^useumofyu 1869 THE LIBRARY V The Birds OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA WATER BIRDS PART I KEY TO THE FAMILIES AND SPECIES BY CHARLES B. CORY Curator of Dtpartmani of Ornithology in the Field Columbian Museum SF^BOIKL. EDITION PKINTKK VX»\i TMV. FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM CHICAGO, EX. f ARTIFICIAL KEY TO DISTINGUISH THE LAND BIRDS AND WATER BIRDS. All birds having toes more or less webbed and no feathers on the tarsus (all iutergradations between fignres A and B), except the Vultures,* and also all birds having the bill more than three inches long, whether the toes are webbed or not, are Water Birds. There are also a few Water Birds which do not agree with the above description, which may be described as follows : — loooQus- jn^iTtinlnt Galliuules. Rails. Least Bitterns uwi Small Herons. SiiOKK Birds. — The majority of the Shore Birds either have the toes with small web, or the bill over three inches long. Those which do not may be recognized by the following characters: hind toe, when present, elevated above level of front toes: bill, rather soft; nos- tril, a sht; lower portion of tibia (upper part of leg), not feathered; first primary, about equal to second. Gallinules. — Kail-like birds, inhabiting marshy places; forehead, covered by a horny plate or shield. Rails. — Wing, ratlier short and rounded; toes, long; hind toe, on level with front toes (true Rails) ; first primary, much shorter than second. Least Bitterns and Small Herons. — Toes, four; lores, bare; inner side of middle toe nail, with comb-like edge. All other birds are called Land Birds. * Several Land Birds have the toes partly webbed, such as the Goatsuckers, Capri mulgidw, the Vultures, Cathartidce, and a few others; but all have tiie tarsus more or less feathered, except the Vultures, the only Land Birds which have webbed toes, and no feathers on the tarsus. THE BIRDS OF Eastern North America KNOWN TO OCCUR EAST OF THE NINETIETH MERIDIAN WATER BIRDS PART I KEY TO THE FAMILIES AND SPECIES BY CHARLES B. CORY Curator of the Department of Ornithology in the Field Columbian Museum, Chicago ; Vice-President of the American Ornithologists' Union ; Fellow of the Linmcan and Zoological Societies of London : Member of the British Ornithologi-ts'' Union ; Honorary Member of the California Academy of Sciences ; Cor. Member Nezo York Academy of Sciences, etc , etc. Al'TIIOK ()!•■ '-THI-. liKAl'lUUl. AND CUIUOUS BlKUS OK THE WoKI.D," "TlIK lilKDS OK lUli BAHAMA Islands," "The Birds of Haiti and San Dominco," " The Bikds ob the West Indies," "A Naturalist in the Macdalen Islands," " IIuntinc; and Fishing IN Florida," '-Key to the Water Birds of Florida," "How to KNOW the Shore Birds of North America," "How to know the Ducks, Geese, and Swans," etc., etc. SI'KCIAI. I.DITION I'UINTED loi; TIlK FIKLl) COMMIH AX :\[ITSEIIIM. CIIH'AdO. 1 X y-0 COPYKIGHTKl), CHARLES B. CORY, BOSTON, 1899. ALFRKU MUDGK & 8UN, PKINTKRS, •24 FRANKLIN STREET. T;-:Z PAGHS IM THIS VOLUME HAVc SEEK INTERLEAVED WITH AN ACID f?.ZZ PAPER TO PERy.lT BINDING A.'.3 TO REDUCE FURTHER DETERI- ORATION. ALFRED MUDGK & SON, PRINTERS, 24 FRANKLIN STREET. PREFACE Oknituoloov is the sciencci of birds (dr., opi't6'os, ornilhos^ of :i bird ; Aoyos, logos^ :i discourse), tiiid to become an expert ornithologist re(|uires yeai'S of hard work, com- bined with a love for the study itself; but there are many students of nature who would like to know the l)irds about them, but do not have the time nor desire to go deeply into the subject. To meet such a want, the present "keys" have been {pre- pared, in which the species are grouped according to size, and it is believed they will enable the novice to accurately identify any of our birds. Careful comparison of large series of birds has shown that while ndult birds of the same species differ considera])ly in length, tiie wing ineasure is very constant, the variation in a large number of si)ecimens being so small that, allowing for possible extremes, we may safely arrange our birds in groups according to length of wing. A Song Sparrow may vary slightly in size, but the largest Song Sparrow is never as large as the smallest adult Robin, and vice versa. By grouping the various birds from the Humming IJird to tiie Eagle and All):itross, according to the lengtli of wing (allow- ing, of course, for unusual extremes), the identification of any species then becomes a comparatively simple matter, as usually the birds contained in each group are so few in numljer that characteristic differences in each species are easily indicated. Let us. for example, assume we have a l)ird before us wliich we wish to identify; we first should lind out to which fuuiily it belongs, 'rurning to the Key to Families, page 10, we tiud this an easy matter (as the families are few and the illustrated ditTer- cnees iu the bills and feet very characteristic), we discover our bird to be a duck. Having ascertained the family to which our bird belongs, we turn to the Key to Species. We have, of course, measured the wing and found il to I>e r).;U) inches long, measured from tiie cari)us (bend of wing) to tip. (See illustiiitiou, •' How to Meiisure a Bird," on p:ige s.) We now turn to the Ducks, ami discover they are divided into siilifiimilies, tiie \\\i\ :ind Sea Ducks liMviug :i tl:ip oi- lohe on thi' hind toe, ;inil the fresh-water ducks, or River ;ind I'ond I)u<'ks, have no large ll:ip on tiie iiiiid tot'. Our liird has a Map on its iiind toe, and is evidently a salt-water duck, l»elonging to tin' sulifamily Fiiligu/inir. This subfamily, we find, contains two sections. Section 1 having the tail feathers Ciii) IV BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. not stiff and pointed, and Section 2, tail featliers stiff and pointed. Our duck has stiff, pointed tail feathers, and therefore belongs in Section 2. Section 2 contains two species ; one having whole front of head and cheeks black, the other, with sides of head more or less white. As our duck has a patch of white on the side of the head, it must, therefore, be the Ruddy Duck, Erismatura jamaicensis. All measurements of birds are given in inches and fractions of an inch. The diagrams on page 8 will illustrate how a bird should be measured, and the chart (pages viii and ix) will be useful to the young student of ornithology who may not be familiar with the technical terms used in describing birds. Such terms as primaries and axillars should be learned at once. It is customary to indicate the sexes by the signs of Mars and Venus; the male, of course, being given that of Mars, $, and the female, Venus, 9. In preparing the Key, a very large number of birds were examined and measured. In addition to the large collection of North American birds contained in the Field Columbian Museum, by courtesy of my friends, Dr. J. A. Allen and Prof. Robert Ridgway, the collections of the Smithsonian Institution and the American Museum of Natural History were always open to me, as well as the splendid private collection of Mr. William Brewster, at Cambridge, Mass. A few species which occur in Greenland, but which have not been observed else- where in North America, and rare exotic stragglers have been excluded from the Key, but are given in their, proper place in the body of the work. The larger portion of the illustrations are original and are the work of Mr. Edward Knobel, of Boston. Numerous cuts are also included by arrangement with Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., of Boston, which are taken from Baird, Brewer & Ridgway's North American Birds. A few others were obtained from Messrs. Estes & Lauriat, used in Dr. Elliott Coues' Key to North American Birds. C. B. CORY. CONTENTS. TiTLEPAGE ......... Preface ......... Contents ......... Glossary ......... TOPOGRAI'IIV OK A l>li;i) ...... iNTRODrCTION ........ How TO JVIkasure a I>n;i) . Index to Key to Families. Water IJinns Group 1. Toes, four, with lobate we])s, or wi'hs on skies of toes . Group 2. Toes, four; front toes pnlninte (full webbed); hind toe not eou nected with fi'ont ones l)y we]» " . Group 3. Toes, fonr, full webbed ; liind toe connected with front ones ])Y wel) ....... Group 4. Toes, four, not full web])ed ; small wel)S between toes at base, o toes entirely witliout weh Section 1. Hind toe, raised above level of front t Section 2. Hind toe, on level with front toes (Jnoup ."). Toes, three, full webbed; no hind toe Group 0. Toes, three; a small web between toes, or entirely without web Kev to iiik Si'ec'ies op AVater Uirds (»k Kastkrn Xoi;tii Ami.i.ka Fa^III.V roOICII'ID.K. ( iWKl'.ES ..... Family (Iaviid.k. Loons ...... Family Al(ii>.k. Aiks, Pi i pins, and Mprrks Family Si i.i;( oi; aimid.l. Si;ias and .I.i.(;ers Faaiily Lal'id.k. (Jii.ls and Tkuns .... Si IJEAMILY LaLMN.E. (ill.LS ..... Si iiPAMiLY Stkrxin.k. 'I'r.RNS ..... Famiii Kii'* Nfiioi'iD.i.. Skimmi.i;> .... 1'"amii.i I >ioMKi>i,ii>.r. Ai i; \ii;o>si> .... (V) VI BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Family Procellariid^e. Shearwaters, Petrels, and Fulmars Family Phaethontid^e. Tropic Birds Family Sulid^e. Gannets Family Anhingid^. Darters, Snake Birds Family Phalacrocoracid.e. Cormorants . Family Pelecanid^e. Pelicans Family Fregatid.i<:, Man-of-war Birds . Family Anatid^e. Dlcks, Geese, and Swans Subfamily Merging:. Mergansers, Sheldrake SUBFAMILY^NATIN.E. FrESH-WATER DuCKS. RiVER AND PONl) DuCKS Subfamily Fuligulin.e. Salt-water Ducks. Bay and Sea Ducks Subfamily Anserin^e. Geese .... Subfamily Cygninte. Swans .... Family Phcenicopterid.e. Flamingoes Family Plataleid.e. Spoonbills Family Ibidid^. Ibises ..... Family CicoNiiDyE. Storks and Wood Ibises . Family Ardeid.e. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Family Gruid.e. Cranes ..... Family Aramid.e. Courlans, Limpkins Family RallidyE. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Subfamily Rallin^. Rails .... Subfamily Gallinulin^. Gallinules Subfamily Fulicin.e. Coots .... Order Limicol^. Shore Birds . . ' . Family Phalaropodid.e. Phalaropes Family RECURViROSTRiDyE. Avocets and Stilts Family Scolopacid^>. Snipes, Sandpipers, Curlews, etc Family Ciiaradriid.e. Plovers Family Apiirizid^e. Turnstones Family Hvematopodid.e. Oyster-Catchers GLOSSARY. Nearly all the terms used in describiug a bird may be more easily and clearly understood by examining tlie illustrations of " bird to[)ograi)liy," on pages viii and ix, than from a written description ; a few, however, may require a word of explanation. Cere. — A liard skin-like covering on the base of the upper mandible (Parrots, Hawks, etc.). Mandibles. — Some auth(7rs use the word maxilla for the upper half of the l)ill, and mandible for the lower. I prefer, however, to describe the two halves of the bill as upper and lower maiidil)le. Culmen. — The ridge of the upper mandible. Qonys. — Lower outline (middle) of under mandible. Unguis. — The nail on the end of the upper mandible ; very pronounced in several families of water birds (Ducks, Pelicans, and Petrels). Axiilars or Axillary Plumes. — Several elongated featliers at the junction of the wing and Ixxly. (Lat. axilla, the arm-pit.) Carpus or Carpal Joint. — Bend of #ie wing. The third segment of the wing corresponding to tlie wrist (see illustration). Speculum. — A wing band or patch (usually of a different color from the rest of lilt' wiug), formed by the terminal portion of the secondaries; very noticeable in the Ducks. Tarsus. — Extends from tiie root of the toes to the end of the tibia (wliat appears to be the bend of the leg or knee ; but which is, in reality, the heel joint). See illus- tration . Toes Syndactyle. — Outer and middle toes more or less joined together (King- lislicr, etc.). Toes Zyffodactyle. — Arranged in pairs, two in front, two lu'hind (Cnckoos, etc.). Tarsus Reticulate. — Covered witli numerous small, uneven sc:\lt's (Plovers, etc.). Tarsus Scutellate, — Conipunitivi'ly large, somewluit S(iu:irc-iul scales, one abovi> the oUn'r, covering the front of the tarsus. Booted Tarsus. — Scales fused togetiier on gr.'Mter portion of tarsus so as to be indistinct or invisible except on lower part ( Kobins, etc.). Superciliary Stripe. — Stripe ovei' llie eye. ivii) Vlll BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. TOPOGRAPHY OF A PLOVER. IX Under. Primary ^Coverts Primaries Bill of Fulmar Petrel. Mid(Ue Tot - Black - breast Plover. Hind To« TOPOGRAPHY OF A PLOVER INTRODUCTION. A BIRD Is a feathered vertebrate auiiiial ; or, to describe it more fully, it is an air-breathiug, warm-blooded, feathered, oviparous (egg-laying), vertebrate animal, having a four- chambered heart, and a complete double circulation. Birds occupy a place in nature intermediate between the niannnals and the reptiles, and many naturalists consider a bird to be merely a modified reptile. Be that as it may ; we are morally certain that thousands of years ago there existed on the earth huge, lizard-like birds, of many of which we know nothing. The oldest known form of which we have any actual knowledge is the celebrated Archd'opteryx^ a fossil found by Andreas Wagner, in the Oolitic slate of Solenhofer, Bavaria, in 1861. This reptile bird had a lizard-like tail bordered with feathers, and jaws armed with teeth. Of late years, many important osteological discoveries have been made, and from Dodo. O^tiicli. the reconstructed skeletons we are :il>le to form some idea of the size and shape of a few of the many huge ami strange birds which lived and dit'd in the forgotten past. 'J'he Jlarjiiif/oniis, an innnense raptorial l)ird, (jr some similar monster, may have t)rig- inated the stories of the Woe of mnsery lore. Still later, we have the Dodo of Mauri- tius, and the Moa of New /i'alaii to C (see illustration); they nunilter from (i to 10 in tin- various families ; the Ilunnuing-ltinl liaving the smallest number, and tlie Alltatross m o ri- than 10. The Tertials air the few remaining remiges which grow from tlu> Jnnufnis, A to I'.. The Tectrices, or Wing Coverts, are small feathers covering the larger wing feathers ; the I'ralhrrs lining the khI^k^ of the under surface of llu- wing are called under wing coverts. 'I'he outer wing coverts are divided and described as greater wing coverts, middle wing coverts, and lesser Nving coverts. respectively. (See illustration.) 4> BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. The Speculum. A term used to indicate a patch or band on the wing (usually of different color from the rest of the feathers), formed by the terminal portion of the secondaries, very noticeable in the Ducks. (See illustration, Topogi'aphy of a Duck, page 8.) Under Primary ^Coverts Ondor Wing Coverts Jarput — r _j Primaries y-'Amllars or Axiliary Plumes Under Surface of Wing. The Axillary Plumes, or Axillars, are an important aid in the identification of many species ; these are several rather elongated feathers growing fi'om the arm- pit [axilla), at the junction of the wing and body. THE TAIL. The Rectices, or Tail Feathers, proper, number from 8 to 24, and in some very few cases even more. By far the greater number of birds, however, have 12 rectices. Truncate or square tail Pointed or cuneate tail Forked tail Oraduated tail The small feathers overlapping the rectices are cnlled upper tail coverts, while those below are the under tail coverts or crissum. (For illustration of tail coverts and crissum, see Topography of a Bird.) Introduction. THE LEG AND FOOT. A bird's leg may be brieriy described as liaving only the knee downward exposed ; the true thigh is concealed, but may be felt under the skin on the side of the body, The true knee is close to the body just under the skin apparently the knee, but which hemh bacJi- toard, is really the heel. (See illustration.) The bird does not walk on the foot (from the heel downward), but merely walks on his toes. The lirst exposed joint which is Reticulate Tarsus Bmted Tarsus Scutellate Tarsus The Tarsus, which is measured from tiie bend of the leg (end f)f tibia) to the roots of the toes (C to D in illustration), is an important factor in the ideutilicatiou of many species. The feet are very v:ui:iliU^ in sliape and arrangement of the toes. These variations are of the greatest importances representing generic and, often, famil}' differences. 'I'vpcri of Fo't, — WiitiM- I'.inU. 6 BIKDS OF EASTFRN NORTH AMERICA. The Toes are sometimes three or four (the Ostrich has but two), sometimes two in front and two behind ; two in front and one behind ; or, in one family (not North America), all four turned forward. Some families have the toes joined or fused together for part of their length, as in the Kingfisher. Some species have webbed feet, others have the toes armed with curved talous, and so on ; but the various differences with which we wish to become familiar can better be illustrated than desci'ibed . Foot of Sparrow Foot of three-toed Woodpecker Types of Feet. ^ Land Bh-ds. THE BILL. The Bill consists of an upper and a lower mandible, both of which are movable. The shape is of great assistance in determining the family to which the species belong. Four principal types are recognized : — 1. Epignathous. Upper mandible longer than lower ; the tip bent or hooked over the end of lower mandible. (Examples : Hawks, Gulls, Petrels, Parrots.) 2. Hypognathous. Lower mandible, longer than upper mandible. (Examples: Black Skimmers, Khyncliojis .) 3. Paragnathous. Both mandibles of about equal length. 4. rietagnathous. Mandibles crossed. (Example: Crossbill. Loxia.) INTRODUCTION. Tlio shape and size of the liill vary iiieatly, as will be seen by the following illustrations representing fifteen of the principal types among our birds : — Bill of Whi/tpooririll Bill of' ^ong Sparrow ...m-- ^iV Bill of Humming-bird Bill of Least Bittern Bill of Shrike Bill vf Vvjck BiU of Uerm Cere. A moniln-ane (usually hard), whioh covers the base of the upper niandilili'. (Hawks, I'airols, .la-gers.) Nasal Fossa, or Nasal Groove, (iroove in wliidi the nostrils open. Qonys. Lower outline (middle) of the under niandilile. A to !'.. Culmen. Tiie ridg«' of the upper niandiltle. Unjjuis. i'lie nail on the end of the upper iiiaiidiiilr. \'erv pimionnceil in some families of Water i'.iids, — Ducks, Telicans, and Petrels. riandibles. — Some authors use the woid nKixilhi for the upper half of the bill, ami mitiiili/)li\ for the lower. I prefer, however, to de.'^eiiin, the two halves of the bill as upi)er and lower nuuidible. BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. HOW TO MEASURE A BIRD. Length Wing Bitt For descriptiou see page o. HOW TO MEASUKE A BIRD. HOW TO MEASURE A BIRD. See Illustration^ page 8. Wing. — Distance from carpal joint C (bend of wiug) to the tip of tlie longest primary D. See cut on page 8. Length, — Distance in a straight line from the end of the bill to tlie tip of the longest tail feather. (Occasionally the middle feathers are much elong- ated, as in the Old Squaw and Pintail Duck, and in other families of birds, such as Phaethon and Stercorarius, In such cases it is well to give the length from bill to longest tail feather, and also to end of outer tail feather.) Tail. — Distance from the tip of tiie longest tail feather to its base (the point where it enters the body) . Bill. — The distance in a straight line from where the bill (u[)iter mandible) joins the skin of the forehead (A) to the tip (B). (There are a few excep- tions to this rule, in other families, such as birds with frontal plate, etc. Some curved Itills are measured along the curve of the ctilint-n, and at times it is advisable to measure from the nostril to the tip of the bill, but in such cases it should always l)e so stated.) Tarsus. — Distance in front of the leg from what appfam to be the knee joint (end of tibia) to the root of the middle toe. All measurements are given in inches and fractions of an inch. INDEX TO KEY TO FAMILIES. WATER BIRDS. Group 1. Toes, four, with lobate web or web on sides of toes. See page 11. Group 2. Toes, four; front toes, palmate (full webbed) ; hind toe, not connected with front ones by web. See page 12. Group 3. Toes, four; toto-palmate (all toes full webbed); hind toe, connected with front ones by web. See page 15. Group 4. Toes, four, not full webbed ; small web between toes at base, or toes entirely without web; hind toe, sometimes very small. See page 17. Section 1 . Hind toe, raised above level of front toes. See page 17. Section 2. Hind toe, on same level with front toes. See page 19. Groups. Toes, three, full webbed ; no hind toe. See page 21. Group 6. Toes, three, not full webbed ; a small wob between toes at base, or toes entirely without web. See page 23. ClO) KEY TO FAMILIES. WATER BIRDS. GROUP 1. Toes, four, with lobate webs, or webs on sides of toes. I'.ill, i>. ii''M; l>ill, r.iiliiT -linii ; ;,-.-iii-i al (•..l.ir, slaty ffr^J' ; t'»'-- ^^''1' Family RAI.MI) II. Subfamily FULICIN.n. Coot5. Sfi- pai^e inn. 12 THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, Hind toe, elevated above the level of the others; liill, slender; nostrils, opening through slits; sides of toes, webbed. Family PHALAROPODID/E. Phalaropes. See page 104. GROUP 2. Toes, four; front toes, palmate (full webbed); hind toe, not connected with front ones by web. Bill, straight and pointfd; tarsus, flat- tened; hind toe, v^ith flap or lobe; feet, placed far back near the tail; t;iil, very short. Family QAVilD/C. Loons. See page 28. Very large wing, over 19 inches long; upper mandil)le, curved near tip, forming a hook, the end (unguis) enlarged ; nostrils, separate and tubular; hind toe, rudimentary, often apparently wanting. J Family DIOMEDEID/E. Albatrosses. See page 46. Nostrils, tutiuiar, united in one double-barrelled tube; front toes, palmate (fidl webbed); hind toe, very small, and in some cases entirely at)sent; upper mandible, curved near tip? wing, less than 19 inches long. Family PROCELLARIID/E. Shearwaters, Petrels, and Fulmars. See page 46. KEY TO FAMILIES. MATEK UIRDS. 13 Nostrils, sepanitc not tubular; bill, with cere (a horny or skin-like covering on base of upper mandible) ; hind toe, sometimes very small; end of upper mandible (unguis), swollen and somewhat rounded; baek and wings, always dark, sometimes sooty, sometimes barred with brown; tail, never white or gray, usuallv very dark ; middle tail feathers, longest, but only very long in ailult birds, sometimes only slightly long(M- than rest of tail feathers in immature birds; in brown plumages, the axillars (feathers extending from armpit) are heavily l)arred, l)ro\vii and white; in other plumages, the axillars and under wing coverts are sooty !)rown or dark slaty brown. Family STERCORARIID/E. Skuas and Jaegers. See page 34. m ■:\ Nostrils, separate not tubular; bill, without cere ; bind toe, sometimes verv small; upper mandible, curved; unguis (end of bill), not swollen; middle tail feathers, about equal in length to the others; tail, rarely dark, although sometimes tipped with black or brown; axillars and under wing coverts, white or gray, sometimes with narroio grav lines or taint wavy bars. Family LARID/E. Subfamily LARIN/E. Gulls. See page 30. re^ Nostrils, separate nol luliular: hind toe, somclinies vei-y small : upper mandible, nearly sti-aiglit, not hooked or dccidfdly iiMimii'd near lip: nnlcriail Iciihers, u^iially longer liian middle feathers. Family LARID/E, Subfamily STERNIN/C. Terns. See page 41. I'.ill. below. lik.- blad.- ol knife, the undii- mandible the longer: plumage, black above, white Family RHYNCHOPID/E. Skimmer*. See page lo. 14 THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Bill, very much beut, with tooth-like sernitious ou edge. Large, tall birds with loii^ uecks and leos, usually red or piuk. Family PH(EN1C0PTER1D/E. Flamingoes. bee page 85. Bill, long and narrow, having tooth-like serrations on edges; toes, four, the front ones, full webbed ; hind toe, with flap. Family ANATID^. Subfamily MERQIN/E. Mergansers. See page 61. Top of lijll ol Mergan.r; wintr, over eighteen inches long; plumage, white or gray. Subfamily CYGNIN/E. Swans. See page S4. GROUP 3. Toes, four, toto=paImate ; (front toes, full webbed;) hind toe, connected with front ones by web. Bill, sharp poiutt'd; chin, tcalhcifd ; toes, t'our, mU coiiiicrlril ii\ wi-lis. Family PHAH I HON TID/E. Tropic Birds. See page 60. W^-i- >/ Vv. ^*^ Hill, slotii, ImiI II.. I liMuUcd ; cliiii, li:i iiicU, thuU; loos, four, all connected hy webs. Family SULID/C. Gannets. Sec pa^O f)!. 16 THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Bill, sharp-pointed and slender; chin, bare: neck, long and slender; toes, four, all connected by webs; middle tail feathers, corrugated or fluted. Family ANHINGID/E. Darters, Snake Birds. See page 53. Bill, hooked at tip, over twelve inches long and liaving ; large pouch ; lores, bare ; toes, four, all connected by webs. Family PELECANID^. Pelicans See page 56. Bill, hooked at tip, and less than twelve inches long; bare skin at base of bill and cTiiu; lores, bare; toes, four, all connected by webs. Family PHALACROCORACID/E. Cormorants. See page 54. r — — .^TXin Bill, hooked at tip; lores, feathered; upper plumage, entirely black; toes, four, all connected by webs; tail, forked; wings, very long. Family FREQATID/E. Man=of=war Birds, Frigate Birds. See page 58. // KEY TO FAMILIES. WATER BIRDS. 17 GROUP 4. Toes, four; toes, not full webbed; small webs between toes at base, or toes entirely without webs ; hind toe, sometimes small. Section I. Hind toe, raised above level of front toes. -«&- Avocet. Avocet. Tarsus, over 3.50 iuches long: bill, curved upward or straiiiht. Family RECURVIROSTRID/E. Avocets. Sec page 106. Hind toe, higher than front toes; tarsus, less than 3.50 inclies long: middle too and elaw togi'tlifi- shorter tiian hill, t^xeept a few of the small species, wliicli h,i\c middle toe ami claw ccpial to or longer ihiin liill ; Imi mII <\iv\\ li;ive the lielly :iiid under l.iil coveris jmre w iiiic in most plumages. Family SCOLOPACID/E. Snipe, Curlews, Sandpipers, etc. See p.lge 1(»7. Mind toe, higher Ih.in titiiu orie< : lower liai-k and rump, white, with black band. Family APHRIZID.U. lurn.stone*. See page 12'J. 18 THE BIUDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Hind toe, higher than front ones; liiud toe, very small, liardly noticeable; bill, blaok, rather short and stout ; all otlier spei'ies l)elonnin,i>- to this family have but three toes. Family CHARADRIID/E iCharadnKs sqnatcrola). Black-bellied Plover. [ .«!I<»rl. r Hind toe, above level of ffont toes; bill, less than ;{ inehes lons>- ; toes, lour, no comb-like edji'e on inner sidt^ of middle toe nail; middle toe and claw together not shorter than bill, usually decidedly longer; under tail coverts, not \vhit( . Family RALLID/E. Rails, etc. See page 97. Virginia Kail KailB. Hind toe, above level of front toes; bill, over 3 inches lon<^; wing, over 16 inches; tarsus, over 7 inches; toes, four, no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe nail; lores, with hair-like bristles. Family GRUID/C. Cranes. See page 05. Hind toe, above level of front toes ; bill, over .'{ inches long; tarsus, under 7 ; wing, under !(!; toes, four, no comb-likt^ <'dge on inner side of middle too nail ; under mandil>le, often slightly twisted near tij); jihnnage, dark brown with white streaks. Family ARAMID/C. Courlans. bee page "JO. KEY TO FAM1LIK.S. WATER BIRDS. 19 Section 2. Hind toe, on level with front toes. W Toes, loug aiui slender; bill, short jiiid i)ointed; !i bnre sliield or plate on iorehead: wini;-, ahont 7 inches long-, carpus (bend of wini;) to tij): under tail coverts, wliite. Family RALLID^. Subfamily GALLINULIN/E. Purple (jallinule, or Florida Gallinule. See page lOn. .~-i M'»«' Hill, nearly straight and sharjjly i)oiiited ; inner side of niiildletoe nail, with distinct conih- iike edge; toes, four, all ou same level. Kitlerns, tail with ten leathers. Herons, tail with twelve feath.rs. Family ARDF:iD-JZ. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns. See page Ml. 20 TlIK H11M)8 OF KASTEUN NORTH A31KKICA. W^^^i^S^r Greater part of plamaj!:e, white; bill, rounded aud somewhat curved, very thick and strong; tdrans^ alwdijs over fife inrhes long ; toes, four, all on same level; no comh-Iike edije on innrrskle of middle toe nad. Family CICONIID/E. Storks and Wood Ibises. See page SS. Bill, long, rather slender, and decidedly curved downward; tarsns, alwaijs Icxs than fine iiiehea Ion;/ : toes, four, all on the same level : no coinh-like edge on side of middle toe nail. Family IBIDID/E. ibises. See page 87. Bill, wide and flat at the end; toes, four, all on same level; wing fcarpus to tip), over twelve inches long. Family PLATALEID/C. Spoonbills. See page 86. KKV TO FAMILIES. — AVATER BIRDS. 21 GROUP 5. Toes, three, full webbed ; no hind toe. r^~ Nostrils, pcpiii.'ttc, not opciiiiii;' into oiit^ (louhle-harrellcd liit)e; upper mandible, oiirvtd uear tip; bill, yellowish, or ijrcenisli yellow: an indication of a hind toe, in the Idnn of a small knob without nail; tail, entiicly white, or white with ])laek l)aiul near tip. This is the only North American jiMill laekiiiii' a hind toe. Family LARID/C {Larns IridarUjln^. Kittiwake Gull. See page .SO. •^ Bill, reddish (in life showin<; also yellow and Itlue), peculiar in fnrni, -;u<;i;c~tini;' that of parrot. Family ALCID/E. Subfamily FRATERCULIN/E. Puffins. See Jiage 'M. C^ Bill, black, with narrow white I)aMil. Family ALCID/E. Subfamily ALCIN^. Auks. See page 30. Bill, black or I)rownish ; wing, over T.'i") inches long, carpus (l»end of w ini; ' t<» tip. Family ALCID/E. Subfamily ALCIN/C. Murres. See page ;{(). \ I Bil ^^i. black, i.r blackish; wing, b's- lli.in 7.2r). Inii nmrr than .")..">0, measured, cari>us ti> lip. Family ALCID/1;. Subfamily PH Al.ARIN.-E. (iulllemots. Sec page ;{(). 22 THE BIKDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Bill, black, or blackish; wing, less than 5 inches ong (carpus to tip"). Family ALCID/E. Subfamily ALLIN/E. Dovekies. Little Auks. See page 30. Very large wing, ovei- 19 inches long; upper mandible, cui-ved near tip, forming a hook, the end (unguis) en- larged; nostrils, separate and tubular; bind toe. rudimen- tary, often apparently wanting. Family DIOMEDEID/E. Albatrosses. See page 4(5. Shearwater. Petrel. Fulmar. Nostrils, tubular, united in one double-barrelled tube ; front toes, palmate (full webbed; ; hind toe, very small, and in some cases entirely absent ; upper mandi- ble, curved near tip ; wing, less than 19 inches long. Family PROCELLARIID/E. Shearwaters, Petrels, and Fulmars. See page 46. KEY TO FAMILIES. — WATKIl BIRDS. 23 GROUP 6. Toes, three; a small web between toes, or, entirely without web. Bill, slender; wins:, ahout 5 inches; hill, ahout one inch; this is the on l.v represen- tative of this family with three toes, all others have four; tarsus, less than 1 .r,0 inches l.m;;. Family SCOLOPACID/E. {Calidris armaria.) Sanderling. Sandpiper. See paire 107. ^ Toes, three, partly \vel)l)c.| : tarsn^;, over .{ inches: lon-r: ireniTa! plumage, black and white, lejrs. pink r<(l in life. Family RFXURVIROSTRID/C. Stilts. See i)a<;e KXJ. 24 THK I'.IKDS OF EASTEKA' AOKTil AMEltlCA. Plovers. Bill, short; some species have bill less than three quarters inch long; none have bill over two inches long. Family CHARADRIID/E. Plovers. See page 124. Bill, over 2.50 inches long; head and heck, black or blackish ; bill, red. Family H/EnATOPODID/E. Oyster=catchers. See page 1.30. FAMILY PODICIPID.E. GlfEBES. 25 WATER BIRDS. KEY TO THE SPECI PodUrmbua podi£^^ FAMILY PODICIPID/E. Grebes. Toes, four ; three in front, one behind, with lobate webs. * Group I. Wing, less than 6.50 inches long. Depth of bill at base of culmen, over .40. fn summer: IJill, willi blac-k hand; throat, black. In luinter : Hill, without hlaok haiid; throat, white. PoOihjmlms podicpps. Picd-billed Qrebe. Hell Diver. See No. 4. Depth of bill at base of culmen, less than .40. In summpr : Two small tufts of brownish j^raj^ or I)ult-coiore(l foathfrs hchiiid tlu; <'}<»; crown, nape, and tliroat, Mack. In winO'r : Plain colored, without black or buff on head; upper iiluinaijc, i>rayish black; nndi'i parts, silvery whijc. ofrcn tinned with ash j;ray on throat and sides. Colymlms aitritns Horned Qrebe. See Xo. 2. * Group 2. Wing, over 6.50 inches long. InKummrr: Crown, black; upper throat, j::ray ; lower throat and l)reast, chestnut rufous; rest of undcrparts, silvery irrayisli white. Inirintrr: \o rufous l)i-own on throat or breast. Colymhns holhnlh'. Holboell's (irebe. Sec No. 1. * For illriM-Uiiiirt fur iiu-.-isiircmoiit, r^vc piiRP il. 2(3 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Grebes. Horned Grebe. Pied-billed Grebe. FAMILY nAVIID.E. LOONS. 27 FAMILY GAVIID/E. Loons. Toes, four; front toes, palmate (full webbed) ; bill, pointed; ^^^ tarsus, flattened ; hind toe, with flap or small lobe. * Group I. Win.ij:, <>.5() to 11 inches lonji:. Back, with whitespots ; llint.ii, wliili- or wliitisli (iiniiiatun; or winter). (Idvin Innimi'. Red=throated Loon. S.'c No. 7. Hack, wiUioul distiiirt whito spots; tlic tV.iihci-. edj^ed uitli ashy; tluo.it, wliiit- or »liisk\- (imrnaturi' or winter). (T(H'i. Section 2. Depth of bill at base, less than .85. Ilea.!, ash Hji-.iy ; throat, l.lai-k (aihilt). Gavin iirrtinis. Ulack-throated l.txin. See No. Ik 'I'hroal, ;;ray ; front of neck, chest nnt hmw n (a i>ill, parrot likr; underparts, white; back, black: u-;ually a Idack cDll.ir. Fratercida arctka. Puffin. Sea Parrot. See No. !l. Adult in sninincr : General plumage, black, a wliiic patcli on t\n- shoulder: basal half of the jjreater winj;: coverts (feathers 'forminj; the wliiic pniili on tin- winu', black. W inter birds have y^ g"^^ the nndirparls white, and the npprr part-, bi;uk an foriiiiiiirtlie white wing pati-h) entirely white and not with basal half black. Iinniatnrr ami wintrr birds (except wing coverts), resembling the Hl.nk (luillenioi. Cipplnis iiiaiiiKii. Mandt's (iuillemot. S.'f No. IJ. • Kor illrerUoiiii for meaHurenient, sco page it. 30 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Muncb. Puffin. OriiillcmotH. FAMILY aLCID.E. AUKS, PUFFINS, AND MURUES. 31 * Group 3. Wing, 6.50 to 7.50 inches long. ^ Bill, parrot like; underparts, white; back, black, usually a black collar. Fmtercula arctica, and races. Puffin. Sea Parrot. See No. '.». Ailalt in tvi-r 1.(10. frill triiilr. Murre. .See Xo. l.{. Sinnlar to Frin tr I'riii Inmriii. Brunnich's Murre. See \ Kor itiii'ctlotis fur iiKM'.iiri-iiicnt, see page H. 32 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AINIERICA. * Group 5. Wing, over 8.50 inches long. Auk. Head and neck, black, easily distinguished by the shape of the bill; a white line on bill. Aim tarda. Razor^billed Auk. See ]N'o. 15. Murre. Head and neck, sooty brown ; hill pointed, no white line on bill. Una troile. Murre. See No. 13. * For directions for measurement, see page 0. FAMILY STERCORARIID.E. SKUAS AND J.EGERS. 33 FAniLY STERCORARIID^. Skuas and Jaegers. Nostrils, separate, and not tubular; bill, with cere; front toes, palmate (full webbed); hind toe, small, but always present; end of upper mandible (unguis), swollen, and somewhat rounded; back and wings, always dark, sometimes sooty, sometimes barred with brown ; tail, never white or gray, usually very dark ; middle tail feath- ers, longest. The cere (hard skin=like covering on base of upper mandible) will distinguish these birds from Gulls. * Group 1. Wing, 11 to 15 inches long. Underparts, not entirely pure white; bill, over 1.35; tarsus, over 1.80; middle tail feathers, not pointed ; plimiagt', soiiietiuit's dark l)r()\vii; sometimes mixed graj', t)ru\vu, and whit*'. Stercorarius pomarinus. Pomarine Jseger. See No. 10. Bill, under 1.35; tarsus, undr()wn ; a l)atch ot white at base of primarie.s. Mcyalestris skua. Skua. See No. 18. • For (ilrectioiiH for iiieatiurciiionl, (^co \>nm! U. o4 KEY TO THE BIKDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY LARID^. — GULLS AND TERNS. 35 FAMILY LARID^. GULLS AND TERNS. SUBFAMILY LARINyE. (;ULLS. Tail, i'sially neaki.v s^^iake. Groli- 1. Wing. 1I.50 to 11 inches lonj;. .See pai^e ;^(!. GrOUI' 2. Wing, II lu V.i inches long. See page 36. Group 3. ^^'ing, 13 to 15 inches long. See page 38. Groui' 4. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long. See page 38. Section 1. Length, over 21 ; bill, over 2; underparts, white. See page 38. Section 2. Length, over 21 : hill, over 2; underparts. not white. See page 39. Section 3. Length, over 21 ; hill, under 2 ; underparts, white. See page 39. Section 1. Length, over 21 ; hill, under 2 ; underparts, not white. See page 40. Section 5. Length, under 21. See page 40. Group 5. Wing, over 17 inches long. See page 40. SUBFAMILY STERNIN.E. TERNS. Tail, usually kokkkd. (JROUP 5. (;r(>ui' •>. (JlfOTP 7. Group 1. Wing, r).r)0 to 7.. lO inches long. See page 41. Group 2. Wing, 7..oO to S..50 inches long. See page 4L Group 3. Wing, 8.50 to 9.50 inches long. See page 41. Gkoi p 4. Wing, 9.50 to 11 inches' long. See page 41. \\iiig. 11 \'< i:{ iufhes long. See page 43. W lug, l.{ to 17 inches long. See i>age 43. ^\ ing, over 17 inches long. See page 43, 36 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY LARID^. Gulls and Terns. SUB=FAM1LY LARIN^. Gulls. upper mandible, curved ; unguis (end of bill), not swollen; middle tail feathers, about equal in length to the others ; tail, rarely dark, although sometimes tipped with black or brown ; hind toe, small, but always present except in one genus ; bill, with= out cere. * Group 1. Wing, 9.50 to 11 inches long. Uuderpjirts, white; iiiiuT wcl) of first priinaiy, white, with bhick spot ue:ir the eud; the tip, white; shaft of feather, white; adult birds liave the bill dark red ; iu ininiature liirds it is 1)rownish. Lams frankUnii. Franklin's Gull. See No. ;W. Utiderparts, white; inner web of first primary, white; the tip, black; bill, black; sliaft of feather, white. Lams Philadelphia. Bonaparte's Qull. See No. 35. Uuderparts, white; inner web of first i^rimary, about half white; shaft of feather, dark brown on upper surface. In the adult the bill is l)lack, tipped with yellow. Xcma sahinii. Sabine's Gull. See No. 38. * Group 2. Wing, 11 to 13 inches long. Shafts of primaries, black or dark brown; untlerparts, not pure white (immature). Larus atricilla. Laughing Gull. See No. 33. Underparts, pure white; inner web of first primary, white, with black spot near the eud, the tip, white; shaft of feathers, white. Adult birds have bill dark red; in immature birds it is brownish. Lams frankUnii. Franklin's Qull. See No. 34. * For directions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY LARID^. GULLS AND TERXS. 37 Summer. Laughing Gull. Winter. V Bonaparte't* Gull. Suninicr. HoimimrU-'H (iiiU loBca llio lilm-k hfii.l in wiiiUr. Sabliif'-* (Mill. 38 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Underparts, white; first primary, entirely black or dark brown (adult). Larus atricilla. Laughing Gull. See No. 33. General plumage, white; back, white; first primary entirely white, or with a blackish spot at tip; hind toe, with nail; bill, yellow. Pagophiln alba. Ivory QuII. See No. 22. Back, pearl gray ; inner web of primary, white, broadly tipped with black ; a small rudi- mentary hind toe without nail. Jiissa tridactiile. Kittiwake QuII. See No. 23. * Group 3. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long. Uudorparts, white; first primary entirely black, or dark brown. Larus atricilla. Laughing QuII. See No. 33. General plumage, white; first primary, entirelj' white, or with a dusky spot near tip; hind toe, with nail; bill, less than 1.50; wing, less than 14 ; ])iil, yellow. Pagophiln alba. Ivory QuII. See No. 22. Underparts, white; inner web of primary, white, broadly tipped with black; a small rudimentary hind toe, without nail. Larus triilactyla. Kittiwake QuII. See No. 23. Underparts, white ; terminal portion of first primary, black, witii white spot near tip. Larus delawarensis. Ring=billed QuII. See No. 31. Primaries, pale pearl gray, becoming white at tip; bill, over 1.50; wing, over 14. Larus leuco][>terus. Iceland QuII. See No. 25. * Group 4. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long. Section 1. Length, over 21 ; bill, over 2 ; underparts, white. No black on primaries (adult "i. Larus (jlaiicus. Qlaucous QuII. See No. 24. Back, slaty black; primaries, black with more or less white (adult). Larus marinus. Qreat Black^backed QuII. See No. 27. Back, pale bluish, gray, or pearl gray ; primaries, dull black or brownish black, more or less marked with white. Larus argentatus smithsonianus. American Herring QuII. See No. 30. * For directions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY LAKID.E. GULLS AND TERNS. 39 Section 2. Length, over 21; bill, over 2; underparts, not white. Outer webs of primaries, ash color (immature). Lams glaucus. Glaucous Qull. See No. 24. Outer webs of primaries, dark brown; wing, over 17.50; depth of l)ill at angle, over .90 (immature). Lams mar inus. Great Black-backed Qull. See jSTo. 27. Outer webs of primaries, dark browu; depth of bill at angle, under .90; wing, under 17.50 (immature). Lams argentatus smithsoniamis. American Herring Qull. See No. 30. Section 3. Length, over 2 1 ; bill, under 2 ; underparts, white. Back, graj'isli ])ln<', more or less black on primaries. Lams arfjentntus smithsonUinns. American Herring Qull. See Xo. :\(). Back, pale pearl color; pri- maries, whitish or pearl color, shading to white at tips. Lams leucnpfems. Iceland Qull. See No. 25. Great Hlack backed Gull. Kinir liillcil (Mill. Back, pale jn-arl color: iiriniarif? marked with slaty gray. Liiriis kxmlieni. Kumiien's (iull. See No. 2(;. \ \ HiMThi;.' (iull. 40 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Section 4. Length, over 21; bill, under 2; underparts, not white. Outer webs of priniaries, dark 1)rowii; bill, over 1.00 (immature). Laritx ar(irnt.(ttns siiiithsoninmis. American Herring Gull. See No. 30. Outer \vel)s of primaries, brownish; bill, under l.HO (immature). Lams knmlieni. Kumlien's Gull. See No. 26. Outer we1>s of i)rimaries, asli color (innnature). Larvs Irneopterns. Iceland Gull. See No. 25. Section 5. Length, under 21. A band of blaek on the bill (adult). 15111, didl yellow, tipped with black (immature"). Lams delawarrnsis. Ring=billed Gull. See No. 31. Tcrnb. Gulls. -X- Group 5. Wing, over 17 inches long. Primaries, m:irk(>d with moi-(! or less black. Lams marinns. Great Black=backed Gull. See No. 27. No bliK'k on primaries. Lams {/Jaiims. Glaucous Gull. See No. 24. * For dii'i'ctions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY LARID.E. GULLS AND TERNS. 41 SUB=FAMILY STERNIN/E. Terns. upper mandible, nearly straight, not hooked or decid- ediy rounded near tip; outer tail feathers, usually longer than middle feathers; toes, four; front toes, webbed; hind toe, small, but well developed. * Group 1. Wing, 5.50 to 7.50 inches long. Foreheud, white; l)ill, black; uiulerparts, white; back, pearl gray; crown, black (adult in summer) ; back and crown, mottled (immature). Stprnt/ tnitillarum. Least Tern. Sec \o. -IS. * Group 2. Wing, 7.50 to 8.50 inches long. Head and uuderparts, black (adult). A patch of black behind the e^e; bacl< of head, dusky; rest of head, white (immature). Uydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. Black Tern. See \o. 51. * Group 3. Wing, 8.50 to 9.50 inches long. Outer tail featlmrs, pure white. Inner web of outer tail feather, gray. Sterna doui/alli. Roseate Tern. See \o. -17. Sterna for St eri. Forster's Tern. See No. 4-1. * Group 4. Wing, 9.50 to 1 1 inches long. Outer web of outer tail feather, darker tlian inner web; hack, jiearl gray; iireast, wasiied with pearl gray; bill in adults, red, lipped witli black; lai'^ii-;, usually o\('r .70. Siernn hirnndo. Common Tern. Wilson's Tern. See No. 4."). inner web of outer tail feather, darker than outer web; back, pearl gray; breast, wbii>- ; hill in adiills, black, sli<;lit ly yellowish at tip. Strrna forstt-ri. Forster's Tern. See No. 44. Outer tail feather, entirely pure white; back, ix'arlgray; breast, whiti-, ofim lingiil with faint rosi- color; hill, in adults, bbu'k with tiasal portiou, red. Sti-nm diimjnUi. Roseate Tern. See No. 47. * For (ilrcctiotis for uicasurcment, nee pftge 9. 42 KEY TO THE BIHDS OF EASTEUN NORTH AMERICA. J' Forster's Tern. Winter. Roseate Tern. Common Tern. %,,: .\(lult Tern.-: (except and season. Least Teru. Gull-bille.l Tern. the Noill. tliiii. ktiite-likf; loutr iiiaivdilile, tlie lonj^er; l>:if<:il hall' of liill, vfriiiiliun nil. Maik- isli at lip: iippiT ])luma^f, black ; unilt'iparts, white. liliynckops nii/ni. Black Skimmer. Scr No. .-)!. • Kim- (llrL-ctioiiK I'm- uifUHiirt'iin'iit, hcc pajtn 1'. 46 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY DIOMEDEID/E. Albatrosses. Very large wing, over 19 inches long; upper mandible, curved near tip, torming a hook, the end (unguis) enlarged; nostrils, separate and tubular; hind toe, rudimentary, often apparently wanting. * Group 1. Wing, 17 to 21 inches long Bill, dark; the toj) fonlmen), yellow. A very large ea bird. Thalnssoi/eroH rnhnindtv.t. Yellow nosed Albatross. ^ ^,''\ yj See No. 56. FAMILY PROCELLARIID^. Shearwaters, Petrels, and Fulmars. Nostrils, tubular, united in one double=barrelled tube; front toes, pal^ mate (full webbed); hind toe, very small, and in some cases entirely absent; upper mandible, curved near tip; wing, less than 19 inches long. * Group 1. Wing, less than 5.50 inches long. General plumage, sooty black, the imderparts with faint brownish tinge; upper tail coverts, white, some of them tipped with black. rrocellaria pelariira. Stormy Petrel. See No. 67. * Group 2. Wing, 5.50 to 6.50 inches long. Tail, nearly square; upper tail coverts, white, not tipped with black; undt'ri)arts, dull black; tarsus, over 1.05. Oceanites oceanicus. Wilson's Petrel. See No. 69. Tail, decidedly forked; upper tail coverts, white, not tipped with black; underparts, brownish black or sooty brown; tarsus, less than 1.05. Oceanodroma leucorhoa. Leach's Petrel. See No. 68. Underparts, white. Pelagodroma marina. White=faced Petrel. See No. 71. For directions for measurement, pee page 9. FAMILY I'ROCELJLARIID^. SHEARWATERS, PETRELS, AND FILMARS. 47 Stormy roticl. Wilson's Petrel. ;^*^**^.. -issa£«fc'' WIlitl.l.KXa I'cticl. 48 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. * Group 3, Wing, 6.50 to 9.50 inches long. Upper parts, dark sooty brovvu or grayisli black ; iin- derparts, white; sides of breast, tinged with gray; middle toe and claw, less than 2 inches long. y'' Fu^nus auduhoni. Audubon's Shearwater. ' - ."■ ■ \^'' ' See No. 62. The Manx Shearwater, Puffinus puffinus^ a European ,/ species, somewhat resembles Audubon's Shearwater, but it ' is larger, the back darker, the wing rarely, if ever, measur- ing less than 8.40 inches, and the middle toe and claw 2 inches or more. It is of accidental occurrence on our coast. * Group 4. Wing, 11 to 13 inches long. Upper and under tail coverts, gray or brownish gray ; breast, white. Fuffinus major. Greater Shearwater. See No. 60. Under tail coverts, gray; upper tail coverts, sooty^ breast, gray. Piiffiun^fnli(/iiiof>liear\vatfr. / Black-capped Petrel. 50 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. ORDER STEGAN0P0DE5. Qannets, Pelicans, Cormorants, etc. Toes, four, all connected by webs. FAMILY PHAETHONTIDyE. Tropic Birds. Bill, sharp pointed ; chin, feathered ; toes, four, all connected by webs. * Group 1. Wing, 9.50 to 13 inches long. Bill, yellowish; general plumage, white; outer webs of primaries and lesser wing coverts, black; middle tail feathers, very long; bill, yellow or pale orange; shafts of tail feathers, black. Phaethon amerimna. Yellow=billed Tropic Bird. See No. 72. Bill, red; back, finely barred with lilack. Rare straggler, recorded from Newfoundland banks. Phaethon cethereus. Red=billed Tropic Bird. See No. 73. * For directions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY SULID.E. GANNETS. . 51 FAMILY 5ULID/E. Gannets. Bill, stout, but not hooked; chin, bare; neck, thick; J^^^sB^ramnin toes, four, all connected by webs. f=^^^^ s * Group 1. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long. Head, sooty brown; l)<'lly, wiiite; feet, yellowish or j^reeuish, but uever red (adult). Sulci sula. Booby Gannet. See Xo. 75. Head, sooty browu; Ixilly, l)ro\vnish; feet, not red (immature). Sula sula. Booby Gannet. See No. 7.5. Head, white, tinged witli bull; belly, white; feet, red (adult). Sula piscator. Red=footed Booby. See No. 76. * Group 2. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long. Section 1. Side of chin, feathered; a narrow strip of bare skin down the middle of the throat. Adult, white head, tiui;ed with bull"; primaries, dark; immature birds are mottled, gray- ish l)rown and white. Sula bassana. Gannet. See No. 77. Section 2. Whole of chin and upper part of throat, bare skin without feathers-. rjtMH'ral plumage, sooty biowu (rarely whitish); uuderparts, white; feet, greenish yellow, or pale yellow. Sula sula. Booby Gannet. See Xo. "."). General plnmagf. white; feet, red; gular sack, Idackish; bare skin in front of eye and angle of jaw, pink red; tnil. whit(!; inuuatnrt; birds are grayish brown. Sula piscaUn-. Red-footed Booby. See Xo. 7(5. General pliuiiagr, while; feet, leaden blue; gular sack, blackish; l)are skiu in front of eye, bluish; tail, sooty brown: the middle feathers tinged with lioary ; young I)ird-i are sooty gray. Sula o/anops. Blue-faced Booby. See Xo. 7-1. * Group 3. Wing, 17 to 21 inches long. Sides ol chin, feathered; .i iiannw strip ot l>are skin liown 'Idle ol thioal ; adults, white ; head tinged with l(utV: inmiatnre liirds, mottled grayisli l»,-owna d hile. Suhihassana. Gannet. See Xo. 77. Whole t-iiin ancl ii|)pei- throat, liare; feet, leade.i blue; wing, always less tlian IS. Acci- dental siiaggler, on Florida coast, not recorded elsewhere in Eastern N'orth Ann-rica. Sula rmuops. Blue-faced Booby Gannet. See No. 74. * For directloiirt for lucaeurfiiiciit, ftt'i- piige 9. 52 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Adult. Gannet. Immature. Booby Gannet. Gannet. FAMILY ANHINGIDiE. SNAKE BIRDS. 53 FAMILY ANHINGID^. Darters. Snake Birds. Bill, sharp-pointed and slender ; chin, bare ; neck, lon;^ and slender ; toes, four, all connected by webs. * Group 1. Wing, 12.50 to 15.50 inches long. Neck, lonjjj, snake-llko; lioad und nock, blaok in male; l)ro\vn in fomalo; outer woh-: of two middle tail I'eather.s, 'Minted.'' Anhiiu/a anhinr/a. Snake Bird. Water Turkey. See No. 78. ♦ For directions for meaBurement, see page 9. 54 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY PHALACROCORACID^. Cormorants. Bill, hooked at tip, and less than twelve inches long ; bare skin at base of bill and chin ; lores, bare ; toes, four, all connected by webs. Group 1. Wing, 11 to 15 inches long. Tail eompof^ed of fourteen feathers. Fhalacrocoraxcarbo. Common Cormorant. Shag. See No. 79. Tail composed of twelve feathers. Phalarrocnrax diloplius^ and rnrrs. Double=crested Cormorant and Florida Cormorant. See Nos. 80 and 81 The Mexican Cormorant, a smaller species, occasionally' occurs in tlu; Mississippi ^'allej'. * For directions for measiirenient, see page 9. FA:MILY niALACROCORAClDiE. COKMOKANTS. 55 Comiuon Cormuraiit. Doublc-crettteil (oriiiorant. Mt\iiau Connorant. 56 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAniLY PELECANID^E. Pelicans. Bill, hooked at tip, over twelve inches long and having a large pouch ; lores, bare ; toes, four, all connected by webs. X X / / White Pelican. * Group 1. Wing, over 17 inches long. General plumage, white. Pelecanus ertjthrorhyncJios. White Pelican. See No. 83. General plumage, not white (coloration very variable according to age and season, but never white). Pelecanus fuscus. Brown Pelican. See No. 84. * For directions for measurement, sec page 9. FAMILY PELECANID.T:. — PELICANS. 57 ^5JS^ r.iowu Pelican. Geuorul plumage, variable, according to age and season, Imt nercr irhite JPelicaiiHsj'u.icvs. Brown Pelican. 58 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY FREQATID^. Man-of-war Birds. Frigate Birds. Bill, hooked at tip; lores, feathered; upper pluma'ge, entirely black; toes, four, all connected by webs ; tail, forked ; wings, very long. * Group 1. Wing, over 21 inches long. Entire plumasre, black (adult, male) ; general plumage, black; belly, white (female) ; head and neck, whitish; belly, white; rest of plumage, black (immature). Fregata aquila. Man=of=war Bird. See No. 85. * For directions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY ANATID.E. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SAVANS. 59 FAMILY AISTATIDTR. DLCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. SUBFAMILY MERGINyE. MERGANSERS. Fish-eating Ducks having narkow bills with tooth-like serrations on edges; tarsus, scutellate in front (transverse scales). Group 1. Wing, G. 50 to 8.50 iuches long. See page 61. Group 2. Wiug. S..0O to 12 inches long. .See page G3. SUBFAMILY ANATINiE. RIVER AND ROND DUCKS. Ducks havincj hind toe without well developed, membraneous lobe or flap; tarsus, scutellate (transverse scales) in front. Group 1. AViug, 5 to 7.50 inches long. See page 63. Group 2. Wing, 8 to 10 inches long. See page 64. Section 1. Belly, white. See page 64. Section 2. Bell}', not white. See page 64. Group 3. Wing, 10 to 14 inches long. See page 65. Section 1. Belly, white, or tinged with dnsky or gray on lower part. See page 65. Section 2. lielly, not white. See page 66. SUBFAMILY FULIGULINiE. BAY AND SEA DUCKS. Ducks having a flap or membraneous lobe on hind toe ; tarsus, scutellate (transverse scales) in front. Group 1. \Ving, 5 to (>.50 inches long. See page 71. Section 1. Tail feathers, not stilt and pointed. See page 71. Section 2. Tail feathers, still and pointed. See page 71. Group 2. Wing, 0.50 to 7.50 inches long. See page 71. Section 1. Belly, white. See page 71. Section 2. Belly, not white. See page 72. Group 3. Wing, 7.50 to 8.50 inches long. See page 72. Section 1. Head, with more or less white or brownish while; lit-lly, wiiit<', «>nii'linies tinged with dusky or gray on lower pari. See page 72. Section 2. No white or grayish white on head; l)elly, wliite; sonietinirs ling.-d witli grayish white on head. See page 73. Section 3. Belly, not white. See page 73. Group 4. Wing, S.50 to lO inches long. See page 74. Section 1. Hind loc, with llap or lobe; belly, while, sonietinies tinged .mi lower part with dusky or gray ; head, lunrkcd with more or /(■*•< irhite, or brownish white See page 74. 60 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Section 2. Belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with gray or dusky ; no white or grayish white on head. See page 74. Section 3. Belly, not white; head, marked with more or less white, or grayish white. See page 76. Section 4. Belly, not white ; no white on head. See page 77. Group 5. Wing, lO to 14 inches long. See page 77. Section 1. Head, with more or less white, or grayish white; belly, black. See page 77. Section 2. No white on head ; belly, black. See page 79. Section 3. Head, with more or less wliite, or grayish white; l)plly, mottled brown, or grayish brown, or slaty. See page 79. Section 4. No white on hotid; belly, mottled brown, or grayish lirown. Seepage 80. SUBFAMILY ANSERIN.E. GEESE. Lores, featiikued ; tarsus, reticulate. Group 1. Wing, 12 to 14 inches long. See p.age 81. Group 2. Wing, 14 to 20 inches long. Sec page 81. Section 1. Head and neck, black or blackish, marked with more or less white; bill and feet, black See page 81. Section 2. Head, white, sometimes tinged with brownish orange; bill and feet, pink or flesh color in life; yellowish or pale brownish in drieil skin. See page 83. Section 3. Head, brownish or grayish, sometimes marl^ed witii white; bill, pinkish; feet, yellow or pink. See page 83. SUBFAMILY CYGNIN^. SWANS. Bare skin between the bill and eye; tarsus, reticulate; neck, very long; wing, over 19 inches long. .See page 84. FAMILY ANATID.E. — DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 61 ORDER ANSERES. Lamelli rostral Swimmers. FAMILY ANATID/E. Ducks, Geese, and Swans. SUBFAMILY MERQIN/E. Mergansers. Fish=eating Ducks having narrow bills with tooth=like serrations on edges, and the tarsus, scutellate in front. * Group 1. Wing, from 6.50 to 8.50 inches long. Section I. Bill, narrow, with tooth=like serrations. I.oplioilytev- cucullaliis fin.ilc). l-oplioilytPs ouculliitut-. Head, brownish or grayish; t;ir.«Ke 9. 62 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Red-breasted Merganser. ^^^^''^'. Male. American Merganser. Female. Male. Hooded Merganser. Female. FAMILY ANATID.E. DUCKS, GEESE, ANT) SWANS. 63 * Group 2. Wing, from 8.50 to 12 inches long. Section 1. Bill, narrow, with tooth=like serrations. Distance from uostril to tip of bill, less than 1 .50 ; head and neck, greenish black ; uuderpai'ts, creaui}' wliile, tinged with salmon color; feet, red (male). Merganser america>w. American Merganser. Sheldrake. See No. 86. Distance from nostril to tip of bill, less than 1 .50 ; head, rufous brown ; uppcu- throat, white ; I'ct't, orange red (female). Merganser americana. American ilerganser. Sheldrake. See No. 80. Top of bill. Merganser ainericana. Distance from nostril to tip of ]»ill, more than 1.50; head, black, tinged with green; breast, i-ufous, streaked with black (male). Merganser serrator. Red-breasted flerganser. See Xo. 87. IVIerganser seiTator. Distance from nostril to tip of bill, more than 1.50; head, brownish, palest im the throat; speculnm, white (^female). Merganser scrratur. Red=breasted flerganser. See No. 87. SUBFAMILY ANATIN/E. River and Pond Ducks. Ducks having hind toe without membraneous lobe or flap ; tarsus, scutellate in front. ^" Group 1. Wing, 5 to 7.50 inches long. Section I. Hind toe, without flap or lobe. Large patch pale blue on wing (coverts) ; white crescent on face iiiiale); no while crescent, face speckleil: chin whitish ( h- malf). Common in K;is|rni I'nili'd Slates. Anas dismrs. Blue-winged Teal. Anas (lisfors. See No. '.I,. Large patch of pale blue on wing coverts); head and breast, rufous browu; crown, * Kor ilirfi'tiiiii-. lur iiK'asiireiniMit, t>ee page 9. 64 KEY TO THK BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. blackish (male) ; sides of head, speckled (dull white, dotted with black) ; chin and throat, dusky, tinted with rufous (female). Westei-u species rare east of the Mississippi River. Anas cyanoptera. Cinnamon Teal. See No. 98. No blue patch on wing ; head, rufous brown with large patch of green through eye touape; speculum, black and greeu (male); liead, speckled. Xo l)lue patch on wiiii^ (female). Atias caroUnensis. Qreen=winged Teal. See No. 96. * Group 2. Wing, from 8 to 10 inches long. Section 1. Belly, white; no flap or lobe on hind toe. Head, green, purple, black, and white; chin and upper thro.at, white; feet, yellow in life (male). Aix sponsa. Wood Duck. Summer Duck. See No. 101 . Head, grayish brown with white stripe thiou>:;]i the eje ; chin and up- per throat, white; toes, dull yellow in life (female). Aix sponn((. Wood Duck. Summer Duck. See No. 101, Aix Hponsa. Head, brown ; chin, not white; a white stripe on sides of the neck; tail, ]K)inted (male). Dafila aaitd. Pintail Duck. "See No. 100. Section 2. Belly, not white ; hind toe, without mem= braneous lobe or flap. Bill, more than one inch wide near tip; head, green or greenish ; speculum, metallic green ; axilla- s, white; feet, orauge red in life (male). Spatula clypeata. Shoveller Duck. Broad°biII. See No. 99. Bill, more than one inch wide near tip; head, nar= rowly streaked and speckled with brown and dull white ; ' speculum, metallic green; feet, orant/e red in life; axil- lars, white (female; . Spatula clypeata. Shoveller Duck. Broad=°bill. See No. 99. Spatula clypeata. For directions for measurement, seepage S). FAMILY ANATIO.E. — DUCKS, GEESK, AM) SWANS. 65 Bill, less than one inch wide near tip; head, lined and speckled with brown and brownish white; speculum, not metallic (jrcen; axillars, white, barred with brown; niiiip and t.ail coverts, brown, nariowly ed^ed and l^anded witli white; feet, dusky (female). Dafila acuta. Pintail Duck. Axillar. Dafila acuU. See No. 100. I'u'lly, wiut.\ with more or less brown spots; axillars, white; bill, less than .1)0 with' at widest part (female). Anas strcpera. Qadwall. See Xo. 92. Belly, more or less spotted; throat, wiiite; launp, olive brown; secondaries, metallic green, tipped witli wiiite; axillars and under wing coverts, heavily barred; toes, yellowish in life (female)- Aix spoiisa. Wood Duck. Summer Duck. See \o. 101. * Group 3. Wing, from 10 to 14 inches long. Section 1. Hind toe, without membraneous lobe or flap; belly, white, sometimes faintly tinged with dusky or gray on lower part. .\xillars, white; tlie sliafts, wiiilc : f\])(»scd speculuni, blaclc and wbiii-: head, tawny brown; cheeks and throat, tawny, speckled with brown i^niaii). Anas strejicra. Gadwall. Creek Duck. Sec No. ;i2. Axillars, white; the shafts, white; h'^ad, speckled; •xpost'd spci-uhim, black and wiiilc (Icnialf). Anas strcjwra. Gadwall. Creek Duck. S.c No. '.i-J. Axillars, white with dark shafts; -iircnhiin, i^iffii and lil;icl<: white patcli on sli.Mild.i : top of head, while imal.- . Anas amirlrana. American WidRoon. Baldpate. S.-' No. '.ll. • Kor iliroftiuiiri lor iii(.')i»iiii'eiiK*iit, Hue page U. «6 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Axillars, white with dark shafts; no white shoulder patch; head, speckled (f<-niale). Aiuiiy amerkcuui. American Widgeon. Baldpate. See No. 94. Axillars, grayish white; head, brown, not speckled; stripe of white on sides of neclv;tail, pointed; middle t'eatliers, long (male;. Dafila anita. Pintail Duck. See No. 100. Section 2. Hind toe, witliout membraneous lobe or flap ; belly, not white. Speculum, bluish purple edged with white; head, green ; a wlute ring around neck; l)reast, i-hcstuut; bfliy, grayish white; feet, orange red; axillars, white (male). Anns hnschas. Mallard Duck. See No. S9. Anas boschas. Belly, white, showing more or less brown spots; axillars, white; hill, less tliau .90 wide at widest part; speculum, black and white (female). Anas strepera. Oadwall. See No. 92. Speculum, bluish purple, edged with white and black ; great<'r wing coverts, with broad band of white; head, tawny brown, streaked with dark brown; belly, pale bull", mottled with brown; feet, orange red; axillars, white (female). Anns bosriKis. Mallard Duck. See No. 80. Anas boschas. Speculum, purplish blue; no white baud on greater wing coverts; liead and throat, streaked; throat, not buft', no black spot at base of bill; feet, olive (sometimes red) ; axillars, white; Eastern North America. Anas uhsrrira. Black Duck. Dusky Duck. See No. 90. Speculum, purplish blue; no white band on greater wing coverts; head, pale brown; upper throat, buff, not streaked ; bill, yellowish olive; nail of bill and spot at base, black; feet, pale orange red; axillars, white. Florida species occasionally observed on Gulf coast to Louisiana. Anas fxiloirjula. Florida Black Duck. Florida Dusky Duck. See No. 91. FAMILY ANATID.*:. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 67 1. Amkukan iMKUiJASSKK. MmIc. 2. Ami;i;h AN Mi i:<; \nskk. Kcin.ilr. S. Rkd-HUKAsii i> Ml i!<; ANSKU. M:ilc. 4. KkI' liiti.ASTV I) Mkkhanski!. Kciiiale. 5. Iln..m:i> Miu.iANSKl!. M:ilc. n. U<(oiii.i> Mkuhansku. Female. 7. Mai.lahi) 1)1 «k. Male. s. Mai.i.ahk I>i ck. Fuinale. '.I. r,l,A< K In c K. III. I'l.< >i;ii« \ 1 11 1 K. II. (jAltWAI.I.. Maic. VI. (iAKWAi.i,. Kt'iiiali'. l.S. Kl'UOI'F.AN 'WlIXJKON. II. AMKHK AN WITXIKON. l."i. AMi;i!l( AN WllM.KON. Male. Female. (18 \<\'A ro llll', mi;i>s (»|' i;\sii;i;n N(»i;ril \ \l l',i;i('.V. I. i;ki i:\ wiN.iip 'V\ \\.. M;il.>. .'. (ii.i 1 N wiN.iM. Tim.. I'.ni.il :!. I'»M 1 \mm;i.|> Tt' VI . M:ilc. •I. HU'K \viNt;M» Tim . Kcim.iIc. .'>. Cinnamon 'ri;Ai.. f.. Silo\ i;i 111! I>|i(K. !M.ll.>. 7. Smi\ Ki.i.ri; Di't iv. l''ciii;iU s. I'lMvii. |)| ( iv. iM.ilr. '■>. I'lN r\ll. !>!( K. I'lin.lll', 111, AVooi. I>i . K. M.ilc. II. \Voi>i> IXciv. I'Vnialc. I-'. Ki.Kiii u> Dick. IMmIc. I.!. K'll>iii:\i> in ( K. I''ciii;ilt'. II. (' \N\ \s iiv.K I>|« K. I\I;ilo. 1,1. t\N\ \s HM Iv Ml ( K. I'Vniiilo. FAMILY ANATID/K. — I>IJCKS, (JKKSK, AM> SWANS. 09 I. Amkici. l£i.N<; >j><;ki.i> Hi cu. Keiiiule KVK I>i:< K. 7. Amkki< Av (;oi,i»K\ ivr l»ri li H. KakkhwV i; I I'l *.». IWii i.K III. All Hi I K. •: 10. |{| lll.l. III. \|i III . u. I II. OI.Ii KvlAW. Mlllf. 1-.'. oi.i. Sv'AW. K< iii.iN'. I.{. MaIM.).: i; l>i ' k. 2. American Eiut.u Dick. Male. 3. American Eider Duck. Female 4. KiNd Eider Duck. 5. American Scoter Duck. M.ilo. 0 American Scoter Duck. Female. 11. Ruddy Duck. Male. 7. White win(;kd S(()ter Duck. Male. 12. Ruddy Duck. Female. 8. White AviNi W.I > S(()TER DUCK. Female. i:^. IMasked Duck. Male. 9. Surf ScoTKii Duck. Male. 14. Masked Duck. Female, 10. Surf Scoter Duck. Fenuile. FAMILY ANATID.T:. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 71 SUBFAMILY FULIQULIN/E. Bay and Sea Ducks. Ducks having flap or membraneous lobe on hind toe; tarsus, scutellate (transverse scales) in front. * Group 1. Wing, from 5 to 6.50 inches long. Section 1. Tail feathers, not stiff and pointed. Head, j^i'^eu's^'i purple, with wliite patt'li (male) ; head, gniyisli hrowii with white ])atc-h ( Iciiialc or iinmatiin') ; no dark stripes on clicek; hill, i<-s-^ th.iii ihrrc roiirtlis inch wide. ChiiritoneUa allwoln. Buffie=liead Duck. Dipper Duck. !See No. 110. Cliaritouctta albeola. Section 2. Tail feathers, stiff and pointed. 'l'liio;ii, whitish; idiccks, wlutc or whitish; hill, hro;id, tliriM' :{. * Group 2. Wing, from 6.50 to 7.50 inches long. Section 1. Belly, white. Ilt'iid, j:;ic<'ni
  • v\' \ut somewhat smaller (female). More common in the South than the Greater Scaup Duck. At/thyn atUnis. Lesser Scaup Duck. See No. 106. For directions for measurement, see page 0. FAMILY ANATID^:, DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 73 Speculum, gray ; he.ul and neck, brownisli; chin and anterior portion of lores, brownish white or whitisli (tcinale) ; resembles female Ked-head, but is smaller. Aiithya colhiria. Ring^necked Duck. s.'e xo. in:. A patch of white or grayish white on the head, including the eye ; no speculum ; under tail coverts, white; adult males have the tail featliers louy; and pointed. Clam/nhi hyemalis. Old Squaw. Long^tailed Duck. See Xo. 111. Section 2. Belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with dusky or gray ; no white or grayish white on head. Head, brown; a distinct wing band of white (female). (rlancioneUa clangiila americann. Golden Eye. See No. lOS. Glaucionetta clangula anicricaiia. Head, black, glossed with green; speculum, white; l>ack, irrayish white, finely lined with lilack (male). Aythyn marila. Greater Scaup Duck. Blue=bill or Black-head. See Xo. 1 (»."). Head, black, glossed with purple, finely lined with l)lack : speculum, white; back, grayish whitr, -i:iallrr than the preceding spccirs, luil rescmblrs ii clK^cly (male). Aij/Jiya affinis. Lesser Scaup Duck. Blue^bill or Black=head. See Xo. inc.. Head, black, with violet or bluish gloss, a sjjot of white on the chin: speculum, gray; liack, dull black (male). Aythyn r,,ii,tr>s. Ring-necked Duck. See Xo. in:. Section 3. Belly, not white. I'linnage, variously marked with white, slate-color, and chestnut; speculum. bliii-; a patch of white, or grayish white, on the head, including the eye; no speculum; under tail covert, white; adult males have the tail fcalhcrs long and pointed. Clanyula hycmalis. Old Squaw. Long=tailed Duck. See Xo. 111. Section 2. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap ; belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with dusky or gray; no white, or grayish white, on head. Head, ](>lack, glossed with green; back, grayish white, linely lined with black ; speculum, white (male). Aiji/itj/i'inarHd. Greater Scaup Duck. Blue-bill. Black=head. See No. 105. Aythya marila ncarctica. For directions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY ANATIDiE. — DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 75 70 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Head, cinnamon brown; upper breast aud back, ashy gray, not barred; speculum, white (female) ; very similar to female Barrow's Golden Eye, but slightlj' smaller, much more common than the next species, on the Atlantic coast. Olmicionetta elangnla ampricana. American Golden Eye. Whistler. See No. 108. Head, cinnamon brown; upper breast and back, ashy gray, not barred; speculum, white (female) ; very simib r to preceding species, Imt slightly larger. Olaurionetta islandica. Barrow's Golden Eye. See No. 109. Head, rufous brown ; crown, Idaekisli : breast, black ; lower back, ashy white, tiuel}' lined with black (uiaie) ; liill, very differe'nt from that of Red-head. (S^-e cut.) Aythya vallisneria. Canvas=back Duck. See Xo. 104. ^ Aythya vallisneria. Head, neck, and upper breast, dull cinnamon brown, palest on throat; lower hack, dull brown, barred w ith fine, wavv, white lines (female) ; easily distinguished by shape of bill. (See cut.) At/tht/a valUsnerin. Canvas=back Duck. See No. 104. Head, reddish brown; crown, not l)lackish; breast, black; lower back, grayisli, linely lined with black (male) ; bill, very differ- ent from that of Canvas-back. (See cut.) Aythya americnna. Red^headed Duck. See No. 10.3. Aythya americana. Section 3. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap ; belly, not white ; more or less white, or gray= ish white, on head. General plumage, black ; a patch of white oti front of crown and nnpe; bill, large, marked with orange, red, black, and white; ni) white on wings (male). Oidomia perspicillatn. Surf Scoter. Skunk=head Coot. See No. 121. General plumage, brown; top of head and wings, dark; a sjiot of dull white at base of bill and behind eye; no white on wings (female). Oklemia perspicillata. Surf Scoter, Skunk=head Coot. See No. 121. Top and sides of head, white; a patch of greenish in front of eye; throat, black; all wing coverts, white (male). Eniconetta steUeri. Stellers' Duck. Stellers' Eider. See No. 114. FAMILY AXATID.T:. DUCKS, GEESB, AND SWANS. 77 Section 4. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap ; belly, not white ; no white on head. Axilhir.s, brown; secondaries, white, forming a white wing patdi ; upper parts, dark brown; underparts, sometimes brown, sometimes grayish (female). Oidcmia dci/landi. White=winged Scoter. White=winged Coot. See No. 120. * Group 5. Wing, 10 to 14 inches long. Section 1. Mind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap ; head, with more or less white, or grayish white; belly, black. General plumage, black; speculum, white; spot umltr eye, wliite; axillais, blaek; bill, orange at base (male). Oidemia'derjlandi. White=winged Scoter. White=winged Coot. Set? No. \-l{). Oi.leiniu deglandi. General plumage, black; head, black, with patch of white on crown and napi': no white on wing; axillars. l)lack; bill, orange, black, and white (male). Oidemia pcrspicillata. Surf Scoter. Skunk=head Coot. See No. 1-21. Dri'r^.-ier's Kidi-r Duck. Soiiiali'riji ilrCHrtiTi. Nortlicrn KiMcr Duck. Soinatcria hore.'illsi. Top of head, black, dividid on iiown; more or less green on head ; throat, white; axillai<. wliiti': liill, cuhni'ii. divided .ind loiindi'il at liase ^mal»■). (Set- cut id' \>\]\.^ SiDtKiteriii dressrri. American FEider Duck. See No. 116. * For illrortion« for iiifaHiirfiiuMil, pec jmgo !(. 78 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. ''SHs^ Labrador or Pied Duckb. Camptoht'imi.s labradorius. Formerly not uncommon on the Atlantic coast. Proliahly now extinct. See No. 113. FAMILY ANATID.T:. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 79 Top of head, black, divided on crown; more or less green on hcnd; tliroat, white; axilhirs, wlntf ; ruliut-u, divided aud pointed at base. (male). (Sec cut of bill.) Somateria borea'is. Greenland Eider Duck. See Xo. IIT). Top of head, slate color; cheeks, trreeiiisli; throat, white, with larj^e, lilaciv. V=shaped mark (male). Somatei-ia ^j^ectabilis. King Eider Duck. See Xo. 117. Section 2. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap ; no white on head ; belly, black. General plumage, black ; axilhirs, black; uo white on wing; liill, oraiiu'c at liiisc; Icallicrs on bill, more than one half inch from nostril (male). Okk'mia americana. American Scoter. Black Coot. Butter=bill Coot. See No. 118. Section 3. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap; head, marked with more or less white, or grayish white; belly, mottled brown, or grayish brown, or slaty. General plumage, brownish; no wiiiie on win^; feathers on bill, more than one half inch from nostril tVui.ilc and ini- niature). Oidemia amcrirmiii. American Scoter. Butter bill Coot. Sc«' No. MS. OiiU'iiiia aiiicricaiKi. General plumage, grayish brown ; speculum, white ; feathers on bill, less than one half inch from nostril i Icnialc ami inmialnrc), ()idrmiaih;ihiuili. White-winged Scoter. White-winged Coot, See No. 1-Jt). General plumage, grayish brown ; Icaib.'r^ cxicndinu' ..n \\\^\>rv \k\y\ of bill nwrc iban mi the sides: n.. wliiic on Willi;; feathers on bill, less than one half inch from nostril bnialeV Ouliini'i r-rsflrilhit^i. Surf Scoter. Skunk head Coot. Sec No. IJl. 80 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Section 4. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap ; no white on head ; belly, mottled brown, or grayish brown. General plumage, brownish; no white on win£i;s; axillars, black ; feathers on the bill, more than one half inch from nostril (female). Oidemia americana. American Scoter. Butter=bill Coot. Gray Coot. See No. 118. Head, dark brown or black ; feathers on bill, less than one half inch from nostril ; axillars, black; no white on wings (innnatine male). Oidemia perspicillata. Surf Scoter. Skunk=head Coot. See No. 121. A patch of white on the wings; back and upper parts, dark brown; featliers on the base of bill, extending- to within one half inch of nostril (female). Oidemia dojihtmli. White=winged Scoter. See No. 120. Head, tawny, streaked with bnnvn ; axillars, white, or grayish white ; throat, streaked ; feathers on bill, within one fourth inch from nostril ; decided difference in bill from next species (female). (See cut.) Eastern North America. Somateria dresseri. American Eider Duck. See No. 116. Head, tawny, streaked with Inown; axillars, white, or grayish white; throat, streaked; feathers on bill, witliin one fourth inch from nostril ; decided difference in bill from preceding species (female). (See cut.) Eastern North America. Somateria horealis. Northern Eider Duck. See No. 115. Head, tawny, streaked with brown; axillars, white, or grayish white; throat, not streaked; feathers on bill, more than one fourth inch from nostril (female). t^omatena sjjectabilis. King Eider Duck. See No. 117. FAMILY ANATID.K. DUCKS, GEESE, AM) SWANS. 81 SUBFAMILY AN5ER1N/E. Qeese. Lores, feathered ; tarsus, reticulate. * Group i. Wing, 12 to 14 inches long. Bill and feet black; head and neck, black; sides of neck not front , mottled with svhite ; no upcoulum ; lower breast, grayish ; no while foii^-K-^ Black Brant. WMte-fronted Goose. FAMILY AXATID.E. DUCKS, GEKSE, AND SWANS. 83 Section 2. Bill and feet, pink or flesh color in life; head, white, sometimes tinged with brownish orange. Entire plumage, white; primaries, black; sinallor th:iu C. h. nivalis; bill, ow.v 1.90; tarsus, over 2. SO; middle toe, over 2.10 (udult). Chiefly l»:iclfic coast to Mississi|>i)i \';illpy, rare on Atlantic coast. Ghe7i hi/perboren. Lesser Snow Goose. See Xo. 121. Entire plumage, white ; primaries, black ; resembles precedins; species but is jarirer (adult). Eastern Xortli America, south in winter on Atlantic coast to Floridji .•ind Cuba. Chen hypcrborea nivalis. Greater Snow Goose. See No. 12."). JJack, slaty brown; btdiy and rump, gray ; the feathers, not barred; terminal lialf of tail, not white (adult). Chen ccernlcsrcns. Blue Goose. See \o. 12(j. Section 3. Bill, pinkish ; feet, yellow or pink ; head, brownish or grayish, sometimes marked with white. Forehead and feathers at base of bill, white; nail of bill (unguis , whitish; liill, yellowish in diird skin; breast, grayish, more or less marked or spotted with black (adult). Anser albifrons rjamheU. American White Fronted Goose. .See Xo. 12S. No white on forehead or base of l)ill ; bill, yellowish in dried skin ; nail of bill unguis), dusky ; rump, slaty brown; winn" coverts, cdji'cd with white i immature). Anser albifrons ijamlieU. American White Fronted Goose. See Xo. 12S. General plumage, grayish; rump, white; smaller than C. h. ninilis; hill, over l.itO; tarsus, over 2. SI): miildlc tor. over 2. 10 (iuuiiat lire), ("liiclly I'.acific coast to Mississippi N'alley; rarr oil At laiitic coaM"/a//.s. immatuif). E.-istcrn Norlli AiiHTira, -oiiib in winlcr to Mmiila and <'uba. (Jhoi hi/i>rrhor('ii nirnlis (ireater 5now (ioose. Sre Nu. I2.".. Head, brownish gray; cliiii, while; rump, gray; uiii;uis i nail of bill), yi-llow ; w iiiir covert -1, grayisli, -illowiiig \''r\ liiilc \\bil'' on I bi- rdm- ul thi' feathers (immatun'K Chen C(vriilfsr,iis. Blue Goose. See No. 12r,. 84 KEY TO THP: birds OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA SUBFAMILY CYQNIN/E. Swans. Bare skin, between the bill and eye ; tarsus, reticulate ; neck, very long ; wing, over 19 inches long. General plumage, white; bill, black witli yellow sput (adult) ; distance from tip of bill to nostril, less than distance from nostril to eye (immature birds are gray or brownisb i;ray). Common on some parts of the coast. Olor Columbian as. Whistling Swan. See No. VM\. General plumage, white; bill, black, showino- no yellow; distance from tip of bill to nostril, more than distance from nostril to eye. Chiefly found in the interior of North America ; not common on the coast. Olm- hnccinaior. Trumpeter Swan. See No. 137. Olor colunibianus. ' General plumage, gray, or brownish gray; birds of this description may be the youMij of cither of the above species, the ditterence in the distance from the bill to the eye being characteristic as in the old birds. FAMILY PHCENICOPTERID.E, FLAMINGOES. 85 FAniLY PH(ENICOPTERID>E. Flamingoes. Large, tall birds, usually red or pink ; bill, very much bent, with tooth- like serrations on edge. Wing, over 17 inches long (carpus to tip). — ^ Clciionil i>lum;iii<', n'ill, iiiiicli Im'IiI willi tootli-IiU- -• n.i- tinii- nil f(l<^t;. Pliwnicdptirits ndxr. Fiaminjco. See No. l.SS. A tVw l'l:imin;:(if- ;in' still liMinil in ••xlrrinc sunt lii-ni Kloriilii. Tin- spfi-ies is coiiiiikiii in till' i>:ilKini:i Uhiliils. 86 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAHILY PLATALEID^. Spoonbills. Bill, wide and flat at the end ; toes, four, all on same level. Wing, 13 to 17 inches long. liill, tl:it, widened iiud rouuded at tip; general plumage, pink and white. AjaJH r No. 147. Km- iin for iiica-iirciiii'iil, ^l•l• |>;i>ri' !•. 90 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Group 2. Wing, 6 to 7.50 inches long. Crown, g-reeuish or ijreeiii.sh black; legd, uiuugc yellow iu life. Ardea vh'escens. Green Heron« See No. 158. * Group 3. Wing, 8.50 to 11 inches long. ■» -.'-^i Greater part of i)luniage, slaty blue ; belly, slaty blue ; head, tiuijed with ]iurplish brown (adult). Ardea cccmlca. Little Blue Heron. See No. 137. * For (lirectionw for nieasurenient, see page 0. FAMILY ARDEIDiE. JIEHONS, KORKTS, ANT) P.ITTERNS. 91 General |iluiii;ige, wliite ; tips of primaries, tinged with slaty blue; le^?;, yellowish olive (immature). Arden cmrnha. Little Blue Heron. See No. If)?. II! k hi General plumage, white; ends of prima- ries, not tioged witli slaty Mue; legs, black; feet, yellow. ArdeAi cundidisshua. Snowy Heron. Snowy Egret. See Xo. 154. TjOiiI-l:inn Horon. r.ai'k, ashy ^rray : piimarics, No. L")',). liill, laru:e ; top of head, white or whit= ish ; back, not ,c:reeu (adult). NyrlicordX riithiccii^. Yellow=crowned Night Heron. See Xo. 160. Bill, laro-e; general plumage, mottled, and streaked brown and white ; outer edge of primaries, reddish brown (immature). Niictiruraj- luictirorax naTius. Night Heron. See Xo. l.")fl. Bill, large; general plumage, mottled and streaked brown and white ; primaries, slaty l)rown (immature). Xyrticitrnx violaceus. YeHow=crowned Night Heron. See Xo. 1(>0. Niglit Jlerou. FAMII.Y ARDEID.t. HEHON8, EGRETS, AND BITTERNS. 93 * Group 4. Wing, 11 to 15 inches long. Bill, stout; top of the head, bhick; hacrk, dark green (adult). Xycticorux mjcticorax mevius. Night Heron. See No. l.j'.i. Bill, stout; top of head, white or wliitisli; back, not i-Teen (aduh). Xyrticoraz violaceiifi. Yenow=crowned Night Heron. See \o. 100. I'lill, stout; gfiu'ial plumage, mottled and streaked brown and while; outer edge of primaries, reddish brown (immature). N't/ctironix niirticDnij- un'rins. Night Heron. See No. l:")'.*. Bill, stout; giMit'ial plumagf, mottled and streaked grayish brown and white; primaries, slaty brown (immatunO- Nycticordj- viol areas. Yenow=crowned Night Heron. See \o. 100. Gener.-il pluniMue, wIMie : bill, yellow; leiis, Idaek. Anh'n r./rfitu. American Egret. See No. 1.").^ (ieiieral plumage, white; legs, dark ulive: terminal half of bill, black; basal half, flesh color ' white pliM.ii(s. American Bittern. See No. 1 I.-). Kur ilU'cctiiitis fur mciisureiuuiit, buc piiK" '* 94 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. * Group 5. Wing, over 15 inches long. Plumage, entirely white; wing, over 17 inches; bill, over 5.50; tarsus, over 7.25. Ardea occinentalis. Qreat White Heron. See No. 143. Plumage, entirely white; wing, less than 17 inches long; hill, under 5.50; tarsus under 7.25. Ardm cgretta. American Egret. See No. 153. Greater part of upper i)luniage, l)luish gray or slaty gray; adults in breeding have middle of crown and throat, white; hill, less than (i.25; immature birds liave the top of the head, black. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron. See No. 151. Similar to Great Blue Heron, but larger; bill, over G.25. Occurs only in Florida. Ardea wardi. Ward's Heron. See No. 150. I'op of head and sometimes greater portion of head, white; wings and back, bluish gray. or slaty gray; general appearance of Ward's Heron except color of head. Occurs ouly in Florida ; probably a color phase of Ardea ore i dental Is. Ardea wuerdemanni. Wuerdeman's Heron. See No. 149. * For directions for nifasiireinent, see page 9. FAMILY OFUIIl)/E. CRANKS. 95 ORDER PALUDECOL/E. Cranes, Rails, Courlans. FAHILY QRUID/E. Cranes. Bill, over 3 inches long; winj?, over 16 inches; tarsus, over 7 inches; toes, four, no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe nail ; hind toe, elevated above level of front toes. (ieneral pliimajte, white ; primaries, black; wiiii;', over 20 iiu'hes loiio- (car[uis to lip) ; imiiiMtun' birds arc more or less liiilV. (,'rns americidin. Whooping Crane. See No. U;l. General plumage, slaty gray ; tian- -kin, on hcaii i>\ adult ; rrd, in lilr ; iiiiiiiatnri' liird-* Mil' Imow ni^li : wIml:'. Iiom 1.") to 22 iiU'lii'K long. (iriis iiirririiiiii . Sandhill Crane. Sec No. l(;;{. \Vli<)(i|ilii)( Crniic. 96 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY ARAHID^. Courlans. Limpkins. Bill, over 3 inches long; tarsus, under 7; wing, under 16; toes, four, no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe nail; hind toe, raised above level of front toes. ^ t 1 ' '::i k i 1 Geaeral plumage, dark olive brown, streaked and marked with pure white; tail, purplish hmwu sliowiug inetallic gloss when held iu the light; feathers of the back, breast, aad wingcovert-*, browu, with white stripe iu middh; of each feather; tip of lower inaudible often slightly twisted. Occurs iu Atlantic States only iu Florida. Aranius ijlifanteus. Llmpkin. See No. 164. FAMILY KALLID.K. — KAILS. 9'. . FAHILY RALLID/E. Rails, Qallinules, and Coots. SUBFAMILY RALUN/E. Rails. Birds which frequent marshy places. Toes, long ; wings, short and rounded ; bill, shorter than middle toe and claw together. ^' Group I. Wing, less than 3.75 inches long. r.hick Kail. Tliioat, liri'usl, :iii(l sides olf head, slaty graj ; priniurii's, \\ itli more or k-ss white >|>ot> l'iiM|uciit.s marshes. l^orzana jamaia'tiiiis. Black Rail. See No. 17.S. \V N(.. i:-j. * For dircctiori.-i for iuu:i!turoiiiciit, 600 pugo n. 9r KKY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Group 2. Wing, from 3.75 to 4.75 inches long. Virginia Hail. Back, black or fuscous, th<' l<':iUier.-; edged with brownish or grayish olive; underparts, cinnamon rufous, wiiitisli ou the throat; liili, sligiitly curved. Eallus viru;ill\ toiiml mar troll waliT. linllux thtjiiiis. King Rail. See No. 1(>5. Feathers on the back, black, edged with grayish olive; oIhh'Us ami car rnvcii-. i;i:iy. I'rrtVis sall-w.iliT iii:ii-hc>. Jiallii.s luui/iruMris ciriiitaitu (intl ran<'tii.-<. Clapper Rail. See Nn. Ififj. ♦For ilirci-lloiir. for iiic-unuix-iiu'iit, -i-f l>a(;i! !l. 100 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Group 4. Wing, over 6.50 inches long. . L Virginia Rail. Kitiir Rail. Black Rail. Sora Rail. Breast, tiuj^i-d with rufous cliecks ; rut'oii.s throat, wiiitisli; hack, .streaked; hill, long and sliglitly curved. TtalliDi dcrjans. King Rail. See No. 1 (;."). SUBi-AMILY FULiClN/E. Coots. Bill, short and pointed ; forehead, with more or less of a shield ; toes, with large lobate webs; head, blackish; back, dark slaty graj- ; uuderparts, dark ash gray, wliitish, on abdomen. Fulka amnimna. American Coot, flud Hen. Blue Peter. See No. 178. Fur directions for measurement, see page 9. FAMILY RALLID.3E. RAILS. 101 ^ ^ - V .^ SUBFAMILY QALLINULIN/E. Gallinules. Toes, not webbed ; uo wliite on sides of ])ody; head and breast, purplish biuc; back, jj^reeiiish. lonornis martuiicd. Purple Gallinule. See No. 175. Head, sinok\- liiack; l;reast. dark i;;ray: toes, not wclilu'd : iiinri' or less Avliite on sides (d' body. (iaUiiwhi {/ffliatji. Florida Gallinule. Se(> Xo. 1711. ■^-^ i^'^ r L.- 102 KEY TO THE JIIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. ORDER LIMICOL^. SHORE BIRDS. Hind toe, when fresent, always elevated above level of front toes. FAMILY PHALAROPID^E. PHALvVROPES. Sides of toes with rounded lobes or narrow webs. See page 104. FAMILY RECUR VIROSTRIDiE. AYOCETS AND STILTS. Toes, more or less webbed (not lobate) ; tarsus, over 3.;jO; bill curved UPWARD or straight. See page 106, FAMILY SCOLOPACID^. SNIPE, SANDPIPERS, CURLEWS, WOODCOCK, GODWITS, WILLETS, ETC. Tarsus, less than 3.50 inches long ; sides of toes, without lobate webs ; toes, four (one exception, the sanderling). Group 1. Birds having wings from 3.25 to 3.75 inches long. Seepage ]07. Group 2. Birds having wings from 3.75 to 4.50 inches long. See page 10.^. Section 1. Toes, fom*, witli small weh (not lobate at base). See page 108. Section 2. Toes, four, without web. See jKige 109. Sections. Toes, three; bill, over .75. Seepage 109. Group 3. Birds having wings from 4.50 to 5.50 inches long. See page 109. Section 1. Toes, four, a small web between toes; bill, less than .75. See page 109. Section 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toes; bill, over 1.75. See page 110. Section 3. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 2 inches long. See page 110. Section 4. Toes, four, without web ; bill, over 1.10 and less than 1.90. See page 112. Section 5. Toes, four, without web; bill, under 1.10. See page 114. Section 6. Toes, three; bill, over .60 inch long. See page 115. Group 4. Birds having wings from 5.50 to G.75 inches long. See page IIG. Section 1. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toes; bill, over l.SO. See page 116. Section 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toe; l)ill, under 1.80. See page 116. Section 3. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 2 inches long. See page 117. Section 4. Toes, four, without web ; bill, under 2. See page 118. Group 5. Birds having wings from 6.75 to 9 inches long. See page 119. Section 1. Toes, four, with more or less wpb ; bill, curved upwards or straight ;*bill, over 2.60 inches. See page 119. ORDER MMICOL.E. — SIIOliE BIKDS. 103 Section 2. Toes four, loithout leeh ; hill, iioarly straight; bill, over 2 inclie* long. See page 120. Sections. 'J'oes, four, with small web; liill, sligluly curved u]i\v:inl or straight; bill, under 2. GO and over 1.50 inches long. See page 121. Section 4. 'i'oe.s, four, with small web; bill, nearly straight: bill, lessilian l.TiOinclies long. See page 121. Section o. Toes, four, with small web; /<;7/, cwved ihmnwnrd ; bill, over 2 iiu-be* long. See page 122. Group 6. Birds having wings from 9 to 12 inches long. See page 123. Section 1. Toes, four; bill curved downward. See page 123. Section 2. Toes, four; hill, curved upward or nearly straight. See page 123. FAMILY CHARADRIID.E. PLOVERS. Toes, three (one excei'Tion, r.i.ACK-r.ELLiED i-lovek) ; hill, comi'aijativei.y SHORT AND THICK. Gkoup 1. Wing, 3.75 to 4.50 inches long; toes, three, no hind toe. See i)age 124. Section 1. Bill, under .60 inch long. See page 124. Section 2. Bill, over .GO inch long. See page 125. Group 2. Wing, 4.50 to 5. .50 inches long; toes, three, no liind to*'. Se(> page 125. Section 1. Bill, over .60 iaeh long. See page 125. Section 2. Bill, und<'r .60 inch long. See page 125. Group 3. Wing, 5.50 to 6.75 inches long; toes, three, no hind toe. See page 12S. Group 4. Wing, over 6.75 inches long. See page 128. Section 1. Toes, three, no hind toe. See page 128. Section 2. Toes, four. See page 128. FA:\riLY apiiimzidj:. iirxstoxes. Toes, four; eowei: v.xck ani> i;t aip, wiiiii, with i'.i.aciv ilvni). Seepage 129. FAMILY II^EMATOPODIDJ:. OY.STEH-CATCIIEUS. Toes, three; iwi.e, over 2..")I> inciie.-< lom;. Section i. Toe-, tlirre ; I. ill, red. See |)age i;-{0. 104 KEY TO THK BIRDS OF EASTERN KORTH AMERICA. ORDER LiniCOL/E. Snipes, Plovers, Sandpipers, Curlews, Phalaropes, etc. Hind toe, when present, always elevated above level of front toes. FAMILY PHALAROPID^. Plialaropes. Sides of toes, with lobes or narrow webs. W. .^ Sir -i?,?^ '.» ■! - i !«^ Wilson's Phalaroi)e. Red Phalarope. Winter plumage. FAMILY I'll ALA UOPID.E. — PIIALAUOPES. 105 ( ryiii()i)lMliis (iilicaiiii.s H;ifk, ht'iivily -trcnl^cd with l(l;u'k :niil tiiwiiy: belly, reddish brown, showiiii;- hkh-c or lf-;< wliite; toes, wiih small lobate web; w ini;, 5.20 to n.oO. CrymophUus fnlinirins. Red Phalarope. Sim- No. IT'.I. I'liiil.iiupiis lohatiis. Back, j^rayisli. Ptrcnkod Willi l.iwiiy : Ix'lly. white; toes, partly wcliix^d; hill, uiulfr 1.0"); tai-^ii-i. uiiihM- 1: wirii;;, 4 to l..-)0. Plmhtntpns /nhatns. Northern Phalarope. S.'t' No. 1S(). I'li:ilaiiiim> trimliir. Hack, iirayish, marked wilh chestnut brown; belly, white; bill, o\ er I .O.S ; larsii*. OS''!' 1 : toes, with narrow w<'h mi sides: wiiii;-. 7>.\t) to .">. 10 (IciilmIc). riiiiliiriipiis irirnli.r. Wilson's Phalarope. Sec Nm. Isl. IJack, i;rayi~h. iiiMii h'd \\ ilh dii-liy i>r whitish; hill, o\-cr 1.0."); tai'-^u-. i>\it ! inch: l>>cs. wilh narrow wch on ^idr-i: win:;, l-T.*! |o L'.i.'i (male). I'hiiltiriijiiin triinli.i'. Wilson's Phalarope. See No. ls;{. 106 KEY TO THE BIFiDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMKRICAc, FAMILY RECURVIROSTRID^. Avocets and Stilts. Tarsus over 3.50 inches ; bill, curved upward or straight. ^J,»J, 1 ,^,!W^I.'-. M"'i-' "-^ A vocet. Stilt. Head and neck, pale rufcus (sum- mer) ; white or grayish (winter) : back and tail, white ; axiliars, white ; l)elly, white; first primary, dark witli dark shaft ; bill, curved up- ward; toes, four. lii'cnmirostni nniprir(nia. American Avocet. See No. 182. Reciirviro!: 1)111. ni.-aily straijjht : toes, three. Jliiitfiii/djiHs riH.rirmiys. Biack'^necked Stilt. See Xo. ls:{. iliinantoiius iiiexicanus. FAMILY SCOLOPACID/E. Snipe, Sandpipers, Curlews, etc. Tarsus, less than 3,50 inches; toes, four (one exception, Sanderling Sandpiper). "Group 1. Wing, from 3.25 to 3.75 inches lonjj:. No wfli lnvtwecn toes: hellv, \\hit< rriiiijii iniinilillii. Least Sandpiper. Sii- \i>. I'.m;. Km- ilhfi'lliiiiH fur iinvi'-iii'i'iiii'iil, t'r p;i»{«i 108 KEY TO THE ]?IRD.S OF EASTEUN NORTH AMERICA. Toes, with small \ve)j; bill, usually under .85. Ereunetcs pusilhis. Semipalmated Sandpiper. See No. 200. F Ereunetes piisillus. (Foot.) _»V Toes, with small weh ; l)ill, usually over .S.t, Eretinetpn neridrntah's. Western Sandpiper. Sec NO. 201. * Group 2. Wing, 3.75 to 4.50r inches long. Section 1. Toes, four, with small web (not lobate) at base. Bill, under .85 ; hack, not greenisli olive; bill, entirclv black. EreuneUx pusiUus. Semipalmated Sandpiper. See No. 200. EifMiiii'iis inisilhis. Bill, over .85; hack, not greenish olive; l)ill, hinclc; no while p:itcli on inner web of third primary. ErennrtcH ocn'ilotta/is. Western Sandpiper. Sec No. 201. Small web between outer and middle toe; hill, over .S.") ; back, greenish olive, sometimes handed ; under mandible, pale yellow (in life): third primary and inner prim;iri(!s witli italch of white on inner web. Ariit.rs manilarid. Spotted Sandpiper. See No. 216. * For ilirec^tions lor nieasiireiiieiit, ^ee page 9. FAMILY SCOLOPACIl).1<: — SNII'E, SANDPIPERS, CUKLKWS, ETC. 101' Section 2. Toes, four, without web. Belly, white; bill, bluck. Trimjii minutilla. Least Sandpiper. See No. 196. Trincca minutilhi Section 3. Toes, three; bill, over .75 inches long. Bellv, white; basal half of outer webs of ituiev primaries, white; hack, mixed rufous, black and white, or srayish browu, or eutirely black (l.ree.lin-), i.ccording- to season: bill about one iiR'h loll"'. Calidris areuaria. Sanderling Sandpiper. See No. 202. * Group 3. Wing, 4.50 to 5.50 inches long. Section I. Toes, four, a small web between toes; bill, under 1.75. Bill, under 1.75 ; tarsus, over 1.30. AH other species in this sectitm liave th.' tardus 1,.,^ ll,.,„ 1 ;{n Mirrnpahnna },im,n,t»pns. Stilt Sandpiper. See No. li"'. -^.-.,^,^, Tarsus, under 1.30; l.;.ek. .i.nk nlivr spotted with white, or ~^i"k^2^^ l"ounilioUu(l Sandpipers. Winter. Section 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toes; bill, over 1.75. Macrorliani))lius gii.seus. Macrorliain|ihus j;ri.seuB. Bill, over 1.75; axillars, white, barred with dark Ijrowii; rump and tail, white, spotted and liauded with black. 3Iacrorhamphit.s (jriscns. Dowitcher. Red=breasted Snipe. Macrorhmnplnis scolupaceiis. Long=billed Dowitcher. See Nos. 188 and 189. Section 3. Toes, four, without web ; bill, over 2 inches long. Axillars, rufous Jbrown, without bars; belly, buff color. Philuhela minor. Woodcock. See No. 18.5. Axillars, barred black and white; belly, white; upper tail coverts and tail, tawny, more or less marked w ith black. GalUnago delicata. Wilson's Snipe. Jack Snipe. See No. 187. Gallinago delicata. FAMILY SCOLOi'ACID.E. SMPE, .SANDPU'EUS, CUliLEVV.S, ETC. Ill Woodc.fx'.k. WUbou'b Sulpc. 112 KEY TO THE BIKDS OF EASTERN NORTH A31ERICA. Section 4. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 1.10; and less than 1.90. • ■:■-'■'■'" ■^. Winter. Bill, decurved ne:ir tip; one or more of inner secondaries, almost entirely white ; tqjper tail cavcrls^ not ichite, Iiarred with black ; legs and feet, black. Spring birds have black on the belly, and l)ack, i-uluus brown and l)lack. Fall birds have the belly white and back gray. Tringa alpina pacijicn. Red=backed Sandpiper. American Dunlin. See No. 198. Tringa alpina paciflca. FAMILY SCOLOPACID.E. SNII'E, SAN DPIl'EHS, CURLEWS, E ir 113 r' L. fix vi Curlew Sandpiper. liill. ilccuivtil iifiir the ti]!; upper tail coverts, white, ?^|^8hi» ^ T" handed with black i.r dark liinwii. "S^^^ ^ ^ *_ TriiKja fcrriDjiiii Curiew Sandpiper. Sec >"u. lyj. >^ Triiii,';! fi'rni>riiH>a. Tali aiiit upper tail coverts. 114 K13Y TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. ^^^ Tringa maculala. Tail and upper tail coverts Pectoral Sandpi)icr. IVill, in'iiily strai^lit; l)acK, marked with tawny breast with numerous narrow, brown streaks ; n srcondjirlcs (dinost ( iiiirdij vliite ; lower rump and upper tail coverts, black; the foatlici more (ir less tiiiped witli hull : two middl' tail feathers longer than the others. Tri>i(/a maculatd. Pectoral Sandpiper Grass Bird. See No. 1 and l)laek ; Die of huirr Triniia niaciilata. !t:5. Jiill, nearly straiglil; back, dark; feathers, edged with asliy or l)uft'; breast, grayish, witliouL brown streaks; one or more ol' inner seeon(biries almost entirely wlilte; legs and feet, yellow in life, pale brown in dried skin. Tringa maritima. Purple Sandpiper. See Xo. 1J12. Purple Sandi)iper. Section 5. Toes, four, without web; bill, under 1.10. Upper tail coverts, white ; inner uel)S ^^5:--, of i)riinaries, not speckled. Tringa fusririi]Iis. White=rumped Sandpiper. O^^^- See No. 194. ~'^' Tringa fuscioollis. Tringa fuscicoUis. FAMILY SCOLOPACID.E. SNIPE, SANDPIPKKS, CURLEWS, ETC. 115 Middle upper tail coverts, smoky or dusky, often tipped with lull!': iiiticr welis of priiii;ii-ics not spcrklcd ; sides, white: middle toe and claw, less than .95; It-- .md lill. blackish. Trinya hairdii. Baird's Sandpiper. See No. 1!».5. Tringa bairdii. 'I'Mil and upper tail coverts. Tringa maculata. Tail and upper tail coverts. niddle upper tail coverts, black, olteu uanowly tipped witli brownish buft"; inner wel)s of primaries, not speckled; middle toe and claw, over .H.j ; middle tail feathers decidedly longer than tiierest; legs, yellowish olive: base of bill, dull olive; tip, Idack. Trinya maculata. Pectoral Sandpiper. Grass Bird. See No. 103. Inner web of primaries six-cklcd. Trynyites sribrujiculli.^. Buff=breasted Sandpiper. Sec No. 21."). Tryngitcs wubrufjcollis. First primary. Ituff. breasted Sandi)ii)er. Section 6. Toes, three ; bill, over .60 inch. I'.ill, lihiik; shnnidrr (Icssei- .ind middle uing com it-', brown; no web tui. Sanderlinjc Sandpiper. Sc.> Nn. 202. Calidri> aienaria. 116 KEY TO THE BIKDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. * Group 4. Wing, 5.50 to 6.75 inches long. Section 1. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toe; bill, over 1.80. r[>l)er tail coverts and axillars, white, spotted or barred witli dusky; l)ill, nearly sti'ai,i>lit. 31acrtirhnmphns fjriscna. Red=breasted Snipe, or Dowitcher. (^ See No. 18S. Macrorhaiiq^huti scolvpaauis. Western Red=breasted Snipe, or Long^billed Dowitcher.. Macrorhaiiipluis griseus. '^'^^' ^^*' -'^'^'*" Section 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toe; bill, under 1.80. Tarsus and middle toe togetlier, more tlian 2. (JO inelies long; outer primary, slate lirown, without hars ; rump and upper tail coverts, white, more or less barred with browu : legs, yellow. Totanus mipcs. Summer Yellow=leg. See No. 208. ■^ 'I'dtamis llavipcs. Stilt Sandpiper. Tarsus and middle toe, together, less tlian 2.00; upper toil covrrts^ivhite, or tvhitr harred with black; outer primary, slate browu, without l)ars. 31icropalain,a hiinantopus. Stilt Sandpiper. See No. 190. * For direotions lor measurement, see page !l. FAMILY SCOLOPACID-E. — SNIPE, SANDl'ii'KKS, CUKLKWS, ETC. 117 ITplatiil Plover. (>iilcr primarv , wliitish, l):irred with d.-irk brown. BnrtmmiH Jmiiiinnuhi. Bartramian Sandpiper. Upland Plover. See No. 214. Section 3. Toes, four, without web ; bill, over 2 inches long. I.owfi' liflly, whitish or" white: ;i\ill:ir<. It.irrrd hlurl; mihI uliiic. Chdlinagu delicata. Wilson's Snipe. Jack Snipe. See No. 187. Ualliii.'ijjo (li'licat^i. 118 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Rplly, l)ufr color: axilhirs, rufous brown. Philohela minor. Woodcock. See No. 18,5. Philohela minor. Section 4. Toes, four, without web; bill, under 2 inches long. Rump, gray ; upper tail coverts, whitish, banded or marked with black: inner webs or primaries not speckled. Trinya canntus. Knot. See No. lUl. Tringa canutiis. Rump, blackish ; middle upper tail coverts, black (not aiided) ; inner wei) of primai-ies not speckled. Tringa maculata. Pectoral Sandpiper. Grass Bird. See No. 193. Inner webs of ])riniarif's. specklt'd. Trynyites siibrujicoUis. Buff=breasted Sandpiper. See No. 215. Tryngiles siibruficoUis. FAMILY SCOI^OPACID.E. — SNIPE, SANDPIPERS, CUIJLEWS, ETC. 119 * Group 5. Wing, 6 75 to 9 inches long. Section 1. Toes, four, with more or less web; bill, curved upwards or straight ; bill, over 2.60. Symplicniiii semipiiliiiiita. Willct. Axillars, smoky black; Ix'lly, white; termi- 11,1 1 Ihiid of outer iiiiiiiiirv. I)l;iek: the rest, white; hill, nearly straight. Si/mphrmin snnipahnnla. Willet. Siimphcmin srmipaliii'itd i)). 211 and 212. Axillars, dark gray, or sooty gray; 'leily, giayisli white; first primary, dark slaty brown with white shaft; hill, rurvcd ii|i\vanl; upper tail coverts mostly white. Liiimxd hiitjiii^lirii. Hudsonian (iodwit. Sri- No. 2i)4. Iludsoniau (iodwit. * K"»>r fllrectlons for measurement, 8CC page 'J. 120 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Marbled Godwit. Axillars, rufous brown ; upper tiiil co\ert-!, not white; belly, l)utT, soinetiines bill-led with dark brown; primaries, pale rufous brown with numerous dark dots; shaft of primaries, white; bill, eurved upward. Li mom fciht'i. flarbled Godwit. See No. 203. Linioya toiloa. Section 2. Toes, four, without web; bill, nearly straight; bill, over 2.60. Axillars, banded with white and grayish brown ; belly, pale browu, banded with dark brown; primaries, «;rayisli brown; outer web, banded with pale brown or rufous brown ; shaft of primaries, dark; bill, nearly str.aight. Scolopax rusticola. European Woodcock. See No. 184. FAMILY SCOLOPACIDi^E. — SNIl'E, 8ANI)I'H'ERS, CURLKWS, ETC. 121 Section 3. Toes, four (with small web); bill, slightly curved upward or straight; bill, under 2.60 and over 1.50. Axillars, smoky black; belly, white; outer primar}- ter- ininai tiiinl, buick, rest white; rump, gray; upper tail coverts, white. Sijmphemia semipalmata. Willet. See Xo. -211. Axillars, white, witli few liiriil brown dots iie;ir tlie ends; belly, white; outer primary dark, wiili sliatt, white; rump, white without bars; upper tail coverts, white, without bars; legs, olive green. Tn/imns netDihtnus. Qreenshank. See No. 20G. Axillars, white, banded with brown ; l)eliy, wliite; outer primary, blaek: «!haft, wliite: rump, grayish brown; feathers, tipped with white; upper tail coverts, white, more or less barred with dark brown; legs, bright yellow. 'Jutdiuis iiirhinolciirits. Winter Yellowlegs. Greater Yellowlegs. Sec \(). 'iOT. Section 4. Toes, four, with small web ; bill, nearly straight; bill, under 1.50. I'liliiiul Plover. Axillars, white, banded with brown; lir-t ininiary, br-.w n. w iih white bar^ on intier wfit; tip, dinlv. i:,irii:i,iii>i hoiiit, see paK« »• 124 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMEllICA. FAMILY CHARADRIID^. Plovers. Toes, three, no hind toe. The Plovers are a cosmopolitan family, numberint^ something less than one hundred species, fifteen of which occur in Nortli America, includiug exotic stragglers. As a rule thej^ have but three toes, althougii two genera, Squatarola and Vanellus, have four. The tarsus is reticulate and tlie toes are partly webbed. s,^*p '^^\^- Black-bellied Plover (Winter) Piping Plover. Semipalniated Plover. * Group 1. Wing, 3.75 to 4.50 inches long. Section 1. Bill, under .60. IJill, orange at base, the tip, black; legs, dull flesh color; a black ^^ stripe from bill passing under eye. Aegialitis scmipalmata. Semipal mated Plover. See No. 2-20. Aegialitis semi palmata. For (lirections for measiirenieut, .->ee page 1). FAMILY CHARADRTID.T:. PLOVEHS. 125 nm, oraiifio at hai^t-, the tiii. lilack: h'i;-^, uraiij^i; yellow; two middle tail feathers. tipi)i'il with white: no black stripe from bill to eye; black breast band not couflueiit. Species not found west of the Rocky flountains. Aegialitis meloda. Piping Plover. See No. -i-Js. Bill, orange at ba.. Aegialitis .timijxiliitii/ii. Semipalmated Plover. Ring Neck. Sec No. 221;. .AefflnlitlH Hciiii|ialiiiata. Kill- ilirfi'iiiiiis (raii>;(! l)n)\\ n. ClKiradriiis (liniiniicits. Golden Plover. See No. 221. ('liar;ilack, tipped witli white. AiluU in iriiilir: Ai)ove, light, streaked and daslied with dark hrown: an iini)erfeet hand of dark brown on tlie jnirnluni ; ehin and tipper part of llie throat, white: sides of breast, like the hack; rest of the iinderi)arts. white; a distim-t white band on the winir; runip, white, but with a broad patch of hlaek on the npper tail eoverts; tail, dark brown, the tii)s and basal half of the iuniM- featliers, and nearly two thirds of the outer feathers, whitr; leeugth, JS.t;.") ; wini;, 5.70; tail, -i.^O; Inrsn-. I: Mil. .'.•."». Anudria iiiltri>rrs. Turnstone. See No. 2:i2. 130 KEY TO THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. FAMILY H/EMATOPODID^. Oyster=catchers. Toes, three; bill, over 2.50 inches long. Section 1. Toes, three; bill, red. Haeniatoims palliatue. Head aud neck, blackish, or very dark brown ; back, brown; upper tail coverts, white; bill, red ; bill, over 2.50 inches long; wing, about ten inches long; lower breast and belly, white. Hmnatopus palliatus. American Oyster=catcher. S(;e No. 234. American Oystor-catcher. ORDER PYGOPODES. Diving Birds. Suborder PODICIPIDES. Grebes. Family PODICIPID^. Grebes. Six species of Grebes occur iu North America. Their toes are lobe webbed anil llie legs are placed far hack, rendering walking dithcult. Tiiey feed principally on fish. About thirty-two speeies ar*' known througliout the world. Genus COLYMBUS Linn. SuwjENus COLYMBUS Linn. liolliKtll'.- (ircbc. ricillitUeil Urcbc. (131) 132 THE BIRDS OF EASTEKN NOKTFI AMERICA. COLYMBUS HOLBOELLII (Reinh.). Holboell's Grebe. Summer: Crowii, nape, uud back of Lhe neck, black; back, dull black or ))lackisli; throat, belly, aud sides of the head, silvery white; front and skies of neck, rufous browu, frradually shading lighter on breast; sides of body, more or less rufous. Adult in vrlntcr : Upper plumage, sooty brown; throat and undci-- parts, silvery white; neck, more or less tinged with rufous. Innnaturc birds have the throat aud sides tinged with gray. Lcmjth, 18 to 20; wing, 7.60; tarsus, 2.15; bill, 1.80 to 2, DistributioH : North America at large, including Greenland {A. 0. U.) : south in wiuter to North Carolina and Middle States of the interioi-; breeds from Minnesota aud Dakota northwards. Xest and ef/gs : The nest is usually composed of grass and reeds, ;. 'riie eggs are soiled white or pale greenish white, from three to live in number, 2.20 X 1.3.5. Holboell's Grebe is the largest of the family in Eastern North America. It is not uncommon on the Atlantic coast during the winter months. Like others of its famii}' it i.s an expert diver, and rarely takes wing when pursued, usually disappearing bencatii the water with an ease and quickness which has won for it the sobriquet of Hell Diver. When frightened it often swims under water with only a small portion of the head and bill exposed. Subgenus DYTES Kaup. COLYMBUS AURJTUS Ltnn. Horned Grebe. Water Witch. Adult in summer : Upper parts, including back, wings, top of the head and back of the neck, glossy black ; throat, black ; front of the neck, breast, and sides of the body, rufous chest- nut; rest of underparts, white; wings, dusky ])lack; secon- daries, white ; lores, dull chestnut; the two small tufts of feathers at the sides of the occiput, brownish buft'. Adidt in winter and immature: Head and back, grayish; underparts, white, usually tinged with gray on the breast uud lower throat; no tufts on sides of the, head in lointer plumage. Length: 13.40; wing, 5.40; tarsus, 1.70; bill, .85 to .95. Distribution: Northern Hemisphere, breeding from the United States northward (^1. 0. U.), migrating south in winter to Florida and the Gulf States. Nest and eggs : The nest is a mass of floating grass or ^ "* weeds or a mat of grass on a partly submerged marsh ; the eggs are four to seven, dull white or yellowish white, or soiled brownish white, and measure 1.75x1.15. 'I FAMILY rOUKIPID.E. GLEBES. 133 The Horned Grebe is sometimes confounded with the Pied-I)ilied Grebe in winter dress, but the former species has a more pointed and sliirhtly lonsfer bill and tarsus. Both this and the next species are known to gunners b}- various names, among the most common being. Water Witch, Hell Diver, and Die Dipper. No. H. The Amerieuii E;irfd (ii-clje, C nhjricnUis ca/ifornirys, hnf, Ix'cii tjikcii in Illinois. (Ridr/wnji.) Genus PODILYMBUS Lesson. PODILYMBUS PODICEPS (Lixx.) Pied-billed Grebe. Hell Diver. Sp. char. Adult in summer : Above, glossy durk brown or brownish l)l:ic'k; throat, bhick, and a Ijlack band on Ihe bill; front of neck and sides of neck and body, tini;;ed with pale browu; belly, silvery white. Adult in lointer : Similar, but lackin<;' the black throat and without the black band on the bill; lower belly, tinged with gray. Lruffth : 1:^.50; wing, 5; tarsus, 1.45; bill, .!)0. Distribution : British Provinces, south- ward to r>ra/.il. Argentine Kepuiilic, and ( 'liili, including ^Vest Indit'sand Uernuida. hi-ceding nearly throughout its range {A. O. U.) : win- ters from New Jersey southward. N'est and eggs : The nest is composed of a mass of floating vcigetation or a mat of grass on slightly submerged marshes. The eggs arc yi'Mowi'li wliiti' or dirty white, usually troMi three to eight, and measure about 1.70 X 1 .20. Famiia ( "i.W 1 1! ). 1{. Loons. Restricted to five known -iprcic-.. Tbc toes :ir<' four, lull uebbcd in tront : the hind toe. separ;il>', w iili -mall ll:i|i of |cil>i' ; the i.ir-:us i< Ikillened. Tin- legs .-ire set far back, rendering w.ilking dillicult. Tin ir food cou^i-l- |)riiicipally of llsh. wiiii-h they cateii with great drx- tcrity, being expert suinnmr- and dixfr-. lU THE BIKDS OF EASTERN NORTTT AMERICA. Genus GAVIA. Forster. QAVIA IMBER (Gunn). Loon. Common Loon. Mm Loon. Noktiikhn Diver. Adult in summer : lle:id aud neck l)l;ick, showing green in some lights ; a |ial cli of white streaked with hlack on tlu! tlu'oat and sides of tlie neck ; under- parts, wliite; l)ack :iiid wings, ])laclv, sti-enkcHl and spotted with wliite; \vliei(! tlie wliite spots oecnr tliere are iisiiiilly two spots neartlie end of each I'cjiMicr; sides of breast, strealiirihnti(>n : Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere, ranging south in winter to (!ulf of Mexico and Lower California. Breeds from Northern United States northward. Nest and eggs: Nest, a mass of grass or weeds and leaves, close to water, more commonly on islets or shores of some pond or lake. Two eggs, grayish brown or greenish brown, heavily blotched with dark brown, and measure 3.50 x 2.25. Althouirh loss numeious than formerly, Loons are common on the Athmtic coast during: niiijrations, and the wild, laugh-like note is a well-known sound on shore and lake. FAMIIA' (iAVllD.E. — LOONS. 135 '^'^W Loons. ^\■iut€^. INDKX. A. PAGE A Otitis niaoularia 108, 110 yEgialitiH iiieloda 125, 126 " clrcuiiiciin-ta 125, 126 montana 126, 128 nivosa 125, 126 semipalinata 124 vocifera 126, 128 wilsonia 125 -(Estrelati hasitata 48 Aix sponsa 64,65 Ajaja ajaja 86 Albatrosi^es 12,46 Yellow-iiosLMl 46 Alcatorda 31,32 Alcida; 21,29,30 Alcinw 21,30 Allealle 2il Allina? 22,30 Anas ameiicana 65, (i6 bosclias 66 caroliiieneis 64 C3'anoptera 64 dlscors 63 fulvlgula 66 obscura 66 Btrepera 65, 66 Anatiilie 14, 15, 51), 61,63, 71,81 Anatina; 14, 5'J, 63 Aiihln(fa aiihlnga 53 AnhiiiKi'la' 16,53 Aiious Htulitlutj 43 Aiiscralblfrons Ki>'>i'>t'l '^3 Aimcres 61 Aiitierliuv 15, Ml, 81 Aphrizifia' IT, 10:5,12!) Arami.lu' 18, !)6 Araimis f;ij,'anl<'iis JXi Aniea ••a-nilca 1)0,91 candiilissiiiia !)1 CKretta '.13, !)4 lier.xUas !)4 (MXlilflltlliH 'M rufetic 15, .V) Yellow billed Tropic .50 Bitterns 19, 8*.) American 92, 93 Cory's Least 8!) Least 89 Blue bill 71.72.73,74 lihie Peter 100 Hooby. Uhie faced 51 Red footed 51 llotaurus lentiginosiis 92,9:1 Brant 1.1, 81, ,>*2 Black 81,82 Branta bcrnida 81 canadensis 81 leucopsls SI nigricans 81 Br... id bill 64 ci;{7) 138 THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. C. PAGE Califlris arenaria 23,107,109,115 Camptolajmus labradorius 78 Cepphus grylle 29 jnandtii 29,31 Charadriida; 18, 24, 103, 121 Charadrius doininicus 128 squatarola 18, 128 Charitonetta albeola 71, 72 Chen Cffirulescens 83 liyperborea 83 " nivalis 83 Ciconiidre 20,88 Clangula liyenialis 73, 74 ColynibuH 131 auritus 25, 132 holboelli 25, 132 nigricolliH calil'drnirus 133 Coots 11,97, 100 American 100 Black 79 Buttcr.ljill 79, SO Gray 80 Skuniv.liead 7(i, 77, 79, SO Whilu-wingeii 77,79 Cormorants 10, 50, 54 Common 54, 55 Double crested 54, 55 Florida 54 Mexican 54, .55 Courlans 18,95,90 Cranes 18,95 Sandhill 95 Whooping 95 Crymophilus I'lilicarius 105 Curlews 17, lo2, 104, 107 Esquimaux 122 Hudsonian 122, 123 Jack 122, 123 Long-billed 123 Sickle-bill 123 Cygnina; 15,60,84 D. Daflla acuta 64, 65, 66 Darters 16, 53 Diomedeidre 12, 22, 46 Diver, Northern 134 Dowilcher, Long billed 110, 116 Dovekies 22, 29, 30 Ducks -. . 59, 61 American Golden eye 69, 73, 74, 76 Bay 59,71 Barrow's Golden-eye 69, 74, 76 Black 66, G7 Blackhead 73,74 Blue hill 71, 72, 73, 74 Bunie-heade, 59, cii, (jl, 81 Gel()(-lielid()ii iiilotica 43 GlauciotR'tta rl;iii^'ul:i ainericana .... 73, 74, 76 ihlandica 74, 76 Godwlt 102 Iludsonian 119 Marbled 120, 123 Goose 81 American White-fronted 82,83 Barnacle 81 Blue 83 Cackling 81 Canada 81 Greater Snow 83 Lesser .Snow 83 Snow 82 Grebes 11,25,26,131 Ilolboell's 25,131,132 HorTM'd 2.5, 2(;, 132 IMed billed 2,5, 2(i, 131, 133 Greenshank 121 Grulda; 18, 95 Grus americana 95 inexicana 95 Guara alba 87 rubra 87 (;ullleni(.ts 21,. 30 Black 29 Gulls 13,3.5,36,37 American Herring ........ 38,39,40 lUack (iullleniot 29 Ilon;i|);irte*s 36,37 Franklin's 36 GbiuciiUH ."IS. .19, 40 (;real HIack backed 3.s, 39, 40 Icebind :Vi, 39, 40 Ivory 37.38 Gulls— Continued. PAGE Kittiwake 21, 36, 38 Kumlien's 39, 40 Laughing .30, 37, 38 Mandt's 29, 31 Ring-billed .38, 40 Sabine's 30, 37 H. Haglet 22-48 Ha>matopodida; 24, 103, 130 Ihematopus palliatus 130 Hell Diver 2.5, 1:« Hen, Mu, !t7 Blai-k 97, 100 Carolina !)S Clajjper '.)'.) King it;), 100 Sora i»s, 1(10 Virginia '.IS, l(i() Yellow !»7 Rallida; H, Is, l;', 07, 100 Rallinaj 07 Rallus elegaii8 00, 100 longirostris crepitans 00 Virginian us OS Reciirviro.striila' 17, i.'J, Ui-J, loo Uecurvirostra aniericana lOG Rliyncliops nigra 4") RhyncliopidiC Ki, 4.j Rissa triilactvla 3S s. Sanderling 'i.i, 107 .Sanloi)ax rusticola 12t) •Scoter, American 70,79,80 Surf 70, 77, 79, 80 White winged 70,77 Sea I'igeon 29 I'arrot 29 Shearwater . 12,22,46 .Audubon's ... 48,49 Cory's 48, 49 (ireater 48 Manx 48 Sootv .... 4S PAGE Slielilrake (>3 SUinuners 13,45 Black 45 Skua.s 13,33,34 Snake Birds 16,53 Snipes 17, 102, 104, 107 Jack 110, 117 Red-breasted 110,116 Western Red-breasted 116 Wilson's 110, 111,117 Somateria boreali.i 77,79,80 dresseri 77, 80 spect.il)ilis 79, 80 Sora OS, 100 Spatula clype t:i C4 Spoonbills 20,80 Roseate 8(J Steganopodes 50 Stercorariid:u 1:1, 3;i, 34 Stercorarius longicaudus 33 l)arasiticu8 33 pomariniis 33 Sterna anxthetu ; 43 antillaruni 41 caspia 43 ilougalli 41 forsteri .... . 41 fuliginosa 43 hirundo ... 41 maxima 43 paradisca 43 sandricensis acullavicla 43 Sternime . . 13,3.5,41 Stilts 17, 23, 102, 100 Black-necked 107 Storks 20,88 Sula bassaii;i ... 51 cyanops 51 piscator 51 sula 51 Sididie 15,51 Swans 15, .5:1, 00, — » 1? --J O (0 Q. '.o "^ Ji (-• -0 H^ O > ) JO U3 r?' o so "-S CO »^ \0 cH ^ "^^ ^ ;=ri •-i o o 1 a • ;o Cfl tx ^, 00 0) O '1 o ci- Hj Q o CD c J tL CO H- ct-