et Oe re genes a naan tere em ae we reece de ae ete Ser eee . “ . - Soneste arene ere ay - ns - - ~~ - - eat o& at. jo -teequ at ert SS peat . = ameter Rt emer eres me teeny eet wear neesaee em |S phan aenar serene a te cab nk a Gah eh ah Oe nat PP ee ane atone tet ete Sa eee ee monn tat nen ot at wt aM eten cae A Ne em eee FR ET ete ene pare Oe ee as ee one om Bone ene tnte ee Me se arene tn te ot ene aes Po atere tem a ae te aad ene ere sere tem Ns aaa ih , iy 5, i ged iw ; Lie idly | ' Lae lh) Ae b | ar igh \ . BY I%-P. GIRAUD, Jx:, - MEMBER OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW-YORK, CORRESPONDING ; » MEMBER OF meres ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA, &C., i: Asia ate ant NEW-YORK: } PUBLISHED ‘BY’ WILEY & PUTNAM, 161 BROADWAY. ty a oe Seer _ Tobitt’s Print, 9 Spruce st. ENTKOBUCTLON. The great expense attending works embellished with costly en- gravings, as well as the strictly scientific character of most works treating of Natural History, limits such subjects comparatively to the few. Frequent complaints of this nature have induced me to offer the present volume, with a view of: placing within the reach of the “gunners,” the means of becoming more thoroughly acquainted with the birds frequenting Long Island. The additions all departments of Natural History are continually receiving, is evidence, that with however much zeal and energy the different branches have been pursued, and notwithstanding the praiseworthy exertions bestowed by those who have distinguished themselves in their various pursuits, still we find their labors are — not so far complete as to leave nothing for their successors. “While the Botanist, Mineralogist, Entomologist, and Concholo- gist are enriching their cabinets, the Ornithologist is finding in our vast territory * undescribed species. The “Journal of. the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia,’’ (1841,) contains an article giving the views of Dr. Bachman, relative to the course our Naturalists should pursue in the publigation’ of American species viz. “that all north of the Tropic of Cancer twenty-three and a half degrees, should be called North America—the Tropics, Tro- pical or Central America—and south of the Tropic of Capricorn, South America.” The large scope which our Zoology embraces, deters many persons from making collections, as they despair ever. being able to complete them. I would therefore suggest to amateurs the propriety of commencing with a view of collecting such species as are to be:found in their own district, taking the State or even IV the County in which they reside; pursuing this plan, they would be enabled to obtain such species of birds as visit their section, and also have an opportunity of studying their habits, which affords greater pleasure than labelling a dried skin, received from a dis- tance. In this way I have no doubt that many interesting facts would beacquired relative tothe migration and habitsof many species of which at present we know but little ; and it is highly probable that new species would be discovered even in those sections supposed to be thoroughly explored, leaving the remote re- gions to the taste and liberality of travellers, or to some adventu- rous spirit like Townsend, who enriched our Ornithology by disco- veries made during his journey across the Rocky Mountains, and along the shores of the Columbia River. » The occurrence on Long Island of many species that are rarely on a vor never observed in other parts of the middle districts, will doubt- . ppear somewhat remarkable to those who are unacquainted with the locality ; but when they examine the map, and find that this lengthy and comparatively narrow Island extends. some dis- tance into the ocean nearly at right angles with the southern por- tion of the coast of the United States, comprising within its bound- aries numerous bays, inlets, shoals, and bars, abounding with all the varieties of food peculiar to almost every species of marine birds, it will not seem surprising that those species which are more abundant in the higher as well as the more temperate latitudes, should, in their wanderings, visit these hospitable shores.— Not only is our section the resort for nearly every species of Water Bird found within the limits of the United States, but out of more than five hundred birds now ascertained to belong to North America, two hundred and eighty-six have been known to visit this far-famed Island. Indeed, no portion of our country, of — the same extent, is richer in resources for the student of Natural f vV History, or more inviting to the sportsman, than this garden of the middle districts. Its Great South Bay, “ occupying a distance of seventy miles’ uninterrupted inland navigation,” with its sea-washed shores, abounding with numerous species of shell and other fish, | doubtless contains treasure’ unknown to the Ichthyologist and Conchologist. Its variety of soil affords an excellent field to the Botanist, and its alluvial formations furnish much that is interest- ing to those pursuing the grand and comprehensive science of Geo- logy. The frequent occurrence of those beautiful streams for which the Island is so justly celebrated, excites the admiration of the Angler ; and the noble Buck roams proudly through its forests. Often when examining the shell banks, (the Indian’s mint) found on the margins of many creeks, in search of some relic of by-gone days, have I wandered back into the past, and readily imagined that the primitive inhabitants have on this productive Is- land enjoyed all that is pictured in the red man’s happiest dream of paradise. A few half-breeds still cling to the soil of their ancestors ; but the next generation will have to refer to the pages of history to point out where dwelt the once-powerful race of Montauks, and other tribes that have dwindled away before the rapid strides of civilization. Before describing the “ Birds of Long Island,” I will here remark, that the difference in plumage and other characteris- tics, does not arise from their indiscriminately mating, as supposed by some. This cannot be; if it were, every season would pro. duce such endless varieties, that any attempt at classification would proye abortive. On the contrary, we see year after year the same broad characters which determine the Genera, with the specific markings denoting the species; and at this late period, a mew species discovered east of the Mississippi, is of rare occurrence. a, » 4 It is the opinion of the writer, that those who pass through life without stopping to admire the beauty, organization, melody, or habits of Birds, rob themselves of a very great share of the pleasures of existence. In spring, when Nature has recovered from the chilling blasts of winter, and again puts forth her rieh foliage, what can be more delightful than to listen to the rich melody of our songsters, robed in their nuptial plumage, perched on the branch of the rich magnolia, arranging their splendid at- tire with studied care, as if jealous that the swelling buds would put forth blossoms that would rival them in beauty ? Joyous in- deed is it to watch the gay Humming Bird sporting around the fragrant honeysuckle, fearless of man, as if conscious of its inno- cence—little knowing that its small but brilliant body is more highly prized by him than the cumbrous form of the Vulture, here sipping the dew-drops made fragrant through the agency of the rose—there probing the peony to extract its insect prey, or hover- ing round the closed bud of the lily, impatiently waiting for the unfolding of its swelling leaflets, to revel in its luxuriance ? The Water Birds, though not possessed of the bright plumage and sweetly-toned voice of the gaily-attired minstrels. confined to theland,havetheir charms. Pleasing is it when invited by the invigor- ating breeze, to visit the sea-shore—or perchance, when rambling along the borders of our great lakes, to mark how beautifully the providence of Nature is developed in the well-adapted forms to the habits of the “ Water Fowl,” and also to observe the regular order iG eons, at the approach of winter, to a more geniglet —from whence, in early spring, br e in which large flocks move when ,| ¢ they retifii-to'the © esting to notice the various shades of plumage, from the gay Sum- ee? ; : great nursery” at the North. It is also inter- mer Duck to the sombre Surf Duck, each tinge, spot, and line showing superior intelligence ; but in this, like all other parts of Creation, man, with his boasted knowledge, knows nothing of first causes. 4 elgg . Vit Some species frequent the still ponds and shady creeks; others pass their time at sea ; while many crowd our bays and harbors, con- » tributing to our support. Some feed on shelly molusca ; others subsist chiefly on vegetables; and many regale themselves on finned prey. - The great changes which birds undergo until they arrive at full and mature plumage, as well as the various changes the adults are subjected to from Spring to Autumn, teaches us that plumage is not at all times the best criterion for specific characters. Therefore the writer would urge the importance of paying attention to the bills, Gai and feet, which, with the habits and notes, are certain characters. The plumage first engages the attention of the student. This should be examined during Spring, when most of our birds appear in full and decided dress, and the notes of all our Song Birds are frequent and clearly expressed. The next is their habits, which, in some cases the peculiarities are so difficult to describe, that in a written description of closely-allied species, there may appear but a trifling difference ; yet to a close observer, the manners and cus- toms peculiar to certain species, the mode of building their nests, their eggs, &c., are sufficient of themselves to form distinctive characters. In Autumn, when those which have passed on to other districts to breed, return with their young, in whatever liverv they may then appear, the species may be determined to a certainty by recognizing its peculiar note; which, in but very few instances, can be intelligibly communicated by syllables. In other words, the place to study Ornithology is in the open air, while rambling through the woods and fields, following the water-courses ; and by frequenting the sea-shore and interior lakes—thus studying from Nature, the best of all preceptors. With those species which are of exceedingly rare occurrence, and the habits of which you have had no opportunity of observing, or tracing the plumage in its dif- ferent stages, the formation of the bills, tarsi, feet, and toes, will assist in defining closely-allied species. VIII Those closet Naturalists, who study altogether from dried Specimens, are merely theorists. Such a course may serve to amuse the student who is content with acquiring only the classifi- , eation of this beautiful and highly interesting part of the animal creation, of the habits and abode of which, he knows nothing practically; to such, the poetry of Ornithology is entirely lost. The descriptions of plumage J have taken from a collection now before me, comprising, with but few exceptions, all those species figured by Mr. Audubon in his great, and to our country, highly creditable work on the “Birds of America,” the majority of the species having been procured by my own hand. Should I, from the plain manner in which I have endeavored to point out the specific characters of those procured on Long Island, as well as, by placing within reach of those who are in daily use of the gun, a simple Book of Reference, be instrumental in adding to our already large Fauna, or acquire a further knowledge of the habits of those species which with us are but little known, the pur- pose of the writer will be accomplished. In preparing a list of the Birds of Long Island, I have stu- diously avoided introducing any species that I have not met with, or received from the very best authority an intimation of its occur- yence in our locality. In speaking of the migrations and habits of species for which my opportunities for observation have been very limited, I have had recourse to the works of various authors, none of which have been more closely consulted than the highly instruc- tive pages of Wilson and Audubon. In comparing specimens in various stages of plumage, I have enjoyed the privilege of the valuable Cabinets of Messrs. Bell, Lawrence, and Brasher, who, from their Ornithological acquirements, as well as their acquaint- ance with the locality with which we are engaged, have contribut- ed much valuable information. J. P. GIRAUD, Jr. New-York, June, 1843. oY ied TABLE OF FAMILY, GENERA, AND SPECIES OF THE BIRDS OF LONG ISLAND, (ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE CLASSIFICATION OF AUDUBON.) A a dea FAMILY VULTURINA. VULTURINE BIRDS. GENUS CATHARTES. Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture, or Turkey-buzzard FAMILY FALCONIN 2. FALCONINE BIRDS. GENUS BUTEO. Buzzard. Buteo borealis Red-tailed Buzzard ‘* Pennsylvanicus Broad-winged * “ Jagopus Rough-legged “ “ lineatus Red-shouldered “* GENUS AQUILA. Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle GENUS HALLETUS. Sea Eagle. Haliaetus leucocephalus White-headed or Bald Eagle GENUS PANDION. Osprey. Pandion haliaetus Fish Hawk or Osprey GENUS NAUCLERUS. Swallow-lailed Hawk. Nauclerus furcatus Swallow-tailed Hawk GENUS FALCO. Falcon. Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon ‘¢ sparverius Sparrow ss “* columbarius Pigeon = ; GENUS ASTUR. Hawk. ~ Astur palumbarius Gos Hawk ‘« fuscus Sharp-shinned Haw * Cooperii Cooper’s ee x GENUS CIRCUS. Harrier. Circus cyaneus Common Harrier or Marsh Hawk FAMILY STRIGINZ. OWLS. GENUS SURNIA, Day Ovwl. Surnia nyctea Snowy Owl GENUS ULULA. Mght Ovl. ~ Ulula acadica Acadian Owl GENUS SYRNIUM. Hooting Owl. Syrnium nebulosa Barred Owl GENUS OTUS. Eared-owl. Otus vulgaris Long-eared Owl ‘* brachyotos Short-eared * GENUS BUBO. Horned owl. Bubo Virginianus Virginian Horned Ow! «aslo Mottled Horned ‘ FAMILY CAPRIMULGIN. GOAT-SUCKERS. GENUS . CAPRIMULGUS. Goat-sucker. ‘ Caprimulgus vociferus Whip-poor-will GENUS CHORDEILES. Might Hawk. Chordeiles Virginianus Night Hawk FAMILY CYPSELINAE. SWIFTS.. GENUS CHETURA. Spine-tail. Chaetura pelasgia Chimney Swallow or American Swift FAMILY HIRUNDIN &. SWALLOWS. GENUS HIRUNDO. Swallow. Hirundo purpurea — Purple Martin ~ “rustica Barn Swallow ‘© bicolor White-bellied Swallow “¢ riparia Bank o “ fulva Cliff és FAMILY MUSCICAPINAE. FLYCATCHERS. GENUS MUSCICAPA. Flycatcher. Muscicapa tyrannus Tyrant Flycatcher 4 acadica Small Green-crested Flycatcher XI Muscicapa crinita Great Crested Flycatcher ou fusca Pewee fe virens Wood Pewee ae “ pusilla Least Pewee ss = ruticilla American Redstart ‘ GENUS CULICIVORA. Ginat-catcher. Culicivora cerulea Blue-gray Gnat-catcher FAMILY SYLVICOLINAE. - WOOD WARBLERS. GENUS MYIODIOCTEs. Flycatching Warbler. Myiodioctes mitratus Hooded Flycatching Warbler ss Canadensis Spotted Canadian “ ff g formosa Kentucky ce tf ae Wilsonii Wilson’s 5 as Sylvi ricola pinus discolor “striata “ Blackburnize *¢ — maculosa WU coronata *¢ Canadensis “«« virens “ soestiva *« petechia «Americana “maritima ef castanea «« — icterocephala Trichas Marylandica «Philadelphia Helinaia solitaria «« _-vermivora «« chrysoptera « ~ rubricapilla Mniotilta varia GENUS SYLVICOLA. Wood Warbler. Pine creeping Wood Warbler Prairie oe Black-poll “ ad Blackburnian a “e Blue-headed Yellow-rumped Yellow-crowned “ Oy Black-throated Blue. ‘“f Black-throated Green ‘‘ Yellow-poll Le if Yellow Red-poll ‘ es Blue Yellow-backed ‘“ Cape May 3 Bay-breasted = se Chestnut-sided ‘ eS GENUS TRICHAS. Ground Warbler. : Maryland Ground Warbler Mourning 6 GENUS HELINAIA. Swamp Warbler. Blue-winged Yellow Swamp Warbler Wor m-eating Golden-winged ae “ Nashville a ¥f GENUS MNIOTILTA. Creeping Warbler. Black-and-white Creeping Warbler FAMILY CERTHINAE. Certhia familiaris Troglodytes hyemalis wedon a Americanus CREEPERS. GENUS CERTHIA. Tree Creeper. Brown Tree Creeper GENUS TROGLODYTES. Wrens. Winter Wren House - Wood ae XII Troglodytes Ludovicianus Great Carolina Wren “palustris Marsh FAMILY PARINAE. TITS. GENUS PARUS. Tit. Parus atricapillus Black-capt Titmouse «bicolor Crested FAMILY SYLVIANAE. WARBLERS. GENUS REGULUS. Kinglet. Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned Kingiet “ satrapa American Golden-crested Kinglet GENUS SIALIA. Blue Bird. Sialia Wilsonii Common Blue Bird FAMILY TURDINAE. THRUSHES. GENUS ORPHEUS, Mocking-bird. Orpheus polyglottus Gray Mocking-bird. * Carolinensis Black-capped ‘Mocking-bird, or Thrush “rufus Ferruginous oe of GENUS TURDUS. Thrushes. Turdus migratorius Red-breasted or Migratory Thrush ‘¢ mustelinus Wood “ Wilsonii Wilson’s 5 “minor Hermit eS “* olivaceous Olive-backed a FAMILY MOTACILLINAE. WAGTAILS. pee SEIURUS. ‘ood-wagtails. Seiurus aurocapillus Golden-crowned Wood-wagtail “« Noveeboracensis Aquatic GENUS ANTHUS. Pipit. Anthus Ludovicianus American Pipit FAMILY ALAUDINAE. LARKS. GENUS ALAUDA. ’ Lark. Alauda alpestris Shore Lark FAMILY FRINGILLINAE. FINCHES. GENUS PLECTROPHANES. Lark Bunting. Plectrophanes nivalis Snow Lark Bunting Af Lapponica Lapland Lark Bunting XI GENUS EMBERIZA.- Bunting. Emberiza Americana Black-throated Bunting “< graminea Bay-winged “ «savanna Savannah re “* passerina Yellow-winged < rc “« Henslowii Henslow’s < “pusilla Field Ky ** socialis Chipping ‘** Canadensis Canada ot GENUS NIPH#. Snow-bird. Niphae hyemalis Common Snow Bird GENUS SPIZA. : Painted Bunting. Spiza cyanea Indigo Painted Bunting GENUS AMMODRAMUS. Shore Finch. Ammodramus maritimus Gray Shore Finch He caudacutus Buff-breasted “ as palustris Marsh ct GENUS LINARIA. Linnet. Linaria pinus Pine Linnet ‘* minor Lesser Red-poll Linnet GENUS CARDUELIS. Goldfinch. Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch GENUS FRINGILLA. Finch. Fringilla iliaca Fox-colored Finch “* melodia Song “ “ — Pennsylvanica White-throated * “ leucophrys White-crowned “ GENUS PIPILO. Ground Finch. Pipilo erythrophthalmus Towhe Ground Finch GENUS ERYTHROSPIZA. y Purple Finch. Erythrospiza purpurea Crested Purple Finch GENUS CORYTHUS. Pine Finch. Corythus enucleator Common Pine Finch, Pine Grosbeak GENUS LOXIA. Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra Common Crossbill “« Jeucoptera White-winged “ GENUS PITYLUS. Cardinal Grosbeak. Pitylus cardinalis Cardinal Grosbeak GENUS COCCOBORUS. Song Grosbeak. Coccoborus Ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak xIV GENUS PYRANGA. Tanager. Pyranga rubra Scarlet Tanager FAMILY AGELAINA. MARSH BLACKBIRDS. GENUS DOLICHONYX. Rice Bird. __ Dolichonyx oryzivora Rice Bird GENUS MOLOTHRUS. Cow Bird. Molothrus pecoris Cow-pen Bird GENUS AGELAIUS. Marsh Blackbird. Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Starling or Marsh Blackbird GENUS ICTERUS. Oriole. Icterus Baltimore Baltimore Hang-nest or Oriole ‘* spurius Orchard ae Seip GENUS QUISCALUS. Crow Blackbird. Quiscalus versicolor Purple Grakle 9: ferrugineus Rusty se FAMILY STURNINE. STARLINGS. GENUS STURNELLA. Meadow Starling. Sturnella Ludoviciana Crescent Meadow Starling FAMILY CORVINAE. CROWS. GENUS CORVUS. Crow. Corvus corax Raven “ Americanus . American Crow GENUS GARRULUS. Jay. Garrulus cristatus Blue Jay FAMILY LANINAE. SHRIKES. GENUS LANIUS. Shrike. Lanius borealis Great American Shrike FAMILY VIREONINAE. GREENLETS. GENUS VIREO. Greenlet. Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Greenlet ** Noveboracensis White-eyed “ XV Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Greenlet “solitarius Solitary ae “© gilvus Warbling FAMILY PIPRINAE. MANAKINS. GENUS ICTERIA. Chat. Icteria viridis Yellow-breasted Chat FAMILY AMPELINAE. CHATTERERS. GENUS BOMBYCILLA. Waxwing. Bombycilla Carolinensis Cedar Waxwing “s garrula Black-throated Waxwing FAMILY SITTINAE. NUTHATCHES. GENUS SITTA. Nuthatch. Sitta Carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch “Canadensis Red-bellied “ FAMILY TROCHILINAE. HUMMING BIRDS. GENUS TROCHILUS. Humming-bird. ee Trochilus colubris Ruby-throated Humming Bird FAMILY ALCEDINAE. KINGFISHERS. GENUS ALCEDO.. Kingfisher. Alcedo alcyon Belted Kingfisher FAMILY PICINAE. WOODPECKERS. GENUS PICUS. Woodpecker. Picus villosus Hairy Woodpecker “Canadensis Canadian ue “pubescens Downy e ‘“* varius Yellow-bellied “ “ Carolinus Red-bellied « ‘“« erythrocephalus Red-heeded as “auratus Golden-winged “ FAMILY CUCULINE. CUCKOOS. GENUS COCCYZUS. Cuckoo. Coccyzus Americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo “« erythrophthalmus Black-billed o XVI FAMILY COLUMBINAE. PIGEONS. GENUS ECTOPISTES- Long-tailed Dove. Ectopistes migratoria Wandering Long-tailed Dove a Carolinensis Carolina FAMILY PERDICINAE. PARTRIDGES. GENUS ORTYX.- Pariridge. Ortyx Virginiana Common American Partridge FAMILY TETRAONINA. GROUSE. GENUS TETRAO. Grouse. Tetrao umbellus Ruffed Grouse “ cupido Pinnated “ FAMILY RALLIN 45. RAILS. GENUS GALLINULA. Gallinule. Gallinula chloropus Common Gallinule “¢ Martinica Purple Be GENUS FULICA. ~ Coot. Felica Americana American Coot GENUS. ORTYGOMETRA. ' Crake Gallinule. Ortygometra Carolinus Carolina Crake Gallinule Noveeboracensis Yellow-breasted * GENUS RALLUS. Rail. Rallus crepitans Clapper Rail or Salt-water Marsh Hen “ Virgioianus Virginian Rail “elegans Great Red-breasted ‘“ or Fresh- water Marsh Hen FAMILY CHARADRINAE. PLOVERS. GENUS CHARADRIUS. Plover. , Charadrius helveticus Black-bellied Plover ee marmoratus American Golden“ es semipalmatus American Ringed“ se Wilsonius Wilson’s ce sf melodius Piping = 6 vociferus Kildeer an XVIL ' GENUS STREPSILAS. Strepsilas interpres Turnstcne. Turnstone GENUS H#MATOPUS. Haematopus palliatus Oyster-catcher. American Oyster-catcher FAMILY SCOLOPACINLE. Tringa islandica ‘© Bartramia alpina rufescens himantopus pectoralis maritima subarquata semipalmata pusilla Schinz Calidris (Tringa) arenaria SNIPES. GENUS TRINGA. Sandpiper. Red-breasted Sandpiper Bartram’s Red-backed Buff-breasted Long-legged Pectoral Purple Curlew Semipalmated Wilson’s Schinz’s Sanderling GENUS PHALAROPUS. Phalaropus fulicarius Lobipes Wilsonii ““« Hyperboreus Phalarope. Red Phalarope GENUS LOBIPES. Lobefoot. Wilson’s Lobefoot hyperborean ‘* GENUS TOTANUS. Totanus flavipes ‘© vociferus semipalmatus solitarius macularius “e “ec ac Limosa Fedoa “« Hudsonica Lailer. Yellow-shanks Tatler Tell-tale G3 Semipalmated Solitary Spotted “ce GENUS LIMOSA. Godwit. Great Marbled Godwit Hudsonian GENUS SCOLOPAX. Scolopax Wilsonii « Noveboracensis Snipe. Wilson’s Snipe Red-breasted ‘* GENUS MICROPTERA. Microptera Americana c Bogsucker. American Woodcock XVIII GENUS RECURVIROSTRA. Avocet. Recurvirostra Americana American Avocet GENUS HIMANTOPUS. Sult. Himantopus nigricollis Black-necked Stilt GENUS NUMENIUS. Curlew. Numenius longirostris Long-billed Curlew 6 Hudsonicus Hudsonian “ a borealis Esquimaux ce FAMILY TANTALINAE. IBISES. GENUS IBIS. Ibis alba ‘ White Ibis FAMILY ARDEINAE. HERONS. , GENUS ARDEA. Ardea Herodias Great Blue Heron ‘© Nycticorax Black-crown’d Night Heron “© yiolacea Yellow-crowned ss ‘© Tudoviciana Louisiana a“ “ coernlea Biue s6 * candidissima Snowy ue “virescens Green « «* lentiginosa American Bittern “ exilis Least ce « Egretta Great American White Egret FAMILY ANATINAE. DUCKS. GENUS ANSER. Goose. Anser Canadensis Canada Goose « — Hutchinsii Hutchins o « Bernicla Brent ee “ albifrons White-fronted‘* “© hyperboreus Snow ce GENUS CYGNUS. Swan. Cygnus Americanus American Swan xIxX GENUS ANAS. Fresh-water Duck. Anas Boschas Mallard ‘© obscura Dusky Duck strepera Gadwall “Americana American Widgeon “Penelope Widyeon “© acuta Pintail ** sponsa Summer Duck “ Carolinensis Green-winged Teal ** discors Blue-wiieed ks “ clypeata Shoveller Duck GENUS FULIGULA. Sea Duck. Fuligula valisneriana Canvass-back Duck “© ferina Jied-headed oe “ marila Scaup ie “minor Les-er Scaup a « rufitorques Ring-necked or tufted Duck “ rubida Ruddy Wi “© abradora Pied Ke se fusca Velvet “ “¢ perspicillata Surf $f se Americana Scoter seg “¢ mollissima E der me s« spec ablis King ae “© clangula Go'den eye < « albeola ' Buffel or Buffalo-headed “ “ histrionica Harlequin ae “« glacialis Long-tailed “ FAMILY MERGINAE. MERGANSERS. GENUS MERGUS. Merganser. Mergus Merganser Bull-breasted Merganser or Goosander a cucuilatus Heuded ot “| serrator Red-breasted Merganser FAMILY PELECANINA. PELICANS. GENUS PHALACROCORAX. Cormorant. Phalacrocorax carbo Common Cormorant te dilophus Double-crested “ XX GENUS SULA. Gannet. Sula bassana Common Gannet FAMILY LARINA. GULLS. GENUS RHYNCHOPS. Skimmer. Rhynchops nigra Black Skimmer . GENUS STERNA. Tern. Sterna Hirundo Common Tern “¢ minuta Least “ “ Dougalli Roseate at “nigra Black a “© Anglica Marsh 6 ‘© 'Trudeauii Trudeau’s ‘ “ Cayana Cayenne oe GENUS LARUS. Gulls. Larus argentatus Herring or Silvery Gull “ atricilla Black-beaded WG ‘© Bonapartii Bonaparte’s ss “© zonorhynchus Common or Ring-billed * “ tridactylus Kitiiwake ss “marinus Great Black-backed cs © Sabini Fork-tailed ss ‘* glaucus Glaucous a FAMILY PROCELLARIN&. FULMARS. GENUS LESTRIS. Jager. Lestris parasiticus, Arctic Jager “ pomarinus Pomarine ‘ “« Richardsonii Richardson’s Jager GENUS PUFFINUS. Shearwater. Puffinus cinereus Wandering Shearwater «© anglorum Manks eS “« obscurus Dusky eg GENUS THALASSIDROMA. Petrel. Thalassidroma Wilsonii Wilson’s Petrel a Leachii Fork-tailed ‘“ we pelagica Least as FAMILY ALCIN&. AUKS. GENUS MORMON. Puffin. Mormon arcticus Common or Arctic Puffin XXI GENUS ALCA. Auk. Alca Torda Razor-billed Auk : GENUS MERGULUS. Sea Dove. Mergulus alle Common Sea Dove GENUS URIA. } Guillemot. Uria troile ’, Foolish Guillemot “ gryllé. Black og FAMILY COLYMBINZ. DIVERS AND GREBES. GENUS COLYMBUS. Diver. Colymbus glacialis Great Northern Diver “s septentrionalis Red-throated Ss GENUS PODICEPS. Grebe. Podiceps cornutus Horned Grebe “ Carolinensis Pied-bill « “ cristatus Crested ss 6s rubricollis Red-necked ‘* ERRATA. Page 16, 9th line from bottom, for the large majority, read a large majority. 17 10 Ke Me ceral ” central 19 5 y top ”’ than anyofthis genus ’”’ than any other of this genus. 31 " Caprimulgenae ” Caprimulginae. 31 5 ” bottom, ” preceding ” succeeding. 32 17 es 7 ”* throat and a band on the sides of the neck, in form an inverted V—read—throat white, as also a band on the sides of the neck, which form an inverted V. 34 for Herendinae, read Hirundinae. 45 1st and 2d line spec. char., for—basal half of wings three fourth the length of tail feathers; sides of the body bright reddish-orange, read—basal half of wings three fourths the length of tail, and the sides of the body bright reddish-orange. 57 6th line from top, for first read finest. 61 martima read maritima. 134 8 a ” extent read wing. 149 * ” Corvax read Corvus. 155 for Larinae read Laninae. 189 20th line from top, after the word October, insert the words—the birds. 193 9th line from the bottom, for birds read buds. ‘ 200 9th line from the hottom, for former read latter. 216 for Cladrius read Charadrius 261 2d line from bottom, for tarsi read tail. 276 8th line trom bottom, after eighteen, insert inches. 312 5th line from bottom, for crowns, read coverts. 312 5th line from bottom, for secondaries black, read inner, &c. 334 Gth line from top, for entire plumage white, read entire lower plumage white. 343 6th line from bottom, for tail of kl feathers, read tail of 14 feathers. 349 2d line from top, for eight read seven. 359 for Lanius read Larus. 362 for Larus Sabina Sabinii read Lanus Sabini Sabine. 366 first line of spec. char. for length read breadth. “ third line from the bottom, for Maine read May. 372 19th line from top, for there read they. 380 Ist line, before Racket Lake, insert the words—neighborhood of. Yainw igo ' ame ‘yinh ysasuo) fo pur ay) 07 aunxayf worl ‘Sun fo yz8uayT “sLayznaf pin} aypprm fo pua aya 07 1129 fo zurod morf ‘y28ud) 7070,], 8]19A00 SULM Japuy) sSuIM oY} Japun Apoq oxy Jo fapIs et} UO sLayyeey powsuoyo ‘savypxy S119A09 [IL} AMO] uswlopqy ystaiq oy) ‘snjyoog yoou oy) “umMyjoD yeoayy en ‘amnyqny UID oT) ‘UIMUWET] ery) om “erqLy, 839] OY} JO syueys ox} ‘tsxe J, Le 96 Ge ; op [e1aye'T sroy BOF [Ie OLPPLAL ypoRq JO Sapls SULIaA09 pur ‘seprnoys AT $1.19A09 SUIM gT|Arepnioses 10 ysaSuez ‘sorofeut soowmoey, O1 S119A00 qre} taddy CT] s}1aA09 Sura ysoypeus ‘soroulmM sooLyoaL, 6 SULM ay) Jo puaq ‘einxeTq 8 PejoyI Woy Susi sioyyeay Suoy ‘sav~ndeog pq| eX oy jo pdnd Surpuno.zms yavd ary ‘stip £ GE quiol Moq[a oy] 4B SuLM oY} Jo GZ IWO plodas HY} WIT OSII OSoTI—STRIAS,T, ET TC|SUIM oy JO aUOG puooas ayy WOT, asta OTey ssoyI—sT[IMb Arepuoses ‘wLepuooeg 61 SUIM at} JO ou0g say Bley} mo ostt Aoy3—s]Tmb oy} ‘wavuaig cl IL peey ey) jo zed pury omy Gndiv09 9 prey ot} JO UMOD “euOIOD G peeyasoy ayy ‘stor, f ofa pue [iq 94) taamjoq ‘aonds erry ¢ os JOMOT ‘LOLIOFUL VTIXEPL Z e{qipuvu soddn ‘ao1sedns vyrxeyy 1 FAMILY VULTURINE. VULTURINE BIRDS. GENUS CATHARTES—ILLIGER. TURKEY VULTURE. {Bill of moderate length, rather slender, somewhat compressed—upper man- dible with its dorsal ottline nearly straight, covered to the middle by the cere; nostrils oval, pervious, naked; head and upper part of the neck naked ; body heavy; wings long and broad: tail nearly even, of moderate length ; tarsi short ; claws strong, arched.] CATHARTES AURA—LINN. TURKEY VULTURE, OR TURKEY BUZZARD. Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, Vulture aura, Wils. Amer. Orn. Cathartes aura, Bonap. Syn. Cathartes aura, Turkey Vulture, Sw. & Rich. Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, Nutt. Man. Turkey Buzzard, Cathartes aura, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Characters—Head and upper part of the neck red. Adult with the head and neck red, naked; nape covered with short, downy feathers; plumage blackish-brown, deeper on the un- der parts; feet flesh-color, tinged with yellow. Young with the head and naked part of the neck dull flesh-color; wing-coverts spotted with dull white; in other respects, same as the adult. Length of adult two feet and a half, wing twenty-one inches and three quarters. The Turkey Buzzard, well known in the Southern and Western States, is of rare occurrence in the vicinity of New York. In the 1 (2) State of New J ersey it is more common, and breeds there. Mr. Bell found it breeding at Cape May; the a was sitting on two egos, which were deposited in the hollow stump of a decayed tree. The Turkey Buzzard is noted for its ravenous and gluttonous disposition. After having regaled itself on the carcase of a dead horse or other quadruped, it retires to a neighboring fence or tree, witere it remains for hours in stupid indolence, presenting a loath- some sight. In the southern cities it is protected by law, and _per- forms the duty of scavenger, and is seen about the streets and mar- ket places in company with the Black Vulture, or Carrion Crow, [C. atratus| which is employed in the same service. The food of the Turkey Buzzard is chiefly carrion, and when opportunity offers, it will sometimes gorge itself to such a degree as _ to be incapable of rising. Inthe New England States I am not aware that it is ever seen ; stragglers only reach Long Island, and not long since, an individual was shot at English Neighborhood, a few miles above the city of New York. (3) FAMILY FALCONIN &. FALCONINE BIRDS. GENUS BUTEO—BECHET. BUZZARD. [Upper mandible rounded, hooked, lobe obtuse ; sides of the lower mandible bent inwards ; head large, flattened above ; neck short, body stout; tarsi short, stout.] BUTEO BOREALIS—GMEL. RED-TAILED HAWK OR BUZZARD. Red-tailed Hawk, Falco borealis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Buzzard, Sw. & Rich. Red-tailed Hawk or Buzzard, Falco borealis, Nutt. Man. Red-tailed Hawk, Falco borealis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Characters—Tail bright reddish-brown, with a narrow black band near the end. Adult male with the upper parts dark brown; the upper part of the head and hind neck lighter; wings dark brown, barred with black; tail bright reddish-brown, with a black band near the end and tipped with dull white; lower parts yellowish-white. Female with the lower parts white, and the color of the upper plumage rather duller than that of the male. Young with yellowish-red markings on the upper parts ; lower parts yellowish-white, marked on the abdomen and sides of the body with longish spots of blackish-brown, and on the fore part and sides of the breast with reddish-brown; tail grayish-brown, tipped with white, with a similar ‘band near the end, as in the adult, but lighter. Length of male twenty inches, wing fifteen. Female about three inches longer. The Red-tailed or “ Hen Hawk,” is found in all parts of the United States, and is with us a constant resident. During sum- mer it is said to be quite common in the Fur countries. ee) Its flight is vigorous, and it is capable of sustaining itself on the wing for a long time. It sweeps over the surface of the ground in pursuit of mice and frogs, and performs its graceful and erial evo- lutions at so great a heicht as to appear no larger than a Swallow. At this distance it carefully observes what is passing below—and should an object as small as an unfledged Partridge present itself, its fate is sealed. Having espied its prey, it suddenly checks its course, and usually alights on the nearest tree, from which it de- _scends in such a direct line that it seldom misses the object of its pursuit. Shy and suspicious, it is difficult to approach unless on horse- back or in a wagon, when you can advance within gun-shot with- out exciting alarm. I have occasionally seen it sitting on theshrub | oaks, though usually it alights on the uppermost branches of the tallest forest trees, and selects similar situations to build its nest. eo) BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS—WILSON. BROAD-WINGED BUZZARD. Broad-winged Hawk, Falco Pennsylvanicus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco Pennsylvanicus, Bonap. Syn. Broad-winged Hawk, Falco Pennsylvanicus, Nutt. Man. Broad-winged Hawk, Falco Pennsylvanicus, Aud. Om. Biog. Specific Characters—Body compact ; tarsi rather short, feathered in front full half their length; wings exceedingly broad in propor- tion to the length of the body. Adult with the upper parts umber brown ; tail dark brown, with two white bands; quills blackish- brown, the larger part of the inner webs white; a blackish-brown band. from the mouth backwards; lower parts yellowish-white, marked with spots of dark brown, which markings are rather more numerous on the breast; body compact; tarsi rather short and strong. Young with the upper parts brown, the feathers margined and tipped with reddish-brown and white; tail grayish-brown, barred with darker; lower parts yellowish-white, marked with dusky spots. Length fifteen inches, wing eleven anda half. Fe- male three inches longer. The discovery of this species is due to Wilson, who met with two specimens in the woods near the Schuylkill, which appear to be all that came under his observation. On Long Island it is exceedingly rare, nor do I know of its being usually common any where in the vicinity of New York; though my friend Mr. Bell has informed me that he had the good fortune to obtain seven, and saw several others, during one day, when collecting in Rockland County ; but previous to, and since that period, he has seldom seen it. According to the observations of Mr. Audubon, in Virginia and Maryland, and in all the States to the eastward of these, it is by no means a scarce species. C4) BUTEO LAGOPUS—VIGORS. ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. Black Hawk, Falco niger, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco lagopus, Bonap. Syn. Buteo lagopus, Rough-legged Buzzard, Sw. & Rich. Rough-legged Falco lagopus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Tarsi feathered their entire length. Adult with a white patch on the forehead and hind part of the neck; rest - parts blackish-brown ; wing quills and tail feathers white towards their bases, that color extending over the larger portion of the inner webs of the primaries ; tarsi feathered to the toes. Young with the head and neck yellowish-white, streaked with dusky ; the fore part of the breast of a more decided yellow, and marked with brownish black spots ; the middle and lower portion of the breast blackish- brown ; the rest of the lower parts pale yellowish-red ; upper parts dark brown, the feathers broadly edged with yellowish-white and light reddish-brown ; at the base of the tail feathers a broad band of pale yellowish-white, some of the feathers spotted with ‘light reddish-brown. Length of male twenty-one inches, wing fif- teen and three quarters. Female twenty-four inches and a half, wing seventeen and three quarters. This is another species by no means common to Long Island. The few that I have met with I have observed coursing over the necks of land, and reconnoitering about the creeks in pursuit of mice and wounded birds, which are doubtless the attraction to these low, moist situations. The Rough-legged Buzzard displays much less activity on the wing than most other species; its flight is heavy, and it is usually seen passing low and leisurely over its hunting grounds. ag BUTEO LINEA TUS—GMEL. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. Falco lineatus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Winter Falcon, Falco hyemalis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco hyemalis, Bonap. Syn. Winter Falcon, or Red-shouldered Hawk, Falco hyemalis, Nutt. Man. Red-shouldered Hawk, Falco lineatus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Winter Hawk, Falco hyemalis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Lesser wing-coverts bright reddish-brown. Adult with the upper parts deep brown ; fore part of the back dark- er, the feathers margined with reddish-brown; primaries blackish- brown, barred and tipped with white ; secondaries barred and tip: ped with white, the outer webs shaded with reddish-brown; tail blackish-brown, distinctly crossed with four white bands, and rather broadly tipped with white; lesser wing coverts bright reddish brown, their centres marked with black; lower parts light reddish brown, longitudinally streaked with black ; abdomen crossed with white ; lower tail-coverts dull white, with a few brownish-red spots; tibial feathers yellowish-red, barred with deep reddish brown. Young with the upper parts brown, the feathers edged with dull white, and shaded with yellowish-red ; primaries blackish brown towards their ends; rest parts dull white, crossed with black, and shaded with yellowish-red ; tail alternately barred with blackish-brown and grayish-brown ; lower parts white, the ends of the feathers marked with large spots of hair-brown; tibial feathers tinged with dull yellowish-red ; the red markings on the shoulders not so fully developed as in the adult. Length of male twenty inches, wing twelve and a quarter. This fine Hawk, more plentiful than the preceding, is rarely observed with us except during winter. It possesses most of the manners of the Red-tailed Hawk, and like that species preys on poultry and small birds. (8) GENUS AQUILA—BRISSON: EAGLE. [Bill very robust, angular above ; tarsi feathered to the toes ; feet very stout—middle toe longest, connected at base by a membrane. } AQUILA CHRYSAETOS—LINN. GOLDEN EAGLE. Ring-tailed Eagle, Falco fulvus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Royal or Golden Eagle, Nutt. Man. Golden Eagle, Falco chrysetos, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Tarsi feathered to the toes. Adult with the bill bluish-gray; cere yellow; iris hair-brown; general color of plumage dark brown, glossed with purple; occiput, hind part and sides of the neck light brownish-yellow ; wing-coverts light brown; primary quills brownish-black; tail rounded, the feathers dark brown, irregularly marked with dull white ; lower tail-coverts light yellowish-brown, as are the feathers which cover the tibia and tarsi; feet yellowish ; claws black. Young with the tail at the base white, which color continues about three-fourths its length. Length of male two feet six inches, wing twenty-five inches. Female six inches longer. The finest specimen of this noble bird which I ever saw, was shot in the township of Islip, Long Island, and is now contained in the collection of the late H. C. De Rham. With us it is exceed- ingly rare, and it is not common in any part of the United States. Occasionally it is observed in the neighborhood of Niagara Falls. A few are distributed over our Western territory, and the specimen from which Wilson’s figure and description were taken, was an immature bird shot in the county of Montgomery, Pennsylvania. (9) The favorite abodé of the Golden Eagle is the wild desert moun- tainous regions, and it is said to inhabit the northern parts of both continents. “Tt is highly prized by the North American Indians, who make use of the tail feathers in constructing ornaments for their heads— in ornamenting the calumet, or pipe of peace—and pluming their arrows.” The flight of this conspicuous bird is powerful and majestic— though according to Mr. Audubon, it has not the speed of many Hawks, nor even the White-headed Eagle. The eyry of this species is built on high, inaccessible cliffs, and I have been informed that it has been observed on the lofty peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. GENUS HALIAETUS—SAVIGNY. SEA EAGLE. [Bill very robust, convex above ; head large, flattened above; body very large ; wings long ; tail rounded ; tarsi partly feathered ; feet short, robust ; toes stout, free.] HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS—LINN. WHITE-HEADED OR BALD EAGLE. Bald Eagle, Falco haliaetus, Wilson, (Adult.) Sea Eagle, Falco ossifragus, “ ( Young.) Falco leucocephalus, Bonap. Syn. Aquila leucocephala, White-headed Eagle, Sw. & Rich. White-headed or Bald Eagle, Falco leucocephalus, Nutt. Man. White-headed Eagle, Falco leucocephalus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Characters-—Lower portion of tarsi naked ; head, neck, and tail white, Adult with the bill very strong; head and greater portion of the neck white ; tail-feathers and their coverts also pure white; back, wing-coverts, breast, belly, and thighs, brownish black, the feathers margined with paler; wing quills brownish 2 ( 10 ) black, their shafts of a lighter color ; bill, cere, iris, tarsi, and feet, yellow ; claws blackish-brown ; feet and lower portion of tarsi na- ked. Young varying according to advanced stages; bill dusky ; plumage dark brown, head, neck, and tail-feathers paler, mottled and freckled with grayish-white, which gradually increases and assumes a more decided white appearance as the bird advances im age. Length three feet, wing twenty-three and three quarters. This well known bird is an inhabitant of both Europe and America; in the United States it is met with along the whole ex- tent of our sea-coast, as well as along the shores of the interior lakes and rivers, and is said to breed in the Fur countries. On Long Island, during winter, it is quite abundant. I have known from sixty to seventy to have been shot in one season. It does not arrive at full plumage until an advanced age; the young, therefore, are by some thought to be a separate species, which they term “Gray Eagle.” In general, it is supposed to ap- pear in full plumage at about the fifth year; although I have been informed that a gentleman residing in Charleston, S. C., procured two young birds, and placed them in his aviary; on the fifth year, one appeared in full plumage, having the head and upper part of the neck and tail feathers white, while the mature plumage of the other was not fully developed on the ninth year. The favorite food of this elegant bird is fish; and when such cannot be procured, it descends on small quadrupeds, and has been known to carry off lambs, and attack full grown sheep. Its great strength and power of wing enables it to hold the sway among the feathered inhabitants of the air ; and as the adopted emblem of our country, it is respected by all nations on the earth. Free and in- dependent as are the happy people of this great and glorious re- public, it roams about at will. In summer it extends to the interior of the northern Fur coun- tries. It frequents the shores of the Pacific, and its majestic flight is observed in all parts of the United States. It sweeps over the ex- tensive prairies—follows the rapid course of the mighty Mississippi and other great arteries of the West—passes through the valleys— and at pleasure ascends to the ethereal regions, until lost to the eye in space—delights in cascades and cataracts—bathes in the spray ( iL) of the famed Niagara—and.drinks from the foaming torrent. It wings its way to far distant lands, inspiring those who are strug gling for freedom with the reflection that there exists a people un- fettered with the chains of oppression, and who pay homage to none but their God. I have never observed the nest on Long Island, although it has been found in the vicinity of New York, in the neighborhood of the Hudson River, at Pompton, N. J., and at “ Heron Bay,” seven- ty miles below Baltimore, by Mr. Bell. The nest, which is built of sticks and other coarse materials, is placed on the top of a high tree. An attempt to secure the eggs or young in the presence of the parents, is attended with considerable personal risk. They are very attentive to the wants of their offspring, and on approaching the nest, show much anxiety for their safety. GENUS PANDION—SAVIGNY. OSPREY. . 5 [Bill short, as broad as deep at the base; tarsi strong, rough, naked; wings very long, extending beyond the tail.] PANDION HALIAETUS—SAV. FISH HAWK, OR OSPREY. Fish Hawk, Falco haliaetus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco haliaetus. Bonap. Syn. Fish Hawk, or Osprey, Falco haliaetus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Wings very long, when folded extending beyond the tail; a broad band of blackish-brown behind the eye. Adult male with upper part of the head white; a blackish band behind the eye, with the fore part and sides of the neck streaked with brown; upper parts deep brown; quills towards the tips black ; tail brown, the feathers barred with dull white on the inner web, and tipped with the same; lower parts white; wings extend- (12) 4 ing beyond the tail. Female, on the upper part of the head streaked with dark brown ; the sides of the neck, lower neck, and fore part of the breast spotted and streaked with brown, and about two inches longer than the male. Length of male twenty-two inches, of wing eighteen. The Osprey arrives among us in the latter part of March; and it is said its migrations extend as far as Hudson’s Bay. Its flight is graceful and easy; at times it is seen making wide circles in the air, and when in pursuit of prey is seen passing low over the water, and at times it is observed perched on a dry limb that com- mands a view of a neighboring stream, intently gazing on the scene before it. The instant its prey is descried it descends with the swiftness of an arrow and gives pursuit to the luckless fish - destined soon to struggle in the grasp of its keen-eyed destroyer. It seems to prefer taking its prey when at the surface, but when such opportunity does not offer it plunges into the stream and is usually successful in the effort, but is not at all times allowed to enjoy the fruits of its labor ; on rising with the game it is not un- frequently given chase by the Eagle, to which it yields the prize, utters an indignant scream, and passes on to follow in peaceful retirement the bent of its inclination. Its flesh being of no value to the sportsman, it suffers but little by the gun, and from the imnocency of its character is allowed to pursue its avocation in peace and security. It subsists entirely on fish, which it takes alive, and at the commencement of cool weather, follows its finned prey to a more temperate climate. On the Islands lying in the vicinity of the eastern extremity of Long Island, great numbers breed. ( 13 ) GENUS NAUCLERUS—VIGORS. SWALLOW-TAILED HAWK. [Bill short, wide at the base, much compressed toward the eud—upper mandi- ble with the dorsal line decurved from the base ; head rather large, roundish, flattened’; neck short, body compact, feet short ; tarsi very short, thick, scaly all round ; plumage glossy ; wings extremely long, pointed; tail extremely long, very deeply forked. } NAUCLERUS FURCATUS—LINN. SWALLOW-TAILED HAWK. Swallow-tailed Hawk, Falco furcatus, Wils) Amer. Orn. Falco furcatus, Bonap. Syn. Swallow-tailed Hawk, Falco furcatus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Tail long, deeply forked. Adult with the head, neck all round, and lower parts white; back, wings, and tail black, glossed with blue and purple; feet light blue, tinged with green; claws flesh-colored; tail long and deeply forked. Length of male twenty-two inches, wing seventeen and a quarter. Female three inches longer. In the summer of 1837 a specimen of this elegant species was shot while sailing over the south shore of Long Island, im the vicin- ity of Raynor South. It being the only individual that has been observed in this district, and so different from all our other Hawks, it was looked upon as a great curiosity by our gunners. According to Wilson, “it inhabits the southern districts of the United States in summer: is seldom seen as far north as Pennsyl- vania, but is very abundant in South Carolina and Georgia—and still more so in West Florida, and the extensive prairies of Ohio and the Indiana territory. It is particularly attached to the exten- sive prairies of the western countries, where its favorite snakes, liz- / ( 14 ) ards, grasshoppers, and locusts, are in abundance. They are some- times, though rarely, seen in Pennsylvania and New Jersey—and that only in long and very warm summers.” The specimen in my possession was procured in South Carolina by Mr. Bell, who has informed me that when the brush is fired} the Swallow-tailed Hawk watches an opportunity to pounce upon rab- bits as they escape from the flames—which, like the rest of its prey, it devours as it flies along. GENUS FALCO—LINN. FALCON. [Bill short, robust, its upper outline decurved from the base; cere short, bare ; wings long, pointed ; tail rather long, nearly even; tarsi of moderate length ; feet strong ; claws long, curved, acute.] FALCO PEREGRINUS—GMEL. PEREGRINE FALCON, OR GREAT-FOOTED HAWK. Great-footed Hawk, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco peregrinus, Bonap. Syn. Common or Wandering Falcon, Falco peregrinus, Nutt. Man. Great-footed Hawk, Falco peregrinus, Aud. Amer. Orn. Falco peregrinus, Peregrine Falcon, Sw. & Rich. Specific Characters—A. black patch on the sides of the head di- rectly below the eye, inclining on the fore neck; feet and claws very strong; wings extending to the end of the tail. Adult with the upper parts grayish-black; head and hind neck barred with light grayish-blue; lower parts white; the breast and sides spotted with black; feet very large and strong; a black patch on the side of the head, directly below the eye. Female with the lower parts yellowish-white, marked on the breast and sides of the body with large black spots, the sides of the neck streaked with the same co- lor ; the patch below the eye same as the male. Young with the (15 ) upper parts blackish-brown ; lower parts yellowish or reddish-white; broadly streaked with dusky ; the patch under the eye brownish- black. Length of. male sixteen inches, wing twelve. Female nineteen inches, wing fourteen. This species is well known to all those who practice Bay shoot- ing by the name of “Duck Hawk.” It frequents the bays and in- lets, and preys on water-fowl, and is observed sailing over the shores and meadows in pursuit of smaller game. It frequently at- tends upon the fowler when he is decoying Ducks—and when op- portunity offers, darts down upon the wounded bird—for which piece of temerity it often forfeits its life; and it is said, when hard pressed, will attack a flock of wild geese, carrying terror and dis- may among their ranks. The Great-footed Hawk is said to inhabit the North American continent, from one extremity to the other—as well as the continent of Europe. It possesses great courage and strength, and is capable of rapid flight. “Tn the days of falconry, this bird was highly prized by the lov- ers of that princely amusement, the female being mostly valued and employed against larger birds—while the male, from its being one- third smaller, was denominated a ‘tiercelet, or ‘tercel,’ and flown only at partridges and small game.”—Fauna Boreali Americana. ( 16 ) FALCO SPARVERIUS—LINN. SPARROW HAWK. American Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparverius, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco sparverius, Bonap. Syn. American Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparverius, Nutt. Man. Falco sparverius, Little Rusty-crowned Falcon, Sw. & Rich. American Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparverius, And. Orn. Biog. Specific Characters—Crown light red, surrounded with blue; on the sides of the neck two black bands; three spots on the hind neck, and numerous black spots on the abdomen and sides of the body. Adult male with the forehead, upper part of the sides of the head, occiput, and wing-coverts light grayish-blue ; a patch of light red on the crown; the back of the same color, spotted with black; tail darker red, with a broad black band near the end—the feathers tipped with white; lateral feathers white, broadly barred with black on the inner webs; spots of the same color close to the shafts on the outer webs; wings black, with white spots on the in- ner webs; throat and upper portion of the sides of the neck white ; a black band before the eye passing down the sides of the throat— a similar band on the sides of the neck, behind which is a black spot ; breast yellowish-white, (in some specimens the breast is tinged with red;) rest of the lower parts white, distinctly marked with round spots of black. Length of male eleven inches, wing seven. With us this species cannot be said to be very plentiful. It ar- rives in spring, and a few remain during summer, but the larger majority pass on to other districts to spend the season of incubation. Its peculiar and handsome markings render it conspicuous, and I believe it is well known in all parts of the United States. We also find it enumerated with the birds of the northern Fur countries— and according to Dr. Richardson, it breeds in considerable num- bers on the banks of the Saskatchewan, in the neighborhood of Carlton House—arriving there in the middle of April, laying its egos about the middle of May, and retiring southward on the ap- ( 17 ) proach of winter. The Sparrow Hawk displays less timidity than any of its genus. Ifthe gunner advance cautiously, it permits a near approach, and not unfrequently alights near the farmer’s dwell- ing. It preys chiefly on mice and small birds—and at times, with a boldness becoming to more destructive species, descends upon small chickens. FALCO COLUMBARIUS—LINN. PIGEON HAWK. Pigeon Hawk, Falco columbarius, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco columbarius, Bonap. Svn. Pigeon Hawk, Falco columbarius, Nutt. Man. Falco columbarius, Pigeon Hawk, Sw. & Rich. Pigeon Hawk, Falco columbarius, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Characters—Upper parts bluish-gray ; lower parts yel- lowish-white ; the breast and sides of the body marked with black ; tail rather long, a little rounded, the outer feathers with five white bands, the middle feathers with four—all largely tipped with white —the space between the last band and the tips twice as great as that between the bands. Adult with the upper parts bluish-gray; the wing quills marked with large spots of reddish-brown; tail ra- ther darker than the back, barred and tipped with dull white; low- er parts yellowish-white ; the breast and sides of the body with ob- long black spots. Young with yellowish-white markings on the sides and hind part of the head; lower parts yellowish-red, the ceral parts of the feathers streaked with blackish-brown; throat yellowish-white. Length of male eleven inches and a half, wing seven and three quarters. Female about three inches longer. On Long Island this spirited little Hawk is quite common, and according to some writers, its migrations extend to Hudson’s Bay. Its food consists of small birds, and from its habit of attacking wan- dering flocks of Pigeons, it has received the name of “Pigeon Hawk,” and is known to many as the “Bullet Hawk,” so called from the velocity with which it descends upon its prey. It is noted for its daring thefts, and as a great destroyer of young poultry. 3 ( 18 ) GENUS ASTUR—CUVIER., HAWK. [In these birds, the lobe of the upper mandible is well defined ; tarsi slender + tail long, rounded ; general form rather slender. ] ASTUR PALUMBARIUS—LINN. GOSHAWK. Ash-colored or Black-capped Hawk, Falco atricapillus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco palumbarius, Bonap. Syn. American Goshawk, Falco atricapillus, Nutt. Man. Accipiter (Aswur) palumbarius, Sw. & Rich. Goshawk, Falco palumbarius, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character-—Crown black, and a broad band behind the eye brownish-black, over the eye a white band, the feathers along the shafts black; tarsi strong, feathered full half their length ; tibial feathers very long, tail long and broad. Adult with the upper part of the head, and a broad band behind the eye passing round on the occiput, brownish-black ; a white band over the eyes; upper parts slate color; the shafts black; the tail with four broad blackish-brown bands; lower parts gray, closely barred with white, the central part of the feathers dusky; under tail-coverts white, with a few grayish bands towards their bases. Young with the upper parts brown, the feathers edged with reddish-white; the head and hind neck pale red, streaked with dark brown ; lower parts yellowish-white, with oblong spots of dark brown. Length of male twenty-four inches, wing thirteen and a quarter. Female twenty-six inches, wing fourteen and three quarters. In the United States this is not a very common species. On Long Island it is quite rare. An adult, now in my possession, was shot in the township of Islip, in the summer of 1838. So seldom is it seen in this vicinity, particularly in this state of plumage, that it was entirely unknown to the inhabitants. “Tt is considered by Ornithologists identical with the Goshawk of Europe, which for its strength and spirit was so much esteemed in falconry.” ( 19 ) ASTUR FUSCUS—GMEL. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Slate-colored Hawk, Falco velox, Wils. Amer. Om. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Falco velox, Bonap. Syn. Accipiter Pennsylvanicus, Slate-colored Hawk, Sw. & Rich. American Brown or Slate-colored Hawk, Nutt. Man. Sharp-shinned or Slate-colored Hawk, Falco fuscus, Aud. Amer. Orn. Specific Character—Tarsi long, very slender. Adult with the upper part of the head dark brown; back slate color; the tail with four brown and distinct bands, the tips white; lower parts barred with light red and white; wings brownish-black; tarsi more slender than any of this genus. Young, with the upper parts dark brown; lower parts yellowish-white, broadly streaked with reddish-brown. Length of male eleven inches, wing six and three quarters. Female about two inches and a half longer. This species is found in all the Atlantic States. On Long Island it is not very abundant. In spirit it is not surpassed by any of its tribe, Its flight is performed in an irregular and vigorous manner, and at times ascends to a very great elevation. It preys on mice, lizards, and small birds, and like the rest of its tribe, visits the poultry yard. With this species, as is the case with all the rest of the Hawks, we find they vary much in measurement. Thus we see that in most cases lenoth and extent can be used only as auxiliaries to specific characters. Of the present species I have seen adult males considerably less than our measurement, and I have now before me a young female the length of which is fifteen inches. ( 20 ) ASTUR COOPERII—BONAP. COOPER’S HAWK. Cooper’s Hawk, Falco Cooperii, Bonap. Amer. Orn. Falco Cooperii, Bonap. Syn. Stanley Hawk, Falco Stanleii, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Characters—Tarsi two inches and a half long, which, with the feet, are muchystronger than those parts of the preceding species, but not sg robust, nor has it the tarsi so fully feathered, or - the tibial feathers as long as has the Goshawk. Tail rounded with four black bands and tipped with white. Adult with the upper part of the head brownish-black ; back brown ; the fore part darker ; tail same as the back, banded with black and tipped with white ; lower parts reddish-brown, barred with white, the shafts black, giving it a striped appearance ; lower tail-coverts white ; tibial feathers of a deeper color than the lower parts, and faintly barred with white ; tarsi strong; tail rounded, the middle pair of feathers nine inches and a half long. Young with the lower parts pale yellowish-white, marked with long spots of dark brown, Length of adult male nineteen inches, wmg eleven mches. Like all rapacious birds, the female is the largest. This rather common species is distributed over the United States, and according to Mr. Nuttall, seen in the Oregon Territory to the shores of the Pacific. It preys on various species of birds, and sometimes descends upon small quadrupeds. In our section, during winter, I have never observed it, and I am not aware that it breeds here. (8) GENUS CIRCUS. HARRIER. {General form slender ; tarsi elongated, slender ; tail long, nearly even ; wings Jeng, rounded ; the face surrounded with a kind of collar of rigid feathers. ] CIRCUS CYANEUS. COMMON HARRIER, OR MARSH HAWK. Marsh Hawk, Falco uliginosus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco cyaneus, Bonap. Amer. Orn. Hen Harrier, or Marsh Hawk, Nutt. Man. Marsh Hawk, Falco cyaneus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Buteo (Circus) cyaneus ? var? Americanus, American Hen Harrier, Sw. & Rich. Specific Character—Tarsi long, slender; tail long, straight, the feathers rather broad; upper tail-coverts and basal parts of tail feathers white. Adult with the upper parts ash brown, the upper part and sides of the head streaked with yellowish-red ; primaries blackish-brown—the inner. webs towards their bases white; outer webs shaded with grayish-blue, as are those of the secondaries; fore neck and upper part of the breast brownish-red, the feathers with dull white spots—rest of the lower parts white, the feathers barred and spotted with light red ; tibial feathers white, with central light red spots; upper tail-coverts and basal part of the tail feathers white—as are the greater portion of their inner webs— the outer two barred with blackish-brown and light red—the rest crossed with fine bars of blackish-brown; the outer webs shaded with grayish-blue ; the tail-feathers long, straight, broad and round- ed at the ends, which are dull white. The specimen from which this description is taken is not in full plumage, though quite as fully developed as we usually see it. At maturity, the upper parts and fore part of the breast are pale blue—the rest of the lower parts white. Length twenty inches, wing thirteen. - Among us the Marsh Hawk or Harrier is a constant resident. It is commonly seen sailing over the salt marshes and meadows in quest of mice. Although it is seldom that we visit its favorite resort without seeing several individuals, yet with us a specimen in (22) mature plumage is rarely met with. Whether it does not appear in full plumage until a very advanced age, or that the adults associate apart from the young, and do not in general visit this sec- tion, I cannot say. In the Fauna Boreali Americana it is said to be a common spe- cies in the Fur countries, where they arrive in the latter end of April, and depart at the close of September. ‘On the plains of Saskatchewan only mature birds were seen, and none but the young on the shores of Bear Lake.” The Prince of Musignano observes that they are to be found in all varieties of plumage in Florida, but that in the Northern States the young only are known, I have seen a few adults said to have been shot on the south side of Long Island. FAMILY STRIGINAEA, OWLS. GENUS SURNIA—DUMERIL. DAY OWL. [Opening of the ears oval, and of moderate size ; the feathers around the face slender, indistinct; head without tufts—diurnal.] SURNIA NYCTEA—LINN. SNOWY OWL. Snowy Owl, Strix nyctea, Nutt. Man. Snowy Owl, Strix nyctea, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Plumage white; head and back marked with dusky spots; lower parts and tail feathers barred with black- ish brown; female about three inches longer, with the dusky bands more numerous and broader. Young pure white. Length twenty two inches, wing eighteen. The Snowy Owl is said to inhabit the Arctic regions of both continents. In winter they enter the United States, and at that sea- (28 ) son have been observed along the southern portion of the sea coast of the United States. A few are seen every winter on the south side of Long Island. It is usually found on the beach, where it is doubtless attracted by the dead fish thrown up by the sea. It is also said to prey upon hares and small birds. In its habits it is diurnal as well as nocturnal. When alarmed, ittakes wing, uttering a loud and dismal cry. A friend residing on the Island having wounded a specimen in the wing, brought it home alive, and kept it in confinement several weeks. Among other articles of food he offered it live rats, which it devoured greedily. GENUS ULULA—CUVIER. NIGHT OWL. [Bill robust, curved from base ; feathers of the face fully developed ; head without tufts ; tail slightly rounded, of moderate length ; habits nocturnal.} ’ ULULA ACADICA—GMEL. ACADIAN OWL. Little Owl, Strix passerina, Wils. Amer. Orn. Strix acadica, American Sparrow Owl, Sw. & Rich. Acadian Owl, Strix acadica, Nutt. Man. Little or Acadian Owl, Strix acadica, Wils. Amer. Orn, Specific Characters—Head without tufts; tail short, with three narrow white bands; disk pale yellowish gray; bill bluish-black. Adult with the upper parts tinged with olive brown; first six pri- maries with white markings on both webs; secondaries, scapulars, and some of the wing coverts spotted with white ; tail brown, with bands of white and tipped with the same color; lower parts white, very broadly streaked with reddish-brown. Length seven inches and a half, wing five and a half. This, the smallest of its tribe that has been observed in this vicin- ity; is said to inhabit the northern regions of both continents. With us it is quite rare. In the swamps along the sea coast of Maryland and New Jersey, it is said to be more common. It is seldom seen flying in the day time excepting when disturbed ; at such times it ( 24 ) flies off to the nearest thicket, and resumes its slumbers. Toward evening it becomes quite active, and pursues its prey in a spirited . manner. It is occasionally observed in cities. In the early part of June of last year, a specimen was shot in St. Paul’s church-yard, in” the city of New York. GENUS SYRNIUM—CUVIER. HOOTING OWL. [Conch of the ear very large; disk of slender feathers complete ; feet and toes feathered ; tail broad, rounded ; head without tufts.] SYRNIUM NEBULOSA—LINN. BARRED OWL. Barred Owl, Strix nebnlosa, Wils. Amer. Orn: Strix nebulosa, Bonap. Syn. Barred Owl, Strix nebulosa, Nutt. Man. Barred Owl, Strix nebulosa, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character-—Upper parts, fore neck and breast with trans- verse white bars; abdomen and flanks dull white, tinged with yel- low ; the feathers with broad longitudinal brown streaks, tail rather long rounded. Adult with the upper parts light reddish brown, barred with white, as are the tail, fore neck, and upper portion of the breast, that color predominating on the latter two—rest of the lower parts yellowish-white, broadly streaked with brown; tail rounded. Length seventeen inches and a half, wing fourteen This species is found in all parts of the United States—in the Southern States it is mostcommon. Its food consists chiefly of mice and small birds; at times, domestic fowls, partridges, and young rabbits, contribute to its support. Although frequently observed flying during the day, their sight at such times is quite dim, as the following circumstance will show :—My-friend J. G. Bell informs me that when on a collecting tour in South Carolina, and while intent on looking for the Blue- winged Yellow Warbler, whose note he had a moment before heard, he was startled by feeling a sudden pressure on his gun. Judge of his surprise when he perceived perched on the barrels of ( 25 ) his gun the Barred Owl, which at the same moment discovered its mistake—and while endeavoring to retrieve the fatal error, was shot down by the astonished gunner. The wing quills are furnished with soft and downy feathers, which enable it to pass through the air in a noiseless manner. I found it very abundant in the marshes and forests in the neighborhood of New Orleans; indeed you can scarcely make even a short excur- sion from the city without meeting with several specimens. GENUS OTUS—CUVIER. EARED OWL. [Bill short, stout, compressed toward the end ; head furnished with rather long tufts of feathers ; tail rather short, a little rounded. ] OTUS VULGARIS—FLEMING. LONG-EARED OWL. Strix otus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Strix otus, Bonap. Syn. Long-eared Owl, Strix otus, Nutt. Man. Leng-eared Owl, Strix otus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Tufts elongated ; upper parts mottled with dark brown grayish-white and reddish buff; lower parts streaked and crossed with dark brown and marked with large white spots; the feathers towards the base reddish buff; tail with twelve narrow blackish-brown bands; the middle pair with nine broader bands. _ Adult with the tufts long; head with small brown and dull white spots; uppper parts mottled ; primaries barred with buff and dusky toward the tips, with greenish-brown and brownish black ; tail with narrow blackish-brown bands, and tipped with white. Length four- teen inches; wing twelve. This is another of those nocturnal wanderers that are said to in- habit generally the North American continent. In plumage it is nearly allied to the Short-eared Owl, from which it is at all times distinguishable by the greater length of the tufts or ear feathers. With us, I have only known it to occur during winter, and have usually observed it in the woods or thickets. 4 ( 26 ) OTUS BRACHYOTOS—LINN. SHORT-EARED OWL. Short-eared Owl, Strix brachyotos, Wils. Amer. Orn. Strix brachyotos, Bonap. Syn. Short-eared Owl, Strix brachyotos, Nutt. Man. Short-eared Owl, Strix brachyotos, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Tufts much shorter than the preceding; plumage reddish buff, longitudinally streaked with dark brown ; tail dark brown broadly barred and tipped with reddish buff’ Adult with the upper parts dark brown, variegated with reddish buff; tufts short; eye surrounded with black; lower parts buff, streaked with dark brown; lower tail coverts yellowish-white without spots ; tail alternately barred with reddish-buff and dark brown; quills reddish-buff, marked on both webs with dark brown, of which col- or are the tips. Length fifteen inches, wing thirteen and a quarter. Female about two inches longer. Dr. Richardson states that during summer this species is by no means rare in the Fur countries, arriving as soon as the snow dis- appears, and departing again in September. That it sometimes re- mains in the United States throughout the year is quite evident from the fact of Mr. Audubon having found its nest on one of the high mountain ridges of the Great Pine Forest on the seventeenth day of June. The nest was placed under a low bush and covered over with tall grass. The eggs were four in number, of a dull white color, and nearly hatched. On Long Island it is not common, and seems to be only a winter visitant, and is usually observed on the meadows and marshes. / ( 27 ) GENUS BUBO—CUVIER. HORNED OWL. {Bill broader than high at base ; conch of the ear very large, extended semi- circularly from the bill to the top of the head; disk perfect; head with elon- gated tufts ; tail rounded.] BUBO VIRGINIANUS—GMEL. Great Horned Owl, Strix Virginiana, Wils. Amer. Orn. Strix Virginiana, Bonap. Syn. Great Horned Owl, or Cat Owl, Strix Virginiana, Nutt. Man. Great Horned Owl, Strix Virginiana, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A. broad white band on the fore-neck ; upper parts mottled with greyish-white, blackish-brown and yellowish-red ; lower parts transversely barred with dusky. Adult with the face reddish-brown, surrounded with black; bill black; the tufts are about three inches long, composed of twelve or fourteen black feathers, edged with brownish-yellow; upper parts mottled with grayish-white, brownish-black and yellowish-red ; lower parts light yellow, transversely barred with dusky; wings brownish-yellow, barred and mottled with blackish-brown ; tail rounded, extending about an inch beyond the wings; a white band across the fore neck; space between the bill and eyes dusky, the feathers tipped with grayish white. Length twenty-two inches, wing fifteen and three quarters. This large and common Owl is very generally distributed over the different sections of the United States. Its choice of residence is the dark and swampy parts of the forests, where it reigns in soli- tude. Farmers know it well by the frequent thefts committed on their poultry, as well as from the loud and dismal noise it makes at all hours of the night. ( 28 ) On Long Island it is not very common, and I believe is no where so abundant as in the Western forests. Selecting the deep and im-~ penetrable parts of the woods, this nightly disturber of the peace reposes by day in security and silence. At night it prowls about in quest of prey, and often provokes its destruction by descending upon the scanty stock of the new settler. Its food consists of small quadrupeds and birds. It nests in a hollow tree. The eggs, which are four in number, resemble in size and color those of the common hen. BUBO ASIO—LINN. MOTTLED HORNED OWL. Mottled Owl, Strix naevia, Wils. Amer. Orn. Red Owl. Strix asio, Wilson (Y oung.) Mottled Owl, Strix naevia, Nutt. Man. Red Owl, Strix asio, Nuttall (Young.) Little Screech Owl, Strix asio, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—General color of plumage gray, spotted and streaked with black; young brownish-red. Adult with the upper parts pale brown, spotted and dotted with brownish-black ; a pale gray line from the base of the upper mandible over the eye ; quills light brownish-gray, barred with brownish-black, their cov- erts dark brown; secondary coverts tipped with white; throat yel- lowish gray; lower parts light gray, patched and sprinkled with brownish-black. Young, with the upper parts light brownish-red, the feathers with central blackish-brown lines; lower parts paler, the feathers more broadly streaked with black; middle of abdomen, a line over the eye, and tips of the secondary coverts, reddish-white. Length ten inches, wing seven. f The specimen from which the,following description is taken is not in full plumage. I have thought proper to make use of it in order to trace more closely the change which it undergoes before arriving at maturity. ( 29 ) Upper parts dark gray, tinged with light brown—the feathers with central black streaks, and numerous irregular transverse dusky markings; quills brownish-gray, barred with brownish-black, the outer vanes with white spots shaded with pale reddish-brown ; sec- ondary coverts and scapulars with the outer webs white; a gray band from the base of the upper mandible over each eye, bounded next to the eye with brownish-red, of which color are the outer feathers of the tufts; face dark gray, the feathers crossed with blackish ; a black band on the sides of the neck meeting on the fore neck, where it becomes mottled with black reddish-brown and gray- ish white; breast and sides of the body gray, the feathers crossed with dusky, their central parts broadly streaked with black and has numerous spots of reddish-brown over the entire lower parts ex- cepting the middle portion of the abdomen, which is white; thighs pale yellowish-red. The Screech Owl is found in almost every part of the United States. In the Southern,States it is quite rare. Mr. Audubon states that during a long residence in Louisiana he met with but two spe- cimens. With us it is very common; it is usually found in the woods and orchards; its food is chiefly mice and small birds. One of the few errors made by the lamented Wilson, was in de- scribing the young of this bird as a distinct species. Considering all the disadvantages under which he labored, it is surprising that in his excellent work so few mistakes should have occurred. Had he lived to complete his laudable, and at that period (in this country) novel undertaking, no doubt the corrections that have fall- en to the task of others, would have been made with his own pen. From the very satisfactory observations made by the distinguish- ed author of the Birds of America, I supposed it to be a received opinion among Ornithologists, that the young of the Screech Owl is red. Ina recent publication, the author has described the bird in red livery as a distinct species, and has stated that the young of the Screech Owl is of similar color astheadult. Shortly after this pub- lication, I received from J. G. Bell, of Rockland County, the follow- ing communication : ( 30 ) “ Dear Sir— “In looking over Mr. Nuttall’s late edition of the Land Birds, I notice that he has, on the authority of Dr. Michener, repeated, in my opinion, the error committed by Wilson, by describing the Red Owl, Strix naevia of Wilson, asa distinct species, which I consider as the young of Strixasio. This opinion I have not hastily arrived at—it is the result of several years’ close observation. I have taken the young birds from the nest soon after they were hatched, and found them covered with grayish down. As soon as the feathers begin to form, they assume a reddish appearance, the color becoming deeper as the bird advances in age. How long they remain in this plumage I cannot say, but am inclined to the opinion that in some instances they do not appear in full plumage until the second or third - year—as I have taken the female from the nest, she being in mature gray plumage, and at the same time I have shot the male, he being perched a few feet above her on the same tree, and in the red livery. On the first occurrence of this, I supposedghe plumage of the fe- male to be gray, and that of the male red. Subsequently, however, I was obliged to abandon this position, for directly the opposite oc- curred; and I have shot both male and female in either dress, and am. well persuaded that they mate before arriving at maturity. “ Yours truly, J. G, Bett,” ( 31 ) FAMILY CAPRIMULGEN &. GOAT SUCKERS. GENUS CAPRIMULGUS—LINN. GOAT SUCKER. {Bill extremely short, feeble, opening beyond the eyes, much depressed— somewhat hooked at tip; head very broad ; eyes large ; body slender ; wings long pointed ; tail of ten feathers, long and rounded ; tarsus partly feathered ; feet very small.] CAPRIMULGUS VOCIFERUS—WILSON. WHIP-POOR-WILL. Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Caprimulgus vociferus, Bonap. Syn. Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus, Nutt. Man. Specific Character—A band on the fore neck and wings white, which color predominates on four of the tail feathers. Adult with the upper parts dark brownish gray, streaked and barred with black ; lower parts lighter and more distinctly barred; wings spot- ted and barred with light brownish red, on the outer four primaries, a white band towards the ends; a broad white band on the fore neck ; tail much longer and broader than that of the Night Hawk, the four middle feathers of the same color as the back—the larger portion of the next two white, the outer feather black, with a portion of the inner web white. Length nine inches and, a half, wing six and a half. Female with the plumage duller. “7% dius vege a ae a eA | hen ‘ The Whip-poor-will, so called from the resemblance Be ak its notes to those syllables, is quite common to Long Island. By many it is considered identical with the preceding species, to which it bears some resemblance. It is seldom seen abroad by day, that part of its time is passed in the deep and shady parts of the woods in silence and repose. At night, when roaming about in quest of food, it ut- ters its well known and melancholy ery. (32) It arrives on Long Island about the first of May, from the South. In the latter part of the same month the female commences laying. For this purpose the least frequented parts of the woods are selected. The eggs are deposited on the ground, and in form resemble those of the Night Hawk—the color is grayish-white, marked all over with dark olive. GENUS CHORDEILES—SWAINSON. NIGHT HAWK. [Closely allied to the preceding Genus (Caprimulgus.) Bill extremely small ; mouth opening to beneath the centre of the eyes; upper mandible declinate at tip ; head and eyes large ; wings long, pointed ; tail emarginate. ] CHORDELIES VIRGINIANUS—BRISS. NIGHT HAWK. Night Hawk, Caprimulgus Americanus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Caprimulgus Virginianus, Bonap. Syn. Caprimulgus (Chordeiles) Virginianus, Sw. & Rich. Night Hawk, Caprimulgus Americanus, Nutt. Man. Night Hawk, Caprimulgus Virginianus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Throat and a band on the sides of the neck in form an inverted V. Adult with the upper parts brownish-black, mottled with white and pale reddish-brown; lower parts grayish white, barred with blackish-brown ; wings and tail feathers brownish black, on the former a white band on the first five quills; the latter barred with brownish-gray, the outer four feathers on each side plain brownish-black toward the end, witha large white spot; throat and upper part of the sides of the neck white. Female rather larger, the white markings on the throat tinged with reddish-brown and the white spots on the tail feathers wanting. Length nine inches, wing seven and three quarters. Early in May the Night Hawk makes its appearance on Long Island. Its migrations are said to extend to the fur countries. About an hour before sunset they are seen flying about in pairs.— Although this seems to be a favorite time for its erial excursions, yet it is sometimes seen at all hours during day, darting through the air in quest of its favorite insects. It is known to many persons by ( 33 ) the name of Night Jar, from the harsh noise it makes when flying about towards evening. In the latter part of May the female commences laying. The eggs, two in number, are pointed at both ends, the color dull white, spotted all over with dull olive, and shaded with pale blue, and are placed on the ground, usually in a cultivated field. From the formation of its feet and legs, which are too short to grasp the branches, it is always observed, when perched, sitting lengthwise. In the latter part of August it migrates southward.— Its flesh is esteemed excellent. Pee RL Yr Cl eeP Sek EL EN as SWIFTS. GENUS CHA TURA—STEPHENS: SPINE-TAIL. [Bill extremely short, very broad at base—upper mandible slightly notched at tip—mouth opening to beneath the hind part of the eyes ; feet remarkably short —toes divided—hind toe versatile—wings extremely long—tail of ten feathers.] CHA TURA PELASGIA—LINN. CHIMNEY SWALLOW, OR AMERICAN SWIFT. Chimney Swallow, Hirundo pelasgia, Wils. Amer. Orn. Cypselus pelasgia, Bonap. Syn. Chimney Swift or Swallow, Cypselus pelasgius, Nutt. Man. Chimney Swallow or American Swift, Cypselus pelasgius, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—General color sooty brown; the shafts of the tail feathers continue beyond the webs, and terminate with sharp points. Length four inches and a half, wing five and one eighth. The Chimney Swallow, so called from the habit of building its nest in unoccupied chimneys, is, like the rest of its tribe, migratory. It arrives among us in the early part of May, and soon commences the formation of its nest, the materials of which are small dry sticks, glued against the wall with saliva. On the authority of that distinguished traveller, General William 5 ( 34 ) Clarke, Mr. Audubon informs us that the Chimney Swallow is met with on the whole route across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. In those parts of the country-where civilization is not sufficiently extended to accommodate it in the comfortable manner mentioned above, it has recourse to the trees and rocks. It rears two broods in a season; the eggs are pure white, and from four to six in number. Like the Swallow, it drinks while on the wing, sipping the wa- ter as it passes over it, and snaps up flies and other winged insects that swarm on the surface. It seldom alights on the ground, though it passes quite near it. At times it soars to a great elevation, and pursues its irregular course with considerable velocity. It fre- quents the towns and villages, and its twittering note is heard in the large cities. It alights on the roofs of lofty buildings, and mounts to the tops of towering steeples, sometimes building its nest there. FAMILY HERENDIN ZA. SWALLOWS. GENUS HIRUNDO—LINN. SWALLOW. [Bill very short, broad at the base, depressed, cleft nearly to the eyes—upper mandible notched; head broad; wings very long, narrow, pointed; tail of twelve feathers, generally emarginate; tarsishort, slender; feet small.] - HIRUNDO PURPUREA—LINN. PURPLE MARTIN. Purple Martin, Hirundo purpurea, Wils. Amer. Orn. Hirundo purpurea, Bonap. Syn. Purple Martin, Hirundo purpurea, Nutt. Man. Purple Martin, Hirundo purpurea, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Adult male with the plumage shining pur- plish black, with steel blue reflections; wings and tail feathers brownish-black. Female with the upper parts duller; the lower parts light gray, and streaked with black; wings lengthy; tail deeply emarginate. Length seven inches and three quarters, wing Six inches. ( 35 ) The Purple Martin is said to be observed throughout the whole of North America, and from its familiar habits is equally well known. In the towns and villages, scarcely a sign-post is erected without a comfortable dwelling for this favorite bird. In the absence of such accommodations, it resorts to the eaves of a house or barn—and ac- © cording to Dr. Richardson, in many Indian villages, excavated gourds are hung up for the Purple Martin to breed in. The flight of the Martin is easy and graceful. It is frequently seen it sailing in the air with so little apparent effort, that feather- like it seems to be floating along; or when skimming swiftly over the surface of the ground, as if by a sudden impulse, darts upward, until the eye fails to measure the distance. The Purple Martin arrives among us from the South usually in the early part of April. It soon commences preparing its nest, which is formed of hay, straw, dried leaves, and feathers. ‘The eggs, four in number, are pure white. In autumn it returns south- ward, and it is said to migrate far within the tropics. HIRUNDO RUSTICA—LINN. BARN SWALLOW. Barn Swallow, Hirundo Americana, Wils. Amer. Orn. Hirundo Americana, American Barn Swallow, Sw. & Rich. Hirundo rufa, Bonap. Syn. Barn Swallow, Hirundo rufa, Nutt. Man. Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character-—Tail deeply forked. Adult with the upper parts steel blue, a band of similar color on the fore neck; forehead, throat, and lower parts chestnut; wings and tail brownish-black, glossed with green; a white spot on all the feathers excepfing the middle pair; tail deeply forked. Female with the colors similar. Length seven inches, wing four and three quarters. Naturalists having clearly established the fact relative to the mi- gration of Swallows, the idea of their remaining during winter in a torpid state has become obsolete. The Barn Swallow, like all other species, drinks and pursues its insect prey on the wing—and those who are familiar with its habits ( 86 ) well know its fondness for bathing, and the rapid manner in which this operation is performed. Descending with the swiftness of an arrow, it dips into the water, turns, twists, and darts off in a zig-zag line, so that a casual observer might lose sight of it entirely, from the rapidity with which it changes its course, or suppose it to be a different specimen. Early in the spring swallows are sometimes so benumbed as to be almost in a lifeless state. This is readily account- ed for by the cold storms that set in after their arrival, which also cut off their insect food—at such times they have been found so much exhausted as to be unable to rise, and in some instances have been observed lying dead about the fields. HIRUNDO BICOLOR—VIEILL. WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW. Green-blue or White-bellied Swallow, Hirundo viridis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Hirun Jo bicolor, Bonap. Syn. White-bellied Swallow, Hirundo bicolor, Nutt. Man. White-bellied Swailow, Hirundo bicolor, Aud. Orn. Biag. Specific Character—Upper parts glossy green ; lower parts white. Adult, wingsand tail brown; wings, when shut, extend about two inches beyond the tail, which is forked; bill black; feet purplish flesh color. Female with the plumage duller. Length five inches and a half, wing four and three quarters. Mr. Audubon traced this species on the Atlantic coast from Tex- as to Labrador, and it is stated by Dr. Richardson to frequent the woody districts up to the sixtieth parallel. The White-bellied Swal- low is not quite as abundant as the preceding species, and general- ly defers its visit in the spring a few days later. Arriving in flocks, the majority soon pass on to other districts to breed, and return to us in August. In the latter part of the month they moult, and at this period is observed sitting in close bodies on fence rails and branches of trees, from which, owing to its feeble condition, it appears unwilling to move, except to supply the demands of appetite. On approaching quite near the resting-place, or when fired into, the ( 37) congregated flock scatter in all directions, uttering sharp twittering notes. The nest, which is composed chiefly of dry grass and feathers, is usually placed in the hollow part of a tree. The eggs are pure white, and from four tosix innumber. It rears two broods in a season, and as soon as the young of the second brood have ~ acquired sufficient strength to perform the journey, both young and old collect in large flocks and migrate southward. HIRUNDO RIPARIA—LINN. BANK SWALLOW. Bank Swallow, or Sand Martin, Hirundo riparia, Wils, Amer. Orn. Hirundo riparia, Bonap Syn. Hirundo riparia, Sand Martin, Sw. & Rich. Bank Swallow, or Sand Martin, Hirundo riparia, Nutt. Man. Bank Swallow, or Saud Martin, Hirundo riparia, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper parts grayish-brown ; fore part of the breast dusky ; rest of the lower parts white ; quills and tail feathers dusky ; tail slightly forked. Length five inches, wing three and seven eighths. This, the smallest of all our Swallows, is the first that visits us in the spring—arriving about a fortnight earlier than any of the other species. The Bank Swallow never accepts of the tenements provided by man, as do the more familiar Martin and Barn Swal- low, but prefers taking up its residence in some steep bank, or in the vicinity of a stream of water—in the sand-hills on the beach— and not unfrequently in the sides of the deep cuts excavated for the accommodation of rail-roads, in which it scratches out a hole two or three feet deep. The nest is formed of dry grass and feathers, and is placed at the extremity of the excavation. The greatest number of eggs which I have ever found in its nest was five, the color pure white. Sociable and friendly in their disposition, many select the same place to breed in, and when sporting around their dwellings, they swarm about the bank and keep up a constant twitter. Orni- thologists pronounce it identical with the Bank Swallow of Europe ; and according to Mr. Audubon, many pass the winter in Florida. ( 38 ) HIRUNDO FULVA—VIEILL. CLIFF SWALLOW. Fulvus or Cliff Swallow, Hirando falva, Bonap. Syn. Falvus or Cliff Swallow, Hirundo fulva, Nutt. Man. Republican or Cliff Swallow, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character.—Forehead white ; crown and a patch on the fore neck black; sides of the head, beneath the eye and sides of the neck deep brown-red. Adult with the forehead white, the lower part margimed with a black band, which passes back to the eyes, meeting the black patch that oc¢upies the whole upper part of the head; throat, sides of the neck, and a narrow band on the occiput. deep brownish-red ; a broad band on the hind neck grayish-brown, of which color are the fore part of the breast and sides of the body— those parts being tinged with brownish-red, which color appears about the vent and on the lower tail coverts; on the fore neck a patch of black; abdomen grayish-wnite ; back black, glossed with bluish; rump light reddish-brown; wings and tail feathers dusky brown. Length five inches and a half, wing four and seven eighths. The appearance of this Swallow in the lower parts of the State of New York is quite recent. The first that | have known to have been observed in this vicinity, was shot at Manhattanville, in 1842, by Mr. Lawrence, Inthe month of June of the present year, a few specimens were seen in the suburbs of Brooklyn by Mr. Brasher, and in the latter part of August I met itat Gravesend. Previous to this year, | have no knowledge of its occurring on Long Island; but I should not be surprised if even in a few years it were found quite common. On Long Island I am not aware that the Cliff Swallow has been known to breed; but Mr. Bell has informed me that he found its nest near his residence in Rockland County, in the month of May last—and according to his observations, it had not visited his section previous to the present year. ( 39 ) FAMILY MUSCLOAP EN #£. FLYCATCHERS. GENUS - MUSCICAPA—LINN. FLYCATCHER. [Bill of moderate length, stout, broad at the base—upper mandible inflected at tip, notched—long bristles at base ; head rather large, upper part broad ; neck short ; wings rather long ; tarsi about equal to the middle toe—slender ; feet short, toes slender, hind toe stronger.] MUSCICAPA TYRANNUS—LINN. TYRANT FLYCATCHER. Tyrant Flycatcher, Muscicapa Tyrannus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Muscicapa tyrannus, Bonap Syn King Bird, or Tyrant Biceuishon Muscicapa tyrannus, Nutt. Man. Tyrant Flycatcher, Muscicapa tyrannus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A concealed patch of bright vermilion on the crown ; tail broadly tipped with white. Adult with the bill stout, blackish-brown ; throat and upper portion of the fore neck white ; sides of the body dusky, breast tinged with the same ; rest of the lower parts white ; head black, with a concealed patch of bright vermilion ; upper parts bluish-gray, with the wings dark brown, the ends of the first two quills attenuated; the outer mar- gins and tips of the primaries dull white, Grown of the seconda- ries more broadly marked with the same; tail brownish-black, broadly tipped with white, the outer webs of the outer feathers margined with the same. Female with the plumage duller, the lower parts more deeply tinged with dusky. Length eight inches and a quarter, wing four and a half. The Tyrant Flycatcher, or “ King Bird,” is common aoe us, and is usually observed about the cultivated grounds. It arrives in May, and remains during summer. Its nest is generally found on the branch of an apple-tree; the eggs, five in number, are blotched and spotted with haved on white ground. The King Bird alights on the tops of small trees, stakes, or mul- lein stalks, which situation it at times: occupies for minutes toge- ( 40 ) ther. Many suppose it adopts this quiet attitude for the pur- pose of attracting passing insects, they mistaking the bright ver- milion patch on the crown for a blossom, and in their eagerness to partake of the supposed nectar, the fatal error is not discovered un- til within reach of the beguiler’s grasp. From the activity which we have-seen it display when in pursuit of prey, we are inclined to the opinion that it is capable of supplying its wants without re- sorting to such stratagem. ‘The King Bird seems particularly fond of bees, and provokes the farmer by the frequent visit it pays to the hive. Although not possessing musical talent, its bold, courageous bearing has rendered it noticeable. It is often seen amusing itself by attacking hawks and crows; and by its activity when on the wing, it manages to soar above the object of its sport, pouncing ~ every few seconds on its quarry, until it becomes exhausted in the attack, when it retires to a convenient situation, uttering a shrill, triumphant twitter. MUSCICAPA ACADICA—GMEL. SMALL GREEN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER. Small Green crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa querula, Wils. Amer. Orn. Small Pewee, Nutt. Man. Muscicapa acadica, Bonap. Syn. Small Green-crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa acadica, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill broad, the bands on the wings dull yel- low ; upper plumage dull greenish-olive. Adult with the upper parts deep greenish-olive ; wings dark brown, the outer webs of the secondaries margined with pale yellowish-white, secondary and first row of smaller wing-coverts tipped with the same, form- ing two distinct bars on the wings; tail plain brown, the feathers margined externally with greenish ; lower parts pale yellow, tin- ged with green ; eye encircled with yellowish-white. Length five inches and a half, wing two and a half. } This species of Flycatcher is seldom seen except by those who are fond of strolling in the most secluded parts of the woods. In its habits it is solitary—generally seen on the lower branches of the largest trees—utters a quick, sharp note—arrives among us in the latter part of May, and retires southward early in September. (41) MUSCICAPA CRINITA—LINN. GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. Great Crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa crinita, Wils. Amer. Orn. Muscicapa crinita, Bonap. Syn. Great Crested Flycatcher, Nutt. Man. Great Crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa crinita, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill very strong; head crested; tail long, the feathers broad ; the inner webs, except the middle pair, brownish red. Adult with the head crested, which with the plumage of the upper parts, is dull olive; wings brown, the outer webs of the pri- maries margined with rufus, those of the secondaries with dull yellowish-white—secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped with the same; tail long, the feathers rather broad, their in- ner webs reddish-brown, excepting the middle feather, which, with the outer webs of all, are plain brown; throat and fore neck gray- ish blue; rest of the lower parts and edges of the wings yellow.— Female similar. Length eight inches and a half, wing four. The Great Crested Flycatcher arrives among us about the middle of May, and dwells in the tops of the highest trees until the latter part of September, or early in October, according to the supply of its food, which consists chiefly of winged insects. Though remain- ing with us throughout the summer, it cannot be said to be very abundant at that season. It is usually observed in the woods among the heavy timber, and sometimes it resorts to the orchards. It is noted for its quarrelsome disposition, and loud and shrill voice, which is at all times audible above all the rest of our Flycatchers. 6 ( 42) MUSCICAPA FUSCA—GMEL. PEWEE FLYCATCHER. Pewit Flycatcher, Muscicapa nunciola, Wils. Amer. Or. Muscicapa fusca, Bonap. Syn. Pewit Flycatcher, or Phebe, Nutt. Man. Pewee Flycatcher, Muscicapa fusca, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Both mandibles black their entire length ; third quill longest, fourth scarcely shorter than the second ; wings rounded ; tail slightly emarginate. Adult with the head dusky, upper parts tmged with dull olive; wings and tail plain brown; secondaries margined externally with dull white, their coverts tipped with the same—the outer margins of the lateral tail feathers of the same color; lower parts dull white, tinged with yellow; sides of the body and a portion of the breast tinged with dusky. Length six inches and three quarters, wing three and three-eighths. Early in the month of March, the pleasing note of this familiar bird announces the approach of spring. Being one of our earliest visitants, its appearance is hailed with joy, as it is the harbin- ger of the rich gifts which Nature is about to bestow. A favorite place of the Pewee bird to construct its nest, is under the eaves of a deserted house or barn. It rears two broods in a season. ‘The eggs, which are five in number, are white, slight- ly spotted with red. Late in the fall it retires southward. ( 43 ) MUSCICAPA VIRENS—LINN. WOOD PEWEE FLYCATCHER. Wood Pewee, Muscicapa rapax, Wils. Amer. Orn. Wood Pewee, Muscicapa virens, Nutt. Man. Muscicapa virens, Bonap. Syn. Wood Pewee, Muscicapa virens, Aud. Om. Biog. Specific Character—U pper mandible black ; Jower yellowish ; the base towards the point dusky ; with the second quill longest; fourth about a quarter of an inch shorter than the second. Adult slightly crested ; upper parts dark olive, darkest on the upper part of the head ; two bands on the wings formed by the tips of the secondary coverts and first row of small coverts, which are dull white; wings and tail dark brown; throat and breast cinereus, tinged with green—rest of the lower parts greenish-yellow ; tail emarginate ; at all times distinguishable from the preceding by the color of the lower mandible. Length six inches and a quarter, wing three and three-eighths. The Wood Pewee is very nearly allied to the former in plumage, but differs materially in its note and habits. The former is one of - our most early visitants, while the present defers its visits until late in May. It frequents the shady parts of woods, and watches its insect prey from the high, dead branches. Its note is more pro- longed than the former—and although not musical, it continues to enliven the forest after nearly all our songsters have become silent (4 ) MUSCICAPA PUSILLA—SWAINSON. LEAST PEWEE. Tyranula pusilla, Little Tyrant Flycatcher, Sw. & Rich. Little Tyrant Flycatcher, Muscicapa pusilla, Aud. Little Pewee, Nutt. Man. Specific Character—Bill shorter and narrower than M. acadica ; the bands on the wings dull white ; third and fourth primaries equal, longer than the second; first shorter than the sixth. Adult with loral band, ring surrounding the eye, tips of first row of small, and secondary coverts, and the margins of the secondaries, dull white, those markings in M. acadica are dull yellow ; upper parts dull olive brown, slightly tinged with green on the back; fore neck and fore part of the breast ash gray ; sides of the body much darker; abdomen and the middle of the lower part of the breast pale yellow ; lateral feathers pale brownish-gray. Length five inches, wing two and three-eighths, This not abundant species I have met with on various parts of Long Island ; in the month of June, in company with my friend Phillip Brasher, we obtained two specimens in the woods near Gowannus. I also shot one at Huntington South, and one other between East Hampton and Sag Harbor. The second I met with about the middle of August—the latter in the early part of Sep- tember—and I do not think it improbable that a few breed here, though I have never found its nest. It seems to prefer the woods, is an active, lively bird, and utters a rather loud and quick note.— It is nearly allied to the Small Green Crested Flycatcher, [M. aca- dica,] from which it can at all time be distinguished by the form of the bill. —————— ( 45 ) MUSCICAPA RUTICILLA—LINN. 2 AMERICAN REDSTART. t American Redstart, Muscicapa ruticilla, Wils. Amer. Orn. Muscicapa Ruticilla, Bonap. Svn. American Redstart, Muscicapa ruticilla, Aud. Amer. Orn. American Redstart, Muscicapa ruticilla, Nutt. Man. Specific Character—Basal half of wings three fourths the length of tail; sides of the body bright reddish orange. Adult with head, neck all round, back, fore part of the breast, the wing and upper tail coverts black ; primaries and secondaries commencing at the base, orange-red, which color extends midway the length of the wings, rest part blackish-brown, terminal portion of the tail feathers also black; the rest part same as basal half of the wings, excepting the middle pair of feathers, which have the entire length of their inner webs the same color as the tips ; sides of body and lower wing coverts bright reddish-orange; rest of the lower parts white. Fe- male, with the upper parts yellowish-brown; the markings on the wings, tail, sides of the breast, and lower wing coverts yellow.— Length five inches, wing two and five-eighths. This most beautiful of all our Flycatchers, is distributed over the Union. Itis common in the woods and along the road-side, as well as intheswampsand meadows; indeed, wherever its insect prey abounds, this active bird is seen, mounting to the tops of the highest trees, or darting rapidly through the low underbrush, uttering as it passes from twig to twig a sprightly twitter. It usually builds its nest in a low bush or sapling, and deposites four or five white egos, speckled with gray and dotted with black. It arrives among us in the latter part of April, and returns southward late in September. ( 46 ) GENUS CULICIVORA—SWAINSON. GNAT CATCHER. [Bill of moderate length, slender, depressed at base, narrowing towards the end ; upper mandible notched at tip, general form very slender ; tail long, much rounded.] \ CULICIVORA Ca@:RULEA—LATHAM. BLUE-GRAY GNAT CATCHER. Blue-gray Flycatcher, Muscicapa coerulea, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia coerulea, Bonap. Syn. Blue-gray Sylvan Flycatcher, Muscicapa ceerulea, Nutt. Man. Blue-gray Flycatcher, Muscicapa ceerula, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill rather long, very slender towards the end; upper parts blue; beneath grayish-white. Adult with the upper parts light blue, deeper on the head, approaching to gray on the tail coverts ; tail long and rounded, the feathers narrow; wings brown, tail darker, the larger portion of the outer two feathers white, the third margined externally and tipped with the same—the rest plain, with the middle pair of feathers a shade lighter ; lower parts grayish-white ; a white ring round the eye; a narrow black band on the forehead passing over the eyes. Length four inches and a half, wing two. Female withthe plumage duller, and without the black band on the head. This, the smallest of our Flycatchers, is surpassed by none in ac- tivity. It is continually on the watch for passing-insects, which it pursues among the high branches. With us it is a scarce species —in the Southern States more abundant. Its nest was found in Maryland, on the branch of a “Yokewood” tree, by Mr. Bell, who has informed me that it was constructed sim- ilarly to that of the Humming Bird, but much larger. ( 47 ) PAMI LY SYLVICOLIN &. WOOD WARBLERS. GENUS MYIDIOCTES—LATHAM. FLYCATCHING WARBLER. ee [Bill of moderate lengih, broader than high at base, straight, rather stout—e slight notch at tip; head ovate ; general form slender; tail rather long, and slightly rounded. ] MYIODIOCTES MITRATUS—LATHAM. HOODED FLYCATCHING WARBLER. Moscicapa cucullata, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia mitrata, Bonap. Syn. Mitred Sylvan Flycatcher, Nutt. Man. Hooded Warbler, Syivia mitrata, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Male with the fore part and sides of the head yellow ; throat, neck all round, and hind head black. Female with the yellow on ithe head faintly developed, and but a slight trace of the black markings so conspicuous in the male. Adult with the forehead and sides of the body rich yellow; neck all round, and upper portion of the neck, black; rest of the lower parts yellow ; upper plumage yellowish-olive; wings and tail brown, the feathers margined with the same color as the back ; the larger portion of the inner web of the outer tail feather white, de- creasing on the second and third tail feather; tail emarginate. Female with the yellow markings on the head much fainter ; throat, fore neck, and all the lower parts yellow, with a few touches of dusky on the lower portion of the fore neck ; a few spots of the same color on the hind head ; upper plumage similar to the male. Length of five inches and a half, wing two and five- eighths. Naturalists have divided this family [Sylvicoline] into five gen- era, which classification we find has its opponents, on the score of ( 48 ) its incumbering the pursuit with unnecessary and perplexing no- menclature. As for ourselves, in such arrangement we cheer- fully acquiesce, viewing it as a system founded on a thorough ac- quaintance with the science—one which is calculated to reduce the labor of the student. In many cases with immature birds, as is also the case in certain stages of the adult, there are no signs of plumage by which the species can be identified. In such cases of doubt, by referring to the generic character, which always remain ‘ unchanged, you are at once brought to the class to which it belongs, thus affording a greater facility for arriving at the species. Such species of this numerous Family as visit Long Island, are mostly birds of passage. They arrive among us during the month of May, early or late, according to the weather. Their visit in the spring is of short duration, soon passing on farther North to breed.’ When journeying southward, they return to us in autumn, which gives us an opportunity to secure both the adult and young. Although not affording amusement to sportsmen, they are nevertheless rendered attractive by their beautiful plumage and musical notes. They frequent the fields and woods, and in spring the blooming orchards echo with the sweet notes of these sprightly minstrels. At times, several species are observed col- lecting food, or sporting around the same tree; unless to a close observer, their manners and customs appear quite similar. With us, the Hooded Flycatching Warbler is not abundant. In the Southern and Western States it is more common ; it is gener- ally met with in low situations; feeds on winged insects ; and its note is loud, lively, and agreeable. With the practical Ornithologist, a minute description of the habits of familiar species is not required. ‘Those who have never parti- _ cipated in the pleasures of a collecting tour, and who are desirous for a more detailed account, will of course refer to the highly cele- brated works of Wilson and Audubon. ( 49 ) MYIODIOCTES CANADENSIS—LINN. SPOTTED CANADIAN FLYCATCHING WARBLER. Canada Flycatcher, Muscicapa canadensis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia pardalina, Bonap. Syn. Canada Warbler, Nott. Man. Caneda Flycatcher, Muscicapa canadensis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Third quill longest, scarcely longer than the second, which is about one-twelfih of an inch longer than the first, the fourth slightly shorter than the second; fore part of breast with oblong spots of black. Adult male with the upper parts blu- ish gray ; at the base of the upper mandible a band of yellow; a ring of the same color round the eye ; upper part of the head spot- ted with black ; wings and tail plain brown, the latter rounded ; throat and lower parts bright yellow; aspot of black below the eye which continues down the sides of the neck and unites with oblong spots of black on the fore part of the breast ; lower tail coverts white. Female with the general plumage duller, and the black markings on the breast faintly developed. Length of male five inches, wing two and five-eighths. In its migratory course this species visits Long Island. Like most of the species, at some seasons, during spring, it is quite plentiful ; and again at other times occurs only in small numbers. Mr. Audubon found it breeding in the Great Pine Forest, Pennsylvania, and met with it in Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Labrador. It flies swiftly, utters an agreeable note, and inhabits generally the woodlands. MYIODIOCTES FORMOSA—WILSON. KENTUCKY FLYCATCHING WARBLER. Kentucky Warbler, Sylvia formosa, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia formosa, Bonap. Syn. Kentucky Warbler, Sylva formosa, Aud. Orn. Biog. Kentucky Warbler, Nutt. Man. Specific Character—Bill rounded, narrower at the base than any of this genus; bristles slight; second quills longest ; first and third about equal; tail slightly emarginate, nearly even; upper parts olive-green ; lower parts bright yellow. Adult male with the up- it ( 50 ) per parts olive-green; line over the eye, curving behind it and whole lower parts rich yellow; upper part of head black, towards the hind part spotted with lightash ; lores and a spot curving down the neck also black ; tail nearly even atthe end, and of a rich olive green; legs pale flesh color. Female with the greater part of the crown yellow, and black under the eye wanting. Length five inch- es and a half, wing two and six-eighths. The discovery of this species is due to Wilson, who first met with it in the State of Kentucky; he also found it numerous in the State of Tennessee, and met with it in all the intermediate districts be- tween Nashville and New Orleans. It frequents low, damp woods, and builds its nest in the middle of a thick tuft of rank grass, some- times on the ground. The materials are loose, dry grass, mixed with the light pith of weeds, and lined with hair. The female lays four, and sometimes six eggs—pure white sprinkled with specks of reddish, on which she was observed by Wilson sitting in the early part of May. Y In the State of Maryland, during spring, the Kentucky Warbler is alsocommon. In Anne Arundel County, Mr. Bell procured up- wards of fifty specimens in the course of a few days’ shooting. In the State of New York itis rarely seen, A few have been shot in Rockland County, and at Hoboken, N. J. The specimen in my possession was shot in the woods at Raynor South,— and a few others have been procured in the same section. On no other part of the Island have I observed it, and [ consider it with us a very Scarce species. In plumage, it is not unlike the Maryland Yellow-throat—and like that species prefers the low bushes; its note is rather loud, clear and distinct. Its habits are those of a Warbler, and in point of Genera it is more closely allied to Sylvia than Muscicapa. ( 51 ) MYIODIOCTES WILSONII—BONAP. WILSON’'S FLYCATCHING WARBLER. Green Black-capped Flycatcher, Muscicapa pusilla, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sviva Wilsonii, Bonap. Syn. Green Black-capped Warbler, Nutt. Man. Green Black-capped Flycatcher, Muscicapa Wilsonii, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specfic Character—Crown black ; upper parts green, tinged with yellow ; form slender; tail rather long. Adult with the crown glossy, bluish-black, bordered in front and at the sides with yel- low ; occiput yellowish-green, hind neck and back the same ; wings and tail plain brown, the feathers edged with greenish ; lower part yellow. Female similar, with less black on the crown. Length four inches and a half, wing two and one quarter. In this vicinity the Green Black-capped Flycatcher is rarely seen. In the Southern States it is said to be more abundant ; it prefers low, swampy situations, is an expert flycatcher, and utters a sharp note. GENUS SYLVICOLA—SWAINSON. WOOD WARBLERS. [Bill short, broader than high at base, straight, rather strong, tapering—nostrils oval, partly concealed by feathers ; head of moderate size, neck short body rather slender; wings of moderate length; tail rather long, emarginate ; tarsi longer than the middle toe; feet and toes slender, ianer toe free; claws arched, acute.] SYLVICOLA PINUS—LATHAM. PINE-CREEPING WOOD WARBLER. Sylvla pinus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia pinus, Bonap Syn. Pine Warbler, Sylvia pinus, Nutt. Man. Pine Creeping Warbler, Silvia pinus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Second and third quills equal ; fourth slightly longer than the first; tail emarginate. Adult male with the up- per parts bright olive; wings and tail feathers brown; secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped with dull white—a similar patch on the inner webs of the outer two tail-feathers ; lower parts yellowish-green. Female, with the upper parts dull olivaceous brown ; throat, fore neck, and fore part of the breast, pale yellowish ereen—rest of the lower parts dull white, faintly tinged with yellow. Length five inches and a quarter, wing two and seven-eighths. ( 52) The Pine-creeping Warbler—so called from its habit of creeping up the trunks of pine-trees in search of the larve of insects-—is quite a common species, and one of the first that arrives in the spring. On Long Island it breeds; the eggs, four in number, are white, marked at the great end with dark brown. It utters a simple chir- rup, and is generally found in the pine forests. Common in various parts of the Union. SYLVICOLA DISCOLOR—VIEILL. PRAIRIE WOOD WARBLER. Prairie War)ler, Sylvia minuta, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia discolor, Bonap. Syn. Prairie Warb'er Sylva discolor, Nutt. Man. Prairie Warbler, Sylvia discolor, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill slender ; tarsi slender, very much com- pressed; second quill longest ; first and third about equal ; fore part of back distinctly marked with reddish-brown ; the sides of the body streaked with black. Adult male with the upper parts olivaceous, marked with reddish-brown on the back ; the head bordered in front and over the eyes with yellow ; a line of black from the bill to the eye, a similar spot behind the eye; cheeks next to eye yellow, lower portion black; a spot of black on the sides of the neck; lower plumage bright yellow; the sides of the body broadly streak- ed with black; first row of lesser wing coverts tipped with yellow ; secondary coverts more faintly marked with the same; wings and tail blackish-brown, a large portion of the outer feathers white, the next with a similar spot on the inner web towards the end, the third with a smaller spot of the same color. Female with the plumage duller, and the black marks on the sides ofthe head wanting. Length four inches and three-quarters, wing two and three-eighths. This delicate and prettily-marked species prefers the neglected fields and open plains. The most of its time is passed upon the ground, searching among the leaves, or climbing up the stalks of rank weeds in pursuit of insects. Its flight is short and feeble; it utters a low note. It remains with us durme the summer, con- structs its nest, which is small and neatly made, in the low bushes, sometimes on the lower branches of the pine tree, eggs four, spotted with brown on white ground. ( 53 ) SYLVICOLA STRIATA—LATHAM. BLACK-POLL WOOD WARBLER. Black-poll Warbler, Sylvia striata, Wils. Amer. Orn, Sylvia striata, Bonap. Syn. Sylvicola striata, Black poll Warbler, Sw. & Rich. Black-poll Warbler, Sylvia striata, Nutt. Man. Black-poll Warbler, Sylvia striata, Aud. Orn Biog. Specific Character—Second quill scarcely longer than the first, which is longer than the third ; upper mandible black; lower dull white, at base, sides and toward the point dusky. Adult male with the upper part of the head black; sides of the head below the eyes, throat, fore neck, middle portion of the breast, abdomen, lower tail coverts, and a few feathers on the occiput, white; back bluish ash-gray, streaked with black, as are the sides of the body ; quills and tail feathers dark brown; prima- ries edged with greenish-yellow; secondary coverts and first row of small coverts broadly tipped with white, forming two distinct bands on the wines; outer three tail feathers with a patch of white on their inner webs near the end, much reduced on the third feather. Female with the head and upper parts dull green, streaked with dusky; cheeks and fore neck yellowish-gray; lower parts dull white, tinged with yellow; wing bands tinged with yellow. Young similar. Length five inches and a quarter, wing three. The Black-poll Warbler is the last of its tribe that arrives among us in the spring. This may be owing to its feeding on winged “insects, which are not brought into animation, or do not abound in its favorite haunts until invited by the potent influence of the sun. ‘The same cause operating in the Fall, it is about the first to bid farewell, following its insect prey to a warmer climate. It has a single, low, unmusical note. SYLVICOLA BLACKBURNIAZ—LATHAM. BLACKBURNIAN WOOD WARBLER. Blackburnian Warbler, Sylvia Blackburniae, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia Blackburniae, Bonap. Syn. Blackburnian Warbler, Sylvia Blackburniae, Nutt. Man. Blackburnian Warbler, Sylyia Blackburniae, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Throat, fore neck, bands on the upper part and sides of the head, and the sides of the neck, bright orange-red. et) Female with similarly formed marking but much paler. Adult male, with a band of orange-yellow commencing at the nostrils, passing over the eye on the hind neck, meeting a patch of the same color on the sides of the neck; a spot under the eye orange yel- low ; a short band of the same color on the crown and a patch behind the eye black, of which color are the upper part of the head, nape, and back, the latter marked with white—a similar patch on the wings; quills and tail feathers dark brown; larger portion of the lateral feathers on either side white, diminishing on the second and reduced to a small spot on the third; throat, fore neck, and fore part of the breast rich orange; on the sides of neck an irregular black band ; sides of the body streaked with black ; rest of the lower parts dull yellow. Female with the upper parts dull - green, streaked with black; throat and fore neck yellow, slightly tinged with orange-red; the bands on the upper part and sides of the head and neck pale yellow. Length four inches and three quarters, wing two and three quarters. This rather scarce species is one of the most beautiful which adorns our woods. In the spring, its rich plumage appearing among the trees, delights the eye of the traveller; and its agreea- ble note, mingling with others of its tribe is a great acquisition to the rich melody of the forest. On Long Island I have not found it plentiful, a few are observed during spring and antumn. In Massa- chusetts, near Williamstown, Mr. W. C. Edwards informs me that he has met with them in considerable numbers. SYLVICOLA MACULOSA—LATHAM. BLUE-HEADED YELLOW-RUMPED WOOD WARBLER. Black and Yellow Warbler. Sylvia magnolia, Wils. Amer. Orn Syivia maculosa, Bonap. Syn. Black and Yellow Warbler, Svlvia maculosa, Nutt Man. Sylvia maculosa, Yellow-romp Warbler, Sw & Rich. Black and Yellow Warbler, Sylvia maculosa, Aud. Ovn. Biog. Specific Character.—A black band on the fore part and sides of the head; rump yellow; the inner webs of all the tail feath- ( 55 ) - ers, excepting the middle pair, with large white spots. Adult male with the head bluish, bordered in front with black; loral space, cheeks, hind neck, and fore part of the back of the same color, rest part of the back grayish-blue, tinged with olive; rump yellow ; upper tail coverts and tail black; the inner webs of the tail feathers about two thirds their length from the base are largely spotted with white, excepting the middle pair, which are plain; wings dark brown, secondary and first row of smaller coverts margined and broadly tipped with white ; throat pure yellow; lower parts bright yeleow, breast and sides marked with long spots of black ; under tail coverts white; eyelids white, with a band of the same color behind the eve. Female with the plumage duller. Length four inches and three quarters, Wing two and one quarter. This beautiful bird adorns the fields and orchards, and enlivens the woods with its agreeablesong. Durin ey o some seasons, scarcely a specimen .is observed on Long’ Island; again, it occurs in con- siderable numbers. I have met it in various localities; its notes, though rather feeble, are soft and musical. With us it is a bird of passage—arrives in the month of May, and. passes on to breed. Like many of our warblers, it is found during the breeding season at the White Mountains, New Hampshire. SYLVICOLA CORONA TA—LATHAM. YELLOW-CROWNED WOOD WARBLER. Yellow-rump Warbler, Sylvia coronata, Wils Amer. Orn. Sylvia coronata, Bonap. Syn. Yellow-crowned Warbler, or Myrtle Bird, Sylvia coronata, Nutt. Man. Yellow-rump Warbler Sylvia coronata, Aud. Orn. Bivg. Specific Character—Crown, rump, and a large patch on the sides, of the body bright yellow. Adult male, cheeks and a line before the eye black; lower eyelid and a line over the eye. white; crown, rump, and a large patch on the sides of the body bright yellow ; upper parts deep ash-gray, streaked with black; secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped and edged with white; tail feathers dark brown, the outer three with a patch of white on their inner webs near the ends; throat white; lower portion of the fore ( 56 ) neck black, which color predominates on the breast; abdomen white; flanks streaked with dusky. Female with the yellow spot on the crown faintly developed ; the yellow markings on the rump and sides of the body much paler. Length five inches, wing two and three quarters. This abundant species remains with us long after all the rest of its tribe have gone to their winter quarters. Late in autumn, in compa- ny with the Red-breasted Thrust or Robin, it frequents the cedar- trees, the berries of which at this season, form the principal portion of its food. At this period the plumage of the male is similar to that of the female. SYLVICOLA CANADENSIS—LINN. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WOOD WARBLER. Black-throated Blue Warbler Sylvia canadensis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia canadensis, Bonap. Syn. Black-throated Blue Warbler, Sylvia carfadensis, Nutt. Man. Black-throated Blue Warbler, Sylvia canadensis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Second and third quills about equal, fourth scarcely shorter, first longer than the fifth; tail rounded, outer three feathers spotted with white, the rest plain margined externally with blue. Adult witha black band on the forehead ; cheeks, throat, fore neck, and sides of the body also black, rest of the lower parts white ; upper parts dull blue; wings and tail blackish-brown—the quills towards their base white, forming a conspicuous patch on the wings; outer three tail feathers with a patch of white on their inner webs near the ends; primary and tail feathers margined with blue. Fe- male, upper plumage greenish olive, the basal part of feathers blue, lower parts dull yellow; the white markings on the wings and tail less conspicuous. Young similar, with a dull white line from the nostrils to the eyes. Length five inches, wing two and five-eighths. The Black-throated Blue Warbler takes up its residence in the woods convenient to stagnant pools or shallow streams that abound with winged insects, which constitutes the larger portion of its food. At times it is seen moving along the lower branches, or searching among the moss on the trunks of trees, for various species of insects. Its nest I have never found. It arrives in the latter end of April. (57) or beginning of May—spends a few days in the deepest parts of the woods—and then passes on to its breeding quarters. In pursuing its prey it displaysa good deal of activity; it utters an unmusical note; is a strongly-marked species; with us does not occur in large numbers. One of the first specimens that I ever saw,-I observed in a garden in the city of New York, in the month of May last; it alighted on a lilac bush, appeared very tame, and allowed me to approach so near, that for a moment I entertained the idea of capturing it alive; while attempting it, it flew off toa neighboring Catalpa, and I lost sight of it. SYLVICOLA VIRENS—LATHAM. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WOOD WARBLER. Sylvia virens, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia Virens, Bonap. Syn. Black-throated Green Warbler, Nutt. Man. Black-throated Green Warbler, Sylvia virens, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Forepart and sides of the head and sides of neck yellow; throat and foreneck black; upper parts yellowish-green. Adult male with fore part and sides of the head and sides of neck yellow ; upper parts light yellowish-ereen; wings and tail brown— two white bands on the former ; a large portion of the outer two tail feathers white, the third with a patch of the same color on the inner web toward the end; throat, fore part of the neck and sides of the breast black, that color continuing in longish spots on the sides of the body ; rest of the lower parts white, slightly tinged with yellow. Female with the throat yellowish-white; a dusky band on the sides of the neck, fore part of breast and sides of the body dusky ; upper parts the same as the male, with the plumage duller. Length four inches and three quarters, wing two inches and a half. The Black-throated Green Warbler is another of those lively inhabitants of the woods that spend a short time with us in the spring. It is generally seen on the upper branches in search of the larve of insects. In the fall its chirping notes are again heard as it passes on to the South. 8 ( 58 ) SYLVICOLA ASTIVA—GMEL. YELLOW-POLL WOOD WARBLER. Blue-eyed Warbler, Sylvia citrinella, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia aestiva, Bonap. Syn. Summer Yellow Bird or Warbler, Nutt. Man. Yellow-poll Warbler, Sylvia aestiva, Aud, Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper parts yellowish-green; lower parts bright yellow, streaked with brownish red. Adult male with fore part of head, cheeks, throat, sides of the neck, and lower parts pure ~ yellow ; breast and sides of the body streaked with reddish-brown ; upper parts pale yellowish-green ; wings brown, the primaries mar_ gined with green, the secondaries and their coverts with yellow; tai} feathers brown, with the greater portion of their imner webs yellow. Female with the colors duller; lower parts faintly streaked with reddish brown, which color is wanting in the young. Length four inches and three quarters, wing two and a quarter. This species is familiarly known by the name of Summer or False Yellow Bird. It is one of our earliest visitors in the spring and re- mains with us throughout the summer. As a vocalist, it has no claims to our atttention—still it is universally admired on account of its sprightly manners, sociable disposition, neat, rich attire, and general pleasing appearance. Its usual employment is hunting for small caterpillers among the shrubbery and fruit trees, and it is observed pursuing the same occu. pation in the woods; but its favorite resort seems to be the willows, especially those which overhang a shallow brook, or occupy moist situations on a millstream. The nest is usually placed on some low bush ; the materials used for its construction are dry grasses; some* times woven together with tow, or slender strips of the flexible bark of the willow, selecting the softer and silken parts of plants, or hair, ior finishing the interior. The eggs, four—sometimes five, are of a dull white color, finely dotted near the larger end with pale- brown. ( 59 ) SYLVICOLA PETECHIA—LATHAM. YELLOW RED-POLL WOOD WARBLER. Yellow Red-poll Warbler, Sylvia petechia, Wils. Amer. Or. Sylvia petechia, Bonap. Syn. Sylvicola petechia, Yellow Red-poll Warbler, Sw. & Rich. Yellow Red-poll Warbler, Sylvia petechia, Nutt. Man. Yellow Red-poll Warbler, Sylvia petechia, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character.—Second and third quills about equal ; the first slightly shorter than the fourth; tail emarginates the inner webs of the outer two feathers toward the end, largely spotted with white ; erown brownish-red. Adult witha yellow line from the nostril over the eye; crown deep brownish-red; sides of the head and upper parts yellowish-olive, streaked with brown; rump greenish-yellow; quills and tail feathers dark brown, the primaries edged with brown- ish-white, the tail feathers margined with greenish-yellow, the inner webs of the outer two with a white patch near the end; lower part yellow, streaked with reddish brown, which color is deeper on the sides of the body; lower tail coverts plain yellow. Female with the tints duller, especially on the crown, which has but a slight re- semblance to that of the male. Length five inches, wing two and five-twelfths. The favorite resort of this species is among the low thickets. It is fond of watching its insect prey from the Black Alder, and when not in pursuit of food it appears restless, spreading its wings and tail, and uttering an unmusical note. With us, it is not a summer resident, nor have I at any season found it abundant. ( 60 ) SYLVICOLA AMERICANA—LATHAM. BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WOOD WARBLER. Blue Yellow-back Warbler, Sylvia pusilla, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia Americana, Bonap. Syn. Particolored Warbler or Finch Creeper, Nutt. Man. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, Sylvia Americana, Aud. Orn, Biog. Specific Character—Upper parts blue; a broad deep olive band on the fore part of the back. Adult with the loral space’ black; head, sides of the neck, and all the upper parts blue, marked with deep olive onthe back; wings - and tail-blackish brown, edged with blue; two bands across the wings formed by the tips of the outer secondary coverts, and those of the first rows of small coverts, which are white; the outer three tail feathers with a spot of white on their inner webs near the end; throat yellow ; a black band on the fore neck, below which a belt of dull orange ; fore part of the breast yellow; side of the body pale- blue, marked with a few touches of reddish-brown; rest of the lower parts white. Female, with the loral band and the belt on the fore neck want- ing. General plumage duller. - Length four inches and a quarter, wing two inches and a quarter. This abundant species seems to have no choice of residence—it is equally common in the woods, high, dry grounds, and swamps, and resorts to the orchards, where it is seen Searching among the blossoms for insects, and it is observed on the uppermost branches of the tallest trees. It has a low, feeble, chirping note. On Long Island I am not aware that it breeds, but I am informed-that its nest has been found at the Catskill Mountains. ( 61 ) SYLVICOLA MARTIMA—WILSON. CAPE MAY WOOD WARBLER. Cape May Warbler, Sylvin martima, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia martima, Bonap. Syn. Cape May Warbler, Sylvia martima, Nutt. Man. Cape May Warbler, Sylvia martima, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Second and third quills about equal and lon- ger; first longer than the fourth ; sides of the head reddish-yellow; throat, a band on the sides of the neck, rump and lower parts yel- low, the latter streaked with black. Adult with the upper part of the head dusky ; sides of the head reddish-yellow; throat and a band on the neck nearly meeting on the hind neck, light yellow, as are the fore part of the neck and breast—which, with the sides of the body, are streaked with dusky ; abdomen white; tinged with yellow ; rump bright yellow ; back yellowish-olive, streaked with dusky ; wings and tail brown, the feathers margined externally with greenish ; a white band on the wing, formed by the outer edges and tips of wing coverts; a patch of white on the inner webs of the outer three tail feathers. This description is taken from a specimen which I received through the politeness of S. F. Baird, Carlile, Pennsylvania. Length four inches and eleven-twelfths, wing two and five-eighths. On Long Island the Cape May Warbler is exceedingly rare. I know of but one specimen having been procured here. The cabinet of Mr. Lawrence contains a specimen shot on New York Island by Mr. Bell—which, with one other specimen procured by him at Hoboken, are all that I know to have occurred in the vicinity of N. Y. In Pennsylvania I am informed by S. F. Baird, that a few are seen every season. It is a beautiful and strongly marked species —but from never having met with it during my rambles, from my own observations I know nothing of its habits and notes, ( 62 ) SYLVICOLA CASTANEA—WILSON. BAY-BREASTED WOOD WARBLER. Bay-breasted Warbler, Sylvia castanea, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia castanea, Bonap. Syn. Bay-breasted Warbler, Sylvia castanea, Nutt. Man. Bay-breasted Warbler, Sylvia castanea, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Second quill longest; first and third scarcely shorter and about equal; upper part of the head, fore neck and sides of the body chestnut-red, Adult with the forehead, loral space and cheeks black; crown, fore neck, a portion of the breast, and sides of the body chesnut-red, deeper on the crown; a patch of yellow- ish white on the sides of the neck ; back bluish, ash-gray, streaked with black; two white bands on the wings; quills and tail feathers brownish-black, the outer three of the latter with a patch of white on the inner webs ; abdomen and middle portion of the breast white. Female, with the markings on the upper part of the head and sides of the body lighter.. Young in Autumn with the head and upper parts yellowish-green, streaked with dusky; throat and fore neck faintly tinged with bay—sides of the body more deeply tinged with the same. Length five inches, wing two and three-eighths. The Bay-breasted Warbler is among the last of the Genus that arrives among us in spring. During some seasons it occurs in considerable numbers, but in general it is by no means plenti- ful. It seldom alights on the ground, or low bushes. It frequents the orchards, but is more usually observed on the middle or upper branches of the forest trees. In pursuit of its insect prey it displays much less activity than many other species of Sylvia, and is noted by collectors for its unsprightly manner. ( 63 ) SYLVICOLA ICTEROCEPHALA. CHESTNUT-SIDED WOOD WARBLER. Chestnut-sided Warbler, Sylvia icterocephala, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia icterocephala, Bonap. Syn. Chestnut-sided Warbler, Sylvia icterocephala, Nutt. Man. Chestnut-sided Warbler, Sylvia icterocephala, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper part of the head light yellow; along the sides of the body a broad, bright chestnut band. Adult with the upper part of the head light yellow; upper parts bluish-grey, rather deeply tinged with greenish-yellow ; the back broadly streaked with black ; wings and tail brown; secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped with pale yellow; outer three tail feathers with a patch of white on the inner webs near the end ; behind the eye a large patch of white; a black band on the sides of the throat uniting with a broad band of chestnut that passes down the sides of the neck and body ; fore neck, breast, and abdo- men white, the latter tinged with yellow. Female with the upper part of the head tinged with green, and the chestnut band extend- ing scarcely beyond the breast. Length five inches, wing two and a half. This species, more beautiful than the former, is another of those migrative birds that only appear among us during spring and the early part of autumn. It has nothing in particular to recommend it. self to our notice other than its handsome markings, which vie with the gayest of our Sylvias. It inhabits similar situations with the preceding, and displays much greater activity when darting about in pursuit of its favorite insects. It has no song other than a few feeble chirping notes, and with us is rather more plentiful than the former. ( 64 ) GENUS TRICHAS—SWAINSON. GROUND WARBLER. {In this Genus the bill is slightly decurved—the tail rounded, always plain, or without spots ; in other respects similar to the preceding. ] TRICHAS MARYLANDICA—LINN. MARYLAND GROUND WARBLER. Maryland Yellow-throat, Sylvia Marilandica, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia Marylandica, Bonap. Syn. Maryland Yellow-throat, Nutt. Man. Yellow-breasted Warbler, or Maryland Yellow-throat, Sylvia Trichas, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Third and fourth quills equal and longest ; second next in length; fifth longer than the first; wings rather short; tail rounded; upper parts yellowish-green ; throat, fore neck, and fore part of the breast yellow. Adult with the fore- head, loral space, and sides of the head black, bordered with pale bluish-white ; upper parts yellowish-green, with a slight tinge of red on the crown; quills and tail feathers brown, margined with yellowish-green ; throat, fore part of the neck and breast, edges of the wings, and lower tail-coverts, bright yellow; rest of the lower parts tinged with yellow. Female with: the general plu- mage duller; the black and bluish-white bands on the head and sides of the neck wanting. Length of male four inches and three quarters, wing two and a quarter. This sociable and prettily-marked species is one of our most common warblers, and is found in all parts of the United States. It inhabits low, swampy grounds, passing its time among the small bushes and briars, suffering itself to be nearly approached without exciting suspicion. When alarmed, it merely flies to a neighboring bush, and recommences its simple song as if nothing had occurred to disturb it. It arrives among us in the early part of May—builds its nest on the ground among the briars—deposites five white eggs, speckled with reddish-brown—and retires south- ward early in the month of September. { 65 ) TRICHAS PHILADELPHIA—WILSON. MOURNING GROUND WARBLER. Mourning Warbler, Sylvia Philadelphia, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia Philadelphia, Bonap. Syn. Mourning Warbler, Sylvia Philadelphia, Nutt. Man. Mourning Warbler, Sylvia Philadelphia, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill strong, rather broad at base; upper mandible black; lower horn-color; wings of moderate length ; second quill longest ; third shorter than the first ; tail rather long, rounded ; upper plumage olive green. Adult with the head, hind part and sides of the neck bluish-gray ; the fore neck and fore part of the breast deep black, with transverse white lines; loral band black ; margins of eyelids dusky gray, the lower parts bright yel- low, upper parts olive green. Female with the sides of the neck and a band across the breast. ash-gray ; throat yellowish«white ; upper and lower parts duller than the male. Young with the en- tire upper parts plain dull greenish-brown; lower parts lighter brown ; abdomen and lower tail covertsdull yellow. Length five inches, wing two and three-eighths. This species was first described by Wilson, from a male speci- men which he shot in the early part of June, on the borders of a marsh, within a few miles of Philadelphia, the only specimen that he ever met with ; according to Mr. Audubon, it ranges from Tex- as northward to Nova Scotia, and throughout the interior to the _ Columbia River. The specimen in my possession was shot by S. F. Baird, in Cumberland County, Pa. ; and a few years since, a specimen was obtained by Mr. Bell on Long Island, the only one which I have known to have been procured here. 9 C88») GENUS HELINAIA—AUDUBON. SWAMP WARBLER. [In these birds the bill is nearly as long as the head, compressed toward the end, and tapering to a very acute point; wings rather long; tail of moderate length, nearly even.] HELINAIA SOLITARIA—WILSON. BLUE-WINGED YELLOW SWAMP WARBLER. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, Wils. Amer. Orn. _ Sylvia solitaria, Bonap. Syn. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, Nutt. Man. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, Sylvia solitaria, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character-—Bill straight, tapering to a very acute point —both mandibles black ; toward the point, lighter; third quill longest ; second longer than the fourth ; forehead, crown, and lower parts bright yellow ; loral space black ; two white bands on the wings. Adult with the forehead and crown rich yellow; up- per parts, including the hind neck and occiput, bright green, with a tinge of yellow on the rump; loral space black ; wings and tail grayish-blue, the tips of the secondary covertsand those of the first row of small coverts white ; a patch of white on the four outer tail feathers, occupying nearly all the inner webs of the first two, con- fined to about one-third of the inner web of the third, diminishing to a small spot on the inner web of the fourth; lower parts bright yellow ; lower tail coverts white, faintly tinged with yellow. Young with the forehead and upper parts yellowish-green ; lower parts tinged with green. . Length five inches, wing two and a half. The birds of this class are readily detected by the form of the bill. The Genus consists, as far as described, of ten species, only four of which I have been able to procure on Long Island, although I should not be surprised to hear of others occurring here—as, for instance, a single specimen of the Tennessee Warbler [H. peregrina] was shot by Mr. Bell in Rockland County, and it is not ( 67 ) improbable that other migratory species may extend to Long Is- land. This class of birds is not altogether confined to damp situa- tions, as their title would seem to imply, although they have a pre- deliction for low grounds, and usually keep among the bushes. The present species has been shot during summer on the Catskill Mountains, and it is not improbable that it breeds there; it has also been shot in Rockland County, and other parts of the State of New York, but seems to be no where abundant. On Long Island it is quite rare. I have not seen a specimen for the last two years, and the number that I have met with during any season has been very limited. HELINAIA VERMIVORA—LATHAM. WORM-EATING SWAMP WARBLER. Worm-eating Warbler, Sylvia vermivora, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia vermivora, Bonap. Syn. Worm-eating Warbler, Sylvia vermivora, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill nearly as long as the head ; horn color, darker above; first and second quills about equal; third scarcely shorter ; upper parts of head with three brownish-yellow and four black bands. Adult with the upper part of the head black, with a broad medial band of pale brownish yellow—a similar band over the eye; a line of dusky behind the eye; cheeks, throat, fore neck, and lower parts pale brownish-yellow ; upper parts light olive-creen; quills and tail feathers brown, margined with light olive-green sides of the body tinged with the same. Length five inches and a half, wing two and three quarters. This species exhibits more truly the type of the Genus than the former or either of the following two. It is generally confined to the wet, miry part of the woods, and loves to rustle among the dried leaves of broken branches that are occasionally lodged in the trees ; by this maneuvre it is known to be nigh at hand when not seen. Its note is low, and but seldom heard. ( 68 ) HELINAIA CHRYSOPTERA—LINN. GOLDEN-WINGED SWAMP WARBLER. Golden-winged Warbler, Sylvia chrysoptera, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia chrysoptera, Bonap. Syn. Golden-winged Warbler, Sylvia chrysoptera, Nutt. Man. Golden-winged Warbler, Sylvia chrysoptera, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill shorter than the head; upper mandible black ; lower horn color, at base; second and third quills equal; first longer than the fourth ; forehead, crown and outer webs of the secondary coverts and the tips of the first row of small coverts yellow. Adult with the upper part of the head rich yellow ; outer webs of the secondary coverts and the tips of the first row of small coverts pale yellow ; a line from the nostril back to the eye, and a patch behind the eye, the throat, and a broad band on the lower portion of the fore neck black ; a band from the base of the lower mandible down the side of the neck, with a line over the eye, white; upper parts light ash-gray ; quills and tail feathers brown, the former edged with pale blue—the three outer feathers of the latter with a patch of white on the inner webs ; lower parts grayish-white. Female with the throat gray, the black on the fore neck and sides of the head wanting, the yellow markings on the head and wings duller, as is the general plumage. Length five inches, wing two and one quar- ter. On Long Island this species occurs only in small numbers, and according to my observations is not an annual visitor, though it may visit us more frequently and in greater numbers than I am aware of, but avoid detection from its habit of keeping among the under- growth and small bushy trees. It is an exceedingly restless bird, flies quickly, and seems to be in continual motion, darting after in- sects, or hopping about from twig to twig among the bushes. ( 69 ) HELINAIA RUBRICAPILLA—WILSON. NASHVILLE WARBLER. Nashville Warbler, Sylvia rubricapilla, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylviarubricapilla, Bonap. Syn. Nashville Warbler, Sylvia rubricapilla, Nutt. Man. Nashville Warbler, Sylvia rubricapilla, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill shorter than the head ; very slender to- ward the end; lower mandible horn color; darker above ; the sec- ond and third quills equal; fourth scarcely shorter, longer than the first. Adult with the upper parts of the head and neck light ash, a little inclining to olive; crown spotted with deep chestnut, in small touches; a pale yellowish ring round the eye; whole lower parts bright yellow, except the middle of the abdomen, which is white ; back yellowish-olive, slightly skirted with ash ; rump and tail cov- erts brighter; wings darker; outer primaries edged with grayish white; secondaries broadly edged with green; tail slightly forked, lighter than the wings and edged with the color of the back.— Female faintly spotted on the crown with dull red, which color is wanting in the young, Length four inches and a half, wing two and three-eighths. This species was first discovered by Wilson in the State of Ten- nessee, not far from Nashville. On Long Island it is not very abun- dant, though by no means rare. _ It is found in various parts of the Union, and seems to prefer the orchards and low woods. With us, it is a bird of passage, arriving in spring usually about the middle of May—spendsa short time among its favorite haunts—and passes on to breed. According to Swainson, some extend their migrations to the fur countries. It is a well marked species, and has a sharp shrill note. (72) GENUS MNIOTILTA—VIEILL. CREEPING WARBLER. (Bill slender, rather long, tip acute, compressed toward the end; head rather small ; body slender ; wings long; tail of a moderaié length, nearly even; tarsi shorter than the middle toes ; feet and toes slender. ] MNIOTILTA VARIA—LINN. Black and white Creeper, Certhia varia, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia varia, Bonap. Syn. Creeping Warbler, Nutt. Man. Black and white Creeper, Certhia varia, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill rather long and slender; wings long, with the second and third quills longest, and about equal, the first slightly shorter and exceeding the fourth; tail of moderate length, and nearly even. Adult with plumage very soft, the colors black and white; the middle of the breast, abdomen, a band on the upper part of the head, a broad line over the eyes, a band on the sides of the neck, and a patch on the outer tail feathers, white ; two bars on the wings of the same color, formed by the tips of the secondary and first row of small coverts. Female with the lower parts grayish-white, sides with dusky streaks. Length five inches and a quarter, wing two and five eighths. This neatly attired bird arrives in the spring in company with our early warblers. It inhabits various situations, but is more generally confined to the woods, and is frequently observed creeping round the trunks of the largest trees, much in the manner of the Nuthatch. It is quite common, and remains during the summer months. “ This Genus connects the Sylvicoline with the Certhiane.”— Audubon. | (71 ) FAM UL YOR RT Hn PN a CREEPERS. GENUS CERTHIA—LINN. TREE CREEPER. [Bill about the same length as the head, compressed, aiched, acute at tip— extremely slender ; general form slender; wings of moderate length ; tail long of twelve pointed feathers ; tarsi compressed, slender, longer than the middle toc; feet and toes slender—hind toe larger. ] CERTHIA FAMILIARIS—LINN. * BROWN TREE CREEPER. Brown Creeper, Certhia familiaris, Wils. Amer, Orn. Certhia familiaris, Bonap. Syn. Brown Creeper, Nutt. Man. Brown Creeper, Certhia familiaris, Aud. Orn Biog. Specific Character—Bill compressed, slender, arched; tail long, graduated ; the feathers stiff and pointed. Adult with upper parts reddish-brown ; darker on the head; all the feathers with a central dull whitish streak ; lower parts silvery white; sides of the body tinged with brown; wings deep brown, the coverts tipped with dull yellow—the secondaries at the base barred with the same; both webs of the quills crossed with a dull yellowish band, excepting the outer three, which are plain brown—the rest witha greenish-yellow patch on their outer web toward the tips, whichare dull white; rump and upper tail coverts rusty-brown ; tail feathers very long, of a yellowish-brown color—darker next to the shafts, and tapering to a point ; bill about half an inch long, slender arched, the point acute; cheeks dark brown; a band over the eye silvery white. Length five inches, wing two and five eighths. i With us the Brown Creeper is found at all seasons of the year. It frequents the woods, in pursuit of food; when thus employed it is observed creeping along the trunks of the trees, directing its course upward to the higher branches—sometimes spirally, and often in a direct line. The tallest trees are usually preferred—and having accomplished its journey, it shoots downward, alichting on the body of a neighboring tree, a few feet above the roots, when it (72) recommences its occupation, carefully examining every crevice for insects as it ascends. The Brown Creeper is an exceedingly active, restless bird, mov- ing about with great nimbleness, and seeming to be almost constantly pursuing its favorite fare. When observed, it quickly passes round to the opposite side of the tree, changing its position with the move- ment of its pursuer—who, if not accustomed to its manners, can seldom prevent its escape. It often associates with the Downy Woodpecker and White-bellied Nuthatch, and sometimes all three are observed pursuing similar employment on the same tree. GENUS TROGLODYTES—CUVIER. WRENS. [Bill about the length of the head, peer camprteed: slightly arched, tip acute ; head oblong—wings short, rounded; tail short, rounded, of twelve feathers ; tarsi longer than the middie toe ; feet rather stout, toes moderate— inner free—hind toe larger, with a lorg claw. ] TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS—VIEILL. WINTER WREN. Winter Wren, Sylvia Troglodytes, Wils. Amer. Orn. Troglodytes europcus, Bouap, Syn. Troglodytes hyemalis, Winter Wren, Sw. & Rich. Winter Wren, Troglodytes hyemalis, Nutt. Man. Winter Wren, Troglodytes hyemalis, Aud. Amer. Orn. Specific Character—Bill rather short; tail short, rounded ; wings rather short ; fourth quill scarcely longer thanthe third ; se¢éond short- er than the fifth. Adult with the upper parts reddish-brown, faintly barred with dusky—rather darker on the head; upper tail coverts lighter—a spot of white on the tips of the secondary and first row of small coverts; wings and tail barred with black; lower tail coverts with a white spot on their tips; lower parts pale reddish brown, barred with black; fore neck and fore part of the breast lighter, and more faintly barred. Length four inches, wing two. Mr. Audubon found a pair breeding in the Pine Forest, Pennsylva- nia, and made a similar discovery in the State of New York, in the neighborhood of the Mohawk River. ; (73) The Winter Wren is an active bird and fond of keeping among the low bushes, or running along the stone walls ; when surprised, it disappears in the small openings in the same manner as a mouse. It also frequents the borders of creeks, visits the farmer’s door-yard, searches the brush-pile, and is sometimes seen in the gardens of the city mounted on a dry stalk, uttering a sprightly and agreeable song. In the month of October this species arrives among us from the North and remains until early in the spring. TROGLODYTES AADON—VIEILL. HOUSE WREN. House Wren, Sylvia domestica, Wils. Amer. Orit. Troglodytes aedon, Bonap. Syn. House Wren, Nutt. Man. Troglodytes aedon, House Wren, Sw. & Rich. House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill, along the gap, ten-sixteenths of an inch ; length of tail one and one quarter. Adult with the upper parts dark reddish-brown, faintly barred with dusky ; head dull brown, marked with dusky; upper tail coverts brighter; wings and tail brown, tinged with reddish-brown arid distinctly barred with brownish-black; lower tail coverts barred with dusky. Length four inches and a half, wing two. This well known bird arrives among us about the middle of May, and during its stay throughout the summer months is seen in all our gardens, collecting insects, on which it feeds. The sprightly . song of this familiar species is also heard in the pleasure grounds of cities, and to compensate it for the valuable service rendered in removing the insects that infest the blossoms, it is not unusual for the proprietors to provide for it a comfortable dwelling in which to rear its brood. The eggs are from five to seven, of a red- dish flesh color, finely dotted with a rather deeper tint. Two broods are raised in a season. In the latter part of September it migrates southward. 10 (74) TROGLODYTES AMERICANUS—AUD. WOOD WREN. Wood Wren, Troglodytes americana, Aud. Or. Biog. Specific Character—Length of bill eleven-twelths of an inch; of tail, one inch and three quarters ; wings short; fourth quill longest; third and fifth equal. It is closely allied to the House Wren, from which it differs in having the bill stronger, the tail feathers longer and inall respects it is a larger species. Adult with the bill nearly . straight, of moderate length ; upper parts dark reddish-brown, duller and tinged with gray on the head, indistinctly barred with dusky ; lower parts brownish-gray, faintly barred on the fore neck, breast and sides of the abdomen; cheeks light gray, the fearhers tipped with brown ; wings short, with the fourth quill longest; tail rather long, much rounded; wings and tail feathers undulatingly barred with blackish brown ; lower tail coverts distinctly barred. Length four inches and seven-eighths, wing two and one-eighth. This species was first discovered by Mr. Audubon, a few miles from Eastport, in the State of Maine, in the summer of 1842, Ac- cording to Mr. Audubon, it has been obtained in Vermont and South Carolina, and has been observed in Pennsylvania by Mr. Baird. A few have been shot on various parts of Long Island, and I have no doubt that it occurs in all the Middle and Eastern States; but from the strong resemblance it bears to the House Wren, has generally been overlooked by collectors. (75 ) TROGLODYTES LUDOVICIANUS—BONAP. GREAT CAROLINA WREN. Great Carolina Wren, Certhia Caroliniana, Wils. Amr. Orn. Troglodytes ludovicianus, Bonap. Syn. Great Carolina Mocking Wren, Nutt. Man. Great Carolina Wren, Troglodytes ludovicianus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill strong ; a yellowish white band over the eye; its superiority in point of size over all the other species is at all ‘times a specific distinction. Adult male with the upper parts brownish-red ; a broad streak of yellowish-white commencing at the nostril and passing over the eye along the side of the head; a band of reddish behind the eye—under the eye, a spot of dusky gray; throat dull white; lower parts and sides of the neck pale reddish buff; wings and tail barred with blackish-brown, the outer webs of the lateral tail feathers more distinctly barred; secondary and first row of small coverts tipped with dull white; lower tail coverts of the same color, barred with black. Female without the white markings on the wing coverts—lighter above, and tinged with gray below. Length five inches and one quarter, wing two and one quarter. Although chiefly confined to the Southern States, occasionally during the summer months, this large and musical Wren is seen on Long Island, as well as in other parts of the State of New York. It frequents the borders of streams, swamps, and decayed logs, col- lecting insects, on which it feeds. At times it becomes quite famil- iar, visits the brush-pile near the cottage door, and executes its varied notes in a spirited and happy manner. (76 ) TROGLODYTES PALUSTRIS— WILSON, MARSH WREN. Marsh Wren, Treglodytes palustris, Wils. Amer. Orn. Troglodvtes palustris, Bonap. Syn. Marsh Wren Troglodytes palustris, Nutt. Man. Troglodytes palustris, Marsh Wren Sw. & Rich. Marsh Wren, Troglodytes palustris, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill slender rather long; upper part of the head and fore part of the back brownish-black, streaked with white. Adult withthe upper parts dark-brown; the upper part of the headand fore part of the back brownish-black; a band of dull white from the nostril over the eye along the side of the head; hind neck and fore part of the back marked with longish spots of the same color ; quills dark brown, their outer webs margined with lighter brown ; tail barred with blackish-brown, the larger portion of the inner webs of some of the feathers being of that color, the middle pair of feathers lighter and more faintly barred ; sides of the neck light brown, inter- mixed with gray ; lower parts grayish-white; lower tail coverts with a dark-brown spot near their tips. Length five inches, wing two. On Long Island, during the summer months, this species is quite plentiful. It inhabits the swampy borders of streams, and subsists on smal] aquatic insects—is an active, restless bird, and continues its harsh notes long after nightfall. There is another species, (the Short-billed Marsh Wren, T. brevi- rostris) which I have no doubt is entitled to a place in this volume— but from having no knowledge of it being met with on the Island, I do not feel at liberty to do other than give it this passing notice. It has been found in Rockland county in this State, and has been ob- served as far eastward as Massachusetts, and I have notthe least doubt that it will yet be found on the fresh water marshes of Long Island. It can be readily distinguished by its short bill, which is much less than that of any other species of the Genus Troglodytes. (77 ) BAM Ley:, Py ASR Ne’. TITS. GENUS PARUS—LINN. [Bill short, straight, strong, rather broad at the base, narrowing towards the end ; nostrils concealed with recumbent frontlet feathers ; bristles at the base ; head rounding above, rather large ; neck short ; body rather short ; wings of moderate length ; tail rather long, graduated, of twelve feathers.] PARUS ATRICAPILLUS—LINN. BLACK-CAPT TITMOUSE. Black-capt Titmouse, Parus atricapillus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Parus atricapillus, Bonap. Syn. Black-capt Titmouse, Nuit. Man. Black-capt Titmouse, Parus atricapillus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Charucter—Upper part of the head, hind neck, throat, and fore neck black ; cheeks and sides of the neck white ; upper and lower parts yellowish-gray, lighter beneath; wings and tail brown, the feathers edged with bluish-white. Length five inches and a quarter, wing two and five-eighths. The Black-capped Titmouse, or “ Chicadee,’ stant resident, and is said to be quite common throughout the year as far north as Hudson’s Bay. During the spring and summer months it usually frequents the woods; in autumn it resorts to the ‘cultivated grounds, and at that period feeds on various kinds of seed. In winter, when the ground is covered with snow, it becomes quite familiar, approaches the farmer’s door, and during the time>of kill- ing the hogs, draws near to the scene of operation, and feeds on por- tions of fat, &c. from the offal. It associates in small parties, and is seen climbing round the limbs of trees, frequently hanging by its feet, and pecking at the bark in search of insects and their larve. The nest is usually placed in the cavity of a tree. The eggs are six in number, of a white color, minutely speckled with red. I have not known P. carolinensis to appear on Long Island. In point of plumage it differs but little or nothing from the present, > is with us a con- ( 78 ) from which it can at all times be distinguished by its smaller size. Some years since, a specimen was shot at Hoboken, which is the only instance which I have known of its having been . found in the vicinity of New York, it being chiefly confined to the Southern States. PARUS BICOLOR—LINN. CRESTED TITMOUSE. Crested Titmouse, Parus bicolor, Wils. Amer. Orn. Parus bicolor, Bonap. Syn. Tufted Titmouse, Parus bicolor, Nutt. Man Crested Titmouse, Parts bicolor, Aud, Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill much stronger than the preceaing ; head crested. Adult with the bill black, short, and very stout ; forehead black ; upper parts, including the crest, lead color; lower parts grayish-white ; sides of the body light red ; tail feathers long, of a rather deeper tint than the back ; inner webs of the wing quills dusky. Length six inches anda quarter, wing three inches. On Long Island this species is not so abundant as the former, with which it sometimes associates. Its manner is not so active as the preceding, but it possesses a stronger voice, and delivers a greater variety of notes. It is found in most parts of the United States, and resides with us throughout the year, seeking retirement in the lone- ly part of the woods among the heavy timber. It is a hardy bird, and braves the severest winters of our climate. It is said to be common to both continents; ‘in America extends to Hudson’s Bay, and in Europe is found in Normandy, and in many parts be- tween that and Sweden.” Inthe spring it feeds chiefly on insects ; in winter it subsists on acorns, and other soft shell nuts, and seeds of various plants. The nest is built in the hollow of a tree ; the eggs, six in number, are white, marked near the great end with minute spots of red. / (79 ) POA ME DL 8 Ye Vb AON AR WARBLERS. GENUS REGULUS—CUVIER. KINGLET. [Bill short, slender, broader than high at base, compressed toward the end— upper mandible slightly notched ; head ovate ; wings and tail of moderate length, the latter emarginate ; tarsi slender, compressed ; claws arched, acute— toes slender, hind toe strongest. ] REGULUS CALENDULA—LINN. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, Ruby-crowned Wren, Wils. Amer. Orn. Regulus calendula, Bonap. Syn. Ruby-crowned Wren, Sylvia calendula, Nutt. Man. Ruby-crowned Regulus, Regulus calendula, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A patch of bright vermilion on the crown; upper parts greenish-olive ; lower parts white, tinged with green ; young with the vermilion patch on the crown wanting. Adult male with the upper parts greenish-olive ; head and sides of the neck tinged with gray ; a patch of bright vermilion on the crown ; quills and tail dusky, margined with greenish-yellow; a tinge of the same color on the rump; secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped with white; eye encircled with dull white ; lower parts greenish-white. Female with the tints duller. Length four inches and a quarter, wing two and a quarter. About the middle of April the Ruby-crowned Wren arrives from the South, and frequents the orchards, procuring its food among the blossoms. It remains with us but a short time. In its migra- tory course it visits the Fur countries, where it breeds. When in full song, according to Mr Audubon, (who met with it at Labra- dor,) its notes excel those of a fine-toned Canary. On its way back to winter quarters, in the latter part of September, it returns to us with its young. At this period it lives chiefly on small winged insects, which it pursues among the tops of the tallest trees, as well as in the orchards. So intent it becomes on securing its prey, that it heeds not the approach of man, nor is it scarcely disturbed by the report of a gun. ( 80 ) When searching for food, it is frequently observed hovering— much in the manner of the Humming Bird—about the limbs of trees, carefully examining the crevices for lurking insects. A few sometimes remain with us until the middle of October, though gen- erally all move off to the South at an earlier period. REGULUS SATRAPA—LICHENSTEIN. AMERICAN GOLDEN-CRESTED KINGLET. Golden-crested Wren, Sylvia regulus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Regulus cristatus, Bonap. Syn. American Fiery-crowned Wren, Regulus tricolor, Nutt. Man. American Golden-crested Wren, Regulus tricolor, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill more slender and shorter than that of the pre- ceding ; forehead grayish-white, bordered above with a black band —as are the sides of the head; crown bright orange. Female with the crown pale yellow. Adult male with a band of grayish-white on the forehead, a similar band over the eye, and a fainter band below it; upper part of the head bordered with a black band, the inner margin of which is yellow; crown bright orange ; sides of the neck ash-gray ; upper parts yellowish-gray ; a line of dusky from the base of the bill continuing on the sides of the throat, which, with the lower parts, are grayish-white ; primaries and their coverts dusky, the former edged with greenish-yellow ; se- condary coverts and first row of small coverts broadly tipped with yellowish-white ; tail dark brown, the feathers edged with the same color as the primaries. Length four inches, wing two and one-eighth. This beautiful little Wren visits us from the South about the middle of April. In the latter part of May it retires northward, where it breeds. It returns to us in September, and continues with us until quite late in autumn ; a few have been seen in the vicinity of New York as late as December. Among us it is more abun- dant than the preceding species, with which it associates, and re- sembles it in its general habits. { 81 ) GENUS SIALIA—SWAINSON. BLUE BIRD. [Bill rather short, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end —upper mandible declinate at tip, notched ; head rather large—neck short— body full-—wings long; tail rather long, broad, slightly emarginate, of twelve feathers ; tarsi rather short ; feet rather stout—toes of moderate length, outer toe united at the base, inner free—hind toe strongest. ] SIALIA WILSONII—SWAINSON. COMMON BLUE BIRD. Blue Bird, Sylvia Sialis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Saxicola Sialis, Bonap. Syn, Erythaca (Sialia) Wilsonii, Sw. & Rich. Blue Bird, Ampelie Sialis, Nutt. Man. Blue Bird, Sylvia Sialis, Aud, Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper parts ultramarine blue; fore neck, breast, and sides of the body light chestnut red ; abdomen and lower tail coverts white. Female with the general plumage duller, and about half an inch less. Length seven inches, wing three and three quarters. This well known bird arrives among us in the early part of March, and remains until the approach of winter. During spring and summer it subsists chiefly on insects, and utters an agreeable and somewhat musical note. It frequents the orchards, gardens, open grounds, and woods. The eggs, which are from five to six in number, are of a pale blue color. It rears two broods in a sea- son, and remains quite late in the autumn, at which period its food consists chiefly of berries, and its song is reduced to a single and rather plaintive note. i) ( 82 ) PAMIL ¥ "TUR DEN Al; THRUSHES. GENUS ORPHEUS—SWAINSON. MOCKING BIRD. [Bill of moderate length, upper mandible curved, declinate at tip, notched— - body slender—wings rounded—tail very long, much rounded.] ORPHEUS POLYGLOTTUS—LINN. GRAY MOCKING BIRD. Mocking Bird, Turdus polyglottus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Turdus polyglottus, Bonap. Syn. Mocking Bird, Turdus polyglottus, Nutt. Man. Mocking Bird, Turdus polyglottus, Aud. Orn. Bivg. Specific Character—Tips of wing coverts, basal parts of primaries, outer tail feathers, larger portion of the next anda patch on the inner web of the third, white. Adult male with the upper parts light gray, tinged with yellowish-brown ; lower parts grayish-white, the breast darker; wings and tail brownish-black ; primary cov- erts white, as are the primary quills toward their bases; first and second row of wing coverts tipped with the same; tail long, round- ed, the outer feather pure white; the larger portion of the next, and a patch on the inner web of the third, and the tips of all excepting the middle pair, white. Female with the plumage duller, the white markings on the wings less extensive. Length of male nine inch- es and a half, wing four and three-eighths. Although a constant resident in the Southern States, this unri- valled songster occasionally passes the season of re-production on Long Island. The nest is placed among the briars—and, when ( 83 ) opportunity offers, a hedge fence is selected ; the eggs, from four to six in number, are light green, spotted with brown. The food of the Mocking Bird consists chiefly of berries and insects. It is usu- ally observed in the orchards, or about the highly cultivated farms, though at times it frequents the dry sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity of the sea. At Ego Harbor I have been informed that a few years since a bird of this species passed the summer on the beach. It became the pet of the residents, to whom it also seemed much attached—and, as if in return for the attention they paid to its wants, it poured forth its charming melody, which, on calm, bright nights, blending with the subdued voice of the ocean, ren- dered the scene enchanting beyond the powers of description. Its fame as a vocalist is so well known, that but little can be added to its justly established reputation. It is the Nightingale of America, and according to those who have heard the native notes of both, its voice, both in variety and fullness, is superior to that of Europe’s sweetest songster. Its power of imitation is so great, that this highly gifted bird runs over the varied notes of all our songsters, and exe- ecutes with so much skill, that it would seem as if Nature had so attuned its voice that it might exceed all of the feathered choir. ( 84 ) ORPHEUS CAROLINENSIS—LINN. BLACK-CAPPED THRUSH. Cat Bird, Turdus lividus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Turdus felivox Bonap. Syn. Orpheus felivox, Cat Bird, Sw. & Rich. Cat Bird, Turdus felivox, Nutt. Man. Cat Bird, Turdus felivox, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper part of the head and the tail black ; lower tail coverts dark red; general plumage dark slate color ; paler beneath. Length eight inches and three quarters, wing three. and five-eighths. This well known species usually arrives on Long Island in the latter part of April. With us it is very common, and is abundant in all the cultivated districts throughout the Union. It is familiarly known by the name of Cat Bird, from the occasional resemblance of its notes to the voice of a young kitten. Its favorite resort is among the briars and brambles, and it is met with in almost every thicket during spring and summer. The Cat Bird is remarkable for its singular and varied notes, which commence at early dawn and continue until late twilight, excepting during the heat of the day, when it retires to the shady part of the thicket, and passes the time in silence. Although not ranking with our first songsters, at times its voice is clear and melodious—and on certain occasions I have heard it perform in a manner that would not be discreditable to more celebrated songsters. Early in May this familiar species builds its nest, which is usual- ly placed in a thicket of briars, a few feet from the ground; the ma- terials consist of dry leaves, twigs, and dry grass, lined with fibrous roots. Theeggs, from four to five, are plain greenish-blue. ( 85 ) ORPHEUS RUFUS—LINN. FERRUGINOUS THRUSH. Ferruginous Thrush, Turdus rufus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Turdus rufus, Bonap. Syn. Orpheus rufus, Fox-colored Mocking-Bird, Sw. & Rich. Ferruginous Thrush or Thrasher, Turdus rufus, Nutt. Man. Ferruginous Thrush, Turdus rufus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Adult with the upper parts and tail light brownish-red ; two white bands on the wings, formed by the tips of the secondary coverts and first row of small coverts ; lower parts yellowish-white, with dark brown markings on the breast and sides of the body ; bill long and stout; tail very long and rounded. Length of male eleven inches and a half, wing three and seven- eigliths. This large and musical Thrush is more familiarly known by the name of Brown Thrasher. It arrives among us in the latter part of April or early in the month of May, and is generally distribut- ed throughout the Union. In the blooming month of May, when Nature, true to her charge, perfumes the air with the aromatic blos- soms that meet you at every turn, and the gray covering of hill and dale, as if by magic, has changed to a rich and grassy carpet, then you hear the loud and clear notes of the Ferruginous Thrush, mingling with the sweet and varied notes of our native sonsters, as if pouring forth his morning lay, in praise to the Creator of all. The nest is constructed near the ground—frequently on it— among the briars; the eggs, five in number, are pale dull white, freckled with reddish-brown. In the early part of the season they subsist chiefly on worms; when berries and cherries ripen they prefer this wholesome fare. ( 86 ) GENUS TURDUS—LINN. THRUSH, [Bill of moderate length, rather stout, straight, from the nostrils compressed —upper mandible slightly curved, declinate at tip, notched, bristles at base ; head of moderate size ; neck rather short; body full; wings moderate ; tail rather long, nearly even; tarsi longer than the middle toes ; feet robust; toes rather long—lateral toes almost equal—hind toe strong ; claws arched, compressed, acute, that of the hind toe rather large.] TURDUS MIGRATORIUS—LINN. RED-BREASTED OR MIGRATORY THRUSH. Robin, Turdus migratorius, Wils. Amer. Orn. - Turdus migratorius, Bonap. Syn. Merula migratoria, Reb-breasted Thrush, Sw. & Rich. American Robin, or Migratory Thrush, Turdus migratorius, Nutt. Man. American Robin, or Migratory Thrush, Turdus migratorius, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Lower parts red orange, except the abdo- men, which is white. Adult male with the upper parts dark gray, tinged with olive ; wings blackish-brown, margined with dull white —tail feathers darker than the wings, the outer two tipped with white ; throat white, streaked with black; in some specimens the throat is pure white ; lower part of the fore neck, breast, and sides of the body, reddish-orange; abdomen white; lower tail coverts dusky, tipped with white. Female with the colors duller. Length of male ten inches, wing five anda half. Female about one inch less. In the history of the North American feathered tribe there is no Species more universally known than the American Robin. It is found in all parts of the United States; and in its northern mi- grations proceeds to the Furcountries. It is also said to visit the western side of the continent, and has been observed during winter in South America, in the vicinity of Para, by Mr. W..E. Moore. ( 87 ) With us it is a very common species; here, as in many other por- tions of the middle districts, it may be said to be a constant resident, though far more numerous in the early part of spring and autumn than in the colder and summer months. Early in April it begins to pair, and at that period the loud notes of the male are heard all over the Island. The nest of the Robin is found in the woods, but more frequently in the orchard, on the bough of an apple tree; it is formed of hay and straw, cemented with mud, the interior lined with fine dry grass. The eggs, usually four in number, are plain bluish-green. The young are frequently taken at a very early age, and reared in cages. It endures confinement well, and even in this situation sings with a great deal of spirit, and is capable of being taught to whistle simple tunes. In the spring it subsists chiefly on worms and various insects; as the season advances, it acquires a fondness for the early fruits; at the approach of winter it feeds on the frost grapes, “ pokeberries,” (Phytolacca decandra,) cedar berries, and the fruit of the Viburnum prunifolium, a black berry which grows in clusters on bushy trees from ten to fifteen feet high, situated on the sides of hills, swamps, and along the fences. In the depth of winter its chief resort.is the cedars, changing its location as the berries are consumed. During the coldest weather it for a short time disappears, ‘especially in the absence of its favorite fare. Like the rest of this Family, as is also the case with most of our Sparrows, the Robin never advances with a regular succession of steps, its progression on the ground being performed in a hopping or jumping manner. With most persons it isa great favorite, and is suffered to build its nest and rear its brood without molestation. In autumn this species assembles in large flocks, and is shot with- out mercy by gunners from the neighboring towns and villages, as a matter of amusement. Such amusement, however, is only be- coming to juvenile sportsmen. ( 88 ) TURDUS MUSTELINUS—GMEL. WOOD THRUSH. Wood Thrush, Turdus melodus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Turdus mustelinus, Bonap. Syn. Wood Thrush, Turdus mustelinus, Nutt. Man. Wooed Thrush, Turdus mustelinus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper part of the head and hind neck browns ish red, fore part of the back paler, inclining to olive on the rump _ and tail; lower parts white, marked all over excepting on the ab- domen and lower tail coverts with blackish-brown spots. Adult with the upper part of the head and hind neck brownish-red ; fore part of the back tinged with yellow ; hind part of the back, rump, upper tail coverts, and tail, tinged with olive ; lower parts white, distinctly marked with roundish spots of blackish-brown, which run in chains on the foreneck, breast and sides of the body ; throat white, with a line of dusky on either side. Length eight inches, wing four and a quarter. The Wood Thrush or Ground Robin arrives on Long Island in the latter part of April, or early in May, according to the progress of vegetation. Although rather solitary in its habits, it is lively and cheerful, and like many of mortal kind, whiles away its solitude with a pleasing song, which commences at morning’s dawn, and continues until after sunset, excepting at noon-day, when it retires to the thick woods, where, like the most of our songsters, it passes the hottest part of the day in silence. ‘To those who are fond of rambling through the woodlands, the clear tones of the Wood Thrush must be well known. It is found in all parts of the Union, choosing its residence in the shady and tangled parts of woods—usually in the neighborhood of some woodland brook. Its food consists of various kinds of insects and berries. ‘The nest is generally placed in low situations ; the eggs are light blue, and from four to five in number. ( 89 ) TURDUS WILSONII—BONAP. WILSON’S THRUSH. Tawny Thrush, Turdus mustelinus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Turdus Wilsonii, Bonap. Syn. Merula minor, (Swainson) Little Tawny Thrnsh, Sw. & Rich. Wilson’s Thrush, or Veery, Turdus Wilsonii, Nutt. Man. Tawny Thrush, Turdus Wilsonii, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Adult with the entire upper parts including the tail feathers uniform tawny brown; fore neck and a small por- tion of the breast, pale yellowish-brown, marked with spots of dark- er brown; sides of the body ash; rest of the lower parts grayish- white. Length seven inches, wing four. This species was first described by Wilson. He states that it makes its appearance in Pennsylvania from the South about the be- ginning of May, stays a week or two, and passes on to the north- _ ern and high mountainous districts to breed. It visits us in the spring, and continues with us during the summer. Although not possessing the solitary habits of the former, it is by no means soci- able, being rather shy and timid. It resorts to the shady woods, where it passes the most of its time on the ground, searching for in- sects, which form the chief part of its food. Its note is a sharp chirrup, occasionally in a strain approaching a song. 12 ( 90 ) TURDUS MINOR—GMEL. HERMIT THRUSH. Hermit Thrush, Turdus solitarius, Wils. Amer. Orn. Hermit Thrush, Turdus minor, Aud, Orn. Biog. Turduas minor, Bonap. Syn. Little or Hermit Thrush, Turdus minor, Nutt. Man. Merula solitaria, Hermit Thrush, Sw. & Rich. Specific Character—Adult with the upper parts deep olive brown; rump, upper tail coverts and tail brownish-red ; throat, fore neck — and fore part of the breast approaching to cream color, and marked with brownish-black spots, which become more faint on the lower part of the breast, which, with the abdomen is white; lower tail coverts and sides of the rump pale buff; the sides of the body tinged with olive. Length seven inches, wing three and three quarters. In the Southern States the Hermit Thrush is a constant resident. About the middle of May it arrives on Long Island, and takes up its abode during the summer in the deep and shady parts of the woods. It is generally ‘seen alone, hopping about on the ground, or among the low bushes, in search of berries, on which it feeds, or — perched on a low bough uttering its plaintive note. By a casual observer this species might be mistaken for the Wood Thrush, which it somewhat resembles in plumage. It can, however, be readily distinguished by its smaller size. The plumage is duller, and it differs in its manners. Attimesthe Hermit Thrush is heard chanting a low and musical song, but it is destitute of those sweet, clear and rich tones which characterise the song of the Wood Thrush. Its nest is usually placed on low branches, and is formed of grass and weeds of different kinds, with great attention to the neatness of the interior. ‘The eggs, from four to five and some- times six in number, are pale greenish blue, spotted with olive. (91 ) TURDUS OLIVACEUS. OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. - Specific Character—Upper parts uniform dark brownish-olive— Adult with the second primary longest, first and third equal ; aline from the bill to the eye, circle round the eye, and sides of the neck rufous ; throat cream color, inclining to rufous; fore part of breast and the throat marked with saggitate spots, smaller and more decid- ed than those of T’. minor; sides light grayish-brown; under tail coverts pure white; abdomen white, spotted with light grayish brown ; tarsi one inch long, [tarsi of 'T. minor one and a quarter ;] bill short, stout, dark brown, approaching to black ; form compar- atively slender; upper parts uniform dark brownish-olive; outer webs of the primaries rather brighter ; tail feathers duller. Length seven inches, wing four. On referrmg to the Minutes of the Lyceum of Natural History, New York, we find in the month of December, 1839, a communi- cation made by the late H. C. De Rham, in reference to a confu- sion existing among the North American Family Turdine [Thrush- es.| Mr. De Rham in his communication stated that he had de- tected a confusion in the arrangement of this branch of our Orni- thology, but not having had an opportunity fully to investigate the subject, he was not at that moment prepared to unravel it, but he hoped to be able to do so at a future period. Shortly after this statement, and while practically in pursuit of this department of Nat- ural History, [Ornithology,] he fell a victim to disease. By that sad event, the Society was deprived of a highly valuable member, and the science of Ornithology of one of its most zealous and liber- _ al supporters. In pursuing the same‘subject, we find the confusion relative to the synonyms applied to the Thrushes by various authors, still ex- ists. After a careful investigation, made by comparisons with speci- ( 92 ) mens in my possession, as well as those in the extensive collections of Messrs. Lawrence and Bell, it is found that the above Thrush was first described in the Fauna Boreali, or Nerthern Zoology, by Swainson and Richardson, under the name of Merula Wilsonu— mistaking it, as we suppose, for the T. Wilsonii of Bonaparte, and describing the true T. Wilsonii under the name of M. minor, which applies to the Hermit Thrush, T. minor, of Gmelin. As the matter now stands, we feel at liberty to separate it from other species, by applying the name of ['T. olivaceus,] Olive-backed Thrush. The Olive-backed Thrush is quite common with us during spring and autumn; from never having been able to procure a specimen during summer, we suppose that it goes farther north to breed. It inhabits similar situations with ‘TI’. Wilsonii, with which it is often associated. PAM PLY eM OLA CPL LT Nae: WAGTAILS. GENUS SEIURUS—SWAINSON. WOOD WAGTAILS. {In these birds the bill is of moderate length, straight, slender, compressed toward the eud, broader than high at base; bristles slight; wings and tail of moderate length, the latter even; tarsi, feet and toes slender, as is the general form.] SEIURUS AUROCAPILLUS—LATHM. GOLDEN-CROWNED WOOD WAGTAIL. Golden-crowned Thrush, Turdus aurocapillus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia aurocapilla, Bonap. Syn. Seiurus auarocapillus, Golden-crowned accentor, Sw. & Rich. Golden-crowned Thrush or Oven-Bird,Turdus aurocapillus, Nutt. Man. Golden-crowned Thrush, Turdus aurocapillus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—First quill scarcely longer than the second, which is about equal to the third. Adult male with the crown brownish-orange, bordered on either side with black; upper parts olive; lower parts white, with dusky markings on the breast and ( 93 ) sides of the body; a dusky line on the sides of the throat, which is pure white. Female, with the crown paler. The con- spicuous marking on the crown of the adult wanting in the young. Length six inches, wing three. During the summer months, this species is quite common on Long Island. In its habits it is rather retiring, preferring the woodlands. It builds its nest, which is formed of dry leaves and grass, on the ground ; the eggs, which are from four to six, are white, spotted “with reddish-brown. Its song consists of two shrill notes, repeated in a hurried manner ; in autumn it migrates southward. SEIURUS NOVAEBORACENSIS—GMEL. AQUATIC WOOD WAGTAIL. Water Thrush, Turdus aquaticus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Sylvia novaboracensis, Bonap. Syn. Seiurus aquaticus, Aquaticus accentor, Sw. & Rich. New York or Aquatic Thrush, Turdus novaboracensis, Nutt. Man. Louisiana Water Thrush, Turdus ludovicianus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Common Water Thrush, Turdus aquaticus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Second and third quills about equal, scarcely longer than the first; tail emarginate. Adult with the upper parts dull brown, tinged with green; wings and ta‘l feathers rather dark- ~ er; a line of yellowish-white before and behind the eye, below which there@s a line of dusky ; lower parts dull white tinged with yellow, deeperfon the abdomen ; throat and fore neck spotted with dusky ; breast and sides of the body marked with long spots of . blackish-brown ; legs flesh-colored. Length of male six inches, wing two and seven-eighths. Female rather smaller. With us, the Water Thrush arrives in the latter part of April, remains but a short time, and retires inland to breed. Dr. Rich- ardson mentions that this bird wasseen at Carlton House, where 1t frequented the moist and thickly wooded points of the river. It arrived in May, and disappeared after a few days, probably goimg farther north to breed.—Fauna Boreali Americana. It returns to us in the latter part of August, frequents the brooks ( 94 ) and wades into the shallow streams in quest of aquatic insects. It sings with a great deal of spirit, possessing a loud, sweet and clear voice. The difference in size, as well as in shades of plumage, and color of the legs, (those parts in some being bright yellow) has induced some persons to suppose that they were two species confounded into one. Mr. Audubon considers them varieties. GENUS ANTHUS—BECHST. PIPIT. [Bill of moderate length, slender, as broad as high at the base, straight, com- pressed toward the end, slightly notched at tip ; head rather small, neck short ; body rather slender ; wings long; tail rather long, emarginate ; tarsi much compressed, slender ; toes slender ; claws arched, that of the hind toe long.] ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS—LICHENSTEIN. AMERICAN PIPIT. Brown Lark, Alawda rufa, Wils. Amer. Orn. Anthus spinoletta, Bonap. Syn. Brown Titlark, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill slender ; tail black, larger portion of the outer feather, and a spot toward the end of the next, white. Adult with the upper parts brownish-olive, touched with ddsky ; a whitish spot over the eye; secondary and smaller coverts tipped with dull white, the next with a white spot on the inner web toward the end next to the shaft ; throat white ; sides of the neck, the breast, and sides of the body, marked with dusky spots, which are,more numer- ous on the fore part of the breast, and more rounded ; those on the sides of the body are longer, and confined to the central parts of the feathers ; rest of the lower parts brownish-white. Length six inches, wing three and a half. ( 95 ) During autumn this species is found in small flocks in the ploughed fields and open plains; on the ground it has a rapid movement; when alarmed, it takes wing, mounts high in the air, whirls around, and descends with considerable velocity. On the approach of spring it retires to the Fur countries, where it is said to breed. FAMILY ALAUDIN &. LARKS. GENUS ALAUDA—LINN. LARK. [Bill rather short, robust, straigh:, conic, acute—the upper mandible project- ing beyond the lower ; head rather large, neck short, body full ; wings of mod- erate length ; tail generally emarginate, of twelve feathers ; tarsi compressed— longer than the middle toes ; feet and toes rather stout ; hind toe furnished with a long claw, which is nearly straight, tapering, and acute.] ALAUDA ALPESTRIS—LINN. SHORE LARK. Shore Lark, Alauda cornuta, Wils. Amer. Orn. Alauda alpestris, Bonap. Syn. Horned or Shore Lark, Alauda cornuta, Sw. & Rich. Shore Lark, Nutt. Man. Shore Lark, Alauda alpestris, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Head slightly crested ; hind claw half an inch long, nearly straight ; outer webs of the outer feathers, and their tips white; the rest more slightly tipped with duller white. Adult male with a band on the forehead, continuing behind the eye, which, with the throat and sides of the neck, are pale yellow; a broad black patch on the lower neck ; a black band from the base ( 96 ) of the upper mandible, extending back to the eye, and curving downwards about half the length of the neck ; upper parts blackish brown, the feathers margined with pale brown; upper tail coverts reddish-brown ; tail black, the outer two feathers margined exter- nally with white, the middle pair broadly margined with brown, and slightly tinged with reddish toward the base ; lesser wing cov- erts dull red, and tipped with white, as are the secondaries and their coverts ; lower parts dull white, with dusky brown markings on the breast and sides of the body ; the feathers over the eyes are long, which it has the power of erecting. Female with the plu- mage not so bright, and the black bands on the head and neck wanting. Length seven inches, wing three and seven-eighths. The Shore Lark arrives on Long Island in the latter part of Oc- tober, and remains, according to the mildness of the season, until the early or latter part of March, when it takes its departure north- ward, and it is said extends to the shores of the Arctic seas. It lives in society, and dwells almost exclusively on the ground —is usually observed on the dry, sandy fields and plains, but dur- ing deep snows, is seen searching for food along the sea shore. It feeds on the seeds of various wild plants, and when opportunity of. - fers, regales itself on the produce of the cultivated crops, such as wheat, oats, and buckwheat, to obtain the scattered seeds of which it sometimes frequents the “stubble” field. It also swallows large quantities of sand, which, with particles of shells, and bits of sea- weed, I have found in its stomach. During its stay with us it gets very fat, and is shot to supply the demand in our market. Like the Brown Lark, with which it is at times associated, it is capable of rapid gait; and when surprised, mounts in the air, performs a few evolutions, and usually descends near the spot from whence it had been put to flight. Mr. Audubon, who found it breeding at Labrador, informs us that at that interesting period the male sings sweetly. With us, its song is reduced to a single chirp, and that is not often heard except when it is moving about on the wing. (97 ) FAMILY FRINGILLINE. FINCHES. GENUS PLECTROPHANES—MYER. LARK BUNTING. [Bill very short, robust, tapering, somewhat compressed—upper mandible considerably narrower than the lower; head of moderate size, ovate; neck short ; body compact ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe and claw; claws long— that of the hind toe, produced ; wings long, pointed; tail rather long, emargi- nate.] PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS—LINN. SNOW LARK BUNTING. Snow Bunting, Emberiza nivalis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Emberiza nivalis, Bonap. Syn. Emberiza (Plectrophanes) nivalis, Snow Bunting, Sw. & Rich. Snow Banting, Emberiza nivalis, Nutt. Man. Snow Bunting, Emberiza nivalis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill brownish-yellow, the point dusky; hind elaw three-eighths of an inch long, arched; tail emarginate, larger portion of outer three feathers white. Adult with the upper parts grayish-brown, streaked on the fore part of the back with black, with a reddish tinge on the wing coverts and rump; a spot of dark brown on the upper part of the head, anda similar spot on the sides of the breast ; the inner secondaries are white, as are the outer two tail feathers, excepting a small spot on the ends; the third feather has a patch of white occupying the larger part of the inner web; the rest of the tail feathers and their primaries are brown; lower parts are dull white, with a reddish tinge on the sides of the body. The specimen now before me was shot in the winter. In summer the back scapulars, inner secondaries, terminal portion of the pri- 13 ( 98 ) maries, and four middle tail feathers black. Female with those parts tinged with brown. Length seven inches, wing three and three eighths. The Snow Bunting inhabits during summer the northern reigons of both continents, migrating at the approach of winter to warmer parts. According to Montagu, “these birds appear in the north of Scotland in large flocks during winter, and some few are said to breed upon the highest mountains with the Ptarmigans; but in the south of England it is rarely seen.” On Long Island, as in other parts of the middle districts of the United States, it arrives in the early part of December. It is ex- tremely hardy, and prefers the colder climates of both hemispheres, its migrations depending entirely on the supply of food, which to obtain it has sometimes proceeded in the U. States as far south as Maryland. On its first arrival it is very lean, but soon becomes fat from feeding on the seeds of dried rank weeds and withered grasses. When in good condition its flesh is much esteemed; it graces the table of the epicure, and by some of its admirers it is termed Orto- lan, but it is more generally known by the name of “White Snow Bird.” The Snow Bunting inhabits situations similar to the Lark, like which it displays much activity when collecting its food, and is often seen running with greatnimbleness. It alights on fence-rails, the roofs of the out-buildings, and if a convenient opportunity offers, enters the barn, and picks up the refuse seeds. It seldom alights on trees, but occasionally on starting a flock, it will rise and settle on a near tree, in the manner of the common Snow Bird. ‘This spe- cies keep in flocks, and when migrating, fly in close bodies and at a considerable elevation. On Mount Saddleback, one of the high- est peaks in the State of Massachusetts, Mr. Edwards—from whom I have received the ergs—informed me, that im company with oth- ers, he found, in the month of July, eleven nests. ‘They were plac- ed on the ground, and formed chiefly of dry grass, lined with hair , the eggs, four in number, are thirteen-sixteenths of an inch long’ dull white, spotted and marked with reddish-brown, which mark. ings are darker and confluent at the great end. ( 99 ) PLECTROPHANES LAPPONICA—LINN, LAPLAND LARK BUNTING. Lapland Longspur, Emberiza lapponica, Bonap. Syn. Emberiza (Plectrophanes) lapponica, Lapland Bunting, Sw. & Rich. Lapland Longspur, Nutt. Man. Lapland Longspur, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill dusky ; hind claw slender, very acute, more arched than that of the preceding, and with the tarsi longer. Adult male with the head, chin, throat, and upper part of the breast velvet black, margined with white from the ears; a broad stripe of reddish-white from the upper eyelid on each side joins the white bordering the ears—and there are the rudiments of another in the middle of the bright chestnut nape; rest of the up- per plumage pale reddish-brown, each feather striped in the middle with blackish ; coverts with two obsolete white bands; primaries hair-brown ; their exterior edges whitish ; abdomen and under tail coverts dusky white ; sides of the breast and flanks spotted with black ; bill bright lemon-yellow, tipped with black ; legs pitch black. The female differs in having the chin grayish, the black plumage of the head and breast edged with pale brown and gray, and the chestnut feathers of the nape fringed with dull white. In winter, (which is the only season its plumage is displayed to us,) the upper parts are brownish-red, the feathers broadly streaked with black ; lesser coverts, secondary coverts, and all the wing quills tipped with white ; sides of the crown and cheeks dusky, between which passes a band of very pale reddish-brown ; throat grayish-white ; sides of the neck, fore part of breast, and sides of the body streaked with dusky; rest of the lower parts grayish- white. Length six inches, wing three and five-eighths. In the winter of 1838, several specimens of this bird were ob- served in the New York markets, having been shot on Long Island —but I am not aware that this species has ever before or since been met with in our section. Inthe Middle and Eastern States it is exceedingly rare, and only visits the United States in winter. ( 100 ) GENUS EMBERIZA—LINN. BUNTING. [Bill short, robust, somewhat compressed, conic ; upper mandible rounded above, smaller and narrower than the lower; nostrils small, open, rounded, par- tially covered with the frontal feathers, tips acute, slightly notched ; head large, ovate ; neck short ; body plump ; wings and tail of moderate length, the latter emarginate ; tarsi about equal to the middle toes, hind toe strongest, outer toe united at the base.] EMBERIZA AMERICANA—GMEL. BLACK-THROATED BUNTING. ~ Black-throated Bunting, Emberiza Americana, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla americana, Bonap. Syn. Black-throated Bunting, Nutt. Man. Black-throated Bunting, Emberiza Americana, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill light blue, darker above, and much stouter than that of any species of this Genus. Adult with the fore part of the head greenish-olive ; occiput, hind neck, cheeks, and sides of the neck, dark ash-gray; a band from the nostrils over the eye, and a band from the lower mandible yellow, termi- nating with white ; chin white ; throat black; the lower neck and middle of the breast yellow ; sides ash-gray ; abdomen white; back grayish-brown, the fore part streaked with black; lesser wing coverts bright chestnut ; quills and tail feathers brown, margined with lighter. Female without the black on the throat, and with the general plumage duller. Length six inches and a half, wing three and a quarter. About the middle of May the Black-throated Bunting arrives on Long Island from the South. It prefers the grain, grass and clover fields, where it continues its oft-repeated chirrup until the early part of August, then becoming silent. In the early part of September it migrates southward. The nest is built on the ground; the eggs are five,—white, speckled with black. ( 101 ) EMBERIZA GRAMINEA—GMEL. BAY-WINGED BUNTING. Bay-winged Bunting, Emberiza graminea, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla graminea, Bonap. Syn. Fringilla (Zonotorichia) graminea, Bay-winged Finch, Sw. & Rich. - Bay-winged or Grass Finch, Fringilla graminea, Nutt. Man. Grass Finch or Bay-winged Bunting, Fringilla graminea, Aud. Orn. Biog.. Specific Character—Lesser wing coverts bay; tail dark brown, the outer portion of the itner web of the outer feather white; a spot of the same color on the end of the next. Adult with the up- per parts light grayish-brown, streaked with dusky; lower parts dull white ; fore part of the neck and sides of the body streaked with dark brown, margined with grayish-white; lesser wing cov- erts bay, secondary and first row of small coverts tipped with dull white ; tail dark brown, the larger portion of the outer feather white, with a similar spot on the end of the next feather. Length five inches and a half, wing three and one-eighth. The favorite resort of the Bay-winged Bunting is the grass- fields ; sometimes it visits the ploughed fields in quest of insects— or, perched on a stake, along the road-side, breathes forth its sweet- ly toned notes. ‘The nest is placed on the ground, in which are deposited four, and sometimes five grayish-white eggs, shaded with reddish-brown. During the summer months it is abundant. A few remain with us throughout the year, but the majority migrate southward in autumn. ( 102 ) EMBERIZA SAVANNA—BONAP. x SAVANNAH BUNTING. Savannah Finch Fringilla savanna, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla savanna, Bonap. Syn. Savannah Sparrow, Fringilla savanna, Nutt. Man. Savanuah Finch, Friugilla savanna, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A yellow line from the nostril over the eye ; medial band the same color, but paler; shoulders of the wings white. Adult with the upper parts light grayish-brown, streaked with dusky ; upper part of the head dusky brown, with a narrow pale yellow band; a line over the eye yellow; a line of dusky from the bill down the sides of the neck; a similar marking on the sides of the throat, which, with the fore neck, a portion of the breast, and sides of the body, are streaked with dusky ; rest of the lower parts white ; quills dark brown, the secondaries and their coverts broadly edged with lighter brown ; tail feathers dark brown, edged with dull white. Length five inches and a half, wing two and five-eighths. This species is found in all the Atlantic districts, and was ob- served by Mr. Audubon as far north as the coast of Labrador. With us it is quitecommon. It has a partiality for the high, dry lands, frequents the grass-fields and open grounds unincumbered with woods, and is very plentiful on the Hempstead Plains, over which section of country one can rarely pass, during summer, without meeting with this handsome Sparrow. Although not very familiar, it sometimes alights on the garden-fence, or, perched on the shrubbery near the house, it delivers its varied notes. In gen- eral it prefers the uplands, but sometimes it is seen along the sandy shores in quest of coleopterous insects. The nest is placed on the ground, formed almost entirely of dry grasses, selecting the finer blades for finishing the interior. The eggs are pale bluish, spotted with umber brown. ‘ate a re a Eee ( 103 ) EMBERIZA PASSERINA—WILSON. YELLOW-WINGED BUNTING. Yellow-winged Sparrow, Fringilla passerina, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla passerina, Bonap. Syn. Yellow-winged Sparrow, Fringilla passerina, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill very stout ; loral band yellow; medial band dull yellowish-white ; wing at shoulder bright yellow; tail emarginate, the feathers narrow and pointed. Adult with the up- per part of the head dusky, intermixed with grayish-white; a ring round the eye and a band behind the eye of the same color ; medial band yellowish-white ; a band from the nostrils to the eye yellow ; hind neck ash gray, intermixed with dusky ; back brownish-black, marked with bright chestnut ; quills and tail feathers dark brown, margined with dull white ; inner secondaries and their coverts darker and more broadly margined ; edges of the wings at flexure bright yellow ; sides of the neck, breast, lower tail coverts, and sides of the body, pale yellowish-gray, with a few touches of dus- ky on the latter; throat grayish-white. Length four inches and three quarters, wing two and a half. This species can be readily distinguished from the former by the difference in the coloring of the lower parts, which in this bird are pale yellowish-gray, those parts of the preceding being white, with the fore part of the breast and sides streaked with dusky, the vel- low line over the eye more extensive, and the tail feathers are nar- rower and more pointed. The favorite resort of the Yellow-winged Bunting is the grass-fields—more especially the clover—where, sitting on a stone orstump, it is observed sitting for hours together, singing cheerfully and pleasantly. It is quite a common species, and was first introduced to notice by Wilson. The nest, which is formed of loose, dry grass, and lined with hair and fibrous roots, is placed on the ground ; the eggs, five in number, are grayish-white, sprinkled with brown. | ( i04 ) EMBERIZA HENSLOWII. HENSLOW’S. BUNTING. Henslow’s Bunting, Emberiza Henslowii, Nuit. Man. Henslow’s Bunting, Emberiza Henslowii, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill very stout in proportion to the bird, which is at all times a specific distinction. Adult with two black bands on the top of the head, with an intermediate yellowish- brown ; upper parts light yellowish-brown, streaked with brownish-black ; the margins of the feathers on the back and sca- pulars light red ; the edges of the wings pale yellow ; lower parts light brownish-yellow, abdomen and throat paler; the sides of the body and sides of the neck, and upper part of the breast, streaked with black ; quills dusky ; primaries edged with brownish-yellow ; secondaries with light red ; tail feathers dusky, the outer margined with yellowish-brown, the middle more broadly with light red ; bill very stout ; wings short, tail feathers pointed. Length five inches, wing two and three-eighths. This species was first described by Mr. Andubon. He discovered it in Kentucky, opposite Cincinnati. He also speaks of it as being abundant in the State of New Jersey, and he likewise procured great numbers in South Carolina and Florida. On Long Island it is not abundant, but it is not so rare as is generally supposed. In general, i: frequents the low, wet meadows, and passes most of its time on the ground among the tall grass, and is exceedingly diffi- cult to flush, even when pursued with dogs; it will not fly until y nearly within their reach, when it starts from the ground, moves on only a few yards, and again drops among the grass—and unless the gunner is expert, it isapt toescape. From the eagerness with which it is pursued by dogs, we may infer that it possesses consid- erable game effluvia It is closely allied to the Yellow-winged Bunting, and from this circumstance may easily be overlooked by collectors. In other parts of the State of New York, it is not uncommon. Mr. Bell informs me that in Rockland county he has shot from ten to fifteen during one season, and saw as many more. ( 105 ) EMBERIZA PUSILLA—WILSON. FIELD BUNTING. / Field Sparrow, Fringilla pusilla, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla pusilla, Bonap. Syn. Field or Rush Sparrow, Fringilla juncorum, Nutt. Man. Field Sparrow, Fringilla pusilla, Aud. Orn. Biog Specific Character—Bill light brownish-red; upper part of the head chestnut ; a distinct band round the neck, the color bluish-gray, lighter in front; tail plain brown; both webs of the feathers mar- gined with dull white. Adult with the upper part of the head chestnut red, similar markings on the neck, though much fainter ; fore part of the back bright chestnut red, the feathers with central markings of dusky, and margined with yellowish-gray ; loral space, a spot behind the eye, throat, and a band on the hind neck, pale bluish-gray ; lower parts grayish-white, with a tinge of yellowish- brown on the sides of the neck, fore part of the breast and sides of the body; quills and tail feathers brown ; secondary coverts dusky, tipped with white, as is the first row of small coverts. Length six inches, wing two and three-eighths. About the middle of April, the Field Sparrow arrives from the South, where it passes the winter. It prefers pasture lands, dry grounds and corn-fields, and passes the most of its time on the ground in quest of seeds and insects, on which it subsists. The note of this abundant species isa simple chirrup. The nest is placed on the ground, at the foot of a bush or briar; the eggs are six in number, so closely speckled with reddish-brown as to appear altogether of that color. 14 ( 106 ) EMBERIZA SOCIALIS—WILSON. CHIPPING BUNTING. Chipping Sparrow, Fringilla socialis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla socialis, Bonap. Syn. Chipping Sparrow, Fringilla socialis, Nutt. Man. Chipping Sparrow, Fringilla socialis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill black, brighter at the base of the lower mandible, at the nostril a white band passing over the eye; from the ridge of the upper mandible two black lines divergingtowardthe . eyes ; from the corner of the mouth a black band passing through the eye. In winter the color of the bill is lighter, the general mark- ings more obscure. Adult with the upper part of the head bright chestnut red; fore part of the back streaked with dusky, bright chestnut, and yellowish gray ; a ring round the neck ; a band over the eye white ; throat light bluish-gray, streaked with dusky ; quills and tail dusky brown—the former margined with light red, the lat- ter with yellowish-gray; two white bands on the wings; breast and sides pale gray, inclining to white. Young with the lower parts speckled with dusky. Length five inches and a quarter, wing two and three-eighths. This, like the former species, is very generally known by the name of “Chipping Bird.” It is rather more abundant than the preceding, and its habits more familiar. It frequents the orchards and gardens, and is plentiful on the fields and along the road-side ; it visits the towns and villages, and during spring sings sweetly. Karly in the month of May it builds its nest, which is placed in the fruit-trees inthe garden or orchard, and sometimes in a cedar bush, exteriorly framed of fine dried grass, and lined with hair; the eggs, four or five in number, are of a bright greenish-blue color, slightly marked with dark and light brown spots. In the month of Octo- ber it migrates southward, and returns to us in the latter part of March. ( 107 ) Ts EMBERIZA CANADENSIS—LATHAM. CANADA BUNTING. Tree Sparrow, Fringilla arborea, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla Canadensis, Bonap. Syn. Emberiza Canadensis, Tree Bunting, Sw. & Rich. Tree Sparrow, Fringilla Canadensis, Nutt. Man. Tree Sparrow, Fringilla Canadensis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper mandible blackish brown ; lower yel- lowish-red ; upper part of the head bright chestnut red ; tail rather long, both webs of all the feathers margined with white, the outer feathers more broadly margined and conspicuously tipped with white. Adult with the upper part of the head bright chestnut-red ; sides of the head, neck, and fore part of the breast, pale bluish gray—the throat rather lighter, as is the band over the eye; rest of the lower parts grayish-white, with the sides tinged with yel- lowish brown; sides of the breast marked with reddish-brown ; fore part of the back streaked with chestnut, yellowish-gray and dusky ; rump pale yellowish-gray ; quills dark brown, the inner secondaries darker, which, with their coverts, are broadly margin- ed with light red; tail feathers dark brown, margined with grayish white, as are the outer primaries ; two distinct bands on the wing, formed by the tips of the secondary and first row of small coverts, which are white. Length six inches and a quarter, wing two and seven eighths. This species visits us only in the winter, and retires to its breeding place at the North in the month of April. Its habits are very sim- ilar to the Snow Bird, with which it associates. According to Dr. Richardson, this species arrives in small flocks on the banks of the Saskatchewan in the third week in April, and after a short halt, proceeds farther north to breed. ( 108 ) GENUS NIPHHA—AUDUBON. SNOW BIRD. [Bill short, rather small, conical, upper mandible a little broader than the Jower, its dorsal line straight, slightly declinate at tip; nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by feathers, tip acute ; head broadly ovate; neck short ; body full; feet of moderate length ; tarsi rather short, stout ; toes rather strong—the hind toe stout, lateral equal ; wings rather short, curved, rounded ; tail rather long, slightly emarginate. ] NYPH/A HYEMALIS—LINN. COMMON SNOW BIRD. Snow Bird, Fringilla nivalis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla hyemalis, Bonap. Syn. e Fringilla hyemalis, Black Finch, Sw. & Rich. Common Snow Bird, Fringilla Hudsonia, Nutt. Man. Snow Bird, Fringilla hyemalis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Head, neck all round, back, fore part of the breast and sides grayish-black ; abdomen white ; wings and tail feathers black, the quills margined externally with dull white ; the outer two tail feathers white—a spot of the same color on the third next to the shaft, extending an inch or more from the end of the inner web. Female with the plumage lighter, tinged with brown on the neck and head. Length six inches and a quarter, wing three and one-eighth. About the middle of October these birds appear on Long Island in large flocks. They resort to the open, neglected fields, and are observed along the roadside, feeding on the seeds of various species of rank, uncultivated plants. It is an exceedingly numerous ( 109 ) “species, and in open winters they remain with us in large num- bers until the latter part of April. In severe weather the large majority retire towards the South—though during the coldest weather, even when the ground is covered with deep snow, the trees loaded with ice, and scarcely a vestige of vegetation to be seen, a few remain; at such times they become quite tame, fre- quent the door-yard, visit the out-buildings, attend the feeding of the cattle for the purpose of collecting the scattered seed, and in addition to their scanty subsistence, approach the threshold, and by their piteous manner ask for charity, when they could join their kindred in more hospitable regions, where food is abun- dant, and independently obtained. The Snow Bird spends much of its time on the ground; it also alights on trees and fence-rails, and like the Chipping Bunting and other familiar species, visits the towns and villages, and is not unfrequent in the private gardens and public grounds of our large cities. When food is readily obtained, it gets quite fat, and is shot and caught in traps of various kinds, and sent to market. It meets with ready sale, and by many persons is considered excellent. Usually by the first of May, all of this species have departed from the Island, its northward migrations extending to the Fur countries, where it is said that the majority pass the summer. A few have been found breeding on the Cattskill Mountains, and in the woods at Greenbush, opposite Albany, as well as in the more immediate vicinity of that city. ( 110 ) GENUS SPIZA—BONAP. PAINTED BUNTING. [Bill short, stout, conical—upper mandible declinate at the tip, slightly notched; nostrils roundish, partially concealed by feathers; head of moderate size; neck short ; body rather full; wings and tail of moderate length, the latter emargin- ate.] SPIZA CYANEA—WILSON. INDIGO PAINTED BUNTING. Indigo Bird, Fringilla cyanea, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla cyanea, Bonap. Syn. Indigo Bird, Nutt. Man. Indigo Bird, Fringilla cyanea, Aud. Om. Biog. Specific Character—A black line on the under part of the lower mandible, extending its entire length. Adult male blue, tinged with verdigris green ; quills and tail feathers dusky, edged with green- ish blue. Female yellowish-brown above, paler beneath. Length five inches and a quarter, wing two and a half. In almost all our birds, the plumage of the male is brighter than that of the female, but there is not in general so great a discrepancy as in the present species. The male Indigo Bird is rendered con- spicuous by its rich blue livery, while the female, more humbly at- tired in plain yellowish-brown, is scarcely noticeable. Not only are the males of almost every species more gaily dressed, but with our singing birds they also excel in song. It has frequently occurred to me, that Nature, who does nothing without a cause, has, for the safety of the females, rendered them less attractive. The male, excelling both in plumage and song, is more sought after as a mat- ( 111 ) ter of ornament by collectors, as well as by persons who ensnare them for cages; while the female, from its humble attire and quiet manners, is left to rear its brood in safety. The Indigo Bird arrives on Long Island in the month of May. . and retires southward in the month of September. It frequents the gardens and fields, and is often seen perched on fences by the road- side ; or mounted on the higher branches of a small tree, it war- bles forth its charming notes, some of which are quite loud, while others are performed on so low a key as to be scarcely audible even at a short distance. With us it is a common species, and is very generally distributed throughout the United States during summer. About the end of June it commences building its nest, which is usually placed in some low bush or shrub; the eggs, usually five in number, are of a blu- ish color. It is a sprightly bird, and feeds chiefly on insects and seeds. ( 112 ) GENUS AMMODRAMUS—-SWAINSON. SHORE FINCH. [Bill rather long, a little shorter than the head, rather thick at the base, ta- pering—upper mandible curving toward the tip, slightly notched, projecting beyond the lower, and a little declinate ; nostrils partially covered; head of moderate size; neck short; body rather slender; wings short, rounded ; tail of moderate length, of twelve narrow pointed feathers ; tarsi longer than the middle toe—anterior toes rather long; claws small—hind toe stout, claw very long, acute. ] r AMMODRAMUS MARITIMUS—WILSON. GRAY SHORE FINCH. Sea side Finch, Fringilla maritima, Wils. Amer. Orn. * Fringilla maritima, Bonap. Syn. Sea-Side Finch, Fringilla maritima, Nutt. Man. Sea-side Finch, Fringilla maritima, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper parts brownish-gray, lower parts lighter ; a band from the nostril over the eye, and the edge of the fore part of the wing yellow; tail graduated, the feathers poited. Adult with a narrow band of yellow from the nostril over the eye ; upper parts brownish-gray, with two darker bands on the head ; upper plumage tinged with olivaceous; quills and tail feathers dark brown, edged with greenish; edges of the wings yellow; throat grayish-white, the sides streaked with dusky ; a whitish band from the base of the lower mandible down the sides of the neck; lower portion of fore neck, with the breast, and sides of the body, light bluish-gray, streaked with dark brown and tinged with oliva- ceous ; abdomen dull white. Length eight inches, wing two and three-eighths. This species is familiar to all our sportsmen who practice bay- shooting. During the summer months it is common on all the necks of land along the sea coast, and abundant on the low Islands in the Great South Bay of Long Island. It is seen climb- ing up the rank sedge in search of msects and seeds, and it fre- quents the shoals for the purpose of procuring small shrimps and other marine food, whence its flesh derives an unpalatable flavor. ( 113 ) AMMODRAMUS CAUDACUTUS—LATH. BUFF-BREASTED SHORE FINCH. Sharp-tailed Finch, Fringilla caudacuta, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla caudacuta, Bonap. Syn. Shore Finch, Fringilla littoralis, Nutt. Man. Sharp-tailed Finch, Fringilla caudacuta, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A band on the sides of the head and sides of the neck light yellowish-red ; tail graduated, the feathers more ab- ruptly peinted than the preceding. _ Adult with the upper part of the head dusky brown, with a central bluish-eray band ; a broad band of light yellowish-red from the nostril over the eye, continuing beyond the head; a similar band from the base of the lower mandible, curving down the sides of the neck, meeting the upper band at its termination ; cheeks bluish-gray ; hind neck of the same color, and having a central spot of olivaceous brown ; back brown, tinged with gray, with a few dusky spots; some of the feathers on the fore part of the back edged with white ; quills dark brown, the inner seconda- ries and their coverts broadly margined with reddish-brown, and tipped with dull yellowish-white; tail brown, the feathers pointed and margined with grayish-olive; throat white, its sides streaked with dusky, as are the breast and sides of the body, which are tinged with pale yellowish-red, lower tail coverts of the same color; rest of the lower parts white. Length five inches, wing two and one quarter. This species—less plentiful than the former—inhabits the same localities, and in their general habits are closely allied: According to Mr. Audubon, both species winter among the salt marshes in South Carolina. 15 ( 114 ) AMMODRAMUS PALUSTRIS—WILSON. MARSH SHORE-FINCH. \ Swamp Sparrow, Fringilla palustris, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla palustris, Bonap. Syn. Swamp Sparrow, Fringilla Georgiana, Nutt. Man. Swamp Sparrow, Fringilla palustris, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Upper parts yellowish-brown, broadly mark- ed with black, flanks more faintly streaked with the same; on either side of the throat two black bands; bill and fore part of the breast ash gray. Adult with the upper part of the head deep chestnut-red; a band from the nostril over the eye, becoming broader behind the eye, and continuing the entire length of the head, grayish-blue, tinged with yellow; upper parts yellowish-brown, marked with black more conspicuously on the fore part; quills brown, edged with dull red, as are the tail feathers; inner secondaries and their coverts darker, and broadly edged with yellowish-red ; cheeks dark brown ; throat grayish-white, the sides streaked with dusky; fore neck and fore part of the breast pale bluish-gray ; sides of the body yellowish-brown ; abdomen grayish-white. Young with the upper part of the head streaked with black, with a narrow central bluish-gray line. Length five inches, wing two and three-eighths, During the summer months, we find this species in low, swampy situations, skulking among the sedgy borders of creeks, subsisting on seeds aud insects. It constructs its nest on the ground, among the rank weeds; the eggs, from four to five in number, are dull white, spotted with reddish-brown. During the winter, it inhabits the swamps and margins of water courses in the Southern States. (115 ) GENUS LINARIA—RAY. LINNET. [Bill short, stout at the base, compressed toward the end, and tapering to an acute point—uostrils concealed by recumbent feathers, advancing in some spe- cies about half-way the length of the bill; head rounded, rather small; neck short ; wings and tail rather long, the latter deeply emarginate—tarsi short-— feet and toes rather stout. ] LINARIA PINUS—WILSON. PINE LINNET. Pine Finch, Fringilla pinus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla pinus, Bonap Syn. Pine Finch, Fringilla pinas, Nuit. Man Pine Finch, Fringilla pinus, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill at base stout, tapering to a sharp point ; tail deeply emarginate. Adult with the upper parts yellowish-gray, streaked with black; feathers on the rump margined with light yellow; lower parts grayish-white, streaked all over with brown- ish black; the fore neck tinged with lighter brown; tail at base yellow, toward the end blackish-brown; both webs of the basal parts of quills, excepting the outer three, yellow, and the yellow margin wanting on the first. Length four inches and three quar- ters, wing two and seven-eighths. At some seasons, this species is very abundant with us; again, it does not occur, or at most in very small numbers, for several years. It breeds at the North, and only visits us in autumn. Its manner of flying is not unlike that of the common Goldfinch. It frequent- ly alights on the birch trees, from the cones of which it extracts a portion of its sustenance. It associates in large flocks, and in general prefers the open grounds, where it is seen climbing among the rank weeds—often hanging head downward, pecking with its bill, much in the manner of the Titmouse. Sometimes it is observed along the margins of small streams, hopping among the alder-bushes. During winter it resorts to the Pines, the seeds of which, at that season it feeds on. ( 116 ) LINARIA MINOR—RAY. LESSER REDPOLL LINNET. Lesser Redpoll, Fringilla linaria, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla linaria, Bonap. Syn. Linaria minor, Lesser Redpoll, Sw. & Rich. Lesser Redpoll, Nutt. Man. Lesser Redpoll, Fringilla linaria, Aud. Orn. Biog. | Specific Character—Bill short; much less than the preceding ; tail deeply emarginate, or slightly forked. Adult male with the upper part of the head crimson; sides of the neck, fore part of the breast and flanks, carmine; upper parts deep brown, streaked with pale yellowish-brown, the feathers on the rump lighter, and tipped with carmine; wings and tail brown, edged with yellowish-brown, sec- ondary and lesser coverts tipped with white; a band on the fore- head, loral space and throat brownish black; lower parts white, deeply tinged with rose color on the breast, paler on the abdomen, rump and lower tail coverts ; sides of the body streaked with dusky. Female with less red on the head; the throat brown; the rose col- or on the lower parts wanting. Young, without any red marking; upper parts blackish-brown ; lower parts dull white. Length five inches and a quarter, wing three. This is another of those inhabitants of the North that seldom visit us except in winter. It associates in flocks, feeds on seeds, and when in good condition is esteemed a delicacy. (117 ) GENUS CARDUELIS—CUVIER. GOLDFINCH. [Bill short, stout, conic, points acute—nostrils concealed with feathers, space between broad—head rather small, roundish—neck short~body rather full— wings rather long—tail emarginate—tarsi rather short—toes slender, hind toe strongest—claws compressed, acute.] CARDUELIS TRISTIS—LINN. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. American Goldfinch, Fringilla tristis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla tristris, Bonap. Syn. Carduelis Americana (Edwards) American Goldfinch, Sw. & Rich. Yellow Bird, or American Goldfinch, Nutt. Man. American Goldfinch, Fringilla tristris, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Wings and their coverts black, margined and tipped with white ; tail also black, the inner webs of the feathers toward their ends largely spotted with white. Adult male, in summer, with the upper part of the head, wings, and tail black, the inner quills margined with white—secondary coverts tipped with the same ; tail emarginate ; a patch of white on the inner webs of all the feathers; lower tail coverts white ; rest parts bright yellow. Female without the black on the head; upper parts brownish-olive, darker on the back ; lower parts grayish-yellow, lighter on the abdomen. Male in winter similar to the female. Length four inches and a half, wing two and seven-eighths. ( 118 ) The American Goldfinch, or as it is more familiarly termed, “ Yellow Bird,” is generally distributed over the United States— and in summer is found in the high northern latitudes. It resides on Long Island throughout the year; it frequents the fields, or- chards, and gardens, subsisting on tender plants and seeds, and seems particularly fond of the seeds of the common thistle, Hemp- seed, chickweed, and other tender plants. It constructs its nest in the low branches, among the thickly clustered leaves, usually se- lecting a bushy tree, standing at a distance from any other, in the middle of a lot, or other lonely situation. The eggs, five in num- ber, are dull white. It is often caught in trap-cages, and exposed for sale in the mar- kets. It bears confinement well, and is much admired for its beau- _ tiful plumage and agreeable song, which in some instances is but little inferior to that of the Canary. It lives in society, and when flying about, the golden yellow and deep black colors render it conspicuous and pleasing. Its flight is performed in an undulating manner, similar to that of the Woodpecker. ( 119 ) GENUS FRINGILLA—LINN. FINCH. [Bill short, stout, conical, pointed—upper mandible with the ridge straight ; nostrils concealed by feathers ; head rather large; neck short; body compact ; wings of moderate length ; tail of moderate length, slightly emarginate ; tarsi of moderate length—hind toe strongest. ] FRINGILLA ILIACA—MERREM. FOX-COLORED FINCH. Fox-colored Sparrow, Fringilla rufa, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla iliaca, Bonap. Syn. Fringilla (Zonotrichia) iliaca, Sw. & Rich. Ferruginous Finch, fringilla iliaca, Nutt. Man. Fox-colored Sparrow, Fringilla iliaca, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—The conspicuous reddish markings on the lower parts, and the uniform bright reddish color of the upper tail coverts and tail are at all times a specific distinction. Adult with the upper parts light red, intermixed with light bluish on the upper part of the head and hind neck; a band of white anterior to the eye ; lower parts white; the throat and fore- neck marked with small spots of light red, the spots on the breast larger, with the sides of the body broadly streaked with the same color; tail light red, the color more uniform and lighter than that of the back; quills brown, margined externally with ( 120 ) light red. Length seven inches and a half, wing three and three-eighths. This species arrives among us from the woody districts of the Fur Countries, (where it breeds,) in the latter part of October. Al- though it generally frequents low, sheltered thickets, it occa- sionally visits the gardens of the city, associates in small parties, and is fond of scratching among the dried leaves on the ground, much in the manner of the Towhe Bunting. “Tt is quite tame and unsuspicious. I have known instances in which it has allowed itself to be approached and killed with sticks. During its visits among us, it utters a simple chirp.— Dr. Richardson says, that at its breeding place, during the season of incubation, the male sits near his mate, and sings cheerfully and pleasantly. ( 121 ) FRINGILLA MELODIA—WILSON. SONG FINCH. Fringilla melodia, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla melodia, Bonap. Syn. Common Song Sparrow, Fringilla melodia, Nutt. Man. Song Sparrow, Fringilla melodia, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A curving black band on the side of the neck; breast and sides broadly streaked with dark brown, shaded with red, the feathers on the fore part of the breast more broadly marked, forming a conspicuous spot. Adult with the upper parts yellowish-gray, streaked with brownish-black and brownish-red ; upper part of the head reddish-brown, streaked with black, with a medial band of grayish-blue; a similar band on the sides of the head, becoming much broader as it passes behind the eye—direct- ly below this band a line of dusky brown; a similar line from the base of the lower mandible on the sides of the neck ; throat white, with a broad band of dusky on each side; lower parts white ; fore part of the breast and sides of the body streaked with reddish and dusky brown; quills dark brown—tail feathers lighter. Length six inches, wing two and five-eighths. This, one of our most numerous Sparrows, is distributed through- out the United States. Although plainly attired, it is much admired for its agreeable song, which commences earlier in spring, and continues later in autumn, than that of any of our songsters. In winter it inhabits, in company with other species, the sheltered swamps in the Southern States. It breeds in various parts of the Union, constructing its nest on the ground, sometimes in a low bush, and rears two broods in a season ; it prefers low, swampy situations, and feeds on seeds, berries, and insects. A few remain with us during winter; at this period it becomes quite familiar— approaches the door-yard, and sometimes enters the farm-house, picking up crumbs and whatever articles of food chance may throw in its way—and at that inclement season, on bright mornings, mounted on a stake or brush pile, it sings cheerfully. 16 ( 122 ) FRINGILLA PENNSYLVANICA—LATH. WHITE-THROATED FINCH. White-throated Sparrow, Fringilla albicollis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla Pennsylvanica, Bonap. Syn. Fringilla (Zonotrichia) Pennsylvanica, White-throated Finch, Sw. & Rich. White-throated Sparrow, Fringilla Pennsylvanica, Nutt. Man. White-throated Sparrow, Fringilla Pennsylvanica, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—A. broad white patch on the throat. Adult male with a band of yellow from the nostril to the eye, changing | to white as it passes over the eye, fading into dull brownish-white as it continues to the occiput, bordered above with a broad band of black ; middle space on the upper part of the head white, changing into brownish-white on the hind neck ; fore part of the back bright bay, streaked with dusky and reddish-yellow; rump yellowish gray ; primaries brown, edged with yellowish-gray ; secondaries and their coverts broadly margined with bright red; secondary coverts, and first row of small coverts, tipped with dull white ; cheeks, sides of the neck, and a large portion of the breast, ash gray ; throat white; rest of the lower parts grayish-white, the sides tinged with yellowish-gray ; tail feathers brown, edged with rufous. Length six inches and a half, wing two and seven-eighths. Female with the colors duller, and rather smaller. This large and handsome Sparrow visits us from the North. It associates in flocks, and frequents the borders of swampy thickets. It does not breed on Long Island, merely visiting us in autumn. It frequents similar situations, and is usually found in company with the preceding. ( 123 ) FRINGILLA LEUCOPHRYS—GMEL. WHITE-CROWNED FINCH. White-crowned Bunting, Emberiza leucophrys, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla leucophrys, Bonap. Syn. Fringilla (Zonotrichia) leucophrys, White-crowned Finch, Sw. & Rich. White-crowned Bunting, or Finch, Nutt. Man. White-crowned Sparrow, Fringilla leucophrys, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Crown white, broadly bordered in front and at the sides with black ; over the eye a white band, below which, passing through the eye, a black band. Young with the crown bordered with reddish-brown, and the white marking so conspicu- ous on the crown of the adult, faintly developed. Adult male with the crown white; a band passing behind the eyes, meeting on the occiput, white, bordered above and below with broad bands of black ; cheeks, sides, fore part of the neck, and a large portion of the breast, ash-gray; throat and abdomen grayish-white ; sides and lower tail coverts yellowish-brown ; fore part of the back streaked wth reddish-brown and yellowish-gray; rump light yellowish- brown ; quills dark brown ; primaries edged with yellowish-gray ; secondaries and their coverts with yellowish-red; secondary and first row of small coverts tipped with white; tail feathers brown. Length seven inches and a half, wing three and a quarter. In the Middle States this well-marked Sparrow is quite rare. In the Western States it is more abundant, and has been found quite plentiful in Missouri, in the vicinity of St. Louis. It is very gentle, allows of near approach, and is usually observed along the roads and farm-houses. “Tt breeds in all parts of the Fur countries, arriving about the middle of May, and departing early in September to the northern parts of the United States, where it winters——Fauna Boreali Amer- icana, part second, page 255. ( 124 ) GENUS PIPILO—VIEILL. GROUND FINCH. [Bill short, stout, conical, compressed towards the end, slightly notched— bristles at the base, narrower than the head ; head ovate, neck short, body rather full ; wings of moderate length, rounded ; feet stout, toes rather long— tarsi longer than the middle toes.] PIPILO ERY THROPHTHALMUS—LINN. TOWHE GROUND FINCH, OR TOWHE BUNTING. Towhe Bunting, Emberiza erythrophthalma, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla erythrophthalma, Bonap. Syn. Ground Robin, or Towhe Finch, Fringilla erothrophthalma, Nutt. Man. Towhe Bunting, Fringilla erythrophthalma, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Sides of the body and lower tail coverts red- dish-brown ; terminal portion of the outer three tail featMers, and a band about midway the primaries on their outer webs, white. Adult with the head, neck all round, upper portion of the breast, and upper parts black ; a spot of white on the outer webs of the primaries toward their bases; a large patch of white on the outer tail feathers, diminishing on the second and third ; the rest plain black ; sides of the body reddish-brown, lower tail coverts much paler ; rest of the lower parts white. Young with the upper parts dull reddish-brown, streaked with brownish-black ; lower parts yellowish-gray, streaked on the fore neck, fore part of the breast, and sides, with dusky ; abdomen yellowish-white ; wings and tail the same as the adult. Length of adult eight inches and a half, wing three and three-eighths. This common bird is familiarly known by the aopelletion? of “ Ground Robjn,” “ Swamp Robin,” and “ Chewink.” ( 125 ) ‘The Towhe Bunting makes its appearance among us in the _lat- ter part of April. It generally keeps in pairs, and at this season frequents the shady part of the woods, forming its nest on the ground, among the dried leaves. The eggs, from four to five in number, are pale flesh-color, spotted with reddish-brown. During the warmest part of the summer its song ceases, and it retires to the sheltered thickets. In the month of September, its loud note, resembling the syllables “'Tow-he,” is again heard in the woods, where it continues until about the middle of October, when it migrates to a more temperate climate. In the early part of February I found it abundant in Louisiana. The Towhe Bunting passes a large portion of its time on the ground, scratching among the leaves, [much in the manner of the barn-yard fowl,| for seeds and gravel. When not thus employed, it is seen on the lower branches, spreading and erecting its tail, or sporting about from tree to tree, in company with its mate, seemingly so much attached to each other, that when accident be- fals either, the survivor evinces its unhappiness by causing the woods to echo with its loud note, repeated in a wild and hurried manner. GENUS ERY THROSPIZA—BONAP. PURPLE FINCH. [Bill short, robust, bulging, conical—upper mandible slightly notched at the tip; nostrils large, rounded, partly covered with feathers ; head large, ovate ; neck short ; wings of moderate length ; tail of moderate length, and deeply emarginate—tarsi short, slender. ] ERY THROSPIZA PURPUREA—GMEL. CRESTED PURPLE FINCH. Purple Finch, Fringilla purpurea, Wils Amer. Orn. Purple Finch, Bonap. Syn. Fringilla purpurea, Crested Purple Finch, Sw. & Rich. Purple Finch Fringilla purpurea, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill short, stout, conical ; along the ridge half an inch; gap, to the point of the upper mandible five-eighths ; breadth of lower mandible at base, three-eighths ; tarsi five-eighths; tail emareginate. Adult male with general color of the plumage dark crimson, which is spread over the head, back, upper tail cov- erts, neck, breast, and sides of the body; abdomen and lower tail coverts white; wings and tail feathers dark brown—iore part of the back marked with the same. Female, with the upper parts yel- lowish brown, the central parts of the feathers darker; wings and tail dark brown, edged with dull white, the central parts of the feathers dusky ; abdomen white, without the crimson markings, [so conspicuous in the male,] on any part of the body. Young male similar to the female. Length six inches, wing three and and one- eighth. ( 127) This is another of those birds that arrive from the north in au- tumn, and remain with usduring winter. They associate in flocks and frequent the pines and cedars, the seeds and berries of which they are partial to; and they also seem to be very fond of the seeds of the sycamore. During some seasons they are quite abundant on — Long Island, and are sometimes collected in large parties, flying so high in the air,that unless you recognize their peculiar note, it would be difficult to determine to what species they belong. They are frequently taken in trap-cages, and by those persons who are ac- quainted with the delicate flavor of their flesh, they are also shot for the table. In the early part of spring they resort to the or- chards, and feed on the buds of the fruit trees. About the middle of May they leave for their summer residence at the North. Occa- sionally a few are seen with us during the summer, but their nests I have never seen. ( 128 ) GENUS CORYTHUS—CU VIER PINE FINCH. [Bill short, robust, bulging at the base, conical, acute—upper mandible with its dorsal line very convex—nostrils wholly covered with recumbent feathers-— head rather large—neck short, full—body stout, elongated—wings of moderate length, pointed—tail rather long, deeply emarginate—tarsi short, compressed— feet and toes stout, rough.] CORY THUS ENUCLEATOR—LINN. PINE GROSBEAK. Pine Grosbeak, Loxia enucleator, Wils. Amer. Orn. Pyrrhula enucleator, Bonap. Syn. Pyrrhula (Corythus) enucleator, Pine Bullfinch, Sw. & Rich. Pine Grosbeak or Bullfinch, Nutt. Man. Pine Grosbeak, Phyrrhula enucleator, Aud. Orn. Bivg. Specific Character—Bill black, strong, upper mandible curving over the lower ; primaries edged with white ; secondaries more broadly edged with the same ; the outer webs of the secondary coverts to- ward their ends broadly margined and tipped with white; the tips of the lesser coverts also white ; tail deeply emarginate. Adult with the head, neck all round, breast, fore part of back, and rump car- mine ; the feathers on the fore part of the back have central black markings; wings blackish-brown ; the primaries edged with red- dish; the secondaries broadly edged with white; secondary and first row of small coverts tipped with reddish-white; tail-feathers blackish-brown, margined with reddish; abdomen and lower tail coverts light gray. Female with the upper part of the head, hind neck, and rump, yellowish-brown—deeper on the latter; back brownish-gray ; wings and tail dark—the former edged with white, secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped with the same; lower parts ashy-gray, tinged with yellow; abdomen and lower tail coverts lighter. Length nine inches, wing five. ( 129 ) _ In the autumn of 1827, large flocks of Pine Grosbeaks visited Long Island, Hoboken, and various places in the lower parts of New Jersey and New York. Since that period until the present year, I have not seen or heard of its occurring on Long Island. In the interval, a few have been observed in Rockland County, in which ~ section, as with us, it was quite common during the month of January of the present year. I[ first met with them while making an excursion in Rockland, in company with the Messrs. Bell, on the second day of January. The ground was covered with a deep snow, on which was lying, under a group of cedar trees, a large quantity of berries and small twigs, which we supposed had been placed there by the Robin, or some other winter resident; but on advancing to another cluster of trees, we discovered that their work had acquired a great acquisition by the presence of a large flock of Pine Grosbeaks—which, however, were all young birds, as were all those that we fell in with during theday. Although large num- bers were during the winter observed in the vicinity of New York, very few adults were procured. From this circumstance we are in- clined to the opinion, that the adult only visits the lower part of the State of New York in severe winters. It is very gentle, and seems to be unaccustomed to the report of the gun. When fired into the survivors fly to a neighboring tree, and again allow you to ap- proach quite near. I have remained for minutes together within a few feet of the tree, amusing myself by watching its vigorous manner when engaged in collecting food—which consists chiefly of cedar berries. It is a robust bird, and is furnished with a strong bill—and when feeding, scatters the clustered fruit in all directions. It is said to possess considerable musical talent—but with us, during winter, its song is reduced to asimplechirp. Dr. Latham observes they are found at Hudson’s Bay—that they make their nest in trees at a small height from the ground, composed of sticks, lined with feathers—laying four white eggs. 17 ( 130 ) GENUS LOXIA—LINN. CROSSBILL. [Bill higher than broad at the base, much compressed toward the end—upper mandible rather long, projecting considerably beyond the lower, decurved—lower mandible recurved, crossing each other, tips acute—nostrils covered with re- cumbent feathers—head rather large—neck short—body compact—wings mod- erate—tail emarginate ] LOXIA CURVIROSTRA—LINN. COMMON CROSSBILL. American Crossbill, curvirostra Americana, Wils. Amer. Orn. Loxia curvirostra, Bonap. Syn. Common Crossbill, Nutt. Man. ; Common Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill very strong; wings without bands.— Adult male bright red, the wings and tail feathers blackish-brown.. Female with the upper parts grayish-brown, tinged with green ; lower parts pale grayish-yellow; wings blackish-brown. Length seven inches, wing three and a half. On Long Islam this species is by no means common. During winter a few visit us from the North. Its favorite resort is the pine forest, and it is generally observed on the tops of the tallest trees. Its food consists chiefly of seeds which it extracts from the cones of the pine, for which purpose its strong and singularly formed bill is well adapted. ( 181 ) LOXIA LEUCOPTERA—GMEL. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera, Wils. Amer. Orn. Loxia leucoptera, Bonap. Syn. White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera, Bonap. Amer. Orn. Loxia leucoptera, White-winged Crossbill, Sw. & Rich. White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera, Nutt. Man. White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill slender in comparison with that of the preceding species; on the wings two white bands. Adult male with the head and neck all round, the lower parts and rump car- mine; wings and tail coverts black, as are some of the feathers on the fore part and middle of the back ; two white bands on the wings, formed by the secondary and first row of small coverts; seconda- ries also tipped with white; primaries and tail feathers narrowly edged and tipped with dull white. Female with the upper part of the head and hind neck gerayish-yellow, spotted with dusky ; fore neck, breast, and rump, reddish-yellow; abdomen and sides gray, streaked with dusky ; wings same asthe male, with the back dusky. Length six inches and a half, wing three and three quarters. In this locality this species is not as frequently observed as the preceding, in the general habits of which it resembles. Like the former, it prefers the northern part of the continent, and only re- sorts to our milder climate when driven by severe weather. “ This Crossbill inhabits the dense white spruce forests of the fur countries, feeding principally on the seeds of the cones. It ranges through the whole breadth of the continent, and probably up to the 68th parallel, where the woods terminate, though it was not observ- ed by us higher than the 62d. It is mostly seen on the upper branches of the trees, and when wounded, clings so fast that it will remain suspended after death. In September it collects in small flocks, which fly from tree to tree, making a chattering noise—and in the depth of winter it retires from the coast to the thick woods of the interior.’”—Fauna Boreali Americana, part second, page 263. ( 132 ) GENUS PITYLUS—CUVIER. CARDINAL. [Bill short, higher than broad, tapering, robust, slightly notched—nostrils covered with the frontlet feathers, bristles at the base—head furnished with long erect feathers—neck short—wings of moderate length, rounded—tail long, much rounded—tarsi rather short—toes moderate—claws rather slender—hind toe and claw stoutest.] PITYLUS CARDINALIS—LINN. 7 CARDINAL GROSBEAK. Cardinal Grosbeak, Loxia cardinalis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Fringilla cardinalis, Bonap. Syn. Cardinal Grosbeak, or Red Bird, Fringilla cardinalis, Nutt. Man. Cardinal Grosbeak, Fringilla cardinalis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Head crested ; loral space, a band round the bill and the throat black. Adult male with the general plumage vermilion, upper parts rather duller; the webs of the quills brown; bill red ; loral space, a band round the base of the bill, and the throat black ; tail long and rounded. Female witha slighter crest ; upper parts deeply tinged with olive, the lower grayish-yellow ; rest parts much duller than the male. Length eight inches and a half, wing three and three quarters. This species, more abundant in the Southern States, is withusa regular summer visiter. It generally keeps among the low bushes, though occasionally its loud and varied notes are delivered from the higher branches. It frequents the borders of streams, as well as the gardens and corn-fields, the latter supplying it with a large portion of its subsistence. It is taken in trap-cages, and continues its song during confinement, and with proper care will live many years, but does not retain the brilliant color so much admired when roving through its native haunts. . ( 183 ) GENUS COCCOBORUS—SWAINSON. SONG GROSBEAK. [Bill rather short, extremely robust, almost as broad as the head, and some- what compressed, tapering to a point—upper mandible considerably smaller than the lower—wings of moderate length, pointed—tail slightly emarginate, of moderate length.] COCCOBORUS LUDOVICIANUS—LINN. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Loxea rosea, Wils. Amer. Orn. ' Fringilla ludovicianus, Bonap. Syn. Coccothraustes ludoviciana, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Sw. & Rich. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Fringilla ludoviciana, Nutt. Man. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Fringilla ludoviciana, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill short, extremely robust ; wings spotted and barred with white; second and third quills about equal and longest, first shorter than the fourth ; length of tarsi fifteen-six- teenths of an inch. Adult male with the head, neck, fore part of back, wings and tail black; first row of small coverts, and a few of the secondary coverts, and secondaries, tipped with white; a large patch of white on the primaries toward their bases ; a patch of white on the inner webs of the outer three tail feathers, the rest tipped with the same ; upper tail coverts black, tipped with white ; fore part and middle of the breast, and under wing coverts, car- mine, rest of the lower parts white. Female with the upper parts ( 134 ) \ light yellowish-brown ; a medial band of yellowish-white over the crown ; a brighter band over the eyes ; secondary and first row of small coverts tipped with yellowish-white, a few spots of the same on the secondaries ; lower parts dull white, tinged with yel- low ; the breast and sides of the body streaked with dusky; under wing coverts pale yellow ; tail feathers light brown, without spots, margined and tipped with dull white. Length seven inches and three quarters, extent four and one-eighth. On Long Island this elegant species is not very common. It ar- rives among us in the month of May, and generally keeps in the woods. The “pin-oak” and “pepperage” trees seem to be its fa- vorite resort. During spring it is frequently seen hanging, like the Titmouse, from small trees, picking at the young and tender buds. At noon-day it retires to the sheltered parts of the woods— where perched about midway on the trees, it warbles forth fts soft, clear, and sweet notes, which are delivered on so low a key that the sounds seem to come from a distance ; when, on looking attentively through the rich foliage, you discover the charming songster but a few yards from you. In autumn it retires to a more temperate climate. ( 135 ) GENUS PYRANGA—VIEILL. TANAGER. {Bill short, robust, tapering—upper mandible curved, notched at tip—nostrils partly covered with feathers—head flattened above—neck short—wings rather long—tail moderate, slightly emarginate—tarsi longer than the middle toes— inner toe shorter than the outer ; claws much compressed, arched, acute. ] PYRANGA RUBRA—LINN. SCARLET TANAGER. Scarlet Tanager, Tanagra rubra, Wils. Amer. Orn. Tanagra rubra, Bonap. Syn. Scarlet Tanager, or Black-winged Summer Red Bird, Sw. & Rich. Scarlet Tanager, Tanagra rubra, Nutt. Man. Scarlet Tanager, Tanagra rubra, Aud, Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Adult male with the plumage bright scarlet, except the wings and tail feathers, which are black. Female with the upper parts green, tinged with yellow; lower parts dull yellow, tinged with green; wings and tail feathers brownish-black.— Length six inches and a half, wing three and five-eighths. In winter, the male appears in the livery of the female. This splendid species is better known to many persons by the’ name of “Tire Bird,” or “ Black-winged Red Bird.” Early in the month of May, the Scarlet Tanager arrives from its’ winter residence, which is said to be in Tropical America ; its mi- gration extends to the northern limits of the Union. Its choice of residence is the high, dry, timber lands. Although retiring in its ( 136 ) habits, it occasionally visits the cultivated grounds, sometimes build- ing its nest in the fruit trees. The eggs, three in number, are dull blue, spotted with brown. > This species is the only one of the Genus that is found in this vicinity. It has nothing to recommend itself particularly to our notice other than its beautiful plumage. Its song consists _ merely of a few monotonous notes. Like the Purple Finch and Red-breasted Grosbeak, at times it displays powers of ventriloquism. Although distributed all over the Island, it is not very abundant ; and I have noticed it for several successive years to be most plenti- ful in the woods at Raynor South. It is by no means an active bird, and seems to be partial to certain localities, beyond the limits . of which it reluctantly passes, even when pursued. It is usually observed on the middle branches of the forest trees, from which it darts after butterflies and other winged insects, and sometimes de- scends to the ground in pursuit of coleopterous insects. ( 137 ) FAMILY AGELAIN &: MARSH BLACKBIRDS. GENUS DOLICHONYX—SWAINSON. RICE BIRD. [Bill short, thick, robust, conical ; neck short; body rather full; wings rather long, pointed ; tail of moderate length; the feathers rather narrow and pointed ; tarsi longer than the middle toes ; toes rather large ; claws very long, slender, point acute. ] DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORA—LINN. RICE BIRD. Rice Bunting, Emberiza oryzivora, Wils. Amer. Orn. Icterus agripennis, Bonap. Syn. Dolychonyx oryzivorus, Sharp-tailed Rice Bird, Sw. & Rich. Rice Bird, or Bob-o-link, Nutt. Man. Rice Bird, Icterus agripennis, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Bill stout, conical; tarsi shorter than the middle toes ; tail feathers pointed, becoming abruptly narrow toward their ends. Adult male, in summer, with the head, fore neck, and sides of the neck, lower parts, tail feathers, and wings, black; a broad band of brownish-yellow on the hind neck ; fore part of the back black, the feathers edged with yellowish, as are the secondaries and their coverts—rest part of the back light gray, changing to white on the rump ; scapulars white. Female with 18 ( 138 ) the upper parts light yellowish-brown, streaked with blackish- brown ; lower parts light grayish-yellow, deeper on the breast ; the sides marked with dusky. Length seven inches, wing three and three quarters. In the State of New York, this bird is familiarly known by the name of “ Bob-o-link ;” in Pennsylvania it is called “ Reed Bird ;” and at the South, “ Rice Bird.” In the latter part of the month of May the Rice Bird drrives among us from the South, and continues with us during the sum- mer. Associated in large flocks, it resorts to the fields and mea- dows. Its food consists of various insects and seeds, on which it becomes very fat, and is considered a delicacy. The nest is placed upon the ground, and formed of dry leaves and coarse grass; the eggs, four in number, are bluish-white, ir- regularly spotted with blackish-brown. It is frequently taken in trap cages, and exposed for sale in the market. It soon becomes reconciled to confinement, and delivers a variety of pleasing notes ; but with the loss of liberty, its voice loses much of its clearness, and does not compare with the sweet notes it is heard to chant when hovering in the air. The change of plumage, from spring to fall, to which the male is subject, has been a matter of much controversy. In the fall, the males assume the dress of the females, which has induced many persons to suppose that all those which returned to them in the fall were females. ( 139 ) GENUS MOLOTHRUS—SWAINSON. COW BIRD. [Bill very short, thick, conic, Finch-like, compressed—culmen very slightly arched ; wings pointed, the first three quills longest ; tail nearly even. } MOLOTHRUS PECORIS—GMEL. COW-PEN BIRD. Cow Bunting, Emberiza pecoris, Wils. Amer. Orn. Icterus pecoris, Bonap. Syn. Molothrus pecoris, Cow-pen or Cuckoo Bunt, Sw. & Rich. Cow Troopial or Cow Blackbird, Icterus pecoris, Nutt. Man. _ Cow-pen Bird, Icterus pecoris, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—The head and neck dull brown; rest parts black, glossed with green. Female grayish-brown, lighter be- neath. To those persons who are accustomed to observing the habits and. manners of birds, the extraordinary conduct of the Cow Bunt- ing appears very remarkable. With all other species with which we are familiar, the business of building their nests and rearing their young, seems to us to be the most happy period in their lives: Often have we witnessed how cheerfully these native architects la- bor while preparing a suitable dwelling in which to cradle their offspring, and how carefully it is guarded and boldly defended, from before the bursting of the eggs, until their well-tutored proge- ny have acquired sufficient vigor to mingle with the countless num- bers that embellish creation. Why, then, is it that Nature, in the subject of our remarks, presents an anomaly as singular as it is un- accountable 2 ( 140 ) The Cow-pen Bird, like the European Cuckoo, destitute of all those attachments for which the rest of the feathered race are so remarkable, never builds a nest, or sits upon its eggs, which are promiscuously dropped in the nests of other species—thus leaving the perpetuity of their race to chance, and imposing upon those of neither kith nor kin, the arduous task of incubation. Wilson states that the eggs of these birds are hatched in two days less than those in whose nests they are deposited. Thus we see that Nature provides for the continuance of the race. Were it two days later, instead of two days earlier, this species would be- come extinct. As soon as the young foundling appears, the fe- male leaves the nest to provide for its support, and bestows upon it every attention ; until no longer requiring this motherly care, it quits the place of its birth, and joins the roving band of polyga- mists. By many, this extraordinary trait of character is attributed to a wanton recklessness in regard to their progeny. Although— as writers have stated—there is nothing to be observed in the for- mation of this bird, to render it incapable of incubation; yet we must believe it to be the effect of some secret cause, which has thus far escaped the observation of the most profound naturalists. The Cow Bird, so called from its habits of frequenting the pas- ture fields, and following the cattle, for the purpose of procuring insects which they disturb, arrives among us from the South, where it passes the winter, in the early part of April. When mi- grating northward, many pass on to the Fur countries, and return in the latter part of September, then collecting in large flocks— and at this period, in company with the Red-winged Starlings, pay occasional visits to the corn-fields. ( 141 ) GENUS AGELAIUS—SWAINSON. MARSH BLACKBIRD. [Bill shorter than the head, robust, conical, straight—ridge of the bill flattened toward the base; tip of upper mandible depressed ; head ovate, of moderate size ; neck short ; body rather full; wings of moderate length ; tail rather long, rounded ; tarsi longer than the middle toes ; claws long, slender, arched—hind toe and claw strongest.] AGELAIUS PHdsNICEUS—LINN. RED-WINGED STARLING, OR MARSH BLACKBIRD. Red-winged Starling, Sturmus preedatiorius, Wils. Amer. Orn. Icterus pheniceus, Bonap. Syn. Agelaius pheeniceus, Red-winged Maize Bird, Sw. & Rich. Red-winged Black Bird, Icterus pheeniceus, Nutt. Man. Red-winged Starling, or Marsh Blackbird, Aud. Orn. Biog. Specific Character—Adult male with the plumage glossy-black, excepting the smaller wing coverts, the first row of which are cream color—the rest scarlet. ‘The female is nearly two inches less; the upper parts black, the feathers margined with pale brown; lower parts streaked with black and dull white; a band of pale brown over the eye, and some of the smaller wing coverts slightly tinged with red. Length of male nine inches, wing four and three quar- ters. “The Red-winged Blackbird is said to inhabit during the sum- mer months the whole of North America, from Nova Scotia to Mexico, and is found in the interior from the 53d degree across the whole continent, to the shores of the Pacific, and along the coast as far as California.” —Nutall. It arrives on Long Island about the first of April; generally preferring low situations, it is found in all our swamps and mead- ( 142 ) ows. At this season it subsists on various kinds of insects; as the season advances, the young and tender ears of corn, which it has protected from the ravages of the grub-worm, contributes wholly to its support. Early in May it commences building its nest, which is usually placed on an alder-bush, in some swamp or marsh, and sometimes it is found in a tussock of grass, on a wet meadow. ‘The eggs, from three to five, are white, tinged with blue and faintly marked with purple. It alights on the ground, trees, and fences, and sometimes is seen climbing up the stalks of rank weeds, searching for insects. It is a very plentiful species—associ- ates in large numbers—and when alighting, crowd so close togeth- er, that with the gun great havoc is made. Its flight is usually even. When on the wing, its sombre plumage is pleasingly re- heved by the brilliant scarlet markings on the wings of the males, which at all times render them conspicuous. GENUS ICTERUS—BRISS. ORIOLE. [Bill rather shorter than the head, a little decurved, conical—tapering to a sharp point ; head moderate; neck rather short; body rather slender; wings of moderate length; tail slightly emarginate ; carsi rather longer than the middle toes ; toes moderate—hind toe strongest. ] ICTERUS BALTIMORE—LINN. BALTIMORE HANG-NEST, OR ORIOLE. Baltimore Oriole, Oriolus Baltimore, Wils. Amer. Orn. Icterus Baltimore, Bonap. Syn. Baltimore Oriole, or Golden Robin, Icterus Baltimore, Nutt. Man. Baltimore Oriole, Icterus Baltimore, Aud. Orn. Biog, Specific Character—Adult male with the head neck all round, fore part of the back, wings, and tail feathers black; outer web of secondary coverts broadly margined with white—wing quills mar- gined externally with the same; tail feathers black, toward their ends yellow, which color occupies a large portion of the outer feath- ( 143 ) ers; rest parts reddish-orange, deeper on the breast. Female with the head, neck, and fore part of the back brownish-black, intermix- ed with dull yellow ; hind part of the back light brownish-yellow, brighter on the rump; lower parts duller than the male, and about half an inch less in length. Length of male, seven inches, wing three and seven-eighths. The “ Golden Robin,” as it is more familiarly termed, is not very abundant on Long Island. It seems to prefer higher grounds, dis- tant fromthe sea. In other portions of this State it is quite common. In Rockland county, my friend Mr. Bell, informs me that he has killed as many as twenty-five in the course of two hours, which is a greater number than you would be likely to meet with during a weeks’s ramble over any part of Long Island.