\y ~ PN EES \ \ AY : TON % : \ \\ x \ SS \ | ial OF THE ae ae y; Ue QnNnUa . we aA A ISLANDS: CONTAINING MANY BIRDS NEW TO THE ISLANDS, AND A NUMBER OF UNDESCRIBED WINTER PLUMAGES OF NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES. BY CHARLES B. CORY, AUTHOR OF “A NATURALIST IN THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS,” ETC. IED ORS Miterdhs HI OID) BOSTON: PAU EB ase See E yD Bi 4) Hebe ANU ELOURS 2 WEARNS 8 ARLINGTON STREET. ARNG SE COLLECTION USO, ? AZ3BA4A3Q2 National Museu: CopyRiGHT, 1879, Bie CHARLES Be ecoORN. @ BOSTON: ‘ALFRED MUDGE AND SON, PRINTERS. Pie PA ers Tue Bahama Islands have, of late years, become such a popular resort, and so many people visit them every winter for the enjoy- ment of the dole far niente life and magnificent climate always found in those semi-tropical regions, that I have been induced to publish the present volume, with the hope of being able to throw some light upon a subject in which most travellers, as well as scientists, are interested, viz. the many species of birds which are resident or occasional visitants to those islands, about which, at present, so very little is known. I shall commence with a short account of my personal experiences while cruising among the islands, in order to give some idea of the nature and customs of the country, and the best localities for the ornithologist and sports- man to visit. Part II. will be devoted to ornithology, giving a list of the species found on the islands, with notes regarding their habits, migrations, etc. In the descriptions of the birds, I have endeavored to point out the characters by which allied species may most easily be dis- 4 PREFACE. tinguished from one another, and in species which resemble each other so much as to render identification difficult, the character- istic points of difference are put in italics. In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks to my ornithological friends in general, for their kind assistance, and especially to Mr. Grorce N. Lawrence, of New York, for much valuable information. CyB CORY: CON TENTS. JARI TE PREFACE THE BAHAMA ISLANDS NASSAU THE EXUMA KEYS ANDROS ISLAND LONG ISLAND THE MIRAPORVOS INAGUA MEASUREMENT OF SPECIMENS WORKS AND PAPERS REFERRED TO ABBREVIATIONS OF AUTHORS’ NAMES PARA Se BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS FAMILY TURDIDA Z : : 2 THRUSHES FAMILY SYLVIUDA PAGE 6 CONTENTS. FAMILY SYLVICOLIDA 5 FAMILY CEREBIDA FAMILY HIRUNDINIDA FAMILY VIREONID . FAMILY FRINGILLIDA FAMILY ICTERIDA FAMILY TYRANNIDA FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDE . FAMILY TROCHILIDA FAMILY ALCEDINIDA FAMILY CUCULIDA FAMILY PICIDA FAMILY PSITTACIDE . FAMILY STRIGIDA FAMILY FALCONIDA . FAMILY CATHARTIDAZ FAMILY COLUMBIDA FAMILY PERDICIDA FAMILY CHARADRIIDA FAMILY HAMATOPODIDA FAMILY RECURVIROSTRID . WARBLERS CREEPERS SWALLOWS VIREOS FINCHES . STARLINGS FLYCATCHERS . GOATSUCKERS . HUMMING-BIRDS KXINGFISHERS . Cuckoos WOODPECKERS PARROTS OwLs FALCONS VULTURES PIGEONS . PARTRIDGES PLOVERS . OvysTER CATCHERS . STILTS 104 108 CONTENTS. FAMILY SCOLOPACIDA FAMILY TANTALIDZ . FAMILY ARDEIDA FAMILY RALLIDZE FAMILY PH@NICOPTERIDEA FAMILY ANATIDA FAMILY SULIDA . FAMILY PELECANIDZE FAMILY GRACULIDE . FAMILY TACHVPETIDZA FAMILY PHAETHONTIDZ . FAMILY LARIDZ . FAMILY PROCELLARHUDA FAMILY PODICIPIDZ . DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES APPENDIX INDEX SNIPES SPOONBILLS HERONS . Rats FLAMINGOES Ducks GANNETS PELICANS CORMORANTS . MAn-or-War, ETC. . Tropic Brrp . GuLts, TERNS PETRELS . GREBES INDEX OR SPUATES: CROTOPHAGA AN/ . : ; . %ANI ; : FRONTISPIECE. MIMOCICHLA PLUMBEA . : . PLumBeous THRUSH . : 45 SPINDALIS ZENA . . . . Banama Finch... 92 SAUROTHERA BAHAMENSIS . . Basama Cuckoo : : 116 ARDEA CYANIROSTRIS _. : . Inacua Heron . ; : 168 PHG@NICOPTERUS RUBER : . FLAMINGO . : , : 180 DAFILA BAHAMENSIS : ‘ . Bawama Duck . ; ; 185 STERNA ANOSTHATA : : . Brripiep TERN . ; ; 215 PARE a: THE BAHAMA ISLANDS Ch AgE iE Re 1k THE BALTAMA TSTAN DS. Tue Bahama Islands are situated between 20° 55’ and 27° 15/ north latitude, and 78° 18’ west longitude, comprising about a thousand islands, large and small, from Andros Island, which has an area of over a thousand square miles, to the small reef barely protruding from the surface of the sea, fit only for the occasional resting-place of some. of the numerous sea birds which repair to these islands to breed. Nearly all the group present the same geological formation, being composed principally of cellular lime- stone. On most of the islands the rock along the shore has been worn away by the action of the sea in such a manner as to present a surface covered with sharp points, hard and keen as knife-blades, which renders walking an exceedingly difficult and sometimes dan- gerous operation, and a fall might be attended with serious con- sequences. Although so hard upon the surface, this stone, when not exposed to the atmosphere, is soft and easily cut, and is much used by the inhabitants for building purposes. It is an interesting fact to observe that this peculiar honeycombed appearance of the rocks is to be seen in the interior of some of the largest islands, showing that they were, in ages past, covered by the ocean. 12 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Thousands of years ago, these beautiful islands were represented by the barren tops of submarine mountains, over which the waves dashed in the fury of the hurricane, or the calm expanse of water lay unbroken, hardly rippled by the gentle breezes of the tropics. Generation after generation of coral insects lived and died, working steadily, gradually raising the foundation of a future home for man- kind. Ages passed, and their summits reached the surface, vege- tation appeared, and now they stand, like oases in a desert, their tall palms swaying in the breeze, teaching us still another lesson in the beautiful work of creation. Although in many places the soil is exceeding scant, yet vege- tation flourishes on the larger islands. The cedar, lignumvite, satin-wood, mahogany, and many other species abound. Among the fruits, the banana, sapodilla, coffee-plant, tamarind, mango, guava, orange, cocoanut, marmee, shattuck, grape-fruit, and many others grow in profusion. Birds and fish abound, many of them very beautiful; but the zodlogy of the islands is limited. On some of the larger ones, wild cattle and hogs are numerous, but they are descendants of a few domestic representatives of their race which were imported years ago. No other animals were observed, except several species of mice and two species of bats. On Andros Island the Iguana is abundant, and the natives consider it a great delicacy. Only one small one was seen by our party. Both the green turtle and the tortoise are common, and the shell of the latter forms an important item in the commerce of the islands. Crustacea and radiata are numerous, as well as land BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 13 mollusks. The entomology is varied and interesting. Mosquitoes and such troublesome species are not common in winter except on the outer islands, where sand-flies are also numerous. Many species of lepidoptera and diptera abound throughout the group, especially during the summer season. Many of the islands are infested with centipedes. At Nassau they were numerous, and occasionally a tarantula was seen, but the latter is by no means common, although during the hot summer months they, as well as curious and gigantic land-crabs, are to be found in abundance. About May ist the heat begins to grow oppressive, and later it becomes almost unbearable, the mercury rising to 165° and even 170° in the middle of the day, when exposed to the heat of the sun; but, as a general rule, the morn- ings and evenings are very pleasant. I include below the average temperature, taken during the month of June while cruising among the islands. On cloudy days the sun temperature was not taken, and in nearly all cases being taken on the deck of the vessel, in all probability it was slightly affected by the breeze. 8 A. M. 12 Noon. 12 Noon. 6 P. M. Shade. Shade. Sun. Shade. 82 863 1182 81} Myriads of insects abound at this season, and render the southern islands almost uninhabitable. At Inagua we found them especially numerous and troublesome. The inhabitants stated that 14 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. their horses were sometimes killed by them. This statement may be easily believed after having experienced the torture which they inflict, and seeing the animals literally covered with insects. The small keys which, during the winter, present a desolate appear- ance, in the summer season teem with bird life; thousands of Terns of different species repair to these deserted spots to breed, and their eggs might be gathered by the barrelful, as the rocks and sand are, in places, almost covered with them. Inagua, besides being one of the largest islands of the Bahamas, is the most southern of the group. It is interesting to the sports- man and the naturalist on account of the numbers of animals and birds which are common there, but are rarely found on any of the other islands. A few miles from the coast the road comes out upon a large prairie, where wild cattle, horses, and asses are abundant. Back of Mathewstown, a large lake some twelve miles in length abounds with Ducks and marsh birds. Flamingoes are very abun- dant, and the inhabitants organize a party every year, discover their breeding-places, and gather many hundreds of their eggs. Among the birds interesting to the naturalist might be mentioned the Parrot, Spoonbill (which, in some places, is very abundant), and the little Humming-bird (D. Zyuzra), which seems to be restricted to this island. The island of Inagua has never been fully explored, and would no doubt richly repay any naturalist who had the leisure and energy to complete the exploration of its interior. Long Island and Eluthera are worthy of a visit on account of the natural caves which abound, some of them large and beautiful. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. ry Numbers of skeletons and many specimens of wood-carving have been found in them. The negroes are superstitious, and rarely enter the caves alone; and so many which are known to exist are as yet unexplored. Clarence Harbor, Long Island, is a safe harbor, and the inhabitants very hospitable. 16 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. COE VACR Sek alls NASSAU. Ir was a bright and cloudless Christmas morning on which I first entered the harbor of Nassau, and as the ship came to an anchor off the bar, the bay presented a very pretty appearance; all the ships at anchor, as well as innumerable small craft, which were constantly passing and repassing, were covered with flags of all colors and nationalities. Upon the shore, just rising above the tops of a group of cocoanut-trees, the white spires of the city were plainly to be seen, their tops glistening in the reflected light of the first rays of the rising sun. In a short time the ship was surrounded by a number of small boats, which flocked around us like birds of prey around some dead sea-monster, all anxious to carry away something for themselves. Each boatman was loud in the praises of his own boat, and a war of words was kept up, which showed no signs of abating as we slowly glided towards the wharf in the small craft which we had selected. One of the first things that attracted our attention was the won- derful transparency of the water. Objects were plainly seen at a depth of fifteen feet, and, by the aid of an instrument which is called a water-glass, one can gaze down into the water and watch the fishes darting in and out among the many-colored “sea-ferns” and corals as clearly as if they were contained in an aquarium. Often- BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 17 times, while cruising among the keys, I have sat gazing into the water, watching the countless varieties of fish which passed beneath us, from the immense shark, whose dull, brown body was just con- cealed beneath the surface, to the silver and angel fishes, which flashed and sparkled like rare gems as they lazily turned themselves in the sunlight or suddenly darted from some snug retreat formed by the beautiful and varied submarine vegetation, resembling a tropical garden in miniature. We landed amongst a crowd of negroes, and, after refusing repeated offers of assistance, made our way to a venerable carriage, drawn by two lean horses, and directed the driver to take us to the hotel. Entering the town, we found the streets of an almost snowy whiteness, which, in the glare of the sun, is very dazzling to the eyes at first, but one soon gets used to it, and after a short time it is not at all troublesome. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, and is in fact the only place of any size in the whole of the group. It boasts of a fair library and a fine hotel, The Royal Victoria, which is beautifully situated upon a small hill, and commands a fine view of the city and harbor. We were made very comfortable at the Sargent House, kept by Mr. Epes Sargent, and our stay there was made very pleasant by the kindness of himself and wife. There are many pleasant drives in the vicinity of Nassau. Forts Charlotte, Montague, and Fincastle are all interesting to the tourist, and the roads leading to them are, in many places, picturesque and beautiful, shaded by groves of palms and cocoanut-trees, and com- 3 18 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. manding a fine view of the ocean and reefs. I was particularly pleased with the drive to Fort Montague. The air was perfumed by the myriads of flowers, which hung in festoons from the bushes or peeped above the thick growth of cacti bordering the road. We observed, as we drove along, many kinds of fruit growing in tropical luxuriance; among them might be enumerated the banana, pineapple, orange, sapodilla, cocoanut, and grape-fruits. Numbers of birds were chattering among the trees, while an occasional flash among the flowers revealed to the close observer the beautiful little Bahama Humming-bird, as it hovered for a moment before darting out of sight amongst the foliage. Near Fort Montague some very good bathing- houses have been erected, and a bath in the clear water during the cool of the evening is very refreshing. Fort Fincastle, which is situated at the head of what is called “The Queen’s Staircase,” is a curious old structure, now gradually falling into decay, The staircase is one of the prettiest spots in Nassau, consisting of a flight of steps cut in the rock, which rises on both sides, in perpendicular walls, to the height of eighty or ninety feet. The rock is overhung with creeping vines, giving it the appearance of some moss-covered castle of feudal times, and the effect is heightened by the well-worn steps leading to the summit. When viewed from a certain position, the fort has the appearance of an old steamboat; a lookout which has been built upon it heightens the resemblance, as its position and appearance are that of a pilot-house. To strangers visiting these islands for the first time, the habits and customs of the people are full of interest. The little negro boys, BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 19 diving for pennies, or lining the wharves in a nude condition, hoping against hope for some one to throw them a penny, the tropical fruits of all kinds, and beautiful flowers in full bloom in midwinter, all seem strange at first; but barely a week passes before everything appears as natural as if they had seen just such things every day of their lives. Nassau contains a large number of soldiers, most of them colored troops which have served in Africa, and nearly all of them are decorated. They promenade the streets with their medals worn conspicuously upon their breasts, filling the natives with awe and admiration; women bearing oranges, bananas, or sugar-cane walk about or stand upon corners, soliciting patronage; men, women, and children, having articles of food to dispose of, congregate every morning at what is called the market, and there offer their wares for sale. Fish are brought there alive, and exposed for sale in tanks, so that the purchaser may be sure of obtaining everything fresh. Outside of its other attractions, the island of New Providence is of great interest to the ornithologist, as here may be obtained those exceedingly rare species, Mimocichla plumbea and Geothlypis rostra- tus. The former was so exceedingly rare that a short time ago only three or four specimens were known to be in existence. During my visits to the island I observed another species of this family, which, unfortunately, I was unable to procure. G. rostratus is also very rare, and has been classed as a variety of G. ¢veclia. This would be accounted for by the extreme scarcity of specimens and the diffi- culty of procuring a series for proper examination and comparison. 20 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Among the more common species which are to be found at New Providence might be enumerated the Purple Grosbeak or Spanish Paroquet, of the inhabitants (Loxdgz//a violacea), the Bahama Finch (Spzndalis zena), and Honey Creeper (Certhiola bahamenszs), which, next to the Bahama Sparrow (Phonzpara bicolor), is the most com- mon species. Anis are abundant everywhere, and it is seldom that during a drive outside of the city their clear whistle is not heard, as they perch upon the swaying branches of some tree, or hop along the ground, after the manner of our Grackles. The little Ground Dove (C. fasserina) is abundant, and is an object of interest to the sportsman. While walking through the pineapple-fields, hundreds of them would rise on all sides of us. The large White- headed Pigeon and Key West Dove are also abundant at certain seasons of the year. Many years ago the Quail (Ortyx virgznzanus) was introduced, and has since multiplied, so that at the present time it has become quite numerous, generally frequenting the “ pine bar- rens.”. The lakes abound with Teal, Duck, and Coot, which afford excellent sport to those inclined to shoot them. The climate during the winter is magnificent, and many people afflicted with consumption regularly visit Nassau to regain their health. Fabulous stories are told of the wonderful recuperative powers of the atmosphere, most of which are mere fabrications; but there is no doubt that the people of Nassau enjoy one of the finest climates in the world, the temperature ranging between 65° and 85? from November until April. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 21 CALE i ak 11 lp EXUMA KEYS. January 6.— The sea was as calm as a mill-pond, hardly rippled by the light breeze, which was barely sufficient to propel our vessel with sufficient speed to prevent her drifting upon the reefs. We had arrived in sight of Highburn Key, and as we moved slowly along within a short distance of the shore, we examined it with the pleasant anticipation which any naturalist experiences upon the first sight of a little-known land. The island appeared deserted; not a bird was in sight, and the song of a single Mocking-bird, borne faintly to us from the interior, was the only sound that broke the almost perfect stillness. I had hoped to find birds abundant here, but after rambling over the key for several hours, and finding only a few Mocking birds and Honey Creepers, we returned to the boat, rather dissatisfied with our first excursion. These keys, although rarely visited, are very pretty. Cocoanuts and bananas abound, and can be generally obtained, conchs are abundant, and fair fishing is to be had; but these little islands, which, later in the season, are fairly covered with bird life, are almost deserted in winter. Norman's Key, Shroud Key, etc., passed in succession, showing the same geological formation and desolate appearance. On some of them, birds were common, but appeared to be confined to two or is) to BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. three species. On Norman’s Key, wild hogs are abundant, and afford good sport; but dogs are required to hunt them successfully. Cattle were at one time also found here, but of late years none have been seen. Among these keys sponges are very plentiful, and are much sought after by the negroes; hardly a day passed without our meet- ing one or more of their small boats. In gathering the sponges, the negroes use an instrument resembling an eel-spear, having a strong iron prong attached to the end of a stout pole, with which they detach the sponges from the rocks. They also use a “ water-glass,” a simple construction, made in the shape of an oblong box, one end being closed by a pane of glass, leaving the other end open. By holding the glass end submerged, small objects can easily be seen at the depth of fifteen or twenty feet. Many of the negroes are very expert divers, and descend thirty-five or forty feet, and often much deeper, in search of the finer qualities of sponges, which are only to be found in deep water. Although sharks are very numerous the negroes do not seem to mind them in the least, and enter the water anywhere with perfect impunity. We had expected to find water-birds very abundant, but were disappointed. Marsh-birds were also scarce, although the long beaches and numerous marshes seemed to offer excellent feeding. grounds. We procured a few scattered birds of different species, but were not sorry when one morning, a few days later, finding birds as scarce as ever, and having a fair wind, we turned our backs on the keys and directed our course for Andros, that much-talked-of but little-known island. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 25 The wind increased to a strong breeze, and, soon after starting, the land we had left became an indistinct line in the distance, which gradually faded from our view, until we rolled upon an unbroken sea of white-capped waves, which occasionally sent their spray high over the deck. About noon we sighted Green Key, and passed within a stone’s throw of the shore. A flock of Royal Terns, which were sunning themselves upon the beach, rose with harsh cries, and circled and played around us until Green Key, in turn, had sunk in the horizon, and the low shores of Andros Island appeared in the distance, heralded by the rumbling thunder of the waves breaking upon the coral reefs. A few minutes later, our little vessel rounded to, and entered a small, rock-bound harbor, startling a number of Cormorants, which flapped hurriedly away as we dropped our anchor in the still water. 24 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. CLivAs ear y hk salve ANDROS ISLAND. Awnpros Istanp is the largest of the Bahama group, being about ninety miles long, and from ten to forty miles in width. It is thickly wooded, and intersected by a number of broad, shallow creeks. An extensive fresh-water lake exists in the interior, which abounds in all kinds of birds, and is well worthy of a visit, although it is rather difficult to get at. It may be reached by the Wide Opening from the west side, or Fresh Creek from the east; but the latter is too shallow, near its head, to admit of reaching the lake the entire way by boat, and a “carry” of several miles will have to be made. There are no good harbors; but small craft, not drawing more than four or five feet of water, will easily find their way through the reefs on the eastern side of the island, but on the west side it is so shallow that even small vessels cannot approach within miles of the shore. On the shallow flats, quantities of birds congregate yearly, and Flamingoes, Pelicans, etc., are said to abound. Iguanas are numerous in the interior, and their flesh is much esteemed by the negroes, who prefer it to any other kind of meat. On the southern portion of the island many valuable kinds of trees grow in abundance; among them we observed the ebony (scarce), mahogany, lignumvitae, cedar, logwood, and many others, which would prove a mine of wealth to any one able to master BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 25 the difficulties of their transportation to the coast. I was told that ambergris used to be found in considerable quantities along the shores, but is now scarce. Several species of birds were taken on this island which we did not find elsewhere. Among them were the rare Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroeca kirtlandiz) and the beautiful little Humming-bird (Sporadinus record). Sandpipers, Plovers, Tattlers, Oyster-catchers, etc., were abun- dant. Turkey Buzzards were common, and it is a curious fact that although this species is very plentiful on Andros Island and at Abaco, none are to be found on the other islands, except, perhaps, an occasional straggler. The island presents about the same appearance throughout; its rocky shore is inhabited only by a few settlements of negroes, who live in the most primitive manner, in their thatch-roofed houses, surrounded by their cocoanuts and bananas, seeming as happy and contented as possible. The people are friendly and obliging, and, for a small consideration, will make themselves very useful to the sportsman. Although there are several good-sized villages on the eastern shore of the island, as there are no white inhabitants, provisions are very difficult to procure. Even eggs are scarce, and command a high price, the negroes often coming off to the vessel, bringing one or two eggs carefully packed in leaves, for which they demand from four to five cents apiece. Fruit can be obtained everywhere. We often purchased bunches of bananas for twenty or twenty-five cents which were so large as to require all our strength to lift them ; and other fruits were proportionately cheap. 4 26 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. (Calva ilee MaRS AY LONG ISLAND.— THE CAVES. CrarenceE Harsor, June 7, 1879.— Objects had just begun to be distinguishable in the faint light of early dawn when we left the vessel and were pulled slowly to the shore. The morning was deliciously cool, and a thick mist hung over the water, through which, as we approached the beach, we could just discern our man Sam, keeping guard over four horses, which were destined to greatly assist us during the many hard journeys which we afterwards found it necessary to make. My friend and myself selected our animals, and after seeing the provisions, ropes, etc., packed safely upon the backs of the others, we started in search of a large and little-known cave, which our guide was certain he could find, and which was situated, according to his statement, about ten miles from the village. The first part of the road was in fair condition for horses going at a slow pace, and at that hour the air was cool and refreshing, and the ride very enjoy- able. Riding along the edge of a small inland pond, I observed numbers of birds which would have gladdened the heart of any naturalist. Gull-billed Terns and Black-headed Gulls circled around us or poised themselves over the pond, with bent heads, gazing intently at its unbroken surface, several long-legged Stilts stood in solemn silence in the shallow water, and a number of little Night- BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 27 hawks still darted hurriedly about in pursuit of insects. Occasion- ally, a Heron rose from its resting-place and flapped silently away, while the air was filled with the notes of birds and the hum of insects. As the day advanced, the chatter of the birds gradually ceased, and a perfect silence replaced the tumult of the morning, broken only by the occasional rattling of our horses’ hoofs among the loose stones of the pathway,—it could hardly be called a road, although at one time it must have been a fine driveway. On either side were the remains of heavy stone walls, occasionally broken by huge pillars, which marked the entrance to some grand old mansion, represented by an over-grown ruin, its once beautiful grounds now thickly covered by an almost impenetrable growth of semi-tropical vegeta- tion. As the sun rose higher and higher, the heat became intense, and our discomfort was greatly increased by the myriads of mos- quitoes and other small insects which attacked us incessantly. The horses suffered badly from them, the poor creatures fidgeting and turning their heads in a supplicating way, as if to ask us to relieve them of their tormentors. After travelling for several hours over an exceedingly bad road, which grew worse and worse as we advanced, we at last arrived at an opening in the side of a small hill, which the guide declared to be the mouth of the cave. Here we dismounted, and leaving our man to attend to the tired horses, we lighted our torches and, followed by Sam bearing the ropes and extra lights, entered the opening and found ourselves in a large gallery, extending, with a gradual curve to the left, as far as we could see. A few yards from the entrance, a 28 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. passage turned suddenly to the right, through a small opening barely large enough to admit of the passage of a man’s body, while the main gallery continued on to the left, gradually growing higher as we advanced. Choosing the small opening, we entered, and made our way along a narrow passage for a short distance, when it suddenly turned and opened into a large chamber, which presented, as we entered it, one of the most beautiful sights that I have ever seen. It was about thirty feet wide, and the walls, which appeared pure white, were smooth and sloped gradually inward, forming a dome-shaped ceiling, hung with an intricate network of stalactites, which sparkled and glistened in the wavering light of the torches. Limestone pillars, of all shapes and sizes, rose from floor to ceiling, some of them as yet imperfectly formed, while others appeared as thick as the trunks of large trees. It was easy for one to imagine himself in the council-chamber of some mighty king of a long-forgotten race, and the effect was heightened by a recess in the wall, which had the appearance of an immense chair. In a passage leading from this chamber was found a large skeleton, lying in a narrow cavity of the rock, the head resting upon the right arm in a perfectly easy and natural position, as if death had occurred while sleeping. The skeleton was evidently that of a very large man, who, when alive, must have stood nearly seven feet in height. The skull was curi- ously formed, having the frontal bone much flattened, evidently by artificial means, and the upper jaw protruding in such a manner that the man’s face, when alive, must have had a frightful expression. Retracing our steps, we entered the main gallery, and followed it for BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 29 about fifty yards, when another passageway was discovered at right angles with the one we were following. It extended but a short distance, leading to a small chamber, hung with a few stalactites, but not to be compared with the one we had first entered. A number of small passages led away in different directions, but few of them ‘large enough to permit of our entrance; and those which we were able to enter were gradually being closed by the almost impercep- tible growth of the huge pillars. This cave, as far as we were able to enter it, appeared to be about two hundred yards in depth. Some of the chambers literally swarmed with bats, which flew about our heads or hung from the ceiling, uttering shrill squeaks as we penetrated into their domain. As we emerged from the cave, it seemed like entering an oven. Our animals stood with drooping heads and half-closed eyes, seem- ingly overcome by the intense heat. The mercury exposed to the sun showed a temperature of 154°, and if a foot was exposed for a few minutes to the sun’s rays, the shoe became so hot as to cause a burning sensation to the skin. Our drinking-water, which had been put up in bottles and packed in the saddle-bags, was found to have become foZ.. Both of us had a slight headache, but there was no help for it. It was either go on, or miss visiting some of the other caves, which the guide claimed were in close proximity; so we mounted our distressed animals, and made our way slowly along the path leading to a cave which a negro had lately discovered, but which had not been explored, the negroes being very superstitious regarding the caves, and rarely entering one alone if at can: be 30 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. avoided. As we rode, the perspiration fairly dripped from our faces, although we were moving at a slow walk, causing us no exertion whatever. Soon the path became so bad that the horses could go no farther, so we had to dismount and follow our guide on foot. He led us over rocks and through tangled vines for about a quarter of a mile, until at last we came to what appeared to be a well, descending perpendicularly for about twelve feet, which he stated was the entrance to the cave. Into this opening we descended, by the aid of a rope, and found ourselves in a large, low chamber, extending in all directions as far as we could see. It was so low that it was necessary to move about in a stooping position, at times crawling on the hands and knees. The floor was perfectly smooth and level, and of a rich brown color, being composed of a deep deposit of guano. After penetrating for some distance, and finding nothing of interest, we turned about and made our way back to the entrance. The air outside was cool in comparison with the oven- like temperature of the narrow passages through which we had crawled, and it was with a feeling of relief that, upon reaching the place where we had left the horses, we once more mounted them and turned their heads homeward. After riding for some time, we came upon a small hut, which offered a comparatively cool shelter, and feeling that it would be unsafe to proceed farther during the heat of the day, we led the tired animals to a shady corner, and stretching ourselves upon the stone floor, alternately smoked and slept until the sun had disap- peared behind the hills in the distance. A refreshing breeze had BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 31 sprung up, and as our horses were somewhat rested, we remounted, and an hour later entered the village of Clarence Harbor, and fired a gun as a signal to notify the men on board the vessel of our arrival. In a few minutes the dim outline of the boat appeared, and half an hour later, seated in the cabin enjoying a good supper, the fatigue of the day was forgotten. Supper over, we went on deck, and stretching ourselves in the large easy-chairs, enjoyed our cigars while watching the waves, lit up by myriads of animalculz, seeming on fire as they dashed against the side of the vessel. While at Clarence Harbor, a negro brought me a curiously carved piece of lignumvitz-wood which he had found in a cave, far back in the hills, while exploring for guano. The wood was cut to represent a tortoise, having a human head, but with the back hol- lowed out instead of being oval, and was evidently carved from one piece of wood. It had been in his possession for over a year, and placing no value upon it, the head had been broken off and lost, and the body somewhat injured, he having allowed his children to use it as a plaything. In spite of the reward which I offered him, he was unable to find the missing parts, and so another valuable and inter- esting specimen was destroyed through ignorance. to BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. [Ss) (lelvsle Is I NAL THE MIRAPORVOS. Tue group of islands known as Miraporvos are situated about fifteen miles west of Castle Rock, Acklin Island, and are simply a number of small, barren reefs, the largest of them not exceeding half a mile in extent. It is dangerous to attempt to visit them, as there are many concealed reefs in their vicinity, and, as there is no harbor what- ever, the vessel is compelled to come to anchor under the lee of the island, and be kept in readiness to put to sea at once, if the wind should change. As we approached the islands, immense quantities of Terns were flying about or resting upon the water, and among them we observed a number of Shearwaters and Booby Gannets Upon landing, we found the whole island covered with a thick growth of cactus, which made walking rather uncomfortable, as the sharp needles cut through the clothes, and drew blood freely. As we advanced, hundreds of Terns rose upon all sides of us, uttering harsh cries as they flew about our heads, while others nearly allowed themselves to be stepped on before they offered to leave the nest. Near the middle of the island there is a small marsh, which we found tenanted by a number of Waders, of different species. Sev- eral Wilson Plovers seemed greatly disconcerted by our presence, BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 33 and showed such evident signs of anxiety that I was certain that their eggs could not be far off; but although we searched diligently for them, we were unable to find a single egg. Meanwhile, the Plovers had been flying about us, uttering short, sharp notes of distress, but, upon our moving away, they immediately ceased their lamentations, and became as quiet as possible, evidently satisfied that we had given up the search. While walking through the short marsh-grass, a Dove suddenly started up from almost under my feet, which I recognized as the little Ground Dove (C. passerina) ; but, to be positive, I shot the bird, and then commenced a careful search for the nest, and was lucky enough to find it without any trouble. It was simply a little mat of sticks, on which were deposited two beautiful little white eggs, which were quite fresh. Yellow-crowned Night Herons (WV. vzolacea) were very abundant ; we must have started over a hundred of them during our circuit of the island, and I was enabled to procure a number of their rare eggs, sometimes finding two or three nests on the same bush. We found Terns more abundant on this island than anywhere else in the Bahamas, and as it is an unfrequented spot, they are so tame as to’often allow themselves to be taken from the nest without offering to fly. Several of the men whom I sent on shore brought back a number of the birds alive, and several basketsful of eggs, mostly those of Terns and Night Herons. Some of them were cracked, and they requested me to allow them to have them to eat. If they ate them, as I suppose they did, it was in all proba- bility the most valuable omelet they will ever have set before them, 5 34 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. the eggs of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron often selling as high as three dollars apiece. It had been my intention to make quite a long stay at this island, as it offered a fine field for the investigation of the habits of several imperfectly known species; but on the evening of the second day after our arrival, the sky became overcast with heavy, black clouds, the wind suddenly changed, and as it would be unsafe to remain where we were in case of bad weather, we made all haste to weigh anchor and put to sea. An hour later, the storm reached us, but we were clear of the dangerous ground, and scudded before it, close-reefed, in the direction of Inagua. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 35 CHAP TER. Vali: INAGUA. MaTHEwstown, which can boast of being the only white settle- ment on the island, resembles Nassau on a small scale. A good deal of salt is manufactured here, and the quantity exported every year is considerable for the size of the place. Cocoanut groves are being started, and, on the whole, the island is in a prosperous condition. About ten miles back of Mathewstown there is a large lake, which, we had been told, was fairly alive with game at all seasons of the year, and to see this wonderful lake had been one of the main objects of my visit. On the next day after our arrival, we spent the afternoon arranging for the trip. In the evening the boats were placed upon small carts, barely large enough to hold them, which were to be drawn by small but strong donkeys, guns were cleaned, ammunition looked over, and everything prepared for an early start the next morning. May 27.—It was three o'clock, and so dark that the outline of the shore was barely visible by the dim light of the stars, when we left the vessel. Some time was spent in getting everything arranged, but it was still dark when the sleepy negro, who was. to act the part of driver, announced everything in readiness to start. 36 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Climbing into the wagon, we were borne slowly along over a smooth road, which wound in and out through a labyrinth of salt-ponds, dotted here and there by small windmills, of a very primitive pattern, which are used in pumping water in and out of the ponds, some- times taking a week to do what a small donkey-engine would accom- plish in a few hours. The road was quite good, and on the way we had a fine view of the country, which, in some places, extends in an unbroken prairie for miles. In such places, we observed numbers of wild asses. These pretty little creatures stood and gazed timidly at us as we passed, but the moment we made a movement towards them, away they went like the wind. One who has never seen the ass in its wild state, cannot appreciate the grace and beauty of these pretty little animals. Cattle and horses are also abundant on the island, in a wild state, and offer excellent sport. They are descendants of domestic animals, brought to the island many years ago. The ride to the lake occupied several hours, and we were continually annoyed by myriads of mosquitoes and other insects. The road was covered by an immense quantity of land-crabs, most of them small, which hurriedly ran out of the way as we approached. We found the lake, which is some twelve miles in extent, exceed- ingly shallow, rarely exceeding four feet in depth. Far out in the shallow water were several large flocks of Flamingoes, their scarlet plumage blazing brightly in the light of the morning sun. Pelicans BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. eG were abundant, and Stilts, Willets, and a number of species of Sand- pipers were continually flying about. I procured several specimens of the pretty little Bahama Duck (Dajila bahamensis), which we found quite abundant on the island, and I was also lucky enough to find two of their nests on a small island a short distance from the shore. Near the upper part of the lake is the largest Flamingo breeding-ground in the Bahamas. These birds repair to about the same place regularly every year, and breed in great numbers. The nest resembles a sugar-loaf in form, composed of clay and mud, having a slight depression in the top in which they deposit their eggs. Occasionally, during the rainy season, the water overflows the nests, and thousands of eggs are destroyed, many of which are washed ashore on the other side of the lake. I picked up a number on the beach which had evidently been in the water for a long time. Flamingoes’ eggs are considered very good eating, and are much esteemed by the inhabitants, who, every year, organize a party and gather them in large quantities. By noon, the heat had become excessive, and the birds which we had already killed, although dead but a few hours, and not exposed to the sun, already showed signs of decomposition; so, for fear of losing them, we hurriedly gathered our things together and started on the return trip to Mathewstown, where we arrived at sunset, tired and heated, but well pleased with our day’s jaunt. At Inagua, I found many species of birds which I did not find on any of the other islands. The Spoonbill is abundant in the creeks in many parts of the island, generally frequenting the man- 28 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. groves. From fifty toa hundred were sometimes seen together, but they were shy, and difficult to approach. The Thrush (JZargarops fuscatus), Parrot (C. collarza), Little Mocking-bird (AZimus orpheus var. dominicus), and Lyre Humming-bird (Doricha lyura) we also obtained here, and did not observe them elsewhere. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 39 MEASUREMENT OF SPECIMENS. Writers often differ in their style of measuring a specimen, and for that reason I include below the usual rules for measure- ment, which are followed in the present work. Lenectu. — Distance, 2% a straight line, from the end of the bill to the tip of the longest tail-feather. Sometimes one or two - feathers are much longer than the others, as in the Tropic bird. Wine. — Distance, zz a straight line, from the carpus (bend of the wing) to the tip of the longest primary. Tart. — Distance from the body to the end of the longest feather. Brit. — Distance, zz a straight line (not taking the curve of the bill), from the tip to where it joins skin or feathers on the forehead. (Exception, birds having frontal plate.) Tarsus. — Distance, zz front, from the knee-joint to the root of the middle toe. All measurements are given in inches, unless otherwise stated. 40 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. WORKS -ANDSPAPERS REPERRE IS iO} “Gosse,” Philip Henry. Birds of Jamaica. 1 vol. “Wils.”— Wilson, Alexander. American Ornithology. 3 vols. “Aud.” — Audubon, John James. Birds of America. 7 vols. “Bd.” “ Bwr.,” and “ Ridg.” — Baird, Brewer, and Ridgeway. North American Birds. 3 vols. “Gld.”— Mon. Trochil. Gould, John. Monograph of the Tro- chilidee. 5 vols. “ Bryant.” — Bryant, Henry. A List of Birds seen at the Bahamas from Jan. 20 to May 14, 1859. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. Vol. VII. p. ro2. “Bryant.” — Bryant, Henry. Description of two Birds from the Bahama Islands hitherto undescribed. Proceedings of the Boston Society. Vol. IX. p. 279. “ Bryant.” — Bryant, Henry. Additions to the List of Birds seen at the Bahamas. Proceedings of the Boston Society. Vol. DOE p20. “ Lawr.” — Lawrence, George N. Descriptions of new Species of Birds of the Family Trochilide and Tetraonide. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Vol. I. p. 50. Moore, N. B. List of Birds, chiefly Visitors from North America, seen and killed in the Bahamas. Proceedings of the Boston Society. Vol. XIX. p. 241. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 4I ADBRENLAGIONS: OF AULHORS? NAMES, Aud. Audubon. a7 Lafresnaye. Ba. Baird. Lawr. Lawrence. Bodd. Boddaert. Licht. Lichtenstein. Bp. Bonaparte. Reich. Reichenbach. Cad. Cabanis. Ridg. Ridgeway. Cass. Cassin, Sel, Sclater. Gs Coues. Sw. Swainson. Gamo. Gambel. Temm. Temminck. Gla. Gould. Vievl. Vieillot. Gm. Gmelin. Wag. Wagler. Cr. Gray. Wrils. Wilson. Linn. Linneus. i i PAKS i BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Pav Wier Dr. THREUSHE'S. MIMOCICHLA PLUMBEA. (Linn.) PLUMBEOUS THRUSH. Local Name.— Blue Thrasher. Adult Male.— General plumage, plumbeous; chin and small patch at base of lower mandible, white; throat, black; primaries and secondaries, dark brown, except the first two, edged with slaty gray; tail, very dark brown, almost black; the terminal third of the inner webs of the first two, and tips of first four feathers, white; crissum, plumbeous; legs and eyelids, vermilion red; iris, reddish brown. Adult Female.— Similar to the male, but appears to be slightly smaller. Cannot be distinguished otherwise than by dissection. Length 10.25, wing 5, tail 5, tarsus 1, bill .go. For years, the Plumbeous Thrush has been represented only by a very few specimens in some of the large museum collections, and was considered so rare that I was very much surprised, upon visiting the Bahamas, to find it abundant on some of the islands. 46 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. At New Providence and Abaco, it was especially common, and I was enabled to collect a fine series of specimens. It generally remains concealed in the thickets, and, perhaps, for that reason, is seldom seen, although it is well known to the inhabitants by the name of Blue Thrasher. Its song is very pretty, at times resem- bling the notes of our common Robin (Zerdus migratorius). The stomachs of several specimens contained the remains of berries and insects. MIMOCICHLA RUBRIPES. (Temm) RED-LEGGED THRUSH. Adult Male.— Chin and cheek striped white; throat, black, reaching upper breast; Jdelly, reddish brown, deepest near the vent; crissum, dull white; three outer tail-feathers tipped with white. Length about 11, wing 5, tail 4, bill .96. The Red-legged Thrush has a general resemblance to the pre- ceding species, but may be easily distinguished from it by the coloration of the belly and crissum. I have never observed this species in the Bahamas, but have included it on the authority of Dr. Bryant, who claims to have met with three specimens in the neighborhood of Nassau, and says that the inhabitants knew it by the name of Blue Jay and Blue Thrasher. If this species does occur in the Bahamas, they no doubt consider it identical with the last species, and recognize both birds by the Same name. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 47 MARGAROPS FUSCATUS. (Vieil.) PAW-PAW THRUSH. Local Name.— Paw-paw Bird. Adult Male.— Above, brown, the feathers slightly edged with ash; throat and breast, brown; feathers heavily edged with white, giving a mottled appearance, which shows faintly on the belly and almost disappears at the vent; primaries, brown, pale-edged; upper tail-coverts tipped with white; tail, brown, tipped with white; bill, yellowish, with an olive tinge; upper mandible shading into brown at the base; legs, pale olive; iris, pale yellow. Length 10.25, wing 5.20, tail 4.50, tarsus, 1.40, bill .76. This interesting species inhabits Inagua, but, as far as I was able to observe, it is not found on any of the other islands. All attempts to discover its nest were unsuccessful, and as it was not at all common, I am unable to state anything, from personal observation, regarding its habits. The natives at Northwest Point seemed to be well acquainted with it, and told me that the Paw-paw Bird was not uncommon in the interior of the island, and that its nest is built in hollow trees. 48 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. MIMUS ORPHEUS VAR. DOMINICUS. (Linn.) (Bryant) LITTLE MOCKING-BIRD. Adult Male.—Above, grayish brown, showing ashy on the back ; under parts, white, slightly tinged with ashy on the breast; wings, brown; all of the primaries heavily marked with, and the eighth and ninth almost entirely, white; tail, brown, having the first two and entire inner web of third feathers white; bill, black; legs, brownish. Sexes similar, Length 8.50, wing 4, tail 4.20, tarsus 1.20, bill .64. This pretty little Mocking-bird, which is about the smallest of its family, is common at Inagua, and a constant resident. I have never met with it on any of the other islands, although the negroes claim that a small bird of this genus is occasionally seen on Long Island during the summer. Dr. Bryant found it at Inagua, but did not meet with it elsewhere in the Bahamas. It may be easily recog nized by its small size and distinct wing-markings. MIMUS BAHAMENSIS. (Bryant.) BAHAMA MOCKING-BIRD. Winter Plumage, Male.— Much larger than AZ. polyglottus, and the white tail-feathers wanting. Above, pale rufous-brown, the rufous tint most marked on the rump and upper tail-coverts; below, pale BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 49 ash, streaked with fine lines of brown, becoming broader upon the sides; wings, rufous-brown, feathers slightly edged with pale rufous; wing-coverts tipped with white, forming.two narrow bars; tail, dark brown, slightly tipped with dull white, wanting on the two middle feathers; legs, bluish black; bill, black; iris, yellow. The female resembles the male. Length about 11, wing 5, tail 5, tarsus 1.60, bill .go. This beautiful songster makes its home among the Bahama Islands, where it is very abundant throughout the year. Upon landing upon Highburn Key I observed a large bird clinging to the top of a small branch, which swayed about in the light breeze. It had the appearance of a Mocking-bird, but was much larger than any I had ever seen. As I looked, it lifted its head and uttered a series of notes such as I had rarely if ever heard equalled by any of our songsters. As it sung, gently swaying from one side to the other, it would suddenly cease, and then softly commence again, gradually increasing in power until it seemed carried away by the beauty of its own melody. Dr. Bryant, during his visits to the Bahamas, found it very abun- dant. He says, “On those keys, which are barely large enough for any land birds to inhabit them, this bird is sure to be the first settler; and in some of them, as Ship Channel Keys, for instance which are only a few acres in extent, there would be two or three pairs, each occupying its own domain, which they did not allow to be invaded by the others without giving battle at once. It was - ‘ 50 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. singular, as well as pleasing, to see and hear on one of these lonely and almost desert keys, this graceful bird, mounted on the topmost spray of some dwarf shrub, singing with as much fervor and satisfac- tion as if surrounded by listeners, instead of having for sole auditor his faithful mate. The pairs seem to keep together after the period of incubation has passed, as all I met with, as early as February, were mated, and the inhabitants stated that they did not lay before May; and the sexual organs of all those dissected by me showed no appearance of excitement. In its habits it differs very much from our common species, delighting as much in solitude as the latter does in the society of mankind. Its food, during my visit, consisted almost entirely of the fruit of the prickly pear, with the addition of an occasional insect. I presume that the insectivorous part of its diet is proportionally greater when it inhabits the larger islands, but on the barren keys, on which I procured my specimens, insects are almost unknown, at least if I am to judge from the number seen by myself. The stomachs of all those procured by me contained a quantity of the seeds of the prickly pear, and a few remains of insects; and the feathers near the bill of all of them were stained red by the juice of the fruit.” None were observed on the island of New Providence by our party, although there is no reason why they should not be found there, and the inhabitants claim that they are occasionally met with in the vicinity of Nassau, but only on rare occasions. * BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 51 MIMUS CAROLINENSTS. (Linn.) CATBIRD. Winter Plumage, Male.— Smaller and lighter colored than the northern bird. Above, dark slate color; crown and tail, black; under parts, pale slate color; crissum, chestnut; bill and legs, black. The female does not differ from the male, but is somewhat smaller. Length about 7.90, wing 3.50, tarsus 1, bill .66. The Catbird, although probably a regular winter visitant, is not very abundant, and we obtained but few specimens. Its habits appeared to me to be the same as when it visits the United States in the summer season. It undoubtedly wanders all over the islands. Dr. Henry Bryant obtained it at Inagua. This bird has received its name from its peculiar notes, which somewhat resemble the cry of a cat, and which it constantly utters while seeking for its food among the thick underbrush. Its food consists of insects, and berries of various kinds. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. II. pl. 140. to BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. U1 PAM. SY LV iMIDAz, PAOLO PAVIA CAEL ASTS LOA a (270125) BLUE-GRAY GNAT-CATCHER. Winter Plumage, Female.— Above, grayish blue; under parts and lores, bluish white; quills edged with bluish gray, becoming whiter on the tertials; two outer tail-feathers white, becoming black at the base, and extending obliquely forward on the inner webs; third tail-feather tipped with white, the others black. Adult Male.—With a narrow frontal line of black, extending over the eye; otherwise resembles the female. Length 4.40, wing 2, tail 2.20, tarsus .70, bill .4o. This little species is a resident of the Bahamas, although much less abundant in summer than in winter, as their numbers become greatly augmented during the latter season by migrants from the United States. When we arrived at Inagua they were quite abun- dant, and evidently breeding; so, being very desirous of procuring the eggs of this species, I watched them carefully, and was rewarded by finding a nest containing three eggs, on June rst, the eggs being all quite fresh. The nest was a beautiful little structure, built in the crotch of a diminutive palm-tree, about four feet from the BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 53 ground. The old birds were very tame, the male perching himself upon the end of a twig, not two feet from my hand, and singing away as merrily as possible, seemingly with the intention of attract- ing me away from the nest. I never had heard before a bird of this species utter such varied and pleasing song. The poor little female fluttered anxiously around me, and upon my removing the nest, she hopped down into the crotch where it had rested, and after peering about for a few seconds, seemed in such distress that I was almost tempted to replace the nest and leave her in the happy possession of her treasures. It is a curious fact that, during the month of January, out of a series of some fifty specimens which were shot and examined, only a single male bird was taken; but later in the season, the males and females seemed to be about equally distributed. Dr. Bryant found this species very abundant at Inagua. Bigg suid. Rds. NAS Vol. TS pl 7o: 54 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Ae ioe le Val@ Ore bb ease WARBLERS. UNELOLTILE TA’ VARIA. \(Liuin:) BLACK AND WHITE CREEPER. Winter Plumage, Male.—Upper parts, black, the feathers broadly edged with brownish white; a superciliary line of brownish white; under parts, white, with faint ash-colored stripes upon the sides of the breast, shading into brownish upon the sides of the belly and crissum; two clearly defined bands upon the wings; tail, black, edged with whitish; inner webs of the two outer tailfeathers tipped with white. Female.— Similar to the male, having the under parts white, faintly marked with blackish on the sides. Length 5.05, wing 2.75, tail 2.10, tarsus .80, bill .50. The Black and White Creeper is not uncommon during the winter on some of the larger islands. I procured specimens during December and January, and Dr. Bryant found it common from April 20 to May 10. It has a curious habit of climbing the trunks of trees, after the manner of Woodpeckers, searching diligently for the numerous insects which it finds concealed in the interstices of the bark. None were seen after May 7. ig uae Bdsa Ne A. Viol ih plan ra: BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 55 PARULA AMERICANA. (Linn) BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, blue; a slight tinge of yellow upon the crown and nape; middle of the back with a broad patch of greenish yellow; throat and breast, yellow, with an imperfect band of blue across the jugulum anterior to one of brown intermixed with yellow; a small white spot on the eyelid; sides of the head, ashy blue; two well-defined white bands on the wings; belly, white, shading into ash upon the sides and flanks, and yellowish upon the crissum; tail, with the exception of the two middle feathers, show- ing a patch of white upon the inner webs. Winter Plumage, Female. — Above, olive; under parts, dull white, sometimes showing a tinge of brownish on the breast. Length 4.40, wing 2.35, tail 2, tarsus .65. Not uncommon during the winter. All the specimens procured were taken at Nassau, N. P., but there is no doubt that it ranges throughout the islands, as it is known to have a much greater southern range than the Bahamas. Dr. Bryant found it common during his visit to these islands in 1866. All the specimens obtained by me were killed among the small trees bordering the road; but none were seen in the “ pine barrens,” 56 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. where other species of its family were abundant. None remain later than April. iow Auda Bds. Nea; Vole i: plore HELMITHERUS VERMIVORUS. (Gm.) WORM-EATING WARBLER. Adult Male.— Above, olive-green; head striped with yellowish brown and black on each side of the crown, which is brownish yel- low; under parts, pale brownish yellow, dull on the belly, and tinged with olive on the sides. Adult Female.— Resembles the male, but having the plumage somewhat duller. Length 4.60, wing 2.76, tail 1.95, tarsus .68, bill .56. The present species is included on the authority of Mr. N. B. Moore, who claims to have seen five or six of these Warblers during the months of November, December, and January, while at Nassau. Fie, Aud. Bds;.N: A. VolDiTapl 105. DENDRGCA ASTIVA. (Gm.) SUMMER WARBLER. Adult Male.— Tarsus less than 65 of an tnch; general plumage, bright yellow; breast and sides of the body streaked with rufous ; BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Si) tail, yellow, having the outer webs and tips brownish; wing-coverts edged with yellow. Adult Female.— Much paler, and showing the rufous streaks very faintly, if at all. Length 5.15, wing 2.66, tail 2.25, tarsus .64. I include this species on the authority of Dr. Bryant, as I have never met with the true JY. @stiva in the Bahamas. Pio. Aud: Bds. N. A., Vol. If. pl. 88: DENDRGECA PETECHIA. (Linn.) Tarsus not less than .70 of an inch; outer webs of tail-feathers showing dusky. Adult Male.— General appearance of the last species; nape showing olive; sides streaked; crown, greenish, and sometimes tinged with rufous anteriorly. This Warbler was not uncommon at Inagua and Long Island during May and June; none were seen during the winter. Dr. Bryant found it at Inagua, where he says it was quite abundant, both among the mangroves and in the clumps of trees on the savanna. 58 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. DENDRGCA PETECHIA VAR. GUNDLACHI. (Linn.) (Baird) GUNDLACH’S WARBLER. Adult Male.— Lower part of throat streaked; above, yellowish green; crown showing no signs of rufous, or only a faint tinge; tarsus, about .82. Sometimes difficult to distinguish plumage from that of the preceding species. The present variety becomes quite abundant during the summer months. In its habits, it resembles Y. @stzva, to which it is very closely allied. None were observed north of Long Island. DENDRECA CAARULESCENS. (Lini.) BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. Adult Male.— Above, slaty blue; sides of the head, throat, and sides of the body, black; rest of under parts, white; a band of white on the primaries; tail, dark brown, blotched with white. Adult Female.— Smaller than the male; above, olive-green, reaching the sides of the throat; under parts, pale greenish yellow. Length 5, wing 2.40, tail .go, tarsus .72, bill .36. The Black-throated Blue Warbler can only be considered as a rather rare winter visitant. On May 8, an adult male, evidently BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 59 migrating, came on board the vessel near Isac Key. None were observed later. It generally frequents the pine woods, such as are found on the islands of New Providence and Abaco. Bissvauds Bds! Ne AS Vol. Te pl. 95: DENDR@ECA CORONATA. (Linn.) YELLOW-RUMPLED WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, brown, faintly streaked with black; under parts, yellowish white, streaked with dark brown upon the sides and breast; vamp and crown, yellow, the latter almost concealed by the brown tips of the feathers; two distinct wing- bands, and spots on the three outer tail-feathers, white. Female, in winter, differs but slightly from the male. Length 5.40, wing 2.80, tail 2.20, tarsus .70, bill .4o. A rather common visitant. We found them numerous in the vicinity of Nassau, N. P., during the months of December and January, and occasionally observed them on some of the other islands. It is a tame, pretty little species, generally frequenting the heavy growth, and may be easily recognized by the yellow on the rump. Pic. Aud: Bds, N. A., Vol. If. pl. 76. 60 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. DENDRGCA BLACKBURNIZ. (Gin.) BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. Adult Male.— Above, black; a white scapular stripe middle of the crown; side of head and neck, throat, to the upper breast, bright orange-red; under parts, white, showing orange on the belly, and streaked with black on the sides; tail, brown; outer tail-feathers, white, tipped with brown; wing-coverts showing much white. Adult Female.— Resembles the male; breast is much paler. In winter, males become pale, and show large stripes of black on the sides. Length 4.52, wing 2.60, tail 2, tarsus .68, bill .4o. Nothing is known concerning the occurrence of the Blackburn- ian Warbler in the Bahama Islands, except a short note by Dr. Bryant, in which he states that he saw a pair on April 30. On one occasion, while shooting in the woods near Nassau, I saw what I believed to be a bird of this species; but upon shooting it, it proved to be only a highly colored specimen of D. domenica. If Dr. Bryant was not mistaken in the species, it is probably of rare occurrence in the Bahamas. iio Aud) Bds. iN. AG. Vol llespl. 87; BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 61 DENDRGCA STRIATA. (Forst.) BLACK-POLL WARBLER. Adult Male.— Above, grayish, tinged with brown and streaked with black; top of the head and nape, black; under parts, throat, lower sides of the head, and ear-coverts, white; sides of the throat and body streaked with black; two white bars on the wing- coverts; wings and tail, brownish; tail-feathers showing white on the inner webs. Adult Female. — Upper parts, greenish, streaked with dark brown; under parts tinged with yellowish. Length 5, wing 3, tail 2.16, tarsus .8o, bill .4o. I cannot speak of this bird from personal observation, as I never met with it in the Bahamas. Dr. Bryant, however, found it abun- dant from the rst to the roth of May, and says, “ In its habits, this bird approximates very nearly to the JZ vara, climbing round the trunks of trees in search of insects apparently with the same facility as the latter bird.” Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A, Vol. II. pl. 78. 62 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. DENDRGZCA PENNSYLVANICA. (Linn.) CHESTNUT-SIDED WAKBLER. Adult Male.— Above, striped with black and gray, becoming olive and black on the lower back; crown, yellow, bordered by a black stripe; cheeks, black, continuing in a narrow stripe to the chestnut of the sides; under parts, white; sides, bright chestnut ; inner web of the outer tail-feathers showing white. Adult Female.— Like the male, but paler; much less chestnut ; the black on the cheeks wanting, or replaced by a dull brown. Length 4.80, wing 2.75, tail 2.05, tarsus .72, bill .4o. I have included this Warbler on the authority of Dr. Bryant, who says that he saw a few in the early part of May. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A, Vol. II. pl. 81. DENDRGCA MACULOSA. (Gm.) BLACK AND YELLOW WARBLER. Adult Male.— Above, black; crown, gray, edged with white behind the eye, a band of black passing from the bill through the eye to the neck; under parts, yellow, streaked with black; crissum, white; rump, showing yellow, wing-coverts forming a white patch; tail, black, having a band of white at the middle. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 63 Adult Female.— Resembles the male, but is duller in coloration ; the black on the head merely a triangular patch. Length 4.70, wing 2.40, tail 1.96, tarsus .64, bill .28. Dr. Bryant includes this Warbler in his list, and considers it as abundant as it is in the United States. I have included it on his authority. Big. Aud. Bds| N.. A. Vol. 11. pl. 96. DENDRGCA TIGRINA. (Gm.) CAPE May WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male. — Upper parts, olive-green, slightly marked with black; feathers of the head, black, edged with gray, giving the top of the head a mottled appearance; ear-coverts show- ing very slight tinge of chestnut; superciliary stripe, yellow; a yellow band passing round the sides of the throat, nearly joining above; under parts, bright yellow, streaked with black; quills and tail, dark brown, edged with yellowish white; three outer tail-feathers with patch of white upon the inner webs; rump, yellow; crissum yellowish white. Winter Plumage, Female.— Above, olivaceous ash, showing yel- lowish on the rump; no black or chestnut about the head; tail- spots not so clear as in the male; beneath, whitish, slightly tinged with yellow on the breast, and streaked with dusky, not black, as in the male. Length 4.75, wing 2.80, tail 2, tarsus .80, bill .4o. 64 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. The present species, although not abundant, is found through- out the Bahamas during the winter. We occasionally met with it during December and January, and on the 26th of the latter month I observed several of them flitting about among the trees in front of the hotel at Nassau. Its food, like others of its family, consists mainly of insects. PicpeAud.s Bds IN. AS, Vols iL tpl. 8s. DENDRGCA DISCOLOR. (Vieil.) PRAIRIE WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, olive-green; the interscapular region with faint indications of chestnut; under parts, yellow, faintly striped with ash upon the sides; throat, yellow, showing slight traces of white; a narrow yellow stripe from the nostril encircling the eye, broken at its posterior part by a streak of ash; quills and tail- feathers, brown, edged with white; two outer tailfeathers with a long patch of white upon the inner webs. Winter Plumage, Female.— Similar to the male, but the mark- ings much paler; yellow stripe of the eye very indistinct, and of a pale yellowish white. Length 4.50, wing 2.10, tail 2, tarsus .74, bill .4o. This pretty little Warbler is one of the most abundant species found on the islands. Upon almost every key, large enough to admit of the growth of a few bushes, they were to be found, searching BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 65 diligently for their food, and twittering cheerfully to one another, without seeming to mind my presence in the least. Dr. Bryant states that he thought this species a constant resident in the Bahamas, and that it breeds there, as after the middle of April he saw none that were not mated. It is possible that a few individuals may remain through the summer, but there can be no doubt that most if not all of them leave the islands before the last of April. I did not meet with it after May 1. Pics uid. Bds. N: A; Vol. If pl. 97: DENDRG@CA DOMINICA. (Linn.) YELLOW-THROATED WAKBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, grayish blue; forehead, lores, cheeks, and sides of the throat, and streaks on the sides of the breast, black; superciliary line, white, with a yellowish tinge at the base of the bill; small white line under the eye; sides of the neck behind the cheek-patch, and two bands on the wings, white; throat and part of breast, bright yellow; lower part of breast and belly, white, the latter with broad black stripes upon the sides; the outer webs of the three outer tail-feathers patched with white. Female slightly smaller and paler, showing a trace of brown upon the belly. Length 5.15, wing 2.60, tail 2.20, tarsus .65, bill .50. 9 66 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. é The Yellow-throated Warbler is a rather common winter visitant, frequenting the tall trees, generally the pines. At Nassau it was quite abundant in the “pine barrens.” Its food consists principally of small insects and larve. It is possible that some few of these birds remain in the Bahamas to breed, although none were observed during the summer season. The nest of this species is exceeding rare, and only on one occasion have I had the good fortune to find it breeding. The nest was taken April 28, near Jacksonville, Fla. It was built in the middle of a clump of Spanish moss, suspended from the end of a large branch about twenty feet from the ground, and contained four eggs, which were quite fresh. The egg is of a dull, bluish-white color, thickly dotted with fine brown spots around the larger end. Bis, Aud? Bds. N:As Vol. Il: ple 7o. DENDRGECA KIRTLANDI. Baird. KIRTLAND’S WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Female. — Above, bluish ash; the feathers of the crown with a narrow, those of the middle of the back with a broad streak of dark brown; a narrow semicircular ring of black surrounds the eye, touching its anterior part; eyelids, white; under parts, yellow; throat and breast with small spots, and sides of the body with short streaks of black; greater and middle wing-coverts, ° BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 67 primaries, and tail-feathers edged with dull white; two outer tail- feathers with a dull white spot on the inner web; under tail-coverts, yellowish white. The sexes are similar. Length 5.50, wing 2.75, tail 2.50, tarsus .8o. This rare species may be considered a winter visitant to the Bahamas. On Jan. 9 a specimen was taken at Hawk’s Nest, on Andros Island, which proved to be a female. Its actions much resembled those of D. coronata, and it seemed to prefer keeping among the thick brush to the more open ground. Its stomach contained the remains of insects. Mr. H. A. Purdie, of Newton, Mass., in his notes regarding this Warbler, gives the following list of specimens now known to science: —* “1. Male, caught on a vessel at sea off Abaco, Bahamas, by Dr. Samuel Cabot, of Boston, the second week in October, 1841. Not identified until some years after the type specimen was described. 2. Male, taken by Dr. J. P. Kirtland, near Cleveland, O., May 13, 1851. Type of species. “3, Female, obtained by R. K. Winslow, near Cleveland, O., in June, 1860. “4. Male, shot by Charles Dury, at Cincinnati, O., the first week in May, 1872. * Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. IV. p. 185. 68 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. “s, Female, collected by A. B. Covert, at Ann Arbor, Mich., May 15, 1875. “6 and 7. Male and female, taken by Messrs. William and John Hall, at Rockport, Cuyahoga County, O., May, 1878. “8. Female, collected by Charles B. Cory, on Andros Island, Bahamas, Jan. 9, 1879. “9, Female, taken by A. B. Covert, Ann Arbor, Mich., May TO;O79: ” DENDRGCA PALMARUM. (Gm.) YELLOW RED-POLL WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, olive-brown, the feathers with darker centres, becoming olive-green upon the rump; crown of the head showing indistinct trace of chestnut; throat and superciliary line from nostril, pale yellowish white; under parts, yellowish white, becoming brighter upon the belly, streaked with pale brown; cris- sum, pale yellow; outer edges of wing and tail-feathers, yellowish white; a white patch at the end of the inner webs of the two outer tail-feathers. Winter Plumage, Female. — Slightly smaller than the male ; chestnut entirely wanting upon the crown; throat more of a brown- ish cast, and general plumage slightly darker. Length 4.85, wing 2.45, tail 2.20, tarsus .78, bill .4o. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 69 This pretty little Warbler is very abundant during the winter months. Dr. Bryant states, in “ Proceedings Boston Society Natural History,” Vol. IX., “During the winter and early spring this bird was extremely abundant, but confined almost entirely to the neigh- borhood of the sea-coast. Its habits are decidedly terrestrial, and it approaches, in this respect, very nearly to the Titlarks. They were constantly running along the edge of the road, or else hopping among the low shrubs in the pastures. I did not see a single indi- vidual seeking for food amidst the large trees, although we found it abundant everywhere.” I obtained most of my specimens among the pines in the interior of the island. By April 15 all had left, and very few remain until that date. Eig-oud. Bds. N. A., Vol. 1. pl: 90. DENDRGCA PINUS. (Wits.) PINE-CREEPING WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, olive-green; a yellow super- ciliary line from the base of the bill; under parts, with the exception of the belly, bright yellow; the sides of the breast with indistinct streaks of olive; sides of the head, olive-green; belly and crissum, dusky white; wings and tail, dark brown, the feathers edged with dusky white, the former showing two distinct bands; inner webs of the two outer tail-feathers showing oblique patches of dull white. 79 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Winter Plumage, Female.—Smaller than the male, and much paler; upper parts, grayish, with trace of olive; throat, very pale yellow, becoming grayish brown upon the sides of the belly; side of the head and neck, gray. Length 5.50, wing 2.80, tail 2.35, tarsus .80, bill .50. The Pine-creeping Warbler is a winter visitant, and one of the most abundant species of its family. During the month of January they were to be seen everywhere among the pine woods, running along the trunks of trees after the manner of the Creepers. Their food appears to be almost entirely insectivorous. Although so abun- dant at the present time, Dr. Bryant procured but one specimen during his visit to the Bahamas. Some few birds remain throughout the year, and probably breed. We procured specimens as late as June 19, and observed several after that date. iow Aud. Bds. N: As Voli Il pl 32. SELORGS AUROCAPILELGS: “(Linn:) GOLDEN-CROWNED THRUSH. Local Name.— Night Walker. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, olive-green; crown, brownish orange, bordered by two black streaks from base of the bill to nape; under parts, white, with an olive tint upon the sides; breast and BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. val sides of the belly streaked with dark brown; crissum, white; legs, pale flesh-color. The female does not differ from the male. Length 5.80, wing 3.05, tail 2.30, tarsus .go, bill .58. The Golden-crowned Thrush is not uncommon throughout the islands during the winter months, seeming to prefer the thick under- growth to the more open portions of the country. Dr. Bryant found it common at Nassau in 1866. None remain later than April. Its food consists principally of insects. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. III. pl. 148. SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS. (Gu.) WATER THRUSH. Local Name.— Night Walker. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, olive-brown, with a slight shade of green; a superciliary line from the bill to the nape; pale yellow, showing faint indications of brown; a band of pale brown passes through the eye from bill to nape; under parts, pale yellow; breast and sides heavily streaked, and throat finely spotted with dark brown; wings and tail, olive-brown. The female resembles the male. Length 5.50, wing 2.80, tail 2.20, tarsus .80, bill .5o. This, as well as the preceding species, is called Night Walker by the inhabitants. It frequents damp ground, seeming to prefer that which is surrounded by an almost impenetrable undergrowth. 72 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. I procured but three specimens, although it cannot be considered at all rare, and is a regular winter visitant. Dr. Bryant found it common throughout the islands in 1866. It is rarely seen, on account of its retiring habits. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. III. pl. 149. GEORALVPLS TRICHAS: | (E7n7:) MARYLAND YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Upper parts, olive-green; throat, bright yellow, becoming greenish upon the belly, and olive upon the sides; a broad black line passing from the sides of the neck through the eye and over the forehead, with a suffusion of gray behind it upon the crown, and faintly visible along its upper edge; crissum, pale yel- low; wings and tail, olive-green, the former showing a yellow line upon the carpus. Some birds show a slight tinge of brown upon the head. Winter Plumage, Female.— Pale olive above and yellowish below. No black on the head. Length 4.60, wing 2.20, tail 2.25, tarsus .80, bill .4o. This well-known and beautiful Ground Warbler is common throughout the larger islands of the Bahamas. Its habits are the same as when it enlivens the hedges with us during the summer months. Dr. Bryant states, “While lying at anchor, on the 20th of BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. ie April, in the harbor of Grassy Creek, a flock of these birds com- menced flying by the vessel, and continued without intermission for two hours. They did not fly in a compact body, but were con- stantly passing during this time, more or less being in sight the whole period. Many of them alighted on the vessel. All of them that I saw were males. On the toth of May, they were still abun- dant in the neighborhood of Nassau.” This species frequents the low, thick brush, and keeps so well concealed that it is rarely seen, although in reality it is quite as abundant as many other species which appear much more common. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. II. pl. ro2. GEOTALYPIS ROSTRATUS. Bryant. GREATER YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. Winter Plumage, Male. — Above, bright olive-green, a broad band, of black passing from the sides of the neck over the forehead, including the eye, and extending to the nostril, just touching the lower mandible, the black bordered posteriorly with pearl-gray, becoming deeper gray upon the crown; under parts, bright yellow, the flanks shaded with olive; quills, brown, with the outer webs olive-green, third primary longest. Io 74 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Winter Plumage, Female.— The black band wanting; plumage slightly paler; a pale ash-colored line from over the eye to sides of the neck; crown showing a trace of brown, otherwise resembles the male. Length 5.50, wing 2.70, tail 2.36, tarsus .g2, bill .72. The present species appears to be an exceedingly local and rare bird, all the known specimens having been taken upon the island of New Providence. During my visits to that island I had the good fortune to procure a female, which has been hitherto undescribed. Its habits appeared to be much the same as those of G. ¢vzchas, with the exception that it seemed to prefer somewhat higher and dryer ground than the latter species. Dr. Bryant states, “ The stomach and cesophagus of one contained the head and body of an Anolis, which, without the tail, measured ten inches and a half in length, showing rather a carnivorous propensity for a bird of this family.” It is easily distinguished from G. ¢richas by its great size, and the absence of white upon the abdomen. I give below the compara- tive measurement of a large specimen of G. ¢réchas and G. rostratus, both taken in the same locality. LENGTH. WING. VIPAT: TARSUS. BILL. G. trichas, 4.50 2.20 2.2 SO .40 to G. rostratus, 5.50 .70 28 .Q2 17D Of late years this bird has been classed as a large local variety of G. trichas; but, after a careful comparison of several specimens with a large series of the latter, I have, without hesitation, restored it to the rank of a distinct species. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 75 SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA. (Linn.) REDSTART. Winter Plumage, Male.— Upper parts and throat, black; belly, white, slightly tinged with orange; wings, black, wth a broad band of orange; basal half of the tail-feathers, except the middle ones, and a patch on each side of the breast, orange-red. Winter Plumage, Female.— Black replaced by olive-green; an ashy appearance upon the head; the orange-red replaced by pale yellow. Length 5.20, wing 2.45, tail 2.38, tarsus .70, bill .18. The Redstart appeared to be quite abundant during the winter upon the larger islands. A few were seen in the latter part of December, and later it became common. It is easily recognized by the red appearance of the wings as it darts in and out of the under- growth in search of insects. Merely a winter resident, it does not remain to breed, and rarely remains until May, although Dr. Bryant states that he found it abundant until May 13. igs Aud. Bds, N. A. Vol. I. pl. 68. 76 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. FAM. (€G2REBIDZs. CREEPERS: CERTHIOLA BAHAMENSIS. Reich. BAHAMA HONEY CREEPER. Local Name.— Banana Bird. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, black, with a slight grayish tinge; a slight superciliary line from bill to nape; throat, ashy white; breast, bright yellow, extending upon the sides of the abdomen, and shading into gray upon the flanks; crissum, white; wing-feathers slightly edged with dull white; a white patch at the base of the primaries, forming a bar on the wings; edge of the carpus bright yellow; tail, color of the back, tipped with white, wanting upon the middle, and largest upon the two outer feathers. Adult Female.— Slightly paler than the male, but otherwise resembling it. Length 4.50, wing 2.60, tail 1.90, tarsus .70, bill .54. This pretty little Creeper is one of the most abundant species inhabiting the Bahamas. We found it upon every island that we visited. Its food seemed to consist of insects and the honey which BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Ti it extracts from the flowers. The stomachs of several specimens which I examined contained nothing but insects. Regarding the food of this bird, Dr. Bryant states, “On my arrival at Nassau the leaf of life (Verea crenata) was in full bloom, and these birds seemed to derive their whole subsistence from the insects found in the flowers. These it did not procure by inserting its bill into the flower, but by thrusting it through the petals. After the flowers had disappeared, I saw them in large numbers about the sour oranges, devouring the juice and pulp of the fruit, and also the small insects attracted there.” Mr. N. B. Moore states, “ There is much delicious nectar within the flower of this plant (Verea crenata), of which the Certhiola is very fond, and which it has learned to obtain by thrusting its bill through -the petals. I have spent much time in examining these flowers, and never, but in one instance, and that of a malformed one, did I find an insect in the nectary until it had been penetrated by the bill of the bird. After an opening had been made by him, very small black ants and very small winged insects may be found therein.” The period of incubation commences during the latter part of March. 78 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. FAM. HIRUNDINID. SIWEMEW OW. Si: HIRUNDO HORREORUM. Barton. BARN SWALLOW. Adult Male.— Above, lustrous blue; under parts, pale chestnut ; forehead and throat much darker; breast showing an imperfect blue band; tail forked, all but the two central feathers showing white on the inner web. Female similar. Length 6.80, wing 4.90, tail 4.45. Dr. Bryant states, in his “ Additions to a List of Birds seen at the Bahamas,” “ According to Mr. Sargent, a very large flock of these birds visited the island (Inagua) some years since, and remained several days. He had never seen the Bahama Swallow there.” I have included the present species on this authority, but something more definite should be learned concerning it before it can hold a place in the ari-fauna of the Bahamas. ice AUdsbds. NA: Vole spl a3: BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 79 HIRUNDO CYANEOVIRIDIS. (Bryant.) BAHAMA SWALLOW. Adult Male.— Above, velvet green, shading into steel-blue, with purple reflections upon the rump and wings; a black stripe from the nostrils to the eye; under parts, pure white; tail forked, the inner webs of the outer feathers edged with dull white. Adult Female.— Resembles the male, but the plumage much duller, and showing traces of dusky; bill and feet black. Length 6.40, wing 4.40, tail 3.10, tarsus .42, bill .15. The beautiful little Bahama Swallow seems to be restricted to the Bahama Islands. A few were seen on Andros Island in January, but they were flying high, and we were unable to shoot them. During the month of June they became very abundant in the neigh- borhood of Nassau, and I was enabled to procure a fine series of speci- mens. In their habits they do not seem to differ from our common species (Z. dzcolor), except perhaps that they are not as quick in their movements. Their food seems to be entirely insectivorous. Dr. Bryant says, regarding this species, “ In the style of its color- ing, it resembles more nearly AZ. ¢halassina than any other species. I have no doubt that it has been confounded by European natural- ists with AZ. dzcolor, though its resemblance to this species is very slight. I saw them during the whole of my stay at Nassau, but only So BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. on the first mile of the road leading to the west of the island. They were so abundant there that thirty or forty could be seen at almost all times.” He also says, “ They generally followed the road up and down, seldom flying high, but skimming along near the ground. I did not succeed in finding their nests, and could not ascertain whether they bred on the island or not. I killed no specimens after the 28th of April. Up to this date, the genital organs exhibited no appearance of excitement. The stomachs of those dissected con- tained almost entirely small dféerous insects, some of them extremely minute.” TACHYCINETA BiCOLOR. (Veetl.) WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW. Adult Male, — Above, lustrous s/ee/-d/ue; under parts, pure white. Female much duller in plumage. Length 6, wing 5, tail 2.40. I have included this Swallow on the authority of Mr. L. J. K. Brace, of Nassau, who says, “ During the stormy weather of Dec. 1 and 2 of last year, a number of these birds were to be seen flying about. On the ist, I saw only three, but on the 2d a great many, which flew very low, close to the ground; two flew inside the house, and clung for a few minutes to the edge of a shelf, but before they could be secured, flew out again. On the 4th, the weather moderating, not one was to be seen.” BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. SI It is exceedingly unfortunate that a specimen was not killed, as the resemblance, even at a short distance, of the Bahama Swallow to the present species is so close as to render identification difficult, and the capture of a specimen would have removed all doubt of its identity. Pigg Amid. -Bds: INA; Voll I. pl. 46: 82 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. FAM. VIREONIDA. VAERCEIONS: VIREO ALTILOQUUS VAR. BARBATULUS. (Vieil.) (Cad.) BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO. Adult Male. — Crown, slaty-gray; upper parts, olive-green; a dull white superciliary line, and a dusky stripe through the eye; a narrow brownish maxillary line on the sides of the chin; sides, olive; under parts, white; crissum, yellow; iris, red. Length 5.80, wing 3, tail 2.40, tarsus .66, bill .52. My first specimen of the Vireo was taken May 11, but it prob- ably arrives in the Bahamas somewhat earlier. Dr. Bryant states that he found it very abundant, arriving about the 1st of May. “The note of this bird did not appear to me to resemble the syllables Whip-tom-kelly more than any others, although this might be introduced as part of the note, pronouncing the first syllable very distinctly, and terminating with an additional note longer than any; thus, Whip-tom-kelly pheuu, and frequently still another long note.” I am unable to state anything, from personal observation, regarding its breeding habits. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 83 VIREO FLAVIFRONS. Véeil. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. Adult Male.— Above, olive-green; a superciliary line and a ring around the eye, yellow; throat and breast, yellow; belly and crissum, white; wings, olive-gray, with two white bands; tail-feathers edged with white; bill and legs, bluish. Length 5.75, wing 2.90, tail 2.20. I have never met with this species in the Bahamas, but have included it on the authority of Mr. N. B. Moore, who states that he saw two birds of this species feeding upon the berries of the gumbo- limbo-tree, in company with V. crasscrostris. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. IV. pl. 238. LANIVIREO CRASSIROSTRIS. (Bryant.) CoMMON VIREO. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, yellowish olive, a streak of yellow from the nostril encircling the eye; under parts, yellowish ; wings and tail, brown, the feathers edged with greenish, the former showing two white bands. Length 5, wing 2.40, tail 1.90, tarsus .84, bill .40. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. w 4s This little Vireo is very abundant throughout the islands. I found it especially common in the neighborhood of Nassau. Dr. Bryant considered it quite rare, as he says, “ This species of Vireo is, I think, undescribed. It is not a common bird; three specimens were all I obtained. When first seen, I mistook it for the White- eyed Vireo. I noticed nothing remarkable in its habits. All the specimens procured were actively engaged in hunting insects in small trees in the midst of a clearing, about three miles from the city, on the road leading to the south side of the island. The first specimen was procured in March, the other two, a pair, in May.” It is a resident, and breeds in June; but I was unable to find the nest, although during the latter part of the month I observed several birds which evidently had young. The stomachs of several specimens which I dissected contained the remains of berries and insects. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 85 PAM SR RINGIELIDAS. FINCHES. LOXIGILLA VIOLACEA. (Linn.) PURPLE GROSBEAK. Local Name.— Spanish Paroquet. Winter Plumage, Male.—Entire plumage black, showing a slight brownish tinge upon the quills, throat, crissum, and a crescent over the eye, reddish brown; bill and legs, black. Winter Plumage, Female.— Upper parts, gray, with a tinge of olive-green upon the back; below, ash, lightest upon the belly, show- ing a tinge of olive upon the breast and sides; quills with fine edgings of dull white; crissum, a crescent over the eye, and mark- ings upon the chin, pale reddish brown, much lighter than in the male; under mandible pale. Immature birds resemble the female. Length 6, wing 3, tail 2.85, tarsus, .80, bill .50. The Purple Grosbeak, or Spanish Paroquet as it is called by the negroes, is abundant throughout the Bahama Islands. Upon every island of any size which we visited, the thick undergrowth resounded 86 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. with its peculiar notes. It is very retiring in its habits, rarely being seen in the open. The inhabitants claim that it destroys great quantities of fruit, but I cannot answer for the truth of this statement, as the stomachs of all those dissected by me contained only insects and berries, and I have never seen it eating fruit of any kind. As I never had the good fortune of finding the nest of this species, I quote from Mr. Gosse, who says, “One of those gigantic and hoary cotton-trees, which are the pride of a Jamaica forest, or some other tree equally tall, is usually selected by this Bullfinch for its abode. At the extremity of an immense horizontal limb, it builds a nest of rude materials, as large as a half-bushel measure, the open- ing being near the bottom. I have seen the bird enter this mon- strous structure, but have had no opportunity of examining it. Dr. Robinson observes that ‘the Black Bullfinch builds a nest as big as a Blackbird’s cage, and, by the artful contrivance of this little volatile, the whole has the simple appearance of a heap of trash, flung on some bough of a tree, as it were, by accident, so that nobody would suppose it to be anything else.’ And in another passage, he records having found the nest at Negril, on the 22d of April, 1761, at the summit of a cabbage-palm, eighty-one feet high, which he caused to be felled. ‘Among the spadices of this tree was fixed, how, I can- not tell, the nest of the Black Bullfinch, made up of various matter, viz., old cane-trash fibres, silk-cotton, some dry leaves, and at the bottom many tendrils of climbing shrubs, and a very small species of epidendrum, or green wyth, common in this parish. In it I found BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 87 one egg about an inch long, in color like that of a common Duck, that is, of a sullied white.” I have followed the older authors in calling this bird the Purple Grosbeak, but I do not think the name a good one, as I have never seen a specimen which showed the least signs of purple, although several in my collection have a faint greenish tinge on the back. This is the Coccothraustes purpurea of Catesby. LOXIGILLA NOCTIS. (Linn.) BLACK GROSBEAK. Local Name.— Black Charles. Adult Male.— General plumage, black; a narrow superciliary stripe, chin-patch (reaching the sides of the throat), and crissum, brownish red; bill and legs, black. Adult Female.— Resembling the female Z. violacea, somewhat smaller. Immature birds often show much gray. Length 5.25, wing 2.75, tail 2.20, tarsus .60, bill .4o. The present species was quite common in Inagua during the months of May and June, but whether it is a resident, or simply a summer visitant from some of the more southern islands, I am unable to say. Its habits, as far as I was able to observe, appeared to be the same as those of ZL. wzolacea, to which it is very closely allied. 88 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PASSERCULUS SAVANNA. (Wits.) SAVANNA SPARROW. Adult Male.— General plumage streaked with blackish and bay; below, buff, streaked with dusky and brown; edge of the wings and superciliary line, yellowish. l yi Length 5.30, wing 2.60, tail 2.20. I include this species provisionally, never having taken it in the Bahamas. One Sunday afternoon in January, while walking through a field at Long Bay Key, Andros Island, I observed a number of small Sparrows flitting about in the grass. Unfortunately, I had no gun, but approaching them as near as they would allow, I made them out to be FP. savanna. I never met with it afterwards, but there is no reason why it should not visit these islands, as it has been recorded from Cuba. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. III. pl. 160. PASSER DOMESTICUS. Linn. ENGLISH SPARROW. Adult Male.— Above, grayish brown; upper part of the back streaked with black, tawny, and rufous; a patch of chestnut on the side of the head; cheeks and side of the throat, dull white; crown, BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 89 gray; throat and upper part of the breast, black, some of the lower feathers edged with gray; below, brownish white; wing-coverts, chest- nut and black, crossed and tipped with dull white, forming two wing- bands; tail, brown; bill, black. Adult Female.— Colors of the male, replaced by light and dark brown; olive-brown on the head; under parts, brownish white; wing-bands indistinct. Length 5.10, wing 2.84, tail 2.36, tarsus .68, bill .36. Mr. L. J. K. Brace states that the English Sparrow has been introduced into the Bahamas within the last few years, and I was told by several gentlemen that it still exists there; but during my different visits to the islands I have never met with it. CYANOSPIZA CIRIS. (Linn.) NONPAREIL. Adult Male.— Head, blue; back, green; rump, brownish red; under parts, red, becoming pale on the belly; tail, reddish brown; upper mandible, black; lower mandible, pale. Adult Female.— Above, green, showing slight golden reflections on the back; under parts, pale yellow, greenish on the breast; slightly smaller than the male. Length 4.80, wing 2.60, tail 2, tarsus .80, bill .4o. 12 90 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Mr. N. B. Moore includes this species in his list, stating that he saw a male in splendid dress on February 9. It may occasionally visit the islands, but cannot be considered as a regular visitant. Figt/Aud: Bds. N. A. Vol. IIT. pl. 169. CYANOSPIZA CYANEA. (Linn.) INDIGO BIRD. Adult Male.— General color, blue, deep on the crown and throat; wing brown, and tail brown, touched with blue; bill, dark brown. Adult Female. — General plumage, reddish brown; paler and somewhat mottled below, becoming whitish on the belly. Length 4.60, wing 2.60, tail 2.10, tarsus .65, bill .37. Mr. N. B. Moore states that while at Nassau he saw a male November 1, and a “female, or young male, November 1 and Novem- ber 13.” I have given it a place among the birds of the Bahamas upon his authority. Bio, woud... Bds.. NA. Vol. TEs pl. 91760. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. gli PHONIPARA BICOLOR. (Linn.) BLACK-FACED FINCH. Local Names. — Paroquet and Banana Bird. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, olive-green, shading into black on the crown; cheeks and under parts totally black in the adult, and ranging from this to a black throat and greenish white belly in imma- ture birds; wings and tail, color of the back; upper mandible, dark; lower mandible, pale. Winter Plumage, Female.— Above, olive-green, lighter than the male; under parts, ashy, with a slight tinge of olive; otherwise, like the male. Length 4.30, wing 2.05, tail 1.85, tarsus .70, bill .37. This little Finch is abundant everywhere, and is very domestic in its habits. It seems to prefer living near the habitation of man, as it becomes far less common in uninhabited districts. The males differ greatly in plumage, some of them having the entire under parts black, while others have simply a black throat. I think the former represents the full plumage of an adult bird. Their note is a short, sharp “chip,” uttered while perched or fluttering among the bushes. Its food consists of insects, berries, and often fruit of varions kinds. This is the Passerculus bicolor bahamensis of Catesby. 92 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. SPINDALIS ZENA, (Linn) BAHAMA FINCH. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, black; rump and a broad band over the nape from side of the neck, rufous brown, shading into an orange tinge; a superciliary stripe, and a stripe on the sides of the throat from lower mandible and chin, white; cheeks, black; throat, black, shading into brown upon the breast, with a yellow stripe passing from the chin nearly to the brown of the breast; breast, deep yellow, shading into brown as it nears the throat; belly, white, with an olive tint upon the flanks; wings and tail black, edged with white; the tertials, coverts, and base of primaries heavily marked with white; bill, black under mandible, bluish; legs, black. Winter Plumage, Female. — Above, olive-green; below, paler, shading into white on the belly; the sides and flanks, pale olive- green; the stripe over the eye but faintly indicated, and of an ashy color; wings and tail, dark brown, with an olive tinge on the feathers, showing markings of dull white as in the male, but much narrower. Length 5.95, wing 3, tail 2.50, tarsus .80, bill .50. This beautiful species is a resident of the Bahamas. We found it most abundant on the island of New Providence, where it is one of the first birds that attracts the visitor’s attention on account of its BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 93 brilliant coloration. Dr. Bryant states that its food consists almost entirely of small berries, and, according to my observation, this state- ment is correct; but they also eat many species of insects, and sometimes fruits. Although very abundant near Nassau, on the island of New Providence, they are rather uncommon at Long Island, and only a single specimen was seen at Inagua. Gosse found this species near Spanish Town, Jamaica, where he claims it was not common. He gives an interesting account of a bird of this species which he procured alive. He says:— “T carried him home in my handkerchief, and put him into a large cage, where he soon became quite a favorite. From the very first, he was fearless and lively, found the use of the perches imme- diately, and did not flutter or beat himself against the sides, though persons stood close to the cage. This was large enough to allow a short flight, and as there were several perches inserted at various heights and distances into the sides, he spent a great deal of his time in leaping from one to the other, seeming to enjoy it much. Seeing this, I put in one or two more, which were no sooner ready than he took notice of them; cautiously, at first, as if doubtful whether they could bear him. Soon, however, he ventured boldly, and then took them regularly in his course. He always slept on the highest perch, with his head behind his wing. He was in full plumage, and his gay breast and the fine contrasts of his striped head and wings showed him off to advantage. I knew nothing that he would eat, save the berries of the bully-tree, none of which grew within a considerable distance. I first tried him with a few insects 94 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. and small earthworms, but he took no notice of these; then I gath- ered a few bunches of fiddlewood berries, which I had no sooner stuck into his cage than I was pleased to see him hop towards them and pick off the ripe ones with much relish and discrimination. I was informed, in a wild state, he sometimes eats the sour-sop. As I had none of this fruit at hand, I gave him pieces of a ripe custard- apple and of a guava. He immediately began to eat of each, pluck- ing off portions of the pulp, and also taking up the fleshy ovaria of which the former is composed, which he chewed with his beak till the inclosed seed was pressed out. “ But all these were forsaken so soon as I presented to him bunches of ripe pimento, black and sweet. These he picked off greedily, masticating each in the beak, until the seeds, which I suppose were too hotly aromatic for his taste, fell out. It was amusing to see the persevering efforts he made to obtain those berries which happened to be a little beyond his reach He would jump from perch to perch impatiently, gazing with outstretched neck at the tempting fruit, then jump and look again; then reach forward to them, until in the endeavor, he would overbalance himself, and perform an involun- tary somerset. Nothing daunted, however, he persevered until he ventured to do what he had been several times on tiptoe to do, leap on the bunch itself; and this he continued to do, though with some failures, holding on in a scrambling way, now by a leaf, now by the berries themselves, until he had rifled the bunch of the ripest. After I had kept him about a week, during which his liveliness and good temper had much attached him to me, though he made not BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 95 the slightest effort at song, I took him out to cleanse the feathers of his breast from the dried blood that had flowed from his wound. I gently rubbed them with a soft, wet sponge, but whether he took cold, or whether I irritated the wound, I know not; but on being returned to the cage, he instantly began to breathe asthmatically with open beak, apparently with pain, interrupted now and then by fits of coughing, which continued all night, and on the next morning he died. On dissection, I could not find that the shot had pene- trated the chest, but they were imbedded in the muscles of the fore- arm, and had broken the scapula. “A nest, reported to be of the Cashew Bird, was brought to me on the 18th of June, taken from a pimento-tree. It was a thick, circular mat, slightly concave, of a loose but soft texture, principally composed of cotton, decayed leaves, epidermis of weeds, slender stalks, and tendrils of passion-flower, intermingled, but scarcely interwoven. I think it probable that this had been sus- tained by a firmer framework; and that the person who took it merely tore out the soft lining as a bed on which the eggs might be carried. The child who brought it could give no account of this. The eggs were two, long-oval, taper at the smaller end; 1,4; inch by nearly 58; white, sparingly dashed with irregular, dusky spots in a rude ring around the larger end. The embryo was at this time formed.” The Bahama Finch is known to the inhabitants by the name of Banana Bird, and they seem to apply this name indiscriminately to all the smaller fruit-eating birds with which they happen to be unac- 96 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. quainted. I was informed by a wise old negro that this species was the true Paroquet, and that the “little feller,” as he designated the Black-faced Finch, was the Banana Bird. Upon my showing him a female specimen, he appeared slightly puzzled, but after a moment’s reflection said it was a Banana Bird, “ but of another kind.” On one occasion I met a negro who recognized it by the name of Cashew or Casha, a name given it by the inhabitants of Jamaica. This is the /rixgella bahamensis of Catesby. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 97 RAVES Tene As: STARLINGS. DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS. (Linn.) BOBOLINK. Adult Male.— General plumage, black; patch on the base of the skull, buff; scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts, white; pri- maries edged with yellowish; tail feathers very acute. fall Plumage, Male and Female. — Above, yellowish brown, streaked with black or dark brown; under parts, yellowish. Length 6.50, wing 3.60, tail 2.55, tarsus .g5. I have never met with the Bobolink in the Bahamas, but include it on Dr. Bryant’s authority, who says: “On the evening of the 6th of May, towards sunset, I saw a number of flocks of birds flying to the westward, and counted nine in all. This was on Friday. The next day the country was filled with Rice Birds, as they are called there, and boys and men in large numbers turned out to shoot them. I examined a quantity of them, all of which were males in full plumage. Numerous flocks still continued to arrive during this day and Sunday. On Monday, among those shot, were | many females. On Tuesday only a few were to be seen, and on Wednesday they had entirely disappeared.” Pigs Aud> Bds. N. A. Vol. IV. pl: 211. 13 98 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. AGELAUS PHCENICEUS. Vieit. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Adult Male.— General plumage, black; lesser wing-coverts, bright scarlet, broadly edged with yellowish white; bill and feet, black. Adult Female.— Above, brownish, the feathers edged with dull rufous or tawny; under parts, dull white, streaked with brown; throat and superciliary line, tawny. (From specimen taken in the United States.) Female specimens of A. asszmzlis, from Cuba, which I consider to be simply a small southern variety of the present species, are dull black. Length 8.75, wing 4.40, tail 3.90, tarsus 1.20, bill .80. The Red-winged Blackbird is a rather common winter visitant, and ferhaps a resident, as I have taken specimens as late as May 20. We found it quite abundant around the ponds near Hawk’s Nest, Andros Island. Nothing peculiar was observed regarding its habits. Its food consists mainly of various kinds of insects and larvee, of which it destroys great numbers. It also eats fruit and berries. hig Aud eBds. N:, As, Vol. 1Vesplione: BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 99 FAM. TYRANNID-. PLYCATCHERS: TYRANNUS MAGNIROSTRIS. a Orb: GREAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER. The present species may be easily identified by its broad bill and large size, being much larger than any other spécies of this family found in the Bahamas. I have never met with it, and include it simply on the authority of Dr. Bryant, who states that he pro- cured a single specimen at Inagua. TYRANNUS CAUDIFASCIATUS. (d’Orb.) I have never met with this species in the Bahamas, but include it provisionally on the authority of Dr. Bryant, who states that he procured a single specimen at Nassau, N. P., during his second visit to the islands. TYRANNUS GRISEUS. Vieil. GRAY FLYCATCHER. Adult Male.— Above, grayish ash, darkest on the head; a dull black patch behind the eye; under parts, whitish; ashy on the I0O BIRDS OF. THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. sides of the breast; wings, brown; secondaries and coverts edged with dull white; under wing-coverts, pale yellow; tail, brown; feathers faintly tipped and edged with dull white; upper tail-coverts edged with pale rufous. Length 8.50, wing 4.75, tail 3.75, tarsus .48, bill 1, broad and stout. This Flycatcher is an abundant summer visitant, and perhaps a resident. After May 15, we found it common on all the islands south of New Providence. Never having found its nest, I am unable to state anything regarding its breeding habits. Its food consists principally of insects of different species, which it pursues and catches with great dexterity. MIARCHOS STOLIDUS VAR. LEUCAYSIENSIS. (Gosse.) Bryant. RUFOUS-TAILED FLYCATCHER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, brownish olive, becoming darker upon the head, and shading into rufous on the rump; under parts, ashy white, shading into yellowish upon the abdomen and crissum ; wings, dark brown, the coverts tipped and edged with dull white, forming two wing-bands; the basal half of the outer webs of the primaries, except the first two, edged with rufous, some of the sec- ondaries edged with white; under wing-coverts, pale yellowish white ; tail, dark brown, the feathers bordered with rufous upon the inner BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. IOI webs, very faintly upon the two central ones; legs and bill, black. One specimen showed the base of the mandible pale. Female similar to the male. Length 6.15, wing 2.25, tail 3.35, tarsus .go, bill .7o. The present species is a resident, but is by no means as abun- dant as some others of its family. Although I have included it as a variety, I am inclined to think that it should be regarded as a dis- tinct species, it being larger, and differing clearly in coloration from M. stolidus of Jamaica. Its food consists principally of insects. CONTOPUS BAHAMENSTS. (Bryant.) LEAST BAHAMA FLYCATCHER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, brownish olive, becoming darker upon the crown; a nearly complete circle of white around the eye, broken above; lores, ashy; below, pale yellow, with a faint tinge of olive; wings, dark brown; under coverts, pale orange-yel- low; coverts, secondaries, and tertiaries, brownish white, the coverts forming two indistinct bands upon the wing; tail, dark brown, lighter on the outer feathers; legs and upper mandible, black; lower mandible, pale, becoming darker at tip. One specimen taken had the yellow of the breast much brighter and deeper, the crissum much brighter, the olive markings heavier, and the under wing- coverts pzzkish. Female resembles the male. Length 5.35, wing 2.80, tail 2.60, tarsus .58, bill .60. 102 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS, This little Flycatcher is a resident, and quite abundant in some localities. One morning I observed a bird of this species perched upon a small dead branch. Concealing myself, I watched him, and observed him suddenly dart into the air in pursuit of a small insect, which he captured, and returned at once to his post of observation. This act was repeated again and again, he always returning to the same branch. ‘The stomachs of all the specimens which I examined contained nothing but the remains of small insects. This species is rarely to be found in collections, and is almost unknown to natu- ralists. The curiously colored specimen mentioned in the descrip- tion differed from the others which I procured, but not sufficiently, in my opinion, to characterize it as a separate species, as birds of the same species, belonging to this family, often vary in coloration. PITANGUS BAHAMENSIS. Bryant. BAHAMA KINGBIRD. Local Name. — Fighter. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, gray, with a tinge of olive on the back; top of the head, including the eye, dark slate-color, con- cealing a patch of bright orange-yellow upon the crown; under parts ashy white, shading into an olive tinge upon the flanks, and fale yellow upon the abdomen and crissum; wings, dark brown, edged with yellowish white, the coverts with pale brown; under wing- coverts, pale yellow; tail, dark brown; outer webs of first two and BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 103 tips of the rest, brownish white; upper tail-coverts edged with rufous; bill and feet, black. Female similar to male. Length 8.10, wing 4.20, tail 3.50, tarsus .80, bill .96. The Fighter, as it is called by the inhabitants, is a constant resident in these islands, and is very abundant. Its habits resemble those of our common Kingbird (Zyrannus carolinensis). Dr. Bryant considered this Flycatcher a constant resident, and found it equally abundant in spring and winter. He also says, “Its flight is both powerful and rapid, and it frequently swoops from its perch like a Hawk on some object on the ground. I took from the stomach of one an Anolis six inches in length.” During the summer it was much less common than in winter. Whether it migrates elsewhere, or remains concealed in the thick underbrush during the warm weather, I was unable to determine. 104 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PAM: CAPRIMULGI DZ. GOATSUCKERS. ANTROSTOMUS CAROLINENSIS. (Gm.) CHUCK-WILLS-WIDOW. Local Name.— Death Bird. Winter Plumage, Male,— Lateral filaments to the bristles of the mouth; general color, pale rufous, mottled with reddish brown ; crown streaked with black, feathers of the throat paler and having the appearance of a brownish bar; terminal two thirds of the tail- feathers, with the exception of the four central ones, rufous-white ; outer webs mottled to the tips; quills mottled and barred with red- dish brown; females showing much more dull white upon the tail. Length 11.50, wing 8.25, tail 5.50, tarsus .64, bill .50, upper mandible along the edge 1.80. This rare and interesting species is found during the winter on many of the islands. My first specimen was procured at Long Bay Key, Andros Island, on the 14th of January. It cannot be considered at all common, and it is rarely seen on account of its nocturnal habits. It remains concealed during the daytime, only BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS, 105 issuing from its hiding-places when night has set in; then, and not until then, does it go in quest of its food, which consists mainly of insects. It has a peculiar cry, resembling the syllables, “chuck- wills-widow,” from which it has received its name. It is probable that some birds remain in the Bahamas throughout the year, as they are merely summer migrants to the United States. While at Inagua, I was constantly told of a strange and fright- ful bird, that occasionally was to be seen in the town. The negroes stated that it never appeared until night, and that wherever it was seen, a person in that vicinity would suddenly die, within a short time of its appearance. A vessel was anchored near us at the time, whose crew were dying of yellow fever. The mate had died on shore a few days before, and the captain was then very ill. The negroes cheerfully announced that before the mate’s death, and since that time, a Death Bird had been seen every night in that vicin- ity. My curiosity being aroused, I procured a negro guide, and arming myself with a light shot-gun, started for the spot where the Death Bird had last been seen. It was a beautiful night with a full moon, and I had great hopes of procuring a specimen, if we were lucky enough to see one. On the way my guide entertained me with accounts of the doings of this interesting species. He stated that a few months before, the bird had appeared to an old man, whose death occurred a few days afterwards; also, that if we saw it, a death would take place shortly after. I hastened to assure him that the last statement was undoubtedly true, and that if we saw a Death Bird something would die shortly after, but in all 14 106 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. probability it would be the bird. From some reason, perhaps because the bird was not bloodthirsty that night, he did not appear, and so I was unable to determine its species. From the descriptions of the bird that were given me, I believed it to be the present species, and my belief was strengthened by the fact that the inhabit- ants of Andros Island seemed to know it by that name; but the natives of Inagua say that it perches itself on a tree soon after dark, and repeatedly utters a cry commencing loudly, then softly to itself before again uttering its loud note, thus: Coo-cu-cu-cu-cu-cu- Coo. This note does not at all resemble the cry of A. Carolnensis, while it does resemble very much that of the Myctebcws jamazcensis, as described by Gosse; and it is possible that the Inagua bird may be that species. CHORDEILES MINOR. Cad. LitTLE NIGHTHAWK. Local Name. — Pira-mi-dink. Adult Male.— Above, dark brown, variegated with white and tawny; under parts, tawny, banded with brown; throat, tawny, becoming whitish on the breast; a white line from sides of the throat to chin; first two primaries with a spot on the inner web, and the second and third with a band of white; edge of corpus white. Length 7, wing 6.40, tail 3.70, bill .28, tarsus .44. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 107 The Pira-mi-dink appears to be as abundant in the Bahama Islands as our common species is with us. In their habits they closely resemble each other, but their notes are very different. About sunset they are to be seen flying swiftly about, in search of insects, occasionally uttering the peculiar cry from which they have derived their local name. At Inagua it was quite common, and I was fortunate enough to find it breeding. A single egg was deposited upon the sand without any attempt at a nest. Occa- sionally, I have observed them in large flocks flying low over the land, and when together they are generally silent. None remain during the winter. This is the species which Dr. Bryant thought to be Chordeiles popetue, as he says: “ They began to arrive about the 1st of May, and were numerous by the roth.” The egg bears a close resemblance to that of our common spe- cies (C. popetue), but has somewhat more of a purplish tinge, and is smaller and paler. 108 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PAM ROC H PET As HUMMING-BIRDS. DORICHA EVELYNA. (Bourc.) BAHAMA WOODSTAR. Local Name. — Hummer. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, green, showing slight golden reflections on the back, with the tips of the feathers in some speci- mens bluish; head darker; throat, beautiful purple-violet, below which is a band of white; under parts, green, mixed with rufous, shading into white on the flanks; crissum, pale rufous-white; wings, brownish purple; tail appearing black, very dark purple in some lights; outer feathers with faint terminal spot of rufous, second with inner web, and third with inner and basal half of outer web cinnamon; bill and feet, black. Winter Plumage, Female.— Purple gorget wanting, and replaced by dull white, with a slight tinge of rufous; upper parts paler than in the male; sides, cinnamon, becoming brightest under the wings; central feathers of the tail, bright green, the rest cinnamon; an oblique purplish band on the tips of the fourth feathers. Length 3.40, wing 1.70, tail 1.40, tarsus .15, bill .7o. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS, 109 The Bahama Islands are the home of this beautiful little Hum- ming-bird. It is very abundant in the neighborhood of Nassau, where I procured a fine series of specimens. Dr. Bryant gives an interesting account of this species. He says, “All the specimens I procured, seven in number, were killed in February and the early part of March. At that time its food consisted almost entirely of a small green apkis, found abundantly in the West India vervain (V. stachytarpheta), a small blue flower that grows in all the dry pastures. Gosse calls the Least Humming-bird of Jamaica the Vervain Humming-bird from its hovering round the plant, but the name would apply as well to the present species. I saw nothing in its habits differing from those of the common ruby-throated species, with the exception that it was more quarrelsome in its disposition, chasing the Fighter, as the Zyrannus caudifasciatus is called, when- ever it came near him, and that its note is louder and shriller than that of our species, and much more frequently uttered. “Incubation commences by the rst of March. I saw three nests of this bird. One found on the 3d of March contained two eggs, partly hatched; a second, April 10, one egg; and another in May, two eggs. The nests were all composed of the same materials, principally the cotton from the silk-cotton tree, with a few downy masses that looked as if derived from some species of asclepias. This was felted and matted together, and the outside stuck over with bits. of lichens and little dry stalks or fibres of vegetable matter. ... The eggs, like those of all others of the family, are but two in number, snow-white when blown, and slightly rosy before.” IIO BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. If Dr. Bryant’s account of this species is correct, it does not appear to have any regular breeding season, as I have taken its nest and eggs in June, and was shown two nests which were taken by a gentleman near Nassau in the month of December. Their flight is very rapid, as they dart from place to place in a sudden, jerky sort of way; while hovering over a flower, the movement of the wings is so rapid that it is impossible to follow them with the eye, producing a slight humming sound, from which the bird has derived its name. Fig. Gould’s Mon. Trochil., Vol. III. DORICHA LYRURA. Gould. LYRE-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD. Adult Male.— General appearance the same as D. evelyn, but differs from it by showing the beautiful purAle violet on the forehead as well as on the throat, and also having a much longer tail, formed somewhat in the shape of a lyre, from which this bird has derived its name. The throat of D. lyrura shows bright blue, in some lights, on the lower part, while that of D. evelyn@ is almost entirely purple- violet, showing the bluish tinge very slightly if at all. Length 3.64, wing 1.60, tail 1.58, tarsus .13, bill .60. Like many others of its family, the Lyre-tailed Humming-bird is restricted to a single island. It inhabits Inagua, and although BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. jong not rare, cannot be considered as an abundant species. All the specimens which I procured were killed near Mathewstown, and none were taken on any other part of the island. Its habits, as far as I was able to observe, were the same as those of D. evelyne, from which it is impossible to distinguish it while darting from one flower to another. A negro brought me a fine male alive, which he had caught in a small net as it hovered over a flower. When living, the plumage shows somewhat brighter than in a dead specimen. SPORADINUS RICORDI. (@ Orb.) RICORD’S HUMMING-BIRD. Winter Plumage, Male,— Entire plumage, bronzy green, becom- ing metallic on the throat; wings, purplish brown; four central tail- feathers bronze, the remainder purplish black, showing bronze on the outer webs; under tail-coverts, white; upper mandible, dark brown; lower mandible pale, becoming dark at the tip; tail forked. Winter Plumage, Female. — Resembles the male, except having the crown brownish; throat and centre of abdomen, pale buff; under tail-coverts, grayish white. Length 3.60, wing 1.80, tail 1.50, tarsus .15, bill .75. I was agreeably surprised at finding this pretty little species common on Andros Island, as it had not been previously recorded from the Bahamas. It seemed to prefer the vicinity of the shore, 3H Ee ; BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. as none were taken far inland, and was quite abundant in the neigh- borhood of Long Bay Key, as was also D. evelyne. On the 13th of January, my friend, Mr. George E. Fowle, Jr., found the nest of this species near Long Bay Key. It was attached to a small trailing vine, which was suspended from the branch of a paw-paw tree, about four feet from the ground. The nest was close to the branch, and contained two young birds, apparently about a week old. The young were dark slate-color above, with the under parts flesh-color, having a slight down upon the back; the bill was fully as broad as it was long, having the upper mandible dark, and the lower light colored. Mr. Gould, in his magnificent monograph of this family, restricted the range of .S. vicordi to the island of Cuba, and all other writ- ers have done the same. In Ramon de la Sagra’s “ Histoire de Cuba” is to be found the following note regarding this species: “Far from migrating, like the Red Humming-bird (7vochilus colu- bris), this is one of the stationary inhabitants of the island of Cuba, which it never leaves, and of which it is one of the most beautiful ornaments. The inhabitants (to imitate, doubtless, the sound which it makes while flying) give it the name of Zuz-zun. Interesting in its plumage and habits, its works likewise are not without merit. Artificially built, and often composed of wool from the silk which surrounds the seed of Asclepias anasarica, its nest is attached to the forks of young twigs; like that of all-the Zvochzlid@, it con- tains only one or two eggs, from which the young are produced, which, at their birth, have the beak very short.” —— BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 3 This Humming-bird approaches very closely the next species, so closely, in fact, that were it not for the high authority which has separated them I should not be inclined to consider them distinct. Fig. Gould’s Mon. Trochil., Vol. V. SPORADINUS BRACE. Lawr. BRACE’S HUMMING-BIRD. Male.— Crown and gorget of a glittering pale green; back, upper tail-coverts, the two central and the next pair of tail-feathers, bronzed golden green; the other tail-feathers are purplish black, with their outer edges bronzed green; quills, blackish purple; breast and abdomen, dull bronzy green; under tail-coverts, dark ash, bor- dered with white; bill and feet, black. Length 3.37, wing 1.75, tail 1.12, bill .75; I include this as a species on the authority of Mr. George N. Lawrence, and have given his description of it in detail. In his report regarding it he says, “ The specimen is a mummy, and the outer two tail-feathers are just being renewed; the length of these is important to determine its true generic position; but as it resembles Sporadinus ricordit in other respects, I place it pro- visionally in the same genus. If the outer tail-feathers were fully IS 114 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. developed, they would doubtless increase the total length as well as that of the tail. This species is nearly allied to S. record from Cuba, but differs from it in being smaller, with a longer bill; the green of the crown and throat is paler and a more steely shade; the back is more bronzed, and the under plumage of a lighter green.” The type was taken near Nassau, N. P., by Mr. L. J. K. Brace, and is the only specimen known to be in existence. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. I1l5 PAM; ALCEDINIDZ:. KINGFISHERS. CERYLE ALCYON. (Linn) BELTED KINGFISHER. Adult Male.— Above, ashy blue; head with crest, throat, band around the neck, a spot anterior to the eye, belly and crissum, white; a band across the breast and sides of the body the color of the back; primaries with white on the basal half; tail with bands and spots of white. Adult Female.— Easily distinguished from the male by having the sides of the body and a band across the upper part of the belly, light chestnut. Length 12.50, wing 6, tail 3.65, tarsus .36, bill 2. The Kingfisher becomes common during the winter, generally frequenting the small lakes and ponds in the interior of the islands. I rarely visited Lake Cunningham, in the neighborhood of Nassau, without observing one or more of this species. Dr. Bryant found it common during the winter, but did not observe any after April t. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. [V. pl. 255. 116 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PAM CUCULEDAS. CUCKOOS. SAUROTHERA BAHAMENSIS. Bryant. BAHAMA CUCKOO. Adult. — Above, pale olive, showing slight greenish reflections ; throat and breast dull grayish white; belly and crissum, tawny; pri- maries, mostly rufous; tail-feathers, except the two central ones, tipped with pale brownish white; legs, slaty blue; soles of the feet, yellow; eyelids, vermilion red; upper mandible, brownish, shading into slate-color at the base; iris, brown. Length 18, wing 6.25, tail 9.50, tarsus 1.50, bill 1.80. I met with this bird but once. A single specimen taken at Nassau, June 17. Dr. Bryant states that it was quite abundant during his visits, and that the inhabitants called it Rain Crow. In this I think that he was mistaken in the species, as the negroes who saw my specimen considered it to be the same as C. mznor, “only full grown.” It is a curious fact that Dr. Bryant did not meet with C. minor, while I found it abundant on many of the islands. He also says, “Its food during the winter consisted principally of a species aia BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. LONG of Phasma, found in great abundance in the leaves of the air plants. This bird is one of the tamest, considering its size, that I am acquainted with. I have frequently watched them searching for insects within two or three feet of my head.” Nothing is known regarding its breeding habits. COCCYZUS AMERICANUS. (Lin.) YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. Adult Male.— Above, metallic olive-green; uxder parts, white ; outer tailfeathers tipped with white; wpper mandible and tip of lower, black, the rest of the lower mandible, yellow; iris, brown. Female similar to the male. Length 12, wing 5.90, tail 6.30. Mr. L. J. K. Brace informed me that he had taken this Cuckoo in the vicinity of Nassau. It probably visits the islands occasionally during the winter. BigeAwd. Bds NWA. Vely IV. pls 275. COCCYZUS MINOR. (Gm) MANGROVE CUCKOO. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, grayish olive, tinged with ash on the head; under parts, yellowish brown, darkest on the thighs, and becoming pale on the throat; a streak of dark brown behind 118 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. the eye, passing under it; quills and under wing-coverts, yellowish brown; outer tail-feathers, black, tipped with white, and showing slight bronze reflections, the others lighter, except the central ones, tipped with white; under mandible, yellow, except at the tip. Female similar to the male. Length 12, wing 5.45, tail 6.50, tarsus 1.04, bill 1. The Mangrove Cuckoo, so rare in the United States, is rather abundant on the larger islands of the Bahamas. It was common in the neighborhood of Nassau, although generally keeping well con- cealed in the thick undergrowth. It remains throughout the year, and during the breeding season constructs a rough nest resembling that of our common species, in which it lays three and sometimes four eggs, of a greenish color. The nest is generally placed in a low bush near the ground, and is very loosely constructed. MipsAud. Bds;*N.A.; Vol. [V. pl. 272; CROTOPHAGA ANI. (Linn) ANI. Local Names.— Rain Crow, Blackbird. Winter Plumage, Male.— Upper mandible much curved; cul- men rising above the head, flattened to a sharp edge; nostrils situated in the middle of the lower half of the upper mandible. General color black, showing bluish reflections; the feathers of the BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS, 1 ie) head, neck, breast, and upper part of the back with metallic bronze borders; iris, brown. Female, similar. Length 13.25, wing 6, tail 8, tarsus 1.25, bill 1.20. The Ani, or Blackbird, as it is sometimes called by the inhabit- ants, is a very abundant resident in the Bahamas. Its habits much resemble those of our common Grackle. They are generally observed in flocks, feeding in the fields or perched upon the branches of a bush, uttering from time to time a curious, but not unmusical whistle. They appear to eat almost anything that comes in their way, insects of various kinds, beetles, berries, or fruits being equally acceptable. Incubation commences about the 1st of December, and we pro- cured specimens of fully fledged young birds in January. It is probable that they rear two broods in a season, as Mr. Gosse found a nest containing eggs in July. He says, “In July I found a Black- bird’s nest in a bastard cedar; it was a rather large mass of inter- woven twigs, lined with leaves. Eight eggs were in the nest, and the shells of many more were also in it and scattered beneath the tree. The eggs were about as large as a pullet’s, very regularly oval, of a greenish blue, but covered with a coating of white chalky sub- stance, which was much scratched and eroded on them all, and which was displaced with a little force.” Although very abundant around Nassau, they become quite scarce on many of the more southern islands, and it is considered a rare bird at Inagua. Bd. Bwr. and Ridg., Vol. II. 120 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. RUG NU ea ene IEDs abe WOODPECKERS. PICUS VILLOSUS. Linn. Hatry WOODPECKER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, black, with a white band down the middle of the back finely lined with black; all the quills, middle and larger wing-coverts, with numerous spots of white; crown, a black patch over the eye, and a stripe from the mandible to the nape, white; a black stripe from the eye, passing through the cheeks, over the nape, and joining the black of the back; a scarlet crescent around the base of the skull, joining the white superciliary stripe; under parts, ashy, with the sides mottled and striped with black; two outer tailfeathers white, edged and tipped with pale brown; third, black, with a patch of pale brown upon the outer web, the others black. Female, the scarlet crescent wanting, replaced by white. J Length 7.25, wing 4.20, tail 3, tarsus .70, bill 1. The Hairy Woodpecker is occasionally found in the Bahamas during the winter season. At Nassau it was rather common, but by no means as abundant as S. varzws. Its food consists of insects, berries, and small fruits. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. IV. pl. 262. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 121 SPHYVRAPICUS VARIUS. (Liun.) YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, black, variegated with brown and dull white, becoming dull white on the upper tail-coverts; crown, crimson (often interrupted with brownish), bordered by a narrow line of black; a streak above the eye and a broader one from the bill, passing below the eye and down the neck to sides of the breast, yellowish white; ends of wing-coverts, white, forming a broad bar ; quills spotted with white; throat, crimson, with a band of inter- mixed black and brown upon the breast; sides, light brown mottled with black; belly, pale yellow; inner tail-feathers edged with dull white; outer feathers edged with white, becoming light brown at the tips. Winter Plumage, Female.— Above, black, variegated with white and light brown; crown, crimson, mottled with light brown, and bordered narrowly with black at the nape; a dull brownish white stripe passing from the base of the bill under the eye to the sides of the neck; ¢hroat, dull brownish white, becoming brown on the breast; sides mottled with black; belly, pale yellow. Immature birds, without black on the breast or red on the head, and in every intermediate stage to the adult. Length 8.35, wing 4.75, tail 3.20, tarsus .70, bill .96. 16 122 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker becomes abundant in the neigh- borhood of Nassau during the winter season. We often observed them clinging to the trunks of the trees, or flying over the road during our excursions to and from different parts of the island. It did not appear to show any decided preference for any particular kind of tree, as has been stated by some writers; but seemed to wander aimlessly about in search of its food, which consists of insects and berries, although it often eats the sap of the trees, which it procures by drilling holes through the bark with its strong, sharp bill, in many cases killing the tree. PisseAud: BdsN. A, Vol. 1V..pl.2267: BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. I to iS) BAM, PST EAGID As. LOAN OIL Sy CHRYSOTIS COLLARIA. (Linn.) PARROT. Adult Male.— General plumage, green, many feathers narrowly tipped with dark brown; forehead, and the top of the head to the eyes, white; throat, bright red, sometimes touched with green; some of the feathers on the belly, brownish red; outer webs of primaries, blue, inner webs, brown; tail, green, showing blue on outer webs of outer feathers, and red on the basal half of inner webs of all except the central ones, which sometimes show a trace near the shaft; bill, yellowish white; iris, brown. Length 13, wing 8, tail 4.50, tarsus .75, bill 1.25. Many years ago the Parrot was abundant throughout the Baha- mas, but at the present time it is common only at Inagua. The natives claim that they also exist at Abaco and Long Island, but if this be true, it is probably only in small numbers, as we never met with them during our explorations of the last-named islands. I was told that during the month of July they repair in large numbers to 124 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. the cornfields near Mathewstown and cause great destruction to the crops. At this season they become quite tame, and quantities of them are killed by the negroes. We found them abundant near Northwest Point during the month of June, but at that time they were very shy and difficult to shoot. The natives capture them when young, and they become very tame and learn to speak quickly. One afternoon, while shooting in the vicinity of Northwest Point, Inagua, I suddenly came upon a large flock of Parrots, which flew from one tree to another, uttering harsh cries as I approached One specimen which I shot was merely wing-tipped, and with the aid of my coat I was enabled to capture the little fellow, without giving him a chance to use his bill, which, from the way he screamed and struggled, he evidently had a great desire to do. He lived for several days, and became quite docile; but one morning being left alone, his curiosity prompted him to explore among some freshly poisoned skins, and upon my return I found him lying dead upon the floor of the cabin. The eggs of this species are generally deposited in a hollow tree. The negroes say that of late years the nest is rarely found, as the birds repair to the interior of the island to breed. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 125 PAMS STRIGIDZE. OWLS. STRIX FLAMMEA VAR. PRATINCOLA. (Linn.) Bp. BARN OWL. Adult Male. with black and white; under parts showing pale tawny, dotted with Above, tawny brown, delicately mottled in places brown; face, whitish, with an ante-orbital of brown; under surface of wings, white, slightly dotted with brown; tail, with four black bars on the upper surface below, pale. Length 15.25, wing 13, tail 5.70, tarsus 2.75. The Barn Owl is a resident in the Bahamas, and is claimed to be abundant by the inhabitants, who know it by a variety of names, among which are Monkey-faced Owl, Brown Owl, White Owl, and a dozen others about as applicable. I was able to procure only two specimens during my stay, one of which was kindly presented to me by Mr. Epes Sargent, of Nassau. Mr. N. B. Moore found a pair of this species breeding in the vicinity of Nassau, N. P. He says, “The nest is in a niche in a perpendicular (vertical) wall of rock, thirty feet from the base and fifteen feet below the top, and is unapproachable. I killed one of a pair of this species, a female, 126 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. as she entered the niche. The male, her mate, on the follow- ing night entered it, uttering his peculiar call-note; an owl soon approached, he gave chase, they flew about for some time, and on the next night they were, to all appearance, mated. Had the male been killed instead of the female, this sudden marriage, and particu- larly 4er continuance at the old nesting-place, would seem less sur- prising. This species has two very distinct vocal utterances, — one a ‘call-note, a sort of low, rapid chattering or clacking, uttered, so far as I have observed, when perched; the other a monosyllabic note, which I would spell ‘creech,’ uttered in a harsh half-scream, while on the wing, the intervals being very long.” Its food consists of mice and other small quadrupeds, and accord- ing to some writers, small birds. The inhabitants of some of the islands claim that a large, pure white owl is sometimes seen; but in all probability it is the present species, which they have seen flying about in the dim light of the evening. Fis. aud® Bds. N.A., Vol, I. pl. 34. SPHEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. FLORIDANA, (Mol.) Ride. FLorIpDA BURROWING OWL. Adult Male.— General plumage, dark brown, mottled with white; under parts, paler; feathers barred with brown and white, shading into pale tawny near the vent; primaries, reddish brown, blotched BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS, 127 with dull white and pale tawny; tail-feathers, brown, barred with white, the bars not reaching the shafts; ¢arsus feathered in front and very long; bill, brown, light at tip; claws, black. Length 10, wing 6.50, tail 3, tarsus 1.60, bill .75. Mr. L. J. K. Brace, procured this species at Nassau, N. P., and it is probably found on some of the other islands. The inhabitants seemed to be acquainted with a small owl, but their statements con- cerning it were very unsatisfactory. Mr. Brace states regarding this species: “ For about a month past, I had been watching a small owl that was in the habit of foraging up and down the wharves that line one side of the harbor of Nassau. As dusk approached he would make his appearance, and perch on some elevated place, such as a post or part of a fence. On the approach of any one to his resting- place, he would allow them to come within twenty feet, but if approached nearer, no matter how cautiously, he would fly off, gen- erally uttering a shrill, quickly reiterated chur-chur-chur-chut! to another spot, scarcely ever returning to the same one. Some even- ings he was more vociferous than on others. I could not determine when he returned during the day; but he would generally arrive from a southerly inland direction, at other times from either the east or west end of the wharves. When shot, he had only come a short time, and was perched on the cross-trees of a flag-staff, about fifteen feet high. From part of the contents of the gizzard, I con- cluded it was attracted by the ‘Crawlers, a species of Ligia that abounds on the sides of the wharves; it also contained the half- digested remains of a Hyla.” 128 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. FAM. BPALCONIDZ. FALCONS: CIRCUS CYANEUS VAR, HUDSONIUS. (Linn.) Marsu Hawk. Adult Male. upper tarl-coverts, white. Above, ashy; primaries, brownish at the end; Female, — Above, brown, streaked with reddish; tail barred. This species is easily distinguished by the white upper tail-coverts. Length 16, wing 13, tail 9.10, tarsus 2.80, bill .60. According to Dr. Bryant, this species occasionally visits the Bahamas. He procured a single specimen, in immature plumage, at Inagua. None were observed by our party. Picg auc: Bds. NA. Vole Tspl. 26: ACCIPITER FUSCUS. (Gui.) SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Adult Male— Above, plumbeous; tail, brownish, banded with brownish black and tipped with whitish; under parts, white, streaked and banded with pale rufous, darkest on the breast.’ Length 10, wing 6.50, tail 5.60, tarsus 1.75. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 129 The Sharp-shinned Hawk is not uncommon during the winter. It was occasionally seen near Nassau, which was the only place where we observed it. Dr. Bryant considered it the most common species. Figs Aud? Bdsi N. A, Viol; I. pl. 25. FALCO COMMUNIS. (Gut.) PEREGRINE FALCON. . Adult Male.— Above, blackish, feathers becoming gray on the back, and gray mottled with dark slate on the rump; a black cheek- patch; throat and breast, dull white; lower part of the breast nar. rowly streaked with brown; belly, flanks, sides of the body, and under wing-coverts, whitish, showing a tinge of tawny, banded and streaked with brown; tail, alternately banded with dark and light slate-color, the feathers tipped with yellowish white; tarsus and feet, yellowish green; claws, black. Female, larger. Length 17.25, wing 12.50, tail 6.50, tarsus 1.80, bill .80. This Falcon is by no means common. A single specimen was killed at Norman’s Key on January 7. Dr. Bryant found a dead bird of this species at Norman’s Key, which proved to be an adult male, in fine spring plumage. 17 130 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Many naturalists of the present day consider the American Fal- con to be a variety of the European bird. In this I think they are wrong, as the differences which have been pointed out as distin- guishing characters are very slight, and vary in specimens from different localities. It is claimed that the main point of difference between them is the striped breast of the European bird, which is generally wanting in the American specimens; but American speci- mens are sometimes striped, and I cannot but agree with Mr. Dresser in considering the American and European bird as inseparable. iggeAud.. .Bds, NA. Vola I aplo 20. FALCO SPARVERIUS. (Linn.) SPARROW FALCON. Adult Male.— Crown, ashy blue, sometimes replaced by chest- nut in the centre; a maxillary and auricular black stripe; back, brown, sometimes spotted with black on the lower part; wing-coverts, bluish ash; tail, reddish brown, with a band of black tipped with white, sometimes showing several black bands; below, white, show- ing reddish brown on the breast and belly. Adult Female.— Upper parts, lighter than in the male, barred with dull black; under parts, dull yellowish white, paler than in the male; streaked; otherwise similar. Length 10, wing 7, tail 4.75. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 131 The present species is included on the authority of Dr. Bryant, who states that he saw two specimens at Nassau and one at Great Stirrup Key. None were observed by our party. Bigs Aud. Bds, N: A. Vol. I. pl. 22. BUTEO BOREALIS. (Gm.) RED-TAILED HAWK. Adult Male.— Above, dark brown, edged with tawny; tail- coverts, whitish; below, white; the throat streaked with light, and the belly with darker brown, sometimes the belly being but very faintly marked; tail, above, bright chestnut-red, showing a subtermi- nal black band and a terminal white one. Length 22, wing 15.50, tail 8.50, tarsus 2.10. I have never met with this species in the Bahamas, but have included it on the authority of Dr. Bryant, who states that two specimens were taken, one at Nassau, and the other at Inagua. hig Aud, Bds. N. A. Volals pl. 7. PANDION HALIATUS. (Linn.) FisH HAWK. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, dark brown; head, white, some- what marked with dark brown on crown and cheeks, varying in Lea 2 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. specimens; under parts, white, sometimes streaked with light brown, especially on the breast; feet very large, bluish. Length 22, wing 18.50, tail 9, tarsus 2.40, bill 1.40. This species is an abundant resident; we met with it on all of the larger islands. While at Clarence Harbor, Long Island, a fine adult Hawk came regularly every evening and perched himself upon the top of the mainmast, where he would sit quietly, slightly moving his partly closed wings to balance himself as the vessel rolled. Dr. Bryant, writing of this species, says, “Fish Hawks were found throughout the Bahamas, but nowhere so abundant as in parts of the United States. The nests which I saw were placed in entirely- different situations from those chosen by this bird with us, resem- bling more nearly in this respect the European species. ‘They were all built on the ground. Two that I examined at Water Key, Ragged Islands, were placed on the edge of a cliff at an elevation of about forty feet from the water, very bulky, at least five feet in height and six in diameter, composed entirely of materials taken from the neighboring beaches, principally the horny skeletons of gorgonias, sponges, bits of drift-wood, and sea-weeds. They had recently been repaired, and the cavities lined with fresh gulf-weed. On the 20th of April, the date of my last visit to them, they con- tained neither eggs nor young. The eggs in the ovary of a female shot at this time were of the size of small peas. “The plumage of the specimen differed from any I ever saw in the United States. The whole upper part of the head, nape, and BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 133 hind neck was white, without any mixture of brown; no difference was observed in the comparative measurements. I intended to have preserved it, but, unfortunately, before I was ready to skin it, the cook plucked it for his private table.” The food of this species appears to consist almost entirely of fish, which it shows great expertness in catching,— according to some writers plunging entirely beneath the surface in pursuit of its prey. But although I have seen hundreds of birds of this species, and watched them at different times in the act of catching fish, I have never, in.a single instance, seen them go entirely under water. The eggs are usually from two to three in number, although some writers claim that they sometimes lay four. Fig. Aud: Bds: N. A. Vol. I. pli rs: 134 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PAM Se SEER The: VULTURES: CATHARTES AURA. (Lin.) TurKEY Buzzarp. Local Name.— Crow. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, marked with brown and black; shafts of the primaries, yellowish externally; under parts, black, becoming brown on the belly; head, red, base showing only a few short, bristly feathers; feet, pinkish; bill, bluish white. Length 27, wing 21, tail 10, tarsus 2.35. The Turkey Buzzard is abundant at Andros Island and at Abaco. It is a resident and undoubtedly breeds in the Bahamas. While walking along the beach, near Grassy Creek, Andros Island, I observed a number of these birds perched upon a small tree, and on turning a corner of the rock, suddenly came upon thirteen more of them, feeding upon the body of a dead dog. They did not appear to mind my presence in the least, and it was not until I had approached within a few feet of them that they showed any inclina- tion to leave their prey. Dr. Bryant gives this bird as abundant at BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 135 Andros, Abaco, and Grand Bahama, but did not meet with it else- where. He writes: “I was for a long while unable to explain satis- factorily to myself the cause of their absence from Nassau, as in the United States they are generally very abundant in the neighborhood of the large Southern cities, as Charleston and Savannah, for instance. This fact, I now think, is owing to their inability to procure food at New Providence. All the animals slaughtered there are literally devoured by the blacks; not a morsel, even to the entrails, is thrown away as offal, so that the slaughter-houses, which at Savannah are their principal feeding-places, do not at Nassau offer them a mouth- ful of food. The number of domestic animals also running at large on the island is so small, that the carcasses of those dying by disease or accident would only afford them an occasional supply; and the native fauna is so meagre that it is unnecessary to take it into con- sideration. I passed several days at Grassy Creek, near the south- ern extremity of Andros Island. This is one of the places where the Black-mouthed Helmet (Cass?s Madagascariensis), of which cameos are made, is procured. The shells, after being brought on shore, are placed on scaffolds with the mouth downwards, in order that after the death of the animal it may fall out of its own’ weight. These scaffolds are constantly attended by the Buzzards, and they can frequently be seen tugging at the protruding animal, much to the displeasure of the fishermen, as the birds frequently knock down the shells, and sometimes drag them into the bushes out of sight. The name given to this bird by the iaalpieantes is ‘John Crow,’ the same as in Jamaica, according to Gosse. I examined several 130 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. specimens, but could detect no difference between them and birds obtained in the United States. This is not to be wondered at, as the Gulf Stream is so narrow, that I think when soaring at the greatest height to which they attain, they must be able to see the main-land, and if so, doubtless pass to and fro. No specimen of the C. jota was seen.” The Turkey Buzzard generally deposits its eggs in some cleft in the rocks, or on a decayed stump, usually without any attempt at a nest. The eggs are generally two in number. Pigs Aud. Bds: IN. A, Vol. I. >pl.a2. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. ESi/ FAM. COLUMBID~. PIGEONS. COLUMBA LEUCOCEPHALA. (Linn.) WHITE-HEADED PIGEON. Local Name. — Pigeon. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, grayish blue, showing slight reflections; crown, pale buff (at some seasons pure white), bordered at the nape by a band of dark purple, and below it a cape extending upon each side of the neck, of metallic green, the feathers bordered with black; quills, dark brown, becoming lighter upon the second- aries; under parts, grayish blue; crissum, plumbeous; tail, dark brown. Sexes similar. Length 13.25, wing 6.90, tail 5.50, tarsus .go, bill .7o. During the winter season the present species is rarely seen, on account of its frequenting the thickly wooded parts of the islands. Occasionally, I saw them in the market at Nassau, but they are by no means common. As soon as the summer season sets in they become gregarious, and repair in immense flocks to the outer keys to breed. Their food consists of berries and small fruits. Incuba- tion commences about May 1. 18 138 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Dr. Bryant, who found it breeding, says, “It breeds in commu- nities in some places, as at Grassy Key, Andros Island, in vast numbers. Here the nests were made on the tops of the prickly pear, which covers the whole key; at the Biminis and Buena Vista Key, Ragged Islands, on the mangrove, and at Long Rock, near Exuma, on stunted bushes. I do not think they ever select a large key for their breeding-place. The eggs are laid by the middle of May, and the young leave their nests about the rst of July, previous to which great numbers are killed by the negroes. It is a shy bird, when not breeding, even in the most uninhabited localities.” Bice Aud? Bds, «Ni A. Vol.<1V..9pl.e28o:; ZENAIDA AMABILIS. (Bp.) ZENAIDA DOVE. Local Name:— Wood Dove. Adult Male.— Above, olive-brown; top of the head and under parts, pale purplish brown; sides of the body and under wing- coverts, blue; tail-feathers, with the exception of the central ones, bluish, with a black band about an inch from the tip; slight streak of metallic blue below the ear; quills, dark brown; secondaries tipped with white; feet, reddish. Length 10.50, wing 6, tail 4, tarsus 1, bill .55. BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 139 This beautiful Dove is found throughout the Bahamas, but does not appear to be very abundant. It seems to be rather solitary in its habits, and is never met with in flocks. The nest is composed of small sticks, loosely put together. On May 27 I procured a nest which was placed in the crotch of a fallen tree about three feet from the ground. It contained two white eggs. Dr. Bryant says, “It never collects in flocks, not breeding in communities like the C. Zeucocephala. In its habits it is intermediate between the Z. carolinensis and the C. passerina. It feeds and passes the principal part of its time on the ground, and when flushed, flies off in a straight line, very much as the common quail. The crops of those killed by me were filled with small seed about the size of mustard-seed, apparently all of the same kind. All the nests I saw were made in holes in the rocks, and consisted, as is always the case in this family, of but a few sticks. It probably migrates farther south during the winter, as it was much more abundant in May than at any previous time.” Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A. Vol. V. pl. 281. CHAMAEPELIA PASSERINA. (Linn) GROUND DOVE. Local Name.— Tobacco Dove. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, grayish olive, showing a bluish tinge upon the nape and crown; under parts, reddish purple, becom- I40 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. ing ashy on the sides; under wing-coverts and quills showing red- dish brown, the latter margined and tipped with dark brown; mid- dle tail-feathers like the back, the others dark brown; two outer feathers tipped with white; upper surface of wing showing large spots of bluish-purple; bill and feet yellowish, the former becom- ing dark at the tip. Length 6.30, wing 3.30, tail 2.60, tarsus .50, bill .50. This graceful little Dove is a resident, and very abundant every- where. While walking through a pineapple plantation, I have been astonished at the quantity of these birds which were constantly flying about. They are very tame, and often allowed me to approach within a few feet of them without showing any signs of alarm. Their food consists of seeds and many kinds of small berries. I have often watched them dusting themselves in the warm sand of the road, after the manner of our farm-yard fowls, seeming to enjoy it greatly. Incubation commences about May 15. A nest taken at the Mira- porvos, May 27, contained two eggs, which were quite fresh. It was simply a little mat of grass, loosely put together, placed upon the ground in an open space, concealed only by short marsh-grass, barely high enough to hide the bird when sitting upon the nest. The eggs are white. Pio. Aud. Bds. NovA. Vol. V. pl. 283: BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. I4I GEOTRYGON MARTINICA. (Gm.) Key WEstT Dove. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, chestnut-rufous; crown and neck with metallic reflections of green and purple; back showing brilliant purple, reflections becoming less distinct on the rump; a band of white from the base of the lower mandible under the eye to the side of the neck, bordered below by a streak of dull purple; under parts showing the breast pale purple, becoming dull white on the throat and abdomen; primaries, bright rufous, becoming darker at the tips; tail, rufous; legs, red. Length 10.75, wing 6, tail 4.30, tarsus 1, bill .go. This beautiful Pigeon is an abundant resident. It is to be met with in small flocks, and generally inhabits the heavily wooded parts of the islands. They remain concealed during the heat of the day, but early in the morning often come out into the open ground to feed. On several occasions I saw birds of this species exhibited for sale at the market in Nassau, and had the good fortune to procure several very fine specimens which were brought in by the negroes. The note is low and mournful, and is often heard during the early hours of the morning. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pl. 282. A BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PAVE RE RDICID A=. PARTRIDGES. ORTVX VIRGINIANUVUS. (Linn.) PARTRIDGE. Local Name. — Quail. Winter Plumage, Male.— Above, rich brownish red, mottled with black; crown, black, shading into brown at the base of the - skull, and mottled with black and white on the nape; a white super- ciliary line passing from nostril to nape; throat, white, bordered broadly with black; upper breast and sides, reddish brown, shading into white on the belly, the feathers thickly banded with black; crissum, reddish brown; tertials and some of the wing-coverts edged with yellowish white; bill, entirely black. Winter Plumage, Female.— Resembles the male; the white of the head and throat replaced by tawny, without black edging. Length 8.50, wing 4.50, tail 2.50, tarsus 1, bill .52. The Quail of the Bahamas differs somewhat from the true O. vergineanus, but not sufficiently, in my opinion, to characterize it as a variety. The differences do not seem to be greater than BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 143 would be caused by climatic influences. The inhabitants claim that a number of these birds were imported many years ago from the United States, and have since multiplied so that at the present time they are numerous in the neighborhood of Nassau. Their habits appear to be the same as those of our bird, and they are generally found frequenting the edges of the fields or the open woods, usually in flocks. Their food consists of grain, berries, and occasionally insects. The eggs of this species are pure white. Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pl. 289. 144 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. PAM, —