ss: cess. ees. -
ES UTE RD ens Aen his ay sre bet a ravensites vaceiaie ce
CO seAINT CR Mee on ratorcria”.. Bites ydiureietavenae ec
CoOuwite (etd SOMTAMe ), 2.6. ee os
VITO Clee ety aeaeeisks ous yn ateraievek are
Goose, Am. White-fronted ...
CECI MINE NOs sa our pein pi panes
Gaal Metecat et terval ang ara tentee s
[BAHU Spi aCe Fae ne at eco ners erat
SIGMA G BEANE ect. aaSécerke eth is
STMOWeedeCSSEIe Wits ree erates
Goshawke “American 052... e<2e.
CmeDe ws Hiaed: anae teras Shoe acon ere e:s
ERORTMCE Maat. seoyeaeiats or etevelauckgnace tons
EU O Cle awit ayer (2, 5 ey tagtne tecierat aed
[GSES h SOnON ge a aan ee ace
red =DiNleds vaya, 5 lers seesiwie is eters?
Vi SUG TI eerie) A ae Geren

235

Grouse, Canada
Dusky
Richardson
Rutfed
Sage
Shap-tailed
Sharp-tailed Prairie
Spruce

Guillemot,
WIE oY 6 Banh eee certs

Gull, Black-backed
Bonaparter eae aoc Se eae
Franklin
Glaucous
Herring
Iceland
Ivory
Kittiwake
Kumilien
Laughing
Ring-billed

Black

mits (o\eiey 0 Kelielayisi. Saltese} e)i.e1

Gull, Ross
Sabine

Gyrtaleon
White

Hawk, Am.
Am, S]

Broad-winged

Cooper

Duck .
Ferruginous Rough-leg

Harlan
Harris
Krider
Marsh

Pigeon

Red-shouldered

Red-tai
senett

Sharp-shinned
Swainson

Heath Hen

Rough-legged
yarYOW

bituiie) (aif) af eels (elis) elfa\ie)sel/eiiesuene,™

led
White-tailed

> (9) 19) ia) nieve (oO 6\\'e 10! (siele je. le he

Nis el lore) \e)0, 0.0 be (0) 8) e 10 eee 000 (6

236

Heron, Great White
Great Blue
Green
Little Blue
Louisiana
Night, Black-crowned
Night, Yellow-crowned
Snowy
Glossy
Scarlet
White
White-faced Glessy
Wood
Jacana, Mexican
Jaeger, Long-tailed
Parasitic
Pomarine
Feidecr see see
Kite, Everglade
MASSISSIDDISy cto mencreieteen
Swallow-tailed

Ibis; Glossy: is 5 s.)o.)- ese eee

eve, 01s! este .e\'eleire/ cel twaleinee!

mate Winite=tailedss.05. 6.5. oo. 198
AESSTGTVZeNICE Miee Mi coe eats wens) aioe es 36
VCTAVON EY Sede sa Se Saye ee ees 150
AMIN PME twreerss Sh, ue eeleld aeetetere eis 132
NEO Fleet ont ie Meets tit cece lers otras oct 3
Black throatedeicn sos 24
Red-thnodted 92). 12... ees 25
AVI eM Air Cease sper eta oeeuhs. sac Geena aioe 78
WigiMnO=\Waie> 1Bieh 25 aa bao ase eu mae 74
Merganser, American ........... 75
Red-breasted .......0..%.; 76
lia lfovoys eX Le erence Sroiae Morons cares 77
Meri inieh and Somes. scr cree se 218
LOTTIE ey ee ae a SMA AE em 28
Jesretih ahals (cL We tapers ene ie eatan tee Parara een 28
IN OAV atm bist srolots ons a erate eee ee 56
Ospreys AMeriGan: aaa. teten 6 oh. « 221
Oia Ariis EV AIWe aos. oh saene Sc, See 23
AT CUCs OTMEdcn,5 sek eee ee 229
SOUT EIND, fers fers Arras acs, 0, whoo ON IR oes 222
Barred 225

ee ey

237

Barred. sloridiaie access cease
Burrowing
Burrowing, Florida
Great Gray
Great Horned
Long-eared
Richardson
Saw-whet
Screech
Short-eared
Western Horned
STOMA ES ate sooo

Oyster-catcher

Partridge, Gambel
Massena
Mearns
Scaled

Pelican, Am. White
STOW Desens eer

Petrel, Leach
Stormy

Sooo tno OU, Oh Ose Po CAG

Petrele Wilson! 4.26.2)

Phalarope,
Red .

Noriherne ec

WANS Ont santos eet eta

Pheasant,

Ring-necked ..

Pigeon, Passenger ......

Plover, An

Black-Bellied

iG (GroileWeiay Ga eae

KGNNIG eer nse a
MiOuUnTtaIn a eae eee

Piping
Piping

Beltedmarewrr

Semipalmated .......

Snowy
Uplanc

Wilson

Mh ates era eaetsine

Prairies ileniy skier ae eas
OSSer~) sks Ssoneee
Piarmigany vAllenie t,o.

Rock

238

Ptarmigan, Welch ...

IP UG 545 cl

Large-billed

© 0 .¢ 0.050 el) = iele jae

QUA (ind Ske tiois bee hee

Rail, Black
Carolina
Clapper

Virginia
Yellow
Sanderling

Louisiana

Florida
Wayne

Sandpiper, Baird ....

Bartram

Least ..
Pectoral
Purple

12 Oa fel

0) 2 a) wie 2) elendielene

ee, 6\ fe: (6) 5) fe! w eflel.e

ee

Sandpiper, Red-backed .......... ibyl” Syahid, Wiibampoeeen ges can ceooror 111
SemMipalMTraled! 5 .../a.0 leche se oe 153 WHS Gin eos ects ee tee wees 111
SOMA VERSE tele erer aistpusrercicee © 159) Meale i Biwe=wileeduyanie aie oak 85

SialaGlomjoxeye, Syerotitel Hnooeeoagenobe 136 GUMNTL EATING Mees Oska a eke aise ae ets 86
SHUM EM Mpes teecos nim aeebe tro dtuctic amanarscaleie 149 Grreen-=will@ede scm encreme cele. 84
WESTON Gin ta. sitlncey Woe chrer Lor CMe vAT Chi. rs neineie ee eek ee 51
Winona cbnaayeKel Shae oo sto boon 152 TBAT Loraarsa piace asus Yee Beat oe 55

Scorer wAMenricamy wh... cscs as oes 101 1SHON(O SCs Dek teoerten aera he emer ii a 3 54
SSI CR Bg pergrned A ken ARR Re oe aE 102 Cabotioxc ners cine Aa ete 49
White-winged ......... Sets ee ia Caspian 22Khs. chante.) oa tee 48

NO VC Grae rath os eRe a obs ay os, we ore es 87 COMMONS ee = hia eee 51

SONU UIEs DIN tes ees park Slee tte onde eee acs 68 INOTSTCR at ocwbacis co oaherechae 50

SHMMOTEH “AWGIISYo nh peewee micke eater aioe 147 Gublepilledee ne gear catalan 47

Shearwater, Audubon ........... 59 TC AISTS Wapato Serene tcloaneis rome 53
OTR ae ee eee oA Sar ee Me ne aie 59 INO GIGiVeN ares avch ures Shc ehes 56
CUCAUCTS Sees hes nts aiseteretaae iets 60 ROS Caterer tanls a por tela acheter 52
WOOL crckersstis ceases thaattnete:: 61 ERO Vial Meenas Aare ced Rack ae os Pe 48

Samamianeie, ABIENGIGY Aigmisie ai Sis Gace one 57 SOOU A See tice une aeons nin 54

MSLallctan re peene AN ears ote cane tw ey oR RE eS, a2) slropicy Bird» mellow-billed sunk 64

SPOOMDII A ROSGate: sc oc alias ss AS ST Kayes SNA Clemens abe haley aaa ah a 189

Siilimeplack-mecked W......ec ee cs AU SUOMENT, cansome sae vons aietetirn onan 174

239

iMorerasyroravey 1RGCKhy Seo abooeoos oo oS ary

Wanlltiane lale Ka wea ncadters eletelersustersret 196
PENANG tare coke erent ee erst cragetemee 196
Wet escheat soins cnet tede niger ns See et 160
WVIGRTOIUI. wept cicraitatstets or chetecopens 160
Woodcock, American~......:.... 146
MeO WEES Gl yuceous caval eis cine bee erabere 158
(TQAUER 6-3 iid: cteiel Ssiey danse <a aol 5c

240

WATER BIRDS

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

HIS book is uniform in size and scope with LAND

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Birds and Birds of Prey, east of the Rockies. Each

species is ILLUSTRATED IN COLOR from oil paintings;
the bird, its habits and nesting habits are described.

The pictures show more than 230 birds in color, every
species found in our range. ‘They exceed in number those in
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exquisite gems, each with an attractive background typical of
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“LAND BIRDS” and ““WATER BIRDS’’ are the
only books, regardless of price, that describe and show in
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Bound in Cloth, $1.00 net; in Leather, $1.25 net;
postage, 5c.

“Water Birds”

from ““Land Birds”

LAND BIRDS

By CHESTER A. REED, B.S.

quickly identify any song or insectivorous bird found

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describes their nests, eggs and songs.

EVERY BIRD IS SHOWN IN COLOR, including
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*“LAND BIRDS”? is the most popular and has had the
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Ornithologists and teachers. 230 pages.

Bound in Cloth, 75c. net; in Leather, $1.00 net;

postage, 5c,

A N illustrated, pocket text book that enables anyone to

GUIDE TO THE MUSHROOMS

By EMMA TAYLOR COLE

ELLS HOW, WHEN and WHERE they grow; how
to collect and prepare them for the table; describes
the common kinds both edible and poisonous. Hand-

somely illustrated with about 70 halftones from photographs
of living mushrooms and five PLATES IN COLOR.
Uniform with ‘‘Wild Flowers.’’ $1.50 net; postage, 10c.

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How to make aquaria. How to fit them up; all about
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GUIDE TO TAXIDERMY

A practical and thorough instructor in the art of mounting
birds, mammals, head, fish, etc. We have an illustrated
prospectus for those interested. Fully illustrated; cloth
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from “Water Birds?

WILD

FLOWERS

EAST OF THE
ROCKIES

By
CHESTER A. REED

The latest flower
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In a class by it-
self.

Original, beauti-
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exact.

Pictures 32@
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NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS’ EGGS
By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

HIS is the only book on the market that gives illustra-
tions of the eggs of all North American birds. Each
egg is shown FULL SIZE, photographed directly

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‘The habitat and habits of each bird are given.
It is finely printed on the best of paper and handsomely
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$2.50 net; postage 25c.

COLOR KEY TON. A. BIRDS
By F. M. CHAPMAN and C. A. REED

This might well be called an illustrated dictionary of
North American birds, the male of each species being shown

in COLOR from pen and ink drawings. Uniform with Ege |

Book. 350 pages.
$2.50 net; postage 25c.

from *‘Land Birds”?

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