/)(fjp.(jr

Mm

•

FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

BY GIFT OF
ALBERT S. BICKMORE

AND

CHARLOTTE B. BICKMORE

r

IDEP^RTJyLEISrT OW THE INTERIOR. Zn « *

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVlEY OF THE TERRITORIES^

F. V. HAYDEN, U. S. Geologist-in-Chakge.

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS— No. 3.

^9 e X ^'O' rj

BIRDS OF THE NORTHWES'^T:

A HAND BOOK

OF

THE ORNITHOLOGY

OF THE

REGION DRAINED BY THE MISSOURI RIVER
AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.

By ELLIOTT COUES.

GAPTAIX AND ASSISTANT SURGEON U. S. AKMY.

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT P HINTING OFFICE.
1874.

'K «^(^/^- (®^

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Pages.
INTRODUCTIOX V-XI

Ordtr PASSERES 1--259

Suhorder Oscines 1-222

Appkndix to Oscines 223-2:54

Suhorder Cl.vmatokes 235-2;j'.>

Order PICARLE 2(50-205

Suborder Cypseli ; 260-274

Suhorder CUCULI 274-278

Suborder PiCi 278-295

Order PSITTACI 296-297

Order RAPTORES 298-384

Order COLUMB.E 385-390

Order GALLIN.E 391-447

Order GRALLATORES 448-544

Suborder LiMicOL.^i 448-512

Suhordir Herodioxes 513-528

Suhorder Alectorioes 52t>-543

Order LAMELLIROSTRES 544-58(5

Order STEGANOPODES 587-589

Order LONGIPENNES 590-717

Monograph of North American Larii>^e 590-7 17

Order PVGOPODES 718-737

Monograph op North A:mkrican Coi.vMBiDiE and PoDiciPiUiE 718-737

General Index 738-791

INTRODUCTORY.

\_Dr. Coues to Dr. Hay den.']

Fort Kandall, Dakota, 31ay 13, 1873.

Sir : Herewith I transmit, in compliance with your request, for pub-
leation under the auspices of the Geological Survey of the Territories,
a Work on the Ornithology of the Missouri Region, on which, as you are
aware, I have been long engaged, its completion having been delayed
by various circumstances needless to detail. In this connection, how-
ever, I may refer to the circumstances under which the work originated,
in explanation of its present plan and scope. This is a matter with
which you are yourself already familiar, but one which may be presented
to answer the purposes of a preface which would otherwise be required.

The basis of the present volume is mainly an unpublished re])ort
which I prepared at Washington, in the year 1862, ui)on the ornitholo-
gical collections made by yourself and Mr. G. H. Trook as Naturalists
of the Expedition under Captain (now General) W. F. Eaynolds, United
States Engineers. The specimens submitted to me for elaboration were
subjected to careful examination, and found to represent a decided ad-
vance in the knowledge then possessed of the geographical distribution
of the species in the region under consideration. The interest attaching
to this series of specimens, as an element in the history of Western Or-
nithology, renders it advisable, in my judgment, to preserve throughout
the present volume the "List of Specimens" which were formally tab-
ulated* for the original report.

In 1807, while stationed at Columbia, South Carolina, I desired to
recall my MSS. in order to retouch them according to the steady advance
of our knowledge of the subject during the intervening five years. On
this occasion it seemed advisable to extend the article to embrace the
ornithological results which you had obtained as Naturalist of the j^revi-
ous I'Lxplorations, conducted in 1850-57 in the region of the Upper
Missouri, Yellowstone, and Flatte Rivers, by Lieutenant (now General)
G. K. Warren, United States Engineers. Such addition would not only

* lu these tables, the first columu gives tlie number which the specimen bears on the
register of the National Mnseum at Washington ; the second, the "original" or collect-
or's number; third, the locality ; fourth, sex ; Jlfth and sixth, date of collection, and by
"whom collected ; scvrnfh, eighth, ninth, measurements (upon collector's authority) of,
respect ivi'ly, total ]<Migtli, extent of wings, and lengtii of wing from carpus to apex of
longest primary. To economize space, these several headings have been omitted from
the text, with explanation in this place, which will prevent misunderstanding.

VI . INTEODUCTORY.

present, in connected form, your labors in the field of ornithology, but
would illustrate more clearly the ornithological characteristics of the
region in question, by aftbrding the means of comparing and contrasting
the distribution of species iu the several special areas. The specimens
collected on these Expeditions having been incorporated by Prof. S. F.
iiaird* iu his general Report upon the Ornithology of the various Pacific
liailroad Explorations, in 1858, and having been made the subject of a
Report, with field-notes, by yourself, t in 1861, are not tabulated iu the
Xiresent volume, but will be found catalogued by the National Museum
number, with indication of locality where obtained.

At a second interval of five years, namely, iu 1872, you intimated to
me your desire to publish a treatise on the Ornithology of the Western
Territories you had then explored, suggesting that the still unpublished
report I had long since made to you might be avaikible in substance for
this purpose, in connection with an elaboration I was desired to make of
the material collected under your direction iu various parts of the West,
during 1870| and 1872, § by Mr. J. Stevenson, Mr. H. D. Smith, and Mr.
C. H. Merriam. Without instituting comparisons between these collec-
tions, all of which proved to be of interest and importance, I know that
1 simply express your own convictions in alluding to the uuilagging
energy, zeal, and perseverance which have marked Mr. Stevenson's
course during his long and continuous association with you in develop-
ing the Zoology of the West. Having examined the collections for my
own information, and being then stationed, as I am now, in the region
under consideration, where I could supplement your results by my owu
personal observations, 1 willingly undertook the task. The copy now
furnished you for publication by the Survey is the result. It is believed
to be fairly abreast of the present state of the science ; and the hope is
indulged that, during its passage througb the press, opportunity may
offer of bringing it up to the very date of issue, by incorporation of
the latest published items bearing on the subject in hand.

* Reports of Explorations aud Surveys to ascertain the most practicable and econ-
omical Route for a Railroad from tbe Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made
under direction of tbe Secretary of War, in 1853-'56, according to acts of Congress of
March 8, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854. Vol. IX. Birds : By Spencer F. Baird,
Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution, with the co-operation of John Cassiu aud
George N. Lawrence. Washington, D. C, 1858. [Quoted in tbe present volume as
"Bd., B. N. J."]

t Ou tbe Geology aud Natural History of the Upper Missouri, being the substance of
a Report made to Lieutenant G. K. Warren, T. E., U. S. A. By Dr. F. V. Hayden, Sur-
geon and Geologist of the Expedition to the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone, imder
command of Lieut. Warren. — Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Vol.
XII, Art. i, pt. iii, Cb.ap. xvi, pp. 151-17(j. 4to. Philadelphia, 1862. [Quoted in the
present volume as " Hayd. 7?<'jj."]

{ A List of Mammals and Birds collected in Wyoming Territory by Mr. II. D. Smith
and Mr. James Stevenson, during the Expedition of 1870. < Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1870, pp. 4()l-466. 8vo. Washington, 1871.

§ Report on Mammals and Birds of tbe Expedition [of 1872]. By C. H. Merriam.
< Sixth Ann. Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, pp. G131-715. 8vo. W^isbiugtou, 1873.

INTRODUCTORY. VII

The scope and plau of the proposed work hiiving been left entirely to
my discretion, you may reasonably desire to be informed in advance of
its character. To bring the work within the compass of a single vol-
ume, and, particularly, to give it a distinctive character apart from the
several North American Ornithologies published or in progress,* it
seemed necessary to restrict its scope to some particular portion of the
West. The Missouri Eegion, in its broadest sense, as embracing the
whole water-shed of that great river and its tributaries, was selected in
illustration of the "Birds of the Northwest" — both as affording a prac-
tically convenient limitation, and as being the scene of most of your
ornithological field-work, as well as of some of my own. All the species
at present known to inhabit this region (representing a large majority
of the birds of North America) are given ; and I have not hesitated,
moreover, to introduce certain others, some notice of which seemed
desirable to complete an account of particular groups. Three families,
namely, Laridce, Coli/mhida', and Podicijndce, which have been with me
the subjects of special study, are treated monographically, as far as the
North American genera and species are concerned.

The birds of the ^Missouri Eegion, like most others of North America.,
having been repeatedly and sufliciently described, text of this tech-
nical kind has been omitted as a rule to make room for fresher matter of
more general interest. In some cases, however, I describe particular
plumages not yet well known, while throughout the monographs above
mentioned, descriptions both of external features and anatomical char-
acters will be found in detail. For other descriptions I must refer to
general treatises.

The matter of geographical distribution receives the special consider-
ation which its importance warrants. Correct indication of habitat is
one of the most essential items in the history of a species. The distri-
bution of the species, their residence or migration, and their abundance
or scarcity, are worked out, not only within the region indicated, but
throughout the general area they inhabit.

The study of these important points having necessarily involved a
protracted examination of the general ornithological literature bearing
upon this subject, one result of such investigation has been the collation
of very extensive synonymatic lists. Nothing like this amount of bib-
liographical matter has before been presented in any work upon Amer-
ican Ornithology. The synonymy, as simply such, is believed to be very
nearly coniplete, while the many thousand additional references furnish
an extensive index to the literature of the subject. The labor of such
comi)ilation does not appear upon the surface, and is only mentioned in
the sincere hope that, once accomplished, the weary drudgery of future
workers in the same vein may be materially lightened. The quotations
have been personally made or veriiied, in all cases in which this was

* The alhision is bcrc to tbe niaguiticent general work, in course of ijreparation by
Baird, Brewer, iiiul Kiilgway.

VIII INTRODUCTOEY.

reasouiiblj' practicable, tbon<;li many others have been taken at second
hand, upon the simple priii(;i[)le that even such are better than none at
all. S^'nouyms and references for which I am unwilling to become
responsible, iire placed between quotation marks; I answer for the rest,
being satisfied of their general accuracy, though no one is more fully
aware than I am of the tyi)ographical difficulties in the way of printing
numerous references in whicU figures are concerned.

It must not be hastily inferred that these synouymatic lists have no
other value than that which attaches to them as bibliographical indices
or mere references to the published records. They not only serve as a
guide to research, and as vouchers for facts of geographical distribution,
but they also have a direct bearing upon the important 'matter of
nomenclature, fixity and precision of which are nowhere more desirable
than in the natural sciences, where names become in a great measure
the exponents of biological generalizations. A preliminary step required-
for the establishment of nomenclature upon a firm and enduring basis,
is searching scrutiny of the literature of the subject, not only in order
to sift out synonyms and to pin down names to the species they repre-
sent, but also to ascertain which one, of the number which have been
affixed to most species, has the priority which entitles it to recognition
and adoption according to the established usages of naturalists. This
is a matter which repays the uninviting labor bestowed upon a task
otherwise one of little profit and no attractions. The subject has formed
a part of my desk- work for several years, and I may congratulate myself
that some of the results reached are at length brought to light under
very favorable auspices.

With this matter of nomenclature questions of classification are insep-
arably connected in existing methods of zoological notation. As you
need not be informed, no leading ornithologists are as yet agreed in
detail upon a system of classification ; nor is there any probability that
such agreement will soon be brought about. That we are, however,
gradually approaching this desirable consummation, is shown by the
very general acceptance of many groups established of late years upon
investigation of structural characters which were long in receiving the
attention their importance demanded, as well as in an equallj^ general
admission of a certain sequence of these groups. The questions which
remain open have less concern with the definition of groups, excepting
some of those among Passeres, than with their value in the taxonomic
scale. It has become evident that certain old "orders" of birds cannot
endure in the light of recent discoveries ; and that the Baptores, which
long headed the system, luust give way to the more highly-organized
Oscines. It is most probable, according to iiresent indications, that
those remarkable extinct forms, the Archcwpteryx and Ichthyornis, rep-
resent one primary group of Ares [Saunirw) ; that the struthious birds
constitute another {Ratita')', and that all remaining birds compose a
third {Carinatw). These divisions may be rated either as subclasses or

INTRODUCTORY. IX

as orders ; to consider theai as of ouly ordiual grade, would probably be
to correlate them most uearly witb the recognized orders in other classes
of Vertebrates. Upon such basis the Carinatce are susceptible of division
into a large number — some fifteen or more — of groups of approximately
equivalent value, to be rated as suborders or superfamilies.

I merely touch upon this subject in the present connection to prevent
any misunderstanding of my views which might result from the pres-
ence ou my pages of groups conventionally denominated "Orders" and
"Suborders." A work of this character being no occasion for the dis-
cussion of taxouomic questions, or the remodeling of a system of
classili cation, I preferred to retain without change a scheme, the main
features of which have met with general approval. The classification
adopted in the present volume is that presented in my late work,* while
the nomenclature is identical, excepting in a few isolated instances where
change was absolutely required, with that of the same work and of my
forthcoming List.t This uniformity seemed me more desirable for pres-
ent purposes than the good that might result from changes that, never-
theless, may hereafter become necessary.

In the general text of the volume it has been my aim to be brief, or
even silent, in the cases of the best known Eastern birds, in order to
devote more space to the history of species upon which less has already
been written. Most of the biographical matter rests upon my personal
observations; but where these are deficient or wanting, the experiences
of others are freely collated if desired. In few instances is the complete
history of a species i)resented j to do this systematically and satisfac-
torily for all the birds given in the work, would require more time than
I have had to bestow, and several volumes instead of one. In preparing
simply a "Hand-book," I have been controlled by circumstances which
have not been favorable to unity of plan, and I present it rather as a
contribution of material for future elaboration, than as in itself a com-
pleted and final result.

At risk of unduly protracting this commuuicfition, I wish to indicate
some of the leading ornithological features of the region under consid-
eration, and to present briefly certain general conclusions.

The Missouri water-shed represents the greater portion of the North
American Middle Faunal Province as defined by Professor Baird.
Belonging distinctively here, it nevertheless extends to the border of
the Western Province, along the main divide of the mountains, and the
other direction largely overlaps the boundary of the Eastern Province,
as practically indicated rather by the irregular limits of continuous

* Key to North American Birds : Containing a concise account of every species of
living and fossil bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and
IJiiitod States boundary. Illustrated with 6 steel plates and upward of 250 wood-cuts.
Imp. Hvo. pp. 3G1. Salem : Naturalists' Agency. 1872.

t P^ield Ornithology : Comprising a Manual of Instruction for Procuring, Preparing,
and Preserving Birds, and a Check-list of North American Birds. 8vo. pp. i-iv, 1-116
and 1-137. Salem : Naturalists' Agency. [In press.]

X INTRODUCTOKY.

arboreal vegetation than by any meridian of lougitnde. It includes
Nebraska, the greater portion of Dakota. Montana, Wyoming, Colorado,
Kansas and Missouri, ]wrtions of Iowa and Minnesota, together with a
small area in the British Provinces near the head-waters of the Sas-
katchewan, where the Coteau lie Missouri, running obliquely northwest-
w'lrd, crosses the parallel of 49^ N. Much of the western portions is
mountainous, as in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, the easternmost ele-
vations of any note being the Black Hills, lying across the boundary of
Wyoming and Dakota. Extensive areas are cut up into Mcmvaiscs Terres,
or "Bad Lands." Most of the region, however, is the great elevated
central plateau of the continent, of low mean annual rain-fall, and con-
sequently treeless, or nearly so, and more or less sterile, supi)orting for
the most part a comparatively meagre or stunted vegetation. Trees are
in effect restricted to the mountainous tracts and to a slender precarious
fringe along most of the larger streams.

It results from these physical conditions that the Avifauna proper of
the region is not ricb. Notwithstanding the great extent of country,
there is no single species absolutely confined to it. There are, however,
several abundant and generally diffused species which may be held by
this circumstance to be characteristic. Such are Urcmophil't leucohcma
(in the breeding season), Xcocorys spraguei, Centronxix hairdii, Coturni-
cvlus Jecontii, Zonotricliia harrisi, CaJamospiza bicolor, Plectrophanes
ornatus and P. maccoicnii, FaJco ricliarrlsoiii, Fediogcetes columhianus, and
some others less distinctively of the same category. The great number
of species treated in the present volume is due to accessions from both
of the contiguous Faunal Provinces above mentioned, as well as Of those
species of general diffusion over the continent, as most Raptores, Limi-
coJce, and Lamellirostres. It results from the extensive overlapi)ing of
the Missouri Region upon the Eastern Province, that in effect nearly all
the birds of Eastern North America are represented fairly within this
area, the exceptions being chiefly the marine Atlantic species, and a
few others peculiar to the South Atlantic and Gulf States. The low
position of Saint Louis in the Mississippi Valley, which affords a ready
approach from the south, renders it i)robable that some of these last
named, not yet known to proceed so far north, may finally be found
within Missouri limits.

In discussing the western limits of eastern species, it is not easy to
overestimate the effect of the larger streams, and especially of the
great artery itself — the Missouri — in prolonging an eastern bird-fauna
in streaks to or toward the Eocky Mountains. These streams, with a
general east-and-west course, and with their usual fringe of trees, often
the only timber of various large areas, form attractive highways of mi-
gration, as it were, along which avenues birds push on beyond their
general limit. From this it results that the boundary line of the Middle
and Eastern Provinces in these latitudes is a zigzag of interdigitations.

The general fades of the birds of this region may be summed in i

INTRODUCTORY. XI

word. They are characterized by a paUor of plumage, the direct result
of the low annual rain -fall, in accordance with now generally recognized
laws which have been ably elucidated by Allen, Baird, and others.

There only remains the grateful duty of recording here an acknowl-
edgment of favors received in the preparation of this work. My
pleasure might have been increased by mention of various other names,
had not the circumstances under which the book has been written de-
prived me in great measure of the desired and freely offered cooperation
of several kind friends. I am particularly indebted to Mr. T. M. Trippe,
of Colorado, for a valuable paper on the birds of that Territory, which
I have incorporated with my pages. My thanks are likewise due to Mr.
J. A. Allen for various interesting communications based upon his
original observations in different parts of the West ; to Mr. J. Steven-
sou, to whose collections I have frequent occasion to allude ; and to Mr.
T. G. Gentry and Dr. J. M. Wheaton. In the labor of compiling syn-
onymy I have been materially assisted by some manuscript records of
(juotations which Professor Baird very kindly placed at my service.

1 cannot close this communication without an expression of the obli-
gation under which other ornithologists beside myself rest to you for
the very material services you have rendered to Ornithology — both by
your successful personal labors and by your able direction of other means
at vour command — services the more commendable in the fact that thev
have been gratuitously rendered apart from your own special lines of
scientific inquiry. I do not hesitate to say that no one, not an ornithol-
ogist, has contributed more to the advance of our knowledge of the
birds of the West.

I am, Sir, &c.,

ELLIOTT COUES.

Dr. F. V. Hayden,

U. 8. Geologist, <jDc., etc., ttc,

In charge Geological Survey of the Territories,

Washington, D. G.

OEDER

r AobiilKJiib! PERCHERS.

SUBORDER

OSGINES:

Singing Birds.

Family TURDIDiE : Thrashes.

Siibfamily Turdin^: Typical Thrushes.

TURDUS MIGRATORIUS, Linn.

Robin.

Turdus mioratorius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 292.— Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 382.—
ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 5, pis. 60, 61.— Wils., Am. Orn, i, 1808, 35, pi. 2,
f. 2.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 75.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 338.— Aitd., Orn. Biog. ii, 1832,
190; V, 1839, 442; pi. 131.— Aud., Syu. 1839, 89.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 14, pi.
142.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 218.— Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter. 1860,
172.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1.59.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 28.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 7.—
Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 2.— Coues, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 71, fig. 13.— And of
authors generally.

Mentla m'ujratoria, Sws. & Rich., Fn. Bor.-Ara. ii, 1831, 176.

Turdus canadensis, Briss., Orn. ii, 1760, 225.

Tardus confinis, Bd., Rev. 1864, 29. (Var., Cape St. Lucas.)

Eah. — Continent of North America, and portions of Mexico. "West Ladies, rarely.
Accidental in Europe. ( G^OitW, pi. 74 ; A^ajtm., pi. 362.)

List of specimen i

!.

19191
19192

173

Pumpkin Butte.
Wind River

"$

'May 28,' 1860

F.V.Hayden.
do

9.50
10.25

16.00
17.00

5.00
5.75

Lieutenant TFarreH's Sxpedt^fon. —4705, Blackbird Hill; 5281, Fort Pierre ; 5282, Yel-
lowstone River.

Later Expeditions.— 5'i^2i, 60935-38, 61161, Wyoming (Schmidt & Stevenson) ; 61C50,
62275-77, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming (Merriam).

Occurs in suitable localities throaghont the Missouri region ; breeds ;
resident, but most abundant in spring and autumn, during the migrations.

TURDUS N^VIUS, Gm.
Varied Thrush; Oregon Robin.

Turdus ncevius, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 817.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 10.— Aud.,
Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 489 ; v, 1839, 284 ; pis. 369, 433.— Aud., Svn. 1839, 89.— Aud.,
B. Am. iii, 1841, 22, pi. 143.— Cab., Journ. Bost. Soc. iii, 1848, 17 (New Jersey,
not Boston, Mass.).— Bp., Consp. 1850, 271.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852,
221 (New York).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 4; 1859, 331.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep.
vi, 1857, 81.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 219.— Hekrm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi,
45.— Bd., Zool. Ives's Expd. 1860, 5 (Colorado Valley).— Coop. & Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 172.— Bd., Rev. Am. Birds, 1864, 32.— Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, v,
1864, 82 (Now Jersey).— Lord, Pr. Roy. Art. Inst. Woolwich, iv, 1864, 114.—
Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1806, 281 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.
1860, 68 (Colorado Valley).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 312.— Allen, Am.
Nat. iii, 1869, 572 (Ipswich, Mass., Dec, 1864).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 31
(Ccour d'Aleno Mts., Montana).— Turn., B. E. Pa. 1869, 41 (New Jersey).—
Dall & Baxn., Trans. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 276 (Alaska).- Mayn., Guide, 1870,
89 (Ipswich, Mass.).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 10.— Coues, Key, 1872, 72.

2 TUKDID^, THRUSHES.

Orpheus mcruloidcs, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 187, pi. 38 (Fort Frantlin, lat. 65^0).
" Mimus meridoides, Bv."
" Ixoreus vaviits, Up."
Hesptrocichla nwvia, Bd.

Hab. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, from the Yukon to the Colorado. Winters in
California, Oregon, and Washington. Mackenzie's River. Montana {Cooper). Acci-
dental in New Jersey (Cabot), near New York City (Laivrence), and at Ipswich, Mass.
(Cottes, fide Allen).

Although this species, which was not obtained by either expedition,
is essentially a west-coast bird, it is known to occur further eastward, and
that not only in the exceptional instances above quoted ; for Dr. Cooper
found it "common" near the summit of the Coeur d'Aleiie Mountains in
Sei)tember, frequenting dark coniferous regions, as in its usual Pacitic
habitat. Mr. Dall found it nesting on the Nulato River, May 22. "The
nest was built in the midst of a large bunch of rubbish in a clump of
willow, about two feet from the ground, and close to the river bank.
Eggs bluish, speckled with brown." The eggs, in this instance, were only
two, but probably the full complement had not been laid ; they usually
number four or five, and measure about 1.10 by 0.80 inches.

TUEDUS MUSTELINUS, Gm.

Wood Thrush.

Turdits mitstelimts, Gm., S. N. i, 17S8, 817. — Lath.. Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 331. — Vieill., Ois.
Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 6, pi. 62.— Br., Syn. 1828, 75.— Nutt., i, 1832, 343.— AuD.,
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 372 ; v, 1839, 446 ; pi. 7.3.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 90.— Aud., B. Am.
iii, 1841, 24, pi. 144.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 294 ; 18.59, 325.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 212.—
Hayd., Rep. 158.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 13.— McIlwkaith, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866,
84 (Hamilton, C. W.).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 543 (Vera Cruz, tran-
sient).—Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 124, 173 (Kansas).- CouES, Key, 1872, 72.

Merula miistelma, Rich., List, 1837, p. — .

Tardus melodus, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 35, pi. 2, f. 1.

Titrdus densiis, Bp., Comptes Reudus, xxviii, 1853, 2.

Sylocichla mustelina, Bd.

HaJ). — Eastern United States, north to New England aud Canada West ; not recorded
from Maine ; west to Dakota ; south to Central America in winter. Breeds throughout
its United States range. Winters on the Gulf coast (Audubon). Occasional in the
West Indies (Cuba, D'OrbUjny, La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 49). Bermuda.

Not obtained by Captain Raj^uolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4650, Fort Pierre, Dakota.

This distinctively eastern species ascends the Missouri as far at least
as Fort Pierre, and is re^iorted by Dr. Hayden as being quite numerous
along the wooded river bottoms. Mr. Allen found it "exceedingly abun-
dant" in Eastern Kansas, but not beyond.

As is well known, the nest of this species is saddled on the bough of
a bush, shrub, or low tree, and has mud in its composition ; other mate-
rial, outside, is grass and leaves, the lining being usually fibrous rootlets.
The eggs are four or five in number, pale greenish-blue, rarely, if ever,
speckled ; they measure 0.95 by 0.G5 inches.

TURDUS PALLASI, Cab.
Hermit Tlirash.

a. pallasi.

Tnrdns pallasi, Car., Wiog. Arch, i, 1847, 205; Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 5; J. f. O. 1855, 470
(Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 212.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 325; Cat. 1862, 2.— CouES
& Prent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 404 (D. C, migr.).— Vkhr., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 1862, 146 (Maine, abundant in summer). — Boaudm., Pr. Bost. Soc. is,

TURDUS PALLASI, HERMIT THRUSH. 3

1862, 124 (Maine, breeding).— Verr., ihid. 137 (Anticosti).— Allen, Pr. Ess.
Inst, iv, 1864, 56 (Massachusetts, migratory). — Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii,
1866, 281.— McIlwraith, Pr. Ess. Inst v, 1866, 84 (Canada West,' migratory). —
CouES, ibid, vi, 1868, 266. — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 106 (S(MitIi Carolina,
common in winter, October to Marcli).- Turn., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (chiefly mi-
gratory, some wintering). — RidCtW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 128. — Allicx, Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 514 ^Illinois).- Mayn., Guide, 1870, 89 (Southern Xew
England, until November). — Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (breeding,
Maine and New Hampshire).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 254 (Florida, in
winter) ; iii, 1872, 173 (Kansas and Colorado). — Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 8. — Coues,
Key, 1872, 72.— Snow, 13 B. Kas. 1873, 4.

Turdus soUtarius, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 95 (not of Linnseus ; not the plate 43, f. 2,
w^hich is 8wainsoiu).—iiv., Comp. LisT, 1838, 17.— AUD., Syn. 1839, 91. — Attd.,
B. Am. iii, 1841, 29, pi. 146.— Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1844, 191.— Bp., Cousp. Av.
i, 1850, 270. — WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 72 (Texas and New Mexico). — Putn.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 209 (Alassachusctts, occasional in winter). — ScL., P. Z. S.
1857, 212. — Tkippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871 (Minnesota, migratory).

Merula solitaria, Sws. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 184, pi. "35," by error for 37. — Vleill.,
Ois. A. S. ii, 1807, 7, pi. 63 (in part).— Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1844, 191.

Turdus minor, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv, 1824, 33. — Bp., Syn. 1828, 75. — Nutt., Man. i,
1832, 346.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 303, pi. 58 ; v, 1839, 445.— Gujaud, B. L. Isl.
1844, 90.— (?) Reinh., Birds Greenland, 6 (" T. minor, Gm.")

" Turdus (juttatus, Cab., Fu. Peru. 1844, 6, 147" {fide Baird).

b. nanus.

Turdus nanus, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 201, pi. 419 (name T. minor on plate). — At^d., B.
Am. iii, 1841, 32, pi. 147.— Gamb., Pr. A. N. S. i, 1843, 262; 1844, 14; 1846,
113 ; Journ. 1847, 41.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 213.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859 ; Cat. 1862, 2.—
Heerm., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1«59, part vi, 45. — Bd., Rev. 1864, 15. — Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1866, 65.— Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 129.— Dall & Bann.,
Trans. Chic. Acad, i, la69, 275.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 4.

Turdus paJlusi var. nanus, Coues, Key, 1872, 72.

"(?) Turdus aonaJaschka, Gm. — (f ?) Muscimpa guttata, Pall." (Baird).

c. audubonii.

Morula silens, Sws., Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 647, nee T. silens, V.— Sws., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 186.—

Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 213, 922 (Fort Bridger).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 325 (La Parada) ;

1859, 325 (Oaxaca) ; Cat. 1862, 2.
Turdus auduionii, Bd., Rev. 1864, 16. — Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 129. — Sumich,,

Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 542 (Vera Cruz, alpine region, resident). — Stevenson,

U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merriam, ibid. 1872,
Turdus imllasi var. audubonii, Coues, Key, 1872, 72.

Hab. — The typical form ranges over the whole Eastern Province of North America;
and it appears that specimens from the Middle and Western Provinces also are fre-
quently indistinguishable. Also, Greenland, if Reinbardt's quotalion belongs to this
species. Breeds from New England northward ; winters abundantly in the Southern,
and occasionally in the Middle (TurnbuU) States. Var. nanus chiefly from the regions
west of the Rocky Mountains, but also accredited to Pennsylvania. Var. audubonii is
only (J noted from the Southern Rocky Mountain region, and thence southward on the
table-lauds of Mexico, where it is stated to be resident.

This species was not noticed by either of the earlier expeditions.

Later Expeditions. — var. audubonii, 60675, Uintah Mountains ; 59852, Middle Park, Col.
{Sehmidt ».t Stevenson).

There is unquestionably but a single species of Hermit Thrush in
North America. It is impossible to draw any dividing line between the
so-called species, and, in fact, it is sufiflciently difiicult to predicate
varietal distinction.

The Hermit Thrush is, upon the whole, a more northerly bird than any
of its allies; not that the Olive-backed Thrush may not pi\)ceed as far
north in sumuier, but the Hermit Thrush migrates earlier in the spring,
lingers northward later in the fall, and winters further north. 1 have
found no Central American (juotations. At Washington, 1). C, for in-
stance, an intermediate point, the Hermit Thrush arrives in the van of
the other three species, some time in March, becomes at once abuiulant,
and is seen through the following month ; it does not come back utitil-

4 TURDID^, THEUSHES.

October, and remains until jSTovember. I uev^er found it wintering in
INIaryland or Virginia, but it certainly does so in the Carolinas ; and Dr.
TurnbuU says a few linger through that season in the Middle States.
Mr. Maynard states that he has found it in Northern New Hampshire
when the snow was on the ground, in Maine as late as November G, and
in Massachusetts until quite late in the same month.- The same writer
speaks of its breeding in Massachusetts, citing a nest and eggs taken at
North Beverly in June, 18G8; this is, I believe, the southernmost breed-
ing-record. The nest is built in bushes, and the eggs are plain greenish-
blue ; they measure O.DO by 0.G2 inches.

Mr. Allen informs me by letter that "the Hermit Thrush is more or
less common in the breeding season in the mountains of Colorado, from
about 8,000 feet up to timber line. Several pairs were observed at our
cam]) near Fairplay, but it was more common near the timber line in the
vicinity of Mount Lincoln than we found it elsewhere. Several broods
of young, scarcely able to fly, were seen at the last-named locality about
July 25. The old birds were shy, and difficult to approach."

TURDUS SWAINSONI, Cab.
Olive-backed Thrush.

a. sicainsoni.

Turdus minor, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 809 (in part; mixed with /jtsccscens). — Vieill., O.

A. S. ii, 1807, 7, pi. 63 (in part; mixed with jjaHasi).— Bp., Comp. List, 1838,

17 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 271.
Turdus solitariits, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, pi. 13, f. 2 (not the text on p. 95).— CouES,

Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 106 (lapsn for ^^ swainsoni").
Mei-ula U'ilsoiii, Sws. & Eich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 182 (excl. syn. "mustelinua, Wils.")
Tardus ollraccns, Giraud, B. L. I. 1844, 92 (ncc Linuteus).
Meriila oHvacea, Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. i, 1844, 191.
Turdus swainsoni, Cab., " Fu. Peru. 188 ; v. Homeyer's Reise, ii, 149 ;" Mus. Hein. i, 1850,

5 (Siberia).—" (?) ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 6 (Guatemala)."— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1858,
451 (Ecuador); 1859, 326; Cat. 1862, 2.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 216.— Guxdlach,
J. f. O. 1861, 324 (Cuba).— CouES & Pkent., Smiths. Eep. 1861 (1862), 405
(Washington, D. C, migratory). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1.58. — Verr., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 1862, 146 (Maine, in summer).— Verr., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 137
(Anticosti, very common). — Boardm., ihid. 124 (Calais, Me., breeding). — Bd.,
Rev. 1864, 19. — Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, lfc64, 56 (Massachusetts, migratory). —
McIlwraitii, ihid. v, 1866, 84 (Hamilton, migratory).— Coues, ihid. x, 1868,
266 (New Englaud, breeding northerly; migratory elsewhere). — Trii'PE, ibid.
1871, 115 (Minnesota, migratory). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 91 (Costa Rica). —
Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 514 (Illinois).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,
251 (Florida, in winter).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 173 (Kansas).— Dall

6 Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 275 (Alaska).- Turn., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (says
it winters; doubtful).- Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Aciid. 1869, 128.— Mayn., Guide,
1870, 90 (Massachusetts, migratt)ry).- Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (breed-
ing in Maine and New Hampshire). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1871, 6. — Mayn., B.
Fla. 1872, 6.— CouES, Key, 1872, 72.— Snow B. Kas 1873, 4.

Turdus mininuts, Lafres., R. Z. 1848, 5.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1854, 111.— Bryant, Pr. Bost.
Soc. vii, 1860, 226 (Bogota).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y., viii. May, 1863 (Panama). —
" Turdus nanus," Samuels, Am. Nat. ii, 1868, 218 (error).

b. alicia;.

Turdus alicia; Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 217, pi. 81, f. 2.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 217
(Labrador). — Coues &. Prent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861, 405 (Washington, D. C,
migratory, common). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 21. — Coues,
Pr. Ess. inst. v, 1868, 267 (New England).— Dall & B.vnn., Trans. Chic. Acjid.
i, 1869, 275 (Alaska).— Ru>GW., Pr. Phil. Acad. 1869, 128.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix,
1868, 91 (Costa Rica).

Turdus swainsoni var. aVwiw, Coues, Key, 1872, 73.

c. ustulatus.

Turdus ustulaius, Nutt., i, 1840. 2d ed., 400 (" ccsfulatus").—JiD., B. N. A. 1858, 215, pi.
81, f. 1.— Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter. 1860, 171.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 18.—

TURDUS SWAINSONI, OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. 5

RiDGW., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1869, 129.— Dall & Ba^^., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869,
275. — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1871, 5. — Lawr., Pr. Bost. Soc. June, 1871 (Tres Marias).
Titrdus sivainsoni var. ustulatus, Coues, Key, 1872, 73.

Eal). — The tyjiical form ranges over nearly the whole of North America ; north to
the Arctic Ocean, northwest to Behring's Straits, west to the Columbia, south to Cen-
tral America, New Granada, and Ecuador. Cuba. Greenland, Europe, and Siberia (acci-
dental). Not observed in Southwestern United States. Breeds from Maine and New
Hampshire northward (f from New York, Gregg, Pr. Elmira Acad. 1870). Winters
from Florida southward. Yar. aliciw has a nearly coincident range, but on the whole
appears somewhat more northerly; south to Costa Eica (r. jfYfot/cu/.s). Var. untulatus
inhabits the Pacitic coast, from Siika to Mexico (Tres Marias Islands, Grayaon).

List of specimens.

19193

27

Wind River..

May 28, 1860

F. V. Havdeu..

6.50

11.50 4.00

LieutcHant Warren's Expedition. — 4707, month of the Missouri River ; 4710, " Nebraska ;"
8818, Black Hills. Var. aliciw: 4708, Upper Missouri ; 4711, Jacques River; 4709,4712,
Vermilion River.

Late information lias greatly extended the known range of this species,
and in time the above-mentioned exception of its apparent non-occur-
rence in the Southwestern United States will probably be done away
with.

As Mr. Allen has repeatedly contended, the characteristics formerly sup-
posed to be specifically distinctive of T. aliciw have proved inconstant and
not always tangible. I am now nearly satisfied of the propriety of treat-
ing it as a variety, though I entertained the contrary opinion for some
years. The evidence best favoring the supposition of its validity lies iii
the fact that, while occupying substantially the same range as typical
filcainsoni, it generally shows some slight peculiarities; these, however,
apparently shade into those of sicainsoni. The fact of intergradation may
be proved, however we may account for the discrepancies observed in
most cases. I think the solution of the problem may be looked for in
the probability that ulicice as a rule consists of more northerly-born indi-
viduals ; this would bring the case under some known rules, that might
account for its peculiarities of larger size and darker color.

The relationships of var. ustulafus were long sui)posed to be with/?<s-
cescens, which is by no means the case. The clew to its true interpreta-
tion was found in the discovery that the eggs are speckled as in sivain-
soni, not plain as in fuscescens. Attention was first called to this and
other evidences of relationship by Mr. Ridgway in the paper above
quoted. He then, however, treated nstulatns as specifically distinct.
Nothing appears to contradict the view I have adopted, and published
as above, that ustvlatus is a geographical variety, the features of which
dei)end upon the moisture of the heavily wooded coast region it inhabits.

All the forms of this species nest alike in bushes, and lay speckled
eggs, usually four, measuring about 0.1)1* by 0.G2 inches. The Olive-
backed Thrush is a very abundant bird in the Eastern United States
during the migrations in April and October. It has not been observed
to breed south of Maine and New Hampshire, nor is the evidence satis-
factory that it winters north of Florida. As will be seen by the above
quotations, it penetrates very far southward in winter.

TURDUS FUSCESCEXS, Steph.
Wilson's Thrush ; Tawny Thrush ; Veery.

Tardus miistdintis, WiLS., Am. Orn., v, 1812, 98, pi. 43 (itcc Gm., ncc aitrtt.)
I'urdus fituccscens, Stepu., Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 182.— Cau., J. f. O. 1855, 470
(Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 214.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 32(3 ; Cat. 18C2, 2.— Coues &,

6 TUEDID^, THRUSHES.

Prent,, Smiths, liep. 1861, 404 (Wasbiugtou, D. C, migratory).— Hayd.,
Eep. 18fi2, 158.~Vekk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, lSf)2, 146 (Maine, breeds).— Bd., Rev
1864, 17.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 56 (Massachusetts, breeds).— Lawk.,
Ann. Lye. N. H. N. Y. viii, 1866, 281 (New York).— McIlwraith, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 1866, 84 (Hamilton, Canada West, breeds).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
1868, 266. — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, xii, 106 (South Carolina, chiefly migra-
tory, some iirobably wintering). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 493 (Iowa,
July), .514.— Turx., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 ("plentiful from April to October, a few
remaining during winter"). — Eidow., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 127. — Mayn.,
Guide, 1870, 90 (Massachusetts, abundant in summer). — Mayn., Pr. Bost.
Soc. xiv, 1871 (Maine and New Hampshire, summer). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,
1871, 256 (Florida, winteriug); iii, 1872, 155, 173 .(mountains of Colorado). —
Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 10.— Coue8, Key, 1872, 73.

TiirdHS f!Uc7is, ViEiLL., Enc. Met. ii, 1823, 647 ( = mustclinus, Wils. ; not silens, Sws.)

lurdiis icili^o»i, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 34, No. 73; Syn. 1828, 75, No. 100; Consp. i, 1850,
271.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 349.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 362; v, 1839, 446, pi.
166.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 90.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 27, pi. 145.— Giraud, B. L. I.
1844, 89.— Cab., <'Fn. Peru. 1844-'46, 205."— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856,209
(Massachusetts, breeding).— Trippe, ibid., vi, 1871, 115 (Minnesota, breeding).

Merula wiltiO)ii, Bhewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1844, 191.

"T/n-<?;(s minor, D'Okbigny, La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 47, pi. 5 (Cuba)."

Merula minor, Sws. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 179, pi. 36.

Hab. — Eastern North America. North to Hudson's Bay and the Saskatchewan. West
to the Rocky Mountains (Colorado, J //(« ; Fort Bridger, Baird). South to Panama.
Cuba. Breeds from Southern New England (from Pennsylvania, TurnbuU), and Iowa
northward. Winters from Florida and Gulf States (? from South Carolina, Coues ;
I'rom Pennsylvania, TurnbuU) southward. Not seen in Alaska.

Not obtaiued by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— MVi, mouth of Vermilion Elver.

Later Expeditions.— 6067G, Green Eiver {Schmidt & Stevenson).

This is an Eastern species, bnt not exclusively so, altliongh its range
is much more limited, both to the northward aud westward, than that
of either swa'msoni or paUaA. Dr. Ilayden reports it from the Lower
Missouri ; it has not been observed higher up than the locality above
given. Prof. Baird gives a Fort Bridger record. Mr. Allen met with
it at several points in Colorado between Denver and the Park, es-
pecially along the North Fork of the South Platte. It occurs in winter
as far south as Panama, and in Cuba. It does not appear to run into
Tarieties like the more extensively dispersed pallasi aud sivainsoni, but
is as constant as musteli7ius, that, like it, is restricted in range. These
facts seem mutually exi)lanatory.

The nest of this species is built on or close to the ground, and the
eggs are unmarked.

A Yeery's nest, which I found near Pembina, Dakota, on the Eed
Eiver of the North, was placed on a little heap of decaying leaves caught
at the foot of a bush ; resting on these, it was settled firmly in the crotch
formed by several stems diverging at once from the root. The base of
the nest was quite damp, but the floor was sufficiently thick to keej) the
interior dry. The nest was built of various slender weed-stems, grass-
stalks, and fibrous strips of bark, compactly woven and mixed with
dried leaves ; the latter formed the liuing of the base inside. The cavity
is rather small, considering the bulkiuess of the whole nest, measuring
only about two inches aud a half across by less than two in depth. The
whole is as large as an infant's head, and of irregular contour, fitting the
crotch in which it was placed, and bearing deep impress of the ascending
stems of the bush. Tbis nest coutained four eggs, fresh (June 9) ; they
measured, on an average, 0.8G by O.GG, aud were pale greenish-blue, with-
out spots. The female, scared from her nest by my approach, flew silently
oft' to a little distance, where she rested to observe my actions. The
bird breeds very abundantly in the heavy shrubbery aloug tbe river,
and is one of the sweetest songsters of that region. When its clear

OREOSCOPTES J^IONTANUS, MOUiXTAIN MOCKINGBIRD. 7

bell-like notes, resonant, distinct, yet soft and pf nndescribable sadness, •
fall upon tbe ear as we press through the tangled undergrowth beneath
the shade of stately trees, we pause involuntarily to listeu to music that
for the moment makes us forget the terrible torture of body and vexa-
tion of spirit that we endure continually from the innumerable hosts of
the scourge — musquitoes.

The 2Ierida minor of Swainson is eertaiuly this species; every point
of the diagnosis, as well as the j)late, points to fiiscescens. M. ivilsoni
of the same author is sicainsoni. M. snUtaria of the same work is pallasij
the plate erroneously marked "35" for 37. I make these deter uiina-
tious, which difier somewhat from those of Professor Baird, who assigns
the plates otherwise. In my copy of the Fauna, plate "35" (37), the
tawny of the rump and other points of coloration are certainly little like
those of sicainsoni.

Mr. Allen has erroneously included T. iistulatus among the synonyms
of fiiscescens in his Memoirs on lowan and Floridan Birds, above cited ;
l)ut I am happy to be able to state that he now endorses the view pre-
sented in tiie "Key." He also informs me that Wilson's Thrush, which
was met with in considerable numbers at several points between Denver
and South Park, chiefly frequented the dense thickets near the streams,
and were hence difficult to observe or procure, although easily recog-
nized by their song. None were met with in or about South Park, or
above an altitude of about 9,000 feet.

Subfamily Miming : 2IocTcing Thrushes.
OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS, (Towns.) Bd.

Mountain Mockingbird.

Orjjheits montanus, Towns., Jouiu. Acad. Pbila. 1837, 192.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 89.— AuD.,
B. Am. ii, 1841, 194, pi. 139.

Turdus montanus, AuD., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 437, pi. .369, f. 1.

Miinus munlanus, Bp., List, 1838, 17. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 276.

Oreoscoptes montanus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 347 ; Rev. 1864, 42.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 340 ; Cat.
1862, 8.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 163.— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 (Colorado
River) ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 13.— Stkv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyomin-r).—
Merriam, ibid. 1872, 670, 705 (Utah).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174
(western edge of tbe Colorado Plains). — Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 194 (Black
Hills).— COUES, Key, 1872, 74,

Hob. — United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific ; south to Mexico and
Cape St. Lucas ; east to Fort Laramie and the Black Hills.

This species bears no slight resemblance to the young of the common Mockingbird,
which is, like it, spotted below, and for which it might be mistaken upon superficial ex-
amination. It is, however, much more heavily and sharply marked with triangular
spots on nearly all the under parts, and differs, besides, in its generic characters. The
bill is slenderer and compai'ativeJy longer; the wings are relatively much longer and
more iiointcd, equaling or exceeding the tail, which is little rounded, the outer feathers
being only about i inch shorter thau the middle ones. Length about 8.00 ; wing 4.00 ;
tail rather more ; tarsus 1.15; bill, 0.65.

List of specimens

•

19226
19347

21

Rattlesnake Hills.
Willow Springs . .

"i'

Mav 16, 1860
May 14, 1860

F.V.Hayden.
G. H. Trook .

8.25

13.00

3.75

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — 8821, Black Hills.

Laiev Expeditions. — 60447, 60711-19, various Wyoming localities; 61651-2, Salt Lake,
Utah;

Dr. Hayden's specimen, from the Black mils, and Dr. Cooper's, from
Fort Laramie, probably indicate the extreme eastern range of the
si)ecies. Mr. Uoldeu's notice is corroborative j he found them rare in

8 TURDID^, THRUSHES.

the Black Hills, ouly five or six specimens being observed in tlie course
of bis collecting. "They remain concealed during the middle of tbe
day in some low thicket, and on the approach of evening the males
mount some high point and sing till after dusk."

Of the nidification of the Mountain Mockingbird I remain ignorant.
A set of four eggs in the Smithsonian collection, from Wyoming, offers
the following characters: Size, 1.03 by 0.70, 1.00 by 0.70, 0.90 by 0.08,
0.94 by 0.69. Color rather light greenish-blue, boldly, sharply, and
rather heavily spotted all over with burnt umber. A single egg of
another set from the same locality is more minutely speckled and dotted
in diffuse pattern, approaching some styles of Mockingbird's eggs. Mr.
Merriam took a nest containing four fresh eggs, June 10, 1872, at Salt
Lake, Utah.

MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS, (L.) Boie.

Mockingbird.

lurdus iwlyoMius, L., S. N. i, 1766, 293.— Wils., Aui. Ora. ii, 1810, 14, pi. gO, f. 1.— Bp.,
Syn. 1828, 74— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 108; v, 1839, 438; pi. 21.— Nutt., Mau.
i, 1832, 320.

Mimus poh/iilottus, Boie, Isis, 1826, 972.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838. 17 ; Consp. i, 1850, 276.—
WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 72.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 212 ;' 1859, 340 ; Cat. 1862, 8.—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 344 ; Rev. 1864, 48.— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv,
25.— Hkerm., ihid. pt. vi, 44.— Wheat., Ohio Agr. Rep. I860, No. 118 (Ohio,
formerly common). — CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410 (rare). — Ai,lex, Pr.
Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 67 (Massachusetts, northern limit). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y.
viii, 1866, 282 (Long Island, occasional).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 65
(Arizona). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. sii, 1868, 107 (South Carolina, resident). —
Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 523 (Indiana). — Sumich., ipid. i, 1869, 543
(Vera Cruz, Gulf shore up to plateau ; breeding at Orizal)a). — Turn., B. E. Pa.
1869, 15 (rare, stated to have wintered).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 92 (Massachusetts) ;
B. Fla. 1872, 16.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 21.— Lawr., Pr. Bost. Soc. June, 1871
(Tres Marias).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 259 (Florida, in winter) ; iii,
1872, 134 (Middle Kansas, common, breeding).— Coues, Key, 1872, 74, lig. 16.

Orplieus 2>ohi(iIotUts, Sws., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 167.— Aud., Syu. 1839, 87.- Aud., B. Am.
ii, 1841, 187, pi. 137.

Orpheus Itucopttrus, ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, p. — .

Orpheus puhjijoihus, Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 224 (error).

Mimus caiKlatus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 345 {" canadaius," error).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad.
1870, 75.

JaZ>.— United States, from Atlantic to Pacific ; north regularly to the Middle States,
rarely to Massachusetts, beyond which no record. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas;
New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California ; Tres Marias Islands. Resident from
the Carolinas southward, and in Mexico. Several insular races in various West Indian
Islands. Breeds throughout its range.

The Mockingbird was not noticed by either expedition, but has lately
been ascertained to breed in Kansas, where Mr. Allen found it common,
in June, along Big Creek. It probably does not proceed further north-
w'ard in the Missouri region.

The Mockingbird's eggs measure nearly or quite an inch long by three-
fourths wide, and are gray, irregularly speckled aud blotched with brown
and lavender, chiefly about the larger end, but often over the whole sur-
face. Two or three broods are reared in the South.

MIMUS CAROLINENSIS, (Linn.) Gray.

Cntbird.

Muscicapa carolinensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 328.
Turdus airolhieusis, Licili"., Verzeichu. 1823, 38.
Orphi'us carolineusis. Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841. 195, pi. 140.

.Mimus caroliuensis. Gray.- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 346.— Hayd., Rep, 1862, 163.— Coop., Am.
Nat. iii, 1869, 73 (common across Rocky Mountains to Cceur d'Aleue Mission) ; 295

HAEPOEHYNCHUS EUFUS, THEASHEE. 9

(Fort Union, breeding).— Cottes, Key, 1872, 74.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872,

174 (Kansas, Colorado, Utah).— Mayx., B. Fla. 1872, 19.— And of most late

authors.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, Cab.— Bd., Eev. 1864, .54.— Sumich., Mem. Bost. See. i, 1869, 544

(Vera Cruz, transient).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).— Stev., U. S. Geol.

Surv. 1870, 464.— Mekh.. ibid. 1872, 670.
Felirox carolinensis, Bp., Comp. Eend. xxviii, 1853, p. —
Tardus felivox, Vleill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 10, pi. 67. — Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv,

1825, 30; Syn. 1823, 75.— Nutt., i, 1832, 332.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 171; v, 440;

pi. 128.
Orpheus felivox, Sw. «& EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 192.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 88.— AuD., B. Am.

ii, pi. 140.
Mimns felivox, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 18 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 276.
Tardus lividus, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1»10, 90, pi. 14, f. 3.

Hob. — United States, north to Eed Eiver and Saskatchewan (latitude 54°, Eicliard-
8on) ; west to the Columbia, to Utah, Wyoming and Colorado ; south to Panama. Mexico.
Cuba. Eesident in the Southern States. Breeds throughout its North American range.

Not obtained by Captain Eaynokls' Expedition.

Lieutenant JVarren^s Expedition. — 4704, White Eiver; 5285, 5286, Fort Lookout.

Later Expeditions. — 59853, Berthoud's Pass, Colorado; 60443, La Bout6 Creek, Wy-
omiug; 60720, Fort Bridger; 61653, Ogden, Utah.

The known range of this faiDiliar species has been greatly extended
of late. It was taken in Washington Territory by the Northwest
Boundary Survey Commission; in Kansas, Colorado, aud Utah by Mr.
Allen's expedition from the Museum of Comparative Zoology, aud in Wy-
oming by Mr. Stevensou. Dr. Hayden remarks its abundance from the
mouth of the Missouri to the mountains.

Eggs pure dark-green, unmarked, 0.92 by 0 G8 in size, four or five in
number. Nest in bushes, bulky and inartistic, made of bark-strips,
weed-stalks, leaves, and rootlets.

HARPORHYNCHUS RUFUS, (Linn.) Cab.
Sandy Mockingbird; Thrasher*

Tardus rufus, Lixx., Syst. Nfit. i, 1766, 293.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 4, pi. 59.—

Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 83, pi. 14. — Bp., Syn. 1828, 75.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii,

1834, 102; v, 1839, 441 ; pi. 116.
(hpheus rufus, 8ws. & Eich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 189.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 328.— Aud.,

B. Am. iii, 1841, 9, pi. 141.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota).
Mimus rufus. Gray, Genera of Birds. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 18.
Toxostoma rufum. Cab., Weigm. Archiv. 1847, 207.
Sarporkynehus rufus. Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 82.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 353. — Hayd., Eep.

1862, 163.— Bd., Eev. 1864, 44.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 296 (Upper Missouri,

breeding).— CouES, Key, 1872, 75.— Allex, BuU. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 173.— Mayn.,

B. Fla. 1872, 21. — Aud of most late authors.
Harporhynchus rufus var. longicauda, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 353, in text. — Stev., U. S. Geol.

Surv. 1872, 464.

Uab. — Eastern United States; north to Eed Eiver; west through Nebraska, Dakota,
and Colorado. From the Eio Grande southward replaced by a longer-billed, darker-
colored race {H. longirosiris). Winters in Southern United States. Breeds thioughout
its range. (No West Indian or Central American quotations.)

List of specimens.

19346

Sage Creek . .

$

June 13, 1860

G. H. Trook... 11.00 13.50 4.38

This specimen represents the subvariety rufus longicauda. So, also, does No. 60442,
expedition of 1870, Bitter Cottonwood Creek, Wyoming.

Lieutenant Wnrrcn^s Expedition. — 4553, Missouri Eiver; 5283, 5284, Fort Lookout;
4703, Eunning Water; 8819, 8820, Loup Fork.

These specimens are of the ordinary forui, and probably represent
nearly the western liiuit of the typical species. 1 have seen it at Fort
Randall. The following interesting biographical note is communicated
by Mr. Alleu :

10

CINCLID^, DIPPERS.

"The Brown Thrush is an abundant species in Eastern and Middle
Kansas, and is also of frequent occurrence in the foot-hills at the east-
ern base of the llocky IMountains, in Colorado, up to about 7,500 feet.
We found its nests, containing full sets of eggs, at Leavenworth during
the first week of May. Ecre the nests were built in low bushes, the
soil being clayey and damp ; but at Topeka, toward the end of May, we
found nests on the ground, the soil being dry and sandy. At Fort Hays
its nests were usually placed in trees, sixteen to twenty feet from the
gionnd, to avoid the contingency of floods. The trees here grew prin-
cipally along the bed of Big Creek ; and the stream being subject in
summer to sudden freshets, the scattered undergrowth, as well as the
lower branches of the trees, are thus often submerged, so that any nests
built on or near the ground would be liable to be destroyed by the rise
of the stream. The driftal debris adhering to the trees serves to mark
the 'high-water' line, and we rarely found a bird's nest below this limit.
These birds, that usually breed near the ground, in bushes or on the
lower branches of trees, thus modified their habits to suit the exigencies
of the locality."

The Thrasher's nest is rather bulky and flatfish, composed of small
sticks, weed-stalks, strips of bark, and rootlets. The eggs, four or five
in number, are an inch or rather more in length, by three-fourths in
breadth, i)ale greenish -olive, finely speckled and dotted with reddish-
brown, generally all over the surface, though tending to aggregate
about the larger end, around which they sometimes form a perfect
wreath.

Family CINOLID/E : Dippers ; Water Ouzels.

CmCLUS MEXICANUS, Sw.

American Dipper; Water Ouzel.

Cinchis ixiUasU, Bp., Am. Oru. ii, 1828, 173, pi. 16, f. 1 (not of authors).

Cindus mexicanus, Sw., Phil. Mao-, i, 1827, 3(i8.— Bd., Eev. 1864, 60.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,
25.— SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (alpiue region of Vera Cruz).— Coues,
Key, 1872, 77.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1«72, 174 (mountains of Colorado, up
to timber-line; Ogden, Utah).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 671 (Mon-
tana).— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. 1873 (Unalaska, resident).

Eydrobata mexicana, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 229.— Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter.
1860, 175.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Montana).- Dall & Bank., Trans.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 277.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1S72, 194 (Black Hills).

Cindus americanus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 173.— Nun., Man. i, 1832, 569.— Aud.,
B. Am. ii, 1841, 182, pi. 137.— Newb., P. E. R. Eep. vi, 1857, 80.— Heekm., P. E.'
R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 44.

Cindus tinicolur, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 18.

Cindus morioni, Towns., Narr. 1839, 337.

Cindus townsendii, "Aud." Id,, ihid. 340.

Eab. — Clear mountain-streams of Western North America, from the region of the
Yukon into Mexico.

List of spedmeus.

19195

229

19196

231

19198

248

19199

232

19201

231

19197

227

19200

230

Deer Creek

do....

do

do ... .

do....

do...-

do ....

5

Jan. 5, 1860
Jan. G, 1860
Dec. 10, 1859

Jan. 4, 1860

do

Jan. 5, 1860

G. H. Trook . .

do

do

do

do

Hayden.

F. V

J. Stevenson.

7.50
7.50
7.50
7.75

7.00
8.00

11.50
11.50
11.75
11.50

13.00
12.50

3.75
3.75
3.50
3.25

3.75
4.00

Later Expeditions. — 62341-2, Mystic Lake, Montana (Merriam).

CINCLUS MEXICANUS, DIPPER. 11

This iuterosting bird was not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expe-
dition, and the fine suite above recorded represent about its easternmost
extension as far as known. The conditions of its existence appear to be
only met in clear streams. This restricts it practically to monntainons
regions, where little or no alluvium is suspended in the water. The
aquatic habits of birds of this family are unique among the Oscines;
their general economy — ability to progress under water and procure
food with the aid of the wings, by a sort of subaquatic fl^»ing and
scrambling — is well known, and the perfect adaptation of form and plum-
age requires no comment. Their food consists of aquatic insects of all
sorts. The nidiflcation has only recently been elucidated. One of the
jnost perfect and beautiful samples of bird-architecture I ever saw was
a nest of this species Dr. Hayden showed me after one of his late trips.
It is an elegant ball of soft green moss, as large as a man's head,
roofed over, with a small round hole in one side. Dr. Cooper speaks of
a similar structure : " It was built under the shelving roots of an immense
arboi'-viUe tree that had floated over and rested, in a slanting position,
against a mill-dam. The floor was made of small twigs, and bare ; the
sides and roof arching over it like an oven, and formed of moss project-
ing above so as to shelter the opening. This was large enough to admit
the hand, and the inside was very capacious. It contained half-fledged
young [July 5]. The old birds were familiar and fearless, being accus-
tomed to the noise of the mill, and the society of the men, who were
much interested by their curious habits. They had already raised a
brood in the same nest that summer." The nest appears to be variously
situated, but always in a nook or crevice near the water.

Mr. Merriam's report, above cited, contains an account of another nest,
which was discovered by the artist of the expedition, Mr. W. H. Uolmes,
about half a mile from Mystic Lake, Montana : " The bird was observed
to fly directly through the falling water, disappearing from view. Sus-
pecting that a nest must be there, we returned the following day, when,
with the assistance of Mr. Holmes, I secured the nest, containing three
young, and shortly after shot both the old birds. The nest was made of
moss, measuring nearly a foot in diameter and six inches in depth. It
was built upon the edge of a narrow shelf of rock, and so near the fall
that the outside was constantly wet with spray, while the interior was
dry and warm. The birds entered it by a small lateral opening in the
lower half of the nest, the top being built up against a projecting rock."
— ( W. B. Piatt)

Other extracts from the observations of naturalists will illustrate the
natural history of the species. Dr. George Suckley writes : " One curi-
ous fact I noticed regarding this bird is, that I frequently saw it «/»///?/
or in pairs, but never more than tivo together. In fact, they seem to pre-
fer solitude, and eschew all sociable communion or the slightest attempt
at gregarious life, except the indispensable union of a i)air for the pur-
pose of procreation. I never saw this bird on or near still water. They
prefer and delight in wild mountain-streams, where, among cascades,
eddies, and swift currents, they lead their curious lives." ]Mr. George
Gibbs speaks of the Dipper as common on Salmon I\iver,a rnpid, brawling
stream, and continues: "As I sat at my cradle on the bank, a pair of
them * * * usedtoplayin thewaternearme,sometimesalightingatthe
head of a rapid, allowing themselves to be swept under, and then rising
below. They dive with great celerity, and at tiuies beat the water with
their wings, throwing the spray over themselves. Theii- whistle was
sweet and rather sad, but they seemed very happy and busy notwith-
standing, and in nowise afraid of the harsh rattle of the miner's cradle."

12 CmCLID^, DIPPEES.

Dr. Newberry gives the following note : " This singular little bird I found
only in the rapid and shallow streams in the Cascade Mountains. It was
always flitting along in the bed of the stream, from time to time plung-
ing into the water and disappearing, but soon le-appearing across or up
or down the stream, skipping from stone to stone, jerking its tail and
turning its body, with much the manners of the wrens, occasionally ut-
tering a short and sharp chirp." IMr. W. H. Dall's notice is one of the
most northern records. He says, like Dr. Suckley, that the bird "is es-
sentially solitar3\ Several specimens were obtained in January, Febru-
ary, and March, always near some open, unfrozen spot, on some small
stream, such as the Nulato Kiver. * * * The Indians told me, and
my own observation conflrmed it, that this bird, when disturbed, will
dive into the water even in mid-winter; and as it is never found but
near open water, I suspect it obtains its food from thence. I noticed
that the bill and legs of some of the specimens were light ochre-yellow,
and others dark slate-color." The former were probably young birds.

"The American Ouzel [Cinclus mexicanus) is doubtless a frequent in-
habitant of nearly all the mountain-streams of Colorado. We met with
it near Colorado City, on the Fontaine-qui-bout, even fairly out on the
plains, and in the mountains up to the remotest sources of the South
Platte, within a few hundred feet of the timber-line. Eemarkable alike
for the melody of its song and its singular habits, it is one of the most
interesting members of the avian fauna of our continent. It prefers
the swiltest mountain-torrents, above the roar of which its melodious
notes can at times be scarcely heard. At such localities, as is well known,
it seeks its food at the bottom of the stream, easily withstanding the
swiftest current. Along Ogden Kiver, Utah, a powerful mountain tor-
rent, we found it more common in September and October than we had
seen it at any other point ; here, in the course of an hour, we easily ob-
tained a dozen specimens." — {Allen, in €2)isf.)

The Dipper's e^g is pure white in color, and of rather elongate,
pointed shape. Two specimens in Dr. Hayden's collection, taken by
Mr. Stevenson near Berthoud's Pass, measure 1.05 by 0.70, and l.OI:
by 0.G9, respectively. They formed part of a set of three.

We have been favored with the following interesting communication
from Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Hayden's party :

"While the camp of the United States Geological Survey of the Ter-
ritories, to which I was attached, was located near Berthoud's Pass, in
the Rocky Mountains, I collected the nest, eggs, and mother bird of the
Water Ouzel, which had constructed its little house near the margin of
a small stream, but a little distance from our camp. Having some leis-
ure time, I interested myself in watching and noting some of the actions
of this little bird. It was not very timid, having built its nest not far
from a saw-mill in which several persons were employed, and who were
daily witnesses of the movements of the bird ; indeed, one of these men
seemed deeply grieved when he learned that I had killed the bird and
taken its nest, for it had been his custom to approach the spot daily,
and watch with interest the curious manoeuvres of this little animal.
After my attention was called to it I took pains to spend an hour or so
each day for several days, watching its actions. The nest was built on
a slab, about four feet from the water's edge, and was composed of green
moss, the inside being lined with fine dry grass; it was oval shaped,
being about six inches high and about thirty in circumference at the
base. The outside or walls of the nest were composed of green moss,
most ingeniously interwoven, so that its growth in this manner might
add to the strength of the nest and the protection of the bird, its eggs,

SIALIA SIALIS, EASTERN BLUEBIED. 13

and yoimg. One of the first things that attracted my attention was its
manner of diving down into the water and then darting back and perching
itself on the summit of its mound-like dwelling, where it would shake the
water from its feathers and distribute it over the nest, apparently for
the purpose of keeping the moss moist and in a growing condition,
thereby increasing its strength and dimensions. The entrance to its
little house was also carefully arranged ; the archway was quite perfect,
and the moss around it was so directed in its growth as not to obstruct
the entrance, which was situated on one side, near the bottom of the nest.
The operation of sprinkling the nest was repeated daily. An examina-
tion of the nest, which is in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution,
together with the preceding facts, would induce one to believe that the
performances of this little bird were for the purpose of keeping the outer
lining of its nest green and growing, that it might keep its miniature
dwelling in repair, while rearing its family, without the aid of a brick-
layer, plasterer, or carpenter, showing that among the feathered tribe
there are mechanics as well as musicians."

A model piece of bird-biography is the account given by Audubon,
from the pen of William Macgillivray, who writes fascinatingly, as well
as instructively, of the European Dipper, with the habits of which ours
accords in all essentials. An excellent and thoroughly reliable mono-
graph of the family has been published by Mr. Osbert Salvin in the Ibis,
1867, pp. 109-122, pi, 2 ; also pp. 382, 383.

Family SAXICOLIDJE : Stone Chats.

Chiefly an Old World group, closely allied to if really separable from
the Turdidw, represented in North America by stragglers of the typical
genus Saxicola, and by the characteristic American genus Sialia.

SIALIA SIALIS, (Linn.) Hald.
Eastern Bluebird.

Moiacilla sialis, Linx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 336.

Sijlvia sialis, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, .522.— Vieill., Ois. Am, Sept. ii, 1807, 40, pis. 101,
102, 103.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 56, pi. 3.

SaxicoJa sialis, Bp., Syu. 1828, 39.

Ampelis sialis, NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 444.

Sialia sialis, Hald., Trego's Geoo-. of Pa. 1843, 77; Am. Nat. 1869, iii, 159— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 222; Rev. 1804, 62.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 159.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32
(Milk River and Fort Laramie).— Couks, Key, 1872, 76.— Allen, Bull. M.
0. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (to Fort Hays, Kans.).— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 194
(Fountain, Col.).— MaYxN., B. Fla. 1872, 23.— And of most late authors.

Sialia wilsoni, Sw., Zool. Jouru. iii, 1827, 173.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 171, pi. 134.

IJn/lhaca {,SiaUa) nilsom, Sw. &, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 210 (to latitude 48'^ north).

(?) Sialia azurea, Sw., Phil. Majj. i. 1827, 369.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 62(var. (f) from Mexico
aud Central America).— SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz).

Bfl7).-^Eastern fauual area of temperate North America ; north to 48*^ ; west to West-
ern Kansas (to Colorado, Iloldcn) and Lower Missouri region. Bermuda. Cuba.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, which passed beyond its known
western range, nor by either of "the later expeditions.

Ideutmant Wairenh Expedition .—^12'^, Bald Island; 5288, 5290, Fort Lookout ; 5289,
mouth of Powder River ; 4722, Nebraska ; 4658, White River; 8884, Platte River ; 8880,
Loup Fork ; 8882, near Loup Fork.

Specimens of the Eastern Bluebird are occasionally found with part of the reddish-
brown of the throat replaced by rich blue, thus showing an approach to the characters
of S, mexicana.

14 SAXICOLIDiE SIALTA MEXICAN A SIALIA ARCTICA.

SIALIA MEXICANA, Sw.

Western Bluebird.

Sialia mexicana, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 202.— Bp., List, 1838, 16.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
223; Rev. 1864, 63.— Kexn., P. E. R. Rep. x, 18.j9, pt. iv, 23.— IIeerm., ibid.
pt. vi, 43.— Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wash. Ter. 1860, 173.— Scl., P. Z. S. 18.59,
362 (Xalapa); 1856, 293 (Cordova).— Coxtes. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 66 (Ari-
zona).— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 28. — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, .544 (Vera
Cruz, alpiue). — Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Montana). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad.
1870, 75 (Colorado River).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. sv, 1872, 194 (Eastern Col-
orado).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (Denver, Colorado). — Coues, Key,
1872, 76.

Sialia occidentalis, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1837, 188. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 176, pi.
135.— NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 513.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 68 (New
Mexico).— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 80.

Sylvia occidentalis, Aud., Oru. Biog, v, 1839, 41, pi. 393.

Sialia cairnhicolUs, ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 18, pi. 3.

Hal). — United States, from the eastern foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific.
Mexico.
Not procured by any of the Expeditions.

The Western Bluebird apparently inliabits only a limited area in the
sonthwestern part of the Missouri region. Mr. Ridgway informs me of
its occurrence in Iowa, but this must be higlily exceptional. It has not
been observed by any of Dr. Hayden's parties in regions where aS'. arctica
is abundant, nor have 1 seen it myself anywhere along the Missouri.
Mr. Allen and Mr. Aiken both report it from Eastern Colorado, where it
is abundant, as it is also along the Pacific slopes to a higher latitude
than it has been observed to reach in the interior. I found it resident
and abundant in the mountainous portions of Arizona. Since, according
to Mr. Ridgway, it is apparently absent from the Great Basin, it would
seem to have two divaricating lines of migration, one carrying it far
along the Pacific slopes, and the other taking it not so far along the
main chain of the Eocky Mountains. In both cases it chooses wooded
as well as mountainous regions. In its habits it is the counterpart of
its familiar Eastern relative.

SIALIA ARCTICA, Sw.

Rocky Mountain Bluebird.

Erythaca (Sialia) arctica, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 209, pi. 39.— Ricii., List, 1837.

Sialia arctica, Nrxx., Man. ii, 1834. 573; 2d ed. i, 1840, 514.— Bp., List, 1838, 16.— AuD.,
Syu. 1839, 84 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 178, pi. 136.— McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851,
215.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 68.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 224; Rev. 1864, 64;
P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. iii, 13, pi. 35.— Kenx., ibid. pt. iv, 24.— Heeem.,
ibid. pt. vi, 44.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 66— Coop.,
Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 ; Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1870, 29.— Stev., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merk., ibid. 1872, 671.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 174.— AiKEX, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 194.— Coues, Key, 1872, 76.

StjMa arctica, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, .38, pi. 393.

Sialia macroptera, Bd., Stausbury's Rep. 1852, 314.

Hab. — Eastern foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, chiefly in mountainous
regions. North to 64^° ; south to Mexico. Less common on the Pacific slopes, where
S. mexicana prevails.

List of specimens.

10194
19339

Snake River.. .
Bighorn River .

June 15, 1860
June 6,1860

F.V.Hajden.
G. H. Trook..

7.00
7.00

13.50 4.50
12.50 4..''>0

Lieutenant Warren's Expedi1ion.—8883-d0, Black Hills.

Later Expeditions. — 60434, Bitter Cottonwood Creek; 60682-6, Fort Bridger, Sweet-
water, and Uintah Mountains; 60939-47, Green River, &c. ; 61164, Wyoming {Schmidt
aud Stevenson). 62330-2, Idaho and Wyoming (Merriam).

SYLVIID^ — REGULUS CALENDULA. 15

The original specimen of tbis beautiful species came from Fort Frank-
lin, Great Bear Lake, as described and figured in the Fauna Boreali-
Americana. Dr. Richardson observes that it is merely a summer visitor
to the Fur Countries. At the other extreme of its range, about the Mex-
ican border, which, so far as known, it does not pass, it is observ^ed only
in winter. In the mountainous portions of Arizona I found it rather
uncommon, and only late in the autumn, or in winter; I do not think
it breeds in the vicinity of Fort Whipple, though probably it does so
in the higher mountains not far distant. Dr. Coo£)er noticed its
occurrence in numbers about San Diego, in the severe winter of 18G1-'G2;
they remained until February, and suddenly disappeared. "They were
at that time," he continues, "sitting perched on the low weeds and
bushes about the plains, often quite a flock together, and some con-
stantly hovering like blue butterflies over the grass, at a height often of
fifty feet, on the watch for insects." This accords perfectly with my
own observations. The same naturalist found the birds numerous, with
lately fledged young, about Lake Tahoe and the summits of the Sierra
Nevada, at an elevation of over 0,000 feet. Colonel McCall speaks of
their breeding as far south as Santa Fe, New Mexico, in boxes provided
for them, just like our Eastern species. Mr. Holdeu found it using old
"woodpecker holes, and, in one instance, four eggs were deposited in an
old car-wheel. The habits of all the species of Sialia are essentially
similar, however differently they may be carried out in detail according
to circumstances. The eggs of all are alike, pale blue in color, and can-
not be distinguished with any certainty. Those of the present species
measure 0.90 to 0.95 in length by about 0.70 in breadth, being thus
rather larger than those of iS. sialis, which average about 0.85 by 0.G8.

Dr. Hayden procured specimens on all the expeditions, finding the
species common near the mountains; "at Laramie Peak, and thence to
the Black Hills, it was one of the most abundant birds noticed."

Family SYLVIID^ : Sylvias.

An extensive and highly characteristic Old-World family, sparingly
represented in the New. A typical Sylvine has been lately ascertained
to inhabit this country (Phyllojmeuste boreaJis, Blas. ; see Teistram,
Ibis, 1871, 231 ; CouES, Key, 77 ; P. liennicottii, Bd., Trans. Chic. Acad,
i, 313, pi. 30, f. 2, Alaska). The exclusively American genus PoUoptila
and the widely dispersed genus Regulus are each made with most au-
thors, the type of a subfamily.

Subfamily REauLiN^: Kinglets.

EEGULUS CALENDULA, (Linn.) Licht.

Riibj -crowned Kinglet.

Calendula penvsyli'anica, Briss., Orn. iii, 584.

Motadlla calendula, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1706, 337.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 994.

Sylvia ealcnditla, Lath., Iiul.Oiu. ii, 1790, 549.— WiLs., Am. Oru. i, 1808, 83, pi. 5, fig. 3.

liecjnlm ealendula, Licht., Verzeichii. 18J3. — Nitt., Man. i, 1832, 415.— Bp., Syn. lS-28,
91 ; List, 1838, 19.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, .')4(>. pi. 195 ; Syn. 1839, 83 ; B. Am. ii, 1S41,
168, pi. 133.— WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 67.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 202 ; 1858, 300 ;
1859, 362 ; 1860, 172 (various Mexican localities).- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 226 ; Kev.
1864, 66.— Kknn., P. K. R. Kcp. x, lt59, pt. iv, 24.— Hf.eioi., ibid. pt. vi, 43.—
Cooi'. & Suck., N. II. Wash. Ter. 1860, 174.— Hayd.. Kep. 18(!2, 1.59.— Coles &
PiSKNT., Smiths. Rep. l'^61. 405.— Wheat.. Ohio Agiic. Rep. I860.— Di.-ess., Ibis,
1865, 476.— COUKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 66.— Cooi'., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32; Pr.

16 SYLVIIDiE REGULUS SATEAPA.

Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1870, 33.— Daix & Bank., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869,
27G.— Stev., U. S. Geo]. Surv. Tcr. 1870, 463.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 672.— Mayn.,
B. Fla. 1872, 27.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.
XV, 1872, 195.— Trippe, ibid. 234.— CouES, Key, 1872, 78.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873,
4. — And of authors jrenerally.

Heguloiden calendula, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 292.

rhtjUohasilciis calendula, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 33.

liegulus rubineus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 49, pis. 104, 105.

liuby-crowned Wren, Edw., Birds, pi. 254, f. 2. — Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, No. 320.— Lath.,
Syn. iv, 511.

Hab.— The whole of North America. South through Mexico to Central America.
Greenland (Keixh., Ibis, iii, 5). Accidental in Europe (Gould, P. Z. S. 1858, 290;
Bree, B. Eur. ii, 109; Harting, Br. B. i, 1872, 107).

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 'i683-85, mouth of Big Sioux River.

Later Exjmlit i on s.—G0()96-7, Green River and Little Sandy ; 60948-57, Green River
and Henry's Fork (Schmidt and Stevenson). 62333-4, Wyoming {Merriam).

The range of this species proves much more extensive than was for-
merly supposed, as shown by the above quotations. I have traced it
along the Atlantic coast from Labrador to South Carolina, found it
abundant in Arizona, and observed it during the migrations in Eastern
Dakota. Alaska has lately been added to the list of quotations, as well
as various places in Mexico and thence to Guatemala. Mr. Allen states
that it is a common summer resident of the mountains of Colorado, from
9,000 feet up to timber line, and that he obtained young in the vicinity
of Mount Lincoln toward the end of July. It appears to breed mainly
in mountainous regions or in high latitudes. A nest is said to have been
recently discovered in Western New York ; it was built in the fork of a
tree, and contained young. But in most parts of the United States the
bird is a migrant only, passing through in large numbers, in company
with R. satrapa., titmice, and various warblers ; frequenting orchards,
thickets and copses, more rarely high, open woods. It is incessant in
motion, hopping nimbly in search of the minute insects and larvse which
form its food, uttering its weak chirps. It winters abundantly all along
our southern border, whence it retires in March, reaching the Middle
districts by the end of that month. Some linger well into May, and
come into full song before they leave. Their vocal powers are remark-
able for such small birds ; the song is a clear and pleasing warble. In
the fall, when they appear in still greater number than in the spring,
many linger in the Middle districts until the second week in November.

There has been some discussion respecting a supposed sexual differ-
ence in the scarlet crest of this species. But the fact is that both sexes
possess this ornament ; and that neither gains it for at least one year is
X^roved by the circumstance that in the spring migrations a number of
individuals are found with the head perfectly plain. The sexes are never
positively distinguishable by outward characters. In this resx)ect the
species diflters from U. satrapa, the female of which lacks the scarlet
central patch in the yellow of the crown.

KEGULUS SATEAPA, Licht.

Golden-crested Kinglet.

Begulus satrapa, Licht., Verzeichn. 1823, No. 410.— Bp., List, 1838, 19.— Aud., Syn. 1839,
82; B. Am. ii, 1841, 165, pi. 132.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 67 (New Mexico).—
SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 212 (Orizaba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 227; Rev. 1864, 65.—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 174.— Baed., J. f. O. iv, 33, pi. 1, fig. 8
(egg. Labrador). — CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1801, 405 (Washington, D. C,
wintering). — Lord, Pr. Roy. Art. lust. 1864, 114 (Vancouver). — Dress., Ibis,
1865, 476 (Texas).- CouES, JPr. Phil. Acad. 1866, 66 (Arizona).— Dall & B.VNN.,

SYLVIIDiE POLIOPTILA CCERULEA. 17

Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 18G9, 277 (Alaska).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Montana) ;

B. Cal. i, 1^70, 32.— AiKEX, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, ld72, 195 (Eastern Colorado).—

TniPPE, ibid. 234 (Iowa).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z; ii, 1871, 260 (Florida).— Mayx.,

B. Fla. 1872, 25.— Coues, Key, 1872, 78, fig. 19.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 4.— And

of authors generally.
Megulus satriq)a var. olirascens, Bd., Rev. 1864, 65 (in test).
Si/tcia regnlus, Wils., Am. Oru. i, 1808, 126, pi. 8, f. 2.
liegulus cristatas, Vieill., 01s. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 50, pi. 106. — Bp. Syn. 1828, 91. — Nutt.,

Man. i, 1832, 420.— AUD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 476, pi. 183.
Begulus tricolor, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 420.
(?) Fiegulus cuvicri, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 288, pi. 55; Syn. 1839, 82; B. Am. ii, 1841,

163, pi. 131.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 416.— Bp., List, 1838, 19.

Hab. — North America at large. Mexico.
Not observed by any of the Expeditious.

With a range somewhat correspondiug to that oi R. calendula, and
nearly as extensive, this species is rather more northerl}-. Thus, it
winters abundantly in the Middle States, and even as far north as Mas-
sachusetts, on the Atlantic side ; while on the Pacific it occurs at the
same season at least as high as Washington Territory. Its winter range
extends to our southern borders, and into Mexico, but not, so far as we
now know, to Central America. Similarly, nothing is known with cer-
tainty of its breeding anywhere in the United States, though it proba-
bly will be found to do so in mountainous regions toward our northern
border. It has been found nesting in aSTewfoundland by Audubon, and
in Labrador, according to Baedecker, who notices the egg, as above;
but I have never myself seen an authentic specimen.

At a very early age the crown is perfectly plain, but it soon shows the
golden of both sexes, and subsequently the tiame-color of the male.
There appears to be little probability that R. cuvieri will be established
as a species, and nothing to show that the true R. cristatiis of Europe
occurs in this country, though it is so given by ^N^uttall.

Subfamily PoLioPTiLiN^ii; : Gnat-catchers.
POLIOPTILA CCERULEA, (Linn.) Scl.

Blue-gray Gnat-catclicr.

Motacilla can-ulea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 43.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 992.

Sylvia cocrulea, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 540.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 30, pi. 68. —
, Bp., Syn. 1828, 85.

Muscicaxm cocrulea, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 164, pi. 18, f. 3. — Nutt., Man. i, 1832,297. —
Aui)., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 4:51, pi. 84.

Culicivora cocrulea, Bp., List, 1S38, 24.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 46; B.Am, i, 1840, 244, pi. 70.—
GiiiAUi), B. L. 1. 1844, 4G.— Bp., C. Av. i, 1850, 316.— Cap,., J. f. 0. 1855, 471 (Cuba).

Sylvania cocrulea, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 337.

Folioi)tila carulca, Scl., Pr. Z. S. 1855, 11.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 380; Rev. 1864,74.-
Heeiim., p. R. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, 1859, 39.— IIayd., Rep. 1862, 164.— Coues «fc
Pkknt., Smiths. Rep. IC^Gl, 411. — Di;ess., Ibis, 1865, 231. — CoUE.s, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1866, 66. — Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 83.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 268. —
Lawu., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Tunx., B. E. Pa. Ifc69, 21.— Lawk., Auu.
Lye. N. Y. ix, 1869, 199 (Yucatan).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1870,
35.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1»71, 261 ; iii, 1872, 124.— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv,
1872.— TitiPPE, ibid. 236 (Iowa).— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 28.— Coues, Key, 1872,
78.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6.

Motacilla ctttia, Cal, Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 973.

Sylvia cana, Latm., Iiul. Oru. ii, 1790, 543.

Culicivora mcxicana, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 316 ( $; not of Cassin).

I'olioptila mcxicana, Scl., Pr. Z. S. 1859, 363, 373.

Hab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; north to Southern New England^
and on the I'acilic side to 42^. INIexieo, and south to Guatemala. Cuba. Baluimas.
Winters along the Southern United States border (Florida, Colorado Valley, cVe.).

Not obtained by Captain RaynoUU' Expedition, nor by any of tlio later ones.

Livutvnaut U arrcu'd ExiKdilion. — 4682, Bald Island.
2

18 SYLVIIDJi; POLIOPTILA C(ERULEA.

There is a variance iu tlie accounts of the northern limit of this
species. Audubon says that he "saw it on the border-line of Upper
Cauiula, along- the shores of Lake Erie." The Kev. W. B. O. Peabody's
Report (p. 207) gives it, on Dr. Brewer's authority, as found in Massa-
chusetts, and as far north as the Canada line. Mr. Allen states it has
been found "in New York north of the latitude of Boston, as well as
in Nova Scotia and in Connecticut." I do not know who is responsible for
this Nova Scotia quotation, and cannot verify it ; the others are doubt-
less authentic. Its natural limit appears to be the Connecticut Valley
and corresponding latitudes, but it is rare or casual north of the Middle
States. Mr. Trippe enumerates it among the birds of Iowa, but did not
find it in Minnesota. Dr. D. W. Prentiss and I found it very common
about Washington, D. C. ; it comes there early in April, just before the
trees are leafy, and stays well through September. Mr. Allen records
it among the winter birds of Florida; Audubon, among the summer
birds of Louisiana, arriving in March. Dr. Hayden found one specimen,
as above noted. Mr. Allen notes it from Florida in winter, and from
Eastern Kansas in May. 1 found it rarely in Arizona; it reaches Fort
Whipple (latitude about 35°) in April. Dr. Cooper states that it win-
ters in the Colorado Valley, and that it has been taken as far north as
Yreka, Cal. (near 42°), in May. Southward it extends through Mexico
to Guatemala (the so-called P. mexicana). Our other two species, P.
mdanura and P. plumhea., are not known to come anywhere near the
Missouri region, being restricted to the Southwestern United States.
Both occur in Arizona.

Although familiar with this elegant little bird, I never recognized its
song, nor was I aware ot its vocal powers until recently, when my at-
tention was attracted by Mr. Maynard's agreeable description: "I was
walking in a narrow path through a hummock, which lies back of the
old fort at Miami, Florida, and had paused to observe a female of this
species, when I heard a low warbling which sounded like the distant
song of some bird I had never heard before. I listened attentively, but
could make nothing of it, and advanced a few paces when I heard it
more plainly. This time it appeared to come from above me, and look-
ing upward I saw a male Gnat-catcher hoppiug nimbly from limb to
limb on some small trees which skirted the woods. Although he was
but a short distance away, I was obliged to watch the motion of his lit-
tle throat before I became convinced that this music came from him. ' It
was even so, and nothing could be more appropriate to the delicate
mai'king and size of the tiny, fairy -like bird, than the silvery warble
which tilled the air with sweet continuous melody. I was 'completely
surprised, for I never imagined that any bird was capable of producing
notes so soft and low, yet each one given with such distinctness that the
«ar could catch every part of the wondrous and complicated song. I
watched him for some time, but he never ceased singing save when he
si)rang into the air to catch some passing insect. The female seemed to
enjoy the musical eflbrts that were accomplished for her benefit, for she
drew gradually nearer, until she alightetl upon the t^ame tree with her
mate. At this moment she took alarm and Hew a short distance, fol-
lowed by her mate. As I walked away I could hear the murmur of the
love-song till it became indistinguishable from the gentle rustling of the
leaves around." Mr. Maynard gives the following description of a nest
of the Blue-gray Gnat-catcher, taken May 23d, in South Carolina: "It is
composed of line stalks of some delicate plants, which are mixed with
thistle-down, and woven together with cob- webs. The whole is formed
into a neat structure, and smoothly covered with gray lichens which are

PARID.E — LOPHOPHANES BICOLOE. 19

also kept in i^lace with the line silk of spider-webs, after the manner
of the Wood Pewee or the Hummingbird. It is lined with thistle-
down and lichens. The interior is somewhat pnrse-shaped, for the mouth
is contracted. The nest strikingly reminds one of that of a Humming-
bird, only it is much larger, being, in fact, very large for the species to
which it belongs; yet its beautiful finish does credit to its delicate archi-
tect. Eggs from four to six in number, short oval in form, pure white in
color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish, brown umber and
lilac. Dimensions from 0.46 by O.GO to 0.43 by 0.50." The egg varies
greatly in amount of speckling, which, however, is generally pretty
evenly distributed. Blown specimens frequently ofi'er a faint l3luish
cast. Two specimens I measured were 0.00 by 0.47 and 0.58 by 0.48,
respectively.

Family PAPJD JS : Titmice.

LOPHOPHANES BICOLOR, (Linn.) Bp.

Tafted Titmouse.

Farm hicolor, Linn., Syst. JTat. i, 1766, 340.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1005.— Lath.. lud.
Orn. ii, 1790, 567.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, IbW, 137, pi. 8, f. 5.— Bp., Journ. Phila.
Acad, iv, 1825, 225 ; Syn. 1828, 100 ; List, 1838, 20.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831,
199; V, 1839, 472; pi. 39; Syn. 1839,78; B. Am. ii, 1841, 143, pi. 125.— NuiT.,
Man. i, 1832, 236. — Lixsley, Am. Journ. Sci. xliv, 1843, 255 (Connecticut). —
GiRAUD, B. L. L 1844, 78.

Lophophuncs hicolor, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850. 228. — Cass., 111. i, 1853, 18.— Woodii., Sito-r.
Kep. 1853, 68.— Maxim., J. f. O. Ir58, 117.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 384; Rev. 1864,
73.— COCES & PiiEXT., Smiths. Kep. 1861, 411.— Hayd., Eep. 1602, 174.— Aleex,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83.— Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 279.— Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y.
viii, 1866, 283.— TuRX. B. E. Pa. 1869, 21.— Gregg, Pr. Elmira Acad. 1870 (Che-
mung County, N. Y., rare).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,261 (Florida) ; iii, 1872,
125 (Kansas).— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872 (West Virginia).— Trippe, ihkl. 230
(Iowa, resident).— Mayx., B. Fla. 1872, 32.— Coues, Key, 1872, 80, fig. 21.—
Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 6 (resident).

BceoJoplnis hicolor, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 91.

Lophophanca missoitriensis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 384 (in text).

Hab. — Eastern United States. North to the Connecticut Valley, rarely (??to Nova
Scotia, AuD.), and Iowa. West to Kansas and Nebraska. Resident throughout its
range.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4731, St. Joseph, Missouri.

In respect of latitudinal distributiou the Tufted Titmouse offers much
the same case as the Blue gray Gnat-catcher — both birds appear to be
characteristic of a certain faunal area, beyond which they rarely, if ever,
pass. Its northern limit appears to be tlie Connecticut Valley, for Aud-
ubon's Nova Scotian record requires conlirnjation. The species belongs
distinctively to the Eastern Province, reaching only to the Lower ^Mis-
souri. Eastern Kansas, and Nebraska. Mr. Allen says that it was " one of
the most numerously represented and most noisy species met with at
Leavenworth.-' Though so restricted in its northward range, it is a
hardy bird, not migratory, remaining in abundance in the Middle dis-
tricts throughout the year. It shares the restless, noisy, and inquisitive
characters of the family to which it belongs. The eggs, of the usual
shape in this group, are five or six in number, deposited in various holes
and crannies ; they measure about 0.70 by 0.55 inches, are white, and
thickly and pretty evenly sprinkled with minute dots of reddish-brown.

20 PAEID^ PAEUS ATRICAPILLUS.

LOPHOPHANES INORNATUS, (Gamb.) Cass.
Plain-crested Titmouse.

FnvHS wornatus, Game., Pr. Pbila. Acad, ii, 1845, 2Gb; ibid, iii, 1847, 154; Journ. Phila.

Acad, i, 1847, 35, pi. 8.
Lophoplmncs inonmlm, Cass., 111. i, 1853, 19.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 386 : Rev. 1864, 78.—

SCL., Cat. 186-2, 14.— Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 42.— CouES, Pr. Phila.

Acad. 1866, 79.— Coop., B. Ca'l. i, 1870, 42.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 195

(Eastern Colorado). — Coues, Key, 1872, 80, fig. 22.
Sab. — Black Hills to the Pacific, aud southward iu the United States.

This species, which was not observed by either of the expeditions, is
brought into the present connection by the researches of Mr. C. E. A.iken,
who found it a "common winter resident" in Eastern Colorado. I
found it to be an abundant species in Upper Arizona, where it is
apparently resident, though more frequently observed in winter. Its
habits are precisely the same as those of its Eastern congener.

PAEUS ATRICAPILLUS, Linn.

Black-capped Chickadee.

Panis atricapillus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 341.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1008.— Lath.,
Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 566.— Fokst., Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 407.— Wxls., Am. Orn.
i, 1808, 134, pi. 8, f. 4.— Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1825, 254 ; Syn. 1828, 100 ; List,
1838, 20.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 226.- Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, pi.
353, f. 3; Syn. 1839, 79 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 146, pi. 126.— Cass., 111. 1853, 17.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 390.— (?) Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 119.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,
68 (Indian Territory).- Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. 1868, 493 (Iowa).— Tp.ippe, Pr.
Ess. Inst, vi, 1871,' 115 (Minnesota) ; Pr. Bost. Soc. sv, 1872, 236 (Iowa).—
McIlwr., Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1866, 88 (Canada West).— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864,69.—
Vekr., ibid, iii, 1862, 150 (Maine, breeds).— tBoap.dm., Pr. i3ost. Soc. ix, 1862,
126 (Maine, breeds).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 261 (critical).— Ma yn., Pr.
Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (New Hampshire, breeding); B. Fla. 1872, 30. — Turn., B.
E. Pa. 1869, 21.— Ball & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (Alaska).— Coues,
Key, 1872, 81, tig. 25.— Snow, B. Kans, 1873, 6.

Poecile atricapiUus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 230.— Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 91. — CouES,
Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 279.

Parns palustris, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 79.

Eab. — Eastern United States, rather northerly, and thence to Alaska. Replaced in
Southern United States (Maryland aud Illinois, southward) by var. carolinensis, and in
most of the Missouri region by var. scptoitrionalis.

This form was not noticed by either Expedition.

The typical Chickadee occupies but a limited area of the Missouri
region, being mostly replaced by the larger, more hoary, and longer-
tailed form. It is, however, quoted from Kansas, Western Iowa, and
Minnesota, as above. The var. carolinensis represents the opposite ex-
treme, characterized by its small size, little hoariuess, tendency to
greater extension of the black on the throat, and particularly by the
shortness of its tail, which is commonly less in length than the wing.
It is the common resident species as far north as Washington, D. C,
where Br. Prentiss and myself were probably mistaken in supposing
the true atricapiUm to occur. The Titmouse builds a nest of mosses
and various other soft vegetable substances, lining it with hair or feath-
ers ; it is snugly hidden in the hole of a tree. The eggs are numeroUvS —
five or six—white, with a delicate rosy blush when fresh, speckled all
over, but most thickly at the larger end, with reddish-brown. They
usually dig a hole for themselves, almost like woodpeckers, choosing a
decayed tree easily excavated after the bark is drilled through ; the
cavity is of large size, though with a small entrance. They also often
occupy knet-holes, which they find to suit their purposes, and simi-
lar retreats of various sorts.

PARID.E PARUS ATEICAPILLUS VAR. SEPTENTRIONALIS. 21

PAEUS ATEICAPILLUS var, SEPTEXTRIONALIS, (Harris) Allen.

Long-tailed Chickadee.

Parus sepienirionalis, Harris, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1845, 300.— Cass., 111. i, 1853, 17, 80, pi.

14.— Bd., B. X. A. 1858, 389.— Scl., Cat. A. B. 1861, 14.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 164.—

Bd., Rev. 1864, 79.— Stev., U. S. Geo!. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Aiken, Pr. Bost.

Soc. XV, 1872, 195.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 6.
Parus atriciipilhis var. septentrionalis, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. lii, 1872, 174. — Coues, Key,

1872, 81.
Parus septentrionaVts var. albescens, Bd., B. JST. A. 1858, p. xxsvii. — Coop., Am. Nat. iii,

1869, 74.

HaJ). — Kansas and Missouri to the Rocky Mountains. Northward to the Fur Coun-
tries. Southward in alpine regions to New Mexico. Up mountains to the limit of
arboreal vegetation.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant TTarreti's Expedition. — 8827-8, Black Hills; 4732, Fort Leavenworth; 4733,
Big Nemaha River.

Later Expeditions.— 60i'33, Bitter Cottonwood ; 60693-4, 60961-8, Fort Bridger, Green
River, &c.

A part of these specimens are from the same area and nearly the same
locality as Mr. Harris's originals.

Since I have been on the Upper Missouri I have taken pains to secure
and measure carefully a number of the Titmice of the region. They are
all large, averaging 5.50 in length, with wing from 2.40 to 2.75, and tail
from 2.G0 to 2.80 ; the hoariness of the wings and tail is conspicuous. I
have found no tail quite 3 inches long, but that dimension is shown by
a specimen in my cabinet from the mountains of New Mexico ; I doubt
that this length is ever exceeded.

The specific identity of the various current "species" of North Amer-
ican iilack-capped and -throated Titmice seems to have been first recog-
nized, or rather suspected, by the late Dr. Henry Bryant (Pr. Bost.
Soc. 1865, 308), well known as one of the most accomplished ornitholo-
gists of this country. But it remained for Mr. Allen to prove the point
and explain the natural co-ordination of the several forms. Measur-
ing twenty-seven specimens, all from Massachusetts, he finds the total
length to vary an inch — from 4.70 to 5.75 ; the extent to be equally va-
riable— 7.50 to 8.G0 ; the wing to vary from 2.33 to 2.63 ; the tail from
2.15 to 2.07. These extremes embrace the dimensions of both ^'■septen-
trionalis''^ and ^^caroUiiensis" which are thus shown to intergrade with
atricapillus proper. We can oidy predicate a variety by taking an aver-
age: ^^ carolinensis^^ is the smaller, because more southern, form, with
a minimum of hoariness; '■'■ septentrionalis''^ is the other extreme; it
shows an average length of tail above the average of typical atricapillus.,
and an extreme of length that the latter never presents.

I find that, as Dr. Hayden says, this bird is very abundant in the
river-bottom all along the Missouri, where it is one of the few birds that
endure the rigors of wiiiter in this bleak region. I observed it in small
restless flocks, generally in the shrubbery, in company with tree si>ar-
rows, which are also abundant at that season. During the winter they
have only the characteristic "chickadee" note, but iu spring, at the
approach of the breeding season, they utter a peculiarly soft long-drawn
note of two syllables, somewhat ditterent in intonation from that of the
common species. Mr. Allen found this form in Eastern and ^Middle
Kansas; in the mountains of Colorado, up to about 11,000 feet; in \V\-
oming; and in Utah. It occupies alpine regions as far south as New
Mexico.

Dr. Cooper quotes var. occidentalis from the Eocky ]\Jountains of
Montana.

22 PARID^ ^PARUS MONT ANUS, PARUS RUFESCENS.

PAR US MONTANUS, Gamb.
Mountaiu Chickadee; Whlte-browed (ihickadee.

Farus montamis, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 2.59 ; 1847, 1.55; Journ. i, 1847, 35, pi. 8,
f. 1.— Cass., 111. i, 1853, 18.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 68 (San Fraucisco Mts.,
breeding).— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 79.— Hkekm., ibid, x, pt. vi, 1859,
42.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 394.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 194.—
Bd., Rev. 1864, 82.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 75 (Montana); B. Cal. 1870.
46.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Suiv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Mei:i!., ihid. 1872, 672.— Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (Colorado).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 195
(Colorado).— CouES, Key, 1872, 81.

PocciU montanus, Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 79 (Arizona).

Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions.

Later Expeditions. — 60695, Uintah Mountains ; 62349-52, Idaho and Wyoming.

Readily distinguished among its allies by the white superciliary
stripe. It is a common and generally distributed inhabitant of the
higher lauds of the two western United States Provinces. Its habits
are exactly like those of the common Chickadee. Mr. Aiken saw it in
flocks occasionally through the winter, remarking that it frequents the
sbrubbery of the mountain sides, but is not found on the lowlands.
Mr. Allen observed it at intervals throughout the mountains of Colorado,
from about 8,000 feet up to the timber line, but much less numerously
than the common species. Mr. Merriam remarks: "Teton Caiion was
the first place where we observed this species, probably because it was
the first where we found coniferous trees. It is also an abundant species
in the Fire-hole Basin, and from the sources of Snake River to where it
leaves the wooded mountainsides." I found the bird common in various
coniferous mountainous tracts in New Mexico and Arizona, where it is
resident. Habits not peculiar ; egg not seen.

PARUS RUFESCENS, Towns.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee.

Farus rufescens, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1837, 190. — AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 371,
pi. 353.— AuD., Svn. 1839, 80.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 158, pi. 129. -Cass., B. Cal.
& Tex. 1853, 18.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 394.— Heeem., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt.
vi, 42.— Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter. 1860, 194.— Bd.. Rev. 1864, 83.—
Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (Sitka).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii,
1869, 75 (Montana).- Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 47.— Coues, Key, 1872, 81.

Facile rufescens, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 230.

Hal). — Especially Cascade and Coast ranges to the Pacific, from Sitka to Santa Cruz,
but also extending to the Rocky Mountains (^Cooper). (In Northern Alaska F. hudsonicua
in found instead.)

The centre of abundance of this species appears to be in Washington
Territory, where Drs. Cooper aud Suckley found it extremely common,
in coniferous and other evergreen forests, and resident. It is stated to
breed in holes in decayed trunks, and its habits, as described, are the
same as those of its congeners. I have never seen it alive, nor was it
met with by either expedition ; but Dr. Cooper has extended its previ-
ously recorded range to Montana.

PARID^ PSALTRIPARUS PLUMBEUS, SITTIDiE. 23

PSALTRIPARUS PLUMBEUS, Bd.

Leaden Titmouse*

Psaltria phnnlea, Bd., Pr. Pbila. Acad, vii, 1854, 118 (Colorado Chiquito, Ariz.).

Psaltrlpurm phonbetis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 398 ; Rev. 1864, 79.— Kexx., P. R. R. Rep. x,
1859, pt. iv, 25, pi. 33, f. 2.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 186(5, 79.— Coop., B. Cal. i,
1870, 49.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Greeu River).— Aiken, Pr.
Bost. Soc. 1872, 195 (Easteru Colorado). — Coues, Key, 1872, 82.

Hah.— Southern Rocky Mouutaiu region.
Not obtaiued by tbe earlier Expeditions.
Later Expeditions. — Greeu River {Stevenson).

The distinctive characters of this species are not strong, and it would
not be surprising if it should prove only a geographical race of the Pa-
cific coast species, P. minimus.

According to Mr. Aiken, small flocks of the Leaden Titmouse were
occasionally seen during the winter in the foot-hills of Eastern Colorado,
among shrubbery. This, with Mr. Steveucou's record, considerably ex-
tends its known range, hitherto confined to Arizona. In that country I
found it abundant. Mr. Aiken is, I think, mistaken in stating that the
iris of the male is brown, and that of the female yellow ; this dift'ereuce
being entirely fortuitous, independent of sex or age, and perhaps anal-
ogous to the diverse coloration of the bill in many species of Jays ; at
least such was my conclusion after examining many specimens. It is
a resident of the mountains of Arizona, where it braves the rigors of
winter without apparent inconvenience, though one is tempted to won-
der how such a tiny body, no larger than the end of one's thumb, can
retain its animal heat during exposure to cold that sometimes destroys
large birds like the raven. It is a sociable little creature, generally
going in companies of from half a dozen to fifty, actively engaged in
their search for minute insects, and continually- calling to each other
with their curiously squeaky notes. It scarcely knows fear in the pres-
ence of man, and will continue its busy search though an observer may
be standing within a few feet of it. I found it oftenest in the slirubbery
of the hillsides and the dense undergrowth which fills the ravines ; it
ai)peared to have little fancy for the higher growths of oak or pine. It
is surprising what large insects this little creature will sometimes cap-
ture; I saw one struggling with a caterpillar nearly as long as its own
body, and it succeeded, after great exertion, in disposing of the big
mouthful. The nest and eggs I have never seen, nor am I aware that
they have been discovered; but it is to be presumed that they do not
dili'er essentially from those of P. minimus. This bird builds an aston-
ishingly large nest for such a wee creature — a long purse woven of soft
tree-moss and lichens, some six or eight inches long, suspended by the
contracted brim from a forked twig. The eggs, six or eight in number,
measure about 0.58 by 0.44, and differ from those of the genus Farus iu
being pure white, Mithout any markings.

Family 8ITTID/E : Nuthatches.

SITTA OAROLINENSIS, Lath.

Wliitc-bcllied Niitliatcli.

Silta europaa var. carolinensis, G.m., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 440.

Sitta carolinensis, Lath,, Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 262.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 10, pi. 2, f. 3.—
Bl'., .loiuii. Pbila. Acad. 18-i5. p. — ; Syii. 162«, 96; List, 1838, 10; Consp. i, 1850,
227.~Nurr., Man. i, 1832, o81.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 299; v,'1839, 473; pi.

24

SITTID^ SITTA CAROLINENSIS VAR. ACULEATA.

152.— AUD., Syu. 1839, 167.— Aud., B. Am. iv, 1842, 175, pi. 247.— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 374, pi. 33, fig. 4 ; Rev. 18G4, 8G.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 10(5.— Scl., Ibis,
Apr. 1865.— Allex, Bnll. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (Eastern Kansas).— Sxow, B.
Kans. 1873, 6. — Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. Oct. 1872 (breeding in monntains of West
Virginia).— Trippe, ibid. 1872, 236 (Iowa).— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 35.— CouES,
Key, 1872, 83, lig. 26 ; and of writers.
Siita melanocephala, Vieii.l., Gal. Ois. i, 1834, 171, pi. — ,

Hal). — Eastern United States and British Provinces, West to the Lower Missouri.
Not noticed by either Expedition.

Excepting the lower valley, the species is replaced by the following iii
the Missouri region :

SITTA CAROLINENSIS var. ACULEATA, (Cass.) Allen.

Slenitler-billed Nuthatch.

Sitia aciileata, Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad, viii, 1856, 254.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 375, pi. 33, f. 3.—
Kenn., p. R. R. Rep. x, part iv, 26, pi. 33, f. 4. — Heerm., ibid, part vi, 55. —
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 193.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 86.— Coues,
Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 78.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74; B. Cal. i, 1870, 54.—
AiKEX, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 195.— Mekk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 672.

Sitta caroliuensis, Nutt., Man. 2d ed. 1840, i, 695 (west coast). — Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi,
1857, 79 (western).— (?) Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 293; 1858, 300; 1859, 363, 373 (Mex-
ico).—(?) SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, .544 (Vera Cruz).

Sitia caroliuensis var. acuhata, Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 174.— Coues, Key, 1872, 83.

Eab. — Middle and Western Provinces, United States ; south to Cordova, Mexico.

List of specimens.

19228
19229

166
167

Chevenne River. .
...-.'.-do

Oct. 19, 1859
..-.do

F.V.Hayden.
do

5.50
5.00

11.25
11.00

3.50
3.50

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.

Later Expeditions. — 62297, Lower Gej^ser Basin, Wyoming {Merriani).

The slender-billed form is as abundant in the wooded regions of the
West as its Eastern representative. Its habits are [)recisely the same.
Neither variety appears to extend much, if any, north of the United
States, in this respect differing from iS. canadensis.

The distinction between the two varieties consists mainly in the slen-
derer bill of var. aculeata. Since its first introduction into the system,
by Mr. Cassin, in 1856, it has been currently rated as a species, until
reduced to its proper position by Mr, Allen and myself, about simulta-
neously. Dr. Sclater had, however, previously expressed strong doubts
of its validity, although he did not formally make the reduction, in his
admirable account of the genus Sitta, published in the Ibis, April, 1805.

The range of the typical carolinensis meets that of aculeata in the re-
gion embraced in the present report; the former bird being found in
Kansas and Missouri, but apparently not far up the river.

The niditication of the Nuthatches is similar in most respects to that
of the Titmice. They build in holes of trees, constructing a shallow
nest of grasses and similar vegetable substances, lined with hair or
feathers. The eggs of the present species are five or six in number,
white or creamy-white in color, speckled and blotched with reddish-
brown and lavender, sometimes over the whole surface, but ottenest
chiefly about the larger end, where they frequently form, or tend to
form, a wreath. They measure 0.75 to 0.82 in length, by 0.55 to 0.G3 in
breadth.

SITTID^ SITTA CANADENSIS, SITTA PYGM^A. 25

SITTA CANADENSIS, Linn.

Red-bellied Nuthatch.

Sitta canadensis, LiXN., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 177.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 441.— Lath.,
Iiul. Orn. i, 1790, •26-2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 96 ; List,"l838, 10; Consp. i. IS.'SO, 227.—
NUTT., Mau. i, 18:>2, 583.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 24, pi. 105; Svn. 1839, 167:
B. Am. iv. 179, pi. 248.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 376; Rev. 1864, 86.-Coues &
Pkent., Smiths. Kcp. 1861, 411.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 164.— Coop. & Suck., N.
H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 193.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74 ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 54.—
CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 79.— Scl., Cat. 1861, 15 ; Ibis, Apr. 18G5.— Putn.,
Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 214.— Verk., ibid, iii, 1862, 150.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 69.—
McIlwr., ibid. V, 1866, 88.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 279.— Tiuppe, ibid, vi, 1871,
117.— Lawk., Aud. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 21.—
Stev., U. S. Geol. SurV. Ter. 1870, 464.— Coues, Key, 1872, 83, fig. 27.— Snow,
B. Kaus. 1873, 6.

Sitta varia, Wils;., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 40, pi. 2, f. 4.

"Sitta stulta, Vieill." (Bp.)

Hab. — North America at large, in wooded regions, but rather northerly (to 66° or
further). South, however, to the Mexican border.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expeditiou.

Lieutenant Warren's Ex2}edition.—o2SO, Cedar Island, Missouri River ; 8889-90, Black
Hills.

Later Exi)editions.— 60690-2, 60972-3, Fort Bridger, Green River, &c.

As Dr. Hayden remarks, this species is quite rare in the Northwest,
the nature of the surface heiug for the uiost part unsuited to its wauts.
It is coufiued to the wooded streams aud the mouutaius about the vari
ous headwaters of the Missouri. lu the Eastern United States, the
bird is not plentiful south of the Middle States, aud is apparently
wanting in the Southern States, its place being supplied by the pecu-
liar 8. 2)usiUa, along with S. carolineiisis. About Washington, D. C, it
was occasionally observed by Dr. Prentiss and myself, but only from
October to May. It is resident in New England, breeding abundantly
in the northern portions, Audubon gives an interesting note of its
nidification : "I found it building its nest," he says, "near Eastport,
in Maine, on the 19th of May, before the Bluebird had made its ap-
pearance there, and while much ice stiil remained on the northern
exposures. The nest is dug in a low dead stump, seldom more than four
feet from the ground, both the jnale and the female working by turns
until they have got to the depth of about fourteen inches. The eggs,
four in number, are small aud of a white color, tinged with a deep blush
and si)rinkled with reddish dots. They raise, I believe, only one brood
in the season." The eggs are only distinguishable from those of S. caro-
linemis by their smaller size, averaging about 0.00 by 0.48 ; the differ-
ence is, however, quite a[)preciable on comparison. The amount of
speckling is undetermined, but the surface is generally pretty evenly
covered. They are from tour to six in number.

SITTA PYGM^EA, Vig.
Pygmy Nuthatch.

Sitta pygmwa, Vig., Zool. Beechev's Voy. 1839, 29, pi. 4.— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 63,
pi. 415.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 168.— Aud., B. Am. iv, 1842, 184, pi. 2.50.— Newij., P.
R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 79.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 378.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 303
(Xalapa).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18(i0, 193.— Bd. Rev. 1864,
88. — Scl., Ibis, 1865.— Coues, Pr. I'hiia. Acad. 1866, 78.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii,
1869, 74 (Montana). — SuMicn., Mem. liost. Soc. 1, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz). — Coop.,
B. Cal. i, 1870, 55.— Aike.n, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 195.— Coues, Key, 1872, 83, tig. 27.

Sitta pmilla var. pygmwa, Allen, Bull. JI. C. Z. 1872, 174 (mountains of Colorado, up
to 8,000 feet).

jETai.— Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. North to 49^. South to Xalapa.

26 CERTHIID^ CERTHIA FAMILIARIS.

This species, which was not noticed by either expedition, extends to
the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, where it was found, in
Montana, by Dr. Cooper. Mr. Allen took it in tlie mountains of Colo-
rado up to 8,000 feet ; Mr. Aiken, in the Black Hills. Prof. Sumichrast
states that it is resident in the alpine region of Vera Cruz, ascending to
the very limit of vegetation on the peaks of Orizaba and Popocatepetl.
On the Pacilic coast it descends, according to ])r. Cooper, as low as
Monterey. It is an abundant species in all suitable pLices throughout
its range, an almost exclusive inhabitant of forests, giving evident
preference to those of conifers. In crossing the main chain of the Sierra
Madre, at Whipple's Pass, in July, I found it abundant to the summit,
in high pine woods ; and in the same situations in Upper Arizona it oc-
curs in profusion, and resides permanently. Like the Brown-headed
Nuthatch, it is a sociable — almost gregarious — little creature, assembling
in noisy restless troops, actively fluttering among the pines and scramb-
ling about their trunks and branches, picking its minute insect prey out of
the cracks in the bark. It has a variety of odd, scraping notes, impossible
to describe, and makes as much ado about its puny little business as if
it were helping the world roll on — as, on second thought, I suppose it does.
The mode of niditication is the same as that of other species ; the eggs
are five or six in number, pinkish-white, dotted with reddish. They would
not be distinguishable with certainty from those of S. canaderms, but
appear to average rather narrower, measuring about 0.G2 by 0.48. The
young appear first in June ; and from the circumstance of finding newly-
feathered birds much later in the summer, I presume at least two broods
are reared each season.

Communicating with me respecting this species, Mr. Allen observes :
"I found it at frequent intervals in our journey from Denver to South
Park, usually in quite large parties, associated with Titmice and King-
lets, the whole party keeping up a lively twitter as they [)assed from tree
to tree. It is indistinguishable in notes or habits from its near relation,
the Brown-headed Nuthatch of the Southern States. They both hunt
the branches of the trees rather than their trunks, often flitting, like
Kinglets, about the outer extremities of the branches in their search for
insects, thus more resembling both the Kinglets and the Tomtits in their
manner of hunting than our common Nuthatches."

In this species the color of the under parts is as variable as that of
S. canadensis, ranging from fulvous-whitish to rusty-brown. The char-
acters supposed to distinguish it from pusilla are very slight, so that it
is quite possible Mr. Allen is right in holding it for a variety of the
latter.

Tamily CEETHIID^ : Creepers.

CERTHIA FxlMlLIARIS, Linn.

Brown Creeper.

Certhia famUiaris, Ltnn., and of awtbor,s. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. il, 1807, 70. — Wlls.,
Am. Orn. i, 1808, 122, pi. 7.— AuD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 158, pi. 415.— AUD., B.
Am. ii, 1841, 109, pi. 11."). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (New Eugluud,
bieediug south to Massachusetts). — CoUES, Key, 1872, 84, f. 28.

Certhia umciicaiia, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838.— NuTT., Man. i, 1840, 701. — Bd.. B.
N. A. 1858. 372, pi. 83, f. 2; Rev. 1864, 89.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 105.— Kexx.,
P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 26.— Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 42.— Coop. & Suck.,
N. H. Wash. Ter. 18.")9, 192.— Scl., Cat. A. B. 1861, 15.— Sxow, B. Kaus.
1873, f). — Also of nearly all local writers of Eastern United States.

TROGLODYTIUiE SALPINCTES OBSOLETUS. 27

CcrtJna mrxlcaim, Gloger & Eeich.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 290 ; 1858, 297 ; lRo9, 362,
372.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 923, pi. 83, f. 2; Rev. 1864, 90.— Sumich., Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74 ; B. Cal. 1870,
58. (A variety.)
Hal). — Europe. North America at large. Mexico (var.).

Ko specimens of this species were taken by either of the expeditions,
but I bring it into the present connection, since its liuown range is such
as to make it quite certain that it occurs in the Missouri region. It is
ail incouspicuous bird, liable to be long overlooked in regions where it
is not very abundant.

I am unable to perceive any difference between American and Eu-
roi)ean examples, and 1 am not aware that any tangible characters have
been ascribed to our bird by those writers who have technically separ-
ated it. The Southwestern American form appears to constitute a slight
variety.

The egg of the Creeper is not distinguishable with certainty from that
of a Chickadee, but is smaller, measuring only about 0.55 by 0.43. It is
white, speckled with reddish- brown.

Family TROGLODYTID.^ : Wrens.

SALPIXCTES OBSOLETUS, (Say) Cab.^

Ro€k Wrea.

Troglodytes olsoletiis, Say, Long's Expd. ii, 1823, 4.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 435.— AuD.,
Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 443, pi. 360.— AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 113, pi. 116.— Newb.,
P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 80.— Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 41.

Myioflwra ohaolcla, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 6, pi. 1, fig. 2.

Thnjothorua ob.-ioletiis, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 11 ; Rev. Zool. ii, 1839, 98.

Snlpiiictcs ohaolctus, Cab., Wieg. Archiv, 1847, .323. — Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850. 224.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 357 ; Rev. 1864, 110.— Hayp., Rep. 1862, 163.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859,
371.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 77.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 297 (Upper
Missouri), 73 (breeding at Fort Beutou). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1S70, 75 (Col-
orado River).— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 64.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174.—
Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 195 (Black Hills).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter.
1870, 464.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 693.— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 236 (Deca-
tur County, Iowa). — Coues, Key, 1872, 85.

" Thryothorus latifasciatus, Light." (Bp.)

Hab. — United States, ft-om the Central Plains to the Pacific. Iowa {Trippe.) Mexico.
Not obtained by Captain Raynolds's Expedition.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8830, Running Water; 5277-9, Powder River ; 8831-2,
Miiuvalses Terres.
Later Expeditions. — 60687, Sweetwater (Stevenson) ; 61654, Ogden, Utah (Merriam).

This species is especially characteristic of the interior mountainous
regions of the West, although, to the southward at least, it reaches the
Pacific coast. It is reported from various parts of California, from Cape
St. Lucas, and from Mexico. Mr. Allen found it in Colorado, jMr, Mer-
riani in Utah, where it was abundant about White Sulphur Si)rings, Mr.
Holden in Wyoming, and Dr. Hayden states that it is numerous in the
"bad lands." I frequently saw it in Upper Arizona, in rocky fast-
nesses, where its peculiar song always attracted attention. Dr. Cooper
states that a nest from a wood-pile on the Upper Missouri was com-
posed of a loose flooring of sticks, lined with a great quantity of
feathers, and contained nine eggs of a reddish color, thickly spotted
with chocolate. He also found nests at San Diego, under tiled roo.;'s,
oontaniing young, in May. According to Mr. Ilolden, the nest is merely
a lew sticks and bits of moss put carelessly together : "one was placed
under a rock as large as a dog-house, and in it were four young ones,

28 TR0GL0DYTIDJ5 CATHERPES MEXICANUS.

which scampered off while I was removiug the rock." The eggs are four
to eight in number, measuring 0.72 by 0.00 inches, being thus much
rounded. The shell is white, of crystal purity and smoothness, very
si)aringly sprinkled with minute dots of reddish-brown, chiefly aggre-
gated at, or in a wreath around, the larger end ; but a few other specks
are commonly scattered over the whole surface. Such are the charac-
tersof two sets in the Smithsonian collection, from Fort Defiance, if. M. ;
the description, it will be observed, differs from that given by Dr.
Cooper.

Since writing the preceding I have received an interesting communi-
cation from Mr. T. Martin Trippe, who informs me of the common
occurrence of this species in Southwestern Iowa, where he states that
he saw or shot altogether some fifteen individuals during the month of
October, 1872. This occurrence, which Mr. Trippe meanwhile has pub-
lished, as above, gives a decided extension to the previously known
range of the species.

CATHERPES MEXICANUS, (Sw.) Bd.

Mexican Wren ; White-throated Wren.

Thryothm-tis viexicanus, Sw., Zool. 111. i, 1829, pi. 11.

Saljjiiiutcs mexicaiius, Ca15., Wcig. Aiebiv, 1847, 324 ; Mns. Hciii. i, 1851, 78. — Bp., Consp. i,
1850, 224.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 212; 1858, 297 (Oaxaca).

Troglodytes mexicauus, Ghay, Genera, i, 1847, 159.— Hekkm., Journ. Pbila. Acad. 1853,
263.— Cass., B. Cal. aud Tex. 1854, 173, pi. 30.

Cathcrpes mexicauus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 356; Rev. 1864, 111. — Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. s,
1859, pt. iv, 26.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 18.- Coct:s, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866,77.— Sumich.,
Mem. Bust. Soc. i, 1869, 545 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 66.— Aiken,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (Middle Colorado).— CotTES, Key, 1372, 85.

Cathcrpes mexicaiiits var. consjjersiis, RiDGW., Aui. Nat. vii, 1872, 2 (NortbernJorm).

Thryothorus giittidatits, Laeres., R. Z. 1839, 99. .

CtrUiia. (dbifroiis, Gikaud, B. Tex. 1841, pi. 8. '

" Trogludytes albicoUis, Cuv."

" 2rogIodytes uiurarius, Light."

Tbe above synonyuiy includes botb tbe typical Mexican bird and tbe United States
race, wliicb latter is appreciably different, as Mr. Ridgway bas sbovfn, aud entitled to
rank as a geograpbical race.

Hah. — Var. conspersus from tbe Soutbwestern United States, from Colorado (Aiken)
and Utab {Hensliaw). Typical mexicanus from Mexico to Vera Cruz.

It is a matter of much Interest that the known range of the White-
throated Wren, hitherto reported only from the United States border
and southward, should be extended to Colorado, as has lately been
done by Mr. Aiken. Even in Arizona I only found it in localities lower
than Fort Whipple. I observed it in the southern and western portions
of that Territory, always in caiious and other precipitous, rocky places.
The note of the species is one of the m.ost striking I ever heard ; for a
bird of its size it sings with wonderful strength and clearness, uttering
a peculiar ringing whistle, the odd intonations of which are exaggerated
in the echos awakened among the fastnesses of the rocks. It is a very
active, sprightly bird, leaping and fluttering among the rocks almost in-
cessantly. Mr. Aiken found it in winter in Colorado, among large
masses of rock, on the faces of cliffs. Mr. Allen observes that "the
White-throated Wren is one of the most note-worthy birds of those re-
markable localities near Colorado City, known as 'Monument Park'
and the 'Garden of the Gods,' where alone I observed it in Colorado.
Equally with the liock Wren, it is a lover of clifl's and bare rocky expo-
sures. Whenever it occurs, at least in the breeding season, its presence
is sure to be known by its loud ringing notes. At the localities above

TROGLODYTID^ THRYOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS. 29

named it seemed to delight in the reverberation of its notes from the
Ligli sandstone walls that give to the Garden of the Gods its peculiar
pictnresqueness." According to Prof. iSumichrast, it is very common on
the plateau of Mexico, "where it probably has its centre of propaga-
tion," and is also found in the temperate region of the department of
Vera Cruz. "In Orizaba it nests in the houses ; its nest, very skillfully
wrought with spider's webs, is built in the crevices of old walls, or in
the interstices between the tiles under the roofs of houses.-'

In connection with this northward extension of the White-throated
Wren may be noticed the occurrence of Campylorhi/nckus hrunneicainllns
in Utah, as I am informed by letter from my friend Dr. H. C. Yarrow,
U. S. A., who took the species at St. George, in the southwestern por-
tion of the Territory.

THEYOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS, (Lath.) Bp.

Great Carolina Wren,
a. ludovicianus.

Sylvia ludoviciana, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 548.

lYoglodytes ludovicianus, Light., Verz. 1823, 35. — Bp., Obs. Wils. No. 65; Syn. 93. — NuTT.,
Mau. i, 1832, 429.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 399; v, 1839, 4G6; pi. 78; Syn,
1839, 74 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 116, pi. 117.— Gihaud, B. L. I. 1844, 75.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 67 (Texas aud ludian Territorv).— Mayx., B. Fla. 1872, 37.

Thryothorus ludovicianus, Bp., List, 1838, 11; Consp. i,'l850, 220.— Be, B. N. A. 1858,
361 ; Rev. 1864, 123.— Scl., Cat. A. B. 1861, 20.— Coues&Prent., Smiths. Rep.
1861, 410 (Washington, D. C, not abundant).— Lawh.. Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
283 (Long Island).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, 108 (South Carolina).- Ali.ex,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 523 (Indian.-i).— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 20 (wintering).—
Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 19 (North Carolina).— Axlex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,
1871, 266 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 125, 175 (Eastern Kansas).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873,
6.— Coues, Key, 1872, S6, fig. 29.

Troglodijlcs arundinaccns, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 55, pi. 108 (description, not
the biogi-aphy).

Thryofhorus aruiidiuaceus, Less., Rev. Zool. 1840, 263 (exclusive of synonyms).

Tfinjolhorus littoralis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 56.

Thrjiollwrus louinianw. Less., Rav. Zool. 1840, 262.

Certhla caroliniana, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 61, pi. 12, f. 5.

Hal). — Eastern United States, south of New England. West into Kansas. New
Mexico {Henry.) Resident throughout its range. No extralimital record.
Not obtained by any of the Exiieditious.

b. berlandieri.

Thryothorus berlandieri, CouCH.— Bp., B. N. A. 1858, 362, pi. 83, f. 1 ; Rev. 1864, 124.
Thryothorus ludovicianus var. berlandieri, C()i:es, Key, 1^72, 86.

Hah. — Valley of the Rio Grande, and southward. This is the southern race, diifering
in longer bill and heavier color ; the under parts more decidedly rufous, and the sides
barred with dusky. Floridan specimens are intermediate.

Although restricted in its northward dispersion, the Carolina AVren is
a hardy bird, enduring the winters of the Middle States. There may
be an incomplete recession from its more northern abodes, yet it is as
common in winter as in summer, at least from ]\L^ryland southward.
Such is the case about Washington, D. C, where I found it common at
all seasons, though never in great abundance. It frequents shrubbery
and nndergi-owth of all sorts, where it hides with great pertinacity, and
is oftener heard than seen. Not that it is particularly a timid bird, for It
often comes about the gardens and out-houses ; but it is retiring and un-
familiar, courting privacy and seclusion. If we attempt to penetrate its
hidden resorts, it hurries away into deeper recesses, with a low ll utter-
ing near the ground, or scrambling and hopping from one bush to an-

30 TROGLODYTIDxE THRYOTHORUS LUDOVICIAXUS.

Other, very likely mocking us with its rollicking song as soon as it feels
l^erfectly secure." It shares, however, the restlessness and prying curi-
osity of its tribe; and if we keep still in a favorable spot we may often
see It returning slyly to take a look at us, peering from among the leaves
with an inquisitive air, all the while "teetering" its body, and perform-
ing odd, nervous antics, as if it were possessed with the very spirit of un-
rest. At such times it chatters in a harsh querulous tone, as if resenting
the intrusion ; and this is its ordinary note when angry, alarmed, or oth-
erwise disturbed in mind. Its song is quite another thing — loud, clear,
strong, and highly musical ; indeed I hardly know what bird possesses
a richer voice, though many are sweeter songsters. The song .is a rapid
succession of whistling notes, delivered with great energy and accent ;
it closely resembles that of the Cardinal Grosbeak, styled in some parts
the "Virginia Nightingale," and meriting the compliment. In still
weather the Wren can be heard several hundred yards, but is not easy
to trace the music up to its source, because the resonant quality of the
notes makes the whole copse seem to ring with the sound, and because
the restless songster is constantly changing his position.

This Wren is a very early breeder. In the Carolinas it mates in
March, nests in April, and the first of its two or three broods are abroad
early in May, if not still sooner. Mr. Allen found the young flying at
this time even in Kansas. The bird is so capricious in the matter of a
nesting i)lace, that we can hardly say what its preference is, if, indeed,
it have any choice. It will build in any odd nook or cranny that it fan-
cies— entering an out-house through a knot-hole or a chink between
loose boards, like the House Wren ; taking the hollow of a tree or
stump; settling in the midst of a thick bush; anywhere, in fact, that
oflers a snug retreat. In Florida, Mr. Maynard says, they like to nest
in the palmettoes ; and this agreeable writer tells how convenient such
resorts are : "The 'boot,'" he exi)lains, "is the base of the dead leaf-
stalks which adhere to the tree after the top has decayed and fallen off;
they are quite broad, slightly concave, and extend upward in an oblique
direction, leaving a space between them and the trunk ; the fronds, in
falling, often cover the top with a fibrous debris, which is impervious to
water, and the cavities beneath form a snug nesting place for the Caro-
lina Wrens." Into some such place as we have seen, the Wren puts a
great quantity of fibrous, leafy, or grassy material, not being at all par-
ticular, but gathering any trash that it finds convenient ; and builds a
rather bulky nest, more or less like a ball, with a side-entrance. This is
freighted with five or six eggs, and very completely filled before the little
ones leave it. The eggs are white, dotted very thickly and pretty evenly
with reddish-brown and various neutral tints, generally (piite over the
surface, but sometimes chiefly wreathing around the large end ; some-
times the surface is so thickly covered that the ground is almost hidden.
But I have never seen any eggs so uniformly dark as those of the Marsh
Wren, or even the House Wren, usually are. Several measurements I
took ranged from 0.76 by O.Gl to 0.70 by 0.58, averaging about 0.73 by
O.GO. The birds are very private about their domestic arrangements,
and generally slip off quietly if they have an unwelcome caller. They
keep the young ones about them for a few days after they leave the nest,
and during this period they are in a state of perpetual panic, showing
their intense worry in redoubled restlessness. But the little family is
soon disi)ersed, let us hope, each to a merry life ; the parents take a little
relaxation from family cares, and then arrange for a new household.

TROGLODYTID.E THRYOTHORUS BEWICKII. 31

THRYOTHOliUS BEWICKII, (Aud.) Bp.

Bewick's Wren.

a. beicicliii.

Troglodytes hewickn, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 96 ; v, 1838, 467 ; pi. 18.— Aud., Syn. 1839,
74.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 120, pi. 118.— Ntjtt., Mau. i, 1832, 434.— Less., Rev.
Zool. 1840, 264. — Woodh., Sitgv. Rep. 1853, 67 (ludiau Territory, very abuu-
dant). — Tjuppe, Pr. Ess. Inst. vi. 1871, 115 (Minuesota, common, breeding).

Thryofhonts bcwickii, Bp., List, 1838, 11.— Bp , Consp. i, 18,50, 221.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 363;
Rev. 1864, 126.— Coues, Pr. Boat. Soc. xii, 1868, 108 (Soutli Carolina, resi-
dent?).— TUKXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 20 (rare, in summer only).- Sxow, B. Kaus.
6.— Coues, Key, 1872, 86.

Tehnatodytes hewicJcil, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850, 78.

b. leucogaster.

Troglodytes leucogastra, Gould, P. Z. S. 1836, 89 (Tamaulipas).

Thryothonts lei(co(;aster, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 222; Notes Orn. Delattre, 1854, 43.

Thryotlwrus heicfckii, ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 371 (Oaxaea).— Coues, Pr Pliila. Acad. 1866,

78 (Arizona).
Thryothorus heicifkii var. leucogaster, Bd., Rev. 1864, 127. — Coues, Key, 1872, 86.

c. spilurus.

Ti'oglodytes sjnlurits, ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 18, pi. 4, f. 1 (California).

Thryolhoriis fiplhtrm, Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 69.

Troglodytes beivickii, Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 80. — Heerm., ibid, x, 1859, part vi,

40.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 189.
Thryothorus bewiekii var. S2)ilurus, Bo., Rev. 1864, 126. — CouES, Key, 1872, 86.

Hub. — Easteini United States, north to Pennsylvania and Minnesota ; west to Kansas.
Var. leucogaster in Soathwestern United States and Mexico. Var. sjnlurus along the
whole Pacilic coast. United States and southward.

Obtained by none of the Expeditious.

Like tbe Caroliua Wren, Bewick's is essentially a southern species. Its
northern limit, in the Atlantic States, is Pennsylvania, where it is rare,
and only tbnnd in snuiiner. Mr. Turnball gives it in his list, and Prof.
Baird took it at Ciirlisle. It appears to be uncommon all along the line.
I do not recollect that I ever saw it in Maryland, Virginia, or either of
the Caroliuas, and I never collected a specimen. In the interior, how-
ever, it is abundant in some regions; thus, Mr. Eidgway tells me, it is
very common in Southern Illinois, where it replaces the House Wren, to
the nearly complete exclusion of the latter, and has the same semi-do-
mesticated ways, breeding about out-houses aud gardens. In the Mis-
sissippi Valley, moreover, it proceeds furthest north. Mr. Trippe records
it as commou in Minnesota, where it breeds. The egg^ of which I have
only seen two or three authentic examples, is white, speckled with lilac
and darker slaty shades of brown, chiefly about the larger end. The egg
resembles that of a Titmouse or Creeper, but the markings are darker
and the size greater — from 0.70 by 0.52 to O.OG by 0.51.

In the soutli west I found the white-bellied variety of Bewick's Wren
extremely abundant. It was the characteristic Wren about Fort Whii)-
ple, in Arizona, though the House Wren was very common there too.
Similarly, var. S2)iluriis abounds in the wooded portions of California.
In their habits, these varieties are identical with the ct)mmon form, ex-
cept in so far as certain points may be modified to suit circumstances,
especially in the matter of nesting, in which, as is well known, most
birds accommodate themselves very easily to their surroundings. Pos-
sessing few, if any, dislinctive traits, there is very little to be said of
Bewick's AVren not ecjually api)lical)le to its numerous relatives, whose
restlessness, curious excitable temper, and odd energetic actions, are
familiar to every one. It is an accomplished and versatile songster;
though its notes have not the ring and volume of those ot the Carolina
Wren, it has a very [)retty song of its own. varied at its whim, (]uite
unlike the simpler trilling of the House or Marsh Wren.

32 TROGLODYTID:^ TROGLODYTES AEDON.

TKOGLODYTIOS AEDON, Vieill.

House Wrcii.

Troglodytes aMon, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 5*2, pi. 107. — Vieill., Nonv. Diet, xxxiv,
1819, 50G.— Bp., OIks. Wils. 1.^25, No. KJfi; Syn. 1828, 92 ; List, 1838, 11.— Sw. &,
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 18;il, 31G.— Al'D., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 427, pi. 83; Syu. 1839,
75 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 125, pi. 120.— Giijaud, B. L. 1. 1844, 73.— Br... B. N. A. 1858,
367 ; Rev. 18(54, 138.— CouES & Pkext., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410.- Scl., Cat.
1861, 22.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 163.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 195.— Allen, Pr.
Ess. Inst, iv, 18,04, G8.— McIlwi;., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 88.— Coues, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 1868, 278.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Tuknb., B. E. Pa.
1869, 20.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 265 ; iii, lb72, 174.— Mayx., B. Fla. 1872,
39.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (Black Hills).— Coues, Key, 1872, 86.— And
of authors generally.

Trogloclntcs fiilvHS, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 422.

TrogJodjitcs furcns. Rich. List, 1837, 11.

Troglodytes amerieantw, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 310, pi. 179; Svn. 1839, 75; B. Am. 11,
1841, 123, pi. 119.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 368; Rev. 1864, 141.— Vehk., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 1862, 150.— Lawr., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— CouES, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 278.

Sylvia domestica, Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 129, pi. 8. i'. 3.

Hah. — Eastern United States to Nebraska and Dakota. North to Canada and Nova
Scotia. Winters in the Southern States.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant Wan-en's Expedition. — 8846, Loup Fork. This single specimen, among Dr.
Hayden's collections, seems referable to typical aiidon.

The T. americanus of Audubon, a supposed species, which I doubtfully admitted in
1868, has since been shown by Mr. Allen and Mr. Maynard to be inseparable from T.
aedon. It appears to represent simply. rather northerly bred birds. The several extra-
limital varieties of the species are not here considered; our western variety is noted
under the next head.

TROGLODYTES AEDON var. PARKMANNI, (Aud.) Coues.

Western House Wren.

Ti-oghdytes imrlcmanni, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 18.39, 310 ; Svn. 1839, 75 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 133,
pi. 122.— Nutt., Man. 2d ed. 1840, 483.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 367; Rev. 1864,
140.— Hayd., Rep. 1882, 164.— Scl.. Cat. 1861, 23.— Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wash.
Ter. 1859, 191.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 78.— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870,
75; B. Cal. 1870, 71.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Sarv.
Ter. 1870, 464.— Mekp.., ibid. 1872, 673.

Troglodytes sylvestris, Game., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1846, 113.

(?) Troglodytes americanus, Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 18.59, part vi, 41.

Troglodytes aedon. var. parkmanni, CoUES, Key, 1872, 87.

Hab. — Western United States, from Nebraska and Dakota to the Pacific.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 47'3i-35, 4737, 4138, 4741-43, Upper Missouri ; 5274-75,
Blackfoot country; 5276, Fort Lookout; 4739, Council Bluffs; 4740, Bald Island; 4736;
North Platte.

Later Expeditions. — 60688-9, Green River ; 62328-9, Idaho and Montana.

Dr. Hayclen's uumerons specimens attest the abuiidauce of this variety
iu the northwest. I found it to be numerous in the southwest; and, in
fact, it is a common bird throughout the Middle and Western Provinces
of the United States, where it replaces its familiar Eastern represent-
ative. It is impossible to separate this form specilically from aedon ; it
is merely a little paler (grayer), while certain supposed x^eculiarities of
habit are shared by T. aedon iu those unfrequented districts where its
ways have not been modified by contact with civilization. It is the
most numerous representative and the most uniformly distributed of the
Troglodytidcv of the West. It is especially common in the scantj' aud
irregular belts of timber that border tbe streams of the great ])lains,
and occurs everywhere in the mountains up to about 10,000 feet. Its
notes vary more or less at different localities, but everywhere it seems
to retain its pugnacious disposition, and its bold, inquisitive habits.

ANORTHURA TROGLODYTES VAR. HYEMALIS, WINTER WREN. 33

AXORTHUEA TROGLODYTES var. HYEMALIS, (Yieill.) Coues.

American Wiuter Wren.

a. troglodytes proper.
(The typical form is European — the only Wren of that country.)

b. hyemalis.

Si/lvia trof/Iodiitcs, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 139, pi. 8, f. 6 (not of European writers).

Troglodi/tcs lu]cmalis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 514; Eucy. Meth. ii, 1823, 470. —
■ Bp.,'List, 1838, 11 ; Consp. 1, 1850, 222.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 318.—
AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 430, pi. 360 ; Syn. 1839, 76 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 128, pi.
121.— NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840; 481.— Gieaud, B. L. I. 1844, 72.— Scl., P. Z. S.
1856, 290 (Cordova) ; Cat. A. B. 1861, 23.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 369 ; Rev. 1864,
144.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 191.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 126.— Vekr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 152.— Allen, iWd. iv, 1864, 68.—
McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 88.— Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 115.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc.
is, 1862, 126.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Turns., B. E. Pa. 1869,
20.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1803, 494.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74 (Mon-
tana) ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 73.— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 ; B. Fla. 1872, 40.—
Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6.

Anortkio-a hijemalis, Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,
1871, 267.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 107.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 96.

Anorthura troglodi/tes, CouES, Key, 1872, 87, tig. 30.

Anorthnra troglodytes var. Iniemalis, Coues, Key, 1872, 351.

Troglodytes hyemalis var. jmcificus, Bi)., Rev. 1864, 145.

Troglodytes mroimm, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 127 ; Syn. 1828,93.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 427.

c. alascensis.

Troglodytes alascensis, Bd., Tr. Chic Acad, i, 1869, 315, pi. 30, f. 3.— Daix & Bann., ibid. 280.

Auorthiira alascensis, Coues, Key 1872, 87.

Anorthnra troglodytes var. alascensis, Coues, Key, 1872, 351.

Troglodytes hyemalis var. alascensis, Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 8, 1873.

Hab. — The whole of North America. South to Cordova (Sclater). Winters from New
England southward. Var. alascoisis is a larger, darker, longer-billed race, inhabiting
Alaska, the Aleutians, and Prybilov Islands. The American bird is not sxieciiically dis-
tinct from the European.

Altbongh tbis species was not noted by any of the Expeditions, it is
properly brought into the present connection, since it is g'enerally dis-
tributed over North America. It readily eludes observation in places
where it is not very abundant, being of a shy and retiring disposition
that keeps it near the ground, and for the most part hidden in the dense
undergrowth or broken rocky places it frequents. Its actions are almost
as much like tho.se of a mouse as of a bird; rarely using its wings ex-
cept for a short flutter from one bush or stone-heap to another, it creeps
slyly and rapidly about, appearing perhaps for an instant, then suddenly
lost to view. It is rather uncommon about Washington, D. C, from
earlj in October until the latter part of April; I generally found it
along the secluded banks of Rock Creek, and in the little ravines lead-
ing down to the stream. Not having met with it elsewhere, I can say
nothing of its habits during the breeding season from personal observa-
tion, but will quote from an excellent account :

"The song of the Winter Wren excels that of any other bird of its
size with which I am actpiainted. It is truly musical, full of cadence,
energetic and melodious; its very continuance is surprising, and dull
indeed must be the ear that thrills not on hearing it. When emitted, as
it often is, from the dark depths of the unwholesome swamjjs, it oi)er-
ates so powerfully on the mind, that it by contrast inspires a feeling of
wonder and delight, and on such occasions has impressed me with a
sense of the goodness of the Almighty Creator, who has rendered every
si^ot of earth iu some way subservient to the welfare of his creatures.
3

34 TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS, LOXG-BILLED MARSH WREX.

"Once when traveling tbrough a portion of the most gloonay part of
a thick and tangled wood in the great pine forest, near Mauch Chunk,
in Pennsylvania, at a time when I was intent on guarding myself against
the venemous reptiles I expected to encounter, the sweet song of this
Wren came suddenly on my ear, and with so cheery an effect that I sud-
denly lost all apprehension of danger, and pressed forward through the
rank briars and stiff laurels in pursuit of the bird which 1 hoped was
not far from its nest. But he, as if bent on puzzling me, rambled here
and there among the thickest bushes with uncommon cunning, now
singing in one spot not far distant, and presently ia another in a differ-
ent direction. After much exertion and considerable fatigue, I at last
saw it alight on the side of a large tree, close to the roots, and heard it
warble a few notes, which I thought exceeded any it had previously ut-
tered. Suddenly another Wren appeared by its side, but darted off in
a moment, and the bird itself, which I had followed, disappeared. I
soon reached the spot, without having for an instant removed my eyes
from it, and observed a protuberance covered with moss and lichees,
resembling the excrescences which are often seen' on our forest trees,
with this difierence, that the aperture was perfectly rounded, clean, and
quite smooth. I put a finger into it and felt tlie ])eckiug of a bird's bill,
whUe a querulous cry was emitted. In a word, I had, the first time in
my life, found the nest of a Winter Wren. * * * * Externally it
measured seven inches in length and four and a half in breadth ; the
thickiiess of its walls, composed of moss and lichens, was uemly two
inches ; and thus it presented internally the api)earance of a narrow bag,
the wall, however, being reduced to a few lines where it was in contact
with the bark of the tree. The lower half of the cavity was compactly
lined with the fur of the American Hare, and in the bottom or bed of
the nest there lay over this about half a dozen of the large downy ab-
dominal feathers of our common Grouse, Tetrao umhellm.''''

Audubon found six eggs in this, and likewise in another nest that he
discovered. He describes them as of a delicate blush color, marked
with dots of reddish-brown, more numerous toward the larger end.
This agrees with the specimens now betore me from a set of six taken
irom a nest in a crevice of an old log hut, excepting that the surface is
thinly and evenly dotted all over, and there is, of course, no blush iu
the blown specimens. They measure 0.70 by 0.58. In other specimens
the markings chietiy encircle the larger end. A nest iu tlie Smithsonian
is a comi)act hollow ball of green moss, mixed with a few i)ine twigs;
it was taken in Maine, where the species is stated to breed in "wind-
fall" conntry of the evergreen woods, where the fallen trees are piled in
confusion.

TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS, (Wils.) Bd.

Lomg-bOlcd Marsli Wren.

Ccrtltla ndlustris, Wils., A. O. ii, 1870, ."i8, pi. 12, f. 4.— Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 117.

TroalodytcH polKNtris, 15i>., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 00 ; Syn. 1S28, 93.— Sw. & Rice., F. B. A.
ii, l(S3l, -.519 (lilt. 55°).— NuTT., Man. i. 1802, 439.— AuD., 0. B. i, 1831, 500 ; v,
1839, 407 ; pi. 100 ; Syu. 1839, 77 ; B. A. ii, 1841, 135, pi. 123.— GuiAUL), B. L. I.
1844, 70.— PUTX., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 18.j6, 208.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1850, 290 (Cordov.a).—
SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 8 (Guatemala).— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 80.— Hkei;m.,
•ibid. X, 1859, pt. vi, 54.— Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1801, 5 (Greeulaud).— Tiui'i'E, Pr. Ess.
lust, vi, 1871, 115.

Tliryolliorm palio^iris, Bi-., List, 1838, 11.— TuuNB., B. E. Pa. 1809, 20.

Chiioilionis {fdmatodytes) pulmtris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 304; Rov. 1804, 147.— COUES &
Pi:ent., Smitbs. Rep. 1801, 410.— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1804, 83.

Cistoilwrm pahinlris, Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1800, 190.— Hayd., Rep. 1862,
163.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1800, No. 123.— LA-ftit., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii,

TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS, LOXG-BILLED MARSH WREN. 35

1866, 283.— COUES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1S66. 79.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
278.— MclL\yR., ihid. v, 1666, 87.— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 75.— Aixen, Bull. M. C.
Z. ii, 1871, 267 ; iii, 1872. 175.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 196.— M.vyx.,
Guide, 1870, 98 ; B. Fla. 1872, 42.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 6.

Telmatodyfes 2)(ilHstns, Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 108.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.
1871, 20.— Coues, Key, 1872, 87.

Tchnatodytes anuidhiaccus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 78.

Thryothonis arundlnaccus, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 220.

Thryoihorun arundineiis, Vieile., Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 58.

Cistothorus xxilustris var. palndicola, Bd., Rev. 1864, 148 (West coast).

Hab. — In suitable places throughout temperate Xortli America, breeding throughout
its range; wintering along our southern border and southward. Greenland. Mexico.
Guaten)ala.

Lieutenant Warren^.i Expedition. — 8838, Sand Hills ; 4744, mouth of Big Sioux River.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones.

This little bird requires a particular condition of surface, which, when
met, renders it largely independent of geographical limitations. It in-
habits, exclusively, reedy swamps and marshes, nearly throughout the
continent, and is extremely abundant in the more favorable situations.
In most latitudes it is a migrant, but as it breeds throughout its range^
only a part of the individuals passing north for this purpose, the remain-
der spending the year in their winter homes in the South. It is resident
in South Carolina, though the greater number go on uorthward to breed.
On the Xorth Carolina coast I found it abundant during the migrations,
and observed it through a part of jSToveinber, so that possibly some
winter as far north as this. In the extensive marshes along the Poto-
mac, overgrown with Zizania aquatica., it finds a congenial home ; and in
some spots scores of the nests may be seen at once. It reaches this
latitude about the middle of April, and remains into October. In 2»[ew
England this Wren is only a summer visitor, chiefly along the coast, and
it is rare, if really occurring, ijorth of Massachusetts. Xone of the
Maine or J^Tew Hampshire lists include it. In the West I found it breed-
ing abundantly in a reedy swamp near Fort Whipple, Arizona, where it
arrives in April and remains until i:«I^ovember. According to Dr. Cooper,
it winters in the Colorado Valley, as high as Fort Mojave. On the Pa-
cific coast the same writer speaks of its wintering north to the Colum-
bia, wherever there is a marsh overgrown with tule {Scirpns palustris).
I never seen it in the Missouri region, but Dr. Hayden reports its occa-
sional occurrence in marshy places along the river. Prof. Snow, Mr.
Allen, and Mr. Aiken, note its occurrence in Kansas and Colorado.

The niditication of the Marsh Wren is not the least interesting part
of its history. It builds a large bulky nest of the tops of coarse grasses
and reeds, bent together and woven into a hollow ball, with a little hole
in one side, and fastens this globe to the upright stems of the growing-
reeds, several of which usually pass through its substance. The ball is
lined with finer grasses ; it is tolerably compact, yet there are often long-
shreds hanging from it, giving it rather a slovenly appearance. The
number of these structun^s that may sometimes be observed in a small
piece of marsh, within a few feet of each other, is astonishing, and ap-
parently out of all proj)ortion to the size of the colony inhaijiting the
])at('h of reeds. This has occasioned the surmi.se that more nests are
built than are actually used, the idea being that the nervous, energetic
little creatures keep on building while the females are incubating, to
amuse themselves, or because they have nothing particular to do and
cannot keep still. However this may be, the old nests last a year or so
before they decay and lall to pieces, which may partly account for the
great numbers to be seen. The eggs, as usual, are numerou.s — six or
eight — sometimes so many as to induce the suspicion that they were not

36 CISTOTHORUS STELLARIS, SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN.

all laid by the same bird. They are very peculiar in appearance, being
perhaps the most heavily colored of any found in this country. The
usual color is a rich, dark chocolate, but it is extremely variable. Some-
times it is perfectly uniform; again, it is nearly uniform, but with a
darker area at the large end or around it; occasionally a whitish ground
shows, thickly dotted or smirched with the chocolate, or a nearly uniform
brownish-white surface is presented, as if the color had washed out, ex-
cept in a few dark spots or patches. The egg averages two-thirds by
one-half of an inch; in a large number examined, little "runt" eggs are
sometimes found. One of these before me measures only 0.5-4 by 0.47,
and I have seen still smaller ones ; such are doubtless not fertilized, and
correspond to the little eggs that fowls and pigeons often drop at the
close of their season, indicating that their power is exhausted. I have
seen the same thing in the case of the Barn Swallow, and it is probably
not an infrequent occurrence.

On entering a patch of rushes where the Wrens are breeding, we al-
most instantly hear the harsh screeping notes with which those nearest
scold us, in vehement and angry resentment at the intrusion. From
further away in the maze of reeds we hear a merry little song from those
still undisturbed, and presently we see numbers iiitting on feeble wing
from one clump of sedge to another, or poised in any imaginable attitude
on the swaying stems. Their postures are sometimes very comical ; a
favorite attitude is with the tail thrown up till it almost covers the back,
and the head lowered. In this position they have a peculiar swaying
motion, back and forward, as if they were on a pivot, and in this posi-
tion they sing most frequently. Others may be seen scrambling like
little mice up and down the reed-stems or all over their globular nests.
They appear among themselves to be excitable to the verge of irasci-
bility, and not seldom quite beyond such moderate limit; but on the
whole they form a harmonious little \;olony which minds its own bu-
siness, and doubtless makes pleasant company for the blackbirds and
other larger species which build among them.

CISTOTHORUS STELLARIS, (Licht.) Cab.

Short-billed Marsh Wren,

a. steUaris.

Troglodytes sMIaris, Licht.— Naum., V. D. iii, 1823, 724.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871,
115 (Minnesota, abnudant, breeding).

CMothorus sMlaris, Cap,., Mus. Hein. 1, 1851, 77.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 365; Rev. 1864,
146.— 8cL., Cat. A. B. 1861, 22.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 163.— Wheat., Ohio Agiic.
Rep. 1860, No. 124 (Cleveland, breeding). — Coues &Pkext., Smiths. Rep. 1861,
410.— Ali.ex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83.— Lawk., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1866,
283.— CoiEs, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 279.— Coues, Pr. Bost. See. xii, 1868, 108.—
SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 545 (Orizaba).— CouE.s, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871,
21.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871. 167.— Tjuppe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 236
(Iowa, breeding).— Coi'Es, Key, 1872, 88.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 96; B. Fla. 1872,
43.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 6.

Thryothorns stellaris, TuRXU.. B. E. Pa. 1869, 20.

Troglodytes brevirostris, Nutt.. Man. i, 1832, 436; Tr. Am. Acad. Sci. 1, 1833, 98.— AUD.,
0. B. ii, 1834, 427 ; v, 1839, 469; pi. 175; Svu. 1839, 77 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 138, pi.
124.— Bp., Consp. 1, 1850, 222.

b. clegans.

Chtothorus eleyans, ScL. iS: Salv., -Ibis, 1859, 8.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 146.

Hub. — Eastern Province of the United States. Observed west to the Loup Fork of
the Platte {Hayden). Xorth to Massachusetts and Manitoba {Coues). Breeds through-
out its rauge. Winters in the Southern States. Mexico. Var. elcgans from Mexico to
Guatemala.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 9217 , Loup Fork of the Platte.

Not obtained by the other ExiJeditious.

ALAUDID^ EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, HORNED LARK. 37

Tbongli inhabiting' tlie same situations as the preceding species, the
Short-billed Marsh Wren is not only much rarer, but much more re-
stricted geographically. It occurs along the whole Atlantic coast, from
Florida to Massachusetts, beyond which I have observed no record, but
according to my experience it is nowhere abundant along this line. In
the course of several years collecting in Maryland, Virginia, and the
Carolinas, I never happened to find but a single specimen, which I shot
in October, in a marsh on the North Carolina coast, where the other
species was abundant at the time. According to various authors, the
bird is more common in Massachusetts during the summer, arriving:
about the second week in May, and leaving in October. I think the
birds are more plentilul along an interior line of migration, up the Mis-
sissippi. Thus Mr. Trippe found them "abundant" and breeding in
Minnesota, and I sav,- them in comparative j^lenty along the Red River,
about Pembina, securing several examples in June. I found them in
reedy sloughs on the prairie, where the Yellow-headed Blackbirds and
Blacic Terns were breeding, and also in low sedgy tracts, partly covered
with a growth of scrubby willows. Dr. Hayden's specimen is interest-
ing as being the westernmost on record for the United States. Audu-
bon found the species abundant in Texas, where it breeds.

Quite contrary to what might have been expected, the eggs of this
species are entirely unlike those of its allies, being pure white, unmarked.
They measure 0.G3 by 0. 18, being thus rather elongate. I never saw a
nest ; it is said to be similar to that of the Long-billed Wren — a hollow
globe with a hole in one side, woven of grasses, reeds or rushes, lined
with finer material of the same kind, and placed in a tuft of reeds or
tussock of grass. According to Mr. Maynard, the birds are quite noisy in
the fresh-water marshes of Massachusetts, frequently' singing all night:
"Their notes are not fine, but, although monotonous, are more elaborate
than those of the Long-billed, and better entitled to the name of song."

Family ALAUDID.E : Larks.

The birds of this family ditfcr remarkably from other O-schies in the strnctiire of the
tarsal envelope, which, instead of eonsistin;f ou the sides of the tarsns of two nudi-
vided plates meeting in a sharp ridge behind, is there formed of a series of scntelhB
like those in front, lapping round behind, meeting those of the front in a groove on
both inner and outer faces of the tarsus. The back of the tarsus is therefore blunt and
rounded in the front. Notwithstanding this peculiarity, they are truly 0-scinc, having
tlic musical apparatus well developed, and being good songsters. The tarsal envelope,
while ai)proacl)ing that of the Clcnnatorial birds in character, is not, however, the same
as in these, in which a single series of plates, variously arranged, encircles the tarsus,
meeting in a groove along the inner face, but being continuous ou the outer. In the
Larks, the hind claw is elongated and straightened conformably with their terrestrial
habits ; the bill is conic-elongate, and there are but nine fully-developed primaries. In
the genus Ercmophiia there is a peculiar tuft of feathers springing from each side of the
head back of the eye, somewhat similar in character to the so-called "horns"' of many
owls. Th(i species inhabit open grounds, and are gregarious and extensively migratory
in most regions. Their tood consists of various seeds and insects. We have but a sin-
gle species, identical with that of the Old World ; but it runs into several geographical
varieties.

EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, (Forst.) Boie.

Horned lark ; Shore lark.

a. alpestris.

AJaiula alpi'sirit, Fokst., Phil. Trans. Ixii. 1772, 398.— Lixx., 1^. N. i, 17r>C., 2^0.— Gm., S.
N. i, 17ti8, 800.— L.vxn., Ind. Oru. ii, 1700, 4U8.— And of earlier authors geuer-

38

EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, HORNED LARK.

ally.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 85, pi. 5, fig. 4.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 130 ;

Syii. 1828, 102.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 455.— AUD., O. B. ii, 1834, 570, pi. 200 ;

Syn. 1839, 96; B. A. iii, 1841, 44, pi. 151.— Giraud, B. L. I. 1844. 95.— Pi tn.,

Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 209.— Tui;.m5., B. E. Pa. 1669, 4.— (?) Tkippe, Pr. Ess.

Inst, vi, 1871, 115.
Ei'cniopliUa cdpc^ihin, Boie, Isis, 1828, 322. — And of authors.- (?) Allen, Jlem. Bost. Soc.

i, 1868, 496 (Iowa). — Mavx., Gnide, 1^70, 121 (Massachusetts, in July, perhaps

breeding).— CouES, Key, 1872, 89, fig. 32.
Philcrcmo:! aJpcutris, Brehm, "\ og. Dent. 1831, 312.— Bp., List, 1838, 37.— Keys. & Blas.,

Wirb. Eur. No. 84.— Haril., Syst. Verz. 1844, 80.
Olocori/s aljmtris, Bp.— Gray., List of G. of B. 1841, 62.— Cac, Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 121.
Alaud'u cornuta, Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 87 (in text).— Sw. &. Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,

245.— Maxim., Reise, i, 1839, 367.
ErcmopMla connita, BoiE, Isis, 1828, 322.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 403.— Coop. & Suck., N.

H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 195.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 134.— Coue.s,

Pr. Phila. Acad. 1881, 221.— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 411.— Boardm.,

Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 150.— Allen, ibid.

iv, 1864, 69.— McIlwr., ibid, y, 1866, 88.— Coues. ibid, v, 1868, 280.— L.vwr.,

Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 289.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 114.— Lord, Pr.

Artv. Inst. Wool, iv, 118.— Dall & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281.— Coop.,

B. Cal. i, 1870, 251;— ('?) Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 236.
Philercmos cornittus, Bp., List, 1838, 37.
Otocorifs cornuta, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1851, 122.

b. leiicolccina.

(Pale race, breeding on dry interior plains of the West.)

(?) Otocoris occidentalis, McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 218 (Santa F^, N. M.).— Bd.,

Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 318.
Oiocori/s (6/j>t's.')-i.s,'NE\YB., P. R. R. Pep. vi, 1857, 88.
Erenwimila alpcstris, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176.
Eremophila cornuia, Bd., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Beckwith's Route, Birds, 13, pi. 32. —

Hayd., Rep. 1862, 174— Stey., U. S. Geol. Surv. Tor. 1870, 464.— Merr., ibid.

1872, 685.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 202.
Eremophila aljieairis var. Icucokcma, Coues.

c. chrysolccma.

(Smaller, bright race, from the southwestern plains and southward.)

J] auda cornuta, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 434 (Mexico).

Eremoplilla conuita, CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 79 (Arizona).

Alaiida clinisuhrnia, Wagl., Isis. 1831, 350.— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 111 ; Cousp. Av. i, 1850,246.

Otocori/s ch'rysolama, Cab., M. H. i, 122.— Fixscri, Abliaud. Nat. Ver. 1872, 341.

Alai(da minor, Giraud, B. Texas, 1841. — Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, GG.

Eremoplilla minor, Scl., Cat. A. B. 1862, 126.

Alauda rufa, Aud., B. Am. vii, 1843, 353, pi. 497.

Otocoris rufa, Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vl, 45.

Otoconjs pcrcgrina, ScL., P. Z. S. 1855, 110, pi. 102 (Santa F6 de Bogota).

EremopJtila pcregrina, SCL., Cat. A. B. 1861, 127.

Alauda pcrctjrinu, GiEBEL, Thes. Orn. i, 1872, 299.

Eremophila cvrnuia var. chrijuoUvina, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 403.

Eremopliila alpestris var. chrysolccma, CouES, Key, 1872, 89.

Eab. — North America, breeding northerly; generally dispersed through the United
States by migration. Var. Icucolama resident on the dry interior plains from Iowa aud
Minnesota westward. Var. chrysolccma from the Southwestern Territories aud south-
ward to New Grenada.

List of specimens.

19230
19231
19:^32
19233
19234
19235
19236

239

237

279
278
184
165

Deer Creek . . .

Fort Benton . .

Deer Creek .. .

do

do

9

i
$
$

Jau. 18, 1860

F. V. Havden.
do ".

7.00
7.50
6.25
7.. 50
7.00

12.50
13.38
11.25

14.00
12.00

4.75
4.50
4.25

4.50
4.25

Jan. U, 1860

Mar. 7, 1859

do

do

do

do

Source Chey'e.
do

Nov. 14, 1860
Nov. 4, 1860

do

do . .

Lieutenant IFarrcn^s Expedition. — 5314, Medicine Creek ; 5318, Yellowstone; 5313, Fort
Pierre, Dak. ; 5317, Blackfoot country ; 9241-2, 9244-5, 9256, Black Hills ; 9239-40,
9243, near Biar Bntte.

Later Expedilions. — 00416, Laramie River; 60761-4, 60897-934, various localities in
Wyoming ; 61753, Salt Lake, Utah.

EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, HORNED LARK. o9

The question of tlie relatiouships of our various Larks is rather intricate, hut wo
probably have an approximately correct solution of the problem. It is certain, in the
first place, tijat our bird is identical with that of Euroi)e — there is no ground on which
TO base even varietal distiuctiou of the ordinary North American bird. By this is meant
those individuals from any part of the country that are extensively migratory, bred
far north, and dispersed at other seasous over most of the United States — certainly
over all the Eastern States, and apparently, also, to some distance along the Pacific
coast. Never continuously exposed to special modifying influences of climate or food,
these retain what may be regarded as the normal characters of the species. But in all
the open country of the West, from Iowa, AVisconsin, and Minnesota, the birds tiud con-
geuial breeding ground, and are stationary or nearly so. These birds become impressed
with a certain character, due to the special circumstances of environment, which may
be summed as paUor, corresponding in degree to the atmospheric dryness. It varies in
degree from a slight paleness matched by the palest eastern birds, to the maximum in
birds of the most arid regions. No specilic distinction, of course, can be predicated,
nor is it possible to assign a geographical distribution with strictness. In the South
the question is complicated by another consideration. Here latitude plays its part in
reduction of size, and in brightening the plumage again to an extent scarcely seen in
the eastern birds. The result is a bird so different from the ordinary style that it was
admitted as a species by Dr. Finsch, although he reduced the dozen or more current
species to five. I was particularly struck with the small size and bright color of the
Larks of New Mexico, where I found them in the breeding season ; and the same fea-
tures are found in the Mexican bird. It is, however, im^wssible to draw any dividing
line between them and the ordinary form.

In the Key. I followed Prof. Baird in recognizing only the small, bright southern
form, as var. dirysolwma of Wagler ; but I am now inclined to admit also the pale form to
varietal distinction. For this a new name appears to be requiretl. Alauda ?•»/« of Au-
dubon apparently included both, but poiuts unmistakably to the southern form, as does
also the Otovorys rnfa of Heermann, and Alauda minor of Giraud. The Otocuris occi-
dentalis of McC'all is based on New Mexican birds of the character above mentioned,
though the name, as used by Prof Baird in 1852 for the bird afterward figured as above
(P. R. R. Rep. x. 111. 32), is applicable to the var. leucoJama.

Var. leucolwma, Coues (No. 2745, coll. E. C, Fort Randall, Mar. 8, 1873). Not smaller
than typical alpvstris. Little or no yellow about the head or throat, and the black
markings narrow. Upper parts grayish-brown, with little or no jiinkish tinge ; the
feathers with only obsoletely darker centres.

East of the region above specified the Horned Lark is not kno^n to
breed iu the United States ; and the only record of its occurrence in
summer which I have seen, that given by Mr. Maynard, as above, most
probably indicates a highly exceptional instance. According to Mr. Mc-
llwraith, a few [)airs nest about namilton, Canada West. The great
majority of the eastern birds repair beyond the latitude of New Eng-
land, breeding plentifidly in Labrador and Newfoundland. 1 found them
very pleUhiful along the Labrador coast, and on all the rocky moss-clad
islands adjoining, where they find the situations in which they delight
to nest. Leaving these rugged and inhospitable shores, they enter the
United States in October, and by the following month are generally dis-
persed along the Atlantic as far at least as the Carolinas. They are now in
flocks, sometimes of great extent, and scour the open country in search
of food. Their return begins in Marcli, and is mostly completed by iho
end of that month, thougli stragglers remain in England through the
greater i)art of April. They have no song at this season, beyond the
sharp chirping notes with which the flocks call to each other.

The Horned Lark breeds about Pembina, and thence westward in the
same latitude. I am also informed that it nests in the vicinity of T\acine,
Wisconsin, laying sometimes in the middle of April, when the snow is
still on the ground. According to Mr. Trippe, it also breeds in Southern
Iowa, where it is abundant and nearl^s' resident, being absent only in the
depth of winter for a few weeks, and some remaining even then. It
nests there early in May, occasionally as late as the 25th. I scarcely
think that it e!idures the winters high on the Missouri. I did not see it
through that season at Fort Kandall, though it was common after Feb-
ruary. Further south, where I have observed it in the west, it is perma-

40 MOTACILLIDiE ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, TITLARK.

nently resident, though I presume that a part of the birds to be observed
in winter are those that have come from the north.

The nest of the Horned Lark is simply built of dried grasses, and is
phiced on the ground. Both sexes appear to share the duties of incu-
bation. The eggs are thiclily, minutely, and uniformly flecked with
light brown on a gray ground, 0.95 by 0.G2.

Family MOTACILLID^ : Wagtails.

ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, (Cxm.) Licht.
Titlark; Pipit; Wagtail,

Alauda hidoviciava, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 793.— Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, 1790, 494.

Anthus hidoviciaiius, LicuT., Verz. 1823, 37.— Bp., List, 1838, 18 ; Cousp. i. 1850, 249.— AuD.,
Syu. 1839, 94 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 40, pi. 50.— Giiiaud, B. L. I. 1844, 94.— Scl., P.
Z. S. 185G, 296 (Cordova).— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 9 (Guatemala).— Bd., B. N.
A. 1858, 232 ; Rev. 1864, 1.^,3.— Jones, Nat. in Bermuda, 1859, 29.— Coor. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 176.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, 220 (Labra-
dor, breediug) ; 1866, 67 (Arizona). — Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 6 (Greenland). —
Blackiston, Ibis, iv, 1862, 4 (Saskatchewan).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Allex,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 494 (Iowa).— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869,
277 (Alaska).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 674.—
Cooi'., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75; B. Cal. i, 1870, 78.— Thippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi,
1871, 115 (Minnesota).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 267; iii, 1872, 161, 175
(breedino; in mountains of Colorado). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (the
same).— Trippe, ibid, xv, 1872, 234 (Iowa).— Coues, Key, 1872, 90, fig. 34.—
Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 4. — And of recent authors.

Alauda rubra, Gm., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 794.

Anthus rebcii.1, Merr., "Ersch Grub. Eucycl."

Alanda 'pcnnsuhanica, Briss., Orn. iii, 1760, 356 (or 413).

Anthus 2)<^'uiis!ilvanicus, "Zander, J. f. O. 1853, extrah. i, 1854, 63;" Naum. iv, 13.

Alauda rufa, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1872, 89, pi. 42, f. 4.

Anthus spiiwktta, Bp., Syn. 1828, 90.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 450.— Aud., 0. B. i, 1832, 408.

Antlius aquaticus, Sw. & RiciL, F. B. A. ii, 1831, 23, pi. 44.— Aud., 0. B. i, 1832, pi. 10.

Anthus pipiens, Aud., O. B. i, 1832, 408, pi. 80.— Bp., List, 1838, 18.

Anthus reinhardtii, "Holboll, Fn. Green. 1846, 25."

Anthus "hijpogaus, Bp., Compt. Rend, xxxviii, 1856, 65."

Hal). — The whole of North America. Mexico. Guatemala. Bermuda. Greenland.
Accidental in Europe {Ilartinr), Br. Birds, 1872, 109).

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Lieutenant WidTen's Expedition. — 1844, Black Hills.

Later Expeditions.— Q>OmO, Henry's Fork ; 60681, Uintah Mountains ; 62298, Snake
Uiver.

No birds of this country are more extensively dispersed over the con-
tinent, more regular in their times of appearance in the United States
or in their departure for the North. Until very recently we had not, to
my knowledge, a single authentic instance of its breeding in the United
States, although, as I have elsewhere surmised (Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 18G8,
2G8), it may do so in Northern New England. It enters the United
States in flocks in September, and becomes thoroughly dispersed as the
autumn advances ; some pushing to Florida, the Gulf coast, Texas, and
Mexico ; others wintering as high as the Middle States. I have found
it during part of the winter even on the Upper Missouri, with Shore
Larks and Snow Buutings. Its vernal migration begins in March at the
South, and by the end of the following month the species has mostly
pjissed beyond our limits, though a few loiterers may be sometimes found
in May. But precisely as the Shore Lark breeds in the West far south
of its Eastern breediug range, so does the Titlark find in the most ele-
vated points of land in the West the necessary conditions of reproduc-

ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, TITLARK. 41

tion. Although Mr. Allen did not actually find the nest, there is no
question of his having determined that the bird breeds in the mountains
of Colorado, for he found young scarcely able to fly, July 20, 1871, on
Mount Lincoln, Park Couuty, Colorado, amoug the snow-fields above
timber-line ; while he also observed the bird in the Wahsatch Mountains,
"probably breeding, above timber-line." These are important observa-
tions, not only as lirst authenticating the breeding of the species in the
United States, but as affording a striking illustration of how perfectly
complementary to each other are increase of latitude and elevation of
land in much that pertains to the distribution of plants aud animals.
In its summer distribution to the northward, the bird reaches the Arctic
coast, and is also found in Greenland.

Of the general habits of the Titlark during the winter, there is no oc-
casion to enlarge. Its thoroughly gregarious disposition ; its eminently
terrestrial habits ; the variety of its food, both animal and vegetable ;
its timidity, yet its lack of caution ; its buoyant, desultory flight; glid-
ing, tremulous gait, accompanied with vibration of the tail, aud its quer-
ulous voice, are all well known. But with its habits in summer, and
particularly Its nesting, we are not so familiar. Audubon is one of the
few authors who has given us information on this score. He "found it
breeding abundantly on the Labrador coast, on moss-covered rocks, as
well as in the deep valleys, but never at any great distance from the sea.
The nests were usually placed at the foot of a wall of the rocks, buried
in the dark mould, and beautifully formed of fine bent grass, arranged in
a circular manner, without any hair or other lining. Both birds incu-
bate, sitting so closely, that on several occasions I almost put my foot
upon them before they flew. The first nest that I found was on the 2Dth
of June, when the thermometer ranged from 51° to 51°. The eggs were
six in number, five-eighths of an inch long and six and one-quarter
twelfths in breadth, being rather elongated, though rounded at both
ends ; their ground color of a deep reddish-chestnut or reddish-brown,
considerably darkened by numerous dots of a deeper reddish-brown and
lines of vaiious sizes, especially toward the large end."

Although I have myself seen Titlarks everywhere I have been, I
never found anj^ breeding except in Labrador, as stated in the above
reference. It was there the njost numerous of the land birds, excepting
l)erhaps the White-crowned Sparrow, frequenting 0[)eu, bare and ex-
posed localities, often on the rocky and barren islands, almost unten-
anted by other species. Here, as elsewhere in maritime localities, the
biids are fond of resorting to the sea-shore at low tide, there to ra.mble
in quest of food on the mud and sea-wrack in company with Sand-
pipers, and not distantly resembling these birds in their manners. Two
nests 1 obtaitied in July were both placed in a cavity in t!ie ground,
about as huge as a child's head, on the side of a steep rocky chasm. A
flooring of dried grass had been introduced to keep the nest Iroin the
wet; the nests "were built upon this, of coarse dried grass loosely ar-
ranged, and without lining; the exterior diameter was about six inches,
the interior thiee inches, with a depth of two inches. One nest con-
tained Ave, the other lour, eggs, averaging thirteen-sixteenths of an inch
long, by nin«; and one-haU sixteenths broad: of a dark ehocohite eoU)r,
indistin(;tly marked with numerous small spots and streaks of blackish.
The parents do not leave the nest until nearly trodden on, then the one
that is incubating flutters up with loud cries of distress that soon bring
the mate, and the pair hover anxiously over head, at times ai)proaching
within a few feet, or even alighting close by, all the while (Mying out in
the most beseeching aud plaintive manner. I saw no attemi)t to deceive

42 NEOCORYS SPEAGUEI, SKYLARK.

by feigning lameness, but tbe birds often follow one wbo bas disturbed
them for some distance. On sucb occasions several pairs nesting near
each otlier are often aroused, and join their cries with those of the
aliiicted parents.

^^EOCORYS SPRAGUEI, (And.) Scl.

Missouri Skylark.

AJaucla spragnei, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 335, pi. 488.

Aqrodoma spraguei. Bd., Stanbury's Rep. 1852, 329.— Bp., C. Rend, xxxviii, 1856, 65.

Ncocortia .spragiici, Scl., Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 5.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 234.— Black., Ibis,

18()2, 4.-COUES, Key, 1872, 91.
Anthus fiprac/uei, Bd., Rev. 1864, 155.
Olocoris sprangeri, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 246.

Mai. — Region of tbe Upper Missouri and Sasketchewau. East to the Red River.

This species is one of the very few characteristic birds of the region
particularly treated of in the present work ; in fact, it seems chiefly
confined to the Upper Missouri. It is still extremely rare in collections ;
the type specimen, taken by Audubon at Fort Union, June 19, 1843,
long remained unique, and to the present day I have seen but one other,
taken by Captain Blackiston on the Sasketchewau (where he found the
species not uncommon), and now in the Smithsonian collection, where
the type is also preserved. But since, according to Audubon's account,
the bird appears to be abundant, I rest in hopes of seeing it alive before
1 leave the Missouri. The original describer says that the nest is sunken
in the ground, built entirely of fine grasses, circularly arranged, with-
out lining; and that the eggs are usually four or five in uuinber, seven-
eighths long by five-eighths broad, dotted minutely all over, so as to bo
of a general purplish-gray hue. He found young in small loose Hocks
of eig'ht to a dozen, before he left Fort Union, on the 10th of August.
He represents manners apparently much in accordance with those as-
cribed to the Euroi)ean Skylark: ''On several occasions my friend, EtS-
ward Harris, sought for these birds on the ground, deceived by the
sound of th(^ir music, appearing as if issuing from the prairies, which
they constantly inhabit; and after having traveled to many distant
places on the prairie, we at last looked upward, and there saw several
of these beautiful creatures singing in a continuous manner, aiul soaring
at such an elevation as to render them more or less difficult to discover
with the eye, and at times some of them actually disappearing from our
sight in tiie clear thin air of that country. On the ground they run
prettily, sometimes squatting to observe the movements of the intruder,
and at times erecting their body fronting the pursuer. * * * * On
first rising from the ground they fly in so deep and undulating a manner
as to almost preclude their being shot on the wing ; and this they con-
tinue to do, forming circles increasing in extent until about one hundred
yards high, when they begin to sing, and continue to do so for fifteen or
twenty minutes at a time, and then suddenly closing their wings, they
glide "to the prairie. * * * * Sometimes when rising from the
ground, as if abont to sing, for some forty or filty yards, they suddenly
pitch downward, alight, and run or squat, as already mentioned."

Xovemhcr, 1873. — Since I penned the foregoing, at Fort Randall, last
year, my wishes have been gratified in the most satisfactory manner ;
for during my connection, the past summer, with the Northern Bound-
ary Commission, to results of which I may be permitted to refer in this
connection, I became jicrfectly familiar with the Missouri Skylark. It is
one of the most abundant and characteristic birds of all the region

NEOCORYS SPRAGUEI, SKYLARK. 43

along the forty-uinth parallel of latitude, from just west of the Pembina
Mountains to as far as the survey progressed this year — about four hun-
dred miles ; I had no difiiculty in taking as many specimens as I desired.
They were particularly numerous at various points along the Souris or
Mouse Eiver, where, during our marches or while we were encamped,
they were almost continually hovering about us. The first one that I
shot, early in July, was a young of the year, but full grown ; and as I
found nestlings a month later, probably two broods are reared each sea-
son. The ordinary straightforward liight of the bird is performed with
a regular rising and falling, like that of the Titlark; but its course,
when startled from the ground, is exceedingly rapid and wayward ; at
such times, after the first alarm, they are wont to hover around in a de-
sultory manner for a considerable time, and then pitch suddenly down
to the ground, often near where they rose. Under these circumstances
they have a lisping, querulous note. But these common traits have
nothing to do with the wonderful soaring action, and the inimitable,
matchless song of the birds during the breeding season — it is no wonder
Audubon grew enthusiastic in describing it. Kising from the nest, or
from its grassj^ bed, this plain-looking little bird, clad in the simplest
colors, and making but a speck in the boundless expanse, mounts straight
up, on tremulous wings, till lost to view in the blue ether, and then sends
back to earth a song of gladness that seems to come from the sky itself,
to cheer the weary, give hope to the disheartened, and turn the most in-
different, for the moment at least, from sordid thoughts. No other bird-
music heard in our land compares with the wonderful strains of this
songster ; there is something not of earth in the melody, coming from
above, yet from no visible source. The notes are simply indescribable;
but once heard they can never be forgotten. Their volume and penetra-
tion are truly wonderful ; they are neither loud nor strong, yet the whole
air seems filled with the tender strains, and delightful melody continues
long unbroken. The song is only heard for a brief period in the sum-
mer, ceasing when the inspiration of the love season is over, and it is
only uttered when the birds are soaring.

It is not a little singular that the Skylark should have so long contin-
ued to be rare in collections, since it is very abundant in the exten-
sive region which it inhabits. In August, after all the broods are on
wing, and through September, I have seen it in considerable iiocks ; and
often, when riding along the prairie road, numbers would fly up on my
approach, from the ruts ahead, where they were feeding, to settle again
at a little distance further on. These wheel-tracks, where the grass was
worn away, seemed to be their favorite resorts, where they could run
with the greatest ease, and perhaps gather food less easily discovered
in the thick grass. They tripped along the tracks with swift and dainty
steps, never hopping, and continually vibrated the tail. Just like our
common Titlark. They were usually associated at such times with num-
bers of Chestnut-colored Lark-buntings, which seemed to fancy the same
places, and with a few of Bairil's Buntings. These were the only circum-
stances under which the Larks could be procured without the great
quickness and dexterity required to take them on the wing; for the mo-
ment they alight in the grass of the prairie, be it scanty or oidy a few
inches high, they are lost to view, their speckled-gray colors blending
completely with the herbage.

Ou n)akiug a camp at Turtle Mountain, a pair of Larks rose from the
si)ot where my tent was to Ix' jjitehed, and cireled about in such evident
aiul painful agitation, that 1 knew they had a nest somewhere near by.
1 ^Yatciled them for a long while, but they would not re-alight to give

44 NEOCORYS SPRAGUEI, SKYLARK.

me any clue to its whereabouts; and though I made careful search
for the nest at intervals for several days, during^ which time I fre-
quently saw the same pair, I was unsuccessful. No nests are harder to
tind than those of prairie birds, for there is nothing to guide one, and
they are not often discovered except by accident, such as stumbling on
one and scaring off the parent. But at length, a few days afterward, in
finally renewing a particularly thorough search, a little bird, just able
to liutter a few feet, was seen and caught, and in a few moments the
rest of the family, sitting a few feet apart, were also secured — four in
all. They had just left the nest, and yet I could not find it, though a
perfectly bare depression of the ground, covered with droppings, just
where the birds were, may have been their temporary resting place.
My friend, Mr. Allen, was more fortunate on the Yellowstone Expedition
which he accompanied the same season, and he obligingly gives me the
following account:

"The only nest we found was placed on the ground, and neatly formed
of dry fine grass. It was thinly arched over with the same material,
and being built in a tuft of rank grass, was most thoroughly concealed.
The bird would seem to be a close setter, as in this case the female re-
mained on the nest till I actually stepped over it, she brushing against
my feet as she went off. The eggs were five in number, rather long and
pointed, measuring about 0.90 by O.GO inches, of a grayish-white color,
thickly and minutely flecked with darker, giving them a decidedly pur-
plish tint."

I saw no Skylarks after about the middle of September, and their
numbers sensibly diminished after August. I am entirely ignorant of
their winter resorts ; we may presume that they scatter over the prairies
to the south of their breeding range, but no one appears to have ob-
served them at any other season. Yet the case is not more remarkable
than that of Baird's Bunting, which nobody found until last year.
These two s[)ecies are so intimately associated during the breeding sea-
son, and have so many characteristics in common, that it would not be
surprising if they migrated much together. Before the Larks leave
Northern Dakota — if they really do forsake it — they go into moult, and
during this period they are very quiet and inconspicuous, keeping hid-
den for the most part in the grass, whence they are only flushed by
accident, rising with apparent reluctance to settle again soon. They are
now scattered over the prairie, mixed with Savanna Sparrows, Baird's,
and other Buntings of the same region.

As this bird is very little known, the following descriptions, prepared
upon examination of over fifty specimens, may be given ; that of the
young bird, and of the fall plumage, differing materially from the adult,
have remained hitherto entirely unknown:

Adult, ill hreedinq season : Eye black. Bill above blackish, below pale flesh color, like
the feet. Above dark browu, everywhere vavier^ated with pale gray streaks, constitut-
ing the e<li.';iugs of the featlua's, in largest pattern on the niiiklle of the back, smallest
on the hind neclc. Below dull whitish, Avith a more or less evident wash of light
brown acrt)ss the breast and along the sides ; the breast sharply streaked, the sides less
distinctly so, with a few small sparse blackish-brown marks ; a more or less evident
series of maxillary streaks. Quills dark grayish-brown ; the inner ones and the wing-
coverts edged with grayish-white, corresponding with tlie iiattern of the back. Mid-
dle pair of tail-feathers like the back ; next two or three pairs blackish ; the outer two
pairs mostly or wholly pure white, and the third pair from the outside usually touched
with white near the end.

With the reduction of the gray edgings of the feathers of the upper parts, due to
•wearing away during the summer, the bird becomes darker abOve, with narrower and
sharper variegation, and the pectoral streaks are fainter. After the fall moult the col-
ors again become pure, the streaking of the upper parts is strong and sharp, and the
whole under parts acquire much of a ruddy-brown shade.

SYLVICOLIDiE — MNIOTILTA VARIA, CREEPING WARBLER. 45

Young : Edgiugs of the feathers of the upper parts having a huffy cast, giving a
richer complexion to the phimage. Feathers of the back anil scapulars having pure
■white edging, forming conspicuous semicircular markings. Greater coverts and long
inner secondaries broadly tipped with white, and outer wing-feathers edged and tip])ed
with white or bufly. Ear-coverts buffy-brown, forming a more conspicuous patch than
in the adult. Under parts strongly tinged, except on throat and middle of belly, with
bufty-brown, the pectoral and lateral streaks numerous, large, and suffused.

The sexes are indistinguishable, though the male may average a little larger than
the female. The bill is slender and weak, compressed aud acute, with the culmen con-
cave uear the base, aud the uostrils quite large, covered with a raised scale. Hiud
claw remarkably lengthened, little curved, very slender and acute, usually somewhat
exceeding its digit in length, but very variable, as is generally the case with such un-
usual developments.

Length 6.2.5 to 7.00, but rarely over 6.75. Extent 10.00 to 11.00, rarely more, in one
instance 11.50, generally about'l0..50. Wing ,3.00 to 3.30. Tail about 2.33. Bill about
0.50 along culmen. Tarsus in front 0.80 to 0.90. Hiud toe and claw 0.80 to 1.00.

■ Family SYLVICOLIDiE : American Warblers.

MNIOTILTA VAEIA, (Linn.) Yieill.

Black-annl-white Creeping Warbler.

MotaciUa varia, LiNN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 333.

Certhia varia, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1S07, 69.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 452, pi. 90.

Mniotilta varia, Vieill., Anal. 1816, aud Gal. Ois. i, 1834, 276, pi. 169.— Bp., List, 1838,

11.- Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 105, pi. 114.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 69.— Scl.,

P. Z. S. 1856, 140.— Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 235, and Rev. 1864, 167.— Lawr., Ann.

Lye. viii, 1865, 175 (New Granada).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 135 (Veragua).— Sgl.

& Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Lawji., Ann.

Lye. ix, 1868, 93 (Costa Rica).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175.— Scott, Pr.

Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia).— CouES, Key, 1872, 92, fig. 35. —

Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 234 (Iowa).— Smow, B. Kaus. 1873, 4.— And of

all later writers.
Sylvia varia, Bp., Synopsis, 1828, 81.
Sylvicola varia, Rich., List, 1837.

Certhia maculata, WiLS., Am. Orn. ili, 1811, 22, pi. 19.
Mniotilta horealis, NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 704.
Mniotilta var. lonyirostris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, page xxxi. No. 167.

Hub. — Eastern North America. North to the fur countries in summer. South to
Mexico, Central America, and West Indies (uumerous quotations). West to Kansas and.
the Missouri "as high up as Fort Pierre at least" (Jlayden).

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4676-81, Lower Missouri.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones.

A species confined to the Eastern Province, reaching its western limit
on the confines of the Missonri region and in Arkansas. Its northern
limit is not exactly defined, unless it be represented by the latitude of
Fort Simpson. The extraliniital quotations to the southward are very
numerous and diversified, sliowing how generally the bird leaves the
United States in the fall ; still, a lew linger on our extreme border, as
shown by Mr. Allen's record of its not uncommon occurrence in Florida
throughout the winter (Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 2G7). Great numbers
enter the United States in March, and some even in February ; they
reach the middle districts in April, and soon become generally dispersed.
Contrary to the rule among our warblers, this bird has a breeding range
apparently coextensive with its North American range, which is tlie
more remarkable since it is truly a migratory species. Audubon men-
tions its breeding in Texas and Louisiana ; and others note the same all
along its range. There is some discrepancy in the statements of ob-
servers respecting its nidification. Audubon states that it breeds in
holes in trees, but such appears not to be its habit. Nuttall describes a

46 PARULA AMERICANA, BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER.

nest "niched in the shelvin,i>- of a rock, on the surface of the ground."
Dr. Brewer states, that so far as he knows, it always bniUls on the
gTouiid, and mentious a nest found in the drain of a house. The eggs
are described as being from three to seven in number, four and one- half
eighths to six-eighths long, by one-half an inch to nine-sixteenths broad ;
oval, nearly equal at both ends, white, speckled with brownish red and
purplish dots, chiedy at the larger end. A nest described by Dr. Drewer
was (composed externally of coarse hay, and compactly lined with horse-
hair; Mr. Nuttall's was of coarse strips of inner hemlock bark, mixed
with old leaves and grass, and lined with hair. Dr. Brewer's measured
three and one-half inches across outside, by one inch internal dei)th.

The home of this little bird is one often invaded by the Cow- bird ; on
several different occasions, of which I am informed, as many as three
or four of the alien eggs having been found in it. Its low situation
probably favors the Cow-bird in this respect. This Warbler surpasses
all others in the agility and ease with which it scrambles in every direc-
tion and in every attitude, up, down, and around the trunks or branches
of trees, its habits being as strongly pronounced as those of a Creeper
itself, and correspondingly different from those of its allies among the^
true Warblers. It is very abundant throughout the wooded portions of
the Eastern United States, and in spring is as noisy as it is active, con-
tinually uttering its queer, screeping song in the springtime, during its
busy search for insects.

PAEULA AMERICANA, (Linn.) Bp.

Blue Yellow-backed AVarbler.

Pa7-ns amcricauttn, Llnx., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 190.

Motacilla americaiia, Gm., Syst. Nut. i, 1788, 960.

SnJvla americana, Lath,, lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 520.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 78, pi. 15.

Syhkola amcrieaiia, Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 57, pi. 91.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 71

(l)rei'(ling in ludiiin Territory)-
FaruJa amencaiia, Br., Comp. ami Geog. List, 1838, 20.— GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 1.54.— Bd.,

B. N. A. 1858, 238; Rev. 1864, 169.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Lawk., Ann. Lye.

ix, 1869. 200 (Yucatan).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 267 (Florida, \viuter-

iug); iii, 1872, 124, 175.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Black Hills).— Scott,

ibid. (West Virginia, in summer).- CouES, Key, 1872, 92.— Tkippe, Pr. Bost.

Soc. XV, 1872,' 234 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 4.— And of late writers

generally.
Compsoilihjpis americana, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1850,20; J. f. 0. iii, 1855, 476.
Fimlnht fmhriciana, Bkiss., Oru. iii, 1760, 500, pi. 26.
Motacilla Judoviciana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 983.

Motacilla eqiies, BoDDiERT, Planches Eulnm., 1783, pi. 731, f. 1; pi. 709, f. 1.
Salvia torqitata, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 38, pi. 99.
Tlirijolhortis iofqiiatus, Stepii., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiv, 1826, 94.
Salvia pntiiUa, WiLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 17, pi. 28.
Sijlricola pmiUa, Sw., Zool. Jouru. iii, 1827, 169.

^o/).— Eastern North America. North to Nova Scotia. West to the Missouri, as far
at least as the Platte; to the Black Hills {Ailcn). Mexico (Xalapa, ScJ., P. Z. S. 1857,
202). South to Guatemala (Ibis, 1859, 10). West Indies (Cuba, Cah., J. f. O. iii, 476;
Santa Cruz, Xewt., Ibis, i, 143; St. Thomas, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 376; Jamaica,
Gossc, B. Jam. 154). Greenland {Uciiih., Ibis, 1861, 6). Winters from Southern Florida
southward.

Lieutenant Warrcn^s Expedition. — 4671, mouth of Platte.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, or by the later ones.

This elegant little species, one of the most prettily marked of the
whole group, withdraw^s almost entirely from the United States in win-
ter, though Mr. Allen has noted its occasional occurrence at that seasoa
in Florida, and proceeds as far south as Guatemala. On the vernal mi-
gration it reaches the Middle States late in April, and is very abundant
during the lirst half of the following month. The greater number pro-

PEOTONOTARIA CITRiE, PEOTHONOTARY WARBLER. 47

ceed furtber uortb, but some appear to breed all along tbe line, as I bavo
found it about Wasbingtou early in August, and Mr. Scott saw it in
West Virginia during tbe summer. We find it in orcbards wben tbe
fruit trees are blossoming, and in all sorts of woodland, but particularly
in bigh open forests, wbere it will be observed fluttering and skipping
with great activity in tbe terminal foliage. I never found its nest, and tbe
only one I bave examined was taken in Taunton, Massachusetts, early in
June. Tbis was an irregular mass of fine, light colored tree-moss, inex-
tricably matted, with a small deep cavity. The single egg in tbis nest
measured 0.70 by 0.57, and was white, finely sprinkled at the large end
with reddish dots, having also a few others scattered elsewhere.

The changes of plumage of tbis dainty little Warbler are great with
age, sex and season, and I once procured a curious partial albino, which
had the plumage irregulai-ly blotched with pure white.

PEOTOXOTAEIA CITR^A, (Bodd.) Bd.
Protlioiiotary Warbler.

MotaciUa dircea, Bodd., PI. Enl. 704, f. 2 (1783).

MutotiUa cHnva, Gkay, Genera of Birds.

Frotonoturia cUra-a, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 239 ; Eev. 1864. 173.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 65.— GuNDL., J. f. O. 1861, 324 (Cuba, rare).— Coues & Prext.,
Smiths. Rep. 1861, 406 (Wasbingtou, D. C, accidental).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 26.—
Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 21 (quotes "Calais, Me., Boardman, Verr. Pr. Bost.
Soc. ix, 234")- — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 107 (South Carolina, summer,
rare).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869 (straggler).— Lvft K., Ann. Lvc. ix, 1668, 94
(Costa Rica); 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Scl. & Saev., P. Z. S. 1870,^780 (Merida).—
Coues, Key, 1872, 93, fig. 36.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1872 (Neosho Falls, breeding).

Hclmintltopluifia cilra'a, Cab., J. 1'. O. 1861, 75 (Costa Rica).

MotaciUa pro(onotarU(s, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 972.

Sylvia 2iroto)iotarius, Lath., Intl. Orn. ii, 1790, 542. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 27,
pi. 83.- WiES., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 72, pi. 24, f. 3.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 86.— NuiT.,
Man. i, 1832, 410.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 22 ; v, 1839, 460; pi. 3.

Siilria {Damis) proionoiarius, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv, 1825, 196.

I'cnnivora prntouotavius, Bp., List, 1838, 21.— AVoodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 72 (Indian Ter-
ritory, breeding). — Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri).

Heliuaia pro uiiotarius, AuD., Syn. 1839, 67. — Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 89, pi. 106 (gis-es
Texas to Nova Scotia and Sasketchewan !).

Hclmiilirrns proionotarius, Bp., Cocsp. Av. 1850, 314.

CompHOthlijpiH prolonotarius, C.\1J., Mus. Heiu. i, 1850, 20.

Duh. — Eastern United States, southerly. North occasionally to Maryland aud Penn-
sylvania, aud even Maine. Ohio. Illinois. Kentucky. Kiinsas. Missouri. Cuba.
Costa Rica. Pauama. Merida.

This species was noticed by neither Expedition ; it only reaches the
lowermost Mis.souri. According to Dr. Woodbouse. it breeds in tbe In-
dian Territory, and it has also been found breeding at Neosho Falls,
Kansas, by Mr. B. Y. Goss, and at the Kiowa Agency by Dr. Palmer.
Tbe nest is built in tbe hole of a tree, oitenest a deserted Woodpecker's,
or even, as in the instance of a nest before me in tbe Smitb.souian, in a
mill-frame. It is a sligiit and inartistic affair, flat and little hollowed,
measuring about four inches across outside by scarcely over an inch in
depth. It is built of various coar.se librous strips, Moven in with a mat-
tinj^- of very tine mo.s.sy and downy substances, with some patches of
tur, api)arently from a rabbit ; the lining is chiefly of fine rootlets. It
contained live eggs, white, thickly spotted all over, but most heavily at
tbe larger end, with reddish and slaty-brown or neutral tint. An egg
of anotber .set from tbe Jviowa Agency is still more boldly blotched in
larger j)attern. Two specimens, selectetl as extremes, measure, respect-
ively, 0.70 by 0..^5 and O.OS by 0.."»S, the latter being remarkably rounchMl,
while the others are all al.so quite noticeably obtuse at tbe snmller end.

48 HELMITHEEUS VERMIVORUS, WORM-EATING WARBLER.
HELMITHERUS VERMIVORUS, (Gm.) Bp.
Worm-eating Warbler,

MoiacUla vcrmirora, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 9')!.

iSylvia rcnitivora, Lath., Iiul. Orn. ii, 1790, 499. — Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 74, pi. 24, fig.
4.— Br., Svn. 18-28, 86.— Nutt., M:iu. i, 1832, 409.— Auc, Orn. Biog. i, 18.32, 177 ;
V, 1839,460; pi. 34.

Sj/lvicoht rcrmirora, Rich., List in Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.

Hdiuaia rcrmicora, AuD., Syu. 1839, 66. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 88, pi. 105. — Lembeye,
Aves Cnbte, 1850, 35, pi. 6, f. 4. — Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 277.

Hchnifherus vermironts, Br., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 314.— Car., Mus. Hein. 1850,20. — Bd., B.
N. A. 1858. 252.— SCL.. P. Z. S. 1859, 363 (Xalapa).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 28.— ScL. &
Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 11 (Guatemala).— Cab., J. f. O. 1860, 329 (Costa Rica).—
GUNDL., .1. f. O. 1881, 326 (Cuba).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1800, No. 71.—
CouES &. Pr.ENT., Smitlis. Rep. 1801, 406 (Washington, D. C, May to Sept.).—
Veijh., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 157 (Maine).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 82
(Massachusetts, nesting, fide Peab., Rep. 1839, 312). — CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 270
(New England to Maine iu summer, rare). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 109
(South Caroliua, April to Oct.).— Bd., Rev. 1864, 179.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S.
1867, 135 (Veragua).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica); 1869,
200 (Yucatan).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16 (May to Sept., rather rare). —
SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc i, 1869, 546 (mountains of Orizaba, migratory). —
Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia).— Coues, Key, 1872,93,
fig. 37.— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 46 (Florida, wintering).

Hclmiihcrus migratorius, Raf., Journ. Phys. 1819, 417.— Hartl., R. Z. 1845, 342.

Yermivora pennsiiUamca, Bp., List, 1838, 20. — Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 150. — Hoy, Smiths.
Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri).

(?) Vermivora fidvicapilla, S\v., Birds, ii, 1837, 245.

Hob. — Eastern United States, regularly north to the Middle States, rarely to South-
ern New England, casually to Maine ; no record beyond. West to Missouri, Kansas,
and Indian Territory. In winter, Florida, West Indies, Central America, and South-
eastern Mexico.

Like the last, this species only reaches the lowest Missouri, and was not noticed by
either Expedition.

The Worin-eatiug Warbler is not one of our most abuudant species,
and is of southerly distribution, rarely entering New England, and not
being common north ot Virginia. I used to find it sparingly about
Washington, where it arrives early in May, and remains through most
of September. I noticed it most frequently iu the thickets and under-
growth along Rock Creek, where it may be observed at any time during
the summer. It is a sedate — rather a demure — little bird, without the
vivacity of most warblers. When startled from the dead leaves on the
ground, where it spends most of its time rambling, like the Golden-
crowned Thrush, it flies to a near low limb, and there often sits motion-
less, or hops listlessly about. The nest and eggs I have never seen.
Mr. Maynard describes the former as being built on the ground (large
for the size of the bird), and. composed of grasses, rootlets, and a few
dried leaves. The eggs, he says, are four iu number, spotted and dotted,
most thickly at the large end, with reddish-brown, and measuring 0.73
by 0.5G. They were discovered by Mr. J. H. Batty "on the eastern slope
of the Orange Mountains, in New Jersey. lie was collecting in the
woods, and had wandered into a small open space, when he observed
the bird sitting on the nest. At the first glance he mistook her for a
Golden-crowned Thrush, but upon approaching saw at once what she
was, and knew that he had secured a prize. The bird remained quiet
until he was quite near, and then ran rapidly away for some distance be-
fore she took flight. The nest was i)laced in a little depressiou on the
ground, and i)artly covered with dead leaves. Both birds came about
the place uttering a sharp chirp."

HELMINTHOPHAGA PINUS — H. CHRYSOPTERA. 49

HELMINTHOPHAGA PINUS, (Linn.) Bd.

Blue-wiiiged Tellow Warbler.

CertUa pinus, LiNX., Syst. Nat. \, 1766, 187.— Gm., ibid, i, 13th ed. 1788, 478.

Si/lria ])iintf!, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 537. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 44.

HdminthoplHuia pinus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 2.54 ; Rev. 1864, 174.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 291
(Cordova).- ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 11 (Guatemala).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 28. —
CouES & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861 (Washington, misratovy, rare). — Allex,
Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864 (Massachuseets, rare ; quotes Cab., Pr. Best. Soc. vi,
386).— CouES, ibid, y, 1868, 271 (Southern New England, very rare).— Ma yn.,
Guide, 1870, 100 (quotes Samuels, "flock at Dedham, Mass.").— Allex, Bull.
M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 124, 175 (Eastern Kansas).— Coues, Key, 1872, 94.— Sxow, B.
Kans. 1873, 4.

Sylvia solitaria, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 109, pi. 15.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 87.— Nutt., Man. i,
1S32, 410.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 102, pi. 20.

Sijlvicola solilaria, Rich., Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.

Vermivora soliiaria, Jai^dine's Ed. Wils. 1832. — Bp., List, 1838, 21. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
18.53,73 (abundant and breeding in Indian Territory). — Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864,
438 (Western Missouri).

Helinaia solitaria, Aud., Syn. 1839, 69. — Auc, B. Am. ii, 1841, 98, pi. 111.— PUTX., Pr.
Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 227 (Massachusetts).

Helmitlierus solitayiits, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315.

HelminthopluKja solitaria, Cah., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 20.— TuRXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16.
Eab. — Eastern United States. North rarely to Massachusetts, beyond which no

record. West to Kansas and Indian Territory. Eastern Mexico and Central America

(Cordova, Scl., P. Z. S. 18.56, 291 ; Guatemala, Sd., Ibis, i, 11). No West Indian record.
With a range nearly coincident with that of the last species, the present may be

mentioned in the same terms.

The Blne-wiuj?ed Yellow Warbler was found by Mr. Ridgway breed-
ing at Mount Carmel, Illinois, wliere a nest containing five eggs was
discovered May 8, 186G, on the ground in a bunch of shrubbery, in the
corner of a field. The nest was built chiefly of fibrous strips, most of
them broad and coarse, and lined with fine grass stems variously inter-
laced. The eggs, of the usual shape, aud measuring about ().G3 by 0.48,
are white, sparsely sprinkled, chiefly at the great end, with blackisli
dots, and a few others of lighter dirty brownish.

HELMINTHOPHAGA CHKYSOPTEEA, (Linn.) Cab.

Blue Golden-winged Warbler.

Motacilla clirijsoptera, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 333.

Sylvia dtrysoptcra. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii. 1790, p. — . — Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 113, pi. 15,.
f. 5.— Bp., Syn. 1628, 87.— BpI, Am. Orn. i, 1825, 12, pi. 1, f. 3 ( ? ).— Nutt., Man,
i, 1832, 411.-^Aui)., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 154, pi. — .

Sylricola dirysoptera, Rich., List, in Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.

I'crmivora diryxoptera, Bp., List, 1838, 21.

Hdinaia diryxopicra. Aid., Syn. 1839,67. — Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 91, pi. 107. — Purx., Pr.
Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 227.

Hdmitheros dmjsoptera, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315.— Scl., P. Z. S. 18.55, 143 (Bogota).

Md)nitho])ha(ja dirysoptira, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850,20; J. f. O. I860, 328 (Costa Rica). —
Bl>.', B. N. a. 1858, 255; Rev. 1864, 175.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Scl.
& Salv., Ibis, 1860, 397 (Guatemala).— Lawi:., Ann. Lye. N Y. vii, 181)1,293
(Panama).— GUNDL., J. f. O. 1861, 326 (Cuba, rare).— Coi'ES &. Pijent., Smitiis.
Rep. 1861, 406 (Wasliingtou, D. C., migiatory, rarw). — Allen, Pr Ess. In.st. iv,
1864, 82 (Massachusetts, very rare). — McIlwh., ibid, vi, 1866, 85 (Hamilton, two
specimens).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 135 ( Veragua). — Coues, Pr. Ess, Inst, v, 1868,
271. — Coues, I'r. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 106 (South Carolina, migratory). — Lawk.,
Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Co.sta Rica).— TuitXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16.— M.vv.n., Guide,
1870, 100 (Ma.'^sachu.sett.s, breeding). — Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in
West Virginia).- Coues, Key, 1872. 94, lig. 38.

Motadlla JiariJ'rons, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 976.

Sylria Jlavifroits, L.vth., Intl. Orn. ii, 1790, 527.

Ilab. — Eastern United States to New England and Canada West (to Nova Scotia,
Aitdiiboii). West to the lowermost Missouri. Winters in Central .America {rarioiis quo-
tations). Cuba.

Not noticed bj* either Exi^cditicu. It appears to bo everywhere uucommou.

4

50 HELMINTHOPIIAGA RUFICAPILLA, NASHVILLE WARBLER

An excellent and very acceptable account of the nesting and eggs of
tliis species has lately been given by Mr. Maynard, who discovered a
nest in West Newton, Massachusetts, June 12, 18G9. It was placed on
the ground, on a small [)iece of green moss, "i)artly overshadowed by
some ferns and rank weeds; but these must have grown after the nest
was built,'" so that there was no attempt at concealment. "The nest is
composed outwardly of large oak-leaves, of the previous year, and grape-
vine bark, and is lined, not very smoothly, with tine grass and a few
horse-hairs. It is large for the size of the bird, quite deep, and slightly
smaller at the top than in the middle. The whole vStructure is not nearly
as neat as would be expected for so small and elegant a bird, and re-
minds one strikingly of the nest of the Maryland Yellow-throat. The
dimensions are: Depth externally 3.15 inches, internally 2.20; diameter
internally in the middle 2.25, at the top 1.9U; diameter externally 3.50."
The eggs, four in number, measured 0.67 by 0.55, 0.66 by 0.55, 0.66 by
0.55, and 0.67 by 0.50. They were white, spotted and blotched with
reddish-brown, thickly at the larger end, where, in one example, the
spots formed an irregular wreath, more sparsely" elsewhere. There was
also a Cow-bird's egg in the nest. The yellow parts of the mother of
these eggs were nearly as in the male ; there was less white on the tail ;
the black of the throat and cheeks was replaced by slate; the back was
tinged with greenish, instead of being pure pearly gray ; and the under
parts were yellowish, not white. The writer remarks upon the partial-
ity of the species for swampy places, generally on the edges of woods.

Two nests in the Smithsonian from Racine, Wisconsin, taken by Dr.
P. E. Hoy, in June, without their outer wall of leaves, are built of fine
grasses, neatly bent and w^oven ; one is lined with w-hite horsehair, the
other not. An egg measures 0.68 by 0.49. A large bulky nest from
Georgia (Dr. Gerhardt) is chiefly composed of leaves, with fine fibrous
lining. An Ohio nest is essentially similar in all resi)ects ; it contained
two Cow-bird eggs. The eg^ is sparsely sjjrinkled all over, but more
thickly around the large end.

HELMINTHOPHAGA RUFICAPILLA, (Wils.) Bd.

Nashville Warbler.

Sylvia ruficapUla, Wils., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 120, pi. 27, f. 3.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832,
450, pi. H9.

Helminthophiu/a rufwapilla, Bd., B. N. A. IKB, 256 ; Rev. 18fi4, 175.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856,
2'Jl (Cordova) ; 1858, 298 (Oaxaca) ; 1859, 373 (Xalapa) ; Cat. 1862, 29.— Wheat.,
Ohio Agric. Rep. 18G0, No. 74.— Coues & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 406.—
BoAiiD.M., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 125 (Calais, Me., very rare) — Veijk., Pr. Ess.
lust, iii, 1862, 147 (Norway, Me., rnre).— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, .59
(Springfield, Mass., breeding). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 85 (Hamilton,
C. W., snmmer, common).- Coue.s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 18()8, 270. — Tuitxi'.., B. E.
Pa. 1869, 16— SiMicii., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, .546 (Orizaba).- Coop., B.Cal.
i, 1870, 82 (quotes Fort Tejon, Xantits, 1858, and Siena Nevada, near Lal:e
Taboe, Griihn; I8(i3, "many specimens").- Allkx, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 124,
175 (Kansas and Utah). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 99.— Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv,
1871 ; B. Fia. 1872. 63.— Coies, Key, 1872, 94.

Sylvia ruhricapiUa, Wil.s., Gen. Index to Am. Orn. vi. 1812, 15.— Bi>., Journ. Phila. Acad,
iv, 1825, 107, No. 159.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 87.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 412.

Sylvicola ( Vcrmirora) riihricapiUa, Sw. »S; Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 220, pi. 42, upper fig.
(Cumberland House).

Siilricola rnJ)ric<t]tilla, Run., Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.

Vcnnivom nibriiajiilla, Bp., List. 18:!>-', 21.— L xii., YiC ousk. Meddel. for 1853 (1854), 82
(Greenland).— Brew., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1856, 4 (breeding).

Hclinuia rnhricapiUu, Avix, Svn. 1839, 70. — Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 103, pi. 113. — PUTX.,
Pr. Ess. Inst. i. 1856, 227.

Hclmintha-ux ruhricainlla, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 315.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18t36, 291 (Cordova).—
ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 363 (Xalapa).

HELMIXTHOPHAGA YIRGIXLE, VIRGIXIA's WARBLER. 51

HehnintliopMga rubncapilla, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850, 20.— Scl., P.Z. S. 1858,298 (Oaxaca,

in Feb. aud Aug.)-
Mniotilta ruhricapiUa, Reixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 6 (Greenland).
SiiMa U'Kcogastra, Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 622.
^^ Sylvia nashviUei, Vieill. — Si/lvia mcxicana, Holboll."

Hah. — Temperate North America, but especially Eastern United States. North to
Canada, and to Cumberland House {Eichardsoii); casually to Greenhiud (Eeinhardt).
Breeds from Massachusetts northward. Numerous Mexican quotations, but none West
Indian nor Central American (?). West to Utah (Allen) and Calif ovnia {Cooper). "Co-
lumbia River" {Audubon).

Althoug'b this species, like most others of the same geuns. was not
observed by either of the Expeditions, its range includes the Missouri
region. It is by no means an exclusively Eastern species, as will be
seen by the foregoing citations, its range being more nearly coincident
with that of peregrina than of either pinus or chrysoptera.

The nest and eggs I have never found. The following account, given
by Mr. Allen, is selected from a number af our disposal. Referring to
Springfield, Massachusetts, he says: "Abundant in May and in the
early part of autumn. Arrives May 1st to oth, and for two or three
weeks is a common inhabitant of the orchards and gardens, activ^ely
gleaning insects among the unfolding leaves aud blossoms of the fruit-
trees. Nearly all go north, but a few retire to the woods and breed.
During June, 1863, 1 frequently saw them in ray excursions in the woods,
often three or four males in an hour's walk. Its song so much resem-
bles that of the Chestnut-sided Warbler, that it might readily be mis-
taken. To this cause, aud to the difficulty of seeiug such small birds in
the dense summer foliage, is doubtless owing to the fact of its being- so
commonly overlooked by naturalists during the summer months, rather
than to its [supposed] extreme rarity in this latitude at that season. I
have found the nest of this species for two successive seasons, as follows :
May 31, 1862, containing four freshly laid eggs. The nest was placed on
the ground, and sunken so tliat the top of the nest was level with the
surface of the ground, and protected and completely concealed above by
the dead grass and weeds of the previous year. It was composed of
fine rootlets and dry grasses, lined with fine dried grass and a few horse-
hairs, and covered exteriorly with a species of fine green moss. The
eggs were white, sprinkled with light reddish-brown specks, most thickly
near the larger end; longer dianieter 0.60, and the shorter 0.50. The
following year, June 5, 1863, 1 found another nest of this species within
three or four feet of where the one was discovered the previous year,
containing three eggs of this species and one of the Cow-bunting, in
all of which the embryos were far advanced. The nest, in every partic-
ular, was built and arranged like the one above described, and the ^^'^'^
must have been laid at just about the same time. * * * * r^^^^
locality of the nests was a nuissy l)auk at the edge of young woods,
sl()i)ing southward, and covered with bushes and coarse grass. Proba-
bly the male of the first nest, mating again, selected the same site for
the second nest ; and it may have been occupied for a longer time."

IIELMlNTHOl'llAGA VIRGINI.E, Bd.

Yirsiiiia's AVarbh'r.

HrJminthophafja virii'miir, I5n., B. N. A. 1h;0 (not 1H5H), p. xi, pi. 7!>, f. 1 (Canton Biu;;-
wyn,"N.M.'); Rev. l8ti.'>, 177,-C()rKs, Pr. Phila. Acad. I8i>l), 70 (I'ort Whipple,
Ariz.).— C<H)i'., B. Cal. i, 1870, 85.— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soc. 1872, 190 (Eastern
Colorado).— Coi-KS, Key, 1872, U4.

IJab. — Southern Rocky Mountain rej^iou.

52 HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

This species, of \3rl1ich until lately only two specimens were known,
from the localities above quoted, has more recently been found to be
al)undant in Nevada and IJtah, by JMr. llidijjway, and the present year
has been ascertained to breed in Eastern Colorado, by Mr. Aiken, who
found a nest with eggs. It was concealed on the ground, iu a depression,
like that of H. ruficapUJa. Mr. Ridgway's nest, taken June 9, 1807, at
Salt Lake City, is loosely composed of coarse fibrous and fine grassy
material ; it contains three eggs, which measure 0.08 iu length by 0.48
iu breadth, and are white, thickly sprinkled all over with purplish-brown
and lavender spots, tending to wreathe around the large end.

All the species of Helminthophafja occur within our limits, excepting
two — H. hachmanij an extremely rare species, from the South Atlantic
States and Cuba, and H. luciw, recently disc(|vered in Arizona.

HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, (Say) Bd.

Orange-crowned Warbler.

a. celata.

Si/lvia celata, Say, Long's Expeil. i, 1823, 169.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 4.5, pi. 5, fig. 2;
Syn. 1828, 38.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 413.— Aud., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 449, pi. 178.

Siilricola celata, Rich., List, 1837.

Vcrmh-ora celata, Bp., List, 1838, 21.

UcVinuia celata, AUD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 100, pi. 112.

Bchnitherufi celata, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315.

Eelminthophaqa celata, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 257; Rev. 1864, 176.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 298
(Oaxaca); 1859, 373; 1802, 19 (La Parada).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rej). 1859, x,
part vi, 40.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 178.— Ha yd.. Rep. 1362,
160.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1862, 19(Paia(la, Mex.).— Lord, Pr. Roy. Art. lust, iv, 1864,
115.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 68.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 60
(Massachusetts). — Lawr., Anu. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. viii, 1866, 284 (New
York).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, 107 (South Carolina).— Couks, Pr. Ess. lust.
V, 1868, 271 (New England).- Dall & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 278.—
Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad."l870, 75.— Coop., B. Cal. 83.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,
1871, 268 (Florida).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Utah; Kansas).—
Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 62.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (Colorado).— Stev.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Coues, Key, 1872, 95.

b. lutescens,
Helmiutlwphaga celata var. lutescens, RiDGW., Am. Jouru. Sci. 1872, 457.

Eah. — North America, at large, but chiefly the Middle and Western Provinces. North
to the Yukon and McKeuzie River regions. South to Oaxaca, Mex. Var. lutescens from
the Pacific region. (Some of the above quotations. belong here.)

Not obtained by Captain Rayuohls' Expedition.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4672, Bon Homme Island ; 4673, mouth of Big Sioux
River.

Later Expeditions. — 60698-9, Fort Bridger and Little Saudy; 60975, Green River.

A var. ohscnrus, without the concealed orange crown-patch, from the South Atlautic
States, lately described by Mr. Ridgway, seems scarcely entitled to recognition by name.

This species, first discovered in the Missouri region, was soon after-
ward noted by Nuttall from Florida, and Audubon subsequently ascribed
to it an extensive Eastern range. He says it is seen "iu the Southern
States, where it passes the winter, and while crossing the Union in early
si>ring on its way to those northeastern districts, where it breeds. It
leav(\s Louisiana, the Floridas and Carolinas, from the beginning to the
eud of April; is seen in the Middle States about the 10th of May, an<l
reaches the State of I\raine ami the British Provinces by the end of that
month. On its retain, besides settling iu the Southern States, it spreads
over the [)roviuces of Mexico, Irom whence individuals iu spring migrate
by the vast prairies, and along the shores of the western parts of the
Union, entering Canada in that direction in the first days of June * * *

HELMIXTHOPHAGA PEREGEINA, TENNESSEE WARBLER. 53

breeds in the eastern parts of Maine, and in the British Provinces of
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia." These data appear to have been lor
a time overlooked ; thus, in 1858, we find Prof. Baird assigning a range
only from the "Mississippi liiver to the Pacific." But the accuracy of
Audubon's extensive observations has been of late confirmed. Mr.
Allen records the bird as wintering in Florida, on Mr. Boardman's ex-
cellent authorit}^ and he found it himself at Springfield, Massachusetts,
May 15, 18G3. Still the bird appears to be more at home in the West;
along the Pacific coast we have advices from the Yukon to Cape St.
Lucas. In the interior of the Fur Countries, from Forts Eesolution and
Simpson ; southward to Mexico. It is a common species in most of the
Western Territories.

A. nest of the Orange-crowned Warbler taken June 12, 1860, by Mr.
Keunicott, at Fort Resolution, Great Slave Lake, was built on the
ground, inside of a bank, among open bushes, and was much hidden by
drj^ leaves. It contained five eggs. This nest is built outwardly of
fibrous strips of bark, interiorly of fine grasses, without other lining.
The eggs are very finely dotted all ovei — thickly about the larger end,
more sparsely elsewhere — with pale brown. They measure about
0.G7 by 0.50.

HELMINTHOPHAGA PEREGRINA, (Wlls.) Cab.

Tennessee Warbler.

Syhia peregrina, Wils., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 83, pi. 25, f. 2.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 87.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 412.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 307, pi. 154.

S^lvicola peri'ijrina, Rich., List, 1837.

Vermivora pcrefjrina, Bp., List, 1838.— HoY, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri).

HtUnaUi parciniia, Aud., Syu. 1839, 68; B. Am. ii, 1841, 90, pi. 110.

Hctmitheros peregrina, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315.

Hdminthophada peregrina, Cab., ]Miis. Heiii. i, 1850, 20; J. f. O. 1861, 85 (Costa Rica).—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 258; Rev. 1865, 178.— Veijh., Pr. Es.s. Inst, iii, 1862, 157.—
Allen, ihid. iv, 1864, 61.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 271. — Lawk., Ann. Lye. l.'"61,
322 (Panam.i); viii, 1866, 174 (Veragua); ibid. 284 (New York); ibid, ix, 1868,
94 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 135 (Veragua).- ScL., ihid. 1870, S'MS
(Honduras) —Mavx., Guide, 1870, 100; Pr. Best. Soc. xiv, 1871, —.—Coves,
Key, 1872, 95.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 5.

Salvia tennenHcci, Vieill., Eucy. ilctli. ii, 1823, 452.

(?) Sylvia missouriensis, Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 117.

Hah. — Eastern North America, to high latitudes. Breeds from the northern portions
of ^ew England northward, migratory elsewhere. South in winter to Central xVmerica.
Not obtained by any of tlie Expeditions.

The Tennessee Warbler ai)pears to be rather rare in the Eastern
United States, but more i>lentiful along its line of migration in the inte-
rior. I observed it in great numbers in Minnesota and Eastern Dakota,
late in May and early in June, Avhen it was moving along the Red River
of the North. Standing in tlie heavy timber near the bank ol the river,
I easily i)ro(;ured a dozen specimens in an hour, without moving liom
my tracks, as the birds came tluttering i)ast in the tree-t()[)s, almost in a
continuous band, as.sociating with several other Warblers and with small
Fly-cat<-hers. They were extremely active, skipping throiigli the foliage
and lluttering through the air, pursuing their insect prey, and utteiing
a sliiirp screei)ing note. I hax'c not myself observed the species further
west, but a specimen was taken high up on the Mis.souii by Mr. Bell, in
1843, as noticed in Prof. Baird's t arliei- work.

A nest of this species — or rather what appears to be only the inner
portion of a nest — was taken by ]\Ir. George r.arn.ston at .Miehipicoton,
Lake Superior, and contained two eggs. The .six'cimen consists entirely
of fine dried grass-stems, rather loosely interwoven.

54 DENDRCECA iESTIVA DENDRCECA VIRENS.

DENDllCECA ^ESTIVA, (Gm.) Bd. ]

Blue-eyed Yellow WarMer; Golden Warlnler; Summer Warbler.

MotadUa wsiiva, Gm., Syst. Nut. i, 1788, 996.

Sjjlria wsliva, Lath., lud. Oni. ii, 1790, 551.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 35, pi. 95.—

Aui)., Oni. Bioo-. i, 1831, 476, pi. 95.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 370.
Si/h-kola (vstiva, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 211.— Auu., B. Am. ii, 1841, 50, pi. 88.—

WooDii., Sit>,n-. Rep. 1853, 70.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.
BhhHam2)hus wstinis, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 311.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 141.
Dt'iidm'ca a'^ilim, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 282; Rev. 1865, 195.— Coues, Key, 1872, 97; and of

late wiiter-s.
Sylvia caroluicnsis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 551.
SijlviaJUira, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 31, pi. 81.
Si/lria ciirinella, Wils., Am. Oni ii, 1810, 111, pi. 15, f. 5.
Sylvia ckildrcM, AiJD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 180, pi. 35.
Sylvia rathboiiia, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 333, pi. 65.
"/.'// *ma«jj/uts citriuus, Rafinesque."

Hah. — Whole of North America, through Mexico and Central America into South
America. In the West Indies, represented by several insular forms, apparently not
specitically distinct.

List of speeiinens.

19204 17 Wind River.. ^ May 25, 1860 F. V. Hayden.. 4.50 7.75 2.50

Lieutenant Wanr)i\^ Expedition. — 5292-3, Foi't Lookout ; 5291, Little Cheyenne River;
5295, Blackfoot country; 4665, near Fort Lookout; 4660, Fort Pierre; 4656, White
River; 4662, Platte River ; 5642, Kansas; 5294, Powder River; 8825, Loup Fork ; 4658,
4C.()1, 4668-9, "Nebraska^'

Later Expeditions. — 59855, Colorado; 60427-32, Bitter Cottonwood and La Bout6
Creek; 60702-3, Fort Bridger and Green River , 61660, Utah.

DENDRCECA VIRENS, (Gm.) Bd.

Black-throjited Green WarWer,

Motacilla vircns, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 985.

Sylvia vireuH, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 537. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 33, pi. 92. —
Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 27, pi. 17, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 80.— Nutt., Man. i,
1832, 376.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 70, pi. 399.

Sylvicola rivens, Bp., List, 1838, 22.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 55.— AuD., B. A. ii, 1844, 42, pi. 84.—
Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 307. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 70 (Texas aud Indian
Territory).— Reixh., Vedeusk. Med. 1853,'72, 81 (Greeulaud).—HoY, Smiths.
Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 114 (Minnesota,
breediug).

EMmanplms virens, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1, 1850, 19; J. f. O. iii, 1855, 474 (Cuba). — ScL., P.
Z. S. 1856, 291 (Cordova).

Mniotilta virens, Gp.ay. — Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland).

Dindraca rivens, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 267; Rev. 1865, 182.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 11
(Guatemala).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 373 (Xalapaj ; Cat. 1862, £9.— Giixdl., J. f. O.
1861, 326 (Cuba).— Lawp.., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 293 (Panama) ; ix, 1868,
94 (Costa Rica). — Sumich., Mem. JBost. Soc. i, 1869, 546 (Vera Crn;;, "every-
where").— Coues, Key, 1872, 97, fig. 39; and of late writers generally.

(?) Sylvia montana, Wils., v, 113, pi. 44, f. 2 (Blue Mountains, Pa.). — Aud., Orn. Biog.
V, 294 (California).

(?) Sylvicola montana, Aud., B. Am. ii, 69, 98.

(f) Dendracea montana, Bd., B. Am. 279 ; Rev. 190 (most probably; possibly young of D.
car idea ; see CouES, Key, 1872, 105).

Hah. — Eastern North America to the Lower Missouii. Breeds froiii New England
northward, from New York aud higher portions of Pennsylvania {.Indahon, Tiirnbull).
Only migratory through most of the United States. Winters in Mexico, Central
America, and Cuba. Accidental in Greenland; also in Europe (Heligoland. Gadke,
Naum. 1858, 423).

lu the case of this and several other common birds of the same genus,
which were iiot iioticed by the Expeditious, 1 shall abridge the curreut

DENDECECA NIGEESCENS, BLACK-THEOATED GEAY WAEBLEE. 55

United States references which demonstrate the now well-known range.
I found this species common in i)ine-woods near Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire, in June, under circumstances leaving- no doubt that it was then
breeding; and in the District of Columbia it is very abundant in high,
open, mixed woods in May and September, associating with several of
its allies.

A nest of the Black-throated Green Warbler, containing three eggs,
was obtained by Mr. George Welch at Lynn, Massachusetts, it is
composed, first, of lino twigs in small bits, then of various soft, pliant,
fibrous substances, composing the bulk of the uest, and lined with fine
grasses and rootlets. The substance contains also a few feathers and
some downy material. The eggs measure 0.72 by 0.54, and are creamy-
white, rather coarsely spotted in a loose wreath around the large end
with dark brown and neutral tint shell-markings. This nest measured
a little over three inches across by nearly two in depth, and is rather
neatly and compactly finished. Another nest, from West Eoxbuiy,
Massachusetts, is smaller and deeper, as well as less regular in contour,
having apparently been placed in an oblique fork. The materials are
much the same, but there is a good deal of horse-hair circularly woven
inside. Tiie eggs are four, smaller than the first described (0.G7 by 0.50),
pure white, with finer speckling more generally distributed, though pre-
serving irs distinctively wreathed character. These eggs are sutiiciently
dissimilar to have been laid by a different species.

DENDEGECA NIGEESCENS, (Towns.) Bd.

Black-tliroatiHl Gray Warbler,

Siih-ia nif/rescens, Towns., Journ. Phil. Ac. vii, 1837, 191.— Aud., O. B. v, 1839, 57, pi. 395.

ViTiiiirora nir/resa-iis, Bp., List, 1858, 21. — Nurx., Mau. i, 1840, 471.

Siilricohi //(V/rcwcwA', AuD., Syu. 1839, GO ; B. A. ii, 1841, G2, pi. 94. — Bv., Cousp. i, 1850, 308.

J{liima>i])hii!i nifjrescens, Cab., Mus. Heiii. i, 1850, 20.

Mniodltd }ii(/nsrcns, Gi;ay, Genera of Birds.

Dendmca VNV/m«'*(s, Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 270; Eev. 1865, 186.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 298;
1859, 374 (Oaxaca); Cat. 18fv3, 30.— HiCEini., P. R. Rep. x, 18.'.9, pt. vi, 40.—
Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wasli. Tor. 1860, IHO.— Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 186G,
C9.— SUAIICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 18G9, 547 (Orizaba, rare).— Cool-., B. Cal. 1870,
90.— AiKKN, Pr. Bost. Soc. lt^72, 197 (Csaonido).- CoUES, Key, 1872, 98.

"Sylvia halsci, Gui., B. Tex. 1838, pi. 3 ( 5 )," (l^dater).

, JIab. — Rocky Mouutaius to the I'acitic, United States ; south through Mexico.

This s[)ecies has proven not to be so exclusively a Pacific coast one
as was fornuuly supposed. 1 found it conuuon in the pine-woods about
Fort Whipple, the latter i)art of A[)ril until toward October, and have
reason to believe that it breeds there; but it is much more plentiful
during its migrations. ]Mr. Aiken's Coloradoan record is the eastermnost
I have seen ; Dr. Ilayden did not meet with it, nor did Mr. Allen.

Other western Warblers remaining to be detected on the eastern
slopes an<l loot-hills of the Eocky ^biuntains, are />. occUJcntnlis and
toioisciidii, if not also l>. (jracid' ; but 1 have at present no authority
for including them in this work.

DENDEOECA CCEEULESCENS, (Linn.) Bd.

Dlack-tln'oatcd Blue Warbler.

MotaciUa ccrruleacetm, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 960.

Sijlcia cwntlcsrrii^, Latm., liid. Oni. ii, 17911, 5 JO.— ViKiu,., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 25, nl.
80.— D'Oimia., La Sayra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, G3, pi. 9, ligs. 1, 2 (Cuba).

56 DENDKGECA CCERULEA, C'fERULEAN WARBLER.

Dendrceca cocnilesceus, Bd., Rev. 18G5, 186. — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, No. 25;

(Jiiidc, 1870, 103; B. Fla. 1872, r,4.-C<)x;ics, Key, 1872, 98.
MotacUlu cauadeitHiH, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 17()(), 'X'XS iicf '.V.U.
Sylvia caiiddensiH, Lath., liid. Oni. ii, 171)0, .^>:>1). — Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 11.5, pi. 15,

f. 7.— Hi'., Syii. 1828, 84.— Ninx., Man. i, 18152, :ii>8.— Ai'D., Oni. Biog. ii, 18:34,

:{08, pis. 148, 1.55.— Saixk, P. Z. S. 1657, 2:U (St. Domingo).
SylvkoUi caitadriiHis, Sw.— Ricii., Rep. Brit. Assoc. 18:57.— Br., List, 18:?8, 2:5. — Auo., Syn.

1S:5'J, ()1.— Aui)., B. Am. ii, 1841, 0:5, pi. 95.— Woodii., Sitgr. Rup. 18.5:5, 71.—

IIoY, Smiths. Rep. 1804, 4:38 (xMissoiiri).— Tkipim;, Pi'. Ess. Inst, vi, 1811, 114

(Minnesota, brtn'cling).
MniolUtd (■(ni((dciisi.s, (Jkav, Genera of Birds.
lihiiiKiiipliHn caiiadoixis, Caii., .1. f O. iii, 18.55, 4^:5 (Cuba).
Dendrceca caitadcnsis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 271 ; and of many late \vrit(,'rs. — ScL., P. Z. S.

1801, 70 (Ja,niaica); Cat. 1802, :50.— Gundl., J. f.'O. 18(J1, :}20 (Cuba).
Sylvia pu>iUla, Wils., Am. Orn. v. 1812, 100, pi. 4:j, lig. 4 (young).
Sylvia leitroptrva, WiLS., Index, ii, 390.
Sylvia pahislrif!, Stkpii., Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 722.
Sylvia sphoniiosa, Br., Syn. 1828, 85. — Nutt., i, 1«:52, 406. — AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,

279 ( 9 iiii'I .young).
Sylvic<da intiniosa, Gosse, 13irds Jamaica, 1847, 102 ( 5 ).
Sylvia mucropus, Vikill., fide GitAY.

Hah. — Eastern North America to the Lower Missouri (to Upper Missouri, Jitduhon),-
Migratory in most of the United States. Breeds from N(!W England, and jjiobably
mountains of Middle States, northward. Wint(!rs on Key West, Florida {M<(yiiard),
and abundantly in various West Indian Islands. No Mexican nor Central American
quotations.

The United States range of this elegant si)ecies seems to be very
nearly coincident with that of the last, but its winter resorts are differ-
ent, as seen by the above citations. Andubon's <inotation of the head-
waters of the Missouri has not been verified by later observations, and
nuist be held for contirniation ; not impossibly, confusion with the some-
what similar I), nigrescent led to an erioneous record. Dr. Hayden did
not find it. In the Middle States, wiiere the species is migratory, I
used to find it common every spring and fall, during the migrations;
oftenest in low and tangled w«)ods, but also in open forest in company
with vlrcns and others. I am not aware of any s[)ecitied instances of
its breeding south of the Canadas and Northern New England ; but Mr.
Allen notices its recurrence in Massachusetts "in the breeding season,"
and Dr. Turnbull says a few remain to breed in his locality. Audubon
describes a nest from Oalifax, Nova Scotia, as being ])laced on ihe hori-
zontal bough of a tir, seven or eight feet from the ground, and comi)osed
of bark-slii)s, mosses, and tibrous roots, lined with tine grass and a warm
bed of feathers. Eggs four to five, rosy-white, sparsely sprinkled with
reddish-brown at the larger end.

DENDIItEOA CGERULEA, (Wils.) Bd.

Cceriilcan Warbler,

Sylvia comilea, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 141, pi. 17, f. 5.

Sylvicola cwnilca, Sw.— Rich., Rep. Bost. As.soc. 18:37.— Bp., List, 1838, 23.— AuD., Svn.
18:59, .50.- Ari)., B. Am. ii, 1841, 45, pi. 80.— Bp., Cons])? i, 1850, :508.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 185:5, 70 (Texas and Indian Territory, .•ibundant, breeding). — PuTN.,
Pi'. Ess. Inst, i, 1S50, 207 ("Massachusetts, summer visitant, rare;" a mis-
take).— IIov, Smiths. Rep. 1804, 4:38 (Missouri).

AInioliUa vocrnlca, Giiay, Genera of Birds.

Dcndvwca cwrntca, Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 280; Rev. 1865, 191.— ScL., Cat. 1862. 31.— Gundl.,
.1. f. O. 1801, :526 (Cuba, rave).— Lawk., Ann. Lye N. Y. 1861, :522 (Panama);
ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan).- CoUKS A: Pi;icnt., Smiths. Rep. ]8()1, 409 (Washing-
ton, 1). C, prol)ab]y). — VViiiCAT., Ohio Agric. Rep. If'tiO ((piite numerous al)()ut
Colund)us that year). — Ali.iox, I'r. Ess. Inst, iv, 1804, f.'j ((pu)tes PurxA:M).—
Mcli.wi;., ihid. v, 181)0, 8() (Hamilton, C. W., conniKJu May and .Jun(i ; may
breed). — C()UE.s, ihid. v, 1868, 274 (New l'"ng!nud; (piotes otheis). — Teiixn".,
B. E. Pa. 1869, 18 (" rare; " from May to end of August).— Ali.kn, Bull. M. C. Z.

DENDE(ECA COROXATA, YELLOW-RUMP WARBLER. 57

iii, 1872, 124 (Eastern Kansas, rather common).— CouES, Key, 1872, 99. — Scott,

Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 180

(Veragua).
Si/Ma rara, Wils., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 119, pi. 27, fig. 2. ( 9 or yonng).— Bp., Svn. 1828,

82.-NurT., i, 18.J2, 225.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 258, pi. 49.
Vermivora rara, Jaudine.
Sylvia azurea, Stkpii., Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 653.— Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 1828, pL 27;

Syn. 1828, 85.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 407.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 255, pis. 4o, 49.
Si/lv'ut hifasciata, Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mountains, 1823, 170.
Sylvia popnlornm, Vikill., Enc. Met. ii, 1823, 449.

Hah. — Eastern North America to the Lower Missouri ("Columbia River," Audubon).
North to Canada (to Nova Scotia, Audubon). Cuba (only West Indian recoi'd). South
in winter to Guati'niala, Panama, and New Granada (Bogota, ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 18).
No Mexican quotations (hut "entering the United States from Mexico, early in April"
(Audubon). Not in New England 1

It is (lifiQcult to trace out the distribution of the species ; its geograph-
ical record is confused, and many of the earlier citations have not been
verified of late. Tluis, Audubon says it iidiabits "the whole breadth of
our country," and that it was found on the Columbia by Mr. Townsend —
a statement not now generally credited. The same author's Nova Sco-
tian record has not lately been checked. There is some doubt that the
bird ever enters New England ; the various accounts seem traceable to
one source, which, Dr. Brewer writes me, has proven entirely mistaken.
Unequivocal evidence of its presence in Canada is given by Mr. Mcll-
wraith. It is certainly a rare species in the iMiddle States; Dr. Turn-
bull so gives it, and at the time Dr. Prentiss and I noticed the birds of
the District of Columbia, we had not seen it there, though 1 have in my
cabinet a specimen afterward taken by one of the local collectors. The
Mississippi Valley would ajjpear to be the principal United States resort.
j\Ir. liidgway says it is very abundant in IlUnois; Mr. Allen found it not
uncommon in tlie Lower Misseuri bottoms, and Dr. Woodhouse men-
tions its breeding in abui. dance in the Indian Territory. Eecurriiig
again to the perennial Audubon, we find him giving it as mimerous in
Louisiana, where he says he has seen tive or six in a single walk, in Au-
gust. He tiescribes the nidification as follows: "The nest is placed in
the forks of a low tree or bush, more irequently in a dogwood-tree. It
is partly pensile, projecting a little above the twigs to which it is at-
tached, and extending below them for n.early two inches. The fibres of
vines, and the stalks of rank herbaceous plants, together with slender
roots, comi)ose the outer part, being arranged in a ciritular numner.
The lining consists entirely of the dry fibres of the Spanish moss. Tlie
female lays four or five eggs, of a i)ure white color, with a few reddish
spots at the larger end."

DENDli(ECx\ CORONATA, (Linn.) Gray.

Yellow-ruinp Warbler.

MotarilJa coronafa, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17()(), 333.

Sylvia corniKtla, I.atu., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 538. — Vnciij.., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 24, pis.
7H, 79.— WII.S.. Am. Orn. li, 1^10, 13-i. pi. 17, f. 4; iv, 121, pi. 45, f. 3.— Nitt.,
Man. i, lKi2, 3()1.— Ari)., Orn. Biog. ii, ls:{4, 3(»3, pi. 1.53.

Syh-icola roronata, Sw. iV Hicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 21C>.— Aid., B. Am. ii. 1S43. 23. j)!. 71;. —
W<)<)i)n..Sitgr. lici). 1853,71.— llov, Smiths. Rep. 18l!4, 437 (. Missouri ).—MA.\iil.,
J. f. O. vi, 1858, 114.

Dcndraca cnronnia, iiu\\.— \U\, B. N. A. 1858, 272.— Mn., Rev. 18i)5, 187.— C()(tks, Key,
1M72, 99, lig. 41 ; and of lat(! writt^rs generally.- Il.wn., K'rp. 1S()2, KiO (to above
Port IMernO.- Coop. A- Srck., N. H. Wiisli." Ter. 1^.59. b"'7 ( Wasliingtnn Tcrri-
toiy).- Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, H9 M '.ilUbrniii. pn)l).iblv).— l>Ai.i, iV Bann., Tr.
Ciiic. Acad. H(i9, 278 (Yukon, bivcdin-)-— VlMMt., I'r. Host. Soc. ix. 1S{;-J, 1-J5
(Calais, Me., breeding). -Makcii, I'r. Phil. Acad. 18o3, 292(Januiica, breeding). —

58 DENDECECA AUDUBONII, AUDUBON'S WARBLER.

GrXDL., Cab. J. f. O. 1861, 326 (Cuba).— Jonks, Nat. in Bermufla, 59 (April).—
CoiTKS «.V Phknt., Sniitbs. Rep. for 1H61 (lHr)-2), 407 (Washington, D. C, win-
tering).—Tl'UNH., B. of E. Pa. an<l N. J. IHG'J, 17 (wiutering).— Bkyant, Pr.
Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Babanias, wintering).— .ScL., P. Z. S. 1870, 8:U! (Hondnras).—
Lawi!., Ann. Lye. ix, 1869, 94 (Costa Rica).— Aikkx, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196
(Colorado).
2IviotilUi coroiiala, Gi;ay.— Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland).
MoUtvUla viinadruHiH ct Parus virfihiianiin, Linn.
Motadlla iiinhria. ciiicta ct 2)iHf/uis, Gm.
Sijh-kt .r(()illioi>!j(jia, Vieill., Ois. x\m. Sept. ii, 1807, 47.
"Sjilria rniithoyoa, Vikill."

jff«&.— North America, excepting, so far as known, the Southwestern Territories. In
the northwest, across the continent, thence south along the Pacific coast to Washing-
ton Territory. Colorado (Ji/rra). Arctic coast. Greenland. Mexico, Central America,
and West Indies {viimcrotts quotations).

Li cute II a lit Warreirs Ej-pcditioii. — 4651, mouth of Platte; 4652, 4655, mouth of Ver-
milion ; 4654, mouth of Big Sioux ; .5300, Medicine Creek.
Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

The rather peculiar, as well as very extensive, distribution of this
species maybe gathered from the foregoing" references, selected from the
great number that have been recorded. The Pacific coast advices are
not so remarkable as they would ai)i)ear, did we not know that the
Eastern Province trends westward north of the United States, to Alaska,
where many characteristic Eastern birds were noticed by Mr. Dall and
Dr. Bannister. In view of this it is not surprising that individuals
straggle southward along that coast. But it is remarkable, that while
the bird's continental breeding range is not south of Northern New
England, it should also breed in the West Indies. Its wintering range
appears almost anomalous. While some individuals are at that season
in subtropical and tropical America, others are wintering in the Middle
States, if not also in Southern New England.

The Yellow-rump lays four to six eggs, measuring about 0.72 by 0.54
inches; they are white, spotted chiefly in a wreath abont the large end, but
also s[>aringly over the entire surface, with various shades of brown, none,
however, quite reddish, but some nearly blackish, and with numerous
other shell-markings of neutral tint. A nest from the Yukon (June 7)
is rather rudely built of weed-stalks, grass-stems, and rootlets, and
warmly lined throughout with feathers. Another from the Arctic coast,
east of Anderson Kiver, is entirely composed of soft vegetable libre, with
a few grass-stems for lining; it was built in a pine-tree, about six feet
from the ground. A third, from Nova Scotia, laid on the horizontal
fork of a tree, is composed chiefly of very slender, stiff rootlets and
similar hard stems, and is much flatter than either of the others.

DENDECECA AUDUBONII, (Towns.) Bd.

Audubon's Warbler.

Sylvia muhihoml, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad, vii, 1837, 190.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v. 1839,
52, pi. 395.

Sijhicola (iiidiiboiiii, Bp., List, 1838 21.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 52 ; B. Am. ii, 1826, pi. 77.—
NUTT., Man. 2d ed. i. 1840, 414.— Wooi>n., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 71.

Bendroecn (iiidiihoiiii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 273.— Kknn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 18.'>9, part iii, 24. —
IlKKUM., ibid, part iv, 39.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 181.— ScL.,
P. Z. S. 1858, 298 (Oaxaca) ; 1860, 250 (Orizaba); 1864, 172 (Mexico); Cat. A. B.
IHol, 30.— Scr.. & Sai.v., llns, 1860, 273 (Guatemala).— Havd., Re]). 1862, 160.—
CoUKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 69.- Coop., Ani. Nat. iii, 1869, 33; Pr. Cal.
Acad. 1870, 75; B. Cal. 1870, 88.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 463.—
Mi:i!R., ibid. 1872, 67. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (mountains of Colo-
rado, up to timber-line). — CoUES, Key, 1872, 100.

iTa?^.- Middle and Western Provinces, United States; East to Fort Laramie; South
to Guatemala. Northeru limit yet uudeliued.

DENDECECA BLACKBURNI^, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. 69

List of specimens.

19-202

23

19203

75.

19234

Wind River

Wind River Mts.
R.Buttes Platte..

May 29, 1860
Jnue 6, 18C0
May 12, 1860

F. V. Hayden
do

G. H. Trook..

5.25

9.50

3.00

5.50

9.25

2.75

5.75

9.25

3.25

Lieutenant Warren's Exjjedition. — 8826, Laramie Peak; probably about the eastern
limit of the species.
Later Expeditions. — 60701, Fort Bridger; 62345-6, Wyoming.

In most localities tlirougli its range, this species is as common as its
Eastern representative, D. coronata, with which it corresponds precisely
in habits.

The only nest of this species that I have seen is in the Smithsonian,
from Vancouver's Island, where it was secured by Mr. Hepburn. It is
built in the crotch formed by three forks of an oblique stem, and is ob-
liquely conical in shape to correspond. The exterior is rather coarse
fibrous strips of bark and weeds, variously intertwined; the main sub-
stance is of tine grasses and mosses, mixed with large feathers and
twine, and the interior is lined with an abundant deposit of horse-hair.

DEXDRCECA BLACKBURNI^, (Gm.) Bd.

Blacliburiiian Warbler.

Motacilla hlaclchitrniw, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 977.

Si/lL-iahlaclhurnia', Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 179U, 527.— Vieiix., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807,36,

pi. 90.— Wtls., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 64, pi. 23, f. 3.— Bp., ttyu. 1828, 80.— Nutt.,

Man. i, 1832, :379.— AuD., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 208; v, 1839, 73; pis. 135, 399.
Sjjhicola hlackhitrnia', Jamd., ed. Wils. 1832. — Rich., List, 1837. — Bp., List, 1838,22; Consp.

1850, 307.— Aui)., Syn. 1839, 57.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 48, pi. 87.— Hoy, Smiths.

Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).
Mniotilta hlaclchurniiv, Gkay, G. of B.
lUtimatqyinni hlackhnrnia; Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 19; J. f. O. 1860, 328 (Qosta Rica).—

SCL., P. Z. S. 1S55, 143 (Bogota) ; 1856, 130 ( Veragua).
Dendroica blachbimtia', Bix, B. N. A. 1858, 274; Rev. 1865, 189. -ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 363

(Xalapa); 1860, 64 (Ecuador); Cat. 1862, 30.— Sol. & «alv., Ibis, i, 1859, 11

(Guateuuila) ; P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— Bi:yaxt, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 18."j9

(Bahamas).-— Lawij., Ann. Lye. vii, 62 (Panama); ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica). —

SuMicn., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba, rare).— Mcli.wn., Pr. Ess. Inst.

vi, 1866, 85 (migratory at Hamilton, C. \V.). — Allex, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864,62

(chieliy migratory, but some breed in Massachusetts). — Ai.r.r.N, Bull. M. C. Z.

iii, 1872, 175 (Kansas and Utah). — CoiKS, Key, 1872, 100; aud of most late

writers.
Syh-ia 2)arus, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 114, pi. 44, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 82.— NfXT., i,

392.— Aun., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 205, pi. 134.
St/hicola parus, Aud., Syn. 1839, 55.— Aid., B. Am. ii, 1841, 40, pi. 83.- Emm., Cat. B.

Mass. 1835, 3.— Pkais., Rep. B. Mass. 1839, 310.— Lixsl., Cat. B. Conn., Am.

.Jonrn. Sci. xliv, 1843, 257.— Pi rx., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 226.
MniotiUa panix, Gi;av, Genera of Birds.
Iiliiniaiiii)hiin punm, Hp., Cous)). i, IdjO, :511.
Sylvia latrnilis, Sthpii., Shaw's Gen. Zoo), xii, 1817, 6.59.
^^{i) Alotacilhi vhrtisoecphala it incana" Gm., i, 1788, 971 and 976. — Also of Latua:\i aud

Vli:iLL()T.

"i^) Syh-ia viilanorhoa," Vieili.,, Nouv. Diet, xi, 1817, 180; Enc. Met. ii, 1823, 444.

//«?).- Eastern I'uited Statesand P.ritish provinces. West to Kansas and I'tah {.lllcii).
Breeds from Massachusetts northward, and apparently in the mountains of tlu^ Muldle
States. Winters in ilexico aud Central Auunica. Scarcely West Indian (liryaiit).

As is now well known, Wilson described the young of this species as
the "Hemlock Warbler,'' *S'. jxinis., in wliit-h he was Ibllowcd l)_v many
writers. Audubon magnilied the error by uniting wilh it the autiunnal
Warbler of Wilson, which is the young of the Baybicasted. liona-
paite did still worse, in putting the "Hemlock Warbler"' in a diti'ereut
genus.

60 DENDRffiCA STRIATA, BLACK-POLL WARBLER.

t

This species, famed for its delicacy of coloriug, is comiiiou along tbe
Atlantic States during the migrations, in high, open woods, associated
with vin'HS, aistanea, striata., and others. Not before quoted from be-
yond the mouth of the Missouri, its known range has lately been
extended to Utah. Audubon speaks of its occurrence in Nova Scotia,
Newfoundland, and Labrador, and on the Magdeleine Islands, describ-
ing a nest and eggs from the former locality.

DENDECECA STRIATA, (Forst.) Bd.

Black-poll Warbler,

Mitscicapa siriata, Fokst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383, 428.

MotacUla striata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 976.

Sylvia titriata, Lath., Iiid. Oru. li, 1790, ,527.— Vikill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 22, ])]8. 75,
70.— WiLS., Am. Oru. iv, 1811, 40, pi. 30, f. 3 ; vi, 1812, 101, pi. 54, f. 3.— Nutt.,
Mau. i, 1832, 383.— Aud., Oru. Bio«>-. ii, 1834, 201, pi. 133.

Sylvicola striata, Sav. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 218.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 28, pi. 78.—
WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 70.— Hoy, Smith. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).

MiiiotiJIa striata, Gray. — Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 6 (Greenland).

Jihimanphus striutus, Cab., Mns. Heiu. i, 1850, 20.

Detidroeca striata, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 280; Rev. 1864, 192.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,
220.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 161.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 278
(Alaska).— Sol. & Salt., P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— Coues, Key, 1872, 100,
iig. 42, and pi. 2, figs. 15, 16. — Also of all local lists of Eastern United States.

Dendroeca pinus! Coues, Pi\ Phila. Acad. 1861, 220 (error). (Labrador.)

Hab. — Eastern North America ; North to Arctic Ocean ; Northwest to Alaska ; West
to Nebraska. Greeulaud (Reinh., Veddensk. Meddel. 1854, 73 ; Ibis, iii, 1861, 6). Cuba
(Cai?., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 475 ; Gundl., ibid. 1861, 326). Bahamas (Bryaxt, Pr. Bost. Soc.
vii, 1859). Bogota (ScL., P. Z. S. 1855, 143). (?) Chili (Confer I), atricapilla, Landb.,
Wx-igm. Arch. M-l, 56; Scl., P. Z. S. 1867, 321).

Lieutenant JVurren's Expedition. — 4644-50, Nebraska.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Strongly marked as this species is in its complete dress, of either sex, as described m
the Key, p. 100, there is difficulty in identifying the young bird in the fall, when it
bears an exti'aordinary resemblance to the youug of the Bay-breasted Warbler. The
upper parts of the two are almost precisely alike, but there is, probably, always an ap-
preciable difference below. Young striata has a clear pale yellowish wash, if any, on
the white of the under parts, fading into pure white on the under tail-coverts at least,
aud usually has at least a few dusky streaks on the sides ; while the tinge of tiie un-
der parts of casianea is bufl'y or ochrey, especially observable ou the belly. Hanks and
under tail-coverts, just where striata is the whitest, and it has no dusky streaks ou the
sides.

In the extent of its migrations this species is surpassed by none of its allies, and
equalled by few, if any ; its dispersion will prove more extensive than that of any other
Warlder, should the D. atrieapitla be found identical, as it ])robably will. It is known
to breed beyond the [Jniled States, from Labrador to Fort Yukon, where its eggs were
procured by Mr. Kcnnicott. The southernmost breeding localities I have found quoted
are the Umbagog Lakes, and Calais, Maine ( Verrill and Boardman). It is very abun-
dant throughout the Eastern United States during the migrations, but appears to leave
the country altogether in the fall, wintering further south. Audubon's quotation,
"Columbia River," requires contirmatiou, but will most probably be proved correct ;
iu that event the case will apparently correspond to that of D. coronata.

Two nests of this species, from Great Slave Lake and Fort Yukon,
respectively, are entirely similar in material and structure. Both were
taken in June, one with four, the other with five eggs. They are built
of soft weedy material, bleached and gray, and withered almost to dis-
integration, mixed with grasses, iuid lined witli finer stems of the same.
The eggs are finely sprinkled with brown and neutral tint, chiefly in a
■wreath about the larger half of the egg., and have also a few larger
blackish spots and scrawls, very shar[)ly marked. The size is 0.70 by
O.o2. Two nests without eggs, taken by Dr. Brewer at Giaud Menan,
are quite different in api)earance and materialj as well as heavier and

DENDRCECA CASTANEA, BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. Gl

more compact. They are built chiefly- of moss, mixed with small twi^js,
weedy aud fibrous material, and rootlets ; but are liued, like the others,
eutirely with fiue grasses.

DENDECECA CASTAXEA, (Wils.) Bd.

Bay-breasted AVarbler.

Sylvia caaianea, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 97, pi. 14, f. 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 80.— Nutt.,

Man. i, 1832, 382.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 3.58, pi. 69.
Sylvicola casfaiiea, Rich., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838, 22 ; Consp. i, 1850, 308.— Aud., S.yn.

1839, .53.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 34, pi. 80.— Hov, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438

(Missouri).
Mniotilfa castanea, Gray, Genera of Birds.
Iihuna)q>hu8 castaneus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i. 18.50, 19.
Dendrocca castanea, Bd., B. N. A. 1858,276; Rev. 1865, 189.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859,

11 (Guatemala) ; Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 193 (Darien).— Lawh., Ann. Lye.

N. Y. 1861, 322 (Panama).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 103.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 101;

and of most late writers.
Syh-ia aiititmiiaUs, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 65, pi. 23, f. 3.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 390.—

Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 449, pi. 8fi.

Hah. — Eastern North America ; North to Hudson's Bay ; West to the Lower Missouri.
Breeds from Northern New England northward. Winters in Central America. Mi-
grant only in most parts of the United States. No Mexicau nor West Indian (^notations.

The earlier authors left the history of this species very incomi)lete,
haviug had, from some cause, little opportunity of becoming acquainted
with it ; nevertheless, it is a common bird of the Eastern United States.
I observed it every season when collecting about Washington, U. C,
and took a large number of specimens. It passes through the Middle
States in May and returns in September, being found during the whole
of these months, sometimes, particularly in the fall, in abundance. It
may be looked for in any woods, where the other species of the genus
stop to rest and feed during their journeys, and iu orchards — the last a
favorite resort of AYarblers of various kinds in the spring v.hen the ap-
ple, pear, peach, and cherry-trees are in blossom, the birds doubtless
being attracted by the diftereut minute insects that infest our fruit trees.
The breeding places of the Bay-breasted Warbler, not to mention its
nest and eggs, were for a long while unknown; latterly the desired in-
formation has been supplied. Mr. C. J. Maynard, a very good observer
and collecter, has published a satisfactory account. He took two nests
with eggs, June 8th, at Umbagog, where, he says, the species is the
most abundant of the Sylvicolida'. Both were placed on the horizontal
branch of a hemlock-tree, fifteen or twenty feet from the ground, and
seemed large for the size of the bird, resembling those of the Purple
Finch. They were built of fine, dead larch twigs, mixed in one instance
with long tree-moss, in the other with a few grass-stems, and smoothly
lined with black fibrous rootlets, some moss and rabbit's hair. Exter-
nal diameter five and one-half to six inches, internal two and one-half
to three; depth outside two and one half to three, the cavity one and
one fourth to one and one half ; they differed iu shape, the broader nest
being the shallower one. Oiu' contained three eggs, the other two; the
five ranged from 0.05 to 0.71 long, by 0.50 to 0.53 broad. The ground
color was bluish-green, more or less thickly speckled with brown all
over, the markings becoming (;onlluent, or nearly so, at or around the
larger eiul, where the brown was mixed with some lilac or umber
markings.

G2 DENDRCECA PENNSYLVANICA DENDECECA MACULOSA.

DENDKCECA PENNSYLVANICA, (Linn.) Bd.

Cliestinit-sided Warbler,

MotaciUa jKnin^ijlvanica, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, ITfifi, 333.

St/lvia jieniisiih-diiica, Lath., Ind. Oni. ii, 1790, 540.

IJendrccca jM-uDniiIcaiiica, Bd., B. N. A. 18.38, 279; Rev. 1865, 191.— Scl. «fe Salv., Ibi.s,
1859, 2i; 1860, 273 (Guatemala).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (HoiuUiras).— Salv.,
P. Z. S. 1867, 136(Veragua).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Co.staEica); 1869,
200 (Yucatan).— Havd., Rep. 1862, 161 (to 'month of Platte River).— Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872 (Leaveuwoitli, Kans.).— CouES, Key, 1872, 101, tig. 43;
and of all late local writers of Eastern United States.

Sylvia ictcroeephaJa, L.vTir., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 538. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1607. 31,
pi. 90.- WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1S08, 99, pi. 14, f. 5.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 306,
pi. 59.— NcTT., Man. i, 1832, 380.

SylvicoJa icferocephala, Aui>., B. Am. ii, 1841, 35, pi. 81 ; and of otber earlier writers. —
Hoy, Smiths*. Rep. 1864, 435 (Missouri).

Dev.drocca icterocephala, Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 363, 373 (Xalapa ; Oaxaca).

Unh. — Eastern United States; little if any beyond New England, where it breeds
abundantly. Ajypareutly retires altogether from the United States in winter, Baha-
mas (i>;//««0- Honduras (Sclatcr). Funama (Lawrence).

Liciifciiaiit WarreiCs Expedition. — 4670, mouth of Platte River.

Not obtained bj' Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

According to my experience, the Chestnut-sided Warbler is a very
common species of the Eastern United States, passing through in great
numbers during the migrations, where it is found in orchards and open
woods in companj^ with several other species. It is rather southerly in
distribution, apparently not passing much, if any, beyond the United
States, in the northern parts of which it breeds. It retires far south in
Avinter. The numerous nests in the Smithsonian collection agree in
being placed in an upright crotch, generally of several stems, and are
all more or less lengthened perpendicularly to lit such situations, with a
rather narrow but deep cavity. The twigs preserved with the nests are
all small, and in one case the nest was only a yard from the ground.
The exterior is a rather loo.sely woven mass of weedy, downy, and fibrous
substances ; the interior is more closely woven of fine grasses, with a
tolerably firm and even brim. Sometimes there is horse hair lining,
sometimes not. Xoue of the nests contain more than four eggs ; sev-
eral only three ; one is occupied alone by a Cow-bird's. The shell is
white; the markings are chiefly confined to the larger end, only rarely
a few dots being sprinkled over the whole surface, and they iorm, or
tend to form, in many cases, a wreath about the large end. The wreath
is sometimes close and heavy, consisting of confluent blotches, in other
instances is a circle of separate fine dots. The markings are of all
shades, from light reddish to various darker browns, mixed with neutral
tints. The size is about 0.G8 by 0.50.

DE:N"DRCECA maculosa, (Om.) Bd.

• Rlack-and-yellow Warbler.

Mofncilla marnloi^n, G^r., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 984.

Suhia uiaeiiluxa. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 536.— Vieill . Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, pi. 93. —

Aui)., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 260; ii, 1834, 145; v, 1839, 458; pi. 50, 123.— Nutt.,

Man. i, 1832, 370.
Syhicola r-^culosa. Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 213, pi. 40.— Aun., B. Am. ii, 1841, 65,

p. 9').— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 43-< (Missouri).
lihimanphiis viaculvuns. Caij., Mus. Hciu. 1851, 20.
Dendrccca maculosa, l'.i>., B. N. A. 18.38, 284; Rev. 1835, 206.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, .363,

373 (Xalapa).— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 11 (Gnatcmal;;).— Bhyant, Pr. Bost.

Soc. vii, 1859, p. — (Bahamas).- GiXDL., J. f. O. 18;)1. 326 (Cuba).— Lawi:.,

Ann. Lye. N. H. N. Y. 1861, 322 (Panama).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1862, 19 (Mexico).—

DENDECECA DISCOLOR, PEAIRIE WARBLER. G3

Mayn. — Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (Umbagog, breeding). — Coues, Key, 1872, 102,
fig. 44 ; and of all late local writers of Eastern United States.
Sylvia magnolia, Wils., Am. Orn. ill, 1811, 63, pi. 23, f. 3.

Sab. — Eastern North America ; in summer, New England to Hudson's Bay ; migratory
through the States; in winter, beyond the United States, as above quoted.
Lieutenant JVarren^s Expedition. — 4(i43,, month of Vermilion River.
Not obtained by Captain Rayu olds' Expedition.

Mr. C. J. Maynard lias given us an excellent accouut of the nest and
eggs of this species. A nest, taken the second week in June, 1870, at
Umbagog, " was placed on the forked branch of a low spruce, about
three feet from the ground, on a rising piece of land, leading from a
wood-path. The nest, which contained four eggs, was constructed of
dry grass, spruce twigs, roots, etc., and was lined with fine black roots,
the whole being a coarse structure for so dainty looking a Warbler.
The eggs were more spherical than any Warbler's I have ever seen.
The ground color is a creamy-white, blotched sparingly over with large
spots of lilac and umber." The dimensions of these eggs were : 0,G2 by
0;52, 0.61 by 0.52, 0.02 by 0.50, 0.63 by 0.52 (hundredths of the inch).
Another nest, taken June 8, 1871, was on a low hemlock, about four feet
from the ground. " It is composed outwardly of a few scattered dead
twigs of larch, interwoven with stalks of weeds and dry grass. It is
lined with black horse-hair; this dark lining formed a strange contrast
with the faded appearance of the outer i)art. The whole structure is
very light and airy in appearance, strongly reminding one of the nest of
D. pemisylvanica. Dimensions of the nest are : External diameter three
inches, internal diameter two, external depth one and three-fourths, in-
ternal depth one and one-fourth." The four eggs in the nest measured
0.65 by 0.50, 0.62 by 0.47, 0.64 by 0.46, 0.65 by 0.48. They were ashy-
white, blotched and clouded with brown and lilac, chiefly around and
about the larger end, and sparsely dotted with brown elsewhere 5 they
differed in the size and amount of the brown spottings. Two other
nests are also described, which, with their eggs, were similar to the
others in every essential respect.

DENDECECA DISCOLOR, (Vieill.) Bd.

Prairie AVarbler.

Sylvia discolor, Vn:iLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 37, pi. 98.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 83.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, "294" (by error for 394).— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 76, pi. 14.—
Lemij., Aves Cubae, 1850, 32, pi. 0, f. 2.

Sylvicola discolor, Jakd., ed. Wils., 1832.— Rich., List, 1837.— Bi'., List, 1838.— AuD.,
Syn. 1839.— Aui)., B. Am. ii, 1841, 68, pi. 97.— Gossk, B. Jam. 1847, lij9.

MniotiUa discolor, Guay, Genera of Birds.

Iiliiman})hnH discolor, Ca15., J. f. O. iii, 1855. 474 (Cuba, winter).

Dendrwcu discolor, Bu., B. N. A. 1858, 290 ; Rev. 186G, 213.— Bhyaxt, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii,
1859 (Bahamas).— Newton, Ibis, i, 1859, 144 (St. Croix).— Gundl., J. f O. 1861,
326 (Cuba). — Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 64 (Massachusetts, usually rare). —
CouES, ihid. V, 1868, 274 (north to Massachusetts, common). — Coues, Pr. Bost.
Soc. xii, 1868, 110 (South Carolina).— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 20 (coas-t
of North Carolina, very numerous). — CoUES, Key, 1872, 103. — Allen, Bull. M.
C. Z. ii, 1871, 268 (undoubtedly resident in Florida in the whole year) ; iii, 1872,
125 (Kansas, May, r^ither freipient).

Sylvia minuta, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 87, pi. 25, f. 4.

Hal). — Eastern United States, as far north as Massachusetts ; west to Kansas. Broed.s
throughout its range. Winters in Florida, aud ;il>undantly in most of tho West
Indian islands. No Mexican nor Central American record.

The pretty little Prairie Warbler was one of my earliest bird-acquaint-
ances, and one I liavc always been fond of, on this and other accounts.
When we were shooting birds pretty much all tho time we could lind, or

G4 DEXDRCECA DISCOLOR, PRAIRIE WARBLER.

"uialie,"' in spite of tbe college dons, in onr early home at Washington,
Dr. Prentiss and I knew just where to look for it, and it did not take
long to get a lew of the delicate birds, in their season. We were gen-
erally back in time for recitation, and even if that performance went
lame in consequence, it did not seem much matter, comparatively. The
inflection of the Prairie Warbler's notes was a mnch more agreeable
theme tlian that of a Greek verb, and I am still uncertain whether it
was not quite as profitable. There was a little glade just by the college,
bordering Rock Creek, closed in by high woods — a sloping, sandy field,
run waste with scattered cedars — where we could be sure of finding the
Warblers any day, from the 2Uth of April, for two or three weeks. Ten
to one we would not see the little creatures at first ; but presently, from
the very nearest juniper, would come the well-known sounds. A curi-
ous song, if song it can be called — as much like a mouse complaining of
the tooth ache as anything else I can liken it to — it is simply indescriba-
ble. Then perhaps the quaint performer would dart out into the air,
turn a somersault after a passing midge, get right side ui), and into the
shrubbery again in an instant; or if we kept still, with wide-open eyes,
we would see him perched on a spray, settling firmly on his legs, with
his beak straight up in the air, the throat swelling, and hear the curious
music again. After that would come the inevitable tragedy — for tragedy
it in, and I cannot, after picking up warm bloody little birds for years,
make anything else out of it. or learn to look on it with indifference.

1 did not see this bird in Kansas, wheie my friend Allen found it, nor,
of course, further westward ; but a few years afterward, when the ec-
centric course of military migration stranded me on a sandbar on the
ll^orth Carolina coast, there were the Prairie Warblers as i>lenty, as
unmusical and interesting, as ever. Excepting the ubiquitous Yellow-
rumps, they were the only Warblers that sliowed bad taste enough to
come voluntarily about Fort jMacon in any considerable numbers. But
they appear to fancy rather barren, sandy places, very likely because
they hav'e grown fond of certain kinds of Inigs, and if so, they must
have been contented there. Arriving the latter [)ai t of April, they be-
came very numerous in May, all through the juniper patches, clum])s of
live-oak, and scrubby "yujjou" tracts, singing at their best and catching
insects in the air. 1 consider them very expert fly-catchers, quite equal
in this respect to most of their tribe; and my experience has been to
show that they are not so terrestrial as Audul)on intimates. He says
that "while on the ground, where it remains a good deal, it searches
among the leaves slowly and carefully;" but I never saw anything of
the kind. But as he says, the bird's ordinary flight is weak and vacil-
lating, not often protracted further than from one bush to another; it
appears to find coming down easier than going up was. I also agree
with him that it goes singly — never in troops; but I have certainly seen
many more at once than tlie three or four lie allows to a thirty acre lot.

As above intiumted, the Prairie Warbler breeds along the Atlantic
coast, but only a few about Washington, where I never <liscovered the
nest; nor was I more fortunate in either of the Carolinas. Wilson,
Nuttall, and Audubon, who described the nidification and the eggs as
they believed them to be, give such entirely ditterent accounts, that, in
the uncertainty, the following notice, which 1 owe to my kind friend. Dr.
Brewer, may be the more acceptable. Dr. Brewer corroborates Nuttall's
account, in the interesting article intended for his forthcoming work:

"Both Wilson and Audubon were evidently at fault in their descrip-
tions of the nest and eggs. These do not correspond with more recent
and positive observations. Its nest is never pensile. Mr. Nuttall's de-

DENDECECA DISCOLOE, PEAIEIE WAEBLEE. 65

scriptions, on the other haud, are made from his own observations, and
are evidently correct. He describes a nest that came under his observ-
ation, as scarcely distinguishable from that of the I), (estiva. It was
not i)ensile, but fixed in a forked branch, and formed of strips of the
inner bark of the red-cedar, fibres of asclepias, and cateri^illar's silk, and
thickly lined with the down of the Gnaphalium 2)J((ntfigineinn. He
describes the eggs as having a white ground, sharp at one end, and
marked with spots of lilac-purple and of two shades of brown, more
numerous at the larger end, where they formed a ring. He speaks of
their note as slender, and noticed their arrival about the second week of
May, leaving the middle of September.

" xVt another time Mr. IsTuttall was attracted by the slender, filing notes
of this bird, resembling the suppressed syllables 'tsh-''tsJi-''tsh-''ts]tea, be-
ginning low and gradually growing louder. With its mate it was busily
engaged collecting flies and larvte among a clump of locust-trees in Mount
Auburn. Their nest was near, and the female, without any precautions,
went directly to it. Mr. Nuttall removed two eggs, which he afterward
replaced. Each time, on his withdrawal, she returned to the nest, and
resorted to no expedients to entice him away.

"Several nests of this Warl)ler have been obtained by Mr. Welch in
Lynn. One was built on a wild rose, only a few feet from the ground.
It is a snug, comimct, and elaborately woven structure, haviug a height
and a diameter of about two and one-half inches. The cavity is two
inches wide and one and one-half deep. The materials of which the
outer parts are woven are chiefly the soft inner bark of small shrubs,
mingled with dry rose-leaves, bits of vegetable wood, woody fibres, de-
cayed stems of plants, spiders' webs, etc. The whole is bound together
like a web by cotton-like fibres of a vegetable origin. The upper rim of
this nest is a marked feature, beiug a strongly interlaced weaving of
vegetable roots and strips of bark. The lining of the nest is composed
of fine vegetable fibres and a few horse-hairs. This nest, in its general
mode of construction, resembles all that I have seen ; only in others the
materials vary — in some dead and decayed leaves, in others remains of
old cocoons, and in others the pappus of composite plants being more
prominent than the fine strips of bark. The nests are usually within
four feet of the ground. The eggs vary from three to five, and even six.

"The late Dr. Gerhardt found this bird the most common Warbler in
Northern Georgia. There its nests were similar in size, structure, and
position, but differed more or less in the materials of which they were
made. The nests were a trifle larger and the walls thinner, the cavities
being correspondingly larger. The materials were more invariably fine
strii)s of inner bark and flax like vegetable fibres, and were lined with
the finest stems of plants, in one case with the feathers of the Great
Horned Owl. In that neighborhood the eggs were deposited by the loth
of May.

"In Massachusetts the Prairie AVarbler invariably selects wild pasture-
land, often not far from villages, and always open or very thinly wooded.
In Georgia their nests were built in almost every kind of bush or low
tree, or on the lower limbs of post-oaks, at the height of from four to
seven feet. Eggs were found once as early as the 2d of IMay, and once
as late as the lOth of June. They arrived there Uy the lOih of April,
and seemed to prefer hillsides, but were found, in almost any open
locality.

"In Southern Illinois, ^Ir. Ridgway cites this species as a rather rare
bird among the oak barrens wheie it breeds?. He also met with it in
5

GG UENDRffiCA DOMINICA, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER.

orchards in the wooded portions, in April, during tbe northward migra-
tion of the ^Si/lvicolkkv.

"The eggs are of an oval shape, pointed at one end, and measure 0.G8
by 0.48 of an inch. They have a white ground, marked with spots of
lilac and purple, and two shades of umber-brown."

DENDRCECA DOMINICA, (Linn.) Bd.

Tellow-tliroatecl AVarbler*

Motacilla domhiica, LrNN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 334.

Dcndrceca domiHica,Bi)., Rev. 1S65, 209 (Colima, &c.). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1869, 200
(Yucatan).— SuMicii., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba, Aug.). — Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 268 (Florida, in winter).— Coues, Key, 1872, 103.— Scott,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (West Virginia).— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 60.

MotadUa supcrcilioea, Boi>d., PI. Enl. 686, f. 1.

MniotUta ,supcrciUosa, Gi;ay, Genera of Birds.

Bendrwca supercUiosa, Bd.,. B. N. A. 1858, 289.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 363 (Xalapa) ; 18.59,
373 (Oaxaca); 1861, p. — (Jamaica); 1863, 368 (Mexico); Cat. 1862, 33.— ScL.
& Salv., Ibis, iii, 1860, 274 (Guatemala). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860, No.
94 (quite common). — Coues & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 408 (Washington,
D. C., accidental; spec, in 1842). — Gundl., J. f. O. 1861, 326 (Cuba, common). —
Mahch, Pr. Phila, Acad. 1863, 293 (Jamaica, June).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 109 (South Carolina, common).— Tukmj., B. E. Pa. 1869, 42 (straggler).—
Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 (Neosho Falls, in June).

MotadUa flavicoUis, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 959.

Suh'ia fiaricoUis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 518.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 64, pi. 12, f. 6.

Motad'Ua pensilis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 960.

Sylvia 2}eiisiUs, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, .520. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 11, pi.
72.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 79.— Nutt., i, 1832, 374.— Aui)., Orn. Biog., i, 1831, 434, pi. 85.

Sylvicola 2>i'nsilis, Rich., Rep. Br. Assoc, 1837. — Bp., List, 1838; Consp. i, 1850,307. —
AUD., Syn. 1839, 53.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 32, pi. 79.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 156.

BMmanphus pcnsiUs, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 474 (Cuba).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 291 (Cordova).

Hah. — Eastern United States, north to Maryland; to New Jersey (Audnhon); to
Pennsylvania (TnriihuU) ; to New York (Ddcaij); to Connecticut (Limilcn). Ohio, Illi-
nois, and Kansps. Cuba. Jamaica. St. Domingo {Salle, P. Z. S. 1857, 231). Mexico,
on west coast to Colima. Guatemala. Winters iiom Florida southward. (A var. albi-
lora is described from the Mississippi Valley by Mr. Ridgway, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 606.)

This is essentially a Southern species, which I have not been able to
trace further north than Washington, D. C. x\udubon, however, gives
it to New Jersey; and Turubull, in his admirable List, notes it as a
stiaggler to the lower counties of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The
Rev. JMr. Liusley included it among the birds of Connecticut, but ap-
parently upon information at second hand ; and its occurrence in New
England is very questionable. (See Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 18G8, 270.)
Mr. Lawrence omits it from his New York list. In Ohio, Mr. J. M.
Wheaton states that it was common one season: ''It seems," he adds,
"quite partial to the vicinity of running water, and is usually seen on
trees aud fences near rivers. In its habits it approaches the Titmice
and Creepers, frequently hanging aud walking, head downward, on fence
rails.'' I have noted similar habits of the species in South Carolina.
Prof. Snow's reference is particularly interesting, indicating that the
bird breeds in Kansas. It would also appear, from various accounts,
to breed in the West Indies. It has not, to my knowledge, been ob-
served to winter anywhere in the United States, excepting in Florida.

Since the foregoing paragraph was prepared, Mr. W. L). Scott has
printed an interesting note respecting the occurrence and ])robable
breeding of the species in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Two iudi-
viduals, male and female, were taken in July.

One of the most remarkable nests I ever saw, was built by a Yellow-
throated Warbler at Wilmington, North Carolina, where it was secured

DENDRCECA PALMARUM, YELLOW RED-POLL WARBLER. 67

and forwarded to the Smitlisoniau by Mr. Norwood Giles. It is built in
a large mass of Spauish moss {Tillaiulsia i(srieokles), aud composed
chiefly of that material. A part of the mass which hung from an oak
bough, two feet dowu^vard aud a foot across, was caught up aud closely
"woven together with a little fibrous substance and much plant-down, to
form a swinging bed for the nest, with a lateral entrance which will ad-
mit the hand. Inside is the nest proper, of the usual dimensions, very
neatly wrought of the moss, with a smooth, even border, and lined with
plant-down and a few fine grasses. The eggs of this nest were of the
usual form, measuring 0.70 by 0.52, white, with a wreath of sepia-brown,
blackish and lilac spots around the larger end.

My acquaintance with the species is limited to observing it on a few
occasions in and around the city of Columbia, South Caroliua. Accord-
ing to Mr. ]Maynard, the Yellow-throats "are found throughout the en-
tire extent of Florida, where they are resident, though the majority leave
in May with other Warblers, and return early in November ; they fre-
quent piney woods and hummocks, associating with Titmice, Nuthatches,
etc. I have shot this species on the banks of the St. John's, where it
was searching for insects in the low trees in the numerous swamps there ;
and again I have seen them on the topmost boughs of the high trees in
the trackless piney woods. They are very slow of movement lor Warb-
lers, and have many of the habits of the Black-and-white Creeper,
clinging to the limbs and running up. and down the tree-trunks, after
the manner of that species. I have even seen one climbing about the
roof of a house. They are very unsuspicious, and may be found almost
any day in autumn and early winter on the live and water oaks which
grow in the streets of Jacksonville. The songs of this bird are simple,
and resemble the trills of the Pine Warbler — or, perhaps, the continuous
lisping chirp of the Black-and-white Creeper sounds more nearly like it.
I think the species must breed in Florida, as 1 have seen specimens
taken in the State in June."

I am favored with the foUowingcommunication from Mr. J. M. Wheaton,
of Columbus, Ohio, under date of May 1, 1873, respecting the appear-
ance of this species in Ohio : "It is one of the earliest and most con-
stant of our Warblers. I saw the first one this year on the 21st of April.
That night we had frost, with snow for three successive days afterward.
On the 25th I saw three, on the 26th one (in the city), on the 27th three,
and on the 28th five or six, two of which I shot. No other Warbler
made its appearance until the 30th, when the Summer Yellowbird ar-
rived. The Yellow-throat prefers the trees along the banks of streams.
The two specimens which I secured agree with your description ('Key,'
p. 103), except that the back is not streaked, and each feather is obso-
letely margined with ashy." These specimens were evidently not quite
in perfect plumage.

DENDRffiCA TALMAKUM, (Gm.) Bd.
Yellow Red-poll Warbler.

MoUicUla palmanim, Om., Sysf. Nat. i, 178R, 'XA.

Sylvia pdlmariim, Lath., Iiul. Orii. ii, 17i)U, 544. — Viijll., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, '21. pi.
TA.—liP., Am. Oin. ii, pi. 10, f. 2.— Bi'., Syu. 1828, 8:}.— D'OimiG., La Sagrii's
Cuba, Oia. 1840, (ll, pi. 8.

Si/hicota palinunim, S.vr.u':, P. Z. S. 18r>7, 231 (St. Doniinj»o).

Dcmlraca pabminim, ]5i)., B. N. A. 1858, 288; Rev. 18C)5, 207.— Buv.\nt, Pr, Bost. Soc.
viii, 1851) (Bahamas).— GcNDi,., .1. f. O. 1801, 320 (Cuba).— 8(i.., P. Z. S. I8r.l,
71 (.Jamaica).— CofES A: Picknt.. .Smiths. Ifcp. ISOl. 4ii>^ (Washington, D. C,
luiyiatoiy). — CouKS, Pr. Ehs. Inst, v, l"^Of^, 274 (miyratory in New Euglaud,

G8 DENDRCECA PALMARUM, YELLOW RED-POLL WARBLER.

some poibaps breediufj). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 18G8, 109 (South Carolina,
■wintering). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 268 (Florida, wintering). — Mayn.,
B. ria. 187-2, 52; Guide, 1870, 104.— Coues, Key, 1872, 104.

Sylvia i)cteclna, Wils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 19, pi. 28, f. 4 (not of early authors, which re-
fers to species like cvnitva). — Nutt., i, 1832, 364. — AxiD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 259,
360, itls. 163, 164.

Sylvicola petechia, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 215, pi. 41. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 58. — AuD.,
B. Am. ii, 1841, 55, pi. 90.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 437 (Missouri).— Trippe,
Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1872, 114 (Wisconsin).

"Seittriis petechia, McCul., Bost. Journ. N. H. iv, 406."

Si/Jvicola ruficapilla, Bp., List, 1838 ; Consp. i, 1850, 307. (Not Motadlla r., Gm.)

lihimanphus vHjicapHhis, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 473 (Cuba).

Hob. — Eastern North America to the Lower Missouri. North to Labrador, Hudson's
Bay, and Fort Simpson. No record of breeding in the United States south of Maine.
Winters in the Southern States, from the Carolinas to Texas ; Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica,
and St. Domingo. No Mexican or Central American quotations.

The Palm Warbler is an extremely abundaut bird in the Sonthern
States in winter, and equallj- common in the rest of the United States
during the migrations, but has not been observed to breed south of the
British possessions, excepting in Maine, where, according to Mr. Board-
man, it occasionally nests near Calais. It passes rapidly through the
Middle and Western States very early in the spring, sometimes reaching
the Connecticut Valley before the snow is gone, and returns more leis-
urely in autumn, lingering late by the way. It is found in New England
through October, and has even been seen in Massachusetts in Novem-
ber, its habits are somev\^hat peculiar, some of them, such as the con-
tinual jetting of the tail and fondness for the ground, recalling the
Seiiiri rather than a bird of its own genus. Unlike most Warblers, it
is rarely, if ever, found in high thick woods, being partial to coppices,
hedge-rows, straggling shrubbery, and especially old waste fields, where
it delights to ramble and flutter in company with Yellow-rumps and va-
rious kinds of Sparrows. It keeps much on the ground, running among
the weeds and stubble, and even on the open dust of the wayside, with
a peculiar tremulousness, something like that of the Titlark. Its song,
if it have one, I have never heard ; its only note, with us, is a slight
"te/^j," indistinguishable from that of several of its allies. This is cor-
roborated by Dr. Brewer, as I learn from an early proof-sheet of his
work. He says: "They have no other song than a few simple and fee-
ble notes, so thin and weak that they might almost be mistaken for the
sounds made by the common grasshopper." I am entirely ignorant of
the nidification, which is described by l3r. Brewer as follows :

"The Red-Poll usually selects for the site of its nest the edge of a
swampy thicket, more or less open, placing it invariably upon the ground.
They are usually not large, about three and a half inches in diameter and
two and a half in dei)tii, the diameter and depth of the cavity averaging
each only half an inch less. The walls are compactly and elaborately
constructed of an interweaving of various fine materials, chiefly fine dry
grasses, slender strips of bark, stems of the smaller plants, hypnum and
other mosses. Within, the nest is warmly and softly lined with down
and feathers.

"Mr. Kennicott met Avith a nest of this bird at Fort Resolution, June
18. It was on the ground, on a hummock, at the foot of a small spruce,
in a swamp. When found it contained five young birds.

"Their eggs are of a rounded-oval shape, and measure 0.70 of an inch
in length by 0.55 in breadth. Their ground-color is a yellowish or creamy-
white, and their blotches, chiefly about the larger end, are of a blending
of purple, lilac, and reddish-brown."

DENDROECA PINUS, PINE-CREEPIXG WARBLER. 69

DENDRCEOA PIXUS, (Wils.) Ed.
Pine-creeping Warbler.

Sylvia xnnus, Wils., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 25, pi. 19, ficr. 4.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 81. — Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 367.— Aud., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 232, pi. 111.

TJiryothorus inmis, Steph., Shaw's G. Z. xiv, 194.

Sylvicola pinus, Jard. ; Rich. &. Bp., Lists. — Aud., Syn. 1839, 54. — Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841,
37, pi. 82.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 70 (Texas).— Tiuppe, Pr, Ess. Inst, vi,
1871, 114 (queries it from Minnesota).

RliimampJnis inmis, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 311.

Dendrocca jnnns, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 277 ; Rev. 1865, 190 (not of CouES, Phila. Acad. 1861,
220, which = striata .').— Coles & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 407 (Washington,
D. C., breeding, but not wintering). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1866, 86 (Ham-
iltoD, C. W.). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 272 (Kew England, breeding, not
wintering). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 109 (South Carolina, resident). —
TURXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 18 (migratory).- Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 26-8
(Florida, resident). — Mayx., Guide, 1870, 103 (Massachusetts, migratory, a few
breeding) ; B. Fla. 1872, 49.— Coues, Key, 1872, 104.

■Sylvia vigorsii, Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 153, 30.

Vireo vigorsit, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 318.

Hah. — Eastern United States to the Lower Missouri. North to Canada and New
Brunswick, but not to Labrador. Bermuda {Jones, Nat. in Berm. 1859, 59 ; only extra-
liraital record). Breeds throughout its United States range ; resident from the Caroli-
nas southward.

Like the Palm Warbler, with which it is often found associated, the
Pine-creeping is a migrant betimes in the spring, and a loiterer in the
fall. The range, as well as the movement of the two species, is some-
what coincident, but that of the present bird is more restricted, not ex-
tending into the West Indies, nor reaching so far north. The quotation
"Labrador" originated in an error of mine some years since On a re-
examination lately of the specimen I thought was pinus, I find that it is
a newly-fledged Black-poll Warbler, in the spotted plumage common to
very young birds of many species of Warblers and Thrushes, corre-
sponding to the equally early aud transient streaked stage of many
Sparrows. The earliness of the vernal movement is attested bj- the
bird's presence in New England by the end of March, sometimes when
the ground is still covered with snow. Audubon affirms that it winters
in the Middle States, but I think the alleged fact has not been since con-
firmed. Dr. Turnbull does not so state; and for my own part I could
never detect the species in Maryland or Virginia between October aud
March. I found it, however, at all seasons in South Carolina, where it
is extremely abundant, and one of the very few species breeding there.
It nests there remarkably early for a W^arbler, the first broods being
abroad by the second week in April. The nortliward migration of that
portion of the great body of ])ir(ls that winter in the Southeru States
begins in jMarch, about the time that those not intending to move off set
about mating and nesting. The return movement is delayed in its com-
pletion until November by the stragglers.

Tiie nest is built of a variety of soft vegetable substances, plant-down,
&c., usually mixed with fine rootlets, and often with hair or feathers,
and set on a foundation of coarse fibrous and weedy material. It mea-
sures about three inches across by two deep, aud generally presents a
pretty firm bi-im of circularly dispo.sed fibres. It is ]>lacc'd on trees.
The eggs are commonly four in number, about 0.70 by 0.50, of the usual
shape, white, six'cklcd and si)otted with dilVcrcnt shades of brown,
usually tending to wreathe around the larger end, sometimes generally
distributed.

As its iianu' imidies, the Pine-creeping Warbler is partial to coniferous
woods, but by no means confined to such forests ; in fact I have observed

70 SEIUKUS AUROCAPILLUS, GOLDEN-CROWNED TflRUSH.

it in almost every situation in which any Warbler could be expected.
Mr. Allen has accurately indicated the variability of its resorts : " During
the la.st weeks of April and the early part of May, they frequent open
fields, obtaining much of their iood from the ground, associating with
D. pabnarum, and at this time closely resembling it in habits. A little
later they retire to the pine forests, where they almost exckisively re-
main during summer, keeping mostly in the tops of the taller trees.
During a few weeks, about October 1st, they again come about the or-
chards and fields." Tills note refers to Massachusetts. In Florida, where
the same writer found it abundant in winter, he states that it is much
on the ground at that season, and that it comes into full song in Febru-
ary, from which latter circumstance we may conclude it is tben pairing.
The song is rather weak and monotonous — a chirring trill, insuscepti-
ble of adequate translation into words; and during most of the year
only a slight chirp is heard. The bird is of a sociable if not gregarious
nature, usually going in straggling companies of its own kind, and often
mixing with Titmice, Kinglets, and Xathatches, the whole throng gaily
and amicably flitting through the shady woods, scrambling incessantly
on and all around the branches of the trees in eager, restless quest of
their minute insect food.

SEIUEUS AUROCAPILLUS, (Linn.) Sw.

Goldeu-crowiicd Tlirtish; Oi'ange-croiviied Accentor.

Motadlla ai(rocapilla, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 334.— Gji., oj). cif. 1788, 982.

Tardus iiiirocapiUits, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 328. — WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1810, 83, pi. 14,
f. 2.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 355.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 2.53, pi, 143.

S>/lvia aurocapiUa, Bp., Jouru. Pbila. Acad. i\", 1826, 35; Syn. 1828, 77.

iieiurus uurocapillus, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 171.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 227.—
D'Orbig., La Sagra's Cuba, 1840, 55.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 35, pi. 148.— Bd., B. N.
A. 1858, 260; Rev. 1865, 214.— Mooi{E, P. Z. S. 1859, 55 (Honduras).— M.vxni.,
J. f. O. 1858, 177.— JoxES, Bcrm. 27.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 160.— Hoy, Smitbti.
Rep. 1864, 437 (Missouri).- Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba, &c.).—
Lawi:., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica); 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Dall &
Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 268 (Alaslia, breediug).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 293
(Cordova). — Salle, ihld. 1857, 231 (St. Domingo). — Newton, Ibis, i, 1842 (Sauta
Cruz).- Cab., J. f. 0. iii, 471 (Cuba).— Gosse, B. Jam. 7G2.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861,
70.— Cab., J. f. 0. 1861, 80 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 184(Cliiriqni).—
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 269 (Florida, wintering). — Allen, op. cU. iii, 1872,
125 (Eastern Kansas, May). — CouES, Key, 1872, 105, fig. 45 ; aud of all late
United States writers.

Accentor aurocapillii-s, Rich., List, 1837.

Emcocichla aiirocupUhi, Gi;ay.

Renicockhla aurocapllla, Cab.— Gitndl., J. f O. 1861, 326 (Cuba).— Sol., Cat. 1862, 25;
P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Houduras).

limlus coroiiatxs, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 8, pi. 64.

JJah. — Eastern Province North America ; west to Platte and Yellowstone, and thence
to Alaska. Winters sparingly in Florida and along Gulf coast, but the greater number
enter the West Indies, ^Mexico, and Central America i^uumeroHS quotations). Mazatlan.
Breeds almost throughout its North American range.

Lieutenant Jl'arroi's Expedition. — 4714, 4717, moutli of Platte River; 4715, Bald Island;
4716, James River ; 4718-29, Vermilion River ; 52.57, Medicine River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Chiefly characteristic of the Eastern Province. Audubon's Columbia
Eivcr reference has never been confirmed, but is by no uu'ans improba-
bly correct, since we have the bird from Denver, Colorado, from near
the Yellowstone, and in Alaska. The extralimital quotations are both
numerous and diversified, showing how generally dispersed the species
is at that season, and how far south it proceeds. It is one of our most
abundant woodland birds in summer, noted for its loud, monotonous

SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS, WATER THRUSH. 71

notes, for its habit of rambling and scratching on the ground, among
fallen leaves, like a Towhee, and for its curious arched-over nest. Upon,
its arrival in the Middle IStates, about the second -week in April, it is
shy and silent for a week or two, as if getting accustomed to its new
resorts; when, grown bolder, it no longer courts concealment, but
mounts the lower boughs of the trees in the open woodland, and its loud
harsh notes fill the air. There is nothing of the half-aquatic nature of
its relatives in this bird ; it prefers dry woods, especially where there is
a thick undergrowth. Its nest is placed on the ground, usually among
dead leaves, on an inclined surface, and though usually arched over, with
a lateral opening, is often of simpler construction. It is built of leaves,
moss, and dried grasses; the eggs are four or five in number, white,
speckled with reddish-brown. Probably more than one brood is reared
each season ; the young, almost from the first, are quite like the parents,
excepting that the orange-brown is not so bright. The species is very
constant in size and coloring.

SEIUEUS NOVEBORACENSIS, (Gm.) Nutt.

Water Tbrusb.

MotaciIIa norehoracensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 958.

Si/liia iionJjoracensif!, Lath., liul. Oru. ii, 1790, 518. — ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 26,

pi. 8-i.-Bp., Syn. 1828, 77.
Turdus (iSciiinis) tiovcljoracensw, Nutt., Man i, 1832, 353.
Seiiirus noveboracensis, Bp., Conip. and Geog. List, 1838. — Br., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 306. —

Avv., Syu. 1839, 93.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 37 (iu part; confounds it with S. ludo-

vidanus).—QT>., B. N. A. 1858, 281 ; Rev. 1865, 215.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic.

Acad, i, 1869.— Havd., Rep. 1862, 160.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1862, 32 (Hell

Gate). — SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba).— Lawp.., Ann. Lye.

1868, 94 (Costa Rica) ; 1869, 200 (Yucatan).- CoUES, Key, 1872, 106, pi. 2, figs.

9, 10, 11 ; and of late United States writers.
Henicoclchia novehoractnsin, Cab., Schomb. Guiana, iii, 1848, 666; Mus. Heiu. 1851, 16;

J. f. O. 1860, 324.— SCL., Cat. Ia61, 25.— Gundl., J. f. 0. 1861, 32(i.— ScL. & Salv.,

P. Z. S. 1869, 251 (Venezuela).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).
Enicoc'u'hla noveboracensis, Gray, Genera of Birds.
Turdus aqnaticus, WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, (jG, pi. 23, f. 5. — AuD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839,

284, pi. 433.
Sclurus aqnaticus, Sw. & Ricii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 229, pi. 43.
S)jhia auihoides, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'll. N. 1817, 208.

Seiurus tcuuirostris, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 369.— Gajib., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 261.
Seiurits sulfnrascens, D'Okbig., La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 57, pi. 6.
Seiurus gossii, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 306.
"(l)Anthus rhcrminicri, Lkss., Rev. Zool. 1839, 101."

Hub. — Eastern North America, straggling westward along the United States* Bonud-
ary to Montana (Coojjcr) and Washington Territory. Alaska. Arizona. Mexico. AVest
Indies. Central America. Northern South America.

Lieutenant llarren^s Expedition. — 4721, 4818, mouth of Vermilion River.

Not obtained )>y Captain Ray nobis' E.\peditiou.

Formerly supposed to belong to the Eastern Province, this bird has
later been shown to inhabit so many other portions of North America,
that it may iairly be inferred that it occurs also in the remaining locali-
ties wlience, simidy tinough lack of observations, it has not been re-
corded. 1 inspected, when working n[} tUe birds of the Northwest
Boundiiry Survey, some of the first western specimens, taken in Wasli-
ington Territory. INIr. Dall has shown its occurrence in Ala.ska, and
others throughout British America, (pute to thii Arctic Ocean. Dr.
Cooper found it in I<laho. Tlie extralimitid (piotations are numerous
and almo.st universal. It is a very abundant species in tlie I'>astern
United States, and has a very extensive bree<ling range. It winters in
Florida and along the Gulf coast, as well as much further south.

72 SEIURUS LUDOVICIANUS, LARGE-BILLED WATER THRUSH.

Several nests with eggs are in the Smithsonian, from various arctic
localities, as Fort Yukon and La Pierre House. They appear to have
beeu built on the ground, and are composed chiefly of moss, compactly
matted and mixed with little sticks and straws — in oue instance with a
large amount of disintegrating fibrous material, circularly woven. The
eggs, four or five in number, measure from 0.75 by 0.58 to 0.82 by O.GO;
they are pure w^hite, probably with a rosy blush when fresh, speckled
all over, but most thickly at and around the larger eud, with various
shades of reddish and darker browu, with lilac or lavender. In some
the markings are all in fine dots ; in others they constitute larger spots,
often confluent in a wreath. The nests are about four inches across
by two-thirds as much in depth.

SEIUEUS LUDOVICIANUS, (And.) Bd.

large-billed Water Thrush.

(?) Turdus motacilla, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 9, pi. 65 (almost certainly).

Seiurus motacilla, Bp., Consp. Av., i, 1850, BOG (quotes Vieill. aud queries AUD.).

Henkocichla motacilla, Cab., J. f. O. 1857, 240 (Cuba). — Guxdl., ibid. 18G1, 326.

Turdus ludovicianus, Aud., O. B. i, 1832, 99, pi. 19. (lu Syn., unites it with noveboracensia.)

Seiurus ludovicianus, Bp., List, 1838.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 262, pi. 80, iig. 2.— ScL., P. Z. S.
1859, 363(Xalapa); 1859, 373 (Oaxaca); 1861, 70 (Jamaica).— Scl. & Salv.,
Ibis, ii, 1860, 273 (Guatemala).— Bd., Rev. 1804, 217 (Colima, &c.).— Coues &
PuENT., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 407 (Wasliiugtoii, common April aud May). — Lawp..,
Ann. Lye. viii, 1868, 284 (New York) ; ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z.
S. 1870, 181.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 271 (probably in Southern New
England). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 186S, 110 (South Carolina). — Allen, Am.
Nat. iii, 1869, 577 (Massachusetts, two instances). — Tukxb., B. E. Pa. 1839, 17
■("not rare"). — Sxow, B. Kaus.— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (West Virginia). —
Coues, Key, 1872, 106, pi. 2, fig. 8).

Henicocichla ludoviciana, Scl., Cat. 1862, 25 (Orizaba).

Henicocichla major, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 16 (Xalapa).

Hah. — Eastern United States. North to Massachusetts (Allen) and Michigan (Baird).
West to Kansas (Snou^) and the Wachita River {Clark). Cnba aud Jamaica. Various
Mexican localities. Guatemala.

I still endorse the specific validity of tliis bird, having seen no specimens I could not
at once distinguish from novel)oracensis. Mr. Allen seems to incline to the contrary view.
Audubon, plate 19 of the folio edition, represents it unmistakably, and his letter-press
seems to be based chiefly upon it, but in the Synopsis, and in tlic octavo reprint, ho
unites the synonymy, description aud biography of the two species. Vieillot's figure
aud description point here so unmistakably, that it may be found necessary to call the
species Seiurtis motacilla.

For the appearance of this species in the present connection, we have
the authority of Prof. Snow, who found it in Kansas, and marks it in
his list as breeding there. Dr. Cooper obtained a specimen in Missouri.
I have myself only met with it in the District of Columbia, where, with
Dr. Prentiss, I found it to be not a.t all uncommon. We gave the follow-
ing note: "From the 20th of April to the 10th of May, it may always
be obtained, by an acute collector, in the dense laurel brakes which
border the banks of, aud fill the ravines leading into. Pock Creek and
Piney Branch. We think we have seen it in June, which would prove
it to breed here, as is, indeed, very probable. We have not detected it
in the fall. It 'is usnally very shy, darting at once into the most impen-
etrable brakes, but we have sometimes seen it quite the reverse, and
have shot a pair, one after the other, as they sat in full view before us,
unconcernedly wagging their tails. We have nearly always found it in
j)airs, even as early as April 20th. Its note is a sparrow-like chirp, like
that made by striking two pebbles together, but it has also a loud, most
beautiful and melodious song, the singularity of which first drew our
attention to it."

OPORORNIS FORMOSUS, KENTUCKY WARBLER. 73

I am mformed by a letter from Mr. ^Maynard, that the species has been
found iu great abundance in West Virginia. This was before publica-
tion of the fact by Mr. VV. D. Scott, who found it abundant in Kanawha
County, "in damp places generally, mainly along the edges of the river."

My anticipation of its occurrence in Massachusetts has since been un-
questionably confirmed by Mr. Allen, who mentions two instances of its
capture in tuat State.

The Large-billed Water Thrush has been found breeding on the Wa-
chita Itiver, where the nest and eggs were secured by Mr. J. H. Clark,
and at the Kiowa Agency, where Dr. Palmer also procured them. The
one of these two nests iu the best condition was built upon a layer of
leaves, apparently upon the ground, composed otherwise entirely of root-
lets and fine grasses. The other contained five eggs ; they are more
globular than any of those of IS. novehoracensis 1 have seen, but not oth-
erwise difierent ; and other sets would probably not be distinguishable.
The roundest one of them measures only 0.69 by 0.59.

OPOROENIS FORMOSUS, (Wils.) Bd.

Eentncky Warbler.

Sylvia formom, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, IHll, 85, pi. 25, f. 3.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 125.— Bp., Syn.
1828, 34.— NuTT., Mau. i, 1832, 399.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 19G, pi. 38.

Sylvicola formom, Jakd., cd. Wils. 1832.— Rich., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838.— Maxi.m.,
J. f. O. vi, 1858, 113.

Myiodioctes formoHus, Aud., Syn. 1839, 50. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 19, pi. 74.— Bp., Consp.
i, 1850, 315.— Lemb., Aves Cubte, 1850, 37.— Gundi.., J. f. O. 1861, 32li (Cuba).

Sijlrania formosa, WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 70 (Texas and Indian Territory).

Oporornis formosm, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 247 ; Rev. 18G4. 218.— Sci.. «fc Salv., Ibis, i, 1859,
10 (Guatemala).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 62 (Panama).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1862,
19 (Plava Vicente, Mex.).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 28.— Wheat., Obio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 69.— CouES &. Prpznt., Smltbs. Rep. 1861, 406 (Wasbington. I). C,
breeding).— Lvwii., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 284 (New York) ; ix, 1868, 94
(Costa Rica).— CoUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 269.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 110 (Soutb Carolina, migratory).— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16 (in sum-
mer).—Coues, A. N. V, 1871, 197 (Kansas).— RiDGW., ihid. 1872, 431 (Illinois).—
Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 125, 175 (Kansas).- Sxow, B. Kans. 5.— Scorr,
Pr. Bost. Soe. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia).- Coues, Key, 1872, 106, fig. 46.

Triclias (Sylvicola) formom, lloy, Sniitbs. Rei). 1864, 438 (Missouri).

" (?) Sylria (cquinoctialis, ViEiLL., O. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 26, pi. 81 (Pennsylvania ; nee G.M.)."

//«?A— Eastern United States. North to the Connecticut Valley. West to Kansas
and tbe Indian Territory. Missouri (Uoy). South to Guatemala and Panama. Cuba.
Breeds iu most of its United States range. Winters extralimital.

This beautiful species is perhaps more abundant in the jMississippi
Valley than elsewhere, and ascends the Mis.souri to Leavenworth at least,
if not further. I observed it near Fort Riley, in Kansas, in ^lay, and
Allen found it breeding at the same season, the nest being nearly com-
pleted by the middle of the month. According to Dr. Woodhonse, it is
"common in Texas and the Indian Territory, frequenting the borders of
streams whose banks are covered with low bushes, procuring its insect
prey," which Audubon remarks (-onsists largely of s[)id<'rs, as that <if
O. ayilis also does. Its unusual abundance in Southern Illinois is at-
tested l)y Mr. Ridgway. Earlier accounts — even those down to the date
of Baird's Review — placed the Atlantic coast limit at Maryland, but since
then the si>ecies has been traced to the borders of New England. I
have several specimens, shot about Washington. I). C, when^ I occa-
sionally observed the bird, always in the low shrubbery to which it is so
evidently i)artiid, and generally in places near water. Its soiig I have
never heard, the only note witli which it ever saluted me being the or-
dinary chirp. I am not aware that the species has been traced up the

74 GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS, MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT.

Mississippi Valley beyond the Missouri, where Dr. Hoy found it in great
ahuiulaiice in the western part of the State. He says: "They live and
nest in the underbrusli, the male occasionally hopping upon a low branch
of a tree to pour forth his whittishee, ivhitfifihee, repeated two or three
times, then disapi)earitig in the tangled brush. This song is so precisely
like That ot the Yellow-throat, that it requires a practiced ear to distin-
guish the one from the other."

The nest, says Audubon, "is small, beautifully constructed, and
usually attached to several stems of rank weeds. The outer parts are
formed of the bark of stalks of the same weeds, in a withered state,
mixed with a tiner kind, and some cottony substances. It is beautifully
lined with the cottony or silky substance that falls from the cotton-wood
tree. The eggs are from four to six, of a pure white color, finely sprink-
led with bright red dots." Tuo nests before me, taken early in June, in
Georgia and Kansas, respectively, differ somewhat from such a one as
Audubon describes. One of them appears to have lost an outer part it
probably had ; the other, comi)lete, is a large bulky structure, five or
six inches across, composed externally of a mass of dried leaves and
small sticks; the lining is of fine rootlets. The eggs are as Audubon
says — the fine dotting occurs sparsely all over the surface, but most
thickly at and around the larger end, and brsides the reddish sprinkling
there are other dots of neutral tint. Dimensions 0.G8 by 0.55.

GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS, (Linn.) Cab.

Maryland Ycllow-tlnroat.

Tii'rdus trichas, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i. 1766, 293.— Gm., ojh cif. 18th ed. 1783. 811,

Si/Ivia triclia^i. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 519. — Vieu.l., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 28, pis.
28, 29.— NUTT., Mail, i, 1832, 401.— Aui)., Oni. Biog. i, 1832, 120; v, 1839, 4G3,
pis. 23, 240.— D'OiMJiG., Sagrii's Cuba, 1840, 67.

GtodiJypix irichas, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 18.-)0, 16.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 241 : Rev. 1865, 220.—
Coor. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1850, 177.— Gundl., J. f. O. 1861, 32i5.— ScL.,
Cat. A. B. 1862, 27.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 160.— Matsch, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863,
293.— Loud, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst. Wool, iv, 1864, 115.— Joxes, Nat. Borm. 29.—
CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad." 1866, 69 (Arizona).— Lawi;., Ann. Lye. ix. 1868, 94
(Costa Rica) ; 1869, 200 (Yucatan).- SCL., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).— CooP.,
B. Cal. 1870, 95.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Mehij., ihkl 1872,
674.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175. — Allex, oj). cit. ii, 1871, 239. — AncEX,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Black Hills).— Coues, Key, 1872, 107, tig. 47; also of
all Eastern United States writers.

Ficediila trichas and }narUa)idica of Bi;is.S()X.

Sylvia manhuidka, Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 88, pi. 6, f. 1, and ii, 163, pi. 18, f. 4. — Bp.,
Syn. 1828, 8.5.

Tfichas marihoidica, Br., List, 1838 ; Consp. i, 1850, 310. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 65 ; B. Am.
ii, 1841, 78, pi. 102.— Woomt., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 71.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.

Bcfjiihis vujstaceus, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 232.

Trirlias pcr.iO)itttits, Sw., Zool. .Tourn. iii, 1827, 16.

TvichuH hrachiiduvhjlux, Sw., An. in Men. 1838, 295.

SiiJria /•o.sfw.AlTi)., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 124, i)l. 24.

frichds roncoc, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 457.

Trichas delafiddU, Heehm., P. R. R. Rop. x, 1859, 40 (whether of Anhnhon ?)

Hah. — Tiie whole of the United States, and South through Mexico and most of the West
Indies, to (Juate'mala. Breeds throughout its United States range, and winters spar-
ingly on our southern border. Resident individuals of Mexico constitute var. uxdauops
{G. incldiiopn, Bd., Rev. 1865, 222). Those resident in the Bahamas form an insular race
rostratiifi (G. rostratus, Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866, 67). (See Ridgw., Am. Journ. Sci.
1872, 458.)

Lixf of S2)rdineiis.

19340

....j (No locality)

(Not dated) . . G. H. Trook

GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA, MOURNING WARBLER. 7o

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4674-5, "Nebraska;" 8834-37, Loup Fork.

Later Expeditions. — 60426, La Bonte Creek ; 62343-4, Utah and Montana.

Excellent analytical accounts of the species of this genus have been given by Baircl,
Rev. 219-22S, and by Salvin, Ibis, 1872, 147-152: ^vhile later, Mr. Ridgway, as above
cited, has furnished an admirable synthesis, showing the relations of the forms which
other vs-riters had differentiated, and thus managing to reduce the eleven- or twelve
current species to five. The connection between climate and color is proven to be a
relation of cause and effect.

GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA, (Wils.) Btl.

3Iourniiig AVarftler.

a. pMladeljiMa.

Sylvia iMJadelpliia, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 101, pi. xiv, f. 6.— Bp., Syn. 1823, 85.—
KuTT., Man. i, 1832, 404.— Auo., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 78.

Trichas philaddphia, Jap.d., ed. Wils. 1832.— Rich.. List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838.— Bp.,
Consp. i, 1850, 310.— Reixii., Vid. Med. 1853, 73 ; Ibis, 1861, 6 (Greenland).—
TiuPPE, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871 (Minnesota, breeding abundantly). — Hoy, Smiths.
Rep. 1864, 438 ( Western Missouri, breeding).

Gcothlypi^ iMladelplua, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 243, pi. 79, f. 3 ; Rev. 1865, 226.— Law«., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. 18131. 322 (Panama).— SCL., Cat. 1862, 27 (Orizaba).— Aixex, Pr. Ess.
Iiist. iv, 18o4, 59 (Massachusetts, rare).— Haml.. Rep. Sec'y Maine Board Agric.
1865, p. — (Waterville, Me., breeding).— Mcli.wi:., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 85
(H.-.milton, C. W., very rare).— Lawp.., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283 (New
York) ; is, 1868, 94 (Co'sta Rica).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 289 (rare sum-
mer resident in New England).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 110 (South
Carolina, rare, migratory).— Turxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16 (rare, particularly iu
autuum).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 99 (Massachusetts, rare).— Mayx., Pr. Bo-st. Soc.
xiv, ltf71 (breeding commonly at Umbagog). — Alt.ex. Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872,
126 (Topeka, Kaiis., in May).- Sxow, B. Kans. 5.— Salv., Ibis, Apr. 1872,—
RiDGW., Am. Journ. Sci. 1872, 459.— Coues, Key, 1872, 107.

b. macf/iUivniyi.

Sylvia viacfjillirrayi, AuD., Om. Biog. v, 1839, 75, pi. 399, figs. 4, 5.

Trivhas macriiUivrayi, AvD., Syu. 1839, 64; B. Am. ii, 1841, 74. pi. 100.— Bp., Consp. i,
1850, 310.

SyJvicola macyiUivrayi, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 18.58, 118.

Geothlypis macqilln-rayl, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 244. pi. 99, f. 4 ; Rev. 1865, 227.— Scl., P. Z,
S. 1859, 363, 373 (Xalupa, Oaxaca); Cat. 1862, 27 (Guatemala).- Cab., J. f. O.
1861, 84 (Costa Rica).— Lawi:., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica).— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 177.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1806, 70 (Arizona).-
Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Rocky Mountains) ; Pr. Cal. Acad. L^70, 75 (Col-
orado River) ; B. CJal. i, 1870, 96.— Salv., Ibis, 1872, 148.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.
1872, 197 (Black Hills).— Coues, Key, 1872, 107.

Geothlypis iMladclphia var. macyilUrrayi, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, July, 1872, 175
(mountains of Colorado,'l»el()\v 9,000 feet). — RiDGW., Am. Journ. Dec. 1872, 459.

Sylvia tohnuei, Towxs., Jonrn. Pliila. Acad, viii, 1839 (1840), 139, 159; Narr. 1839, 343.

Trichas folmioci, NuTT., Man. i, 2(1 ed. 1840, 460.

Trichas vcfieta,Bp. , Con.sp. i, 1850, 310 (based on Sylvia vegef a, l.iCiiT.,'Mi\s. BcTol; cf.
Cab., J. f. O. 1861, 84).

TTal.—'Yha typical form in the Eastern Province of North America, north regularly
to the British provinces, casually to Greenland. South to Costa Rica, Panama and Bo-
gota. West to Kansas. No record of wintering in tiie United States, tlie West Indies
or Mexico. Breeds in New England. Tlii' var. inari/illirrayi from the Middlf and West-
ern Provinces, north to British Columbia; ea.st to Colorado and Laramie. Winters iu
Mexico and Central America. Breeds in all its United States range.

Later Kxpcdiliinis. — 60700. Box Elder Creek {\;\y. vtaafiUirrayt).

Although in the Key I kt!pt ^lacgillivray's Warbler specKically separate from the
Mourning Warbhir, I am now pr('))arc(l to agree with Mr. Allen in ranlung it as a geo-
graiihical race of the latter. Mr. Ividgway lias iilso ado])ii(l the same view, n)ion liis
inde-itendent investigations. Hi- shows some additional characters of gener.-il applica-
bility, besides the presence of v*liite eyelids in tlie W( stern biid ; this form being longer-
tailed (2.25 to 2..50 instead of 2.ni) to 2. 15), with daiker lores, the black contrasting with
the ash an<l white of contiguous parts, and the black centres of the pectoral featliers
never forming a continuous blotch, as is the case with luglier-plumaged specimens of
philaddxMa.

7G GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA, MOURNING WARBLER.

In the East, it is the nearly unanimous testimony of observers tbat
the ]\r()nriiing Warbler is rare. It is, moreover, a particularly shy and
rotirinj:>- bird, conrtinji' the privacy of dense shrubbery, and quiet in its
ways; so that even were it common it mij;ht ordinarily elude observa-
tion. It seems also to migrate rapidly, as well as stealthily. Mr. May-
nard is one of the few naturalists fortunately enabled to use the word
"common" in speaking of this bird from his personal observations; ho
found it so at Umbagog, where it was breeding, in June ; and states
that Mr. O. W. Brewster took newly-fledged young at Franconia, "in
spring." "It frequents," he continues, "the bushes along fences, stone-
walls, and the edges of woods. The male may be seen in the early
morning perched on the top rail of a feu(;e, or dead branch of a tree,
singiug. The song is loud and clear, somewhat resembling that of the
Water Thrush."

It is i)erliaps more abundant than anywhere else, in the breeding
season, along the Ked River, between Dakota and Minnesota, but I
never saw it further west. It frequents the dense shrubber}' along the
banks of the river, and is rather difficult to observe, the female es[)ecially.
But the male often mounts quite high in the trees overhead, singing,
during the mating season and while the female is incubating. The nest
must be very carefully concealed, for after repeated close search in places
where I knew there was a nest, I never succeeded in finding one.

Mr. T. Martin Trippe has been equally successful in making the ac-
quaintance of this species, finding it breeding abundantly in Minnesota.
"The JMourning Warbler haunts the edges of the tamarack swamps and
the damp thickets that adjoin them. I made frequent search for the
nest, but was not fortunate enough to find it, though I repeatedly saw
the old birds feeding the young in the latter part of June and early in
July. They are similar in their habits to the Maryland Yellow-throat,
but are not so exclusively devoted to thickets and underbrusli, frequently
ascending to the tops of the tamaracks, for which they show a great
l^redilection." The author speaks of the "agreeable" song, and, like
the one just quoted, compares it to that of the Water Thrush.

Both forms of this species occur in the Missouri region — one entering
Kansas from the East, the other reaching Laramie in the op[)osite direc-
tion. ]\Iacgillivray's Warbler appears to be more abundant tlian its east-
ern representative, and more generally diffused during the breeding
season. I found it to be a common though not abundant summer resi-
deut in the mountainous parts of Arizona, where it arrived late in April
and departed in September. My specimens were procured with some
difticulty, owing to the closeness of its coverts and its secretive habits,
which are Just the same as those of phlladdphia. Dr. Cooper notes its
arrival in the Colorado Valley, at ^lojave, at the same time, but very
pertinently observes they probably came there earlier, since he had found
them on the Columbia Kiver by the third of May. He describes a nest
that he Ibund at Pugct's Sound, in June, as being built without attempt
at concealment, about a foot above the ground, in a small bush, and
formed wholly of dry grasses, ratlier loosely put together. The eggii, he
states, are white, speckled with reddish.

Mr. Allen sends me a pleasaut manuscript note: "The western race
of the INIourniug Warbler {GeothIypi.s Philadelphia var. macyilUvrayi)^ or
Macgillivray's Warbler, is a common sunuuer inhabitant of the mount-
ains of Colorado, from the base of the foot hills u^) to about 1),()00 feet.
On Bear and Turkey Creeks it was the most numerous representative
of the SijlricoVuUv. keeping chiefly in tlie thick shrubbery bordering the
streams. Although its sweet notes were heard at frequent intervals, its

ICTERIA VIREXS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. 77

very retiring habits rendered it a rather difficnlt species to secure. Oc-
casionally, however, a male would mount to the highest point of the
thicket to pour forth his warbling melody, almost unrivalled in sweet-
ness by that of any other of the forest songsters."

Tlie nest is a rather slight but neat structure, placed on the ground,
composed of various soft librous materials and fine grasses, mostly cir-
cular arranged, lined with fine rootlets. The eggs, judging from several
sets before me, collected by Mr, Ridgwaj', lack the sharp speckling of
reddish-brown found mostly throughout this family, being variously
blotched, in an entirely irregular manner, with very dark l)rown, and
smirched with several shades of lighter dirty brown, together with some
obscure neutral shell-markings ; the ground is white, as usual. Extremes
of size and shape which have offered, are 0.70 by 0.50 and 0.05 by 0.52.

lOTEKlA VIKE^S, (Linn.) Bd.

Tellow-brejistcd Chat,

a. virens.

Turdiis virens, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 171.

leteria rirois, Bd., Rev. 1865, 228. — Suaiich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 54. — Lawk., Ann,
Lye. ix, 1863, 95 (Costa Rica) ; ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatau).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z.
iii, 1872, 17.5.— COUES, Key, 1872, 108, fig. 48.

Miiscicajxi viridis, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 936.

Icteria viridis, Bi-., Obs. Wils. 1826 ; SyD. 1828, 69 ; List, 1838 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 331.—
NuTT., Man. Oru. i, 1832, 299.— At'd., Oru. Bioj?. ii, 1834, 223; v, 1839, 433. pi.
137; Syn. 1839, 163; B. Am. iv, 160, pi. 244.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 18.53, 73.—
Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 248 ; aud of lale local writer.s.— Hoy, Souths. Rep. 1864, 437
(Missouri, breeding).— Coop., Aui. Nat., Aug. 1869 (Fort Uuiou, breeding). — SCL.,
P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).— C.U5., .1. f. 0. viii, 403 (Costa Rica).

Icteria dnmicoln, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1897, 85, pi. 55.

Pipra poljujlotfa, Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 90, pi. 6, f. 2.

(?) Icteria auricoUis, LicilT. — Bp., Consp. Av. 1850, 331.

(f ) Icteria vclasquezii, Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 117 ; Consp. 1850, 331.— ScL. & Salv., 1859, 12.

b. longicauda.

Icteria longicauda, Lawr., Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. vi, 1863, 4. — Newb., P. R. R. Rep.
vi, 1857, 81.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 249, pi. 34, f. 2.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859,
55.— SCL., Cat. 1861, 42.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 160.— CouKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,
71.— Coop., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1.--70, 75.— Coop., B. Ct.l. 1870, 98.— Aiken, Pr,
Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Colorado).— Meur., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 674.

Icteria virens var, lomjicauda, Coues, Key, 1872, 108.

Huh. — The typical form to the high central i)lains; thence replaced by the other.
True rireiDi north only to Connecticut Valley.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4725, -'Nebraska;" 4724, mouth of White River;
5304, 5308, 5307, 5310-11, Fort Loolvout ; 5306. Little Cheyenne; 4647-48, Fort Pierre.

Later Expeditiona. — 61655-59, Ogden, Utah; 61794, Devil's Creek, Idaho. Var.
lonqicanda.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

It has proven impossible to distinguisli the sever.al supposed species enuTucrated in
the above synonymy. Nevertheless, I am at present indisposed to follow Dr. Cabanis
to the length of uniting them all without varietal (puililication. In the dryer jtortions
of the Western United States the species becomes, like otlier birds of that region, less
highly colored, tiie olive taking a grayish cast noticeably diflcrent from x\\c rich clear
sliade of Eastern s]ieeimens. This chang(^ is accompanied by au increases in average
length of tail, althougli tiiis feature does not always obtain. 1 predicate a var. longi-
eaiuia upon this basis. Dr. iiayden's specimens appear to belong here. There is some
nncertaiuty attaching the determination of the two described ^lexican species ; but as
well as I can judge, they are referable to true virens rather than to var. longicauda.

This is a southern species not exceeding tlie limits of the "Carolinian
Fauna," as (U>fmed by IMr. AlU-n (liull. M. C. Z, ii, 1871, D'M). A form
extends through Mexico to Guatemala. 1 have seen no West Indian
references. The bird does not appear to winter anywhere in the United

78 MYIODIOCTES MITKATUS, HOODED WARBLER.

States; it breeds tlirougliout its United States range. It is very abun-
dant in suitable places in most portions of the Missouri region. Thus
Mr. Allen writes: "I never saw it in greater abundance than in and
about the woodlands of Eastern Kansas. At Topeka, during the last
half of May, it was especially numerous and uoisy, several males being
almost constantly in view from a single point, hovering in the air in
their well-known manner over the low thickets that border the forests
along the Kaw River, engaged in musical rivalry. Further westward
they occur with more or less frequency along the streams wherever they
are skirted with thickets, and also along the partially wooded streaujs
that descend into the plains from the foot-hills of the liocky Mountains,
as well as among the foot-hills up to about 7,800 feet. I also met with
them in the vicinity of Cheyenne, and at Ogdeu, Utah."

MYIODIOCTES MITRATUS, (Gm.) Aud.
Hdocled Fly-catching Warbler.

MotaciUa mifrala, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 977.

Suh-ia 7)utrata, Lath., Iiid. Oru. ii, 1790, 5'28.— Virill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 23, pL
77.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 79.— Nutt., Man. i, 18:?2, ;573.— Aud., Orii. Bum. ii, 1834, 68.

Sylvania milraia, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 2d cd. 33o.— Woodii., Sitgr. Rei). 18.33, (>9 (Texas
aud Indian Territory).

Sctopliaga mUrata, Jauh., ed. Wils. 183-2.— Gray, Genera of Birds.— D'Oubig., La Sagra's
Cnba, Ois. 1840, 89.

Wilsonia mitrala, Bp., List, 1838,23.— Ali>., Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Eastern Kan.sas).—
Aij:en, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83 (Massaciiusetts). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i,
1868, .516 (Illinois).

Myiodioctes inHmfit-% Aud., Svn. 1839, 48.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 12, pi. 71.— Bp., Consp.
i, 1850, 31.5. -ScL., P. Z. S. 18.56, 281 (Cordova) ; ls.58, 358 (Honduras) ; Cat.
1862, 33.— Bd., B. N. A.' 1858, 292 ; Rev. 1865, 239.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 11
(Guatemala).— JONKS, Nat. Berm. 1859, 26.— Gundl., J. f. 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba).—
Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 6:\ (Panama).— Wheat., Ohio Af>ric. Rep. 18(50. — Coues
& Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 409.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 284 (near
New York, rare, breedinu). — CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 275 (Massachnsetts
and Conifectieut). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 110 (Soutb Carolina, mi-
gratory).— TuRXi;., B. E. Pa., 1869, 19 (rather rare). — Suaiich., Mem. Bost. Soc.
i, 1869^ 547 (Orizaba"!. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan). — Snow, B.
Ivans. 1873, 5.— Coue's, Key, 1872, 109, tig. 49.

SyJvicola mltvaUi, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 113.

Mijioctoini.s mitroltis, Cab., Mns. Heiu. 1850, 18 ; J. f. O. iii, 1855, 472 (Cuba).

Musdcapa citcitUata, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 101, pi. 26, f. 3.

Miisciccqm sdhtjl, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1S31, 4(5, pi. 9.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 296.

Hah, — Eastern United States ; north to the Middle States regularly ; to Conuecfcicut
(Liiifileii, Am. .Jonrn. Sci. xliv, 1843, 257) and Massachusetts (Sdmiiels, App. Secy's Rep.
Agric. 1863, p. xxii) rarely. Ohio. West to Kansas (Coojjcr, J//<'u). Bermudas. Cnba.
Jamaica. Eastern Mexico, aud south to Panama.

As will be seen by the foregoing, this is essentially a southern bird,
the northern limit of which falls short of the United States border. It
does not appear to winter anywhere within the United States, which it
enters in Alarch, and where it breeds throughout its range. 1 have
rarely met with it in the Atlantic States, where I consider it not com-
mon ; but it appears to be more ]ilentiful in the Mis.sissippi Valley.
Westward it has been noted in the Indian Territory by Dr. Woodhouse,
and in Kansas as far as Fort Leavenworth, which constitutes the limit
of its extension as now known, unless the Prince Maximilian's quota-
tion, which I have not verified, reiu'eseuts a locality beyond. It is not
noted by Mr. Trippe among the birds of Minnesota. Mr. W. D. Scott
found it common and breeding in Kanawha County, West Virginia
(Pr. Bost. Soc, Oct. 1872).

MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS, GREEN BLACK-CAPPED WAEELER. 79

MYIOUIOCTES PUSILLUS, (Wils.) Bp.

Wilson's Green Black-eappeil FIy-«UcIiing- Warbler,

Muscicapa pimlla, Wils.. Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 103, pi. 2G. f. 4.

JVilsouia pufiiUa, Bp., List, 1838, 23 — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst. iv, 1864, 64 (Massachusetts, May
aud Aug., rare; "probably breeds"). — Allkx, Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Col-
orado, to above tiuiber-liue ; Utah ; Wjoiuiug).

Siilvania pusilla. Nutt., Mau. i, 2d ed. 1840, 335.

Mylodioctcs pusiUxs, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 315.— Bn., B. N. A. 18.58, 293 (United States,
from Atlantic to Pacific; south to Guatemala). — Scl., P. Z. S. 18.56, 291 (Cor-
dova); 1858, 299 (monutaius of Oaxaca, in winter); 18,59, 363 (Xalapa). — SCL.
& Salv., Ibis, 1859, 11 (Guatemala).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860,
182 (Fort Steilacoom, abundant). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860. — Coues &
Prext., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 409 (migratory).— Veuh., Pr. Bust. Soc.
1862, 125 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, iii (Maine, sunniier visitant, not common). — Bd., Rev.
1864, 240 (various parts of British America, tfcc). — Lohd, Pr. Roy. Art'y Inst.
Wool, iv, 1864, 115 (British Columbia).— CouES. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866 (Arizona,
summer resident in mountains). — CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 274 (New En-
gland, migratory, summer, and probably breeding). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. N.
H. 1868, 111 (South Carolina, migratory).- Lawi;., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
285 (New York); ix, 1868, 95 (Costa Rica).— TuiiXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19 (mi-
gratorv). — Sumicil, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1839, 547 (Vera Cruz, migratorv, "every-
where'").—Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Meiui., ibid. 1872, 675.— Dall
& Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 278 (Alaska, breeding at Sitka). — Coop., Pr.
Cal. Acad. 1870, 75; B. Cal. 101.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Colorado).—
CouES, Key, 1872, 109, fig. 50 (North America, at large).

Mnioctonus pusilhts, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 18. — Cab., J. f. O."l860, 325 (Costa Rica).

AlotdciUa pUcolata, Pall., Zong. R.-A. i, IHU, 497. (Pacific variety.)

Ali/iodiocf('>s 2»''^i^^iis var. pUcolata, Ridgvv'., Am. Jouru. Sci. 1872, 457. (A variety.)

S>iMa wihouVu Bp., Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 127.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 408.

Muitcicapa tcilsonii, Aui>., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 148, pi. 124.

Si'tophaaa mUonii, Jard., ed. Wils. Am. Orn. 1832.

AJijiodtoctfs witfionii, Aud., Syn. i, 1839, 50. — Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 21, pi. 75 (Labrador,
Newfoundland). — PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 208 (Massachusetts, summer, rare).

Stflvania wihionii, Woodil, Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 69 (Texas aud Indian Territory).

Hab. — North Anun-ica. Mexico. Central America. No West Indian record.

Later Expeditions. — 60704-10, Fort Bridger and Henry's Fork ; 62347-8, Lower Geyser
Basin and T(^ton Lakes.

Brighter cohjn-d examples, from the humid Pacific legions, constitute Mr. Ridgway's
"var. j>(7fe/a/«" (Am. Journ. Sci. 1872, 457), to which the various Pacific coast refer-
ences, given ab()V(!, pertain.

Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions, but beyond a doubt overlooked.
The foregoing ([notations illustrate very fully the distribution of the species. It doubt-
less breeds in New England, but I have no authentic advices that such is the case. I
have found no record of its wintering in the United States.

Mr. Allen conimniiicates the f'ollowiug interesting note:

''The Black-capped Warbler ( Wilnonia pusiUa) is a common inhabitant
of the subalpiiie and al[)ine districts in the Colorado Mountains, breed-
ing from about 8,()()0 feet n[) to about timber-line. In the dwarfed wil-
lows and other low .shrubs that grow ibr some distance above the limit
of trees, we found it by fitr the most numerous of all the insectiverous
birds. It was here more plentiful even than at lower points, and may
hence l)e regarded as an eminently alpine sj[)ecies. Although evidently
breeding, we lailed to discover its nests. It manitests great an.xiety
when its chosen haunts are invaded, and during our e.xcursions at the
above-described locality, we were almost constantly scolded by one or
more pairs of these birds. Later in the season we met with this speci«'s
at Cheyenne, and near Colorado (.lity and Denver, and also found it
common in the vicinity of Ogden, Utah, in Septend)er."

1 have met with the species in various i)arts of thi^ I'^ast, where, how-
ever, it appears to be less abundant than it is in many western regions.
In the mountainous districts of Arizona it is a common summer resident
from I\Iay to Sei)tember, and doubtless breeds, though 1 have no infor-
mation of its nest and eggs.

80 MYIODIOCTES CANADENSIS, FLY-CATCHING WARBLER.

MYIODTOCTES CANADENSIS, (Linu.) And.

Canatlian Fly-catching AVarblcr.

Muscicaim canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176(), 327.— Gm., ihid. 13th ed. 1788, 9.37.— Wrr,s.,
Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 100, pi- 20, f. 2.— Aud., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 17, pi. 103.

Setophaqa cmuHhunis, Jaiux, eil. Wils. 1832.— Rich., List, 1837.— Gcay, Geu. of Birds.

MmodiocU's canadensis, Avn., Syu. 1«39, 49.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 14, pi. 72.— ('??)Bkk\v.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 5 (Lynn, Mass., breedinji).— Sci. , P. Z. S. 1854, 111 ; 1858, 451
(Ecuador); 1855. 143 ( Bogota).- Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1850, 208 (Massachu-
setts, iu summer).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 294.— Scl. & Sai.v., Ibis, i, 1859, 11
(Guatemala).— Lawu., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1862; viii, 1830, 280; ix, 18(58,95
(Costa Rica).— Bd., Rev. 1805, 240.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1840.-CouES
& Pkknt., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 409 (migratory, abuudaut).— Boai:i)M., Pr. Bost.
Soc. ix, 1862, 125 (Maine, breeding, common). — VKi:r.., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862,
14(J (ditto).— McIlwk., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 86 (Hamilton, C. W., in summer). —
CouES, Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1868, 274.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, HI (S. Car.,
migratory, common).— Tuiinb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19 (frequent, Apr., Oct.).— Mayx.,
Guide, 1870, 105; Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871.— Coues, Key, 1872, 109, tig. 51.

Enihhjpis canadensis, C\u., Mus. Hein. 1850, 18.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 65.

Si/h-ia pardalina, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1826 ; Syn. 1828, 79.— Nutt., Man. 1, 1832, 372.— Lixs.,
Am. Jouru. Sci. xliv, 1843, 256.

Sylvicola pardalina, Bp., List, 1838,22.— Brew., Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 1857, 4, (Mass., breeding),

Alyiodioctes pardalina, Bv., Cousp. i, 1850, 315.

Jilnscicapa honapartii, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 27, pi. 5 (young).

Sctophafja honapartii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 225, pi. 47.— Rich,, List, 1837.

Wilsonia honapartii, Bp., List, 1838.

Siilvania Ixinaijartii, NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 332.

Aliliodiocivs honapartii, Aud., Syn. 1839, 49 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 17, pi. 73.— Bd., B. N. A. 295.

Sctopha(ja nigricincta, Lafi?es., R. Z. 1843, 292; 1844, 79.

Eab. — Eastern North America. North to Labrador (Auduhon) and Cumberland
House (hit. 54°, IHchardson). West to the Lower Missouri. South to Ecuador. No
West Indian record. Breeds from the Middle States aud Massachusetts, occasionally;
from Maine, regularly, northward. Winters entirely beyond the United States.

No species of Miiiodiocfes was noticed by either Expedition. The
present one lias not, to my knowledge, been actually taken anywhere on
the Missouri ; but I admit it, with this remark, because there is no rea-
sonable doubt whatever of its occurrence iu Missouri and Eastern
Kansas.

It is too late now to argue in favor of the identity of "iii. honapartii"
with this species ; this has become a settled issue. It is curious to note
how, in striving to separate the supposed species, Audubon was led un-
wittingly to deny to canadensis any occurrence in the Southern States ;
he says "from Kentucky northward," but the fact is, as indicated in the
foregoing paragraph, that the species has a southward extension equal
to that of almost any United States species of the family, excei)ting D.
striata, whi(;h probably goes to Chili. It is abuudaut in the woodland
of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland, during the migrations; some
individuals stop to breed iu the IMiddle States and Southern New En-
gland, but the majority reach a latitude in British America correspond-
ent to that of most other species of the family. Its habits are not
peculiar in comparison v.-ith those of its congeners.

The nest of this species is a rude and bulky structure, which Mould
scarcely be attributed to so delicate a bird. The description is taken
from the only one 1 have seen, collected at Lynn, Massachusetts, by Mr.
G. Welch, it is irregular in contour, about four inches in one diameter
and nearly six in tbe other, though less than two inches deep. It is
composed chiefly of dried pine-needles, closely laid together, but with
these are mixed a number of leaves, chiefly outside and below, some
fibrous strips and weed-stalks. The cavity it.self is very small, neatly fin-
ished, and lined with a quantity of black horse-hair. This nest contained

SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA, REDSTART. 81

three eggs, white, spotted with reddish-brown and lavender, chiefly at the
larger end, where many of the spots are confluent, but also sparingly
sprinkled over the whole surface. Size 0.68 by 0.52. The nest is placed
on the ground.

SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA, (Linn.) Sw.

Redstart.

Muscicapa ruiicilla, Linn., Syst. Nat. i", 1766, 326.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 935.— Vieill.,
Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 66, pi. 35, 36.— Wils,, Am. Orn. i, 1808, 103, pi. 6, fig. 6.—
AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 202; v, 1839, 428; pi. 40.— Aud., B. Am. i, 240, pi. 68.

Setopharja ruticilla, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 358.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,223.—
Bd., B. N. a. 18.58, 297 ; Rev. 1865, 256.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 161.— Coop., Am.
Nat. Aug. 1869, 33 (Fort Union, breeding ; obtained eight nests). — Lawr., Ann.
Lye. viii, 1866, 174 ; ix, 1868, 96 (Costa Rica).— Sal v., P. Z. S. 1867, 136 (Ve-
ragua) ; 1868, 166 (Venezuela).- Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Meridu).—
Allen, Bnll. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Kansas ; mountains of Colorado, up to
about 8,000 feet ; Ogden, Utah).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1670, 4U3.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 110 ; aud of all late writers.

'Sylvania ruticiUa, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 291.

MotacUla flavicauda, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 997 ( 5 ).

Eab. — Chieily Eastern North America. North to Fort Simpson. West to Utah.
South through Mexico and Central America to Ecuador. West Indies.

List of specimen^

?.

19205
19206

24
34

Wind River

do

$
5

May 28, 1860
. . do

F.V. Hayden.
do

5.75
5.25

8.00
7.25

2.50
2.25

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — 4691, "Nebraska;" 4687-90, 8843, Upper Missouri
River; 4688, Big Sioux River; 4689, mouth of Platte River; 5271, Medicine Creek.
Later Expeditions. — 60424-5, La Bontc Creek.

According to several observers, the Redstart is one of the commonest
birds along the Missouri River bottoms, breeding abundantly. Dr.
Cooper obtained numerous nests at various points between Fort Union
aud Milk River, and traced the species westward to the Cojur d'Alene
Mountains. Mr. Allen says it occurs with considerable frequency as a
summer resident in the foot-hills west of Denver, where it evidently
breeds, and is doubtlessly sparingly represented wherever there are
woodlands or thickets, thence eastward to the Atlantic coast, as well as
westward throughout the lower mountain v^alleys, as he found it com-
mon about Ogden, L^tah, in autumn. In the mountains he did not observe
it above 8,000 feet.

The Redstart builds an elegant little nest in the fork of a tree, of va-
rious soft downy substances matted together, and usually also with
fibrous strips. Those built chiefly of down are exquisitely soft and
neatly finished with a flrni, smooth, circular brim, quite narrow. The
interior is lined with a considerable (piantity of very fine rootlets, or
horse-hair, or both, for the juost part circularly arranged. The whole
nest is only about two and one-half inches across outside, aud the same
in external depth ; the cavity is usually rather deeper than broad. A
nest taken at Racine, Wisconsin, by Dr. Iloy, is curiously fixed entirely
to one side of an upright fork, setting away from the support altogether,
excepting on a small part of its circumference, which is continued ilown-
wanl into the crotch, and to which the rest of the ne.st is attached more
intimately than it is to the fork itself. The egg.s, in the examples before
me, are mostly four in number; they are white, quite thickly sprinkled
all over, but especially spotted at or around the large end, with usual
shades of brown and lilac. Dilferent specimens nu'asure from O.(Il) by
0.49 to 0.70 by O.ill. The bird breeds in Jvausas, aud also very abundantly
along the Red River, in June.
6

82 PYRANGA RUBRA — P. ESTIVA.

Family TANAGRID^ : Tanagers.

PYEANGA BUBRA, (Linn.) Vieill.

Scarlet Taiiager.

lanagra rubra, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1706, 314.— Gm., i, 1788, 889.— Wils.. Am. Orn. ii,
1810, 42, pi. 11, f. 3, 4.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 105.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 465.— Aud.,
Orn. BiofT. iv, 1838, 388, pi. 354, f. 3, 4.

Puranga rithra, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 273.—
Jaud., ed. Wils. 1832, i, 192.— Bp., List, 1838, 35 ; Consp. 1850, 241 (quotes pi.
Eulum. 127 $, 156 ? ; Desm., Tang. pi. 34).— Aud., Syn. 1839, 136.— Aud., B.
Am., iii, 1841, 226, pi. 209.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 135.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,
82 (Texas aud Indian Territory;.- GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 235.— Scl., P. Z. S.
1855, 15:6 (Bogota); 1856, 123 (Cuba, Jamaica); 1858, 73 (Ecuador); Cat. 1862,
80 (Bogota).— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 270.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 30.— Sumich.,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 550 (Vera Cruz).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. 1861, 331 (Pan-
ama) ; ix, 1868, 99 (Costa Rica).— Gundl., Rep. 238 (Cuba).— Allen, Bull. M.
C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Eastern Kansas).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5.— CouES, Key,
1872, 111 ; and of late writers.

Phcenisoma rubra, Sw., Birds, ii, 1837, 284.

Pkwnicosoma rubra, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 24.

Fyranga crythroinelas, ViEiLL., Enc. Met. 800 ; Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 293.

Eab. — Eastern United States aud British provinces (north to 59*^, Richardson). West
to Kansas aud Indian Territory ouly. Breeds at large through its United States range ;
none winter. South in winter through Mexico aud Central America, to Ecuador. Cuba.
Jamaica.

The Missouri extension of this species is very limited, probably not
reaching above Leavenworth.

The egg of the Scarlet Tanager is pale dull greenish, minutely freck-
led all over with light reddish-brovrn, the markings often aggregated
into a wreath around the larger end. Size about 0.90 by 0.65.

PYEANGA J^STIVA, (Gm.) Vieill.

Summer Redbird.

a. cestiva.

Muscieapa rubra, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 326.

Tanagra a'^tiva, Gm., Syst". Nat. 1, 1788, 889.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 95, pi. 6, f. 3.— Bp., Syn.
1828, 105.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 469.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 232; v, 1639,
518, pi. 44.

Fyranga a;sfiva, Vieill., Enc. Met. 799 ; Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 291.— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 117 ;
List, 1838, 35; Consp. i. 1850, 241.— LiNS., Am. Journ. xliv, 1848, 261 (Counec-
ticut).— Woodh., Sitgr.' Rep. 1853, 82.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, 156 (Bogota); 1856,
123 (Cuba, Jamaica) ; 142, 303 (Cordova) ; 1858, 73 (Ecuador) ; 358 (Honduras) ;
1859, 364 (Xalapa); 377 (Oaxaca); 1860, 293 ; Cat. 1862, 80.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis,
1859, 15 (Guatemala) ; P. Z. S. 1867, 278 (Mosquito coast); 1870, 836.— Taylor,
Ibis, 1860, 111.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1866, 224.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 301.—
Cab., J. f. 0. 1880, 329 (Costa Rica).— Allen. Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83.— Coues,
Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 275. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1861, 297 (Panama); viii,
1865, 176 (New Granada); ix, 1868, 99 (Costa Rica).— Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad.
1869, 130 ("to Nova Scotia").— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 548 (Vera
Cruz).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 109 (Massachusetts). —
CoUES, Key, 1872, 111, fig. 52»; plate ii, figs. 19, 20; aud of late writers.

b. coopcri.

Pijrauga wsi:va. Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1861, 122.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 71 (refers

to one of Dr. Cooper's specimens, afterward called cooperi by Mr. Ridgway).
Pyranga lupatica, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad, 1866, 71 (excl. syn. In part. Intended to

indicate the true hcpatica, but erroneously included my Rio Grande specimens,

afterward made tyjx^s of J', cooperi).
Pyranga cooperi, Ridgw., I'r. Phila. Acad. 1869, 130 (Rocky Mountains), — Coop., B.

Cal. i, 1870, 142.
Pyranga wnliva var. cooperi, Coues, Key, 1872, 111, fig. 52''.

PYRANGA LUDOVICIANA, LOUISIAXA TANAGER.

83

Huh. — The typical form from the Eastern United States, north to Connecticut (Lins-
leij) and Massachnsetts (JiUson, quoted by Putuam. Allen, Cones, and Maynard ; stra<j-
gliug even to Nova Scotia, Eidfjioay, loc. cit. spec, in Mus. Smiths.). West to Kansas and
the Indian Territory. South through a part of the West Indies (Cuba ; Jamaica) and
Eastern Mexico to Central America, New Grauada, Ecuador, and Peru. Var. cooperi
from Southern Middle Province, latitude 35°. South through Western Mexico.

This species, like the last, merely reaches the eastern extremity of the
Missonri region. With a range generally coincident with that of P. rubra,
the Summer Redbird is somewhat more southerly, being rare or casual
even in Southern Xew England, beyond which I have found no record,
excepting Mr. liidgway's citation, based on a specimen in the Smith-
sonian, of "Nova Scotia." The bird breeds throughout its United States
range, but wholly withdraws irom this country in winter, penetratiug
very far south.

As stated in the Key, Pyranga cooperi is not a tenable species, but
may be recognized as a geographical race. In Cooper's late work,
'"'•Pyranga hepatica, Cones," is cited as synonymous, but is so only in part.
I included, under the head of hepatica,, page 71 of the Academy's Pro-
ceedings i'or 1806, my Rio Grande specimens, afterward made types of
var. cooperi ; but this is simply a mistake, not to be held to overbalance
the rest of my notice, which was based on hepatica proper, as shown by
the synonyms adduced.

The egg of the Summer Redbird is not distinguishable with certainty
from that of the Scarlet Tauager, though it averages rather larger. It
also closely resembles that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

PYRANGA LUDOYICIANA, (Wils.) Bp.

Louisiana Tauager,

Tanagra htdoviciana, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 27, pi. 22, fig. 1. — Ai'D., Orn. Biog. iv,
1838, 385 ; v, 18.39, 90, pi. 354, 400. (Name geograpically inappropriate.)

Tanagra (Piiranga) htdoviciana, Bp., Syn. 1828, 105. — Nu it., Man. i, 1832, 471.

Pyramju ladoviviana, Bp.— AUD., Syn. 1839, 137.— AUD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 211, pi. 210.—
Sci-., P. Z. S. 1856, 125.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 303. -IIeekm., P. K. R. Rep. x, 1859,
52.— Coop. &, Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1880, 182.— Sol., P. Z. S. 18.5(j, 125 (Gua-
temala); 1859, 377 (Oaxaca); 1S57, 213 (Orizaba); 1862, 19 (Parada, Mex.);
Ibis, 1859, 15 (Guatemala).— Cot'KS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 71.— Coop., Am. Nat.
iii, 1869, 33 —Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 145.— Sumicit., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 550
(Vera Cruz).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. lf<72, 175.— Aikkx, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198
(Cohuailo).- CouEs, Key, 1872, 112.— Meuk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872,678.

Pijranga cnjlhropis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxviii, 1819, 291.

Hah. — Tipper Missouri and eastern foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific.
Mexico. South to Guatemala. Not north of the United States ?

List of sjKcimens.

19207
19208
19334
19335

22

80

Wind River ..
Snake River. ..
Prvor's Fork. ..
..-^.do

<?
>"

May 24,1860
June 18, IrtCO
June 22, 1860
do

F. y. Hayden.
<h)

G. lI.Trook...
do

6.25
6.50
6.75
6.75

11.00 I 3.75
10.50 .3.75
11.25 I 3.75
11.2.-. I 3.75

Licutenavt Jrarren's Expedilion.— 8822, Bhick Hills; 8823, Laramie Peak.
Later lLj-2)editioiis.—6U\ti2, Wyoming; 61603, Utah; 62278-86, Idaho.

The elegant Louisiana Tauager has been ascertnined to breed in the
vicinity of Laramie Peak, ^vhere several examples have been procured
in a higher state of phmnige than that usually described as adult — the
whole head and throat intense scarlet, tli(> midiileof tlic l>ack pure black,
and the rurn[) rich chrunu' yellow. J)r. Ilaydcn's .specimens are also in-
teresting in establishing an extreme limit of the species, as far as now

84 PYEANGA LUDOVICIANA, LOUISIANA TANAGER.

liuowii. It has been more recently taken by Mr. Allen, in the mountains
of Colorado, from the plains up to about 8,000 feet. I found the bird in
the mountains of Arizona, where it was a rather rare summer resident
from the middle of April until the end of September; and I have no
doubt that it breeds about Fort Whipple, although I did not succeed in
establishing the fact. The birds were exclusively confined to the pine
forests ; in their manners they apjieared to me to closely resemble the
eastern species. Dr. Cooper noticed the arrival of this species near San
Diego, in small parties, on the 24:tli of April, and states that they reach
Puget Sound about May 15th. "The males," he remarks, "come some
time in advance, clothed in their full summer livery, and are more bold
and conspicuous than the females, which are rarely seen without close
watching. They frequent trees, feeding on insects and berries, and sing-
ing much in the same manner as the other species." He continues : " 1
saw none of them in the coast range toward Santa Cruz, or at Santa
Barbara, in summer, and suppose that they must seek the higher and
more northern regions at that season. I found this species in Septem-
ber, 1800, in the higher Kocky Mountains, near the sources of the Co-
lumbia, in latitude 47°, and they probably remain until October within
this State. * * * * i saw none along the Colorado Valley, proba-
bly because they migrate more on the line of the mountain ranges."

Dr. George Suckley has given an interesting account : "The beautiful
Louisiana Tauager is quite abundant in certain seasons in the vicinity
of Fort Steilacoom. In 1854 but a lim.ited number made their appear-
ance, while, on the contrary, in the summer of 1856, I could readily have
obtained a hundred specimens. I have had frequent opportunities of
studying their habits, and have never yet seen them descend to the low
bushes or the ground, as stated by Nuttall, the reverse being the rule
(at least at Puget Sound) ; the difficulty being generally to find the bird
sufiQciently low down on fir-tree branches to allow tine shot to reach it
with any degree of certainty. * * * * Xhe favorite habitat of the
species, in those localities where I have observed it, is among the tall,
red fir-trees belonging to that magnificent species, the Abies donglasH.
They seemingly prefer the edges of the forest, rarely retiring to its
dei:)ths unless for con(!ealment when alarmed. In early summer, at Fort
Steilacoom, they are generally seen during the middle of the day sun-
ning themselves in the firs, occasionally darting from one of these trees
to another, or to some of the neighboring white-oaks {Q. garryana) on
the prairies. Later in the season (hey may be seen very actively flying
about in quest of insect food for their young. On July 10, 1850, I saw
one of these birds carrying a worm or insect in its mouth, from which [
inferred that the young were then hatched out. Both sexes, during the
breeding season, are much less shy ; the males, during the day-time, fre-
quently sitting on some low limb, rendering the scene joyous with their
delightful melody."

The stomach of a specimen examined by Dr. Suckley contained in-
sects, principally Colcopfcra, among them many fragments of a large
BiiprcHiis, found generally on the Douglas fir-trees.

Mr. Allen writes to me, tliat "the Louisiana Tanager is the only rep-
resentative of the Tdnagrhkc I observed at any point west of Eastern
Kansas. In Colorado it occurs from the plains up to about 8,000 feet in
the mountains, about the base of which it may be regarded as a rather
common species. In song and general habits it strikingly resembles the
Scarlet Tanager of the I'^ast, its song, in fact, being scarcely distinguish-
able from that of the eastern bird."

A set of eggs taken in the Uintah Mountains, July 7, 1869, by Mr.

HIEUNDO HORREORUM, BARN SWALLOW. 85

Eidgway, are noticeably different from those of the other species of
this genus, being a much clearer green, and more sparingly dotted with
mere points of very dark purplish-brown. A few specks are sprinkled over
the whole surface, but the tendency is to aggregate just at the larger end,
where the spots, though so numerous, preserve their distinctness. In
size and shape the eggs are not very different from those of P. rubra,
though perhaps averaging a little larger and especially thicker. The
nidification is essentially the same.

Family HIRUNDINID JE : Swallows.

HIRUNDO HORREORUM, Barton.
Americau Barn Swallow.

a. erythrogaster.

Eirundo eryfhrogasler, Bodd., P. E. 1783, pi. 724.— ScL., Cat. Am. Birds, 18G2, 39;

P. "Z. 8. 1867, 340.
Hirundo rufa, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1018.— Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 339 (in part). — Burm.,

Syst. Ueb. iii, 148.
Hirundo cijanopyrrlia, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. 1817, 510 ; Eucy. Meth. ii, 1823, 528.

b. liorreorum.

Hirundo rufa, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 60, pi. 30.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 64 ; List, 1838>
9.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 601.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 64.— Cass., 111. 1855,
243.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 3 (Cuba).— Brew., N. A. O. i, 1857, 91, pi. 5, figs-
63-67.— Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland).— Guxdl., J. f. 0. 1861, 328 (Cuba).

Hirundo liorreorum, Bart., Frag. N. II. Pa. 1799, 17.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 308; Rev. 1865,
294.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 13 (Guatemala).- Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 63
(Santa Cruz, migratory). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 310 (Panama) ; 1864,
98 (Sombrero). — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Vera Crnz). — Guxdl.,
OtV. 1869, 584 (St. Bartholomew).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 184 (Veragua).— Hayd.,
Rep. 1862, 161.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 184.— Coues, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1866, 72 (Arizona).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 33 (Montana).— Dall &,
Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 279 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 103.—
FiNSCn, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 28 (Alaska).— Merr., U. S. Gcol. Surv. Ter. 1872,
676. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Colorado, up to timber-line). — Coues,
Key, 1872, 113, fig. 54.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 5 ; and of late United States writers.

Hirundo americana, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 34, pi. 8, f. 1, 2.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii,
1831, 329.— Lemb., Aves Cubai, 1850, 44, pi. 7, f. 2.

Hirundo ruxiica, AVD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 413, pi. 173; Syn. 1839, 35; B. Am. i, 1840,
181, pi. 48.— GiRAUD, B. L. I. 1844, 35.— Jones, Nat. Berm. 34.

Hal). — Var. liorreorum ; North and Middle America. North to Alaska. Greenland.
West Indies. H. erj/throf/astcr is the South American form.

Lieutenant Tl'arren^s Expedition. — 520f)-8, Yellowstone River.

Later ExpeditiouH. — 62295-6, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

In the above heading this species is retained under the name given in the Key, and
used by nearly all later Americau writers, although tlune is no probability that it is
specifically distinct from the South Americau form, H. eri/throtjaster. The synonymy is
distinguished above, for convenience, and (uir species may stand as //. erythrogaster var.
horrevruni, though even the varietal distinctions are very slight.

The Barn Swallow occurs throughout the Missouri region, especinlly
during the migrations, and breeds in suitable localities, jilthough it is
much less numerous than it is in most wooded and settled parts of tlu»
country. It appears to withdVaw altogether liom the United states in
winter, though a few Swallows are usually among the earliest arrivals^
in south(>rn portions, even in February. Their great jtowers of ilight
enable them to pass rai)idly from one country to another, according to
the exigencies of the weather. -''^

There is uo occasion hero to enter into details of the well-known nidi-

86 TACHYCiNETA BICOLOR T. THALASSINA.

ficatiou and eggs of our Swallows. I will indicate the general character.
In Hirundo and Petrochelklon the eggs are alike spotted, heavily and
sharply, upon a white ground, with various reddish-brown and darker
brown shades. In Tachycineta hicolor and thalassina, in Cotyle and Stel-
gidopteryxj and in Frogne purpurea, the eggs are pure white, unmarked.

TACHYCINETA BICOLOR, (Vieill.) Cab.

White-bellied Swallow.

Hirundo hicolor, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 61, pi. 31.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 6.5.— Aud.,
Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 491; v, 417; pi. 98; Syn. 1839, 35; B. Am. i, 1840, 175, pi.
46.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, p. — .— Gikaud, B. L. 1. 1844, 36.— Lemb., Aves Cubse,
1850, 46.— WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 1855, 244.— Newb., P. R. R.
Rep. vi, 18.57, 78.— Brew., N. A. O. i, 1857, 100, pi. 4 (egg).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
310 ; Rev. 1865, 297.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 185.— Jones, Nat.
Berm. 34. — Lord, Pr. Roy. Avty. Inst, iv, 1864, 15 (British Columbia). — Dall &,
Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 279 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 106.—
FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 29 (Alaska).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 21
(North Carolina, in January). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (up to tim-
ber-line).—Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 235 (Iowa).— Hart., Br. Birds, 1872,
125 (accidental in England). — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 5 : and of most writers.

Chclidon hicolor, Less. — Bp., List, 1838, 8.

Tacluicincta hicolor, Cab., Mus. Hein., 1850, 48 ; J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 5 (Cuba).— Gundl., J. f.
0. 1861, 330 (Cuba). — SuMiciL, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (plateau of Mexico).—
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 269 (Florida, in winter).— Coues, Key, 1872, 113.

Herse hicolor, Bp. Consp. Av. i, 1850, 341.

PctrochcVulon hicolor, ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 201 ; 1859, 364 (Xalapa) ; Cat. 1862, 40.— Scl. &,
Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 13 (Guatemala).

Eirundo viridis, Wils., Am. Om. v, 1812, 49, pi. 38.

" Chclidon riridis, Boie, 1826." (JJ/x)

Hirundo Icucogaster, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool- x, 1817, 105.

Chelidon leucoyastra, Boie, Isis, 1844, 171.

Hah. — Temperate North America. North to Great Slave Lake and Alaska. Mexico,
in summer. South to Guatemala. Cuba. Bermudas. Accidental in England ( Try ^^ci/.
Zoologist, 1858, 3806; Newton, ihid. 1860, 7145; P. Z. S. 1860, 131). Breeds in most of
its United States range. Winters in Florida, Cuba, and Central America.

Not noticed by the Expeditions.

The White-bellied Swallow appears to be rarer in the Missouri region
than the other species are, or than it is in most other parts of the United
States, much of the country being not well suited to its wants. It is oc-
casionally seen in the Southern States in midwinter, as in the instances
above given.

TACHYCINETA THALASSINA, (Sw.) Cab.
Violet-green Swallow.

Hirundo ilaUmna, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 365.— Bp., List, 1838, 9.— Aud., Orn. Biog.
iv, 1838, '-97, pi. 385; Syu. 1839, 36; B, Am. i, 1840, 186, pi. 49.— Wooim., Sitgr.
Rep. 1853, 64.— Cass., B. Cal. and Tex. i, 1855, 245.— BRK^v., N. A. Ool. 1, 1857,
ia2 (not the fig. !).— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 78.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 311 :
Rev. 1865, 299.— Maxim., J. f. 0, 18.58, 101.— IIeerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 36.—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 185.— Lord, Pr. Rov. Arty. Inst. Wool,
iv, 1864, 115 (British Columbia).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 186(), 72 (Arizona).-
Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75; B. Cal. ii, 1871, 107.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 149 (Colorado, up to 8,000 feet).

"Cccrojiis thalassina, Less." '

Chelidon thalassina, Boie, Isis, 1844, 171.

Hcrse thalassina, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 341.

Tachycineta thalassina, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850.48. — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869,547
(Vera Cruz, abundant, breeds). — Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 676. —
Coues, Key, l^!72, 113.

Petrochelidon thalassina. Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1839, 13 (Guatemala). — Scl., Cat. 1861, 39. —
Scl., p. Z. S. 1864, 173 (city of Mexico).

TACHYCINETA THALASSINA, YIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. 87

Hah. — Middle and Western Provinces. North to British America. South throu^'h
Mexico to Guatemala. °

List of specimens.

19208
19210
19211
19350
19351

31
15
14

Wind River.. .

do

do

G. Bull Creek.
do

$

May 26, 18G0

do

do

June 7, 1860
June 5, 1860

F. V. Haydeu.

do

do

G. H. Trook..
do

4.75

12.75

4.75

5.25

12.50

4.75

5.25

12.25

4.ro

5.00

12.00

4.50

5.25

12.00

4.75

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.
Later Ejpedilions. — 61665, Utah.

A fine series of this lovely Swallow was procured by Captain Ray-
nolds, and its eggs are also in tbe collection. The locality is apparently
at about the northeast limit of distribution of the species. It does not
appear to be recorded north of Washington Territory and Vancouver.
In winter it retires beyond the United States, reaching to Guatemala.
Its breeding range appears to comprise all suitable localities in that por-
tion of the (Jnited States it occupies, as well as parts of Mexico ; to the
southward, it chiefly occupies elevated and wooded situations. 1 found
it abundant in the Raton IMountains of New Mexico, in June ; it was
then doubtless breeding. In Arizona, as I have already recorded [l. c),
it is very abundant, being the characteristic Swallow of the, pine regions,
■where it breeds ; it arrives at Fort Whipple about the liOth of March,
and remains until late in September. Dr. Cooper noticed its arrival in
the Santa Clara Valley, California, as early as March 15th, and further
observes that it ''frequents chiefly the groves of oaks along the sides of
the valleys and across the whole coast range, excepting the windy and
cold neighborhood of the sea. They range at least as far north as the
Straits of Fuca, and across the interior to the eastern base of the Rocky
Mountains." Dr. Suckley report.s its arrival at Paget Sound about the
10th of May. Mr. Allen found it in July and August, in Colorado, in
the Ganlen of the Gods, about Castle Rock, and at Lake Pass.

A well known and often recorded point in the economy of the Swal-
lows, is the readiness with which they modify their ways of nesting ac-
cording to circumstances. Those species, like the Barn Swallow, the
Wliite-bellied and Cliff Swallows, and the Purple Martin, which inhabit
populous countries, have almost completely changed their modes of nid-
itication, now breeding in the convenient places aflbrded by buildings,
or in .shelters expressly provided for tlieir use. In the case of the Cliff
Swallows, the change is of very recent date, and many records are pre-
served of the precise time when, in particular localities, the birds de-
serted cliffs to build under eaves, or when, adopting tliis habit, they
appeared and bred in places where they were before unknown. With
the Purple Martins the modification occurred earlier, and I am not aware
that the time is recorded. But in the west both these birds still adhere
to their primitive Avay.s. Along the ^Missouri I saw great numbers of
nests of Cliff Swallows stuck in batches on the high vertical water-
worn exposures; and in Arizona the Martins occupied the blasted tops
of tall ])iiie-trees, in colonies, having driven olf the Woodpeckers, right-
ful i)roi»rietors of the holes that riddled the trunks. It becomes an
interesting specula'iion whether the Bank Swallow will ever abandon its
burrows, ami so far modify its fossorial nature as to build in chinks and
crannies, or aihx a nest anywhere about a building. As far as is now
known, the \'iolet-green Swallow retains its primitive habits, but the
same easy adaptal)ility to varying circumstances may be observed in
this case, warranting the inference that before long it will accept the con-

88 PETROCHELIDON LUNIFRONS, CLIFF SWALLOW.

tlitious that civilization imposes, and breed about buildings like its
allies.

At Fort Whipple the Violet-greeu Swallows resided during the sum-
mer in small, loose colonies, in high, open pine woods, preferably about
the edges of the timber. They could not (contest with the Woodpeck-
ers, as the Martius did, for recent holes, but they occupied deserted ones,
as well as knot-holes or other crannies in the trees. According to Dr.
Cooper, on the Pacific coast they frequent the high prairies bordered
with oals and other deciduous trees, breeding in knot-holes or in desertetl
Woodpeckers' holes. Mr. Allen found them breeding in holes in the
rods. Mr. Nuttall states, on the authority of Mr. Townsend, that along
the Columbia River they used to breed in the deserted nests of the Cliti'
Swallow.

The speckled egg figured and described by Br. Brewer, as of this
species, has since been ascertained to belong to another. The eggs
are four or five in number, and pure white, like those of the Bank
Swallow.

According to Mr. Allen's manuscript, "the Violet-greeu Swallow, the
most delicately and brilliantly colored of our Hirundines, was met with
in considerable abundance in Colorado, from the base of the mountains
up to about 8,000 or 10,000 feet. Like the W^hite-bellied Swallow, it
lives generally in colonies, a considerable number of pairs commonly
breeding in the same vicinity. We met with several such colonies on
our route from Denver to South Park, but as we also passed long dis-
tances during the same journey without meeting with the species at all,
it is probably to be regarded as rather locally distributed. They api)ear
to generally nest in abandoned Woodi)eckers' holes, but at the "Garden
of the Gods," and on the "divide" between Denver and Colorado City,
■we found them breeding in holes in the rocks, at the former locality, in
comp:niy with the Rocky Mountain Swift {Pani/ptila saxatilis)^

Since writing the foregoing I have received the desired evidence of
the change of nidiflcation of this species, above noted as to be expected.
Referring to Idaho Springs, Clear County, Colorado, Mr. Tripiie informs
me that the Violet-green Swallow is abundant, nesting under the eaves of
houses, like the Cliff Swallow, and also in hollow trees. "It arrives," he
adds, "toward the close of May, and soon becomes numerous, up to an
altitude of 10,500 feet, occasionally even venturing higher. It disap-
pears from the higher regions in August, and in September leaves the
country.''

PETROCHELIDON LTJXIFRONS, (Say.) ScL

Cliff Swallow ; Eave Swallow.

Hirundo hiiiifrons, Say, Long's Exp. ii, 1823, 47. — Woodii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 64. — Cass.,
111. Id.w, 243.— BUEW., N. A. O. i, 1857, 94, pi. 5, tigs. (58-73.— Newij., P. R. R.
Rep. yi, 1851, 78.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 30L).— Coop. «fe Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.
18(50, 1'24. — Lawi;., Aun. Lvc. N. Y. 18G1, 317 (Pauauja, winter). — IIayd., Rep.
18(5-2, ICl.— Loud, Pr. Arty.'lnst. Wool, iv, 18(54, 1(5 (British Columbia).— Vkhk.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 18(54, 276 (biogr.).— Dali. & P^axn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 181)9, 279
(Alaska). — Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 18G9, 33 (Missouri, "iu swarms"); B. Cal. 1870,
104.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463 (Wyoming).— Ai.len, Bull. M. C.
Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Colorado, up to timber-line). — Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872,
235 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873, 5; and of most writers.

Fetrochelidoii luuifroiis, Sce., Cat. A. B. 1862, 40.— Bix, Rev. 1865, 288.— CouES, Key,
1872, 114.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 197 (Black Hills).— Mekh., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 182, 676 (Idaho).

Hb-uvdo opifcx, Clixt., Ann. Lye. N. Y. i, 1824, 161.

Hiruhdo rcipxhlicaiia, AuD., Ann. Lye. N. Y. i, 1824, 164.

Hirundo fulva, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 63, pi. 7, f. 1 ; Syu. 1828, 64 ', List, 1838, 9. — XuTT.,
Man. i, l'^32, 603.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 353, pi. 58; Syu. 1839, 35; B. Am.

COTYLE KIPARIA, BANK SWALLOW.

89

i, 1840, 177, pi. 47.— GiRAUD, B. L. I. 1844, 38.— aiAxni,, J. f. O. vi, 1858, 100.—

Heerm , P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 36.
Rerse fulva, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 341 (iu part).
Hirundo melanogaster, S\v., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 336 (Mexico).
Fetrochelidoii melanogaslra, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 47.
Fetrochelidon swainsoni, Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 296; 1859, 376; Cat. A. B. 1862, 40.— Bd,,

Rev. 1865, 290.— Sumicu., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1889, 547 (Vera Cruz).

Rah. — North America at large, breeding almost throughout, iu suitable places.
Mexico. South to Panama. Not West Indian.

List of specimens.

19212

93

Smith's Fork . 1 . . . .
1

June 7, 1860

P. V. Hayclen.

5.50

11.50

4.25

■Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4776-80, Bijoux Hills.

Later Expeditions. — 60420-3, Wyoming ; 61774, Idaho.

Without present opportunity of direct comparison of several closely related species
.or varieties of the West Indies and South America, the above synonymy is made only
with reference to the North American bird, aud the Mexican, which is certainly not
distinct. The differences assigned to swainsoni, in both size and sliade of color, are
found in every sufficient series of the North American bird ; thus, of two specimens,
both shot at Washington, D. C, one has a whitish aud the otlier a brown frontlet. I
scarcely think that even varietal distinction can be predicated in this case. The West
Indian form (true fulva of Vieillot) appears to constitute all insular race worthy of re-
cognition, iu lacking the steel-blue iicctoral spot, and in other features. But there
seems to be little probability of its proving not to intergrade with lunifrons.

Prof. Verrill has recently elucidated some interesting- facts relative to
tbe distribution of this species, substantiating its occurrence in Eastern
North America, long before the time when it was erroneously supposed
to have unmigTated from the west. My present belief iu the matter is,
that tbe Cliff' Swallow is, and always has been, amenable to tbe ordinary
laws of migration, and spread ov^er nearly all of North America, the
South Atlantic States perhaps excepted. The numerous recorded dates
of its appearance and breeding in particular localities, merely mark tbe
times wben tbe birds forsook their natural breeding places and built
under eaves, which enabled them to pass the summer where formerly
they were unable to breed for want of suitable accommodations.

Dr. lEayden notices the abundance of this species alon^j tbe Missouri,
and of its nests on the vertical sides of the river blutis : "Near the
mouth of the Niobrara River, the clialk bluffs and cretaceous formation
No. 3 form lofty vertical walls, which are sometimes completely covered
with their nests." In passing up the river last year, I noticed the same
thing. Mr. Allen's observations are correspondent: He says it is "a
common inhabitant of tbe central plateau of tbe continent, throughout
■which extensive region small colonies may be observed breeding on tbe
rocky escarpments of tbe plains and in the mountains. It, however,
even here manifests its preference for tbe eaves of buildings for nesting
sites, and wherever settlements occur it soon abandons its ancient cliffs
for these apparently more congenial locations. This s[)ecies and the
"White-bellied Swallow were the most common HiruKdiiics in South Park,
aiul both these species and tbe Barn Swallow were observtMl in tine
■weather coursing above the tree-line summits of the Snowy liange."

COTYLE PtlPAPIA, (Linn.) P.oie.

Daiik SViiiJlo^v.

Hirundo riparia, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 344.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1019.— Lath.,
Ind. Orn. ii, 1790," .''.75.— Wii.s., Am. Orii. v, 46, pi. 38.— IU-., Syu. 1828, 6.">; Li.st,
1838, 9.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 333.— Nutt., Man. i. \>^\2. 607.— Aru.,
Orn. Biog. iv, ld38, 584, pi. 385; Syu. 1839, 36; B. Am. i, 1840, 187, pi. 50.—

90 STELGIDOPTERYX SERRIPENNIS, ROUGH-WIXGED SWiVLLOW.

Gin., B. L. 1. 1844, 37.— Lemr., AvesCnbfc, 1850, 47, pi. 7, f. 3.— JoxKS, Nat. Berm.
34. — Fowler, Am. Nat. iii, 18i>9, 116; ami of earlier authors generally.

Hirundo r'qHiria americana, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 101.

Cotule rwaria, Boie, Isis, 1822, 550.— Bp., Coiisp. Av. 1850, 342. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
1853, C5.— Cass., 111. 1855, 247.— Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 4 (Cuba).- Newb., P. R. R.
Rep. vi, 1857, 78.— Brew., N. Am. O.jI. 1857, 10.5, pi. 4, f. 49.— Bo., B. N. A. 1858,
313; Rev. 1865, 319.-Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 18.59, pt. vi, 36.— Gundl., J. f.
O. 1861 (330).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 162.— March, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 297 (Ja-
maica).—Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (Alaska).— Couks, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1866, 72 (Arizona).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 110 (California).— Allex,
Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 269 (Florida, iu winter) ; iii, 1872, 176.— Trippe, Pr. Bost.
Soc. 1872, 235.— AiKEX, ihid. 198.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 677.—
Sxow, B. Ivans. 1873, 5.— Coues, Key, 1872, 114; and of nearly aU late writers.

Hirundo cinerea, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xiv, 1817, 526.

Cotyle fluviatiUs et microrhijnchos, Brehm, Vtig. Deutschl. i, 142, 143.

Hah. — Europe. The whole of North America. Bermudas. Cuba. Jamaica. Breeds
throughout the greater part of its North American range. Winters from the southern
coast southward. Not common on the Pacihc side. Brazil {Pelz., Oru. Braz. 1, 18.

List of specimens.

19213

64

Wind River.. .

5

May 26, 1860

F. V. Hayden.

5.00

10.75

4.00

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5209-10, Yellowstone.
Later Expeditions. — 61664, Utah.

Notable as one of the few species of Oscines, American and European specimens of
whicli are absolutely identical.

Ascending the Missouri iu the spring of 1864, 1 saw thousands of these
birds along- the banks, which were, iu suitable jilaces, riddled with their
holes. Again, in the fall of 1872, higher up the river, I observed multi-
tudes of their deserted uests, often iu the soft ground capping the bluffs
where, a little below, the bottle-shaped nests of the Cliff Swallows were
fastened iu great masses.

STELGIDOPTEEYX SERRIPENmS, (Aud.) Bd.
Roiigh-wiiigetl Swallow.

Hirtindo serripennis, Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 593 ; Syn. 1839, 37 ; B. A. 1, 1840, 193, pi. 51.

Cotyle sci-ripennis, Bp., Consp., Av. i, 1850, 342.— Cass., 111. i, 1855, 247. — Brew., N. A.
Oiil. i, 1857, 106, pi. 4, f. 50.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 313.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x,
1859, pt. vi, 36. — Kenx., ihid. pt. iv, 24. — Newb., ihid. vi, 1857, 79. — Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 186.— ScL., Cat. A. B. 1802, 41 ; (?) P. Z. S. 1856,
285 (Cordova) ; (f) 1859, 364 (Jalapa)— (?) Scl. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 13 (Gua-
temala), 126.— (?) Owen, Ibis, iii, 1861, 61 (Guatemala)— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty.
Inst, iv, 1864, 116 (British Columbia).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1670, 75;'B. Cal.
1870, 110.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Kansas and Utah).— Sxow,
B. Kans. 1873, 5 (common).

Stelnidojyterjjx serripennis, Bd., Rev. 1865, 316. — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 72 (Arizona) :
Key, 1872, 114.

Hah. — United States, from Atlantic to Pacific, excepting perhaps New England.
British Columliia. South into Mexico ( I to Guatemala ; compare C. fulvipennis, SCL.,
P. Z. S. 1859, 364; Ibis, 1860, 31).

Not obtained by any of the Expeditions.

It appears to me improbable that tiny Cotyle fulvipennis, based on a young bird, is dis-
tinct from the present species. My Arizona birds-of-the-year, as described {I. c.), seem
to answer the description of fulvipennis, though they have subsequently l>een found
inseparable from serrijyennis. It would not be surprising, indeed, if it proved necessary
to unite the several supposed species described from Central and Soutli America, and
Mexico. The ascribed characters seem very slight, and of a kind readily accounted
for by differences in sex, ago, and season of the specimens examined, with, of course,
discrepancies due to climatic influences. A series will probably be established of sev-
eral geographical races.

This species was not noticed by any of the Expeditions, but its known
range includes the Missouri region. It is stated to be common in Kan-

PROGNE PURPUREA, PURPLE MARTIN. 91

sas, where it breeds. I found it breediug in the mouutaiu.s of Arizona,
where it arrives late in April, and remains through the greater part of
Sei^tember. Br. Heermann records its breeding in Texas ; Mr. Allen
notes its occurrence, in summer, in different parts of the west; Drs.
Cooper and Suckley found it from May to August near the Columbia
River. These records, joined with those we have from the Eastern
States, show that the species, like other tSwallows, has a breeding range
about co-extensive with its dispersion in the United States. In some
places it is stated to burrow, like the Bank Swallow, in soft earth;
elsewhere it has been found breediug about the i^iers and abutments of
bridges, &c.

PR0G:N^E purpurea, (Linn.) Boie.

Purple Martin.

■Birundo suUs, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 10th ed. 1758, 192 ; 12th ed. 1763, 344.

Frogne subis, Bd., Rev. 1865, 274.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Aciul. 1883, 72 ; Pr. Ess. lust, v,
1868, 276.— SuMiCH., Meui. Bost. Soc. i, 1839, 547 (Onzabu).— Stev., U. S. Geol.
feurv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Allen, Bull. :.I. C. Z. iii, 1872. 56.

Hirundo purpurea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 344.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 1020.— Lath.,
lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 578.— Wils., Am. Orn. v, ,58, pi. 39, f. 2, 3.— Br., Syn. 1828,
64.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 115; v, 1839, 408; pi. 23; Syu. 1839, 37 ; B. Am.
i, 1840, 170, pi. 45.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 598.— Gnj., B. L. I. 1844, 34.— Jones,
Nat. Berm. 34.— Maxlm., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 101.— Tiuppe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871,
114 (Minnesota).

Progne purpurea, Boie, Isis, 1826, 971.— Bp., List, 1838, 8 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 337.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 1855, 47.— Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 79.—
Bkew., N. a. O. 1857, 103, pi. 4, f. 47.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 314.— Hkekm., P. R.
R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 35.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18G0, 186.— Scl.,
Cat. 1862, 38.— Ha YD., Rep. 1862, 162.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 65 (Saskatehewan).—
MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 87 (Canada).- Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 113.— CoUES,
Key, 1872, 114 ; and of most late writers.

Eiruvdo violacea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1026.

Hirundo (Cccropis) violacea, Less., Compl. Buif. viii, 498.

Hirmido carulea, Vieill., O. A. S. i, 1807, 57, pis. 26, 27.

Hirundo versicolor, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xiv, 1817, 509,

Hirundo ludoviciana, Cuv., Regne Aniui. i, 1817, 374.

(?) Hirundo chahjhea, Maxim., Beitr. iii, 354.

{^,) I'rognc cryptolcuca, Bd., Rev. 1865, 277 {= Eirundo ptirpurea, D'Orbig., La Sagra's
Cul)a, Ois. 1840, 94 ; Progne purpurea, Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 3). Cnba.

{".) Progne degans, Bd., Rev. 1865, 275 (Vermejo River, Paraguay ; supposed identical
•with P. eleqans, Dakw., Voy. Beagle, 38, Buenos Ayres).

(?) Progne f areata, Bd., Rev. Iw65, 248 (Chili).

(Other references to the supposed P. purpurea of South America are : Bckm., Syst,

Ueb. iii, 140; Schomb., Guiana, 671; Tsciutdi, Fn. Peru, ii, 132; Pelz., Orn. Bras, i,

10.— Sec ScLATER, P. Z. S. 1872, 605. The Galiipagoes si)ecics or variety is : P. concolor,

Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, 22; P. modenia, Gould, Voy. Beagle, 39, pi. 5.)

£ra&.— United States and British provinces (north to Canada and the Saskatchewan).
Mexico. (OCuba. (/) Greater part of Soutli America. Breeds in most of its United
States range; winters beyond. Accidental in Great Britain (Yarrell, Br. Birds, 2d
ed., li, 257 ; 3d ed., ii, 267 ; Grag, List, Br. B. 34 ; Harling, Br. Birds, 125).

Lieutenant IRirren's Expedition.— 4Mb->*, Cedar Island; 4770-4, "Nebraska;" 5204,
Fort Union ; .5205, Blackfoot country.

Later Expeditions. — 60418-19, Bitter Cottonwood, Wyoming,

Not obtained by Caiitain Raynolds' Expedition.

Family AMPELlDrE : Waxwiiigs.

AMPELIS GARRULUS, Linn.

Bolicinian AVa.vniiig.

Lanius garmhis, LiNX., Fu, Suec. 82.

Ampelia garrulus, I>inn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 297.— Bi'., Cnnsp. Av. i, ]S50. 336.— P.p., B. N.
A. 1858, 307 (soutliwcBt to Fort Riley, Kansas ; also, p. 92:5, " millions " on Powder

92

AMPELIS GARRULUS, BOHEMIAN WAXWING.

Eiver)._Bi)., Rev. i, 1806, 405.— Whkat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 18r.0(Nort1iorn Ohio,
"ofteu taken iu winter"). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad, ii, 1861, 122 (Fort Mojave,
Colorado River, Arizona ; southernmost localitj' on record). — Vekh., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 158 (Maine; accidental in winter, and rare). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc.
ix, 18(52, 126 (Calais, Maine).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 66 (accidental
winter visitant, Springfield, Massachusetts).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
276 (New England ; rare and irregular in the north, accidental in the south to
Connecticut; Dr. Hoorf).- Lawu., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 285 (New York). —
TuKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 42 ("occasional near Philadelphia; not uncommon on
Lake Superior")— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (breediu-j at Fort
Yukon).— Allex, Am. Nat. 1869, 579 (Southern New England).- Aiken, Pr.
Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (mountains of Colorado).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75;
B. Cal. i, 1870, 127.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 107 (Massachusetts).— Coues, Key,
1872, 115, fig. 55.

Bomhycirora (javvuJa, Temm., Man. i, 1815, 77.— Naum., V6g. Deutschl. ii. 1822, 143.

Bomh'ijdUa qarrula, Bp., Zool. Journ. iii, 1828, pi. 16, f. 2.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
237.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 579.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 462, pi. 363; Syu.
1839, 165 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 169, pi. 246.— Peab., Rep. B. Mass. 1839, 290.— Gik.,
B. L. 1. 1844, 165.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 228.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 188.

Bomhyclphora poliocaVia, Meyeh, Vog. Liv- u. Esthl. 1815, 104.

Bomhycilla bohtmica, Briss.— LEACii,"Cat. 1816, 18.— Eyt., Cat. 8.— Brehm., V. D. 219.

Parus hombydUa, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. i, 548.

Hah. — A species of circumpolar distribution, wandering irregularly southward in
flocks, in winter, to about 35° north iu America.

List of specimens.

19214

273

19215

274

19216

226

19217

272

19218

275

19220

277

19221

271

19219

276

Deer Creek
. ... do ... .
. ... do ... .
....do....
....do....
....do....
....do....
-...do....

9
$
9
S
$
S

Feb. 13, 1860

do

Jan. 7,
Feb. 13,

do

do

do

do

1860
1860

F. V.

Hay den
do

do....

do....

do....

do

do

G. H. Trook

7.50

11.75

4.50

7.75

12.25

4.00

8.50

13.60

4.60

7.50

11.25

4.25

7.50

13.50

4.25

8.00

14.00

4.75

8.00

14.00

4.75

8.00

14.06

4.75

A fine series of this species, not very common in American collections,
was taken on Deer Creek in winter. Prof. Baird mentions that Mr.
Drexler saw "millions" on Powder Eiver, in flocks "rivalling iu extent
those of the Wild Pigeon."

The singularly erratic movements of this species are well known, but
not so easily accounted for, since the exigencies of the weather and
scarcity of food do not seem sufficient, in every instance, to explain the
ctise. It seems, however, most nearly parallel with that of the Wild
Pigeon. The occasional occurrence of the bird in small numbers in
winter, through New England and the other Atlantic States, as far as
Philadelphia, is noticed in the records above quoted. The only Eastern
United States region where it seems to be of regular occurrence in win-
ter, is the vicinity of the Great Lakes. Mr. T. ]McIlwraith reports (Proc.
Ess. Inst, v, 186G, 87), that at Hamilton, Canada West, it is a winter
visitant, "sometimes ap[)earing in vast flocks, and not seen again for
several years." We also have advices from Kansas, and from the Colo-
rado Valley, latitude 3.")0. We have no Uuited States record from the
Pacific coast, but Dr. Cooper gives an interesting note in his later work,
above quoted : "It is probable," he says, "that they reside, during sum-
mer, about the summits of the loftiest mountains of the interior ranges,
if not of the Sierra Nevada, as 1 have seen them in September at Fort
Laramie, and the specimen obtained on the Colorado was a straggler from
some neighboring mountains. It appeared January 10th, alter a storuiy
l^eriod which had whitened the tops of the mountains with snow, and
was alone, feeding on the berries of the mistletoe, when I shot it."

I am informed by Mr. Trippe that the species is "abundant during
winter" at Idaho Springs, Colorado, "arriving during the latter part of

AMPELIS CEDRORUM, CEDAR BIRD. 93

.November, or iu December. It affects particular regions in the mount-
ains, being very numerous in some localities, and rare iu others; but it
is seldom seen in the foot-hills. It begins to leave the country toward
the close of February, and by the middle of March has nearly disap-
l^eared, only straggling flocks remaining until the close of the month."

Mr. Dall reports that this bird " is quite common near Xulato, but
does not arrive until the 10th of June, or later."

"For many years authentic eggs of the Bohemian Chatterer were
greatly sought after, but it was not until 1856 that any were brought to
the notice of the scientific world, when the late Mr. Wolley discovered
them iu Lapland. Early duplicates from his collection were sold at five
guineas each ; and although a good many have been since obtained,
they are yet considered as great prizes. A nest, with its eggs, of those
collected by Mr. Wolley, has been presented to the [Smithsonian] Insti-
tution by Mr. Alfred Newton. The only instances of their discovery in
America, are of a nest and one egg by Mr. Kennicott, on the Yukon, in
iSGl, and a nest and single egg on the Anderson River, by Mr. MacFar-
iane, both of which, with the female parents, are in the possession of
the Institution." [Baird.)

European references to the nidiflcation of this bird are given by Baird,
as follows : Neioton. Ibis, 1861, 92, pi. 4 ; Nordmann, Cab. Journ. vi, 1858,
307, and vii, 1859, pi. 1. The egg is precisely like a Cedar-bird's, but
larger ; two specimens in the Smithsonian, both from the Yukon, meas-
ure, respectively, 1.05 by 0.69, and 0.87 by 0.67.

AMPELIS CEDROEUM, (Yieill.) Gray.
Cedar Bird; Cherry Bird; Carolin«i Waxwing.

Ainpelis f)arnihis var. (S, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 297.

BomhyciUa cedrornm, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1H07, 88, pi. 57. — Vieill., Gal. Ois. i, 1834,
186, pi. 118.— Cab., Miis. Hein. i, 1850, 55; J. f. O. iv, 1856, 3 (Cuba).— Guxdl.,
J. f. O. 186],323(Cnba).

Ampelis cedrornm, ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 299 (Cordova) ; 1858, 302 (Oasaca) ; 1859, 364
(Xalapa) ; 1864, 172 (city of Mexico).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 318; Rev. 1866, 407.—
ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 13 (Guatemala). — Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 56. —
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 187.— Taylor, I))is, 1860, 111 (Houdu-
ras).- Hayd., Rep. 1862, 162.— INIarch, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 294 (Jamaica).—
Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 116 (British Columbia). — Sumich., Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Vera Cruz, abundant iu winter). — Coop., Am. Nat. iii,
1869, 34; B. Cal. i, 1870, 129 (California).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176^
(Eastern Kansas). — Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Black Hills). — Coues, Key,
1872, 115, jil. 56; and of all late United States writers.

BomhyciUa carolinetisi>i, Briss., Orn. ii, 1760, 337. — Bp., List, 1838, 9.— -AuD., Orn. Biog.
i, 1831, 227, pi. 43 ; Syu. 1839, 165 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 165, pi. 245.— Nurr.,
i, 1832, 248.— GiR., B. L. I. 1644, 163.

Ampelia caroUnensia, GossE, B. Januiica, 1847, 197 (winter). — Ep., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 336.

Ampelis americaua, \Vii,s., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 107, pi. 7, f. 1.

BomhyciUa amcricana, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 239. — Jones, Nat. in Bermuda,
1859, 29 (wiuter).

Hah. — North America geiu-rally, up to 54" north (Bichardson). Mexico and Central
America. Bermuda. Jamaica. Cuba. Accidental iu Englaud {Newt., Zool. 1851, 3277 ;
1852, 3507 ; Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 81).

Lieutcnanl IVarrcn^s Expedition. — 5318-19, Yellowstone River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

MYIADESTES TOWXSENDII, (And.) Cab.
Townscnd's Flyoatohiiiij Thriisli.

PtiUogonys foirnsciidii, Aun., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 206, pi. 419, f. 2.— Arn., Svn. 1>I39,46.—
Aid., B. Am. i, lt*40, 243, pi. 69.— Nurr., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 361.— Ga.mb., Pr.
Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 263.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1657, 82.

9-1 MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, FLYCATCITING THRUSH.

Myiadestcs towiisoidii, Cah., Wicgni. Arcliiv, i, 1847, 208.— SCL., P. Z. S. 18:.7, 5; 1858,
97.— Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 3t>l ; Rev. 186(), 429.— Kenn., P. K. R. Rep. x, 1859,
Whipple's Route, 25.— Hekhm., ibid. Williiunsou's Route. 'AS. — Hayd., Rep. 1862,
1()2.— Loud, Pr. Roy. Arty. lust, iv, 18G1, 116 (British Cohuubia).— Corns, Pr.
Pl.ila,. Acad. 18G6, 72.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 34.— Ai.lkx, Bull. 51. C. Z. iii,
1872, 176.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Colorado, resideut).— Stkv., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 117, ti<r. ^u. {Not of
BiiEW., Pr. Bost. Soc. 18715, 109 ; the uest aud eggs there described being those
of Phaiuopepla nitens !)

Hob. — Middle aud Western Proviuces of the Uuited States, iix,mouutaiu()us regions.
North to British Columbia. East to the Black Hills. Not south of the United States,
if the M. unkolor and M. ohscurus be dilfereut.

List of specimens.

19225

162

Pump. Butte Oct. 22, 1859 F. V. Hayden

8.25

12.50

4.50

A clue to the true position of this genus is found in the fusion of the tarsal plates,
and iu the spotted plumage of the young, warranting the inference that it belongs
among the Tnrdidcr. This fact was noticed by Dr. Suckley aud myself while preparing
a report upon the Birds of the Northwest Boundary Survey, in 1862, aud is adverted
to by Bainl iu his Review, in my paper iu the Philadelphia Academy's Proceedings,
and iu the "Key." The eminent vocal powers of all the species of the genus bear out
the inference.

Br. J. S. ISTewberry has given a very interesting account of the bird.
Noticing its occurrence in the Des Chutes Basin, he continues : •' It does
not inhabit dense forests, nor prairies entirely destitute of trees, but
chooses surfaces covered with a scattered growth of pine and cedar.
We first met with it in the (^aiion of Mptolyas Kiver, at the base of Mt.
Jefferson. As we picked our way with infinite difficulty down the side
of this gorge, my attention was attracted by the delightful song of, to
me, a new L>ird, of which a few were sitting in the pines and cedars
which, by a precarious tenure, held a footing on the craggy face of the
cliff. The song, so clear, full, aud melodious, seemed that of a Mimiis ;
of the binl 1 could not see enough to judge of its affinities. The next
day we followed down the river iu the bottom of the cafion ; all day the
deep gorge was filled with a chorus of sweet souiuls from hundreds and
thousands of chese birds, which, from their monotonous color, and their
habit of sitting on the branch of a tree projecting into the void above
the stream, or hanging from some beetling crag, and flying out in nar-
row circles after insects, precisely in the manner of Flycatchers, I was
*Iisi)Osed to associate with them. Two days afterward, in the cafion of
Psucseecpie Creek, of which the terraced banks were sparsely set with
low trees of the western cedar, I found these birds numerous, and had
every opportunity of hearing and seeing them, watching them for hours
while feeding and singing, and procuring specimens of both male and
female. With the first dawn of day they began their songs, and at sun-
rise the valley was vocal with their notes. Never, anywhere, have I
heard a more delightful chorus of bird-music. Their song is not greatly
varied, but all the notes are particularly clear and sweet, and the stream
of pure gushing melody is as spontaneous and inspiring as that of the
Song Sparrow."

Tnis bird appears to feed mostly upon cedar-berries, and its abun-
dance is to be in a measure determined by the presence of the juniper.
Thus Dr. Cooper says: "I saw only a few of this species among some
junipers on the western slope of the n)ountains, not far from the summit,
in September, 18G3. The scarcity of the juniper on the western slope,
toward the north, seems to be the reason why this bird is not more fre-
quent there ; as, according to all accounts, they are found wherever that
tree grows iu abundance, especially on the mountain ranges of the great

MYIADESTES TOWXSEXDII, FLYCATCHING THRUSH. 95

interior basin, and their extensions to the north and south." The same
excellent observer adds his testimony to that of Dr. Newberry respect-
ing the bird's vocal powers : "Although plain in pluratige and retiring
in habits, this bird is one of the most interesting in the western country ;
for, like its not distant relative, the European Nightingale, it compen-
sates by its delightful melody for its deficiencies in beauty. Having
seen them in the Hocky Mountains, where they seenied merely plain and
silent flycatchers, my astonishment, when I first heard one sing in the
Sierra Nevada, was indeed great ; and if I had not shot the bird imme-
diately, I could not have believed that one belonging to the same family
as the nearly silent Waxwings and Phmnopepla^* could sing with such
power, variety, and sweetness. Their song can be compared to nothing
uttered by any other bird I have heard in the United States, for it ex-
cels that of the Mockingbird in sweetness, besides being entirely origi-
nal. It has the melancholy slowness, but without the interruptions, of
that of the Wood-Thrush, and agrees better with the descriptions of
that of the Nightingale of Europe.

Mr. Allen observed this bird in the mountains of Colorado, up to
timber-line. I found it rather rare, in summer, in Upper Arizona.

I am favored by Mr. Trippe with the following interesting communi-
cation, designed for the present work: "This exquisite songster is a
permanent resident of the mountains of Colorado, and may be seen at
all times of the year, from the lower valley of the country up to timber-
line, and in midsummer even beyond it, to the highest limit of the
shrubby willows and junipers. It is never a familiar bird, shunning the
vicinity of houses and cultivated fields, and seeking the rockiest mount-
ain sides and darkest caGons as its favorite haunts, yet avoiding the
sombre depths of dense forests, though occasionally found therein.
During the winter it feeds on berries and such insects as it can find, but
in the warmer months subsists almost entirely upon the latter, which it
captures with the address of the most skilful Flycatcher. It is never
gregarious, and usually solitary, associating together only from the time
of pairing, which is in the early part of May, until the young are able
to shift for themselves. It frequently alights on the top of a dead limb
or tree, from which it kee[)S a bright lookout for passing insects, and re-
turns several times to the same perch after capturing its prey; it also
frequents the lower boughs, and at times alights u[)on the ground and
searches among the leaves for food. In its tlight it bears some resem-
blance to the Cedar-bird, with which, indeed, it has many common
traits. In summer and fall its voice is rarely heard ; but as winter comes
on, and the woods are well-nigh deserted by all save a lew Titmice and
Nuthatches, it begins to utter occasionally a single bell-like note that
can be heard distinctly at a great distance. The bird is now very shy;
and the author of the clear, loud call, that I heard nearly every morn-
ing from the valley of Clear Creek, was long a mystery to' me. Toward
the middle and latter part of winter, as the snow begins to fall, the Fly-
catching Thrush delights to sing, choosing for its rostrum a pine tree in
some elevated position, high up above the valleys; and not all the fields
and groves, and hills and valleys of the Eastern States, can boast a
more exquisite song; a song in which the notes of the Purple Finch,
the Wood Thrush, and the Winter Wren, are blended into a silvery cas-
cade of melody, that ripples and dances down the mountain sides as
clear and s[)arkliiig as the mountain brook, filling the woods and val-

"Tho supposition that Phanopcpla nitcns is songless, is entirely crroneons. " It lias a
superb Honj;, powerful and finely niodnlated." CouES, Proc. IMiila. Aead. 186(5, 71 :
Key, ld72, 110.

96 VIEEO OLIVACEUS, RED-EYED VIREO.

leys with ringing music. At first it sings only on bright, clear morn-
ings ; but once fairly in the mood, it sings at all hours and during the
most inclement weather. Often while traveling over the narrow, wind-
ing mountain roads, toward the close of wiuter, I have been overtaken
and half-blinded by sudden, furious storms of wind and snow, and com-
pelled to seek the nearest tree or projecting rock for shelter. In such
situations I have frequently listened to the song of this bird, and forgot
the cold and wet in its enjoyment. Toward spring, as soon as the other
birds begin to sing, it becomes silent as though disdainful of joining the
common chorus, and commences building its nest in May, earlier than
almost any other bird. During this season it deserts the valleys, and
confines itself to partially wooded hill-tops." .

I never found the nest of this bird myself, nor have I ever seen it.
The only one thus far known was discovered by Mr. Ridgway, in the
rift of a rode. He describes it to me as being large and bulky, built of
sticks and grasses. Unfortunately it was empty, and the eggs continue
entirely unknown. For those described, with the nest, by l3r. Brewer,
as above quoted, are not of this species, but of Phwnopepla nitens, as
I ascertained by examining them myself. They are correctly labelled
in Lieutenant Bendire's collection. Dr. Brewer's mistake is apparently
the result of a slip of the pen.

Family YIREONID JE : Greenlets.

VIEEO OLIVACEUS, (Linn.) Vieill.

Red-eyed Vireo.

MiiscicajHi oUvacca, Linn., S. N. i, 1766, 327.— Wils., Am..Orn. ii, 1810, 55, pi. 12, f. 3.

iflHif/s olivuceus, LiCHT., Verz. 1823, 49.

Fireo olivaccits, Vieill.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1826, 124 ; Syn. 1828, 71.— Sw. &. Rich., F. B.
A. ii, 1831, 233.— AuD., Orn. Biofr. ii, 1834, 287, pi. 150; Syn. 1839, 162.— Nutt.,
Mau. i, 1832, 312.— Aud., B. Am. iv, 155, pi. 243.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 157.—
WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 76.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 331.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z.
1872, 176 (mountains of Colorado, up to 11,000 feet; Ogden, Utah). — CouES,
Key, 1872, 120, fig. 59 ; and of most late United States writers.

FireosylriaoUvacca, Bp., List, 18.38, 26; Consp. i, 1850, 329. — Eeinh., Viddensk. Med. '
for 1853 (1854), 82 (Greenland).— Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 7 (Greenland).— ScL.,
P. Z. S. 18.55, 151 (Bogota); 1859, 137, 363 (Xalapa) ; 1870, 836 (Honduras);
Cat. A. B. 1862, 43.— A. & E. Newton, Ibis, 1859, 145 (Santa Cruz).— Sol. &
Salv., Ibis, 1859, 12 (Guatemala).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1860, 246 (Cuba) ; Ix,
1868, 96 (Costa Eica).— Mosley, Nat. Hist. Tutbury, 1863, 385, pi. 6 ; Ibis, 1864,
394; Zoologist, 1864, 8965; fide Harting, Man. Br. B. 1872, 99 (accidental iu
England).— Bd., Eev. 1866, 333.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 270 (a few
wintering iu Florida). — B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 363;* and of many late
United States writers.

Plujllomcnies oUvamis, Cab., Mus. Hein, i, 1850, 63.— Cab., J. f. O. 1860, 404 (Costa
Eica).— GUNDL., J. f, O. 1861, 324 (Cuba).

(?) Virco virescens, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 84, pi. 53.— Gray, G. of B. i, 1844, pi. 75.

Vireo bogotcttsis, Bry., Pr. B. S. vii, 1860, 227 (Bogota). — Lawr., A. L., 1863 (Pauama).

Hah. — Eastern North America to Hudson's Bay. Greenland. West beyond the lim-
its of the Eastern Province to Ogden, Utah. Fort Bridger. Bitterroot Valley. Koot-
enay, Washington Territory (Eciinerh/). Missouri Eiver, 800 miles above its mouth
(PearsaU). Some winter iu Florida. Greenland. Cuba. Trinidad, Finsch, P. Z. S. 1870,
565 (with agilifi). Panama. In Mexico nearly replaced by the closely allied species V.
flaroviridli. Extremely abundant throughout the Eastern United States. Accidental

* A History of North American Birds. By S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer, and E. Eidg-
WAY. Illustrated by 64 colored plates and 593 woodcuts. Vols. I, II : Laud Birds —
Boston : Little, Brown & Co., 1874. The reception of the earlier volumes of this great
work (Feb., 1874), as the present i)ublicatiou reaches this point in printing, will enable
me to cite it in succeeding pages.

VIREO PHILADELPHICUS VIREO GILVUS. 97

in England (near Derby, May, 1859 ; Mosley, N. H. Tutbury, 1863, 385, pi. 6 ; Zoologist,
1834, 1). S9C)5 ; Haktix\g. Br. Birds, 1872, 99).

Llculenant IVarrms Expedition. — 8G95, Fremont, Platte River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

There is a very great uniformity among the eggs of our Vireonidw ; with
specimens before me of oUvaceus, gilvm, bellii, noveboracensis, soUtariuSj
audjiavifyons, I can see no difference, except in size. They are all pure
white, very sparingly sprinkled, chiefly about the larger end, with tine
sharp dots of dark brown. ISoUtarius and Jiavifrons, on the whole, may
average a little the heaviest spotting : in one case of novehoraeenHu there
are no spots, but its fellow from the same nest is spotted. Likewise, a
whole set of V. hellii are immaculate, and in another set there is but a
mere speck here and there over the surface. Eggs of hellii.i the smallest,
measure 0.70 or less by about 0.50 ; those of noveboracensis are a trifle
larger ; a specimen of gilvus is 0.74 by 0.54: ; fiavifrons, solitarius, and
olivaccns, are 0.80 to 0.85 by 0.55 to O.GO. Nidihcation is essentially the
'same throughout; a thin-walled, cnp-shaped nest, of various fibrous
material, is suspended by the brim betwixt the forks of a twig.

VIREO PHILADELPHICUS, Cass.

Brotlierlj-IoYC Vireo.

Vireosylvia philadclphica, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 153 ; vi, pi. 1, fig. 1. — ScL. &
Salv., Ibis, 1859, 12 (Guatemala).— Bd., Rev. 1866, 340.— Lawp.., Ann. Lvc. N..
Y. ix, 1868, 96 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 187 (Veragua).— B. B. & R.,.
N. A. B. i, 1874, 367.

Virco philadelphicus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 335, pi. 78, fig. 3 (Wisconsin and Ohio).— Wheat.,.
Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 114.— CocES & Puent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410.—
HaiMLIN, Rep. Maine Board Agric. 1865 (Waterville, Me. ; only New England
record). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 277. — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868,
517 (Illinois).— TukNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19 (very rare).— Coues, Key, 1872,
120, tig. 62.

Virensijlvia cohanenm, ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 463; Ann. Mag. N. H. 1861, 328. (Vera Paz.)

Hub. — Eastern North America. North to Hudson's Baj^ ; south to Central America.
No Mexicau or West Indian quotations.

From the . rarity of this species along the Atlantic coast, and its
comparative frequency of occurrence in the interior, it would seem prob-
able that it migrates chiefly through the Mississippi, and I conlidcntly
anticipate that it will be found breeding in the Missouri region. It is
more than likely that Mr. Trippe's queried citation (Minnesota, Pr. Ess.
Inst, vi, 1871, 117) really does belong here, and not to gilvus. Dr. Brewer
informs me by letter that one was shot near Calais, Maine, by Mr. Board-
man, in the spring of 1872, and others found the latter part of May in
northwestern Maine, by Mr. Brewster — an occurrence not mentioned by
j\Ir. Maynard in his late excellent paper. Dr. Brewer adds that it is
"abundant" every spring, about May 21:th, in Wisconsin. I found it
quite common along the Ked liiver of the North, about Pembina, in
June, an<l it doubtless breeds there. It frequented the heavy timber of
the river-bottom, iu company with V. oliraccoK.s and V. (jilviis.

VIKEO GILVUS, (Vieill.) Bp.

Warbling Vireo.

a. yilvus.

MuHcicapa qilra, Vikill., Ois. Am. .Sept. i, 1807, 65, pi. 34.

Virco gilt-Ks, Br., Obs. Wils. ls-25, No. 123; Syn. 1828, 70; List, 1838, 26.— Nfrr., Man. i,
1832, 309.— All)., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 114 ; v, 1839, 433 ; Syu. 1839, 161 ; B. Am.

7

98 VIREO FLAVIFRONS, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO.

1842, 149, pi. 241.— GiR., B. L. L 1844, IGl.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rc)). 1853, 76.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, ;?35.— CoiiES, Key, N. A. Birds, 1872, 120, fig. (j:?.— Thippe, Pr.
Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 2:{() (Iowa, breeding). — Snow, B. Kaus. 187;J, 5 (Kansas,
breeding) ; and of most United States writers.

Vircosyh-hi qUra, C.vss., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 15:5.— Scl., P. Z. S. 185(), 298 (Cordova);
1858, ;502 (OaxacaV— Bd., Rev. 1866, 342.— Sumicii., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869,
548 (Vera Cruz; migratory).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 368.

Muscicapa melodla, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 85, pi. 42, f. 2.

b. swainsoni.

Vireo swahifioiii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 336 (in text).— Coues, Ibis, 1865, 164 (Arizona).—

CoUES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 73 (Arizona).
Vireosylvia sivahisoni, Bd., Rev. 1866, 343.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Colorado).—

Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyoming).
Vireonyh-ia ;jUva var. swainsoni, Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 116.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 371.
Vino (jilcits var. sivainsoiii, Coues, Key, 1872, 121, lig. 64.
Viieo (jilvus, Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasb. Ter. 1859, I88.-C00P., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 35

(Rocky Mountains). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 1.56, 176 (Kansas, Colorado,

Utab ; includes botb varieties).

Hab. — Of true gilviis, Eastern North America to high central plains ; north to Fort
Simpson. Var. swainsoni, wooded regions from Plains to Pacific, United States.

Lieutenant Warren^ s Expedition. — 4729, Missouri River; 5305, Fort Lookout.

Later Expeditions. — 60769, Green River, Wyoming (var. sivninsoni).

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. •

These specimens are referable to the (/ilrus proper, excepting No. 60769. "sicainsoni"
seems to be scarcely distinguishable even as a variety. A supposed difference in tlie
'ving-formnla proves not to hold always. The bird is, however, paler and grayer, like
■jthers from the same region.

The Warbling Vireo is stated by Dr. Hayden to be abundaut along
\he wooded bottoms of tbe Missouri, where, however, 1 never observed
tt, though I found it quite common on the lied River of the North. It
is numerously represented throughout the greater part of the United
States east of the Missis.sippi ; reaching the middle districts about the
middle of April, and remaining through the greater part of September,
breeding in gardens and the streets of cities, among the high shade
.trees, rather than in the forests.

VIREO FLAVIFRONS, Vieill.

Yellow-tliroated Vireo.

Vireo flavifrons, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 85, pi. 54.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 70.— NuTT.,
Man- i, 1832, 302.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 119; v, 1839, 428; pi. 119; Svn.
1839, 1(^0 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 141, pi. 238.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 159.— Cass., Pr.
Philn-. Acad. 1851, 149. — Woodil, Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 82 (Texas and Indian Terri-
ton')-— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857. 227 (Vera Cruz) ; 1860, 2.57 (Orizaba).— Scl. »& S.vlv.,
Ibis, 1859, 12 (Guatemala).— Cab., J. f, O. iii, 468 (Cuba) ; 1860, 405 (Costa
Rica).— GuNDL., J. f. O. 1861, 324 (Cul)a).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 341.— Hamlin,
Rep. Maine Board Agric. 1865 (Waterville ; only Maine record). — McIlwi{., Pr.
Ess. Inst. V, 1866, 87 (Hamilton, C. W., in summer).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi,
1871 117 (? Minnesota). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 (breeding). — Coues, Key,
1872, 121, fig. 65.

Lanivireo flarifrons., Bd. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 96 (Costa Rica). — Allen, Bull.
M. C.'Z. ii, 1871, 279 (wintering in Florida).— B. B. &, 11., N. A. B. i, 1874, 379.

Vireosylvia JlariJ'rons, Bd., Rev. 1866, 34(5.

Muscicapa sylvicola, Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 117, pi. 7, f. 3.

Hab. — Eastern United States aud British provinces, west to Kansas only. Cuba (rare).
Mexico and Central America, to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Breeds from Maryland
and Virginia northwai'd. Stated to winter in Florida, as it does further south.

VIREO SOLITxVRIUS, BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 99

VIREO SOLITARIUS, (Wils.) Vieill.

Blue-headed or Solitary Vireo.

Muscicapa solitarkt, Wils., Am. Oru. li, 1810, 14:i, pi. 17, f. 6.

Vireo soUtarius, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xi, 1817.— Bp., Syn. 1828,70; List, 1838, -'G.— A ud.,
Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 147 ; 1839, 432; pi. 28; Syu. 1839, 160.— Gn;., B. L. I. 1844,
160.— NuTT., Mail, i, 1832, 305.— AuD., B. Am. iv, 1842, 144, pi. 229.— Cass., Pr.
Phila. Acad. 18.51, 150.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 298 (Cordova) ; 1859, 363 (Xalapa).—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 340.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1^59, 189.— Scl. &
Salv., Ibis, 1860, 31 (Gmitemala).— Cab., J. f. O. iii, 486 (Cuba).— Gundl., J. f.
O. 1861, 324 (Cuba).— TitiPPK, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 117 (Minuesota, breeds).—
CoUES, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 121, 66.— Gentuy, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1873, 354
(uest) ; aud of most late United States writers.

Vireosylvia soViiaria, Bd., Rev. 1866, 347. — Coop., B. Cal. 117. — Sumich., Mem. Bost. See.
1869, 548 (Vera Cniz).

Lanivirco soJiiariiis, Bd. — B. B. &- R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 373.

Firco casaiiii, Xantus, Pr. Phila. Ac. 1858, 117.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 340, pL 78, f. 1. ( Var ?)

Lanivirco soUfariiis var. cassini, B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 377 (considered tenable
variety).

Hab. — Whole United Stiites, except Southern Rocky Mountain region, where replaced
by F. var. j>/(fmZ)e((s. Canada {Mcllwraith, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 87). Sonth to Guate-
mala in winter. Cuba.

Lictitevant JVarren's Expediiion. — 4727-28, mouth of Vermilion River.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuokls' Expedition.

In the paper above quoted, Mr. Thomas G. Gentry makes the follow-
ing observations on the niditication of this species :

"Andubou, in describing the nest of Virec solitarkts, VieilL, aflfiruis
it 'is prettily constructed and fixed in a partially pensile manner be-
tween two twigs of a low bush, on a branch running horizontally from
the main stem, aud formed externally of gray lichens, slightly put to-
gether, and lined with hair chiefly from the deer and raccoon.' My
experience has been qnite different. Out of the many nests which E
have seen and examined, I cannot recall a single specimen that will
answer to the above description. I have five nests of this species, fonr
of which are perfectly similar in structnre; the remaining one formed of
the culms of a species of ylirrt, constituting an exce})tional case, and the
only one that has ever fallen under my notice. They are all shallow,
loose in texture, scarcely surviving the season for which they were de-
signed, and ])laced between two twigs of a cedar or a maple tree at a
considernble elevation from the ground, on a branch nearly horizontal
to the main axis. They are built entirely of clusters of male flowers of
Quercus jmlusfri><, which, having performed their allotted function, don
their brownish hue at the very period when they can be utilized.

"Here is evidently a change within a moderately short period, ren-
dered necessaiy by external causes. This necessity may have grown
out of inability to i)rocure the favorite materials, or a desire for sell-
preservation. In the case of the species under consideration, it cannot
be denied that the utter inability, without unnecessary physical etibrt,
to pr<)(!iire the hair of the afore-mentioned animals, particularly in sec-
tions whert' tlici/ have been comi)elled to retreat belore the advance of
man, may have been one of the causes which have indu(!ed the change.
I am satisfied, howe\'er, that it has not been the leading one, but that
self-preservation hasoi)erated in this case for individual an<l lamil.N good.
The adaptation of the colors of the female bird to the tints of surround-
ing objects, during the trying period of incubation, and the establish-
ment of ( ertain resemblaiuH's to familiar external obj«'cts, are two of the
ways in which it manifests itself.''

100 VIEEO SOLITARIUS VAR. PLUMBEUS, PLUMBEOUS VIREO.

VIREO SOLITARIUS var. PLUMBEUS, (Coues) Allen.

Pliujibeoiis Vireo.

" Vireo most like folifarliis," Couks, Ibis, 1805, 1()4.

Vln-o solilarhm, Cool'., I'l". Cal. Acail. 1870, 175 (Colorado Valley).

Vireo phimhem, Couks, Pr. Pliila. Acad. IKGf), r.\ (Arizona).— CotiES, Key, 1872, 122, fig. 6.

Vircosylria phtmhca, Bd., Rev. 1866, :349 (same spec.).— AiK., P. B. S. 1872, 198 (Colorado).

Vireo niiliiariiin var. 2)iiiml>cus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176. — Coues, Key, 1872, 351.

Litiiivireo solUarius var. phimheuit, B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 377.

Hah. — Sontheru Rocky Mountain region. North to Laramie Peak (Hitz). Sonth to
Colima (Xdiitus). "Western edge of the i)lams of Colorado, and in the mountains up
to about 10,000 feet; Ogden, Utah" (AUen).

Although this bird was uot procured by the Expeditious, its occurrence
iu the region of the Upper Missouri is shown by specimens obtained at
Laramie Peak by Dr. K. B. Hitz.

Tyj)ical examples look so diiierent from ordinary soUtarius that I con-
fidently described it as a distinct species. Some of Mr. Allen's speci-
mens, however, which he kindly submitted to my iuspection, show an
approach to typical soUtarius, and I am now inclined to rate it as one of
the numerous duller-colored races of birds found in the same region.

I found it very abundant in the pine woods around Fort Whipple,
Arizona, in summer, from April 25th until October. It unquestionably
breeds there, although I did not find its nest. I shot it in July and
August. Mr. Aiken took it in Colorado in May, and, according to Mr.
Trippe's manuscript, it arrives at Idaho Springs, in tliat Territory, in
the latter part of May, a week or so before the Warbling Vireo makes
its appearance. "It ranges up the mountains to 9,000 feet, and is quite
numerous somewhat lower, while the Warbling Vireo is comparatively
rare at such heights, and does not reach above 8,000 feet." In all points
of habit it is the counterpart of its eastern representative.

VIREO NOVEBORACENSIS, (Gm.) Bp.
White-eyed Vireo,

Muscicapa novehoracensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 947.

Vireo uovcboraceims, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825 ; Syn. 1828, 70 ; List, 1838, 26.— NUTT., Mau. i,
1832, 306.— AuD., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 328 ; v, 1839, 431 ; pi. 63 ; Syn. 1839, 161 ;
B. A. iv, 1842, 146, pi. 240.— Gut., B. L. 1. 1844, 158.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad.
1851, 150. — WooDiL, Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 75 (Texas, New Mexico, and Indian Ter-
ritory).—Cab., .;. f. O. iii, 469 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 358 ; Rev. 1866, 3.54.—
SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 204, 228 (Xalapa and Vera Cruz).— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858,
187.— Jones, Nat. Berm. 1859, 71.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 274 (Guate-
mala).—Gundl., J. f. O. 1861, 324 (Cuba).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 42.— Coues, Pr. E.ss.
Inst. V, 1868 (New England).- Coues, Am. Nat. 1871, 197 (Kansas).— Tiuppe,
Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota).- Allen, ]3u11. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 270
(Florida, wintering) ; iii, 1872, 176 (Kansas). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, .5. — CoUKS,
Key, 1872, fig. 68. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1S74, 385; and of most late writers.

Vireo municus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 83, pi. 52.

Muscicapa cantatrix, Wils., Am. Oru. ii, 1810, 266, pi. 18, fig. 6.

Hah. — Eastern United States. Minnesota. Not recorded from Maine. "Nova Scotia"
(Jii.diihou). Westward regularly to Kansas, Indian Territory, and Western Texas; oc-
casionally to eastern foot-Liills of the Rocky Mountains. "Columbia River" {Audubon ;
uot since verified). Soutii to Guatemala. Cuba (rare). Bermudas (resident, common).
Eastern Mexico. Breeds through most of its United States rangp. Winters from South
Carolina, Georgia, the Gulf States, and southward.

List of specimens.

13124

38

U. Missouri . .

(No date).

F. y. Harden.

VIREO BELLII, BELL'S VIREO— LANIID.E, SHRIKES, 101

This neat and pleasant little bird has a more extensive range than lias
usually been attributed to it, but how far it is casual only in some of the
localities quoted, remains to be seen. A bird of the Eastern Province,
it would certainly not be expected to occur on the Missouri, but this is
the case, and gives some color to Audubon's unsupported citation of the
Columbia. Eastward I have not traced it beyond Southern New En-
gland. I found it in Kansas, with the Red-eyed and Bell's Vireos. In
the Middle States it is very abundant from April to October, breeding
in shrubbery and moist, tangled places ; although by an unaccountable
oversight, it is omitted from Cones and Prentiss' Washington list, we
found it plentiful there every season. It is a bird that seems to affect
particular districts and avoid others equally within its general range ;
for instance, Mr. Allen did not lind it at Springfield, though it is common
enough in some parts of Massachusetts. Nuttall says he saw it in South
Carolina in January, and it certainly winters in other of the Southern
States. Its sprightly" manners, and loud, clear song, make it a conspic-
uous and agreeable bird.

*&'

VIREO BELLII, Aud.

Bell's Vireo.

Vireo bellii, Aud., B. Am. vii, 1844, 333, pi. 485.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 330.— Cass.,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 150.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 76.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58,
337.— ScL., Cat. 1861, 4>.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Bd., Rev.

I 1866, 358.— COUES, Ibis, Apr. 1865 (Kansas).— Ridgw., Am. Nat. 1873, 199 (Illi-

nois).—Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176.— Coues, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 123,

I fig. 40. — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 5 (commou).— Tijippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872,

230 (Decatur County, Iowa).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 389. {Not of Coopeu.)

Hab. — Missouri region to Texas. Not observed in Southern Rocky Mountain region,
where i-eplaced by V. pimiUns, Coues, a closely related species or variety. East to
prairies of Illinois {Rklfjwaij). South to Tehuantepec, Mexico {Sumichrast).

This species, originally described from the Upper Missouri (Fort Union,
&c.), appears to have been overlooked by Dr. Hayden. Both Mr. Allen
and myself found it abundant in Kansas ; others have noted its occur-
rence in jMissouri, Arkansas, and in Texas. Mr. Ridgway has lately an-
nounced its presence in Illinois, the easternmost locality as yet recorded.
According to Mr. Trippe, as above cited, it breeds abundantly in Deca-
tur County, Iowa, where it is the commonest species of the genus. "It
arrives the second week in May, and is seldom seen after the middle of
August. In its habits it bears a strong resemblance to the White-eyed
Vireo, preferring the thickets and underbrush to the trees. Its notes
are quite different from those of any other Vireo, being somewhat like
those of the Blue-bird in early spring, but quicker and more hurried."

In its maimers and general habits it is nearly a counterpart of V. no-
reboraccmis, to which it is also similar in physical character, although
bearing a still closer resemblance to V. gilviis.

Family LANIID.E : Shrikes.

COLLURIO BOREALIS, (Vieill.) Bd.

Butcher Bird: Northern Shrike.

Lanius rxeulntor, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 382. — Wiij^.. Am. Oru. i, 1808, 74, pi.

5, fig. 1.— Arn., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 534, pi. 192. (Not of Euro|)('an writers.)
Lanius hormlix, Yikua.., < )is. Am. Sejtt. 1, 1H07, 90, pi. 50.— S\v. iV Ritii., 1'. B. A. ii, 1831,

111, pi. 33.— Aud., Syu. 1839, 157.— AVD., B. Am. iv, 1842, 130, pi. 230.— GiK„

102 COLLURIO BOREALIS, GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE.

B. L. I. 1844, 155.— Gray, Gen. of Birds, 1847, 204.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, 1857,
212. — Maxim., J. f. <). vi, 1858, 190 (Upper Missouri).— Jones, Nat. iu Burimula,
1857, 51.— DurssKR & Siiai!I>k, P. Z. S. 187(1. r>'.)l.— Trnxr,., B. E. Pa. 18(59, 19.—
Fixscii, Abh. Nat. 1872, 39 (Alaska).— Tuiri'E, Pi-. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117.

Colhjrio boreolis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 324.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 188.—
COUES & Prext., Smiths. Rep. for 18G1 (18G2), 409.— Ha yd.. Rep. 1862, 162.— '
CoUES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 73.— Lord, Nat. Vane, ii, 1866, 295. — Cooi'., Am.
Nat. iii, 1889, 35.— Dale & Banx., Tr. Cliic. Acad, i, 18G9, 280.— Stkv., U. S.
Geol. Siirv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 677.

CoUnrio horailis, Bd., Rev. 1866, 440.— Coues, Pr. Es. Inst, v, 1868, 277.— Coop., B. Cal.
i, 137.— AiKEX, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Colorado).— CouES, Key, 1872, 125, lig.
73.— Meim!., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 677. -B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 415.

Lcunus sqitentrioinilis, Bp., Syu. 1828, 72; P. Z. S. 1837, 112; Cousp. i, 1850, 363; R. &
M. Z. 1853, 294.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1857, 213.— Murray, Ediub. N. Phil.
Journ. xi, 1859, 223.

Colhjrio ckcmumji'mis, Gregg, Pr. Elmira Acad, i, 1870 (p. 9 of reprinted list). (Young).

Hah. — North America. In wintei-, south to about 35°. Alleghanies, breeding {Turn-
hull). Bermuda {Jones).

Lieuienanl TVarreii^s Expedition. — 4552, Fort Pierre.

Later Expeditions. — 60996-98, Rock Creek and Green River, Wyoming; 62270, Idaho.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

The Shrike appears to be common on the Upper Missouri in winter ;
I have several times seen it at that season about Fort Eandall. 1 have
also happened to meet with it twice in widely separated localities, but
m each instance at about the extreme southeru limit, viz., at Washing-
ton, D. C, and at Fort Whipple, Arizona. The only record of its breed-
ing- in the United States that 1 have found, is Mr. Turnbull's statement,
that "mauj- nestle on the mountain ridges of the Alleghanies."

Mr. Trippe informs me that the Butcher-bird is "quite common in Col-
orado, in October, about the 3Iiddle Park, and duriug the wiuter along
tlie edge of the i)lains. Late in November one was observed at I<]aho
S[)riugs to catch aud kill a Snow-bird, and carry it off in its bill up the
side of a mountain."

The eggs of our two species of Shrike are indistinguishable, though
those of borcalis average a trifle the largest — about 1.10 by 0.80. The
ground is dull w hite, blotched or freckled all over with a peculiar shade
of dull grayish-brown, in some instances deepening into grayish-choco-
late. The variations iu precise amount of spotting, as well as in size
and shade of the markings, is interminable.

COLLUKIO LUDOVICIANUS var. EXCUBITOEOIDES, (Sw.) Coues.

White-rumped Shrike*

b. excuMtoroides.

Laniits excitUtoroides, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 115, pi. 35. — Game., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1847,
200.— Cass., ihid. 1857, 213.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77 (Texas).— Heerm.,
P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, 55.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1864, 173 (city of ilexico).— Dress. &
Sharpe, p. Z. S. 1870, 595.

Colhjrio excuhitoroides, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 527, pi. 75, f. 2.— Kexx., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859,
25.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 162.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 73 (Arizona).—
McIewr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 87 (Hamilton, C. W.).— Coop., Am. Nat. Aug.
1869, 34 (Fort Union, breeding; eggs six). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75.

Collurio exeubiioroides, B]>., Rev. 1866, 445. — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 277. — AlleN",
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 504, 517 (Illinois). — SuMicii., Mem. Bost. Soc. N. H. i,
1869, 548 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1871, 138.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.
1872, 198 (Colorado).

Collurio Indorieianus var. exeuhiioroides, Coues, Key, 1872, 125. — B. B. & R., N. A. B.
1874, 421.

Lanius ludovicianus, Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 191 (Upper Missouri).

Collurio hidoricianns, Ali.ex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 499 (Iowa).— Allex, Am. Nat. 1869,
579 (refers to Canadian and New York examples). — Ar.EEX, Bull. M. C. Z. iii.
1872, 176 (Kansas; Colorado, Utah). — (?)Purdie, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 115 (Mass.)!

COLLURIO LUDOVICIANUS VAR. EXCUBITOROIDES.

1U5

(??) Lanius elegans, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 122 {said to ie from the fur couutries ; origin;il
speciiJieii ideutified by Dreatier and Sharpe (P. Z. S. It70, 595) as belonging to
C. lalitoru of Asia and Africa).

Lanius eUtianx, Nt rr., Man. i, 2d ed. 1810, 267.— Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1657, 213.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1658, 326, foot-note ; pi. 75, f 1.

CoUi/rio clet/uns, Bd.. B. N. A. 1858, page xxxv.

CoU'ttiio clajam, Bd., Rev. 1866, 444.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 140.

Lanius mcxicanus, Bkehm, J. f. 0. ii, 1854, 145.— ScL., Cat. Iii62, 46.

VoUurio ladovicianus var. robustus, Bd., Aui. Nat. vii, 1673, 609 (same specimen as for-
merly called C. elegans). — B. B. R., B. N. A. i, 1874, 42U (the same).

Hah. — Middle Province of North America, to the Saskatcliewan. East through Kan-
sas, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, to New York and Canada West, probably into
New England. In the Southern States replaced by typical htdorieianus. On the Pacitic
coast not observed north of California. South through Mexico.

List of specimens.

19222
19224
19223

164
191

Pump. Butte..
do

"i'

Nov. 18, 1859
Oct. 23, 1859

F. V. Hayden.

do

Dr. Hiues

10.00

12.50

4.75

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8902-04, Upper Missouri River; 5312, Yellowstone
River; 4649, White River; 8601-03, L'eau qui court.

Later Expeditions. — 60435, La Bonte Creek, Wyoming ; 60768, Pacific Creek, W^yoming ;
61752, Utah ; 62271, Idaho.

As I Stated in the "Key," '' extreme examples of ludovicianus and ex-
cuMtoroides look very different, but tiiey are observed to melt into eaeli
other when many specimens are comi)ared, so that no specitic ci)aracter
can be assigned." The change takes phice in the States just east of the
Mississii)pi ; typical ludovicianus I have only seen from the Sonth Atlan-
tic States. Whatever the original L. elegans of Swaiusoii may have
been, there seems to be little doubt thattlie elegans of Baird and Cooper
is the same as the excithiforoides of the same authors. The doubt is,
whether the specimen of Dr. Gambel's, marked "California," really came
from that State; for some of Gambel's birds so labelled were certainly
procured elsewhere (for example, his Tyrannus bairdii, which is a South
American si)ecies, the Tyrannus atrifrons of Sclater — a species of Myio-
dynasles). The features of this specimeu, if it be really American, may
have been individual peculiarities. I consider there is as yet nothing
ui)ou which to base the belief that we have more than a single species
of Shrike in this country (aside from C. borcalis), and that is C. ludovi-
cianus, of which a variety, with the above synonymy, occurs in the re-
gions above specified.

I have not yet met with this bird on the Missouri. Dr. Hayden
reports it as being quite abundant, "especially along the Platte to the
Laramie ^lountains, JJlack Hills, and Bad Lands. 1 lound it breeding
abundantly in Northern J)akota, beyond the Missouri Coteau, securing
newly-Hedged young late in .Inly. The nest, just deserted, was placed
in a dense thicket, in the crotch of a bush, about live leet from the
ground. It was a large, bulky, and inartistic structure, upon a founda-
tion, of loosely interlaced twigs, as large as a man's hat. Tlie nest proper
was about six inches wide outside, and three deep, composed cuiiiely
of tiie stems and tops of a sjieciesot white weed growing in the vicinity,
inextricably matted with plaits of librous inner bark ; there was uo
special lining or any circular disposition of the material. The nest was
very foul with excrement and, ai)[)arently, a scurfy exfoliation from the
plumage of the young'.

Mr. Allen, in the American Naturalist as (pioted, gives the interesting
record of the Ijreeding of c.vcuhitoroidcs in New York State. A nest of
six eggs were taken in 18GU, near Buffalo, New York. Mr. McUwraith

104 HESPERIPHONA VESPEETINA— PINICOLA ENUCLEATOR.

States that it is a summer resideut, not very rare, at Hamilton, Canada
West, where, however, it had not been observed until five or six years
before 1865. Its oceurrence in New England, although highly probable,
remains to be confirmed. Several of the earlier authors, however, men-
tion a New England Shrike, not C. borealis. See also Purdie, oj). cit.

Family FRINGILLID^ : Finches, etc.

HESPERIPHONA VESPEETINA, (Coop.) Bp.

Evening Grosbeak.

Frinyilla vcspertUm, Coop., Ann. Lye. N. Y. i, 1825, 220 (Micbioan).— Bp., Svn. 1828, 113,
No. 188.— Bp., Zool. Jouru. iv, 1828, 2.— Bp., Am. Orfl. ii, Tf), pi. 15, iijr. 1.—
NuTT., Man. i, 1832. 594.— Aud., Orn. Bio^. iv. 1838, 515 ; v, 235 ; pis. 373, 425.

Coccotlminsfes vesj^erthia, Sw.,*fe Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 2G9, pi. 68.— Bp., List, 1838, :30.—
Aud., Syu. 1839, 134.— Aud., B. Aui. iii, 1841, 217, pi. 207.

Hespcrinliona vefi2)ertina, Bp., 0. R. xxxi, 1850, 424. — Bp., Consp. Av. 1, 1850, 505. — Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 409.— Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wasli. Ter. 1860, 196.— Sol.. P. Z. vS.
1860, 251.— KiKTh., " Oljio Farmer" for March 24, 1860 (Ohio ; Racine, Wis., Dr.
Hoy).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. for I860.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 80.—
Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 289 (near New York City).- Coues, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 1868, 280, 312.— McIlwk., Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1866, 88 (Woodstock, Can-
ada).— SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 550 (Monte Alto, 36 miles from city
of Mexico).— Coop., B. Cal. i. 174.— Aikex. Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 199 (Sherman,
Wyo.).— Coues, Key, 1872, 127.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 449, pi. 22, f. 1.

Hesperiplioua vesptriina var. montatia, B. B. &R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 449, pi. 22, f. 4 (individ-
ual, not geographical, variation).

Coccoiliraiistcs honapartU, Less., 111. Zool. 1834, pi. 34 ( 9 ).

Loxia honapartti, Less.

Hah. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, United States. North to the Saskatchewan
{Richardson). Eastward along the northern tier of States to Lake Superior reguhiily,
to Ohio, Canada, aud New York City, casually. South to the table-lands of Mexico.

Not procured by either of the Expeditious.

"Black Hills, 9, June 3, 1824" {Ton- u send), Avuv bos, op. cit. Mr. Aiken also saw
several, January 20, 1872, in the foot-hills near Sherman, Wyoming Territory.

PINICOLA ENUCLEATOR, (Linn.) Cab.

Pine Grosbeali.

Loxia emcJeator, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.— Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 299.—
Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 845.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 80, pi. 5, f. 2.

FrinfliUa cnucleaior, Meyer, "Vog. 74." — Temm., Man., Orn i, 1815, 198.

Corythus eniicleator, Cuviek.— Bp., Am. Orn. pi. 16. f. 3; List, 1838, 38.— Bp. & SciiL.,
Mouog. Lox. 9, pis. 11. 12.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 204.— Aud., Svn. 1839. 127.—
Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 179, pi. 199.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 128.— Purx., Pr. Ess.
Inst, i, 1856, 211 (Massacl.usetts, rare).- Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst. vi. 1871, 116
(Minnesota, winter visitant); .and of many authors.

Pyrrliula eniiclcoior, Bp., Syu. 1828, 119.— Nurr., Man. i, 1832, 53.5.— Aud., Orn. Biog.
iv, 1838, 414, pi. 358.- Temm., M. i, 1820, 333.— Naum., V. D. iv, 1824, 403, pi. 112.

Pyrrliula (Coryfhnx) en Kclcufor, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,262, pi. 53. — Keys. (fcBi.AS., 40.

S'lrohilophana cHucUdtor, Vieill., N. D. H. N. ix, 609.— Gray, G. of B. i, 337.

Finicola ennrhator, Car., Miis. Heiii. i, 1851, 167.— Finsch. Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, .54
(Alaska).— Coues, Key, 1872, 127.— B. B. &. R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 453, pi. 21, f. 1, 2.

Voccothaitstes canadensis, Briss., Orn. iii, 250, pi. 12, f. 3.

Conillnis canadensis et C. sph-ndcns et Canfjttstiroslris, "Brehm."

rin'icola canadensis. Cab., Mus. Himu. i, 1851, 167 (Illinois).— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 410.—
Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 221 (Lnbrndor, V>reediiig).— Coues & Prent.,
Smiths. Rep. 1861, 411 (accidental at Wiishington, I). C, in winter).- Wheat.,
Ohio Agric. Rep. 18(i0, No. 136.— Board.m., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais,
Me., winter, common). — Vei;i!., Pr Ess. Inst, iii, 160 (ditto at Norway, Me.). —
AkLEN, Pr. Ess. Inst. iv. I8ii4, (iO (Massacluisetts, winter, rare)-— McIi.WR., Pr.
Ess. Inst, v, 1H66, 88 (Hamilton, C. W., irregular).- Couks, Pr. E.s.s. Inst, v,
1868, 280.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 288 (JSIew York).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad,

PIJJICOLA ENUCLE.ATOR, PINE GROSBEAK. 105

Jau. 1868 (Sien-a Nevada).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 18G9, 281
(Alaska).— Turnh., B. E. Pa. 18G9, 21 (rather rare).— Stev., U. S. Geol. 8nrv.
Ter. 1870, 4(54 (Wyoming). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 109 (Massachusetts, winter).—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 151 (resident in Sierra Nevada of Cahforuia). —
Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, C.

Pinicola americana, Cab., Mss. — Bp., Consp. Av. 1, 1850, 528.

"Loxia flamingo, SPAium., Mus. Carls, pi. 17 (var."), {Gray).

" Loxia psittacea, Pall." {Gray).

Hah. — In this country, occupies the whole of British America, migrating regularly
into the northern tier of States in winter, and occasionally to Maryland, Ohio, liiinois,
and Kansas. Apparently resident in the Sierra Nevada of California, and certainly so
in the Rocky Mountains within the United States. South to Colorado, where it hreeds.
"Breeds from Maine northward" {Audubon).

Later Expeditions. — 60637, Uiutah Mountains, September 20, 1870.

This species was not met with by either of the earlier Expeditions,
and must be a rare winter visitant, if it occur at all, in most portions
of the Missouri region, the greater part of which is topographically un-
. suited to its wants. We have, however, authentic information of its
presence even so far south as Kansas. Prof. Snow places it in his list,
with the remark: "occurs in winter; taken by Sidney Smith, of Leav-
enworth." Mr. Trippe says it appears in Wisconson " about the middle
of November, and remains throughout the winter, feeding on the buds
and seeds of the alder, birch, «&c., as well as of the weeds that abound
on the prairies." He observed a much larger proportion of old birds
than there is in the flocks that visit New York, though these are still
far outnumbered by the females and young. I found it rather common,
and breeding, on the coast of Labrador, in patches of juniper and other
thick woods. Audubon has a note of Nuttall's finding it on the Lower
Missouri.

Tu the Rocky Mountains it finds its southernmost extension, as well as
breeding range. This fact, but lately ascertained, is attested by young
birds in the Smithsonian collection, and very fully by the following in-
teresting communication which Mr. Trij^pe has sent me from Idaho
Springs, Colorado :

"The Pine Grosbeak is irregularly distributed in this part of the
mountains, being rarely seen in certain localities, while it is very com-
mon in others. It is i)robably resident, as I have observed it through-
out the summer and fall mouths in the woods near timber-line, below
which it does not wander very far, none being seen below l),r)()0 feet,
even in the depth of winter, although it in probable that stragglers oc-
casionally descend even to tlie foot-hills at times. It is very tame, fre-
quently alighting and feeding within a few feet of one with the greatest
com[)osure. Its food seems to consist principally of pine seeds, but it
is also fond of those of the birch and alder, and occasionally descends
to the ground, where it picks up the seeds of various plants, and proba-
bly a few insects. During late sunwHor and winter it has a very pleasing-
song — clear, sweet, and flowing, like that of the Purple Finch. 1 cannot
say at what season it breeds, but am incliiu'd to think that it must be
very early, as young birds are fully feathered and have left their parents
in June, before the snow has disapi>eared from the woods.

" Individuals vary in size — though the coloration of the adults is (juite
constant — and average larger than winter si)ecimens from the Atlantic
States, a length of nine or nine and one-half iiu-hes being not uiu-ommon,
while occasionally old males will measni'e ten :ind even a little over. In
one specimen (an adult male, shot ,Iuly Idth near .lames Peak) the length
is 10.15 inches; the tip of the upi)er mandible is decurved beyond and
below thiit of the lower ().!;> of an ineli."

Two specimens of the rare and little-known egg of the Pine (irosbeak

106

CARPODACUS PURPUREUS CARPODACUS CASSINI.

are in the Sinithsoiiiau. One taken in New Brunswick, May 7, 1865, by
Mr. G. A. Boardmau ; the other from James' Bay. The color is a pecu-
liar pale bluish-gray, or pale bluish with a glaucous shade, tliicklj^
speckled at the larger end with reddish-brown, and elsewhere sparingly
si)rinkled with the same and a few darker dots. A specimen measures
0.97 by 0.G5.

CARPODACUS PURPUREUS, (Gm.) Gray.

Purple Finch,

FringiUa purpurea, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 923.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 446.— WiLS.,

Am. Orn. i, 1808, 119, pi. 7, f. 4 ; v, 1812, 87, pi. 43, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 114.—

AuD., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 24 ; v, 500, pi. 4.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 264.—

NuTT., Mau. i, 1832.
En/throHjjiza purpurea, Bp., List, 1838, 34.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 170, pi. 196.— GiR.,

B. L. I. 1844, 126.— TiiiPPE, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minuesota).
Carpodaeus purjmreus, Gpay. — Bp.. C. A. i, 1850, 533. — Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857,

88.— Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 412.— Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 50.— Hayd:, Rep.

1862, 164.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 128, pi. 75.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 463, pi.

21, f. 7, 8 ; iiucl of nearlj- all late United States writers.
Carpodacus californicus, Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 413, pi. 72, f. 23. — Coop. & Suck., N. H.

Wash. Ter. 1860, 196.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 1.54.
Carpodacus purpureus var. californicus, B. B. &, R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 465, pi. 21, f. 10, 11.

Hah. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific, excepting, probably, the Southern
Rocky Mountain region, where replaced by the following siiecies. North to the Sas-
katchewan and Labrador. Winters in the Southern States.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4853, Vermilion River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Dr. Haydeu's suspicion that this species does not occur on the upper-
most Missouri may i)rove correct. I have found it, however, as high up
as Fort Randall. This was in October ; I observed small liocks in shrub-
bery, feeding on and near the ground. Very cold weather setting in
soon after, no more were observed, and I think that they all move<l oft"
southward. I found it breeding on Turtle Mountain, Dakota, in July.
The egg is clear pale bluish, irregularly dotted, but chietly in a wreatli
around the large end, with very dark blackish-brown — almost black in
some instances; in others lighter. An average egg is 0.80 by 0.00 ; but
I have seen specimens from 0.85 by 0,57 (abnormally elongate) to
0.75 by 0.50.

I have failed to substantiate any tangible distinctions between the
bird of the Pacific coast and the ordinary form.

CARPODACUS CASSINI, Bd.

Oassin's Purple Finch.

Carpodacus cassini, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 119.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 414.— Kenn., P.
R. R. Rep. X, 1859, 27, pi. 27, f. 1.— Loud, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 119
(British Columbia).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 80.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1869, 362
(city of Mexico).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 155.— Mei:u., U. S. Gcol. Surv. Ter. 1872,
678.— CouES, Key, 1872, 128.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 460, pi. 21, f. 4, 5.

(?) Carpodacus purpureus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Colorailo and Utah).

llab. — Southern Rocky Mountain region. North to British Columbia. l)etween Cas-
cades and Rocky Mountains. Table-lauds of Mexico. (ScL. Sl Salv., P. Z. S. 1869, 3{yi.)

List of specimens.

192.-0
19251

W. River Mts.
do

June 5, 1860
do

F. V. Havden.
do.'

6.50
6.50

11.25
11.00

3..'50
3.75

CARPODACUS FRONTALIS, CRIMSON-FRONTED FINCH. 107

Later Expeditions. — 62326-26, Yellowstone and Snake Rivers.

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.

Although it might be argued with some reason that this is merely a variety of pur-
2)urens, I am at present inclined to treat it as a distinct species, for 1 have seen no
specimens, of many examined, that were not instantly recognizable by the peculiarities
given in the above-quoted worlis. Dr. Hayden's specimens are interesting as repre-
senting the northeastern moat recorded locality.

I have only uijself observed this species iu Arizona, about Fort
Whipple, where it was common, and resident. It is foand westward to
the Sierra Nevada, but probably not beyond. Dr. Cooper found it in
large numbers about Lake Tahoe, and noticed a peculiar call-note. So
little has been placed on record of its habits, that the following i)ara-
graph from Mr. Trippe, referring to his observations at Idaho Springs,
Colorado, is the more acceptable :

"Abundant; breeds. A few remain all winter in sheltered localities
in Bergen's Park, but the greater number seek some warmer climate,
■returning as soon as the severest portion of the season has i)assed by.
In March and April they frequent the dense thickets of willows tliat
line the banks of nearly all the streams in places, and have at that tiuie
a low, sweet warbling song, which becomes louder in May, and then
fully equals that of the Purple Finch. They breed as high as 10,000
feet, but are not uniformly (listributed, as 1 never saw them abundant
outside of Bergen's Park. During summer and fall they frequent the
pine trees in which they nest; and during this season the female sings
nearly as sweetly as the male. I strongly suspect that the C. i)nrpurem
mentioned by Allen as abundant in the South Park, was this s])ecies,
which he does not give at all. The latter is common, while the former
is at least so rare that I never saw it iu a year's careful observation.''

The only sets of eggs I have seen are not distinguishable from some
specimens of C. imrpweus^ though on an average they are probably
rather larger. As in the case of that s[>ecies, very pale sets occur, cor-
responding to the whitish eggs of Blue-birds. The nidilication is wholly
similar to that of C. piirpureus. The eggs, suppose<l to be of this
species, lately described by Dr. Brewer, are those of C. frontalis. They
were from the South Arizona collection of Lieutenant C. Jieiidire, who
"writes me that they were wrongly identitied. (J. cassini probably does
not breed iu that locality. {Cf. Beew., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, ISTo, lOU.)

CARPODACUS FRONTALIS, (Say) Gray.

Crimson-fronted Fincb ; House Finch ; Biirion.

a. frontalis.

Frivfiilln frotitalw, Say, Long's Exped. R. Mts. ii, 1824, 40.

FriiK/ilht {I'linhiihi) fnnildlis, (i.vMB., Pr. I'hila. Aca<l. i, 1S43, 262.

riirrhiila froiitalis, J'.V., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 4i>, pi. (i, figs. 1, 2.

E)-!)llin>sphii froHtaliH, \W., V. Z. 8. \H\M, 112; List, 1S:5S, i};').— Gamu., .J. P. Ac. 1847, 53.

CarpoduniH J'l-onlnlix, Gi:ay, (Jenera of Hirds. — Up., Consp. i, 18.">(l, 5:];?. — McCali-, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1851, 2U>.— Nkwh., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18r)7, 88.— Ud., 1$. N. A. 18.')8,
415.— Kenx., p. R. R. Rep. x, 18.7J, pt. iv, 28.— CorK.s, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,
80.— Cocks, Ibis, 18(i(i, 267.— Cooi*., 15. Cal. i, 1870. 1.%.— Ana-.N, Pr. Post. Soc.
1872, Vyj (Arkansas River, Col.).— CoiMOS. Key, 1.S72, 121).

CarpodavuH froiildlm var. /'roiilaUx, Ridcw., Am. .louiii. v, 1873, 40. — 1>. 15. i^ R., N. A.
B. i'. 1S7 1, 46(i, pf. 21, f. :5, 6.

Carpoducufi Jhrniliarix, McCam,, Pi-. Phila. Acad. vii. 18.')2, 61.— Woodii., Silgr. Kep. 1853,
88.— Cass., III. 1^54, 73, pi. 13.— 1Iki;i;m., P. R. R. Rep. x, 18:)'.), pt. vi, :.[).

Caipodacim ohsiiinix, McCam., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 220.

CorjHxIdrnn '' ailifoDiiriin," Coi'Ks, Ibis, 181)5, 164 {hipsii).

Cati)odacit8 " crtss/iii," Uijkw., I'r. Bost. Soc. xvi, 187;J, lOK (error in idoutilication of eggs).

108 CARPODACUS FRONTALIS, CRIMSON-FRONTED FINCH.

b. rhodocolpus.

Carpodacm rhodocolpus, Car., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 166.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, :W4 ; 1857, 127.
Carj}odaeii.s frontalis var. rliodovolpus, Ridgw., Am. Joura. Sci. v, 1873, 39. — B. B. tfc R.,
N. A. B. i, 1874, 468, pi. 21, f. 9.

c. JuvmorrJious.

Pyrrluda frontalis, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. iu Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435, No. 52.

Eri)throspi:a frontalis, Bp., "Osserv. Reg. aulm. Ciiv., ]). 8U." — (f) AuD., Syn. 1839, 125;

B. Am. iii, 1841, 175, pi. 197 {{Frimjilla frontalis of the folio ed., pi. 424).
Carpodacus frontalis, Bp. & SciiL., Mon. Lox. 15, pi. 16.
Frimjilla lia-morrlioa. Wag., Isis, 1831, 525.
Carpodacus hwmorrltous, ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 304 (Cordova) ; 1858, 303 ; 1859, 380 (Oaxaca) ;

Cat. 1862, 122.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 417.— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 55U.
Carpodacus frontalis var. luvmorrhous, Ridgw., /. c.

Hah. — Southern Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, United States. North to the
headwaters of the Platte or further, and on the Pacific side to Oregon. Var. rhodocolpus
from the Pacific coast, Southern California, to Colima. Var. ha;morrhous from the Table
Lands of Mexico.

While I am willing to follow Mr. Ridway in adopting a Mexican var. ha?morrhous, I
do not feel satisfied of the necessity for recognizing var. rhodocolpus — at least my col-
lections do not bear out the asserted differences. Comparing one from New Jlexico
with another from Southern California, both males in good plumage, the red of the
former is seen to "spread" more than that of the latter, instead of the reverse, as
ought to be the case, according to Mr. Ridgway. Still he has examined much more
material than I have, and I presume his definition is borne out, as a rule; and this is
all, I believe, tha,t is claimed in such cases. Some of the above quotations under var.
frontalis include, or refer to, var. rhodocolpus. Females and young of the several vari-
eties are indistinguishable.

I met with great numbers of "Burions" on first entering New Mexico,
and traced them thence across the continent to the Pacific, at San Pedro,
In the Mexican towns they were as pleutifid, fearless and familiar, as
the English Sparrows have become in many of our eastern cities, breed-
ing in all sorts of nooks about the buildings, as well as in the forks of
trees in the court yards and streets. It is a pleasing feature in the dirty
Mexican settlements which, with questionable taste, it selects as its
abode, and where the air is vocal all the day long with its delightful
melody. They are seldom molested by the worthless population, who
have only just energy enough to bask by day in the sun rolling cigar-
ettes, and cheat each other at cards by night ; consequently the little
birds thrive, and no doubt live as happily as if thej were appreciated.
The materials of the nests are as various as the location ; but the struct-
ure is usually of grasses, lined with finer dried roots or hair. The eggs,
five or six in number, are about three-fourths of an inch long by three-
fifths wide, and pale bluish, marked, chiefly near the larger end, with
specks and lines of blackish-brown. Two or three broods are reared
each year. Among the situations chosen for the nest. Dr. Cooper men-
tions trees, logs and rocks, "the top rail of a picket- fence, inside a win-
dow-shutter, in the holes of walls, under tile or thatch roofs, in hay-
stacks and barns, iu the interstices between the sticks of a Hawk's nest,
and in the old nest of an Oriole ;" to which Ur. Heermaun adds, cactuses
and Woodpeckers' holes. In the Rio Grande towns, where Barn Swal-
lows were breeding plentifully, the House Finches used to occupy last
year's Swallows' nests, and not unfrequenly would take possession by
force, after an animated contest, of a nest just finished, making its dis-
consolate owners, who had little chance against the spirited interlopers,
build another nest. But as a rule, the Finches and Swallows lived ami-
cably, the former rather prefer! ng the trees in the areas, while the gen-
tle Swallows nestled under the eaves on projecting rafters.

In the interior of Arizona, where towns were not, and have not yet
become, the established order of things, I found the Burions no more

LOXIA CURVIROSTRA VAR. AMERICANA. 109

familiar than most small birds are, frequenting open hillsides and ravines,
often in company with Cassiu's Purple Finches. They were abundant,
and apparently residents, though more numerous in the spring and fall
than at other seasons. I also found them in good feather and full song
in November, at San Pedro, when I enjoyed the hospitalities of my
friend Dr. Cooper, then post surgeon at Drumm Barracks. He told me
that further south, at San Diego, they begin to build early in March.
Under the name of Linnets, they are often kept in cages in California,
as the Arkansas Goldfinch is in New Mexico.

Mr. Trip])e informs me that the Crimson -fronted Finch is only an
occasional visitor to Clear Creek County, Colorado, small flocks some-
times visiting the lower valleys in late spring. It does not breed in the
county, so far as his observations go, though it is not improbable that a
few nest in Bergen's Park.

. LOXIA CURVIKOSTEA var. AMERICANA, (Wils.) Cones.

American Red Crossbill.

b. americana.

Loxia citrvh-osira, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, No. 23. — Bp., Syn. 1828, 117. — NuTT.,
Man. i, 1832, 583.— Aud., Orn. Biojz;. ii, 1834, S.VJ ; v, .^)11 ; pi. 197 ; Ryn. 1839,
128 ; B. Am. iii, 186 ; pi. 200.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 130.— Tripre, Pr. Ess. lust,
vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, veiy common, breeds).

Loxia curvirostra var. americana, Coxjes, Key, 1872, 351. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874,
484, pi. 23, f. 1. 4.

Curvirostra americana, Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 44, pi. 31, f. 1, 2. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
42G.— Coop. & Sucic, N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 198.— Wheat., Ohio A^ric. Rep.
1860, — .— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 165.— Allen, Pr. Ess. lust. iv. 1864, 70.— Boaudjl,
Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me. ; said to breed in winter).- Coues, Pr.
Ess. lust. V, 1868, 281.— TUHNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 21 (winter, and resident iu the
Alleghanies).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281 (Sitka).— Coop., B.
Cal. i, 1870, 148 (resident iu the Sierra Nevada). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv,
1871, — .— Mayn., N. Guide, 1870, HI.— Coties, Key, 1872, 129, pi. 3, tigs, 13, 14, 15.

Loxia americana, Bp., List, 1838, 38 ; Cousp. 1850, 527. — Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857,
87.— Lawj:., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 288 (New York).— FiNSCii, Abh. Nat.
iii, 1872, 56 (Alaska).

c. mexicana.

Loxia mexicana, Strickl.. Jard. C. 0. 1851, 43 (city of Mexico). — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 94. —
ScL., r. Z. S. 1859, 365 ; 1864, 174.— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 193 (Guatemala).

Curvirosira mexicana, Sumicil, Mem. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, i, 1869, 551 (Orizaba). — Stev.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 187.0, 464.

Cnrvirosira americana var. mexicana, (Joues, Key, 1872, 129.

Loxia cun-irontra var. mexicana, CoUES. — B. B. &. R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 488.

Hah. — Northern North America. South into most of the States in winter (on the
Atlantic usually to Philadelphia). Resident in Maine, and southward, in alpine ro-
jjious, to Pennsylvania. Breeds iu Minnesota. Resident in the Sierra Nevada of Cali-
toruia. South along i\w. alpine regions of Mexico to Guatemala (var. mexicana).

Lieiitenanl li'arren'n EsjtcdUion. — 89()2-63, Jjaramie Peak.

Later Kxpedi lionn. —:y[)Sfil, 60091, Colorado; 60385-87, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Ritynolds' Expedition.

Mr. Trii)pe has furnished me the following observations made in Clear
Creek County, Colorado : " Like the Pine Grosbeak, the Crossbill is irreg-
ularly distributed throughout the county, Hocks of hundreds being occa-
sionally seen, while, as a rule, it is not conunonly to l)e met widi in this
part of the nu)untains. It ranges mncli lower than the former bird, breed-
ing from 7,000 feet, if not lower, all the way ui) to timlxT line; nesting, as
near as can be judged from the appearance of the young birds, in April
and ^lay, according to the elevation, or about the breaking u]) of win-
ter, iu June docks composed of young and ohl may be seen roviny;

110 LOXIA LEUCOPTERA, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.

throiigb the woods occasionally, and alighting on dead limbs and tree
t.)ps, where their bright colors and noisy chatter are sure to attnict the
attention of passers-by. They are not at all shy, and sometimes iilight
in trees in the midst of large towns. Their food is the same as the Pine
Grosbeak's — the seeds of pines, birches, &c. ; and as they sometimes
alight in the thickets of rose-bushes, raspberries and other shrubbery,
they probably add haws and berries to their bill of fare. In June I
have lieard it sing very agreeably ; its notes are much like those of the
Pine Grosbeak, and show the family resemblance which runs through
the songs of all the members of this group of the FringilUda'. Among
a series of specimens, some will be found having much larger bills than
others, showing an api)roach to var. mexlcana. A male, taken in Bergen
Park, had the bill 0.78 in length.

The eggs of this si)ecies are four or five in number, about 0.S5 by 0.52
in size, very pale greenish, variously marked in dots and blotches, with
different sliades of lilac and purplish brown. Dr. Brewer notes a nest
taken in Vermont, early in March, when the ground was covered with
snow", from the upper branch of a leafless elm. "The birds were very
tame and iearless, refusing to leave their eggs, and had to be several
times taken off by hand." Even after the nest had been taken in hand
the bird resumed its place upon it.

LOXIA LEUCOPTERA, Gm.

White-winged Crossbill.

Loxia leucoptera, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 844.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 117.— Bp., Am. Orn. ii,
— .— Sw. & Rich., F. B A. ii, 1831, 263.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 540.— Aud., Orn.
Biog. iv, 1838, 467, pi. 364 ; Syu. 1839, 129 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 190, pi. 2U1.— Gin.,
B. L. L 1844, 131.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 527.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 8
(Greenland). — Gould, B. Gr. Brit, v, 1864, pi. — (England). — Lawk., Ann. Lvc.
N. Y. viii, 1866, 288.— Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 55 (Alaska).— B. B. & R.,'N.
A. B. i, 1874, 488, pi. 23, f. 2, 3.

CurvirosUa Umcophra , Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 48, pi. 31, f. 3.— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 427.—
WniiAT., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860, — . — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 165. — Allen, Pr. Ess.
Inst, iv, 1864, 70. — Boahdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me., breeding
in winter).— McIlwk., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 88.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
281.— TuKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 22.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1«69, 281.—
Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Mavn., Nat. Gnide, 1870, 111.— Mayn.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, — . — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 149 (not in California). —
Coues, Key. 1872, 129, fig. 76.

Loxia falcirosira, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 371.

Cfutlroblva leucopttra, Breiim, Naum. i, 1853, 254, f. 20.

Hub. — Northern North America, from ocean to ocean. South in winter into the
United States, as far west as the Rocky Mountains (no United States Pacific coast
record). Resident in Northern New England ; breeding in winter, aud, according to
Aududou, breeding iu Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Wyoming in summer. South
^u'dinarily to Philadelphia. Greenland, one instance. Accidental in Europe. (See
Hahtixu, Mau. Brit. Birds, 1872, 116.)

List of specimens

•

19152
19153

81
78

W.sideW.Riv.Mts.
do

$
$

June 5, 1860
. do

F.V.Haydeu.
do

6.25
6.25

10.50
10.25

3.25
3.25

Lieiiteiiaut Warren's Expedition. — 8964-65, Laramie Peak, August 25, 1857.
Later Expeditions. — 60639, Box Elder Creek, Wyoming, August 21, 1870.

Dr. Hayden's specimens are of unusual interest. They nftbrd the only
record I have been able to find of the occurrence of the species iu the
United States west of the Mississippi ; while the dates of collection —
June, August — render it unquestionable that the birds breed where they
were procured. Dr. Biewer describes a saucer-shaped nest of lichens,

LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS, GRAY-CROWNED FINCH. Ill

encased in spruce-twigs, lined with hair and bark shreds, four inches in
diameter, with a cavity an inch and a half deep; the egg pale blue,
spattered at large end with tine dots of black and ashy-lilac ; the size
0.80 by 0.56. It was taken in JSJew Brunswick.

It is remarkable that so many of these birds should have been taken
in Great Britain where, however, L. americana has not been found, Mr.
Harting, as above quoted, enumerates four instances in which they
were observed, ou one of which occasions "a large flock'' made its a[)-
pearance near Banff, in 1859. He also says: "Some years since Dr.
Dewar, of Glasgow, when six hundred miles off Newfoundland, ob-
served a number of these birds crossing the Atlantic before a stiff
westerly breeze. Many alighted on the rigging, and ten or twelve were
secured."

LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS, Sw.

Gray-erowned Finch.

a. tephrocofis.

Lmaria(Lencosticte) icphrocotis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 265, pi. 50 (Saskatchewan, May, 1827).

Leucostiote tephrocotis, Sw., Classif. 13. ii, 1837. — Bp., C. A. i, 1850, 53G. — Bd., Stausburv's
Rep. 1852, 317 (Salt Lake City, Utab).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 430.— Stev., U.'S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 464 (Wyomiu^O-— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 174 (Calilbruia).—
Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 162 (Mt. Lincoln, Park county, Col., .July, breed-
ing above timber-line).— Coupes, Key, 1872, 130.— B. B. &.R., N. A. B. i, 1874,
504, pi. 23, f. 8, 9.

Erythroqnza tcphwcoUs, Bp., C. & G. List, 1838, 34.— AuD., Syu. 1839.— AuD., B. Am. iii,
1841, 176, pi. 198 (Swainsou's type).

FringiUa tephrocofis, NtiiT., Man. Orn. ii,' 1834, App. 593.— AuD., O. B. v, 1839, 232, pi. 424.

Lcucosticte campestris, Bd., in Cooper's B. Cal. i, 1870, 163 (Colorado, WtrnUjk ; slightly
apj)roacliing the next var.).

Lciicosticfe Uphrocotifi var. campestris, CouES, Key, 1872, 130. — B. B. &- R., N. A. B. i, 1874,
507, pi. 23, f. 7.

Leucosticte tephrocofis var. australis, Allen, Mss. (midsummer iilumage). *

b. griseinuclia.

Passer arctoits var. y, Pallas, Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 23.

Friuij'dla (Linaria) griseinuclia, Bkaxdt, Bull. Imp. Acad. St. Peters. 1844, .36.

Monti friiKjiUa {Lcucoaticte) fjriseimicha, Bp. Sl Schl., Mon. Lox. 1850, 35, pi. 41.

JilonlifringiUa {jriseiiiiiclia, FiNscii, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 57 (Alaska).

Leucosticte griseinuclia, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, .537.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 430.— ELLIOT, B.

N. A. pi. 11.— Dall & Baxx., Tt. Chic. Acad, i, 18(59, 282. pi. 28, f. 2.— Coor,,

B. Cal. i, 1871, 161 (not Calilbrnia, but Ooiialasbka and St. George's, Alaska). —

Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 187:> (Oonalashka Island).
Leucosticte tephrocofis var. griseiiiucha. and var. littoralis. Coufs, Key, 1872, 130, 352, fig.

77.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 508, 507. pi. 23, f. 5, 6.
Leucosticte (iriscigevgs, GouLD, P. Z. S. 1843, 104. — (Joi'LD, V'oy. Sulplinr, i, 1844, 42, pi. 22.
Leucosticte littorafin', Bd., Tr. Chic. Aca«l. i, 1869, 318, i)l. 28, "f. 1.— Dali. «5L- B.vnx., ibid.

282.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 162 (Sitka, British Columbia; Fort Simpson).
Moutifririgilla littoralis, Fixscn, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 58 (Alaska).

Hah. — Northwestern North America and Saskatchewan to the Pacific. South to Col-
orado, Utah, and Northern California. Var. griseinuclia from the Pacific coast from
British Columbia northward, and Aleutian Islands. In the interior to Ftut Simp.son.

*Thi8 cannot well be a variety— if it is anything more than midsummer jjlumuge, it
is a good species. Mr. Allen's originals, labelled as cited, were submitttil to I'lnf.
Baird and myself. Prof. Baird's opinion is recoidcd in his work, /. c. ; my own is hero
given. In the Ajipendix to the third volume of his work, now in press, however, a var.
australis, iu which I do not concur, will be recognized.

112 LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS, GRAY-CROWNED FINCH.

List of specimens.

19255

265

1925()

241

19257

262

19259

266

19262

264

19263

267

192(54

270

19265

244

19266

243

19267

246

19268

142

19269

247

19270

263

19271

269

J 9273

245

19274

246

19258

141

19254

268

19260

145

19261

143

19272

147

Deer

Creek ,
do . . . .
tlo . . . .
do-...
do ... .
do....
do ... .
do ... .
do..-,
do ... .
do....
do....
do ... .
do..-,
do-.-,
do ... .
do..-,
do---
do - . . .
do.. ,
do ... .

$
9

$
9

$
0

s
$
$

5

Feb.
Jan.
Feb.
Feb.

Mar.
Feb.
Juu.

Jan.
Jan.
Feb.

Jan.

Nov.
Feb.
Nov.

Nov.

22, 1860
17, 1860
23, 1860
22, 1860

do

7, 1860
28, 1860
17, 1860

do

do

2, 1860
17, 1860
22, 1860

do

17, 1860

do

22. 1859

28. 1860
22, 1859

do

21,1859

F.V.

G. H

Huj'deu.

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

. Trook..

do

do

do

do

6.50
6.50
6.50
6.00
6.25
6.25

6.00
6.50
6.00
6.50
5.75
6.25
6.25
6.50
5.75
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50

12.50
12.50
12.50
11.00
11.50
12.50

11.50
11.75
12.00
12.50
11.50
11.75
11.25
12.00
11.00
12.50
12.50
12.50
12.50
12.50

4.00
4.50
4.50
4.00
4.50
4.50

4.25

4.00
4.00
3.75
3.75
4.25
4 50
4.00
3.50
4.!)0
4.50
4.50
4.50
4.50

Later Expeditions. — 60633, Uintah Mountains.

One of the most interestiug results of Dr. Hayden's ornithological
researches is the discovery that this highly-prized bird, hitherto consid-
ered so rare, is abundant in the Wind liiver Mountains, where, as shown
by the above list, numerous specimens were procured by himself and
Mr. Trook in the winter of ISoO-'OO. Originally described from the
Saskatchewan, the same s])ecimen afforded the subject of Audubon's
plate, and tl.e subsequent United States quotation from Great Salt Lake
remained single until the present discovery. Since this, however, the
records have multiplied, until the distribution above given has been de-
termined. In January, 18G2, Dr. C. Wernigk sent the bird from Denver,
Colorado, to the Smithsonian ; this specimen became the basis of the
untenable L. '•' cam2)estris.^^ In the birds of California, Dr. Cooper states
that he saw a specimen brought from somewhere east of Lake Tahoe, in
Washoe. "They were said to be plentiful there in the very cold winter
of 1861-'62, and doubtless visited the similar country east of the North-
ern Sierra Nevada within this State." It remained, however, for Mr.
Allen to show that the bird breeds in the United States. He found it,
in summer, "common above the timber-line on Mount Lincoln [Colorado]
breeding among the snow-iields." He also mentions other specimens
killed at Central City, Colorado, in March, 18G9, by Mr. F. E. Everett.

Mr. Allen's specimens, which he kindly transmitted to me for exam-
ination, differ materially from any previously-known plumage of jC. ^e/>/i-
rocofis, as he himself says in giving a careful descrii)tion of them {op.
cit. 162). Not to duplicate his descri])tion, it will be sufiticient to state
here that the peculiarities lie in the darkness of the general chocolate
or liver-brown ; the heightening of the customary rosy to crimson ; the
entire absence of silvery-ash on the head, the whole crown being sooty
blackish ; and in the black instead of whitish bill. He remarks that,
"whether they represent more than the breeding plumage or L. tephro-
cotk, or a well-marked southern form of that si)ecies, I am at present
uncertain, being without summer specimens of that species." I have
myself no doubt whatever that they represent the worn midsummer
state of the breeding plumage, and nothing more. Everything seems
to indicate this ; and if analogy be pertinent in the case, we may in-
stance the closely-allied ^giothus Unaria, which in midsummer often
shows a precisely parallel condition.

LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS, GRAY-CROWNED FINCH. 113

Inspection of Swainson's remarkably faithful plate will give a good
idea of the normal condition of typical tephrocotis, with which all the
United States specimens I have seen, excepting these of Mr. Allen's,
agree perfectly. We have just seen how southern individuals at least,
under certain circumstances, lose the hoary ash of the head altogether.
In this variability of the ash we find the clue to the correct interpreta-
tion of some northern styles that have been currently accepted as dis-
tinct species. In the extreme case of griseimicha (Brandt), the ash
envelopes nearly the whole head, including the chin, leaving only a
black frontlet of varying width. Such a specimen looks quite unlike
typical te2)hrocotis, and would certainly be held a distinct species, were
the intermediate links unknown. Such, however, is not the case-, in
the Smithsonian series alone, which I have examined, we find almost
every imaginable gradation in the extent of the ash, so that it becomes
impossible to draw a dividing line anywhere. It is necessary, therefore,
'to treat griseinucha as a variety of tephrocotis. As stated in the Key
(p. 352), it does not seem to be necessary to recognize more than one
variety, '■'■ campestris'''' of Baird being referable to tephrocotis proper, and
'■'■Uttoralis''^ of Baird agreeing suificieutly with var. griseinucha.

It is interesting to observe, that in the closely allied but apparently
distinct species, L. arctoa of Siberia, and of the Kurile and Aleutian
Islands, a great part of the plumage takes on a rosy-tinted, silvery-
ash hue.

We have little information respecting the habits of the Gray-crowned
Finch ; they probably agree in the main with those of Eed-polls and
Linnets. Mr. Holdeu gives a note upon this subject, and one also bear-
ing upon the dark plumage above discussed. Speaking of the mount-
ainous southeastern extremity of Wyoming, he says : "These birds are
never found here in summer ; they come in small flocks in the coldest
part of winter. Their food is small seeds and insects. I have found
some with the crops so full of seeds as to distort the birds. They be-
come veiy fat, and are good eating. In one specimen, a young male I
think, the plumage is almost blade — in fact it is black, except the wings
and after-half of the body."

I find the following notes in Mr. Trippe's Mss. :

"During the winter I saw several tlocks of this bird near Central
City, where they were feeding in the dry gulches and about gardens,
acting like Lapland Longspurs; but dicl not observe them elsewhere,
though I looked carefully for them throughout a large extent of country.
During summer and autumn the Gray-crowned Finch is common above
timber-line, where it breeds, ranging higher than the Titlark, and being
usually found in the vicinity of snow-lields and the frozen lakes near
the summit of the range. It is rather shy in such localities, though ex-
ceedingly tame in winter ; its flight is in undulating lines, like the Cross-
bill's, and the only note I have heard it utter is a kind of 'churr,' like
the call of the Scarlet Taiiager. Li the latter part of SoiJtembir small
flocks, composed of one or two families, may be seen together ; and vStill
later in the season they gather into large Hocks. They stay above tim-
ber-line till the close of October or the middle of November, being much
hardier tlian the Titlark ; and only <lescend when driven away by the
furious winter storms. * * * * Since the above was penned, great
flocks of the Gray-crowned Finch have appeared near Idaho Springs.
In their habits and actions they are very similar to the ricctroiihancs.
They are perpetually roving froui place to ])lace; feed upon the seeds of
weeds and grasses; and are never at rest for niore than a moment at a
time, constantly whirling about in close, dense masses, like so many

8 "^

114 ^GIOTHUS LINARIA, RED-POLL LINNET

LoDgspnrs. Duriuj? sunimer there is no ash whatever on the head ;
hat iu some thirty or forty specimens killed during the past week (De-
cember) the ash is present in every one. In three or four this color ex-
tends below the eyes and over the cheeks : and in two it embraces the
throat. Bill, black in summer, yellow in winter with a black tip."
Mr. Dall has given us an interesting note upon var. f/rifieinncha :
"This species abounds on the Prybilov and Aleutian Islands. A
number of specimens were obtained on St. George's in August, although
they were moulting at the time. * * * * This beautiful bird had
no song at that season except a clear chirp, sounding like '-iveet-a-weet-a-
ivee-iceet.'' It was on the wing a great part of the time, avoiding alight-
ing on the ground, but darting rapidl}" iu a series of ascending and de-
scending curves, now swinging on the broad top of an umbelliferous
plant, and now alighting on some ledge of the i)erpendicular bluft',
juuii)ing from point to point, and seemingly delighting in testing its own
agility. Their nest is a simple hollow on one of these ledges, provided
with a few straws or bits of moss. They lay four white eggs in May
(0.97 by 0.67). In August the young were fully Hedged. They are
granivorous, apparently, but I found two or three small beetles in the
crop of one which I skinned."

The same author's later article, above quoted, is as follows: "This is
one of the most abundant small birds of the [Aleutian] islands, and is
especially common at Oonalashka, where it is resident. On the 24th of
May we found a nest situated in a crevice of a rocky bank on the shore
of Captain's Harbor, Oonalashka. It was of grass, very neatly sewed
together, and lined with line grass and a few feathers. It contained five
white eggs in a fresh condition, and was about twelve feet above the
beach. The bird was most common on the grassy banks and rocky
bluffs near the shore ; I do not remember ever having seen one on the
higher hills or mountains. It is usually found singly or in pairs."

^GIOTHUS LIXARIA, (Linn.) Cab.

Reel-poll Linnet.

Fringilla Unaria, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 322.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 917.— Wils., Am.
Oru. iv, 41, pi. 30, f. 4 ; ix, 126.— Temm., Man. Orn. 1820. 373 {nee 1835).— Bp.,
Syn. 1828, 112.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 512.— Aud., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 533, pi. 375.

FrivfjilJa (AcantJns) Unaria, Keys. & Blas., Wirbel. Europ. 1840, 161.

Fasacr Unaria, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 25.

Spinas ruiariits, Koch, Syst. Zool. 233.

Linofa Unaria, Bp., List,' 1838, 34.— HoLBOiiLL, Fu. Groen. 1846, 29?

Acanihis Unaria, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 541.— Bp. & Sen., Mou. Lox. 48, pi. 52.

JEgiothiis Unarins, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 161.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858. 428.— CouES, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1861, 382.— Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281 (Alaska).— Coop.,
B. Cal. 1870, 159.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 130, pi. 3, figs. 1, 2, 4, 5.— Mayn., Guide,
1870, 110.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874,
493, pi. 22, f. 3, 5 ; and of most late writers.

Linaria minor, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 267.— Aud., Syu. 1839, 114; B. Am. iii,
1841, 122, pi. 179.— GiR., B. L. L 1844, 116.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 116
(Miuuesota).

FrinfjiUu horcalis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxi, 341 ; nee Tenim.

Linaria americana, Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 338.

JLcjioihu^ fnsccsccns, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 222 (Labrador); 1861, 380; 1869,
186. — Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 10. (Midsummer plumage.)

jFgiothus Unaria var. fusccscens, CouES, Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 3.

Hab. — The typical form in North America, from Atlantic to Pacific, ranging irregu-
larly southward, iu flocks, iu winter, to the Jliddlo States (sometimes a little boyoud)
aud coriespoading latitudes in the West. No late record, of breediug in the United
States. ("Breeds iu Maine, Nova Scotia," »&c., Auduion.)

Not obtaiued by the earlier Expeditious.

Later Fjcpeditions. — 60977-88, various Wyoming localities.

CHEYSOMITEIS PINUS, PINE LINNET. 115

I am now incliued to the opinion, that my Jl(j. fuscesceiu, originally clescriljed from
Labrador as a distinct species, and subsequently, in the Key, reduced to a variety, will
finally prove to have been based merely upon the midsummer plumage of ordinary
Unaria. At this season the whole plumage becomes much darker — partially as a me-
chanical effect of the wearing away of the lighter edgings of the feathers — the bill
blackens, and the nasal 2)htmHl(e are somewhat deficient. This would correspond pre-
cisely with the now determined summer condition of Leucosticte tephrncotis. Yar.
exilipcs is better marked ; it a])pears to consist of the more nearly stationary individu-
als, this particular form having been rarely, if ever, observed in the United States.
The small size of the bill and feet, heavy nasal phtnndw, and hoariuess of plumage, all
indicate a boreal race. By those who separate the Greenland " c(inei<cens'" as a species,
exiVqjes is rated as a variety of the latter rather than of Unaria ; but the Greenland bird
may be merelj' one link iu a chain, rather better marked than usual, in consequence of
its isolation and continual subjection, for an indefinite period, to special modifying in-
fluences. The synonymy of exiUpes is as follows :

Linota horeaUs, Bp., List, 1838, 34.

Fringilla horeaUs, AuD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 87, pi. 400 ; nee Vieill.
Linaria horeaUs, AUD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 120, jil. 178 ; ncc Tcmm.
'^giotlitis cane.sccns, Eoss, Edinb. Phil. Journ. 1861, 163; hcc Anct.
^{jiothus exiUpes, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 385 ; 1869, 187.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 9.
^(jiotlms linaria var. cxilipes, Codes, Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 6.
Jifjiothus cancseens var exilijyes, EiDGW., Mss.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 493, pi. 22, f. 2.

In ]\Iinnesota, according to Mr. Trippe, "the Lesser Eed-poll appears
in vast numbers about the middle of October, and remains during the
entire winter, proceeding northward, however, some weeks before the
Snow Buntings and Longspurs.'' The Red-poll lays four or five eggs of
a pale bluish green color, speckled chiefly in a wreath round the large
end with confluent lilotches of pale-reddish brown, purplish-brown, and
a few darker-brown tints. Sometimes an egg is obsoletely freckled all
over with pale reddish-brown. The size is about 0.70 by 0.50. Great
numbers were observed, and many specimens secured, by Lieutenant
Mullan's Expedition, while surveying for a military road from Walla-
Walla to Fort Bridger. Like other species of this roving tribe, the Eed-
poll may be expected to occur iu winter, at irregular periods, throughout
the greater part, if not the whole, of the Missouri region. A consider-
able flock made their appearance at Fort Eandall, Dakota, in the early
part of March, and remained for several days.

The same gentleman writes me that he saw large flocks, in the latter
part of November, in Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado, feeding on
the seeds of various prairie weeds. In Clear Creek County, Colorado,
it is "abundant in winter and spring, ranging from the foot-hills up to
10,000 feet, and probably somewhat higher. The Lesser Eed-poll haunts
the willow and alder thickets along the brooks, and also the poplar
groves on the hill-sides. About the middle of April it disappears, re-
turning late in November or December."

CHEYSOMITEIS PINUS, (Wils.) Bp.

Pine Linnet.

FringiUa piniis, Wils., Ara. Orn. ii, 1810, 133, pi. 17, f. 1.— Br., Svn. 1828, 111.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832. 511.— All)., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 455 ; v, 509 ; pi. 180.

Linaria j)inu8, AUD., Syn. 1839, 117 : B. Am. iii, 1841, 125. pi. 180.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 1 15.

Chnjsomitrin i)inu8, Br., List, 1838, 33; Consj). Av. i, 185'), 515.— Bn., B. N. A. l'^58, 425.—
Coor. ct Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 186U, 197 (summer).- Hayd., Ee|'. l-^i;2, 1()5.—
SCL. Sc Salv., P. Z. S. 1869, 362 (city of Mexico).- Sc.Micii., M<'Ui. I'.ost. 8oc.
i, 1869, .550 (plateau and alpine regioii of Vera Cruz).— Coor., B. C'al. i, 1870,
173.— Allkn, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 17() (luonntainsof Color.ado, up to timber-
line, in summer, doubtless breeding). — Aikk.n, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 199 (Wyo-
ming).—Mkhu., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 679.— FiNstn, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872,
60 (Alaska).— CoUES, Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 11, 12— B. B. A: E., N. A. B. i, 1874,
4^0, pi. 22, f. 16 ; also of late local writers.

Chrysomitrin maerophra, Drnis, Esipiisses Oru. pi. 23. — Br., Consj). Av. i, 1850, 515
(Mexico ; no tangible characters).

116 CHRYSOMITEIS TRISTIS CHBYSOMITRIS PSALTRIA.

Hob. — North America generally. United States chiefly in winter, in roving flocks,
hut breeds down to sea-level, as far south at least as Massachusetts (Coues, Pr. Ess.
lust. V, 1868, 280 ; Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 110), and iu alpine regions much further.
Soutli along the Rocky Mouutaius iuto Mexico.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5393-94, Little Missouri River (September).

Later Expeditions. — 62339-40, Idaho, iu July aud August.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The erratic movements of this species, according to exigencies of the
wetither and consequent scarcity of food, render it difficult to define its
limits with i^recision. It sometimes appears iu localities where it was
before unknown, aud at unwonted times.

Prof. Sumichrast states [1. c.) that it is found in the alpine region of
Vera Cruz to the height of 2,000 metres, and that he thinks it does not
descend below 1,000 metres.

In Colorado, according to Mr. Trippe, "the Pine Finch is not very
common. It breeds from 7,000 feet up to timber-line. I did not observe
this species during winter, but think it probably remains nearly station-
ary, like the Pine Grosbeak and Eed Crossbill. It frequents the pine
trees principally, but often descends to the weeds and thistles, acting
precisely like the Yellow-bird. In spring it sings very agreeably, very
much like the latter bird, but in a lower voice ; and like it, has the habit
of singing in a lively, rambling sort of way, for an hour or more at
a time." The eggs of this species are pale greenish, speckled with rusty-
brown, 0.70 by 0.50. Dr. Brewer describes a neat nest of pine twigs
lined with hair.

CHRYSOMITEIS TRISTIS, (Linn.) Bp.
Americau Goldfincli ; Tliistle-Inrd ; Tellow-bircl.

Fringilla tristris, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 17G6, 320.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 907.— WiLS., Am.
Orn. i, 1808, 20, iol. 1, f. 2.— Bp., Am. Oru. i, p. 57, pi. 8, f. 4.— Bi'., Syn. 1828,
111.— Aud., Orn.'Biog. i, 1831, 172 ; v, 510 ; pi. 33.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 507.

Carduelis tristis, Br., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 96.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 116 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 129,
pi. 181.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 117.-MAXiiM., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 281.

Chri/somitris tristis, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 517.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 421.—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 197.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872,
176.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1871, 167.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.—
Merr., ihid. 1872, 679.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 199 (Wyoming).— Coues,
Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 7, 8, 9, 10.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 471, pi. 22, f. 7, 8;
and of late writers generally.

AstragaUnus tristis, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1851, 159.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 69.—
Coues, Pr. Ess. List, v, 1868, 280.— Russ, J. f. O. 1871, 19.

Carduelis amcricana, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 268.

Hah. — North America generally.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 482^-25, Running Water ; 4659, Fort Pierre; 5391,
Fort Lookout ; 5392, Bhickfoot country.

Later Expeditions.— Q0:i88-9l, 60970, Wyoming ; 61666-67, 62335-38, Utah aud Idaho.
Not obtaiued by Captaiu Raynolds' Expedition.

The egg is white, with a rosy blush when fresh, and usually the faint-
est possible bluish hue when blown. The size is about 0.C5 by 0.52.
The egg of C. laicrencei is not distinguishable, but may average rather
smaller. The habits of both species are essentially the same.

CHRYSOMITRIS PSALTRIA, (Say) Bp.
Arkansas Goldfinch; Mexican Siskin.

a. i)saliria.

Fringilla psaltria, Say, Long's Esped. ii, 1823, 40.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 54, pi. 6, f. 3;
Syn. 1828, 111.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 510.— Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 85, pi. 394.
Carduelis psaltria, Aud., Syn. 1839, 117 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 134, pi. 183.

CHRYSOMITRIS PSALTRIA, ARKANSAS GOLDFINCH. 117

Chrysomitris psaltria, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 516. — Gamb., Journ. Phila.
Acad, i, 1847, 52.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 422.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865, 93.—
CouES, ibid. 1866, 80.— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 168.— Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 1872,
178 (Kansas (?J and Utah).— Coues, Key, Oct. 1872, 132.— Ridgw., Am. Journ.
iv, Dec. 1872, 454.— B. B. & R., N. A. B."i, 1874, 474, pi. 22, f. 9, 10.

b. arizoncc.

Chrysomitris mexicana var. arisoncv, CoUES, Pr. Ph. Ac. 1866, 82. — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 170.

Chrysomitris psaltria var. arizoiiw, Coues, Key, Oct. 1872, 132, fig. 72. — Ridgw,, Am.

Journ. iv, Dec. 1872, 454.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 476, pi. 22, f. 11.

c. mexicana.

Carduelis mexicana, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435. — Wagler, Isis, 1831, 526.

Chrysomitris mexicana, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 516. — Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, 65 ;
1856, 303 (Cordova); 1858, 303 (Oaxaca); 1859, 365, 380; Cat. 1862, 124.— Scl.
& Salv., Ibis, 1859, 19 (Guatemala) ; 1860, 34.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 423.— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 331 (Panama).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865, 93.— Col'es,
ibid. 1866, 82.— Sumicu., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 550 (Vera Cruz).— Salv., P. Z.
S. 1870, 190 (Veragua).

Astragalinus mexicanus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 159 ; J. f. O. 1861, 7 (Costa Rica).

Chrysomitris psallria var. mexicana, Coues, Key, Oct. 1872, 133, fig. 80. — Ridgw., Am.
Journ. iv, Dec. 1872, 4.55.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 478, pi. 22, f. 12, 13.

C?) FrinyiUa catotol, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 914 (probably, but indeterminable).

FrinylUa mcJanoxantha, Light. — Wagler, Isis, 1835, 525 ( — Cocozton, Herdan).

Fringilla texensis, GiR., B. Tex. 1841, pi. 5, f. 1 (type examined).

d. Columbiana.

Chrysomitris columbiana, Lafres., Rev. Zool. 1843, 292. — Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, 759. — Bd.,

B. N. A. 1858, 423.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865. 93.— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc.

i, 1869, 550.
Astragalinus colnmbianus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 159.
(?) Chrysomitris nana, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 516 ( 9 , indeterminable, but probably this

variety, to judge from locality — "Columbia").
Clirysomitris xanthogaslra, DuBUS, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxii, 18.55, 150.
Chrysomitris mexicana var. columbiana, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 82.
Chrysomitris psaltria var. columbiana, Coues, Key, Oct. 1872, 133 (in text). — Ridgw.,

Am. Journ. iv, Dec. 1872, 455.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 471.

Hal). — The typical form from the Southern Rocky Mountain region, and somewhat
eastward. West to the Pacific. North at least to the sources of the Platte. In New
Mexico iiud Arizona, shades insensibly into var. arizonce ; this merges into var. mexi-
cana, of all Mexico ; and this into tlio Central American var. columbiana.

Not noticed by the Expeditions.

The Arkansas Goldfinch is only known to occur along the south-
ern border of the Missouri region, about the sources of the Platte
(near 4(P). Mr. Allen, indeed, queries it from Middle Kansas, where it
will i)robably be found, but his observations lacked certainty. He
found it at Ogdeu, Utah. It is not mentioned by Prof. Snow, nor by
Messrs. Holden and Aiken. I found it common in IsTorthern Arizona
from the latter part of April until toward October, in shrubby ravines
and weedy places, feeding on buds and seeds, in flocks, much in the
manner of the common Thistle-biid. The male, as in this last, takes on
a plumage like that of the female, in August. These birds were mostly
very like true pmltria., showing the ai)proach to var. mcxicatia nuich less
than those I noticed along the llio Grande and near Fort ^^'ingate, Xew
Mexico, where specimens were secured, in high breeding dress, with
only a trace of olive on the black of the upper parts.

The nidiiication of this species is similar to that of C. tristis, and the
eggs are not distinguishable from tho.se of the latter. An account of the
liabits of the Arizona variety, from my observations in the West, will
be found in Prof. Baird's work, above cited.

118 PLECTROPHAXES NIVALIS, SNOW BUNTING.

PLECTEOPHANES NIVALIS, (Linn.) Meyer.

Snow BtitUing; Snow-flake.

Eniheriza nivalis, Link., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 308 (accordiug to Grav, type of the genus). —
FoKST., Philos. Traus. Ixii, 1772, 403.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i^l78.^, 8C6.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. i, 1790, 397.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 86, pi. 21, fig. 2.— Bp.. Syii. 1828,
103.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 458.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 515; v, 496; pi. 189.

Emheriza {Plccirophanus) nivalis, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 89. — S\v. & Rich., F. B. A.
ii, 1831, 247.

Pleciroplumus nivalis, Meyer, aud authors generally. — Bp., List, 1838, 37. — Aud., Syn.
1839 : B. Am. iii, 55, pi. 155.— Gin., B. L. L 1844, 97.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858,
345.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 432.— Couks & Prext., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862),
411 (Washington, D. C.).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1861, 70 (breeding in 1862
near Springfield, Mass.). — Newu., Ibis, 1865, 502 (Spitzbergen.) — Dall & Bann.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 282 (Alaska, breeding).— Ti;rni5.,'B. E. Pa. 1869, 22 ("of
frequent occurrence," Dec. to Mar.). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, IIJ (Jlassachu-
setts). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 177 (does not state it has occurred in California). —
Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, Nov. to May). — Allen, Bulh
M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Kansas).— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, .54 (Alaska).—
CouES, Key, 1872, 133.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 512, pi. 24, f. 2.

Eihhpviza moniana, Gii., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 867. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 398.

Emheriza mnstclina, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 867.

Emheriza r/lacialis. Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 398.

Horfulaiiun (jlaeialis et montanus, Leacii, Cat. 1816, 15, 16.

Plectroplianes borealis, montanus, miistelinus, Brehm, V. D. 305, 306.

ZTfl?).— ^Arctic America and Greenland, and corresponding latitudes in the Old World.
Irregularly southward in winter in the United States, to about 35-, in roving flocks.
Washington, D. C. Georgia. Ohio. Illinois. Kentucky. Kansas. Deer Creek.

List of sxiccimens.

19237

282

19239

211

19240

281

19241

228

19242

.

19243

235

19238

236

19244

207

19245

148

Deer Creek

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

9
9

Mar.

4,

1860

Dec.

24,

1859

INIar

4,

1860

Dec.

23,
do

1859

Jan.

4,

i866

Jan.

18,

1860

Dec.

14,

18.59

Dec.

21,

1859

F.V.Hayden-

do

do

do

do

do

G. ir. Trook.

do

do

6.75

13.25

4.25

6.75

11.50

4.00

6.25

11.50

4.00

6.75

12.75

4.50

6.50

11.75

4.00

6.50

12.75

4.25

7.00

12.25

4.50

6.50

12.50

4.25

7.00

11.75

4.25

The Snow-flake is extremely abundant in tbe Missouri reoiou iu win-
ter. They reached Fort Randall November 15, 1872, after a severe
cold snap with a light snow-fall, and as I write (January, 1873), great
numbers are swirling over the ground around, and in the fort. They
keep pretty closely iu flocks numbering from a dozen or so to several
hundred, and, though they spread over the ground a good deal in run-
ning about after seeds, they fly compactly, and wheel all together. In
their evolutions they present a pretty sight, aud have a not displeasing
stridulent souihI, from mingling of the weak chirrups from so many
throats. They are quite unsuspicious, trooping about our very door-
steps in search of food, unconscious of real danger ; but their natural
timidity, as well as restlessness, is so great, that they seem to constantly
take causeless alarm, scurr.ving oft" in an instant, but, perhaps, only to
returu to the same spot iaimediately. They are readily a[)proached
within a few leet, and as readily taken with horse-hair suares, in box-
traps, or by other simple devices. They do not api)ear to sufler with
the cold, although the thermometer has been down to 30^ below zero ;
those that 1 secured were in good condition, and proved excellent eat-
ing. Their crops were usually found crammed with the small seeds of
a plant that grows here in profusion. It may not be generally known
that these little Sparrows have a definitely circumscribed dilation of the

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS, SNOW BUNTING. 119

oesophagus, to all intents and purposes a true crop. I am familiar with
the appearance presented by the capacious and distensible gullets of
birds of the genus Chrysomifris, when full of seeds; but this appears
altogether diiferent. Happening to be skinning some Sharp-tailed
Grouse at the same time, it struck me that the Snow-bird had the pro-
portionally larger crop of the two. In six or eight individuals exam-
ined, this organ always lay completely to the right side, partly in the
depression between the one of the legs of the furcula, but mostly pro-
tuberant ; it pushed out so far, when completely distended, as to make the
contour of the bird outside the feathers noticeably unsymmetrical. It
is capable of holding a fair tea-spoonful of seeds. At this season the
bill is yellowish, usually black-tipped, instead of entirely black ; it dries
to a brownish sliade. Warm brown clouds all, or nearly all, the upper
parts ; mixes with black of the back ; it is darkest on the crown, where
often quite blackish ; usually forms a marked auricular patch and pecto-
ral collar, with more or less wash along the sides, leaving the rest of the
under parts white. Specimens of course vary interminably in amount
of brown clouding, but the pattern just mentioned, or a tendency to
form such a pattern, may almost invariably be seen.

The general southward dispersion of the species in winter may be
gathered from the above. Of its breeding in the United States I have
found but two records. One is that given by Audubon (p. 56). He
says a nest was found on a declivity in the ^Yhite Mountains of New
Hampshire, in July, 1831 ; it was described to him as being fixed on
the ground among low bushes, and formed like that of the Song Spar-
row's ; and that it contained > oung. Mr. Allen, on the authority of Mr.
C. W. Bennett, says that a pair spent the summer of 1862, and reared
their young, at Springfield, Massachusetts.

At Fort Kandall, the birds disappeared during some open weather
early in March, but came back with a severe snow storm some weeks
afterward, and were seen until April. They occasionally alight in troops
on the roofs of sheds and houses, or string along fences. I have but
rarely seen them on trees. When in this position they do not seem to
be easy or even comfortable. They sit still, apparently busy balancing ;
on attempting to change their position they move awkwardly, seem-
ingly as if afraid they would fall, putting one foot down after the other,
and recovering a lapse with a flutter of the wings. Their feet evidently
do not grasp small twigs with security.

The few nests of the Snow-flake I have seen were built with a great
quantity of a kind of short curly grass which grows in the Arctic
regions, mixed with moss, the whole forming a very substantial struc-
ture, with walls an inch or more thick, and a small, deep cavity. This
is warmly lined with a quantity of large feathers, from some water-
fowl. They are built on the ground, often covered and hidden by tus-
socks of grass or even slabs of rock. The eggs are exceedingly variable
■ in coloiation as well as size. Thus, one measures 0.05 by 0.70, and another
0.97 by 0.02 ; an average is about 0.90 by 0.05. The ground is white or
whitish, in some instances flecked all over with neutral tint shell-
markings, overlaid by deep brown spots and scratches, esi>ecially at
the butt. In otber cases the former are wanting and we have a heavy
wreath of confluent blotches of dull brown around the larger end ; and
again the whole surface may bo obscurely mottled with pale chocolate.

120 PLECTROPIIANES LAPPONICUS, LAPLAND LONGSPU^l.
PLECTEOPHANES LAPPONICUS, (Liim.) Selby,

0

Lnpl.iiul Longspur.

FnnfjiUa lapponica, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 317. — FonsT., Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 404.

Enibcriza lapponica, Nilss., 6rn. Lnec. i. 157. — Bp., Am. Oru. i, 53, pi. 13, f. 1. — Bp., Syn.
1828, 440.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832,' 463.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 18J8, 473, pi. 365.

Eniberiza {Flcctrophanes) lapponioa, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 248, pi. 48.

Plectrophancs Japponica, Selby, Linn. Trans, xv, 156, pi. 1. — Bp., List, 1838, 36. — Aud ,
Syn. 1839, 98; B. Am. iii, 1841, 50, pi. 152.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 99.— Bi)., B. N.
A. 1858, 433.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860 (Ohio.)— Boaijdm., Pr. Bost. Soc.
ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me., in winter onlv, not common). — Vekk., Pr. E.ss. Inst,
iii, 158.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 89 (Hamilton, C. VV., nntil May).—
CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1868, 281.— Tuhnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 42 (very rare, in
severe winters only). — Dall & Bann., Tr. Ciiic. Acad, i, 1869, 283* (Alaska,
■breeding). — Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 112 (Ipswich, Mass., with P. invalis and
E. alpcsiris). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 178 (but it does not appear to have ever
been found in California). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, 115 (Minnesota,
until May, and j)robably breeds). — Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 54 (Alaska). —
CouES, Key, 1872, 1:33, fig. 81.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 515, pi. 24, f. 7.

Centroplianes lapponica, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829.— Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851,
127.— Allen, Pr. E,ss. Inst, iv, 1864, 84.

Fringilla calcarata, Pallas., Itiu. ii, App. 710.

Emheriza calcaraia, Temm., Man. 1815, 190.

Plcctrophanes calcarata, Meyer, Tasch., Dents. 57.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 554.

Centroplianes calcaraia, Gray, List, Gen. of B., App. 1842, 11.

Hab. — A species, like P. nivalis, of circumi^olar distribution ; in this country inhabits
all the arctic regions, coming south in winter to Philadelphia, Kentucky (Audubon),
Il\mois(Ridgwa!j), Kansas {Cooper), and Colorado (Trippc). Not yet observed in the
United States west of the Rocky Mountains. Not known to breed in the United States,
aud very rarely found in full plumage in the United States.

List of specimens.

19246

19247
19248
19249

284
234

Deer Creek

do

do

"2"

9

Mar. 7,1860

Jan. 18, 1860 '

do

F.V. Hayden.

do

do

5.50
6.25
6.25

9.75
10.35
10.75

3.00
3.75
3,45

187

Source Chey'ne.

G. H. Trook..

The general southward extension of this species is seen from the above
remarks. Although included by Dr. Cooper in the Birds of California,
I do not know that it has ever been taken on the Pacific^ coa.st of tbe
United States, nor indeed anywhere west of the Eocky Mountains. Dr.
Hayden's specimens, above enumerated, probably represent the south-
westernmost record to date. 1 find no quotations for the Atlantic States
beyond Pennsylvania. It appears to extend furthest south in the inte-
rior; it was observed in large flocks in Kentucky by Audubon. Mr.
Trii)pe's notice is interesting as indictiting the probable breeding of the
bird in Minnesota. He says it comes there about the middle of Septem-
ber and remains until December, when it moves southward, and its place
is supplied by the Snow Bunting ; and that it is very abundant in South-
ern Iowa in the depth of winter and in early spring. He has since,
informed me that a large flock was seen by him in the Middle Park,
Colorado, in the latter part of October. Messrs. Dall aud Bannister
report it as very abundant in Alaska, where it arrives the second week
in May, and breeds. Both these writers attest its eminent musical abil-
ity. Collections of Messrs. Eoss, Kennicott, and others, now in the
Smithsonian, show that it is ver}^ abundant in summer in tbe vicinity of
Great Slave Lake and McKenzie's Eiver. The species enters the Mis-
souri region from the north early in October, according to my observa-
tions, but I have as yet found it nowhere abundant.

Of two sets of eggs of the Lapland Lougspur before me, both col-

PLECTROPHANES PICTUS, PAINTED LAEK BUNTING. 121

lected by Mr. H. W. Elliott on the Prybilor Islauds, Bering's Sea, oue
contains six, the other four specimens. The eggs are rather pointed at
the smaller end, and measure about O.SO by 0.G2. They are very dark
colored, reminding one of the Titlark's ; the color is a heavy clouding or
thick mottling of chocolate-browu, through which the greenish-gray
ground is little apparent. The nests are built of mosses and flue, soft,
dried grasses, and lined with a few large feathers from some water-fowl ;
they were placed on the ground, under tussocks, in grassy hummocks.
The female did not leave the nest until nearly trodden upon.

PLECTROPHANES PICTUS, Sw.

PaiHted L.ark Bunting.

Emberiza {PJecU-opliancs) incta, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 250, pi. 49 (perfect spring
plumage; Saskatchewau), — Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 589.
' Emleriza picta. Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 91, pi. 40U.

Plectroplmnes pictHs, Bp., List, 1838, 37; Cousp. i, 1850, 463.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 99; B.
Am. iii, 1841, 52, pi. 153 (from the original specimen). — Bd., 13. N. A. 1858, 434
(Minnesota aud Illinois).— Dall «fc Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 18G9, 283 (Fort
Yukon and McKenzie River region). — Coues, Key, 1872, 134. — B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. i, 1874, 518, pi. 24, f. 4. 5.

CeniropTianes pictiis, Cab., Mas. Hein. i, 1851, 127.

Emleriza smitliii, Aur>., B. Amer. vii, 1844, 337, pi. 487 (Illiuois, in winter). (Young.)

Centropliaucs smithii, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 127.

Bah. — Yukon, McKenzie, Saskatchewan, and Missouri River regions, to the prairies
of Illiuois in winter.

This species was not noticed by either of the Expeditions ; yet there is
no doubt whatever of its occurrence in the regious explored. The oidy
Uuited States quotations I have found are those above given. Audu-
bon states that he found the bird "very abundant" on low prairie about
a lake near Edwardsville, Illinois. Richardson had but his single Sas-
katchewan specimen. The Smithsonian collections, of great extent, and
embracing many perfectly plumaged specimens, attest the abundance
of the bird in the McKenzie River region. It does not appear to breed
anywhere in the United States. In Northern Dakota it makes its ap-
l^earauce the latter part of September, but, according to my observa-
tions, only in limited numbers. It associates intimately with P. ornaius,
and has much the same habits and general appearance. No eggs are
more variable than those of Plcctrophanes, aiul P. pirtus is no exception
to the rule in this regard. The very extensive series in the Smithsonian
exhibits some specimens exactly like those of P. lapponiciis, with a cor-
responding range of variation, and others like 1\ ornatus, i)ut always
larger than the latter, being of the size of P. lappon'icus. None of the
specimens, however, are as darkly and uniformly chocolate as some ex-
ami)les of P. lapponlcus are. These eggs are nearly all from the Ander-
son River region, with a few from Great Slave Lake.

The following is a more sufficient description of th(^ young bird tlian that given in
the Key: iUrt/f— Length, 0.50 ; extent, 11.25 ; wing, 3.75*; tail, 2.50; tarsus. 0.75 ; mid-
dle toe aud daw, about tiie same ; hind tot; and claw, rather less (/'. oriKthi.t is much
less in all its dimensions). Bill, dusky brown abovt; aud at tip, i)aler below; feet,
light brown (drying darker); toes, ratiier <larkcr. Entire iiudcr jiaits, rich yellowish-
brown, or biitl'y (in /'. oriKilim never thus); paler on the chin and tiiroat, which, with
the fore-breast, are obsoletely streaked with dusky ; the tilua^ white. Tail, white only
on the two or three outer featliers (in /'. onuttun all the feathers, exceping sometimes
the central pair, are white at the base). Upper parts much as in the adult, but the
sharp, distinctive head-markings wanting, or oidy obscurely indicated.

122 PLECTROPHANES ORNATUS.

PLECTEOPHANES OEXATUS, Towns.
Chestnut-collared Bunting; Black-bellied Longspur.

Plectropha)ies ornatiis, Towns., Jonru. Pbil.i. Acad, vii, 1837, 189. — Aud., Syu. 1839, 99. —
AVD.. B. Amer. iii, 1841, 53, pi. iri4.— Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 537.— Pp., List,
1838, 37 ; Consp. i, 1850, 463.— WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 88 (ludian Territory).—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 435.— Hayd., Rep. 1862. 165.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 486 (Texas).—
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 135.— Coues, Key, 1872, 134.— B. B. & R., N. A.
B. i, 1874, 5-^0, pi. 24, f. 3.

Emheriza ornatn, Ax'd., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 44, pi. 394, f. 1.

Centrophiiin'^ orvatus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 127.

Plectrophancs vidanomus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 436 (Black Hills to Mexico). — Heerm., P.
R. R. Rep. X, 1859, Parke's Route, Birds, p. 13 (New Mexico). — Hayd., Rep.
1862, 165 (Black Hills and Niobrara River).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 251 (Orizaba).—
Dhess., Ibis, 1865, 486 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 84 (Arizona).—
vSuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 551 (Plateau of Vera Cruz to Orizaba).

Plectrophanes ornatus var. melanomus, B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 521, pi. 24, 1". 6.

Hal). — Interior of British America ; whole Missouri region ; prairies of Kansas, breed-
ing (Allen). Breeds very abundantly in Dakota. South through the Rocky Mountain
region to the table-lands of Mexico. West of the Rocky Mountains, only observed in
Arizona (Coues.)

Licntenaut Warren's Expedition. — 4827, Bijoux Hills ; 5377-79, Medicine Creek ; 5917,
Fort Pierre ; 8924, 8926, Black Hills ; 8925, Running Water.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

This is an abundant aud characteristic species of the Missouri region.
Originally described from this country, it has since been traced far north
in the interior of the British Possessions, and southward, in elevated
regions, to Vera Cruz and Orizaba.

The time for discussing the claims of P. melanomus as a distinct spe-
cies, passed when the variations in plumage of P. ornatus became
known. The results of a critical examination I made when this Eeport
was originally drafted, some years since, are now suppressed ; for in the
interim Mr. Allen has satisfactorily stated the case. In the paper above
cited, he has the following remarks :

" The plumage varies greatly in color in different individuals of even
the same sex, the variation being generally in resi)ect to the purity and
intensity of the colors. The most highly-colored males have the breast
and middle of the abdomen more or lei^s strongly tinged with very bright
ferrugineous ; others have these parts i)ure black ; while in others still,
the black is obscured by the feathers having brownish-white tips. The
lesser wing-coverts vary from gray to black. The red tinge on the
abdomen seems merely indicative of a high state of plumage, those thus
marked also having the lesser coverts black ; but the^" are also black in
some specimens that are not tinged with red. PlectropJumes melanomus
is merely the ferrugineous phase of this species. The highest colored
female (the sex determined by dissection) was nearly as bright colored
as the i)aler-colored males, having the chestnut collar and the black
on the breast, nearly as distinct as some of the males. It was nearly
as large, and, until dissected, was supposed to be an immature male."

In Dakota, where I observed the bird during the breeding season in
the greatest abundance, few were found with the sienna color on the
under parts, and then only as a trace. The summer birds rarely show
the black bend of the wing, but this is assumed in perfection, as a rule,
after the fall moult, which o<;curs in September.

Mr. Alleu sends me the following notice, prepared for this work :
" The Chestnut-collared Bunting was found on the plains about Fort
Hays, in considerable abundance. They live in summer in large scat-
tered colonies, generally many pairs being found at the same locality,
while they may not be again met with in a whole day's travel. We

^, PLECTROPHANES ORXATUS. 123

fouDfl tliem very shy for so small birds, and were obliged to obtain all
our specimens (some thirty in number) by shooting them on the wing
at long range. They breed, of course, on the ground, constructiug a
rather slight but neat nest of dry grass and the stems of small plants.
The eggs appear to be commonly live in number, blotched and streaked
with rusty on a white ground, full sets of which were obtained the first
week in June. This species has the curious habit of circling round the
observer, with a buoyant, undulatory flight, generally" high in the air,
and usually keeping all the while well out of range, uttering, mean-
while, its rather sharp but musical call notes. I met with it in winter
from Fort Hays westward, nearly to the Colorado line, indicating that
it is resident here the whole year. We failed to meet with it, however,
about Cheyenne in August, or anywhere to the westward of Western
Kansas ; neither does it appear in Mr. Aiken's list of the birds observed
by him near Canon City, Colorado, nor in Mr. Holden's list of the birds
seen by him in the vicinity of Sherman."

Under head of P. mekoiomus, Dr. Heermann has the following:

" I first remarked this bird, associated with the P. maccoicnii, at a
large prairie-dog village, some miles west of Puerto del Dado. Fresh
meat having become scarce in camp, and desiring a few birds for sup-
per, I fired into a flock covering densely quite a large space. T.iree
dozen fell at the first discharge, and among them I was pleased to find
this species and P. maccoivnii. From this point to the Kio Grande we
found both of these species abundant wherever we struck isolated water-
holes, these being the only spots for miles around where driuk can be
obtained. When fired at, they rise as if to fly away ; but forced by
thirst to return, after describing a few curves, to the only spot where
their parched tongues can find relief, they may, if the hunter feels so
inclined, be freely slaughtered. I have often seen from one hundred to
one hundred and fifty brought down in four or five discharges of a gun.
While on a trip to the Eocky Mountains, iu 1843, I met * * * *
P. ornatus iu small flocks and iiairs, scattered over the prairies of the
Platte River, and was fortunate enough to discover one of their nests.
Built on the ground, it was composed of fine grasses, lined with
hair. The eggs, four in number, were white, with black lines at the
larger end, and a few faint neutral- tint blotches scattered over the surface.

I took a single specimen in October, 1804, on a grassy plain near Fort
AVhipplc, Arizona, the only one observed in the Territory.

The Chestnut-collared Bunting breeds in profusion on the plains of
Northern Dakota. On the bare plains, away from a single land-mark,
it is perhaps the most abundant bird of all, though Baird's Bunting and
the Missouri Sky-lark are not far behind in this respect. All three
associate intimately together, and there is a great general similarity in
their habits. The nest of the present species is placed on the ground,
eflectually concealed beneath some little tutt of grass; it is a slight
alfair, merely a few fine grasses and slender weed-stems, for the most
part circularly disposed, and considerably hollowed. Like the nests of
most other sparrows that breed on the ground, it is sunken in a de-
pression so as to be flush with the geiu'ral surface. It nu'asures about
three and one-half inches across outside, and more than half as miu*h iu
depth; the bottom is very thin in comi)arison with the brim, which is
well defined. The eggs are usually t\)ur in number, measuring about
foiu'-fifths of an inch long by tlirce-fifths broad, and are not peculiar iu
shape. They are grayish-white, more or less clouded, and mottled
obscurely with i»ale puri)lisli-giay, wliich (-((iifers the pre\ ailing tone;
this is overlaid with numerous surface-nuukings of points, scratches,

124 PLECTROPHANES MACCOWNII. *

and small spots of dark brown, wholly indeterminate in distribution
and nmiiber, but alwa3\s conspicuous, being sharply displayed upon the
subdued ground color. I think that two or three broods are reared
eacli season, for I have found fresh eggs and newly hatched birds the
same day, July 18th, when a week before I had shot young birds already
on the wing; and again, I lia%'e found fresh eggs so late as the first
week in August. When the nest is approached, the female generally
walks quietiy ofl', after a little flutter, threading her way through the
grass till she is at a safe distance, and then taking wing. Should the
young be hatched, however, both parents will hover together close over-
head, in evident distress, with beseeching cries.

The joung birds keep much together until they are well on wing,
when they form larger flocks by uniting several families together. As
soon as the care of the last brood is over, they are joined by the
parents, now, in August, moulting, and in poor plumage, formiu'g troops
of great extent, which scurry over the prairies in search of food. Later
still, in September, they are joined by numbers of the P. pictufi from the
north, and a few P. lapponiciis, all associating together, and having
much the same habits ; the^" remain in this part of the country until the
middle of October, at least, and then probably wend their way South.

This bird has a peculiar note, difficult of description, Ijut easil.v
learned ; in the breeding season it is a fine songster, having a soft and
pleasing, though rather weak twitter. Its ordiimry flight, when undis-
turbed, is perfectly undulatory, as much so as that of the Ckrijsomitris,
and with each impulse of the wings it utters its chirp. When startled
from the ground it flies hastily, in a wayward course, which makes it
difficult to shoot; the various members of a flock fly separately, but
generally straggk^- after each oth^r, to settle again at no great distance
and resume their rambling search for food. Like the other snmll birds
of the prairie, it haunts the roads where, as the grass is worn away from
the wheel-tracks, it feeds and runs with the greatest ease. I never saw
one alight except on the ground. In flight, it may always be recognized
by the amount of white on the tail. In size, it varies from Sf to ()| in
length, by lOJ to lOf in extent. With the renewal of the feathers, the
birds come into a much purer and richer plumage than that worn dur-
ing the sumiiier. Young male birds very early show some black on the
under parts, but the distinctive head-markings do not appear to be
assumed until the following spring. A large number of the old fall
birds have perfectly black bend of the wing ; but few show, in any
plumage in this region, the rich, rusty-red edgings of the feathers of
the under parts, which is so conspicuous in more southerly examples.

PLECTEOPHAXES MACCOWNII, Lawr.

Msiccown's Bunting.

Plectropliancs maccownii, Lawr., Anu. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1851, 122 (Western Texas). — Mac,
Ann. Lye. vi, p. 14.— Cass., 111.' 16.')5, 22t<, pi. 39.— Bi)., B. N. A. 18.58, 437.—
Hker.m.,P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Parke'.s Route of 32^" parallel, Binls, 13.— Hayd.,
Rep. 1862, 165.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 487 (Texas).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter.
1870, 464.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 145, 177 (Cbeyenue, Wyoming Ter.,
abundant, breeding; Western Kansas, in winter). — Coues, Key, 1872, 134. —
B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 523, pi. 24, f. 1.

Hai. — Middle Province United States ; north to the Black Hills ; east to Western
Kansas. Western Texas, and New Mexico.

LicHtoiaiit Warren's Expedition. — 8954-6, Black Hills.

Later Erpeditions.—GO'ldG, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

Since its discovery by Captain Maccown, then of the United States

CENTRONYX BAIRDIIj BAIRD's BUNTING. 125

Army, in Western Texas, this species has been noticed in varions parts
of New Mexico, by Drs. A. L. Heermaun and T. C. Henry, and by other
naturalists further north, as above quoted. It has been usually observed
in company with F. ornatus, and its United States range appears to be
much the same, although, as yet, we have no accounts of its occurrence
in the British Possessions or in Mexico. I am informed, by letter from
Mr. T. Martin Trippe, that vast numbers were seen in winter in the
Arkansas Valley, and throughout Eastern Colorado.

"Maccown's Bunting," writes Mr. Allen to me, "was abundant in the
vicinity of Cheyenne in August, and the occurrence of partially-Hedged
young seemed to indicate that it had bred in the immediate vicinity. I
also observed it near Laramie City during the same months, and found
it common, in winter, in the northwestern counties of Kansas. In hab-
its, notes, and general appearance, it is scarcely distinguishable, at a
little distance, from the Chestnut-collared Bunting."

A nest of Maccown's Bunting taken on Heart Eiver, Dakota, July 7,
1873, by Mr. Allen, was built on the ground, and is constructed of
decomposing woody fibre and grasses, with a lining of finer grasses.
In its i)reseut state of preservation it is too much distorted to permit
description of its shape. It contained four eggs, closely resembling the
lighter-colored varieties of the P. ornatus, but without the purplish-gray
clouding of the latter. The ground is dull white; the markings are
obscure and rather sparse mottling, with some heavier, sharp, scratchy
ones, both brown, of different intensity. A specimen measures 0.80 by
O.GO.

CENTRONYX BAIRDII, (And.) Bd.

Baird's Sparrow*

Enibenza hairdii, AUD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 359, pi. 500.

CoUirn\cHh(S hairdii, Br., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 481.

Centronyx hairdii, Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 441.— Coues, Key, 1872, 135 (not of Mayn., Nat.

Guide, 113, the supposed "Centronyx" from Massachusetts proving to be a

Paiiftrcidus. See Mayx., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 037 ; Allen, ibid. 631 ; Bkew., ibid.

vi, 1872, 307 ; Coues, Key, 3.^>2).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 531, pi. 25, tig. 3.—

Hensh., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, p. — (Arizona).
Passercuhis hairdii, Coues, Am. Nat. vi, 1873, 697.
Ammodromm hairdii, Giebel, Nomenc. Av. i, 328.
Centroniix ochroccjihahis, Aiken, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 237 (El Paso, Colorado. Autumnal

plumage. See Scott, ibid. 564 ; Coues, ibid. 694).

Hab. — Central Plains. North to the British Provinces. South to New Mexico and
Arizona. East nearly to the Red River of the North. West to the Rocky Mountains.
Not procured by any of the Expeditious.

Upon insufficient examination of the type, a faded specimen in worn plumage, pre-
served in the Smithsonian, I ventured the hasty and, as it proved, unfounded surmise
that tliis was not a valid species, having an idea that some obscure plumage of a
young I'lcetrophancn was in <iuestion. The following descriptions are drawn up from
about .seven tij-Jive specimens I collected in Dakota last year.

Adult, in breeding plumaije. — With a general resemblance to rasscrculus savanna.
Inner secondaries less elongated, only rarely equaling the primaries in the closed
wings. First four (|uills about equal, and longest, lliud toe and claw about e(|ualing
the middle toe and elaw, its claw about e(|ualiiig tin; digit. (Nt> evident or constant
dift'erenee from I'a.s.serculHn in i>roi(ort ions of the toes.) Tail .shorter than the wing,
lightly double-rounded (central and outer i)air of feathers both a little shorter than
the intermediate ones). Top of head streaked with l)laek and rich brownish-yellow,
or butt", the fornun- predominating laterally, the latter chielly as a median stripe, but
also sutfusing the nape and sides of head iii greater or less degree. Back varied with
brownish-black and gray, together with a little bay, the two latter colors (brining the
edgings of the interscapulars and scapulars. K'uiii]) variegated with gray and ehestiiut-
brown, diiVerent in shade from that of the back. I'lider p.-irts dull while, usuiilly with
a faint ochrey tinge on the breast, but often without; a circlet of small, sharp, sparse,

126 OENTRONYX BAIRDII, BAIRd's BUNTING.

dusky streaks across the breast, continuous with others, longer and mostly lighter,
along the whole sides, and with others, again, extending up the sides of the neck into
small, vague uiaxilhiry and auricular niarliings. When the feathers are perfectly
arranged these lateral head-markings are seen to be a post-ocular stripe just over the
auriculars, a post-auricular spot, a streak starting from the angle of the mouth, and
another heavier one parallel with and below this, rniniing directly into the pectoral
ones. Quills without special markings, excepting the elongated inner secondaries,
which correspond with the scapulars. Tail the same, slightly whitish-edged. Upper
mandible mostly dark, lower pale. Feet llesh-colored. Length, 5.10 to 5.85; extent,
8.60 to 9.85: wing 2.75 to 3.00 (in one case 3.05; average, about 5| by 9^ by 2i); tail,
2.00 to ■2.25; culmen, about 0.40; tarsus, in front, about 0.75; middle toe and claw, and
hind toe and claw, each, rather less. The female averages rather smaller than the
male, but is otherwise similar.

AiituDuial plumage. — Soft, with brighter, more suffused colors, in bolder pattern.
Whole top and sides of head, as well as nape and part of neck, suffused with rich buff",
in many instances as bright a golden-brown as that on the head of tSeiiirits anrucapiJlus.
A paler, rather ochraceous, shade of the same also suffusing the whole fore uuder-parts.
Pectoral and lateral dusky streaks, as well as the two rows on each side of the throat,
large, heavy, diffuse. B.ay and whitish edgiugs of the secondaries broad and conspicu-
ous, constrasting with the black central fields. Whitish edgings of tail-feathers the
same ; and, in general, the same character is stamped over all the upper plumage.

Xi'whi-Jh'dfjed ijotutfj have each feather of the dorsal plumage conspicuously bordered
with white, producing a set of semicircles, much as in Xeocor;is spraguei. There is the
same general buffy suffusion of the head and fore-parts noted in the last paragraph, but
the tint is dull and ochrey. The markings below have a short, broad, gnttiforiu char-
acter. When just from the nest, the edging of the secondaries and tail-feathers is of a
peculiar pinkish-rusty shade.

Although we here retain the nomenclature of the Key, the structural peculiarities of
Centronyx are so slightly different from Pansevcuhis that the bird might, very properly,
be included in the latter genus, as we have already suggested. The characters given
by Prof. Baird, from the original specimen, do not all hold throughout a large series.

Not the least singular thing in the history of this species is the length
of time which elapsed after its discovery before anything further was
learned about it. Considering how often and how thoroughly the region
it inhabits has been explored by naturalists, and how abundant the bird
is now known to be, it is the more surprising that it should have so long
eluded observation. No second specimen w^as known for thirty years,
until Mr. Aiken and myself took it, in Colorado and in Dakota, respect-
ively ; and the same year, as I am informed, Mr. Ilenshaw has obtained
it further south. The question may arise, has the bird really been, all
this time, so common and widely dispersed, or has it only recently be-
come so? Sprague's Lark offers a nearly parallel case; and instances
like these suggest the probability of a kind of rotation in the abundance
of birds, analogous to that occurring among plants, no less tlian a
change in geographical distribution not dependent upon the ordinary
laws of migration.

However this may be, the fact is that Baird's Bunting is extremely
abundant in Dakota, in some placesoutnumberingall other birds together.
I did not see it immediately along the Red River, but at once encoun-
tered it beyond the low Pembina range of mountains, thirty or forty
miles west of the river, as soon as I came upon the high prairie. This
was the second week in July, when I shot some young birds just tledged,
though the great majority were then breeding. In two days, July 14
and 15, I took thirty specimens, and more might have been procured ;
during the summer about seventy-five were preserved, showing all
stages. Almost without exception my earlier specimens were males,
which attracted attention as they sat singing on the low bushes of the
prairie, the females lying concealed in the grass, incubating or attending
to the young. The song is peculiar, consisting of two or three distinct
syllables, in a mellow, tinkling tone, running into an indefinite trill; it
may be suggested by zip-zipziihzr-rr-r. In their general appearance
and habits, the birds are so nearly the same as the Savanna Sparrrows

PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, SAVANNA SPARROW. 127

that it was two or three days before I learned to distinguish them at
gunshot range. They do not go in flocks, yet there is a sort of colo-
nizatiou amoug them, for we may ride a mile or two over the prairie
without seeing any, and then come ui^on numerous pairs breeding to-
gether. I think it probable that a second brood is usually reared each
season, as I have shot equally young birds six weeks apart. After the
duties of incubation, the plumage is renewed, it having become greatly
worn and faded. When the young are all on wing, they associate to-
gether with their parents, in loose straggling troops, mixing freely with
the Chestnut-collared Buntings and the Sky-larks. Their numbers sen-
sibly diminish in September, and they apparently move south during
the month, as I saw none after the 1st of October. In September, in
this latitude, there is a good deal of cold weather, and not unfrequently
a heavy snow-fall, sending the more delicate birds away early. The
birds feed upon various seeds, as usual, as well as upon insects, even
sizable grasshoppers, which in this region seem to be eaten by almost
every bird and animal.

Although I made many a search whilst the birds were evidently
breeding, I never succeeded in stumbling upon a nest. Fortunately,
however, I am enabled to complete the history of the species with a
description of the nest and eggs, taken July 1, 1873, on Big IMuddy
Creek, Dakota, by Mr. J. A. Allen, Naturalist of the Yellowstone Expe-
dition. These are the first specimens which have been brought to the
notice of naturalists. The nest was built, as was to be expected, on the
ground, and is very similar to that of Plectroplianes ornatus — a slight
structure of grasses and weed-bark, circularly disposed, about tour
inches across outside. It contained five fresh eggs, most nearly resem-
bling those of the Bay-winged Bunting, but smaller, and decidedly more
rounded. They measure 0.80 by 0.65. The ground is dull white, speckled
all over, but very irregularly, with light reddish-brown (pale sienna),
and having a few larger blotches of the same and a darker shade, owing
to heavier laying on of the pigment. In a number of instances the
coloration would probably not be distinguishable with certainty from
those ot Fooecetes. The general pattern of the coloration is much as in
Flectrophanes ornatus, but the general effect is quite different, and, in the
single set before me, peculiar.

Mr. Ilenshaw's Arizona specimens {Whcelc)-\s- Exped. of 1873) show a
condition of plumage leading him to believe that the species breeds in
the locality where he procured them, as is undoubtedly the case. He
found the birds very numerous, and secured a large series.

PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, (Wils.) Bp.

Suv»nna Sparrow.

a. savanna.

FrbujlUa savanna, Wils., Am. Oni. iii, L^ll, 5.5, pi. 22, f. 2; iv, 1811, 72, pi. :U, f. 4.—
Bi'., 8vii. 1H28, 109.— NUTT., Mau. i, ld32, 469.— AuD., Oiii. Biog. ii, l^:i4, G3; v,
18:59, oK; ; pi. 109.

Lbiaria savanna. Rich., List. 1837.

Emhiriza navanna, Aui>., Syu. 18:59, 10:5.— 4.UD., B. Aiu. iii, 1841, G8, pi. 1(50.- Giu., B. L.
I. 1844, 102.

PasHercuhts savanna, Bp., List, 1838, 33; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 480.— C.vn., Mns. Hoiu. ISJl,
131.— Bi>., 15. N. A. 1858, 442.— Havd.. R(ip. 18G2, 1(15.— Daix A B.vN.v.. Tr.
Cliic. Aciul. i, 1869, 28:}.— Am.kn, ]5till. M. C. Z. ii, t^71. 272, (iritical discnss-
iou).- Ai.i.KN, M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (t-dgo of plains to aliovo limbci-liuu).—
CouKs, Key, 1872, i:?5, fig. 82.— B. B. cV R., N. A. B, i, 1874, 5:54, pi. 24, f. 8;
and of lato writers generally.

128 PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, SAVANNA SPARROW.

Passerculus savanna var. alandinus, B. B. & R., N. A. B. 1874, pi. 24, f. 11.

Ammodroinuti savaiuia, Gi:ay, Geuera of Birds.

Fatimrctthiti alaudutus, Br., Couip. Rmul. xxxvii, 1853, 918 (California). — Bn., B. N. A.
1858, 446.— IlEEitM., P. R. R. Rep. ix, 1859, 49.— CouES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1801,
22:3 (Labrador) ; ISOG, 84 (Arizona).- Coues, Ibis, 1866, 268.— Coues, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 1868, 281.— DuESS., Ibis, 1865, 487.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 13.— Dall &
Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad. 1869, i, 284 (Alaska).— Stev., U. S.Geol. Surv. Ter. 870,
464.— Mei:i!., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 679.— Sumicil, Mciji. Bost. Soc. i,
1869, 552 (Vera Cruz).— Coop.,- B. Cal. i, 1870, 181.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 302
(Oaxaca).

Zonotrichta aiaudina, Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 51 (Alaska).

b. anfhinus.

(Slender-billed, with numerous small sharp dark spots below. Marshes, Pacific coast.)

Passerculus anthhnis, Bp., Comp. Rend, xxxvii, 1853, 919. — Bd., B.N. A. 1858,445. — SCL.,

Cal. A. B. 1862, 112.— CouES, Ibis, 1866, 268.— (?) Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad.

i, 1869, 284 (rather '' aIaudlnus").—CooJ'., B. Cal. i, 187, 183.— Elliot, B.N.

A. pi. 13.
Passerculus savanna var. anthinus, Coues, Key, 1872, 136. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874,

539, pi. 24, f. 10.

c. sandvicensis.

(Large northern coast form.)

Emicrisa sandivichensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 875.

Passerculus sandwichcnsis, Br>.,B. N. A. 1858, 444.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.

1860, 199, pi. 28, f. 2.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 284.— Coop., B.

Cal. i, 1870, 180.
Passerculus savanna var. sandvicensis, Coues, Kev, 1872, 136. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. i,

1874, 538, pi. 24, f. 9.
Eml)ei-iza arctica, Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 414.

Fringilla arctica, ViG., Voy. Blossom, 1839, 20. — Braxdt, Ic. Ross, ii, 6.
Eus2)i~a arctica, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 469.
Zonotricliia arctica, FiNSCii, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 46 (Alaska).
Emieriza chrijsops, Pall., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 45, pi. 48, fig. 1 (Ooualashka).

^aZ».— North America, at large. Migratory. Breeds from the Middle States north-
ward (to Labrador at least and to the Yukon), and in mountainous parts of the United
IStates elsewhere. Winters from the Middle States southward. Mexico. Cuba (Cab.,
J. f. O. iv, 1856, 6).

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4807, Vermilion River; 4808, Big Sioux River; 8786,
North Fork of the Platte; 8756-57, 8768, Black Hills.

Later Expeditions.— bm-iS-H^, Colorado; 60407, 60863-67, Wj'oming; 62310, Idaho.

Not obtained by Captain Rayiiolds' Expedition.

The characteristics of our Passerculi, too hastily, it appears, assumed to indicate sev-
eral distinct species, will be found more or less fully discussed by some of the authors
above cited. My present view, as stated in the Key, is that " rt?«Hrfi«Hs" is entirely
indistinguishable, but that anthinus and sandvicensis represent local varieties that it is
usually possible to recognize. We might, perhaps, indicate by the name of "«7aM-
dinus" the pale race of the drj^ middle region, but for the fact that its original describer
indicates it as being from " California."

Savanna Sparrows are exiremely abundant in the Missouri region,
especially during the migrations. They remain during the winter in
the milder portions, and breed in the northern portions as well as be-
yond, in the region just north of the Coteau. This may be toward the
southern limit of their breeding range. They are found during the
breeding season both in the vallejs of the rivers and out on the high
l)rairie, where they associate intimatelj'^ with Baird's and the Chestnut-
collared Buntings, forming a part of the small prairie avifauna. Their
habits and general appearance are so similar to those of Baird's Bunt-
ing that the two species are only distinguished with some difficulty at
gun-shot range. The nuptial song is sweet and simple ; at other seasons
they have only a weak chirp. The nest is placed on the ground, in all
the instances that have come under my observation, and closely resem-
bles that of the Bay-winged Bunting, excepting that in the specimens

POOECETES GRAMINEUS, GRASS FINCH. 129

I have seen, at any rate, it has a considerable lining of horse-hair. The
eggs, generally four, sometimes five, in number, are rather peculiar in
the heaviness of their coloring, being so thickly and uniformly mottled
with several shades of reddish-brown that the ground-color— a light
gray, with faint greenish shade — scarcely appears. Difterent speci-
mens, however, vary much in the amount of the mottling. In Northern
Dakota the eggs are generally laid the first and second weeks in June.
They are a trifle over three-fourths of an inch long by about three-
fifths in breadth. One nest I found contained two Cow-bird eggs.

POOECETES GRAMINEUS, (Gm.) Baird.

Bay-winged Bunting; Grass Finch.

a. gramineus.

Fringilla graminea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 922.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 108.— AUD., Orn. Biog.

i, 1831, 473; v, 502; pi. 90.— Nutt., i, 182, 482.
Eniberiza graminea, Wils., Am. Orn. iv, ISll, 51, i)l. 31, f. 5. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 102. —

AUD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 65, pi. 153.— Maxiji., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 342.— Trippe, Pr.

Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, breeding abundantly in pine-barrens).
Fringilla (Zonotrichia) graminea, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,254 (Saskatchewan, May

to September).
Zonotrichia graminea, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; Consp. Av. i, 850, 478. — Newb., P. R. R. Rep.

vi, 1857, 85.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 47.
Pooccetes gramineus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 447.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 165.— B. B. R., N. A. B.

1, 1874, 545.
Pooecetes gramineus, CoxJES, Key, 1872, 136 ; and of late authors generally.

b. confinis.

Pooccetes gramineus var. confinis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 448 (in text. Pale western race). —
Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 680.— Coues, Key, 1872, 136.

Hah. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; north to the Saskatchewan at least.
Breeds from Maryland to corresponding latitudes northward. AViuters in countless
multitudes in the Southern States. The pale var. confinis from the Middle Province.

List of specimens.

19281

05

Snake River . . .

$ June 17, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

6.00

10.60

3.25

Lieutenant Warren's Exjyedition.— 4^07-08, 4505, Yellowstone River; 4506, 4504, Fort
Union ; 8943-44, Black Hills ; 8942, 8945, 8947, South Fork.

Later Expeditions. — 54311, 59887, 60398-406; 60744-59, various Wyoming localities;
61674-7, Utah ; 61777-8, Idaho ; 62308-9, Wyoming. (All var. confinis.)

Dr. Hayden's collections show that this species is abundant in the
Missouri region, as it is in all suitable localities elsewhere in the United
States. xVUen found it common at Denver, as well as along the western
edge of the plains, and occasionally thence upward to above timber line
on the Snowy Range. I have met with it abundantly in all parts of the
West where I have been.

Mr. Trippe kindly furnishes the following notes from Idaho Springs,
Colorado: '-The Bay-winged Bunting is very abundant, breeding from
the plains u]) to timber-line, though not numerous above 9,000 feet. It
arrives at Idaho Springs early in May, and has become very common
by the 20th, extending up to timber-line wherever it can find congenial
haunts. It freciuents the oi)en valleys of the larger streams and tlie
grassy hill-sides, where its manners are much as in the East. It has
quite a variety of songs; one almost precisely like that of the Eastern
bird; another so difierent that the two would scarcely be suppo.sed to
conu' from the same author — of these the latter is by far the most com-
mon— and variations between them, diQerent individuals varying greatly
in their songs.
9

130 POOECETES GRAMINEUS, GRASS FINCH.

" This Western race is certainly as well entitled to rank as a geo-
graphical species or variety as any of the Western Empidonaces for
instance. The bay on the wings is often reduced to a faint trace, and
sometimes extinguished altogether; the white of the tail is lessened in
extent, and the whole aspect of the bird certainly presents a strong
contrast to the typical gramineus.''^

The Bay-winged Bunting builds a nest on the ground in an open field,
anywhere, clear of any special surroundings. It is sunk to the level of
the surface, and is rather large outside, though the cavity is small and
deep, owing to the great thickness of the walls — an inch or even more.
It is built entirely of grass and weed-stalks, having usually a layer of
quite fine grasses at the bottom, where it is thinnest, and with a mass
of the coarser material around the sides, forming the broad brim. It is
finished inside with little art — with a few horse-hairs, or some finer
grass, in many instances, but often without any special lining what-
ever. An average nest, gathered somewhat compactly together, will
measure about four inches across by two deep, with a cavity but two
inches across and nearly as deep. I have only found four eggs, laid the
latter part of May or early in June. They are rather narrow, measur-
ing on an average 0.80 by 0.55. The ground-color is grayish-white;
this is marked all over in a wholly indeterminate manner with spots,
splashes, and even larger areas of dull reddish-brown, with a good deal
of fine sprinkling of the same color, as well as, occasionally, dots of
heavier, darker brown. The female does not spring from her nest until
almost trodden upon, when she flutters in silence languidly away, re-
peatedly falling as if hurt, and arising again, in hopes of drawing atten-
tion from the nest to herself; at a little distance she finally disappears
in the herbage.

The charming song of the "Vesper-bird" has been fittingly de-
scribed by one of the most enthusiastic and agreeable of writers upon
birds — I mean John Burroughs, in his welcome little volume entitled
" Wak^ Robin." " Have you heard the song of the Field-Sparrow ?" he
asks. " If you have lived in a pastoral country, with broad upland
IJastures, you could hardly have missed him. Wilson, I believe, calls
bim the Grass-Finch, and was evidently unacquainted with his powers
of song. The two white lateral quills of his tail, and his habit of running
and skulking a few yards in advance of you as you walk through the
fields, are sufficient to identify him. Not in meadows or orchards, but
in high, breezy pasture-grounds, will you look for him. His song is
most noticeable after sundown, when other birds are silent, for which
reason he has been aptly called the Vesper-Sparrow. The farmer follow-
ing his team from the field at dusk catches his sweetest strain. His
song is not so brisk and varied as that of the Song-Sparrow, being softer
and wilder, sweeter and more plantive. Add the best parts of the lay
of the latter to the sweet vibrating chant of the Wood-Sparrow {iSpizella
jpimlla), and you have the evening hymn of the Vesper-bird — the poet
of the plain, unadorned pastures. Go to those broad, smooth, up-lying
fields, where the cattle and sheep are grazing, and sit down on one of
the warm, clean stones, and listen to this song. On every side, near
and remote, from out the short grass which the herds are cropping, the
strain rises. Two or three long, silver notes of rest and peace, ending
in some subdued trills or quavers, constitute each separate song. Often
you will catch only one or two of the bars, the breeze having blown the
minor part away. Such unambitious, unconscious melody ! It is one
of the most characteristic sounds in Nature. The grass, the stones, the
stubble, the furrow, the quiet herds, and the warm twilight among the

COTURNICULUS PASSERIXUS. 131

hills, are all subtilely expressed in this song ; this is what they are at
least capable of."

Speaking of music, and while I have a favorite author in hand, let
me reproduce another j)assage — not alone for its truth and beauty, but
because it tells something few know — something about the voice of the
Golden-crowned Thrush that I never knew myself till I found it here,
familiar as I thought I was with that pretty and dainty bird : "Coming
to a dryer and less mossy place in the woods, I am amused with the
Golden-crowned Thrush, which, however, is no Thrush at all, but a
Warbler, the Seiurus aurocapilhcs. He walks on the ground ahead of
me with such an easy, gliding motion, and with such an unconscious,
preoccupied air, jerking his head like a Hen or Partridge, now harry-
ing, now slackening his pace, that I pause to observe him. If I iit
down, he pauses to observe me, and extends his pretty rambling on all
sides, apparently very much engrossed with his own affairs, but never
losing sight of me. Satisfied that I have no hostile intentions, the
pretty pedestrian mounts a limb a few feet from the ground, and gives
me the benefit of one of his musical performances, a sort of accelerating
chant. Commencing in a very low key, which makes him seem at a
very uncertain distance, he grows louder and louder, till his body quakes
and his chant runs into a shriek, ringing in my ears with peculiar sharp-
ness. This lay may be represented thus: 'Teacher, teacher, teacher,
TEACHER, TEACHER ! '—the accent on the first syllable, and each
word uttered with increased force and shrillness. No writer with whom
I am acquainted gives him credit for more musical ability than is dis-
played in this strain ; yet in this the half is not told. He has a far
rarer song, Avhich he reserves for some nymph whom he meets in the
air. Mounting by easy flights to the top of the tallest tree, he launches
into the air with a sort of suspended, hovering flight, like certain of
the Finches, and bursts into a perfect ecstacy of song — clear, ringing,
copious, rivaling the Goldfinch's in vivacity, and the Linnet's in melody.
This strain is one of the rarest bits of bird-melody to be heard. Over
the woods, hid from view, the ecstatic singer warbles his finest strain.
In the song you instantly detect his relationship to the Water- Wagtail
{Seiurus noveboracensis) — erroneously called Water-Thrush — whose song
is likewise a sudden burst, full and ringing, and with a tone of youth-
ful joyousness in it, as if the bird had just had some unexpected good
fortune. For nearly two years this strain of the pretty walker was little
more than a disembodied voice to me, and 1 was puzzled by it as
Thoreau was by his mysterious Night- Warbler, which, by the way, I
suspect was no new bird at all, but one he was otherwise familiar with.
The little bird himself seems disposed to keep the matter a secret, and
improves every opportunity to repeat before you his shrill, accelerating
lay, as if this were quite enough, and all he laid claim to. Still, 1 trust
I am betraying no confidence in making the matter i)ublic here. 1 think
this is pre-eminently his love-song, as I hear it oftenest about the mat-
ing season. I have caught half suppressed bursts of it from two males
chasing each other with fearful speed through the forest."

COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS, (Wils.) Bp.

Yellow -winged Sparrow.

Frhu/iUa paHsrriua, WiLS., Am. Orii. iii, IHll, 7(), iil.'2(i, f. .'..— Dr.. Syn. 1828, lO'J.— AuP.,

Orn. IJi.)},'. ii, ItiM, 180, v, 4U7, pi. i:U).
FriiitiiUa (Spiza) jxixncriiia, Bi'., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 111.
Einbcrlza jnimriiia, AuD., Syn. iHHlt, UK?.— Arn., 1?. Am. iii, 18-12, 7^^, pi. Ifi2.— Gin., B.

L. I. 1844, 103.— I'UTN., Pr. Ess. lust. 185(), 210 (summer ; couimou).

132 COTUENICULUS PASSERINUS.

Cotunticulus passerinus, Bp., List, 1838, 32; Cousp. 1850, i, 481.— Cab., J. f. O. 1856,7
(Cuba).— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 4.50.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 379 (Oasaca).— Scl. &
Salv., Ibis, 1859, 18 (Guatemala).— Kenn., P. E. R. Rep. x, 1859, iv, 28 (Bill
"Williams' R., Arizona).— Hep:rm., P. R, R. Rep.x, 1859, vi, 49 ("abuudant").—
Hayd., Rep. 1862, 166.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 487 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Pbila.
Acad. 1866, 84 (Arizona ; refers to Keuuei'ly). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 71
(Massacbusetts, May to September, breeding). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
282 (New England, abundant, summer resident). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
1876, 89 (Hamilton, C. W., rare, in summer).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862,
126 (rare, in summer, from April). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1.58 (Maine, rare ;
quotes Boardman). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 287 (New York). — Coues
& Prent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 412 (Washington, D. C, abuudant, in
summer, April to October, breeding). — Coues, Pr, Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116
(South Carolina, resident, common). — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 552
(Vera Cruz, in winter). — Cab., J. f. O. viii, 411 (Costa Rica). — Lawr., Ann. Lye.
ix, 1868, 103 (Costa Rica).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 136, 177 (Kansas and
Utah).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 189.— Coues, Key, 1872, 137.— B. B. &R., N. A. B.
i, 1874, 553, pi. 25, f. 4. (Of the above, western references belong to next var.)

Ammodromus passerinus, Gray, G. of B. ii, 373. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rei). 1853, 86 (very com-
mon in the Indian Territory, in Texas, and in some parts of New Mexico.)

FruHjilla savamiarum, " Gm."— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 494; iUd. 2d ed. 1, 1840, 570. — Pe.ib.,
Rep. Birds Mass. 1839, 324.

(?) FriiigiUa caudacuta, Lath., Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 459.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 505.

Coturnwulus fixicrus, GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 242. — Bp., Consp. Av. 1850, 481.— SCL., P. Z.
S. 1861, 74 (Jamaica); Cat. A. B. 1862, 116. (Resident in Jamaica.)

b. perpalUdus.

Coturniculus passerinus var. perpallidus, Ridgw., Mss. — CouES, Key, 1872, 137 (pale
form, from dry, western regions). — B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 556.

Hah. — United States. Not on the Pacific coast ? Mexico. Cuba. Jamaica. Porto
Rico. South to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Var. perpallidus from the West.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8184, Shawnee Mission ; 8966-69-78, Loup Fork of
the Platte River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The earlier accounts of Nuttall, Townsend, and Audubon, mention the
Yellow-winged Sparrow as occurring on the Columbia. Although this
record has not been checked by later observations, what we now know
of the distribution of the species makes it appear most probably correct.
It is true that in the higher latitudes of the United States we have no
quotations from regions west of the Rocky Mountains ; but further
south the species is known to range across New Mexico and Arizona;
and Dr. Cooper states that Mr. Hepburn procured several specimens in
California. ]\Ir. Allen quotes Ogdeu, Utah. The pertinence of Audubon's
remark hence appears; '' Some of this species," he says, " on their way
from their unknown winter abode northward, pass toward the middle
and eastern districts of our Atlantic coast, while others diverge to reach
the Oregon section (in which this bird has been found by Mr. Towns-
end), passing over our Southern States unobserved, although when
proceeding toward the Texas, in April, 1837, I found them abundant
on their way eastward."

This is a rather southerly bird, even more so than the Bay-winged
Bunting. I can find no record beyond the United States, excepting Mr.
Mcllwraith's, and his locality is south of some of the Maine quotations.
In the latter State, according to all observers, it is rare; I do not think
it is common north of the Connecticut Valley. It increases in numbers
southward, aud in the Middle States, Maryland, and Virginia, it is
very abundant, breeding in old, weedy fields. I found it in South
Carolina, at such various seasons, as to lead me to believe that it is
resident there. Its great abundance in the Platte country is attested
by Dr. Ilayden's numerous specimens. Mr. Allen found it " abundant
everywhere on the plains " of Kansas, and secured several nests with the

COTURNICULUS HENSLOVII, HENSLOW's BUNTING. 133

full complement (usually five) of fresh eggs, early in June. According
to Prof. Sumicbrast, the species winters in Vera Cruz.

Mr. Allen institutes an interesting comparison between the colors of
this species in diflterent sections of tbe country. " On comparing Florida
specimens with northern ones, the former are found to be far more
brightly colored than the latter. Between northern and southern speci-
mens of the same species greater differences in color are rarely observ-
able than in this, the differences being far greater than occur between
many conspeciflc geographical races to which has been awarded specific
rank. The difference consists in the much brighter and blacker tints of
the southern form. Massachusetts specimens, although lighter than
Florida ones, are still much darker than those from the plains." To
the last-mentioned pale form Mr. Ridgway has applied the uume 2Jerpal-
lidtis. Mr. Allen observes that it is one of the characteristic summer
birds of the plains, ranging to the eastern foot-hills of the Eocky
•Mountains, and very common in Salt Lake Valley. It breeds abun-
dantly in Kansas.

The song of the Yellow-winged Sparrow is a humble effort, rather
"weak and wheezy, but quite curious, more resembling the noise made
by some grasshoppers than the voice of a bird. It is only heard in the
breeding season, when the little performer mounts a tall mullein in his
chosen pasture, or the fence-rail around it, settles himself firmly on his
legs, and throwing up his head, utters the chirring notes ad libitum.
At other seasons he has only a weak chirp. The bird is very timid,
keeping almost always on the ground, amid the weeds and grass, where
he runs like a mouse. On being forced up, he starts quickly, with a
wayward, jerky flight, but seldom goes far before pitching into the
grass again. The nest is placed on the ground, in a, field, and resembles
that of other Sparrows that build on the ground. As many as nine eggs
are said to have been found in one nest, but the number is usually
four or five. They are pure white, speckled with rich, clear, reddish-
brown, chiefly at the larger end, but sparingly also all over the surface.
The &gg is usually rather globose — 0.75 by 0.60 for an average instance.

COTUENICULUS HENSLOVII, (Aud.) Bp.

IlensloW'S Buutiiig.

Emleriza henslmvi, AVD., Orn. Bio^. i, 1831, 360 ; v, 498, pi. 77.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 104.—
Aui)., B. Am. iii, 7.5, pi. 1()3.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 104.

FriiicjiUa heiislowi, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 2d od. .571.

Cotu'rniculus hcnsloici, Bi>., List, 1838, 3-i ; Cousp. i, 18.50, 481.— Bn., B. N. A. 18.58, 451.—
WiiKAT., Ohio AftTic. Rep. 18G0.— Hayd., Kep.' 1SG2, 1615.— Couks cV Prext.,
Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1862), 412.— Wiikkl., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 137 (Berlin, Mass.).—
Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 71 (Spiin-^fiekl, Mass.).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y.
viii, 1868, 287 (New York).— Couks, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 18(H 282 (Massaeluisetts,
rare).— Couks, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1H68, 11.5 (South Carolina).— Tuunh., B. E. Pa.
1869, 22 (rather rare).— Au.KX, Bnll. M. C. Z. ii, IS71. 279 (Florida, in winter).
Mayn., Guide, 1870, 117.— Couks, Key, 1872, 137.— Tkiim-k, Pr. Bost. Soe. xv,
1872, 237 (Iowa, common, breeds).— SNOW, B. Kaas, 1873, 7.— B. B. & li., N. A.
B. i, 1874, 550, pi. 25, f. 5.

Ammodromnn heiislowi, Okay, G. of B. ii, 373.

//(jfc.— Eastern United States to Massachusetts. "West to the Loup lM>rk. /' Winters
in Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida; breeds Irom Maryland to New York"
{Aiidnhon).

LU'.utvuant U'arroi'n 7?.r/)er7;/(o».— 8968, Loup Fork of the Platto.

Not obtained by Captain Raynidd.s' Expeclition.

The obtaining of this specimen greatly extends the known range of
the species, and fixes the westernmost limit thus far recorded. Audu-

134 COTUKNICULUS LECONTEI, LECONTE's SPARROW.

bon speaks of its great abundance in several of the Atlantic States, but
no later observers have found it to be so. With rae, it has been one of
the rarest of our sparrows. I have seen it on but one or two occasions,
about Washington, D. C. It has been found breeding in Massachu-
setts. The eggs are not distinguishable from those of C. passer imis.

COTUKNICULUS LECONTEI, (Aud.) Bp.
Lecoiite's Sparrow.

Emleriza leconiii, Aud., B. Am. vii, 1843, 338, pi. 488.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 18.58, 340.—

Ammodromiis lecontil, Gray, G. of 13. ii, 374.

Cotnrn'mdus Jecontii, Bp. Consp. Av. i, 1850, 481. — Bo.. B. N. A. 1858, 452. — CouES, Key,

1872, 137.— CoUES, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 748 (biograpliy, &c.).— B. B. & R., N.

A. B. i, 1874, 552, pi. 25, f. 6.

Hab. — Central Plaias, from Northern Dakota to Texas.

This long-lost species, of which I, for one, never expected to see an
example, believing it to have been based upon some particular condi-
tion of G. passerinus or G, henslovii, has at length been re-discovered.
While at the Smithsonian, in 1872, I was shown a specimen. No. 50222,
from Texas, which had been identified by Mr. Ridgway with Emheriza
lecontii of Audubon. On careful examination, I could not refer it to
any species known to me, while at the same time I found that it agreed
in all essential particulars with Audubon's description and plate ; so
that I did not hesitate to endorse Mr. Ridgway's view. As stated in
the Key, it resembles G. lienslovii ; the bill is much smaller; the fore
and under parts and sides of the head are buff, with black touches on
the sides ; there is no yellow loral stripe ; the median stripe on the
crown is buff, passing into white posteriorly. The length of the speci-
men is 4:^ inches ; the wing. 2^; tail, 1^. This is a young bird.

Audubon says that the species is common on the Upper Missouri,
where, let us hope, other specimens will be found.

December, 1873. — Since the foregoing was penned, I have been so for-
tunate as to find the bird myself, and secure several examples. These
represent the old and young of both sexes, and are particularly inter-
esting, since they show that we have hitherto misai^prehended the char-
acters of the species. For Audubon's account (his type is lost), with
which the Texas specimen agrees, indicates only the extensively bufty,
diffusely marked, soft plumage of the young, for which the adult differs
materially, necessitating a revision of the diagnosis of the species. In
form the species differs notably from its congeners in the shape and
relatively gTcater length of the tail, which is rather over two inches
long, decidedly exceeding the wings, reaching beyond the outstretched
feet, and remarkably graduated, the lateral feathers being from one-
third to one-half an inch shorter than the central. The tail-feathers are
all extremely narrow and acuminate, even more so than in the Sharp-
tailed Fnch, Ammodromus candacutus. In fact the bird is quite as much
an Ammodronut.s as a Goturniculus, furnishing an excellent connecting
link for those who are disposed to unite these so-called genera. The
W'iugs are very short aud much rounded; when closed, the pri diaries
hardly exceed the longest secondary by one-fourth of an inch, although
the secondaries are not at all elongated. The bill is not so turgid as in
G. passerinus ; the younger birds have it smaller than it is in that spe-
cies, as stated in the Key, but in the adults the difference is less nota-
ble. Specimens measure from 4.90 to 5.10 in length, by 0.90 to 7.10 in
extent; the wing is 1.90 to 2.00; the tail, 2.00 to 2.25. The general

MELOSPIZA LINCOLNI, LINCOLN'S SPARROW. 135

buffiness varies in intensity and extent with age and wear of the feath-
ers ; it is greatest in birds of the year ; an old male, moulting (August
9th), shows scarcely any. There is no yellow on the edge of the wing,
nor a loral yellow spot, as in C. passer inns ; there are no blackish maxil-
lary or pectoral streaks, as in G. hensloi-ii, the markings of the under
part of the adult being confined to sparse, sharp, blackish touches along
the sides. In the younger birds, however, these may usually be traced
across the breast, as is also the case with yomig j^ff-'^serin us, the adult of
which is not, or not noticeably, marked below. But even the youngest
specimen shows no maxillary streaks. There are some peculiarities in
the shade and pattern ot the variegation of the upper parts ; the mark-
ings of the adults being bold, sharply contras^ted and heavilj^ colored.
The bill of the old bird is dark horn-blue, lighter bluish below ; that of
the young is reddish-brown, paler below ; the feet are flesh-colored at
all ages.

- My article in the American Xaturalist, here reproduced in substance,
continues:

" I only noticed the birds on one occasion,* August 9th, when a num-
ber were found together in the deep green sea of waving grass that
rolled over an extensive moist depression of the prairie. Five speci-
mens were secured in the course of an hour, not without diflBculty ; for
the grass being waist-high, the only chance was a snap shot, as the
birds, started at random, flitted in sight for a few seconds ; while
it was quite as hard to find them when killed. Several seen to fall were
not recovered after diligent search. In their mode of flight, the birds
resembled Wrens; a simile which suggested itself to me at the time,
was that of a bee returning home laden with pollen ; they flew straight
and steadily enough, but rather ff^ebly, as if heavily freighted for their
very short wings. The only note I heard was a chirring, like the noise
of a grasshopper, Although I found no nest, the circumstances of
observation leave no doubt that the birds bred here. They were in
comj)any with a number of short-billed Marsh Wrens ; their neighbors
of the drier ])rairie around were Chestnut-collared Buntings, Baird's
Buntings, and Sprague's Larks, all very numerous."

These observations were made near Turtle Mountain, on the border
of Dakota, latitude 39^, while I was Surgeon and Naturalist of the
Northern Boundary Survey, season of 1873. The nest and eggs remain
unknown ; another year they may be brought to light.

MELOSPIZA LINCOLNI, (And.) Bd.
Lincoln's Sparrow.

FringiUa Uncolnii, AuD., Orn. Bioj?. ii, 1834, 539, pi. 193.— Nurr., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 569.

Liniiria liucolnii, Rich., List, 1837.

rannvrcidnn liiicohiii, Bi'., Iji.st, 1838, 33.

Feucwa lincohiii, Aui)., Svii., 1839, 1 13 — Arn., B. A. iii, 1841, 110, pi. 177. — Bp., Coiisp. Av.
18r(», 481; C. R,"l8-,y2().— lir.Kit.M., P. R. R. Rop. x, lf-.-9, pt. vi, 494, (Calilornia).

ZoDofridiiit lUifiiliiii, WooDii., >Sitfj;r. Rop. 1853,85. — Fin.sch, Alt.Nat.iii.l87'i,7G(Ala.ska).

Mdonpizu Uncolnii, Bi>., Ii. N. A. 18.58, 483.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 303 (Oaxaca) : l.-^,V.», 3li5
• (Xalapa),— ScL. & Sai.v., Ibis, 1850, 18 (Giiatfjiiala).— Kk.nn.. P. R. R. Rop. x,
184it, part iv, 29 (Arizona).— Hayd., Rep. IHtii, 1(17 (ahiimlaiit).— C'olK.^ Pr.
Pliila. Acad. 186(5, 88 (Arizona, K(nn>^rh/).—AiA.KS, Vi. Kss. In.st. iv. lH(i4, 73.—
CoiKs, Pr. Kss. Inst, v, 18i;h, 283.— Lawk. , Ann. ly.vc. .\. V. viii. l.S.ti. 28(1 (^Nrw
Vorlv).— TiitNU., B. E. Ph. 18()1), 23 (rather rare, sprinj; and lali),— Ai.i,i;.\, .Mem.

* But aft«r I liad written the article for the Naturalist, beiM;^ then in the Held, I

found (lie s|)e(ies ajjaiii, early in Se]iten)ber, on liie iiead-wateis of Monst^ River, about
llie niai'^iTis of reedy pools, in siluatious cvaelly eorrespunditig to those tlic Ammo-
dromi inhabit along the coast.

136 MELOSPIZA LINCOLXI, LINCOLN'S SPARROW.

Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 505 (Illinois).— Sumich., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 552 (Vera
Cruz).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 285.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870,
120 (Massachusetts, very rare). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Easteru
Kansas; Colorado Mountains, from 8,000 feet to above timber-line; Ogden,
Utah).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465 (Wyoming).- Coop.. B. Cal. 1,
1870, 216.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 2U0 (Black Hills).— Thippe, ibid. 238 (Iowa,
common).— CouES, Key, 1872, 138.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. &, R., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, 31, pi. 27, f. 13.

Helospiza Uncolni, Bd. — Allen, Ph Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 72 (Massachusetts).

Passerculus zonarius, Bp. — SCL., Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 305.

Hob. — Whole of North America. Mexico. Guatemala.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4811, Iowa Poiut ; 4898, Bald Island; 4809, Platte
River ; 4814, Big Sioux River; 4816, Blackfoot country ; 4810, 4812-13, 4815, Vermilion
River.

Later Exjjeditions.— 59890-93, Middle Park, Colorado; 61052-57, Henry's Fork and
Green River, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Ca^itain Raynolds' Expedition.

Since described by Audubon from "Labrador to New York" this bird
has occurred at various points, until its range has been determined to
include the whole continent. It does not, however, appear to be eqnally
distributed. In the Atlantic States it is apparently rare ; in the course
of all my collecting I never saw it, and the above quotations, including
nearly all that exist, are unanimous in attesting its scarcity. In the
West, however, the case is different. In Iowa, according to Mr. Trippe,
as above quoted, it is common in spring and fall; and from Colorado,
the same observer writes as follows : "Lincoln's Finch is abundant, and
migratory; it breeds from about 9,500 or 10,000 feet up to timber-line.
It arrives at Idaho Springs early in May, and soon becomes very com-
mon, haunting the thickets and brush-heaps by the brooks, and behav-
ing very much like the Song Sparrow. During the breeding season it
is most abundant among the bushes near and above timber-line, nesting
as high as it can find the shelter of the willows and junipers. Reap-
pearing in the valleys in October, it lingers by the streams for a few
weeks, and then disappears." Mr. Allen also informs me tbat it is "an
abundant summer resident of the mountains of Colorado, from about
8,000 feet to above the limit of trees. It is found chiefly in the vicinity
of wooded streams and in moist or swampy thickets, being essentially a
woodland bird. Its song is rather feeble, but pleasant and varied, and
generally uttered for a considerable period from some elevated point of
the thicket. It is one of the few species that are as abundant at the
timber-line as at lower points. I also met with it sparingly in Eastern
Kansas in May, and found it abundant in the vicinity of Ogden, Utah,
in September." Dr. Hayden found it "abundant" throughout the west-
ern territory. Mr. Ridgway informs us of its great numbers in winter
in Soutberu Illinois. Finally, my own observations attest how numer-
ous it is in Dakota during the migrations. Arriving from the North in
September, it frequents the shrubbery along the streams for a month or
more before it passes on South. Under these circumstances I have
found it in company with Ridgway's and Harris's Finches. It is one of
the more timid and retiring of our Sparrows, at least at this season.
When I startled it from its ramblings in the low herbage outside the
shrubbery, it would instantly seek shelter in the thickest cover, flying
low, direct, and with a jerky flight like that of the Song and Swamp
Si)arrows ; nor would it venture out again for a long while. It does not
habitually, at this season, perch on the tops or outer twigs of bushes,
except momentarily, seeming to feel inseoure unless hidden from view ;
it rarely lifts itself more than a few feet from the ground. Altogether,
its habits seem to be nearest those of the Swamp Sparrow. I have

MELOSPIZA PALUSTEIS, SWAMP SPARROW. 137

never heard its song. In the fall it has only a weak chirp, but in the
breeding- season it is said to be a " sweet songster.-'

The only United States record ot* breeding I have, is the above men-
tion of its nesting in the Rocky Mountains. As attested by our numer-
ous and extensive collections from British America and Alaska, it pushes
very far north in the spring, breeding in abundance in these high lati-
tudes. Audubon found the young flying in Labrador July J:th, but did
not discover the nest or eggs. The eggs, of which an immense series from
Great Slave Lake and the Yukon, are in the Smithsonian, are of the
same general pattern as those of the Song Sparrow, and present the
endless variation in coloration shown in the latter. The various shades
of reddish and other brown blotching is generally heavy and uniformly
distributed, but in some specimens wreathes around the larger end. The
egg averages smaller than a Song Sparrow's — about 0.80 by 0.60.

MELOSPIZA PALUSTRIS, (Wils.) Bd.
Swami) Sparrow.

(?1) F)-mgilla georgiana, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 460.

FringiUa georgiana, Nutt., Man. i, lSo'2, 502.

FringiUa {Ammodromus) georgiana, Nutt., Mau. i, 2d ed. 1840, 588.

FringiUa jmlustris, Wils., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 49, pi. 22, tig. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 110.—
AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 331, v. 508, pi. 64.

FringiUa {Spiza) palustris, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 105.

Passcrculus palustris, Bp., List, 1838, 33 — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 481.

Ammodromus palusiris, AuD , Syu. 1839, 111. — Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 110, pi. 175.^^
GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 114.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1856, 218 (Massachnsetts, sum-
mer).—Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, "common").

Melospiza palustris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 483.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Scl., Cat.
1862, 114.— COUES «& Prext., Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1862), 413 (Washington, D. C,
migratory. — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Maine, breeding). — Boahdm., Pr.
Bost. Soc. is, 1862 (Maine, breeding). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 167 (Lower Missouri,
rare) — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 89 (Hamilton, C. W., common in sum-
mer).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 283 (New England). — Coues, Pr. Bost,
Soc. 1868, 116 (South Carolina, winter).— Laavr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1868, 286.—
Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 505 (Illinois, October, abundant). — Turnb., B.
E. Pa. 1859. 23.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 279 (Florida, winter, common).—
Coues, Phila. Acad. 1871, 22 (North Carolina, common).— Mayk., Pr. Bost. Soc.
xiv, 1871 (north to Quebec, Cotiper). — Tkippb, ibid, xv, 1872, 238 (Iowa). —
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Eastern Kansas, May).— Coues, Key, 1872,
138.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 34, pi. 28, f. 1, 2.

Helospiza palustris, Bo. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 73 (Massachusetts).

Hah. — Eastern and part of Middle Province of North America. West to Utah {Dr.
H. C. Yan-ow). North to Newfoundland and Labrador (Auditboii); ordinarily to New
England and Canada. Winters in the Southern States, Carolinas to Texas. (No extra-
limital record.)

Lieutenant Wan-en^s Expedition. — 4806, Vermilion River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The Swamp Sparrow is chiefly a bird of the Eastern Province, the
specimen just recorded being the westernmost I liave seen, and p(Mhai)S
representing the normal limit of distribution in that direction. But I
am recently advised by Dr. Yarrow of its occurrence in Southern Utah.
I have found it myself in Northern Dakota, as tar north as the licad-
waters of INIouse Biver, where it is rather common in the shrubbery
along the streams during the migrations. lb)\v far it may penetrate in
the interior of British America I do not know ; but, although unnoticed
by Swainson and Ivi(!hards()n, it i)r()bably reaches a higli hititude in
summer, since it was found by Audubon to be plentiful in Labrador.
It is generally distribute*! t]in)uglu)ut New lOnghmd in summer, breed-
ing in suitable places. According to my observations, it is only a bird

138 MELOSPIZA MELODIA, SONG SPARROW.

of passage in the Middle States, but Wilsou states that, of the numbers
that pass through Pennsylvania, a few remain during the summer. On
the coast of North Carolina 1 saw some after May, but I judge these
were merely late migrants, not about to breed there. In the same
locality I saw others through November, and it is quite possible that
some may winter there, as they certainly do in South Carolina, and
thence throughout the Southern States to Texas. I have not met with
any extralimital quotations, a circumstance confirming the winter resi-
dence of the species as just stated.

The nest of the Swamp Sparrow is usually placed on the ground, iu
low, moist places, at the foot of a bunch of rank grass or reeds ; some-
times iu a tussock, more rarely off the ground, in a low bush. It is
built of various dried grasses, weeds, roots, and other fibrous material,
and lined with fine rootlets. The eggs, four or five in number, are
usually dull grayish or faintly bluish-white, speckled all over with red-
dish-brown and various other shades, the markings sometines tending
to aggregate in a wreath about the larger end, sometimes not; often
so close as to hide the ground-color altogether. They measure about
0.78 by 0.55 iu size. Two, and sometimes three, broods are reared in a
season, and fledglings are to be observed through part of August.

The food and general economy of this species are not peculir, but it
has nevertheless its distinctive traits. It is a very abundant bird, but
its retiring habits withdraw it from general observation. It is not so
decidedly gregarious as some of its allies, and is oftener found skulking
alone through rank herbage and tangled undergrowth than in flocks;
still, iu the fall, I have found considerable numbers together, about the
edges of reedy swamps, sharing the shrubbery with the Song Sparrows
aud the reeds with the species of Ammodromus, between which it forms,
in one sense, a connecting link. I have also seen it, though more rarely,
in open, wet, grassy places. During the vernal migration, at Washing-
ton, D. C, I used to look for it iu the undergrowth fringing tiny streams
flowing through open woods, and rarely failed to find it, if I looked close
enough, in the very heart of such recesses, the skirts of which were
full of White-throated Sparrows and other more conspicuous species.
I never saw it take a long flight in the open woods ; generally it was
seen flitting from bush to bush, just over the ground or water, flirting
the tail, aud uttering its peculiar note. Its chirp is remarkably differ-
ent from that of any other species, and, with its general redclishness,
seems to distinguish it from its associates. The song I have never
heard. Nuttall says that occasionally, mounted on the top of a low
bush or willow-tree, it chants " a few trilling, rather monotonous, minor
notes, resembling, in some measure, the song of the Field Sparrow, and
appearing like twe, ttcP tuP tw^ tiv^ tiv twe, and twV twH Hw tw^ twe, uttered
in a pleasing aud somewhat varied warble."

MELOSPIZA MELODIA, (Wils.) Bd.

Song Sparrow.

a. melodia.

(?) Fringilla fasciata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1786, 922. (Very probable.)

Fringilla melodia, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 125, pi. 16, fig. 4.— Bp., Sya. 1828, 108.—

Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 126; v, 507 ; pi. 25; Syn. 1839, 120; B. Am. iii, 1841,

147, pi. 189.— NuTT,, Mau. i, 1832, 486.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 121.— Putn., Pr. Ess.

Inst. 1«56, 211.— TuiPPE, ihid. vi, 1871, 116.
Zonotrichia melodia, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; Cousp. Av. 1850, 478.
Melos])iza melodia, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 477.— Ha yd., Rep. 1()7.— Coues, Key, 1872, 139.—

B. B. »fc R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 19, pi. 27, fig. 6 ; also of nearly all late writers.

MELOSPIZA MELODIA, SONG SPARROW. 139

b. fallax.

(?) Zomtriehia fasciata, Gamb., J. A. N. S. 2d ser. i, 1847, 49.

Zoiiotrichia fallax, Bd., Pr. A. N. S. vii, 1854, 119 ("New Mexico " = Arizona).

Melospiza fallax, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 481 ; I860, 481, pi. 27, tift-. 2.— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep.

s, 1859, p.. iv, 29, pi. 27, tig. 2.— CouES, Pr. Philii. Acad. 1866, 52 (Arizona).—

Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 215.
Melospiza meloclia var. fallax, Ridgw. — Coues, Key, 1872, 139. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,

1874, 22, pi. 27, tig. 10.
Melospiza melodia, Coues, Ibis, 1865, 165.

c. heermanni.

Melospiza lieeimanni, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 478; 1860, 478, pi. 70, fig. 1 (California).— Coop.,

Orn. Cal. i, 1870, 212.
Melospiza melodia var. heermanni, Ridgw. — Coues, Key, 1872, 139. — B. B. & R., N. A. B.

ii, 1674, 24, pi. 27, tig. 9.

d. gouldii.

Melospiza gouldii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 479 ; 1860, 455, pi. 71, fig. 1 (California).
Melospiza melodia var. gouldii, Coues, Key, 1872, 139.
Ammodromus samuelis, Bd., Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 1858, 381 (California).
Melospiza melodia Ya.v. samuelis, B. B. & R., N. A. 13. ii, 1874, 26, pi. 27, fig. 7.

e. mexicana.

"(??) Melospiza pectoralis, v. Muller."

Melosjnzu melodia var. mexicana, Ridgw., B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 18 (Puebla, Mex.)

f. guttata.

Fringilla cinerea (" Gm."), Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 22, pi. 390, fig. I ; Syn. 1839, 119 ; B.

Am. iii, 1841, 145, pi. 187. (Not of Gmelin.)
PassereUa cinerea, Bp., List, 1838, 31; Cousp. i, 1850, 477.
Fringilla (Passerello) guttata. Nun., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 581.
Zonotrichia guttata, Gamb., J. A. N. S. 2d ser. i, 1847, .50.
Melospiza melodia var. guttata, Ridgw.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 139. — B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii.

1874, 27, pi. 27, fig. 12 (excl. ref. Dall and Bannister).
Melospiza rufina, Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 480.— Coop. »fc Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1660, 204.—

Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 214 (excl. Syn. rufina, Brandt).

g. rnjina.

Emheriza rufina, Brandt, Desc. Av. Rossic. 18G6, pi. 2, 5 {Bonaparte).

(?) Passerelia rufina, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 18r>0, 477.

Melospiza rufina, Dall & Banv., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1669, 285.

Melospiza melodia var. rufina, Ridgw. — Coues, Key, 1872, 139. — B. B. «S: R., N. A. B. ii,

18r4, 29, pi. 27, tig. 11 (not rufina of Baird, 1656, which = var. guttata).
Melospiza guttata et cinei-ea, Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 41.

h. insignis.

(?) Fringilla cinerea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 922 {cinereous Fiiich) ; Penn., Arct. Zool.

ii, as (Ooualashka).
(?) Zonotrichia cinei-ea, "Gr."— Bp., Consp. 1850, 478.
melospiza insignis, Bd., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869. 319, pi. 29, fig. 2.— Dall & B.vxx., ibid.

285.— FiNscii, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 44 (Kodiak).
Melospiza melodia var. insignis, Ridgw. — CouES, Key, 1872, 140.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,

1874, 30, pi. 27, fig. 8.

Hah. — The ordinary Eastern type extends westward to the dry, eentral plains..
North to the Cauadas and Nova Scotia. Winters as far north as the Middh> States, if
not in Soul hern New England (Coos County, New Hampshire, November, with snow,
Maynard). Breeds throughout its range, and is, in most localities, one of the most
abundant and familiar of all Sparrows. (No extralimital record.) Var. fallax from
the Southern Middle Province. Var. heermanni from California east to the Humboldt
Mountains. Var. gouldii from the California coast, San Francisco, ami southward.
\iir. guttata from the Pacific coast north to British Columbia. Var. rufina from Pacitic
coast north of British Columbia. Var. inniguis from Kodiak and Oouahishka.

I adopt the several varieties of Ihis species from Mr. Ridgway's account, published
in the work above cited. He very kindly gave me his idciilificatioiis, for use in the
Key, in advance of his own publication. The reader is referred to the work in ques-
tiou for an exhaustive analysis of this perplexing group.

140 PEUC^A CASSINI, CASSIN'S PINE FINCH.

Lieufoiatit Warrenh Erjiedithn.— 4817, Bald Island ; 8750, Lonp Fork of tlie Platte.
Late7- Expeditions. — Var. fallax: 60640-5, 61032-51, 61119, various Wyomiu"- locali-
ties ; 61673, Utah ; 62303-6, Idaho.
Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Dr. Hayden's Missouri region s])ecimens represent the typical form,
but one at least approximates to the pale western race (var. fallax).
This author remarks that it is not abundant in the Northwest, aud the
same is the case in most of the unsettled localities of the West, attbrd-
iug a parallel with the scarcity of the Eobin under the same circum-
stances. Allen found it abundant only at Ogden, Utah. I did not iind
it in Northern Dakota.

PEUC^A CASSmi, (Woodh.) Bd.
Cassiu's Pine Finch,

ZonotricMa cassini, WoODn., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 60 (Texas).

PassercuJus camni, Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 85, pi. 4.

Feucwa cassini, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 485 (Texas. In part. The Sonora specimen there
included is P. a'stivalis var. arizonw. See RiDGW., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 616). —
Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Parke's Route, Birds, 12, pi. 4, fig. 2 (Texas).—
SCL., Cat. A. B. 1862, 115 (Mexico; compared with type). — Duess., Ibis, 1865,
(Texas, eggs). — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 551 (Orizaba, resident;. —
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 219 (California).— Ridgw., Am. Nat. vii, 187.3, 617 (in
text).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— CouES, Check-list, App. No. 170 his.—B. B. &
R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 42, pi. 28, fig. 5.

Ammodromus cassini, Gn. — Giebel, Nomeuc. Av. i, 328.

Feucwa a'stivalis var. cassini, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 137 (Middle Kansas). (Not
of CouES, Key, 1872, 140, which was intended for what has since been called
var. arizonw. See Coues, Check-list, App. No. 170"^).

Hab. — Texas to California, aud southward into Mexico. North to Kansas.

The type of "ZonotricMa cassini" may be a young bird, but other specimens in the
Smithsonian appear adult, and most probably warrant Mr. RidgAvay's separation of
the species from (cstivaHs, although at one time I was of the contrary opinion. It must
not be confounded with the pale race of wstivalis (var. arizonw) which occurs in the
same region. It was this pale race which I wrongly called var. cassini in the Key ; the
mistake is corrected in the Check-list, upon examination of ample material with Mr.
Ridgway.

This species is brought into the present connection upon its occur-
rence in Kansas, where it was found by Mr. Allen to be "rather com-
mon along the streams, where its low but peculiarly sweet song is heard
at morniug and evening, beginning with the first approach of dawn and
continuing at evening considerably after nightfall. It is very retiring,
and it was only after several attemps that I discovered the author of
the sweet notes that at these still hours added greatly to the pleasure
of camping on the plains." Dr. Heermann notices it as follows: " My
attention having been attracted by the sound of a new note while at
Comanche Springs, Texas, I found, after some observation, that it pro-
ceeded from this bird. Kising with a tremulous motion of its wings
some twenty feet or more, it descends again in the same manner to
within a few yards of the spot whence it started, accompanying its
entire flight with a lengthened and i)leasing song. The country there-
about is very barren, being covered with low stunted bushes, into
which the bird takes refuge on being alarmed, gliding rapidlj' through
the grass and shrubbery, adroitly and efiectually evading its pursuer.
1 observed them during four or five days of our travel, wheu tbey dis-
appeared. They were probably migrating at the time, though their
continued and oft-repeated song gave notice they were about preparing
for the duties of incubation."

JUNCO HYEMALIS, EASTERN SNOW-BIRD. 141

t

The species of Peuccca differ from all their allies in laying a pure
crystal-white egg without markings. That of the present species meas-
ures 0.75 by 0.60, being thus quite globose. Four or five are the com-
plement. The nest is placed on the ground.

JUNCO HYEMALIS, (Linn.) Sol.

Eastern Snow-bird.

a. hyemalis.

Fringilla hyemalis, LmN., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 183.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 109.— Sw. & Rich., F.
B. A. ii, 1831, 259.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 72 ; v, 505 ; pi. 13.— Maxim., J. f. O.
vi, 1858, 277.

Emheriza h ifemaUs, Linn., S. N. i, 1766, 308 (Passer nivalis, Gates., i, 36). — Lath., I. O, i, 399.

Struihus hu'emalis, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; C. Av. i, 1850, 475.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 83.

Xijilum hiicmalis, AUD., Sjn. 1839, 106.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 88, pi. 167.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844,
108.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1856, 210 (Oct. to May).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi,
1811, 116 (Minnesota, breeding).

Junco hjemalis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 7.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 468.— Wheat., Ohio, Agric.
Rep. 1860, No. 152.— Coues, Pr. Ph. Ac. 1861, 224 (Labrador, breeding).— Hayd.,
Rep. 1862, 167.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 115.— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861
(1862), 412 (middle of Oct. till May).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864 (Spring-
field, Mass., Oct. 1 to Dec, aud early Mar. till May ; breeds in mountains of
Berkshire). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 151 (Norway, Me., winter, spring,
and fall, breeding in White Mountains and at Umbagog lakes).— Verk., Pr.
Bost. Soc. 1862, 132 (Anticosti, "common all summer")-- Boardm., Pr. Bost.
Soc. 1862, 127 (Calais, Me., summer, very common, breeds). — Dress., Ibis, 1865,
488 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 282.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 115 (South Carolina, Oct. to Apr.).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 80
(Arizona, winter, accidental, three specimens). — Turnb., B. E. Pa. 23 (Oct.
to Apr. ; also, breeding on the AUeghauies). — Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad,
i, 1869, 284 (Nulato, Alaska, commou, arriving June 1, breeding). — Allen, Bull.
M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 278 (Florida, January, common).— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870,
119 (Massachusetts, abundant everywhere, middle Oct. to late May). — Mayn.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (New Hampshire, common, breeding in June in districts
north of Frauconia).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 201 (Wyoming).— Trippe,
Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 237 (Iowa).— Coues, Key, 1872, 141.— Sxow, B. Kans.
1873, 7.— RiDGW., Am. Nat. vii. 1873, 613 (critical).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874,
580, pi. 26, fig. 5.

Fringilla hmUonia, Forst., Phil. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 428.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 926.— WiLS.,
Index, vi, 1812, p. xiii.

Fringilla nivalis, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 129, pi. 16, f. 6.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 491.

b. aikeni.

Junco hyemalis var. aikeni (Ridgw., Mss.).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 201 (Colo-
rado).—Ridgw., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 613, 615 (characterized by two white wing-
bands across tip of median and greater coverts, aud an additional feather of
the tail white).— CoUES, Check-list, App. No. 174» ; see Key, 1872, 141 (in text).—
B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 584, pi. 26, fig. 6.

J?n6.— Eastern Province of North America ; in the United States, seen as far west as
the Black Hills, thence trending northwest to Alaska. Some straggle southward, west
of the Rocky Mountains (Washington Territory, Surklry ; Utah, Hoishaw ; Colorado,
Aiken; Arizona, Coues). Breeds from Maine and New Hampshire northward, and in
mountains south to the Middle States, and even to the Graylock Range. Winters
from Iowa and Massachusetts, southward. No recorded extralimital localities. Var.
aikeni only as yet from mountains of Colorado.

Lieutenant iVarren's Fjcimliiion.—lSm, Vermilion Rivor ; 5393, Cannon-ball Rivor;
8959, Black Hills.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

Besides its general distribution, the course and periods of its migra-
tions, as well as its nesting and wintering, may be accurately traced by
the above indications. Dr. Ilaydon's specimen, No. St>.">!), probably
represents the extreme nonnal western range of the .species in the United
States. It breeds in mountains far south of the latitudes where it nests

142

JUNCO OE-EGONUS, OREGON SNOW-BIRD.

;it ordiuary altitudes. The ep:gs are white or whitish, often with a faint
orayish tint, occasionally slightly ilesh-colored, sprinkled more or less
thickly and uniformly with reddish-brown, or pale chocolate, and often,
also, a few dark-brown dots. The tendency is to aggregation, at or
around the but. They measure 0.80 by O.GO. All the species of Junco
lay similar eggs, and the nidificatiou is essentially the same.

JUNCO OREGONUS, (Towns.) Scl.
Oregon Snow-bird.

.Fringilla oregona, Towxs., J. A. N. S. Phila. vii, 1837, 188; Narr. 1839, 345.— Aro., Oro.
Biog. V, 1839, 68, pi. 398.

Struthus orcgouiis, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 475. — WoODH., Sitgr. Rep.
1853, 83.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 88,

Nipha'a oregona, Auu., Syu. 1839, 107 : B. Am. iii, 1841, 91, pi. 168.

Junco oirgoniis, Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 7 ; Cat. 1862, 115.— Lord, Pr. Arty. In.st. 1864, iv,
120.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 466.— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. 1859, part iv, 28.— Heerm ,
ibid, part vi, 47.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 202.— Hayd., Rep.
1862, 166.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 85.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Cliic. Acad,
i, 1869, 284.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 199.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870,
464.— Mei!1!., ibid. 1872, 681.— FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 53 (Alaska).— Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 118, 167.— Hold.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872. 200 (Wy-
oming).—Coues, Key, 1872, 141.- B. B. &. R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 584, pi. 26, f. 2.

Junco lujemaJis var. oregonus, Ridgw., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 613 (critical).

Fringilla hiuhonia. Light., Abh. Ak. Berlin, 1839, 424, ncc FoiiST.

Fringilla atrata, Brandt, Ic. Rosso-As. pi. 2, lig. 8.

Hab. — Western and Middle Provinces of North America; straggling to edge of the
Eastern Province.

List of spexAmens.

19279
19280

73
41

W. side R. Mts .
S. of Cheyenne.

June 5, 1860
.June 2, 1860

F. V. Havden.
do!

5.75

9.00

2.75

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 'So. 5372, Medicine Creek; 5374, Great Bend of Mis-
souri River.

Later Expeditions. — 61022-7, Green River, &c., Wyoming ; 62316-23, Idaho and Wy-
oming.

The Warren specimens indicate a nearly extreme eastern range of the
species ; still, we have advices of its occurrence in Kansas, both ;it Fort
Leavenworth and at Fort Riley, which brings it fairly within the limits
of the Eastern Province. It has only occurred in winter, however, in
these localities.

The date of capture of the Raynolds' examples renders it probable
that the bird breeds in those places. Just as we have seen the Eastern
Snow-bird breeding in mountains, in latitudes below those where it
breeds down to sea-level, so the Oregon species resides in summer, at
least, down to the 35° parallel, if not further. Dr. Cooper, indeed,
observes that it summers in the mountainous parts of California, prob-
ably down to the 32° parallel ; he observed it at San Diego until April,
when he judged that it retired to the high mountains a. few miles from
the coast, to breed. He found it nesting on the coast mountains south
of Santa Clara, in May, the young flying by the 13th of that month, and
has given a description of the nest. " It was built in a cavity among
the roots of a large tree on a steep bank ; formed of leaves, grasses, and
tine root-fibres, and covered outside with an abundant coating of green
moss." Another nest that he found May 20th, on the very summit of
the mountains, was " slightly sunk in the ground under a fern [Pteris)
and formed like the other, but with less moss around the edge ; some

JUNCO CINEREUS VAR. CANICEPS. 143

cow's and horse's hair was also used in the lining." It contained three
eggs, measuring 0.74 by 0.60, bluish-white, with blackish aud brown
spots of various sizes thickly sprinkled on the larger end.

My own experience with this bird has been only in the winter time.
I found it extremely abundant in the mountains of Arizona, from the
middle of October until the middle of April; and loiterers remained
until May. I judge that it breeds in the neighboring higher mountains,
as the San Francisco and Bill Williams. In habits, it seemed the
counterpart of the familiar eastern bird. During pleasant, open weather,
it used to keep in the recesses of the woods and shrubbery, but in snow-
storms, and during severe weather, when seeds were scarce and hard to
find, it would come trooping about our tents, and especially aroutul the
stock corrals, gleaning a subsistence from the waste grain that dropped
from the feed-troughs of our horses. Under such circumstances it was
sometimes emboldened even to enter a vacant tent; and I caught sev-
eral alive by scattering some bread crumbs in a small "A "-tent stand-
ing near mine, the flap of which was fixed so it could be pulled down
with a string. Its ordinary note is a soft chirp, which I could not dis-
tinguish from that of the common Snow-bird ; in the spring, just before
leaving for its breeding-grounds, it has a rather pleasing song, also like
that of its eastern relative.

JU:J^C0 CIXEREUS var. CANICEPS, (Woodh.) Coues.

Gray-headed Snow-bird.

b. caniceps.*

Struthus caniceps, Woodh., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 202 (New Mexico aud Texas). —

Wooon., Sit}>T. Rep. 1853, 8'-i, pi. 3.
Junco canicepH, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 468, pi. 72, fig. 1.— Hayd., Rep. 1802, IHT.— Coues,

Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 85.— Coop., B. Cat. i, 1870, 201.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z.

ill, 1872, 177.— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soc. 1872, 200 (Wyoming).— Gray, Haud-Iist,

No. 7370.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 587, pi. 26, f. 3.
Junco cinereus var. caniceps, Coues, Key, 1872, 141.
Jniico hjiemalis var. caniceps, Ridgw., Aiu. Nat. vii, 1873, 613 (critical).
Junco dor.salis, Hexry, Pr. PhiJa. Acad, x, 1858, 117 (New Mexico).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,

468, pi. 28, fig. 1 (tending to characteristics of cinereus proper).
Junco annecteiix. Bo., in Cool". B. Cal. i, 1870, 564 (intermediate between caniceps and

ovegonus ; probably a hybrid).

Hah. — Middle Province (Southern Rocky Mountain region), United States. North
to the Black Hills and Laramie Peak.

Lieutenant ll'arre^i^s Expedition. — 8960-61, Laramie Peak.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

As observed in my late work, the descent with modification of all the described
forms of Juneo from a coumion stock, is undoubted if not untiuestionable, altliough the
diversion has become so great that it would be scarcely exi»edient to consider them all
as a single specit-s. The various I'orms may be re<lnceil to three, hiiiinalix.oriiioniis. and
canic'ps, with their varieties. The firstof tliese has no pinkish-rufous on the sides below,
and in full plumage the dark parts are nearly uniform blackish-plumbeous; the adult
female is grayer, even brownish, especially on the inner (piills, and the young of tijo
first autumn and winter are extensively brownish. Oreiionus has an opa(|ue. blackish
head, aud fore-parts sharply contrasted with reddish of the back, aud the white of the

toiin the rustv-re<l extends over the upper surface of the wings, and the bdl is black
and yellow. An allied form is J. allinda, S.\i.\., P. Z. S. 1st;:?, l>{); ibis, IHIC, lit3, from
the mountains of Guatemala. It is the J. hyemalis var. alticolu of ltu>ow,, /. c.

144 JUNCO CINEREUS VAR. CANICEPS.

under-parts sbadecl with piukish-browu on the sides. Youug birds of this form come
very near immature hijemalis ; Mr. Ridgway has noted intermediate specimens (Pr.
Phil. Acad. 1869, 126), and complete inosculation of the two is claimed by Mr. Allen.
In both of these the white of the nuder-parts is abruptly defined against the dark
colors. lu " caniceps" the main color is pale grayish-plumbeous, fading insensibly
into the white below ; the lores are detinitely blackish, and the interscapular region
alone is ferruginous — this color forming a small triangular area ; the bill is pinkish-
white, as in the foregoing. This form passes through ^'dorsalis" into the extreme of
typical chtereus, in which the characters are as given in a preceding foot-note ; while
on the other hand specimens have been found showing pinkish-brown sides, and other-
wise tending to the characters of orerjonus — these constitute e/. "annecteiis" of Baird.
The probability that some of these intermediate specimens are really hybrids is very
strong, but has not been proven by detection of opposite sexes of the two actually
breeding together ; so it remains an open question. Mr. Allen inclines to dispose of
the matter of hybridism upon the hypothesis that the doubtful specimens are simply
examples of intergradation of charaeter, according to climatic or other influences
resulting from geographical distribution. However this may be, it is certain that all
three forms, in their typical development, occur together. This is the case in Arizona,
for instance, where I found them all. To shoAV how intimately they are associated, I
may state that once, on firing into a flock of Snow-birds, I picked up, after the single
discharge, sevei'al oregomis, one ]}VLve camceps, and a single typical hyemaUs.

The Gray-headed Suow-bird is not nearly so common in Arizona, in
winter, as the Oregon species ; still, I freqnently observed it in com-
pany with the latter, and obtained several specimens. It arrived at the
same time as oregonus, and departed with it, probably to breed in the
neighboring higher mountains. It undoubtedly breeds at Laramie, since
Dr. Haydeu's specimens were taken in August. It appears to be com-
mon in Colorado, from the eastern bases of the foot-hills up the moun-
tains to above timber-line.

In the American Naturalist, as above cited, Mr. Ridgway takes the view that all the
forms of Jinico are geogra^ihical races of one species. He discusses the matter very
ably and upon good grounds. Referring the reader especially to this article, I sub-
mit, in further elucidation of the difficult problem, the following notes received from
Mr. T. jMartiu Trippe, premising, however, that in so doing I am not necessarily com-
mitted to his conclusions. (The biographical notes refer to Idaho Springs, Colorado.)

Jtinco hijemalis var. hyemalis. — Eastern Snow-bird. This Snow-bird is never abun-
dant, nor does it breed in Clear Creek County; the only period during which it is at
all common being March and the early part of April. During fall and winter, it is a
rare visitor ; but among the foot-hills, and edge of the plains, it is abundant, as Mr.
Aiken, of Fountain, informs me, during November and March, but is rarely met with
in midwinter. I have never seen it higher than 8,000 feet, and it is tar more common
below 7,000. It is similar in its habits and notes to the eastern bird, and is almost
always found in flocks with the succeeding variety.

J. hyemalis var. oreyonus. — Oregon Suow-bird. Where this species begins and hyema-
lis ends, it would puzzle even Brehm to decide ; for while it is easy to select two speci-
mens repi'esenting the species as described in the books, a large series collected at the
same time and from the same place, will show all possible gradations between the two,
many individuals combining the characteristics of both. Thus, the rusty-rufous back
of orcgonus is sometimes found without the purplish sides, which are supposed to belong
to the latter bird; or, vice versa, specimens of hyemalis with scarcely a wash of rusty on
the back, are occasionally marked by decidedl^'^ purplish sides. Of- all the varieties
these two are the most unstable and seem to blend most perfectly with each other.
They associate together, and have the same habits and notes ; they appear and disap-
pear about the same time; but of the two, onyojius is most abundant, being twice or
thrice as numerous as hyemalis. Mr. Aiken informs me that the present variety arrives
in his vicinity — which is a short distance south of this region, on tho edge of the
plains — about the middle of October, and remains till April, thus showing a slightly
more southern habitat than that of the preceding race.

J. caniceps. — Chestnut-backed Snow-bird. Abundant, and the only species that
breeds here. The Chestnut-backed Snow-bird arrives about the middle or latter part
of March, two or three weeks previous to the departure of tho two preceding races,
with whom it associates as long as they remain. As the snow disappears, it gradually
works its way upward, and by the middle oi'.Iune has disappeared from the regions
below 8,000 feet. It breeds most abundantly in the upper woods, from the extreme
linjit of the willows down to 1,000 or 1,200 feet below timber-line ; and more sparingly
below that point as fiir down as 8,500 feet, and occasionally as low as 7,500 and even
7,000 feet. In October it descends to the lower valleys, and soon disappears altogether.
On the plains it is common in December and March, but rare during midwinter. In

JUNCO CINEREUS VAR, CANICEPS. 145

habits it. resembles hycmalis ; its twitter is the same, but its song is different. Of all the
varieties that are found in this region, this is the most constant in its n]arkin<TS.
Among scores of specimens, I never met with auj- that exhibited in any marked de<'Tee
the characteristics of any of the other races combined with those of the Chestnut-
backed species.

J. (iinievteiia. — Chestnut-sided Snow-bird. This race or species is supposed by some
ornithologists to be a hybrid between orefjoniis and cu)iiceps, a supposition showing the
danger of generalization on too narrow grounds, for there is nothing to support the
idea esceiit the combination of certain characteristics belonging to those two races;
and on the same principle Colaptes clirysoides might be supposed to be a hybrid between
C. aiiratus and C. mcx'icanns. The Chestnut-sided Snow-bird is as well marked, and
almost as constant in its coloration, as J. eaniceps, and far more so than orcr/oiius,
hi/emalis, or ailiCni. It is common only in spring, associating with other varieties, and
remaining till April, being the last to leave of the migratory species. It ranges rather
higher than either the Oregon or the Black Snow-bird, occasionally extending as high
as 9,500 feet, or higher. In winter I have not noticed it, but am informed by Mr. Aiken
that it is very abundant on the plains from early in October till May, and that it out-
numbers canicrps and oref/onus together — a singular fact, if it is a '■ hybrid." Undoubt-
, ediy it does occasionally mix with both these varieties, as specimens sometimes sho v
a tendency to one or other of them, usually toward the latter ; but I have never seen
any that I could not refer, without hesitation, to one or the other of three species —
eaniceps, ainiecteiis, or that which embraces hjieinalis, oregonus, and aikeui as sub- varieties.

J. aiken'i. — White-winged Snow-bird. Abundant; does not breed. This race is evi-
dently the most northern of the live, as it arrives latest (in November) and departs
earliest (in March), ranging higher also than any of the others, up to 10,000 feet, and
probably further still. In its notes and habits the White-winged Snow-bird diflers
somewhat from its congeners. Its song is louder and sweeter ; it is less gregarious in
its nature; and it frequents brushy hill-tops and mountain-sides, high up above the
valleys, and rarely visited by the other species during the winter. It is the only Snow-
bird at all common during winter, choosing as its favorite haunts the bushy ravines and
hollows, as well as the vallej's of the larger streams, and wandering thence far up on
the mountains, associating in small parties only, more than six or eight being rarely
seen together. During the coldest weather, only the well-marked typical birds are
seen, among which are both males and females, the former being most numerous ; but
toward the close of winter the females become more abundant, and among a large
series of specimens, obvious approaches to both hi/cmalis and orcgoiins may be distin-
guished, especially toward the former. The intergradation, however, is by no means
as perfect as that between the two latter races, and a specimen that cannot be de-
cidedly referred to either aikeiil or orcyoiius-lniemalis is unusual. The white wing-bands
vary very nuich ; in the largest malt'S they are almost always broad and well-detined ;
in the small males and females they are narrower, sometimes almost obsolete, occa-'
sionally wanting on one wing and present on the other, and sometimes wholly want-
ing or indicated by the faintest trace. In the latter case, the other characteristics of
the bird are those of hi/cmalis, while the peculiar featuies of the latter bird or ot'ore-
yoiim are never to be seen wliere the white wing-bands are well defined. Well-devel-
oped males frequently have white lores or wbiti; spots on the head and neck.

Without a very large number of sitecimens from ditierent localities, it is difficult to
discuss, intelligently, the relations of these races or si)ecies; but from a careful study
of their haljits, notes, distribution, and migration in this region, as well as the com-
parison of a large number of spircimens, I cannot help thawing the conclusion that at
leiist three, or jjerhaps four, of the various forms have, in the words of Dr. Cones,
" passed the nuMely varietal stage and become nascent species, though still unstable ia
character." These may be arranged as follows :

I. JiDico caiikrpn. Sp. ch. Interscaymlar region bright rufous. Breeds abundantly
in the mountains of Colorado, from 9,000 feet up to timbcr-liiu'. Retreats south
of the Territory in winter.
II. J. (iiiiucteiis. Sp. ch. Sides clear cinnamon-fulvous. Abundant in Colorado during

winter and spring, but breeds north of the Territory.
III. J. kijenudiH. With three varieties :

a. aikcni. Var. ch. Two broad, well-defined white bands on the wing-coverts.

Abundant in winter, ictiring noith earlier than the other races, and
evidently the most northern in its distribution. Intergratles witli th«' fol-
lowing form, though not as intimately as that does with the succeeding.

b. hut-mdliH. Var. ch. IS'o wing bands; upi)er parts with no rufous, except a

rusty tinge in autumn. Less abund.int than tiie others, reaching hero its
wc'siern limit; breeding north of the Territory. Intergrades iniiiercei)t-
ibly with tlu; next.

c. orefidiiiin. Var. ch. Hack and wings with a deci<led rusty-brown wash.

Al)und.int, n-aehing here its eastern limit. Hreeds northward, retiring,
from Colorado with the preceding, or a little later.

10

146

SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, TREE SPARROW.

SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, (Gin.) Bd.

Canadian, or Tree Sparrow.

Frhifjilla moniana, FoRST., Pliilos. Tr. Ixu, 1772, 405; not of Limueus.

FrhujiUa monlirola, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 912.

Sj)inites moiitico/iis, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 134.

Spizella montlcoJa, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 472. — Kennerly, P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, iv, 29
(Colorado Chi(iuito, Arizona, December). — Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.
1860, 203 (Fort Dalles, Jannary).— Coles, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 224 (Labrador,
snmiuer, abundant).— ScL., Cat. 186-5, 114. — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 107.— COUES &
Prent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 412 (Washington, D. C, Noveoiber to
April, very abundant). — Boardm., Fr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 127 (Calais, Me., iu
summer, common, breeding early). — Verr., ihkl. 138 (Anticosti, breeding). —
Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Norway, Me., spring and fall). — Allen, Pr. Ess.
Inst, iv, 1864, 72 (Springfield, Mass., October to May; also, breeding iu East-
ern Massachusetts in 1855 ; see Pr. Bost. Soc. v, 213*).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst.
V, 1866, 89 (Hamilton, C. W., winter, common, not known to breed).— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 87 (Arizona, .^fZe jSTcHHer/*/).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
283.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii," 1868, 115 (South Carolina, November to
March).— Dall. & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1889, 285 (Alaska, breeding).—
TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 23 (October to April).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 205 (queried
as occurring in mouutaius of Califoruia). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177
(Western Kansas, in winter). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 119 (Massachusetts, early
November to late April).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871. — Aiken, IbkJ. 1872,
200 (Wyoming).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Coues, Key, 1872,
142.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 3, pi. 27, f. 5.

Zonotrichia (SinzeUa) monilcola, Gray, Hand-list, No. 7:598.

Passer canadcii>iis, Briss., Oru. iii, 1760, 102.

FringiUu canadensis, Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 434.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 109.— Nutt., Man. i,
1832, 495.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 511 ; v, 1839, .504; pi. lo8.— Maxlm., J. f. O.
vi, 1858, 280.

EmUriza canadensis, Sav. & Ricn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 252.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 105.— AuD., B.
Am. iii, 1841, 83, pi. 160.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 107.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856
210 (Essex County, Mass., October to May).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871
(Minnesota, not very common ; not observed in summer).

SpizeUa canadensis, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 480.

FringiUa arhorea, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 12, pi. 16, fig. 3.

Hah. — North America at large, excepting, probably, the Gulf States. Infrequent or
casual in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains. Winters high up on the
Missouri, and in corresponding latitudes eastward. Breeds north of the United States,
to high latitudes, but also, like the Snow-bird, iu mountains within our limits.

List of specimens.

19283
19284
19285
19286
19287

282
283

284
237

Deer Creek

Mar. 7, 1860
do

F.V.Hayden.
do

6.00

9.00

3.00

do

do

do

do

6.00
6.00

9.00
9.25

3.00
3.25

do

do

Jan. 27, 1860

do

do

Licutcnani TTarren^s Expediiion. — 4509, Cedar Island ; 4510, Medicine River.
Laier Expeditions. — 01028-31, 61153-62, various Wyoming localities.

The movements of this interesting species, as well as its general dis-
tribntion, may be traced in the above qnotations. Its western records
are still meagre, bnt snfflcient to rei)resent its range in that qnarter; it
appears to be, like the Eastern Snow-bird, little if anything more than a
straggler west of the Hocky Monntains, some individuals apparentlj^
straying southward in that direction from their breeding places in
Alaska. Eastward, the Tree Si)arrow is one of the most abundant
species, wintering in great profusion in the Middle States, Maryland,
and Virginia, and some reaching the Carolinas, beyond which it has not,
to my knowledge, been traced. It also winters as high as New England,

* But this instance proves to be not authentic, the Chipping Sparrow having been
juistakeu lor the Tree Sparrow. See Samuels, Orn. aud 061. of New England, 318.

SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, TREE SPARROW. 147

and even the Canad.is ; for, ag we shall presently see, it is a hardy little
bird, capable ot enduring extreme cold, and only forced southward by
scarcity of food. Its breeding range is extensive ; on the Atlantic coast
it nests from Labrador to Maine. The general similarity of its distriltu-
tion to that of the Snow-bird leads me to believe it will yet be found
passing the summer in the mountains of the Middle States. It occurs
through the greater portion of British America in summer, from At-
lantic to Pacific. It has been found in Kansas in August, and may
breed in that State.

At Fort Randall I found these birds as abundant as I have ever seen
them anywhere, during j^leasaut weather in the month of October. All
the undergrowth of the river-bottom was full of them, in troops some-
times numbering hundreds, singing as gaily, it seemed to me, as iu
spring-time. With the colder weather of the following month, so many
moved off that I thought none would remain to endure the rigor of
winter, but such proved to be not the cilse. The remainder simply
retreated to the deepest recesses of the shrubbery, where, i)rotected
from the biting winds, if not from the cold, they passed the winter, and
to all appearances very comfortably. I account for their remaining at
this inclement season, by the prolusion of seeds of various kinds that
are to be obtained during the whole winter; certandy, those that I shot
were in good condition, and generally had the crop well tilled. Their
seclusion and quietness at this season is remarkable, and causes them
to be in a great measure overlooked. On several occasions, when the
thermometer was far below zero, the river frozen solid for two feet deep,
and snow on the ground, I have unexpectedly come upon little groups of
these birds, hiding away close to the ground among and under a net-
work of vines and rank herbage, close enough to collect and retain a
mantle of snow. When startled at such times they have a low, pleasant
chirp as they liutter into sight among the bushes, scattering a little, but
only to collect again and seek their snug retreat as soon as left to them-
selves. Whether rendered careless by the cold, or through a natural
heedlessness, they are very tame at such tunes; they sit unconcernedly
on the twigs, it may be but a few feet distant, chii[)ing cheerfully, with
the plumage all loosened and puffy, making very pretty "roly-poly"
looking objects. There is a ])articular kind of plant here, the seeds Of
which enckire all winter, furnishing a favorite repast. In a clump of
these tall weeds dozens of the birds nuiy be seen together, busily feed-
ing. Some, more energetic, spring up and cling to the swaying pan-
i('les, picking away, while others gather about the stem, getting a good
dinner, without trouble, off the seeds that their neighbors above rattle
down. At such times the. whole comi)any keep u\i an animated con-
versation, expressing their satisfaction, no doubt, iu their own langiuige;
it is more than (;hiri)ing, and not (piite singing — a low, soft, coutuuions
chanting, as pleasing as it is indescribable. The Tree Si)arrow is, in-
deed, one of the sweet-voiced of our Sparrows, and one very fond of
singing, not ordy in the spring, but at other seasons; times are hard
with it iiuleed when it cannot, on occasion, tune its gentle i)ipe.

According to Mr. Trii)j»e, in Colorado the Tree Sparrow is "abundant
during winter in all the willow and alder thickets along the stieams,
from the ]»lains up to 7,(MtO feet, aiul occasionally u^) to 8,30U. It arrives
in Novend)er and disappears in April."

Accounts of the egg of this species are conflicting, and mostly errone-
ous. Mr. lluteliins s;iid it was ])ale brown, marked with tlarker spots, a
statement c()|)ied by Nultall anil reix'ated even by Di. Cooper. Amlul)ou
wrote it was unilorm deep blue, just like a Chi[)i)ing Sparrow's, but

148 SPIZELLA SOCIALTS S. PUSILLA S. PALLIDA.

larger. The egg is, in fact, much like that of the Song Sparrow, being
])ale bkiish, speckled and blotched with diHereut shades of reddish-
brown. It measures about three-fourths of an inch long- by three-tifths
in breadth. The immense series in the Smithsonian, from the Anderson
River and Yukon region, show the same wide range of variation that
the Song Sparrow's egg displays, being thus different from the eggs of
other /:<2^izella'. The uiditication varies, the nest being placed indiffer-
ently on trees, bushes, or the ground.

SPIZELLA SOCIALIS, (Wils.) Bp.
Chipping Sparrow.

a. socialis.

Fringilla socialis, Wils., Am. Oru. ii, 1810, 127, pi. 16, f. 5.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 109.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 497.— Ald., Om. Biog. ii, 1834, 21,; v, 1839, 517 ; pi 104.

Emheriza socialis, Aud., Syu. 1839, lO.'j ; B. A. iii, 1841, 80, pi. 165.— Gn?., B. L. 1. 1844, 106.

Spiiiites socialis, Cab., Mns. Hein. i, 1851, 133.

iipizcUa socialis, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Coiisp. i, 1850, 480.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 473.— Coues,
Key, 1872, 142, tig. 86— B. B. & R., N. A. B, ii, 1874, 7, pi. 27, f. 1 ; aud of late
authors generally.

Zonotrichia (S2)izeUa) socialis, Gkay, Hand-list, No. 7397.

b. arizoncc.

Spizella socialis var. arizonce, Coues, Key, 1872, 143 (Arizona).— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 11.

Hal). — Temperate North America, from Atlantic to Pacific, especially United States.
Breeds chiefly in Middle and Northern States. Winters in the Southern States aud
south iuto Mexico. Cuba. Extremely abundant. (Among extralimital quotations
are : Oaxaca, ScL, P. Z. S. 1858, 304 ; Xalapa, ibid. 1859, 365 ; Cordova, ibid. 1856, 305;
Cul>a, Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1860, 269 ; Vera Cruz, Sumicli., Mem. Bost. 1869, 552.)

Lieutenant TVarren's E-rpediiion. — 4805, Bald Island; 5411, Fort Lookout.

Later Expeditions.— mUl-TZ, Greeu River and Little Sandy ; 61779, 62311-14, Idaho
and Wyoming.

I>ot obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

SPIZELLA PUSILLA, (Wils.) Bp.
I Field Sparrow.

(1) Little Broxcn Sparrow, Catesby, Car. i, 35 (Moiacilla junconim, Gm., i, 952; Sylvia

jnncorum. Lath., ii, 511.
Frinqilla jnncorum, NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 499 ; 2d ed. i, 1840, 577.
Fringilla pnsilla, Wils.. ii, 1810, 121, pi. 16, f. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 110.— Aud., Oru. Biog.

ii, 1834, 229, pi. 139.
Emberiza pusilla, Aut.., Syn. 1839, 104 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 77, pi. 164.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 105.
Spinites 2)nsillus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 133.
iipizella pusilla, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 480,— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 473.—

Coues, Key, 1872, 143.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 5, pi. 27, f. 2; and of late

authors generally.
Zonotrichia {Spizclla) pusilla, Gray, Hand-list, No. 7396.

Hab. — Eastern United States; breeding from Virginia northward; wintering from
the same point southward.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4800-01, Big Sioux River; 4802, Fort Leavenworth,
Kan.s. ; 5412-13, Knife River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Exiiedition.

SPIZELLA PALLIDA, (Sw.) Bp.
Clay-colored Sparrow.

Emberiza pallida, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 251.

Spizclla pallida, I3p., List, 1838, 33 (not of the Conspectus). — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 474.—
ScL., P. Z. S. 18.59, 365, 379.— ScL., Cat, 1862, 114.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 167.—

SPIZELLA PALLIDA, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. 149

Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177.— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 237 (Iowa).—
CouES, Key, 1872, 143.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874.
11, pi. 27, f. 3.

S2n*ntes paUidus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 133.

Zoiiotriehia {Si)heUa) jxdlkla, Gray, Hand-list, No. 7400.

Emherha shattuckii, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 347, pi. 493.

Sj)i;eUa shattuclii, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 480.

Hah. — From the Saskatchewan and Upper Mis.souri to Eastern Kansas. To Texas
{Baird). East into Iowa (T/v'^j^jf), Wisconsin {Hoi/), and Illinois (Holdeit).

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — No. , Cheyenne River; 4803, "Nebraska;"

4804, Bijoux Hills; 5414, Blackfoot country.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The typical form of this species appears to be one of the more char-
acteristic birds of the high central plains. It was originally described
by Swainson from the region of the Saskatchewan. Br. Richardson
says that it was very abnndant at Carlton Honse, and as familiar as the
Chipping is in the Eastern States. Andubon's acconnt of '■'■ Emheriza
pallida.'^ presents nothing incompatible with the typical form ; bnt the
specimens, on which his description was based, procured by Townseiid
in the " Rocky Mountains," and now in the Smithsonian, have been iden-
tified by Prof. Baird with brewer i, which renders it necessary to turn
^^paUida, Atjd.," over to the latter variety, although indeed his quota-
tions, and the habitat he assigns, are those of true 2)allida. He after-
ward described the typical Missouri bird as U. shattucMi, giving the
following account :

"This handsome little species is found quite abundant throughout the
country bordering on the Upper Missouri. It inhabits with particular
partiality the small valleys found here and there along the numerous
ravines runnings from the interior, and between such hills as I have al-
ready mentioned. Its usual demeanor resembles much that of the
Chipping Bunting, Emherha socialis of Wilson, and like it, ifc spends
much of its time in singing its monot^nous ditties, while its mate is en-
gaged in the pleasing task of incubation. When approached, it will
dive and conceal itself either amid the low bushes around, or will seek
a large cluster of wild roses, so abundant in that section of country,
and the fragrance of which will reach the olfactory nerve of the trav-
eler or gunner for many paces.

"The nest of the Shattuck Bunting is usually placed on a small hori-
zontal branch, seven or eight feet from the ground; and 1 believe it is
occasionally placed in the broken and hollow branches of trees. The
eggs, four or five in number, are blue, spotted with reddish-brown to-
ward the large eud, and placed in a nest so slightly Ibrmed of slender
grasses, circularly lined with horse or cattle hair, as to resemble as much
as i)Os.sible the nest of the species to which it is allied." These observa-
tions ditfer somewhat from my own, given beyond.

I found this bird in small numbers on the Republican Fork of the
Kansas River, near Fort Riley, in May, frequenting shrubbery along
the stream, and also open, weedy places away from the water ; but 1
noticed nothing peculiar in its manners, which were the same as those
of the Chip-bird. Mr. Allen found it common at Topeka, in the .same
State, associating there with >S'. .socmZ/.s'. He also quotes ";w///Wa" from
Utah ; bnt as he does not recognize the distinction of var. hrciccri, his
observations undoubtedly refer to the latter.

The eastward extension of iS'. pxUida has only been of late generally
recognized: it seems to corresi)ond somewhat with that ot Virco hclli.
In Iowa, according to ^Iv. Trippe, it is common in spring; "frequents
the thickets and copses along the margins of the woods, and has some-

150 SPIZELLA PALLIDA, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW.

wbat tlie habits of the Redpoll, feediug on the buds of the elm and
other trees in early spriu«-."

It is sinjiular that the eggs of our SirizcUa' should differ so much
iimoug themselves, for the rule is that congeneric birds lay similar eggs.
Tlius, iS'. moniicola lays an t^gg like that of Melospiza ; the egg of iS'. pu-
•sitla is not distinguishable from that of Junco, except in size, and is
altogether different irom the clear green, blackish-dotted eggs of /S'.
social is and pallida.

The Clay-colored Sparrow's nest abundantly in Dakota, and especially
idong the lied liiver, in the open, low underbrush by the river-side, and
among the innumerable scrub-willow copses of the valley. They pair
here the latter part of May, when the males come into full song; the
nests are built and the compleuient of eggs laid, usually by the middle
of June. During this month, while the females are incubating, the
males mount the tops of the bushes and sing continually — indeed I know
of no more assiduous and persistent songster than this little bird is, al-
though his vocal efforts are of an humble 'sort. His ditty is a simple
stave of three notes and a slight trill — nothing like the continuous song
of the Chip-bird. In places where the birds are plentiful, several males
may be in sight at once, each on his own bush-clump, while his mate is
nesting below. As soon as incubation is over, the habit is entirely
changed, and the males become as inconspicuous as their consorts. The
pairing season, during which the males may be seen continually chasing
the females about in the bushes, is of short duration ; and, prelimina-
ries adjusted, both birds set to work in earnest at their nest, with such
success that it is completed and the eggs laid in a week or two. Most
of my nests were taken during the first two weeks in June. In one case,
in which I visited a nest daily, I found that an egg was laid each day,
till the complement of four was tilled. 1 have not found more than four
eggs in a nest, and sometimes «nly three. They are of a light-green
color, rather scantily and sharply s])eckled with sienna and other rich
shades of brown — sometimes very dark brown. Generally the dotting
is chiefly confined to the larger end, with only a speck here and there
over the geneial surface ; the dots are sometimes in an area at the butt,
sometimes partially confluent and wreathed around it. The eggs meas-
ure about 0.G2 by 0.50. The nest is always placed low ; I never fouud
one so high as a yard from the ground, and generally took nests within
a few inches, in the crotch of a willow or other shrub, or in a tuft of
weeds. The nest is inartistically built of fine dried grass-stems and the
slenderer weed-stalks, with perhaps a few rootlets ; it is st>metimes lined
quite thickly with horse-hair, sometimes not, then having instead some
very fine grass-tops. It varies a good deal in size and shape, according
to its situation, but may average about three inches across by two deep,
with a cavity two inches wide by one and a half deep. In those cases
Avliere I api)roached the setting bird, she left the nest when I was a few
steps away, and fluttered directly into concealment, without attempting
any artifice or venturing to protest against the sjtoilation of her home.

It is most probable that two broods may be reared, even in this high
latitude, but I cannot so assert, as I found no nests nor heard the nu[)-
tial songs after June. In July the birds appear in greater numbers than
ever, from the accession of the year's broods, and now go in little troops
in the shrubbery along with several other kinds of Sparrows. I found
them in all wooded and shrubby situations in Dakota, but never out on
the high i)rairie. Early in the fall, in Dakota, they are joined by num-
bers of Lincoln's, Gambel's, and Harris's Finches, all of which flutter
through the shrubbery together. They depart for the South early iu

S. PALLIDA VAR. BREWEEI, BREWERS SPARROW. 151

Octobf^r, according to my observations, though some may linger later.
In the spiing- their return may be noted on the Missouri liiver, in the
region about Fort liandall for instance, to\Aard the end or April, at the
same time that the Bay-winged Buntings and Lark Finches arrive.

SPIZELLA PALLIDA var. BREWERI, (Cass.) Coues.
^, Brewer's Sparrow.

Emlei-iza imJUda, Aud., Orn. Bio^. v, 1839, 66, pi. 398, f. 2; Syn. 1839, 103; B. Am. iii,
1841, 71, pi. 161 {nee S\v.^. (See last article.)

Spizella pallida, Br. Coiisp. Av. i, 1850, 480. — Woodh., Sits- Rep. 1853, 83 (New Mex-
ico).— Hkeu.m., p. R. R. Rep. s, 1859, part vi, 48 (Texas to California). — Coues,
Ibis, 1865, 164 (Arizona).

SpizelJa hrvweri, Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad, viii, 1856, 40.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 475.— Kknn.,
P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, part iv, 29.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 87.-Stev.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 209.

Zonotriehia {Sp'cella) hreweri, Gray, Hand -list. No. 7399.

Spi~dla pallida var. breireri, Coues, Key, 1872, 143. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 13, pi.
27, f. 4.

Huh. — Southern Rocky Mountain region, especially New Mexico and Arizona. Texas.
California.

List of specimens.

19282

76

Pierre's Hole . . .

.... June 26,1860

F.V.Hayden. 5.00

7.50

2.25

Later Expidiiions. — 60408-15, Bitter Cottonwood and Fort Fetterman ; 60673-4, Big
Sandy ii'i'l Green River.

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.

Brewer's Sparrow is of common occurrence in the region above given.
Its habits, as I observed them in the southwest, are the same as those
of the typical form.

Nf)TE. — A Nortb American snecies of this genus, not occurring iu the Missouri region,
as far as now known, is the following:

Spizella atrigularis, (Cah.) Baird.

Spinifes atritjularin, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851. 133.

Spizdla atriqHlariti, Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 47(); 1860, pi. 55, f. 1 ; Mex. B. Snrv. ii, pt. ii,
1859. Birds, 16, jtl. 17, f. l.—CouE.s, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 87 (Arizona).— Coop.,
B. Cal. i, 1870, 210.— CouES, Kev, 1872, 144.— B. B. «fc R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 15,
pi. 26. f. 11, 12.

Strutlms afrimoiialis, Coucii, Pr. Pbila. Acad, vii, 1854, 67,

Spizella eviira, Coues, Ibis, 18o5, 118, 164 {Youmj).

Spizella eanu, Br>., Mus. Smiths. {Yountj).

//«&.— Mexico, and southwest border of the United States. Arizona {Coues). Cali-
fornia {Xanlus).

ZONOTltlCHIA ALBICOLLIS, (Gm.) Bp,

White-throated Sparrow.

Frinf/iUa alhicoUis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 926.— Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, p. 51 . pi. 22. f. 2.
Zonol riehia alhicollin, lii'., Consp. Av. 1850, 478.— Cah., Mns. Hein. 1851, 132.— Ud., B.

N. A. lK)f^, 463.— Havi).. Rep. 18(W, 16(i.-CoiKs, Key, 1872, 144, lig. 8H.— B. B.

& R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 574. pi. 26, ]>. 10 ; and of mo.st late antbor.s.
D-infjilla pnniHiilratiira. Latii., liid. Orn. 1790, 446.— Bi'., Syn. l.-^2-^. UK- Sw. & RiCH.,

1'. M. A. ii, 1831, 256 (Zo»f>/;/V/(i(0.— All).. Oni. Biog. i. l^M. 42; pi. 8 ; Syn.

1839, 121 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 153, pi. 191.— M.vxiM., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 276.
Zonotriehia pennsijlvanicay Br., List, 1838, 32.

//ri/).— Eastern I'roviiicc of Nortb America, to the 65tli i)arall.l. Not observed iu
Alaska. Breeds from Northern New England and Minnesota noitbward, especially m
the interior. Winters in the United States from Maryland (from New \oik, SittaU)
b<Milbwaid. West to the Indian Territory, Kansas, and Dakota. Accidental in Europe
(Aberdeenshire, Seotland. Angust 17, 1H(;7 ; Zoologist. 1^69. 1547; 'y«rH/>«//, B. E. Pa.
1869, 23; Neiclou, P. Z. S. 1870, .")2; Englan<l, Uon-lnj, P. Z. S. 1872, 681).

152 Z. ALBICOLLIS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.

TAentcnant TVarrev^s Expedition.— 4990-91, Big Nemaha River; 4788, Wood's Bluff;
4785, 4787, Blackbirrt Hills; 4782, 4784, 4796, Biji Sioux River; 478:i, 4786, 4789, Ver-
milion River; 4501, White Earth River; 4502, Cedar Islaud.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

I liave not deemed it necessary to cite the volnminous records vSnb-
stautiatiug tbe above-ineutioued range and nioveujents of this lamiliar
species. Dr. Hnjden's specimens represent, Jis far as we now know,
the westernmost limit in the United States For the Eastern States^ I
have found no record of the bird's breeding south of the northerly
parts of New England — not even in the highest parts of the Middle
States, where, however, some may yet be found to nestle, like the Tree
Sparrow and Snow-bird. Mr. Mcll wraith does not give it ns breeding
at Haaiilton, Canada West 5 but Mr. Trippe Ibuud it nesting in the
tamarack swamps and windfalls of Minnesota, as it probably does at
other points on our northern frontier. It does not appear to rencU
Alaska, although the westward trend of the Eastern Zoological Province
reaches to the Pacific in that latitude. Judging from the dates of
collection of Dr. Hayden's numerous specimens, they were migrating at
the time of observation. The bird occupies the whole Southern States
in winter; and, selecting a middle point in its migrations, we may clearly
trace its movements. Thus, in Maryland and Virginia, where I became
familiar with it during several years of observation, many spend the
winter in sheltered situations; but the great increase in their numbers
during spring and fall show that the great body of them moves further
south. They are extremely abundant in the month of October, while
most are passing through, and again in May. Many linger until the
middle of May, when they are off for the north, leaving not a single
straggler. They frequent, on the whole, different places in the spring
and "fall. At the former season, they enter the woods in large numbers,
less closely associating than during the fall, and ramble over the ground,
doubtless in search of insects, the last year's supply of seeds being in
a great measure exhausted. In autumn, they are found principally
trooping together in shrubbery, along hedge-rows, the brier-patches of
old tields, and similar resorts, where the seeds they like are jdenty.
Audubon's account of their manners at this season is too faithful and
vivid to ever grow out of date:

" How it comes and how it departs are quite unknown to me. I can
only say that, all of a sudden, the edges of the tields bordering on
creeks or swampy jjlaces, and overgrown with different species of vines,
sumac-bushes, briers, and the taller kinds of grasses, appear covered
with these birds. They form groups, sonietimes containing from thirty
to fifty indivitluals, and live together in harmony. They are constantly
moving u}) and down among these recesses, with frequent jerkings of
the tail, and uttering a note common to the tribe. From the hedges
and thickets they issue one by one, in quick succession, and ramble to
the distance of eight or ten yards, hopping and scratching, in quest of
small .'eeds, and preserving the utmost silence. When the least noise
is heard, or alarm given, and frequently, as I thought, without any
alarm at all, they all tiy back to their covert, pushing directly into the
thickest part ofit. A' moment elapses, when they become reassured,
and, ascending to the highest branches and twigs, oi)en a little concert,
which, although of short duration, is extremely sweet. There is much
l)laintive softness in their note, which I wish, kind reader, I could
describe to you; but this is impossible, although it is yet ringing in my
ear, as if I were in those very fields where I have so often listened to it
with delight. No sooner is their music over than they return to the

Z. ALBICOLLLS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. 153

field, and thus continue alternately sallying forth aud retreating during
the greater part of the day. At the approach of niglit they utter a
sharper aud shriller note, consistiug of a siugle twit, repeated in smart
succession by the whole gioup, and continuing until the first booting of
some owl frightens them into silence. Yet, oiten during fine nigiits, I
have heard the little creatures emit, here and there, a twit, as if to assure
each otber that ' all's well.' "

The musical abilities of this pretty Sparrow, to which Audubon so
feelingly alludes, are of a high order, thougli the song is rather notable
for its limpid sweetness than for i^ower and brilliancy. An attemi)t is
made to express the sound in the name commonly given to the species,
in some sections, "Peabodybird." It seems to say, pee-cvhodij, a' body,
a'bodi), a/body, beginning clear, high, and loud, with prolongujg of the
first syllable; then rising still higher and shortly accenting the second
note; then trilling the remainder with a falling inflexion and decreasing
•volume; this latter part l>eing repeated tliree or four times, the a' still
accented, but with diminishing emphasis. 1 think it might be readily
written in musical notes, but I am unable to do so.

Audubon does not appear to have known the nest and eggs of this
bird, since he copies Eichardsou's account. It builds on the ground,
usually among bushes, in various situations ; the nest is made of dried
grass, weed-stems, and moss, lined with thready rootlets or very tine
grasses. The eggs are four or five in number, measuring, on an
average, nine-tenths of an inch long by three-fifths, or a little more, in
breadth, and are dull-whitish, with spots and splashes of surface-brown
and similar shell-markings of neutral-tint. It breeds in the latter part
of May aud in June; I do not know whether more than one brood is
reared each season.

Tlie change of plumage of the head of this species offers an interesting
l)oint, apparently not yet determined. Only the male, it appears, gets
the pure black of the crown, and only during the breeding season.
Though I hav'e shot great numbers in the fall, I do not recollect that I
ever got one at that season in perfect head-feathering, so that it becomes
probable that the breeding livery is put off' with a late summer moult.
And even in S[)ring, in the Middle States, the number of brown-headed,
or, at any rate, of imperfectly black-crowned individuals, is out of all
proi)ortion to those in breeding dress. I used to take a few such iu
May, just before they moved off, but they were rarities. This circum-
stance may be accounted for by Mr. Allen's observation, that the male
does not attain its mature colors until the second spring. '' The young
males," he observes, "sing e(pially well with the adults, and probably
breed in this plumage. Observing many bir<ls singing in the garb of
the female drew my attention to the subject, and dissection showed
them invariably to be males. This accounts for the great i)roportion of
birils in the livery of the female, both in spring and fall, otten ol)scrved."
These remarks may bear as well upon other species of the same genus.
I am not aware that other writeis liave iiidicatcd that the female of this
species is songless; I was certainly myself unaware of the fact, if,
indeed, it be so.

The eggs of Zonotrichia albirollis, and of In(Coj>hry.s, with its varieties,
are not «listinguishable Irom each other. They are of the same general
character as tlioseof Melonplza — heavy marking, in interminable variety,
with different reddish and darker brown shades, upon a dull, i)alo
greetiish or grayish ground. These markings may be large blotches,
or mere marbling in tine points; at the Unit of the egg the reddish
coloration is freipiently lu'arly uniform.

154 Z. LEUCOPHRYS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS, (Forst.) Sw.

Wliite-erowiied Sparrow.

Emberiza Icueophrijs, FousT., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 382, 40:?, 426.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
874.— WiLS., Am. Oru. iv, 1811, 49, pi. :{1, f. 4.

FringiUa huvophiys, Br., Syu. 1828, 107.— Nu'JT.. Man. i, 18:>2, 479.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii,
18:i4, 68; V, 1839, 51.'> ; pi. 114.— Aud., Syu. 18:59, 121.— Aud., B. Aui. iii, 1841,
157, pi. 192. — PuTN., Pr. Es.s. Inst. 1856, 211 (Essex County, Mass., very rare,
May aud Sept.). — Tiuppe, ibid, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, coiunion, breeding).

lYnigUhi {Zonoiriclda) Iciicophri/s, Sw. &. Rich., F. B. A. ii, 18ol, 2.55.

Zonotrichiii humphrys, Bp., List, 1838, 32; Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 478. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
1853, 84 (Indian Territory, Texas, New Mexico; but mixes it with var. into'-
mcdia).—KE'^^., P. R. R. Rej). (error lor iiiiam(dia'l).—Bl)., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1859,
p. — (Cape St. Lucas!). — Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861,, 7 (Greenland, breeding). —
Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Coles, Pr. Phihi. Acad. 1861, 223 (Labrador,
abundant, Ijreeding).— Havd., Rep. 1862, 166.— Coues & Peent., Smiths. Rep.
1861, (1862), 412 (Washington, D. C, winter, until May 10, rare aud irregular). —
Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me., not common). — Veru.. Pr.
Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Norway, Me., spring and fall, rare). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst,
iv, 1864,71 (Springfield, Mass., rare in springaud autumn, " possibly breeds "). —
—Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 282. — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 115 (South Caro-
lina, Oct. to Apr., not common). — Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 286. —
Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 517 (Northern Illinois, May, quite common). —
TuPNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 22 (Sept. to May, rather rare).— Mayn., Guide, 1870,
118 (Massachusetts, very rare migrant). — Mayk., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871
(common, aud breeding at Quebec; various New England localities). — Stev.,
U. S.Geol.Surv.Ter. 1870,464 (Wyoming).- Meki:., i^(rf. 1872, 681 (Montana).—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870 (Cape St. Lucas, in winter).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 156, 163, 177 (mountains of Colorado, to above timber-line, in July). —
Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 200 (Shernuin, Wvo. ; "common wherever there is
brush')-— CouKS, Key, ls72, 144.— B. B. &. R.", N. A B., 1, 1874, 566, pi. 25, f. 9, 10.

(?) Spiztlla maxima, Bp., Comp. Rend. 1853, — .

Hab. — Eastern North America to tbe Rocky Mountains. Greenland (Reitihardf).
Cape St. Lucas in winter (Xautiifi). Not given by Allen among winter birds of Florida,
nor by Dall and Bannister as occurring in Alaska.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4794, Vermilion River; 5403, Knife Rirer; 9238,
Black Hills.

Later Expeditions.— 59882-6, Colorado ; 60656-9, 62301-2, Wyoming ; 62300, Montana.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Like other uatnralists who have visited the forbidding shores of Lab-
rador, I found the White-crowned Sparrow one of the most abundant of
the summer birds of that country. Labrador and Newfoundland,
indeed, appear to be the principal breeding resorts of the species along
the Eastern coast. The nest appears to be always placed on the ground ;
the situations generally selected are thick patches of low heath, and the
still more dense growths of scrubby conifers. It is composed chietly of
mosses, but lined with a quantity of very tine dried grasses or rootlets,
set evenly round and round. The eggs are four or hve in number,
about seven-eighths oi' an inch long, aud pale greenish, speckled and
blotched, particularly toward the larger end, with brown and neutral
tint. The descriptions of some of the earlier authors are certainly erro-
neous, probably relating to the egg of the Tit-lark, which breeds abun-
dantly with the White-crowned Sparrow, and, lihe it, budds a mossy
nest on the ground. I found nestlings but a few days old the last week
in July; these were perhai)s of a second brood, as many birds of the
year were fl.ving about the same time. The southward migration begins,
according to Audubon, as early as the middle of August; this state-
ment is conliriiied by the presence of the birds in New England, and
even in the Middle States, in September. The migration is very exten-
sive, the birds scattering all over the Uinted States, and wintering as
far north, at least, as Maryland. Audubon says that they pass beyond
Texas; but he does not ai>pear to have made any personal observation

Z. LEUCOPHRYS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. 155

to that effect, and I cannot lay luy hand on a Mexican quotation, I can
hardly understand the scarcity — uiucli less the irregularity — of the
occurrence of the birds along' the Atlantic Stales, considering the num-
bers that breed to the northward, unless the migration is performed
obliquely and in the interior. At Washington, for exanqile, I found
thttt they were not to be depended upon at all. Dr. Prentiss and I used
to look for them in October, and especially in April, and some years we
found a good many, while at others there appeared to be none at all.
They seemed, on the whole, more frequent in si)ring than in the fall, and
all those we secured were in breeding dress. Tliey remained some-
times until the second week in May ; frequented the same situations as
the White-throats, often associating with them, and showing very simi-
lar traits.

I have not met with any authentic record of this bird breeding along
the Atlantic, in the United States, not even in Northern New England,
where some might be expected to pass the summer, and where, indeed,
tbey may yet be found. Mr. Cooper gi\'es a Quebec reference. In the
West, however, the case is different. According to Mr. Tripjjc, they
breed in Minnesota ; and Mr. Allen gives the particularly interesting-
instance of occurrence high in the mountains of Colorado in July — a
date that leaves no reasonable doubt of their breeding in that elevated
locality. The parallelism betweeji the present case and that of the
Tit-lark, already mentioned, is here extended and perfected. Beyond
this point the species is less easily traced, for it directly becomes mixed
up with var. intermedia. Dr. Kennerly has, however, noted the occur-
rence of leiicophrys in Western Arizona ; while Prof. Baird records it
from Cape St. Lucas. I am somewhat surprised not to tind the species
in Dall's List, and think it will yet be detected in Alaska.

The song of this species bears a close, general resemblance, to that of
the White-throat, but is, nevertheless, instantly distinguishable. It is
a less enterprising- vocal effort, of only live or six syllables, like^;t"J, dec.,
dcdede, the two first long drawn, rising, the rest hurried and lowering.
Unlike the White-throat, this species has no evident sexual color-mark-
ings, the female sharing with the male the pure black and white of the
crown ; the young, however, have the black replaced by rich, warm
brown.

A single specimen of this species was obtained at Leavenworth, Kan-
sas, by Mr. Allen, who says that in the mountains of Colorado it was
frequent in all favorable localities from about 8,000 feet up to above
timber-line. "It was one of the most abundant birds met with along
the northern and western borders of South Park, but was nowhere more
numerous than at the upi)er verge of the timber on the Snowy llauge.
It is essentially a woodland sjjecies."

The following interesting notice is communicated by Mr. Trippe :
" This 8i)arrow appears in tlie lower valleys of Clear Creek County, Colo-
rado, in the lirst or second week of May, and soon becomes very abundant,
fie<puMitiiig the shrubby banks of the streams, and occasionally ventur-
ing some distance upon the hill-sides, but, as a rule, keeping close to the
brooks and creeks. As the snow disappears it ascends higher and
higher, reaching timber-line by ttu' r.iiddle of .Tune, and going uj) lo the
extreme limit of the willows and junipers, being nowhere more abun-
dant than in those dense thickets that shut the upper edge of the tnn-
ber. By far the greater number [iass the breeding season there, but .i
few nest lower down, as far as S,r)0O feet, below which it does not occur
during snmmer. In habits, <lniing the breeding season, it resembles
the Song Sparrow, seeking its food in the grass and anu)ng the dry

156 ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS VAR. INTERMEDIA.

leaves in the tbickets. It siujjs constantly during June and July, and
occasionally in August, mounting to the top of some high bush, the
dead limb of a pine, or any convenient perch well elevated above the
surrounding shrubbery, and chanting its ditty at short intervals for
half an hour or more at a time — a lively, agreeable song, fine and clear,
and frequently heard from a score or more of birds at once, with a most
pleasing effect. Wliile his mate is setting, the male sings almost con-
stantly throughout the day, and sometimes eveu late into the evening,
long after dark — I have heard it at midnight, and even as late as one or
two o'clock. It is very tame; a pair had their nest within a few feet of
our camp at Chicago Lake, and all the bnstle and noise did not drive the
female froui her nest, while her mate would pick up crumbs which we
threw to hitn, almost at our feet. It commences building in July, and
the young are hatched about the 20th ; the nest is placed on the ground
in a clump of bushes, composed of coarse grass and weeds, and lined
w'ith fine grass. The eggs are usually four, of a pale bluish-greeu, very
thickly speckled and dotted with reddish-brown, the latter color almost
wholly obscuring the former at the larger end. In September it begins
to descend ; by October is abundant at Idaho, and by November has
disappeared. It is by no means as numerous in the lower valleys dur-
ing fall as in spring, passing through much more quickly, a peculiarity
shared by many species whose migrations are similar, as Myiodioctes
pusillus, JJendrcvca auduboni, and others."

ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS, var. INTERMEDIA, Ridgw.

Ridgway's Sparrow.

ZonoMchia gambeli, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 460 (iu part. lucludes the original Friiu/illa
gambcli of Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 184U, 550; Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1843, '2(v2, or
Zonotriehia <jamhdi,G\M\i., Jouru. Pbila. Acad, i, 1847, 50, wbich is the Pacilic
coast form, appreciably difterent). — Hayd., Rep. 18(52, 160. — CoUES. Pr. Pbila.
Acad. Irim, 84 (Arizona).— Dall & Banx., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, iHOi), 284 (Alaska).—
Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 404 (Wyoming).— Meiu?., ibid. 1872,681.—
Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 199 (Bbick Hills).— Tkippe, ibid. 237 (Iowa).

Zonofrichia hucophrjjs var. (jambeli, Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 157, 177. — Coues,
Key, 1872, 145 (m part ; includes tbe true gambeli).

Zonotrichia leucojihrys var. intermedia, Ridgw., Mss. — Coues, Check-list, App. No. — .

Hab. — Rocky Mountain region, Alaska to Mexico. Middle Dakota (Coues). East-
ward, rarely, to Iowa (Trippe).

Lientetiant Warren's Expedition. — 4793, Duriou's Hill ; 4795, Vermilion River.

Later Expediiions. — 60040-55, 60989-95, 60993, 61019, various Wyoming localities ;
62299, Idaho.

Mr. Ridgway has lately shown that the western style of Teucophrtjs, so similar to the
typical form as to be only distinguished by the different loral pattern, and which is
usually called '' (/ambeU," is not the (jambeli of Nuttall. The latter is contined to the
Pacific coast, and is a very curious form, having almost exactly the plumage and gen-
eral appearance (excepting the bead-markings) of Z. eoronata. Examining these
forms, we agree with him in making a varietal distinction. There is nothing in the
Pacific coast race (true gambeli) of the peculiar purplish-ashy tinge of plumage that
marks leneophriis and var. intermedia, and the bend of the wing is decidedly yellowish.

Among the numerous Warren examples of lenco2)hrgs, are two referable to var. inter-
media, as are all of the large series taken by Stevenson and Merriam, as above quoted.
They are foimd associated in many Rocky Mountain localities, and also further east,
■with true leiieopliri/s. Mr. Allen only iound leuivphriis in Kansas and Colorado, meet-
ing with var. " gambeli " {intermedi(() iu Utah. The latter I found abundant in Arizona,
at various seasons, thougli most plentifully during the migrations ; and I believe it is
resident iu the Territory, the varied conditions of surface of which offer suitable
retreats at the different seasons. In Dakota I encountered it in numbers as far east as
102° of longitude, during the fall migration; no lencophrys proper was observed. Mr.
Trippe has noted it from Iowa, the easternmost locality on record.

ZONOTRICHIA QUERULA, IIAREIS's SPARROW. 157

ZONOTKICHIA QUERULA, (Nntt.) Gamb.

Harris's Sparrow.

FrUigilla quenila, NuTT., Man. i, 2(1 ed., 1840, 555 (Westport, Mo.).

Zonotricliia querula, Gamp.., Jouru. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 51. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 478. —
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 46-2.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 127, 177.— Coues, Key,
1872, 145. — Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 237 (Iowa). — Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873,
7.— B. B. ifc R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 577, pi. 26, lig. 4, 7.

Fringilla harrisii, Aud., B. Am. vii, 1843, 331, 484.

Friiif/illa comata, M.vxm., Reise Nord-Ain. ii, 1841, — ; J. f. O. vi, 1858, 279.

Zoifotrichia vomala, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 479.

Hab. — Region of the Missouri. East to Eastern Iowa.

Lieitteiudit JVarren's Expedition. — 4797, Fort Leavenworth ; 4798, Upper Missouri River;
4799, Bald Island ; 5400, Medicine Creek.
Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

Harris's Fiucb and Sprague's Lark may be regarded as the most ehar-
acteristic birds of the Missouri region. The former has not yet been
found away from the river at any distance. Nuttall's original is said to
be from Westport, in the State of Missouri ; Audubon's came from the
Black-Snake Hills, in the Kickapoo country, and Fort Croghan. Dr.
Hayden took several at the various points above mentioned. Latterly
Mr. Allen found the species "exceedingly abundant" at Fort Leaven-
worth, in May : " it was found almost exclusively in the forests, and
generally in company with Z. albicollis, which it resembles in habits,
and somewhat in song." He informs me that he has specimens in the
Museum of Comparative Zoology from various points in Iowa. Prof.
Snow states that in Kansas the bird is often taken in winter, probably
resident, and abundant in May along the Missouri. In Iowa, according
to Mr. Trippe, it is abundant in spring and fall in Decatur County :
" This beautiful Sparrow is one of the commonest of the FrhujillkJce
that pass through Decatur County in spring and fall, associating at
such times with the other Sparrows and Finches, and frequenting
similar haunts. Its notes in the fall are a simple, loud chirp, not dis-
tinguishable from that of the White-throated S[)arrow, and, occasion-
ally, a low, sweet warble ; in the spring it has a curious song, beginning
very much like that of the latter bird, but ending in a few harsh,
drawling notes, sounding like a faint mimicry of the scream of the
isight-Hawk, and totally unlike tiie first part of the song."

In October of the past year I found Harris's Finches in numbers at
Fort liandall. They were loitering in small troops in the undergrowth
of the river-bottom, along with Towliee Buntings and hundreds of Tree
S[)arrows, all enjoying at their ease the genial sunshine of the linger-
ing .season. This was the first time I had ever seen the birds alive, and
I was struck with tlieir size and beauty — even among the bushes they
looked noticeably larger than their eastern allies, reminding me rather
of the Z. corona fa I observed some years since on the coast of Cali-
fornia. 1 saw none with black head — this part and the neck appearing
at a distance grayish-brown, with irreguhir dark markings on the throat,
and breast. They uttered at intervals the usual sparrow-like chirp, but
I heard no song. I was not collecting at the time, my outfit iiaving
been delayed en route in Ibllowing me, but their image haunted me for
several days, until, borrowing a gun, and securing some shot (big
enough to kill dn(;ks with, but the smallest I couhl get), I started after
them again, expecting of course to find tiiem, and gather a gooil suite
illustrating tlu; immature plumage. But I had missed my chance. I
ransacked the same tract for hours without success, and at complete
loss to account for their sudden disappearance, till 1 recollected we had

158 ZONOTRICHIA QIIERULA, HARRIS'S FINCH.

just had a cold snap and a storm. No doubt this sent them trooping
off; but however this may be, I am satisfied that not a single individual
passed the winter in the vicinity.

The cohl in winter becomes intense at Fort Randall, the thermometer
sometimes marking thirty or forty degrees below zero. The surround-
ing country is "flat, windy, and comfortable," furnishing as bleak and
dreary a prospect as can well be imagined. Even the shelter afforded
by the thick undergrowth and low position of the river-bottom, de-
fended as it is in a measure by bluffs and hills, is insufficient to allure
any but a few of the hardiest birds to pass the inclement season. The
river freezes solid, and the water-birds betake themselves elsewhere;
some Hawks and Owls remain, indeed, but the other winter laud-birds
of the immediate vicinity, as far as I have made them out, may almost
be counted on the fingers. There are Sharp-tailed (Trouse in plenty,
and Quails too, though these smaller birds sometimes freeze to death.
There is a stray pinnated Grouse now and then. Sorry looking Crows
wing about and croak dismally, and gangs of Magpies screech noisily
through the trees. Snow-birds fleck the open, with Shore-larks, during
a part of the season, and probably Longspurs ; troops of Tree Sparrows
cower under the bushes. Cheery companies of Titmice stand the cold,
and Hairy Woodpeckers hammer at the old cotton woods as industriously
as ever. A Shrike is seen now and then o his patient perch ; but here-
about the short list ends.

The following spring, at the time I suppose the Finches came back
to Fort Randall, I was too busy, writing portions of this work and
attending to other matters incident to my transfer to a different field
of operations, to look after them ; and it was not until late in Septem-
ber of the same year that I found the birds again and secured my flrsc
specimens. This time I was encamped on the Mouse River, in Northern
Dakota, and with the onset of the migration among the Fnngillidw
came Harris's Finches in plenty. Where they came from I have no
idea, further than that it was north of 49- ; for, singular as it may
appear, the breeding range of the species continues undiscovered, and
nobody has yet seen the nest or eggs. I presume the bird has some
special, restricted breeding localities, of which, in due time, we shall
learn. The birds came from the north, just as the White-throat does,
silently and unperceived ; all at once the shrubbery along the river-
bottom was thronged with them, as well as with Lincoln's and Ridg-
way's Finches. In their general ai)pearance they recall Fox Si)arrows,
being so large and somewhat reddish-colored, with heavy dark mark-
ings underneath, when seen from a distance. They go in little troops,
loitering in the patches of briers that lead out from the continuous
undergrowth into the ravines making down to the streams ; and their
habit, when disturbed, of mounting the topmost twigs of the bushes to
gain a better view, together with their size, renders them very con-
spicuous. They had no song at this season, nor indeed any note
excepting a weak chirj). 1 saw none with completely black head and
•throat, as in spring, although at the same season a certain portion of
the Ridgway Sparrows were in complete dress. The following descrip-
tion of the ordinary fall plumage is given, as no sufficient account of it
has yet api)eared :

Male. — Bill, light reddish-brown, paler at base below ; feet, flesh-colored, obscured on
the toes ; eyes, brown. Crown, grayish-black, every feath.er with a distinct, narrow,
pale gray edge all around, producing a peculiar effect; this area bounded with a light
ochrey-browu superciliary and frontal line. Sides of head like the superciliary, but
the auricular patch rather darker grayish-brown, and the loral region obscurely

CHONDESTES GEAMMACA, LARK FINCH.

159

Tvhiti&h. Chiu, pure white, bounded on eacli side by a sbarp maxillary lino of blaekish,
with a rusty-red tinge. Tn the lower throat, a large, diffuse and partially discontinu-
ous blotch of this same blackish-red, cutting off tbe white chiu from tbe'white of the
rest of the under parts, connecting with the maxillary streaks, and stretching alono-
the sides of the neck and breast in a series of rich dusky-chestnut streaks. On tlie
middle of the bieast the blotch generally runs out into the white in a sharp i)oint, but
its size and shape vary interminably. The markings here d- scribed are all included in
the jet-black hood and breast-plate ef the perlect spring dress ; and between the two
extremes every intermediate condition may be observed at various seasons. The rest
of the plumage does not differ very materially from that of the adults. Tliis is,
excepting Z. coronata, the largest of our Sparrows. Length, 7.00 to nearly 8.00 inches;
extent, n.OO or more ; wing, 3.50 ; tail, rather more; bill, along cuhneu,' 0.4.5 ; tarsus,
1.00 ; middle toe and claw rather less. In the fall the sexes are not distinguishable
by any outward mark.

Note. — The onlj^ remaining North American species of the genus is the following :

ZONOTKICHIA CORONATA, (Pall.) Bd.

Emherlza coronata, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, pi. — .

ZoHOlrichia coronata, Bo.. B. N. A. 1858, 4<il.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18G0,
•201.— Heehm., p. R. R. Rep. x, 18.'9, pt. vi, 48 (breeding).— Dall & Baxx.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 18(59, 284 (Alaska).— Cool'., B. Cal. i, 1870, 197.— CoUES, Key,
1872, 145.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 573, pi. 26, f. 1.

EmJjcriza atricapiUa, AuD., Oru. Biog. v, 18o9, 47, pi. 394.

FringUUi alricapiUa, Ai:d., Syn. 1839, 122; B. Am. iii, 1841, 162, pi. 193.

FringiUa aitrocapiUa, Nctt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 555.

Zonotrichia aurocapilla, Bi>., Consp. i, 1850, 478.— Neavb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 88.

Hab. — Pacific coast, from Alaska to Southern California, and probably eastward to
the Rocky Mountains.

CHOXDESTES GRAMMACA, (Say) Bp,
Lark Finch.

FringiUa grammaca, Say, Long's Exp. i, 1823, 139.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 47, pi. 5, f. 3,— •
Bp., Syn. 1828.— Nutt.. Man. i, 1832, 480.— Avo., Orn. Biog. v, 18:59, 17, pi. 390.

Chondestcs grammaca, Bp., List, 1838, 32; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 479. — WooDii , Sitg. Rep.
1853, 86.- Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 456.— Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. Nov. 18.59 (Cape vSt.
Lucas).— Heei:m., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi, 48.— Coop. &, Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860,200.— VVhicat., Oliio Agric. Re]). 1860 (Ohio, tbree 8i)ecimen8). —
Ha YD., Rep. 1862, 166.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 379 (Oaxaca).— DiiKss., Ibis, 1865,
488 (Texas).— Allex, Pr. E.ss. Inst, iv, 1864. 84 (Massachusetts).- iLvYX., Guide,
1870, 142 (Massachusetts).— Coi-ES, Pr. Phil. Acad. l.'-'66. 84 (Arizona).— Allex.
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 495, 517 (Iowa and Illinois).— Sc.micil, ibid. 1869, 5.52
(Vera Cruz, in winter). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1K)8, 281 (Massachusetts). —
Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 4()4.— I\Iei:u., ibid. 1872. 68O.-C00P.. B.
Cal. i, 1870, 103.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, l'^r2, 177.— Hold.. Pr. Bost. S..c.
1872,201 (Wyoming). — Tijippe, ;/'(f/.237 (Iowa, breeding). — Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873,
7.— CofES, key, 1872, IK), lig. 90.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 562, pi. 31, f. I-

Hi.tberiza grammaca, Ai'D., Syn. 1K39, 101. — Aid., B. Am. iii, 1841, 63, j)l. 158. — '• Bp.,
Am. Orn. 8^" ed. iii, 65, pi. 1.58.'"— Purx.. Pr. Ess. Inst. i. 1856, 244 (Gloucester,
Mass., one specimen, in 1845, a'. Jill-son). — Maxlal, J. f. O. vi, 1858, 343.

Chondestes ntrigatua, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435 (Mexico).

Flab. — Prairies and ].'ains of tlu- West, from Illinois and Iowa, &c., to the P.ieifir;
occasional iu Ohio; accitlental in Massachusetts. Capo St. Lucas. South into Mexico.

List of KpccimeiiH.

19348
19349

Yellowstone R. .
do

$

.lHlyl2, 1870 G. H. Trook..
do . . ' . - do .

6.75 1 11.00
6.50 ; 11.00

3.75 i
3.50

■■"1 1 "'

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— iSiO-til, Upper Missotni River; 4822-23. Big Sioux
River; .5382-83, Powder River; 5384-8.5, Fort Lookout; 9JJ.--31, 92:;3-;Ui, 1938, Loup
Fork of Platte River; 9232, Fremont, on Platte River; 9j:!7, Sand Hills.

Ul IV V»l X l«lt |y«J XVI * i:i , ^^ij.^, I'lUlllV^Llt, Mil J I. till Al.ltt.1 , .J^.'l , •_'.iiiv» '111....

Later Expedilions.—iW.VJ7, Bitter Cottonwood Creek ; Gl(>68-71, G1776, Utah ; im07,
Wvoi"'""

)ming.

TIlis is one of the iiio.st abuiuhiiit and cliaiacU'ii.stic birds ut' tlie

IGO PASSERELLA ILIACA, FOX SPARROW.

])raiiie regions of the West. In the spring of 1864, in company with
my respected friend, Dr. George Enoelmann, the eminent botanist, I
observed it in great numbers in the suburbs of Saint Louis, and various
accounts exhibit its occurrence in the flat, open country of several States
still further eastward. A solitary instance of its occurrence, entirely
accidental, in Massachusetts, is recorded. In the West it appears uni-
versally dispersed, and it is conspicuous, among- its congeners, by its
striking colors, agreeable song, and pleasing manners, as well as by its
abun<lance in all suitable localities. Although essentially a prairie bird,
it is not confined to the plains, nor is it exclusively terrestrial ; it is
observed also in wooded, broken, even mountainous regions, alighting
on trees and bushes as often as its allies, the birds of the genera Zono-
trichia, Pooecetes, &c. I found it frequently in the openings about pine-
woods, in the higher i)ortions of Arizona, where it is very numerous in
spring and fall during the migrations, though less so at other seasons.
Although I did not find its nest, 1 am convinced it breeds there, having
taken very young birds late in the summer. (It breeds in Colorado,
according to Mr. Trippe.) In the fall it collects in small troops,
rambling in the grass near bushes or small trees, to which it betakes
itself on alarm, like the Fox Sparrow and other species.

In the spring of 1873 I observed its arrival at Fort Eandall in large
numbers, late in April, along with Spizella imllida. It appeared in
straggling troops abont the fort, entering the parade-ground, where,
l)erching upon the young and struggling shade-trees of that very uucon-
lined establishment, it would make its first essays in the way of nuptial
song — music that, later in the season, becomes stronger, more attractive,
and almost incessant. Further north than this, along the forty-ninth
parallel, I never observed the bird.

The Lark Finch nests on the ground, like the other i[)ra\rie Fringillidce,
bnilding a rather rude structure of grasses and weeds, lined with very
fine tortuous rootlets. It is constructed about the first of June. The
eggs are laid during the same month. A nest before me, taken by Mr.
Allen on the Big Muddy, contains seven eggs. The eggs of this species
are very peculiar in coloration, being white, curiously streaked in zig-
zag, much like the Blackbird's [Agelcmis). The markings are sharp and
distinct, and heavy in color — a rich, dark reddish-brown or chocolate;
sometimes, where the pigment is thickest, being almost blackish. The
markings straggle all over the surface, and are usually accompanied
with a few spots of the same color. The egg is noticeably globose, very
much rounded at the smaller end, measuring about 0.75 by 0.65. Otiier
specimens, however, are more elongate, measuring as much as 0.85.
According to Mr. Kidgway, the nest is sometimes placed on bushes or
trees.

PASSERELLA ILIACA, (Merr.) Sw.

Pox Sparrow.

Frinffilla iUaca, Merr., Beit. Gescb. Vog. ii, 1786-7, 49, pi. 10.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
923.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 112.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 514.— Aui)., Oiii. Biog. ii, 1834,
58 ; V, 1839, 512 ; pi. 108.— Auo., Syu. 1839, 119.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 139, pi.
185.— PUTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 211.— Tr.ii'PK, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116
(Minnesota, migratory, uncommon).

Fringilla {Zoiiotrichia) iliaca, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 2.57.

Fanserella iliaca, Sw., Class. B. ii, 1837, 228.— Bp.. List, 1838, 31 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 477.—
WooDH., Sltgr. Rep. 1853, 82 (Indian Teriitory, abunilaut, migratory). — Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 488.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Coues & Pkent.', Smiths.
Rep. for 1861 (1862), 413 (Washington, D. C, October to April, but chiefly

PASSERELLA ILIAC A, FOX SPARROW. 161

November and March). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 127 (Calais, Me., mi-
gratory, commou). — Verr., ibid. VAS (Anticosti, common, breeds). — Verr., Pr.
Ess. Inst., iv, 18(34, 73 (Springfield, Mass., October, November, March, April,
sometimes February). — CoCES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 283 (New England, mi-
gratory).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116 (South Carolina, November to
April)'— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 18U8, 287.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 13
(October to March).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1868, 285 (Alaska,
summer, breeding abundantly). — Mayx., Guide, 1870, 120 (MassachuM-tts, mi-
gratory) ; and Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (Quebec, breeding). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z.
ii, 187i, 27<) (Florida, rare).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 238 (Iowa).— Coues.
Key, 1872, 147, fig. 91.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874,
50,'pl. 78, f. 2.

F)-ingiUa nifa, VVils., Am. Orn. ii, 1811, .53, pi. 22, f. 4.— Light., V(/rz. 1823, No. 428.

Frbigilla ferrnglnva, WiLS., Cat. vi, 1812.

" Emberiza pratciisis, Vieill."

PasscreUa obsvura, Verr., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 153 (Anticosti).

Sab. — Eastern Province of North America. North to 68°, and to the Yukon. Breeds
from the Bri!ish Provinces northward. Not observed to nest anywhere in the United
States. Winters in the Middle States sparingly, iu the Southern States very abun-
dantly. West iu the Uuited States only to the edge of the Central Plains. Accidental
in California (spec, in Mns. S. I.).

Not obtained by any of the Expeditions.

The Fox Sparrow enters the Middle States from the North in October,
and by the fir.st of the following month has become abundant. Some
linger here through the winter in sheltered situations, but the greater
number repair further south early in December, to reappear the latter
part of February, thus escaping the coldest weather. During the
winter they are dispersed over the Southern States, beyond which, how-
ever, they do not appear to pass, as I have found no record. In March
they again become plentiful in the Middle States; and, having already
taken up their line of migration toward their homes in the North, their
coming is with song of gladness and all the busy stir of the opening
season. They are not all oti" until April, and during the sunny days
that precede their departure, the males are fond of mounting the little
bushes, or even the trees, to warble a few exquisitely sweet notes, the
overture of the joyous music which, later in the year, enlivens the
northern solitudes, whither the birds resort to nest. So musical is the
Fox Sparrow, indeed, that even in autumn, when the transient glow
and fervor of the nui)tial period has subsided and commonplace occu-
pations alone engage him, he forgets the dull season at times, and lisps
fugitive strains of sweet memories awakened by the warmth and
glamour of the Indian summer. But this is a mere fragment — the
shadow of a song stealing across the miml, not the song itself, which
we only hear iu perfection when the bird's life is quickened in the sunny,
showery April, and he leaves us with cheery "good-bye,*' promi.sing to
come again. What one of our fringilline birds is' so entirely pleasing
as this, my favorite? Strong, shai)ely, vivacious, yet gentle, silver-
tongued; cla<l most tastefully in the ri(;hest of warm browns; and, that
nothing may be wanting to single him out fiom among his humbler
relatives, a high-bred bird, exclusive, retiring. We ilo not liud hiui
mi-xing indiscriminately with the throng of Sparrows that iicconq)any
him in his jdurneyings ami sjiend the winter with him. With a few
select associates of his own kind, pcrhajjs only two or three lamilies
that were reared together, he choo.ses his own retreat, and holds it
against intrusion. In some little glade, hedged about with almost im-
penetrable briers, you will come upon him and his IVietids, nestling
among the withered leaves on the ground, gently calling to ea(!h other
in the assurance of safety. On your unwelcome ajjpearance, they will
hurriedly take flight together, throwing them.'^olves into the thickest
II

162 PASSEEELLA TOWNSEXDII VAR. SCKISTACEA.

shrubbery. You will find such company, ngain, in the ravines over-
grown with fimilax and brambles that lead' down to the brook; and as
you pass along neglected fences, fringed with tall, rank weeds, you may
surprise the birds out for a morning's ramble, and make them hurry
back in alarm to the shelter of heavier undergrowth.

I have never known a single Fox Sparrow to nest iu the United States,
nor even loiter within our limits through tlie summer; though Auduboa
states, upon perhaps insuflicient grounds, that it remains iu abundance
during the season around Boston. Nor did I find a nest in Labrador,
where it is said to breed, as well as in various British provinces north of
us. " The nest," says Audubon, " which is large for the size of the bird,
is usually placed on the ground, among moss or tall grass, near the
stem of a creeping fir, the branches of which completely conceal it from
view. Its exterior is loosely formed of dry grass and moss, with a care-
fully-disposed under-layer of finer grasses, circularly arranged; and the
lining consists of very delicate fibrous roots, together with some feathers
from different species of water-fowl." The eggs, he adds, are laid from
the middle of June to the 5th of July. The nest is not always, how-
ever, placed on the ground, but sometimes in a bush or low tree, eight
or ten feet high.

The eggs show the same style as those of Zonotricliia and Melospisa
in heavy coloring, wholly indeterminate in size and shape of the mark-
ings, upon a pale greenish-gray ground; and in some instances the
whole egg assumes a nearly uniform dark chocolate hue, much like that
of PlectropUancs lapponicus. The reddish-brown blotching is usu.ally,
however, much as in a Song Sparrow's or White-throated Sparrow's.
The size of the egg is about 0.95 by 0.G8.

PASSERELLA TOWNSENDII var. SCHISTACEA, (Bd.) Coues.

Slate-colored Sparrow.

a. toivnsendii.

C?) FringiUa nnalasJuensis, Gsi., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 875 (Oonalashka Bunting, Lath., Syn.

ii, 202 ; Penn., 52).
FassereUa unuJaskensis, FiNSCii., Abli. Nat. iii, 1872, 53 (Alaska).
FrbujilJa iownscmlii, Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 236, pi. 424, f. 7 ; Syn. 1839, 119 ; B. Am.

iii, 1841, 43, pi. 187.
Fr'nigUhi (Passerella) townscndii, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 533.
Tadsen-Ua fownsendii, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 477.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 489.— Coop. & Suck.,

N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 204.— U all & Bann., Tv. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 285.—

Coues, Key, 1872, 352.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 53, pi. 28, f. 8.
PassorUa iJiaca var. townsendii, Coues, Key, 1872, 147.
Fringilla mcniloides, ViG., Zool. Beech. Voy. 1839, 19 (Monterey).
(?) Emheriza {Zoiiotrichia) rtijina, Kittl., Deuk. 1858, 200 (Sitka).

Hab. — Pacific Coast, North America. Alaska to Southern California.

b. schistacea.

Passerella sclihlacea, Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 490, pi. 69, fig. 3 (Platte Elver and Fort Tejou).—

Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.
Passerella ilium var. scltistacea, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 168 (Ogden, Utah).—

Coues, Key, 1872, 147.
Passerella townsendii var. schistacea, Coues, Key, 1872, 352. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii,

1874, .56, pi. 28, f. 9.
Passerella mcf/arhyncha, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 925, pi. 69, fig. 4 (larger hilled form from

Caliibniia).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 222.
Passerella townsendii var. megarhyncha, B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 57, jil. 28, f. 10.
Passerella schistacea var. viegarhyncha, Ridgw., "Rep. Geol. Exp. 40th parallel" (in press).

Hal. — Central region, Kansas to California.

CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOR, LARK BUNTING.

163

No example of a PassercUinc form was taken by either expedition ; but the P. " sclxis-
facca " was originally based upon a specimen from the Platte, within the region em-
braced in the present report.

I am much inclined to doubt the distinctness of any of the currently reputed species
oi PassereUa, but, as I observed in the Key, it may be as well to allow P. townscndii to
rest upon its characters until its intergradation with iliaca is proven. In any event,
P '■' schistacea" goes with townsendii, as a paler variety.

CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOE, (Towns.) Bp.

Lark Bunting.

Fringilla hicolor, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad, vii, 1837, 189 ; Narr. 1839, 346.— AuD.,
Orn. Biog. v, 1S39, 19, pi. .390.

Calamosplza hicolor, Bp., List, 1838, 30 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 475.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 492.—
Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. Nov. 18.59 (Cape St. Lucas).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859,
Route 32d par.. Birds, 13 (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona). — Hayd., Rep. 1862,
166.— DUESS., Ibis, 1865, 490 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1H60, 86 (Ari-
zona).- Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465 (Wyoming).— Coop., B. Cal. i.
1870, 225.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 137, 177.— Hold., Pr. Best. Soc. 1872,
201 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 147.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. ii, 1874, 61, pi. 29, f. 2, 3.

ConjdaJina hkoJor, Aud., Svn. 1839, 130. — AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 195, pi. 202.— Maxim.,
J. f. O. vi, 1858, 347.

Dolichonyx hicolor, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 203.

Hob. — United States, Plains to the Rocky Mountains. Southward to Mexico, and
across to Lower California.

List of Specimens.

19276
19352
19353

34

Fort Benton..
Bighorn Mts. .
do

$

July 6, 1860

May 30, 1860

do

F. V. Hayden.

G. H. Trook..
do

6.12

7.00
7.00

11.25
11.25

3.60
3.25
3.25

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5375, seventj' miles above Yellowstone ; 5076, Medi-
cine Butte ; 8928-29-31, Loup Fork of Platte.

Later Expeditions. — 60392-5, Camp Curling and Bitter Cottonwood ; 60760, North
Butte.

The Lark Bunting is one of the mo.st singularly specialized of all our
fringilline forms. As implied in its name, it bas somewhat the habits
of a Lark, and shares the long inner secondary quills. An eminently
terrestrial bird, yet the hind claw is neither lengthened nor straight-
ened as is usual with passerine birds frequenting the ground almost
exclusively. The bill is that of ca Grosbeak, being shaped almost ex-
actly like that of Goniaphea accrulea for instance, and the sexual differ-
ences in plumage are as great as in that bird. But a more remarkable
circumstance still is the seasonal change of plumage, which is exactly
correspondent with that of the Bobolink, to which the species bears a
general similarity in coloration. This fact was first noticed, I believe,
by Mr. Allen, in the paper above quoted : "After the moulting season,
the males assume the plumage of the female, the chauge in eolor being
similar to that of the males of Dolichoni/.r oryzivortiP There is still
another curious analogy, that the same writer has brought out : " It
has habits that .stiongly recall the Yellow-brea.sted Chat, singing gen-
erally on the wing, hovering in the same manner as that bird, while its
notes are so similar to those of the Chat, as to be scarcely distinguish-
able from them."

This author remarks that bo found the bird very wary and dilhcult
to shoot — a fact at variance with my own exi)erience. I found it com-
nmn from the plains in Kansas to the Baton Mountains, westward of
which 1 never saw it. In some places it was exticmciv abundant, and
fairly to be considered the characteristic species. Tliis was in Juno,

164 EUSPIZA AMEKICANA, BLACK-THROATED BUNTING.

when tlie birds were breeding, apparently in straggling groups, keeping
up somewhat of association, but by no means intimate companionship, still
less flocking; each pair lindi*ug its own business sufficiently interesting
and absorbing. As 1 was traveling by coach at the time, I had no
opportunity of looking for the nests. Judging from the fact that I saw
scarcely any females, the birds were then either incubating or brooding-
over their young. The more conspicuous and voluble males were almost
constantly in view, fluttering over the grass, every now and then start-
ing u)) on tremulous wing, almost perpendicularly in the air, hovering
and singing the while, till they dropped as if exhausted. Sometimes
several were in view at once, and I used to watch their vocal rivalry
with unflagging interest, as each strove, it seemed, to rise the higher,
and carol the louder its joyous song.

The Galamosinza nests on the ground in open prairie, building, as
usual in such cases, a rather rude structure of grasses and slender
weed-stalks, witli merely a little finer material of the same sort for lin-
ing. The nest is sunk flush with the surface of the ground. The eggs
are commonly five in number, sometimes only four. They are of a clear
pale bluish-green, and look almost exactly like those of a Bluebird, in
fact, could not be distinguished with certainty, though rather larger
and thicker. Earely a set of eggs is found very sparsely dotted, as
frequently happens with these pale greenish eggs ; but I have never
seen a white one, like the curious white eggs Bluebirds sometimes lay.
The Qgg varies in size and shape from 0.80 to 0.95 in length, by about
0.65 in breadth. Cow-birds' eggs are frequently found in the nest.

The following was prepared by Mr. Allen for this work : " The
Lark Bunting, though of rather local distribution and limited
range, must be regarded as one of the most characteristic and interest-
ing birds of the plains. Generally in the breeding season a number of
pairs are found in the same vicinity, while again not an individual may
be met with for many miles. At other seasons it is eminently gregari-
ous, roving about in considerable flocks. In its song and the manner
of its delivery it much resembles the Yellow-breasted Chat {Icferia
virem), like that bird rising to a considerable distance in the air, and
poising itself by a peculiar flapping of the wings during its utterances,
then abruptly descending to the ground to soon repeat tbe manoeuvre.
It is a very strong flier, and seems to delight in the strongest gales,
singing more at such times than in comparativ^ely quiet weather. 1
met with several colonies not tar from Fort Hays in June and July, and
later at Cheyenne, Laramie, and in South Park, and in the elevated
open table-lands, between South Park and Colorado City. They were
also frequent along the route from Colorado City to Denver, sometimes
considerable flocks being met with. They were then moulting, and the
parti-colored t.locks of young and old were quite unsuspicious and easily
approached. During the breeding season we found them exceedinglj^
shy and difficult to x>rocure, and were unsuccessful in our efforts to dis-
cov-er their jiests."

EUSPIZA AMEEICANA, (Gm.) Bp.
Black-throated Bnntiiig.

Emhrrl-a americana, Gm., ^vst. Nat. i, 1788, 872. — WiLS., Am.Orn. i, 1808, 411 ; iii, 1811,

8G ; pi. :^, f. 2.^NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 461.— AuD., iv, 1838, 57U, pi. 384 ; Syu.

1839, 101 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 58, pi. 156.— EwM., Cat. B. Unas. 1835, 4.— PiSAU., Kep.

B. Mass. 1839, 319.— Gn;., B. L. I. 1844, IOO.-1'utn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 227.—

Maxim., .J. f. O. vi, 1858, 341.
Fri)njiUa (Sj>k«) americana, Br.,,Obs. Wijs. 1825, No. 85.

EUSPIZA AMERICAXA, BLACK-THROATED BUNTING. 165

Frinfiilla americana, Bp., Syn. 1828, 107.

Calebs americana, Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 440.

Eiisplza americana, Bp., List, 1838, 32 : Cousp. i, 1850, 469. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,
87 (Indian Territory, Texas, New Mexico).— Bd., B. N. A. 18.'8, 494.— Wheat.,
Ohio Agric. Rep. 18f)0 (plentiful).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1861, i^i (New
Granada).— CouES & Phent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, ('l862) 413 (Washington,
D. C., May to Sept., abundant). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 168. — Aixen, Pr. Ess.
Inst, iv, 1864, 84 (Massachusetts, rare, or occasional). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst.
V, 1868, 284 (northeast to Massachusetts).— Lawh., Ann. Lye. vii, 1861, 298
(Panama); 186.5, 181 (Nicaragua); viii, 1868, 286 (New York); is, 1868, 103
(Costa Rica). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1863 (South Carolina in summer, ^f7c
Gihbes). — Ai.LEN, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 505 (Western Iowa, very abundant,
breeding), and 517 (Northern Illinois, common). — Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 24
(May to Sept., plentiful.)— Duess., Ibis, 1865, 490 (Texas).— Salv., P. Z. S.
1867, 142 (Veragua).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 140 (Turbo).— Su.mich.,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 532 (Vera Cruz, wiuteriug). — Scl. & Salv., Ibis, i,
1859, 18 (Gautemala).— Mavx., Guide, 1870, 120 (Massachusetts, three instan-
ces noted). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Kansas and Colorado). —
Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 238 (Iowa, breeding).— Coues, Kev, 1872, 148.—
Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 65, pi. 28, f. 11, 12.

Euspina americana, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 133.

Frinf/iUa flavicoUis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 926.

Friiif/illa mcxicana, MOlleh, Syst. Nat. Suppl. 165.

Emleriza mexicana, Gm., S. Nat. i, 1788, 873.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 412. (P. E. 386, 1.)

Passerina nigricollis, Vielll., Enc. Meth. 931.

Hab. — United States, west to Kansas and Nebraska, and even Colorado. North to
Connecticutregularly(LiNSL., Am. Jouru. Sci. 1843, 261), to Massachusetts occasionally ;
no record beyond. No record of wintering in the United Statcss. Winters in Mexico
and Central America, and New Granada (numerous quotations).

LicHienant Warren's /i>j;«Z(7/o«.— 5381, 9288, Fort Lookout ; 9261. 9265, 9258, 9263,
9260, 9254, 9248, 9270, 9269, Loup Fork of the PJatte; 9256, 9262, 9264, 9249, ElkLoru
River ; 9257, Fremont, on Platte.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, or by the later ones.

From its wiuter abode iu tropical America, the Black-tliroated Bunt-
ing enters the United States iu April, in small troops. Vast numbers
pass up the Mississippi Valley, some finding' their final resting place in
Iowa, but others lingering to breed all along the route. Many spread,
westward over the i)rairies of Kansas and Nebraska, and a part of the
host reaches the Middle Atlantic States by the latter part of the month,
some even penetrating eastward to Southern New England, which
forms their terminus. Rearing their young in nearly all parts of this
great extent of land, from Texas to Nebraska, and New England, they
depart before the approach of cold weather to their homes far south.

Making no claim to the brilliancy of coloration that many of its
spizine allies possess, this Bunting is nevertheless a handsome bird,
with tasteful color contrasts, a trim form, and a peculiarly smooth, neat
plumage. As a vocalist, however, we must rate it a very humble per-
former ; its song is short and simple, even weak, and grows monotonous
with repetition through the season of incubation, when the male, from
the highest perch he can find near his nest, cheers his faithful mate
with the assurance of his presence and jjrotection. lie seems to say,
" Look ! look ! see me here ! see !" And if we do not like his perform-
ance, we may remember we are not asked to listen.

The nest of this species is alni'-st invariably placed on the ground,
but occasionally in a thick grass-cluuip, over a foot high. The eggs are
four or five in number, of precisely the same pale blue shade as in the
last species, being thus exactly like Bluebird vii^ix^^. They are .said to
be sometimes dotted, and 1 have no doubt such is the (;a.si', though 1
have seen none not perfectly plain. The si/e is 0.80 by 0.G5.

As was remarked by Audubon, the Black-throated nuiiting appears
to avoid certain districts, both in its migrations and tor l)reeding, giv-
ing preference to fertile portions of the country, and in settling ilown to

1G6 GONIAPHEA LUDOVICIANA, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

breed will make capricious choice of particular spots and confine itself
to them. About Washington, it was most i)lentiful in the skirts of the
city itself, in gardens and orchards, and in fields about the edges of
w^oods. It abounds on the western i)rairies, to the edge of the sterile
plains. The fact of its becoming abundant in regions where it was
scarce before, is also attested, but remains unexplained. Thus, accord-
ing to Audubon, it was rare in Ohio, and Dr. Kirfland, writing in 1838,
aihuits the insufficiency of his authority, but believes it " to be an occa-
sional visitor ; " whereas Mr. J. M. Wheaton, commenting upon this
circumstance, in 1860, gives it as one of the most numerous birds of
that State. It is there known as the " Little Field Lark ; " while in
Illinois, Mr. Eidgway tells me, it is called " Judas-bird " and " Dick-
sissel," both names being in allusion to its song.

GONIAPHEA LUDOVICIA^A, (Linn.) Bowd.
Eose-breasteil (iirosbeiik.

Loxla ludovldana, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 306.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 135, pi. 17, f. 2.

FrinijiUa hidoncicmu, Bp., Am. Oru. ii, 79, pi. 15, f. 2. — Bp., Syu. 1828, 113. — Nuxx.. Mau.
i, 1832, 527.— AuD., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 166 ; v, 1839, 513 ; pi. 127.

Pyrrlmla liidoviciana, Sabine, Fraokliu's Jonrn. Zool. App. 675.

Gidraca ludoviciaiia, Sw., Phil. Mag. i. 1827, 438.— Bp., List, 1838, 30; Consp. Av. i, 1850,
501.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 497.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— CouES &.
Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1362), 413 (WasliingtoD, D. C, summer, rare). —
Hayd., Rep. 1862, 168 (abuudant along Missouri). — Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv,
1864 (Spriugtield, Mass., summer, uot abuudaut). — Boakdm., Pr. Bost. See. is,
1862, 127 (Calais, Me., summer, rare). — Veki?., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Norway,
{ Me., not common).- McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 90 (Hamilton, C. VV., sum-

mer).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 284 (throughout New England). —Coues,
Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116 (South Carolina, rare, migratory). — Turnb., B. E.
Pa. 1869, 24 (May to Sept., rather rare).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, .5-52
(Vera Cruz, winter). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 120 (Massachusetts, May to Sept.,
common, breeds). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. siv, 1871, — (north to Quebec,
Couper). — Trippe, ibid. :s.v, 1872, 238 (Iowa, breeds). — Snow, B. Kaus lo73, 8.

Coccothramtes (Guiraca) ludoviciana, Sw'. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 271.

Gonlaphca ludoviciana, "Bowditch." — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Eastern
Kansas).— Coues, Key, 1872, 148, fig. 92.

Coccoiorus ludoriciamis, AuD., Syu. 1839, lo3. — Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 209, iil. 205. —
Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 212 (Massachusetts).— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 133.—
Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 267.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota).

Eedymeles ludoriciaims, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1851, 1853; J. f. O. iv, 1856, 9 (Cuba) ; 1861,
7 (Costa Rica).-SCL, P. Z. S. 1855, 133, 154 (Bogota); 1856, 301 (Cordova);
1859, 365 (Xalapa); 1860, 293 (Ecuador).— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 17
(Guatemala).— ScL., Cat. 1862, 100 (Guatemala and Bogota). —Lawr., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 297 (Panama); viii, 18t)8, 287 (New York); ix, 1868, 102
(Costa Rica) ; 1869, 200 (Yucatan).- Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. 1868, 496, 505, 517
(Iowa and Illinois).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 70, pi. 30, f. 4, 5.

Coccoihratisies ndjricoUis, Vieill., Gal. Ois. 1, 1824, 67, pi. 58.

Loxia roHca, Wils., lov. cit.

Loxia ohsciira, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 862.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 179, 379.

Friiifjilla punicca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 921.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 444.

Hab. — Eastern Province of North America, north to Labrador and the Saskatchewan.
Breeds from the Middle States northward. Winters in Mexico aud Central America.
South to Ecuador. Cuba.

Liculenaiit Jrarreit^s Expedition. — 4848, Ponca Island; 4849, Vermilion River; 4850,
Running Water ; 4852, Bijoux Hills.

Not obtained by Captaiu liaynolds' Expedition.

I have nowhere found this beautiful bird more abundant than along
the Eed Kiver of the North, and there may be no locality where its
nidiflcation and breeding habits can be studied to greater advantage.
On entering the belt of noble timber that borders the liiver, in June,
we are almost sure to be saluted with the rich, rolling song of the rose-

G. MELANOCEPHALA, BLACK-HEADED GEOSBEAK. 167

breasted male, and as we penetrate into the deeper recesses, pressing
through the stubborn luxuriance of vegetation into the little shady
glades that the bird loves so well, we may catch a glimpse of the shy
and retiring female, darting into concealment, disturbed by our ap-
proach. She is almost sure to be followed the next moment by her
ardent spouse, solicitous for her safety, bent on reassuring her by his
l^reseuce and caresses. Sometime during this month, as we enter a
grove of saplings, and glance carefully overhead, we may see the nest,
placed but a few feet from the ground, in the fork of a limb. The
female, alarmed, will flutter away stealthily, and we may not catch
another glimpse of her, nor of her mate even, though we hear them
both anxiously consulting together at a little distance. The nest is not
such an elegant affair as might be desired; it is, in fact, bulky and rude,
if not actually slovenly. It is formed entirely of the long, slender,
tortuous stems of woody climbers, and similar stout rootlets; the base
and outer walls being very loosely interlaced, the inner more compactly
woven, with a tolerably firm' brim of circularly-disposed fibres. Some-
times there is a little horse-hair lining, oftener not. A very complete
nest before me is difficult to measure from its loose outward construc-
tion, but may be called six inches across outside, by four deep ; the
cavity three inches wide, by one and a half deep. The nest contained
three eggs, which I think is the usual number in this latitude ; four I
have only found once. The eggs are usually rather elongate, but obtuse
at the smaller end. Different specimens measure, 1.00 by 0.75, 1.08 by
0.70, 1.03 by 0.75, 1.02 by 0.72, 0.96 by 0.76; by which dimensions the
variation in shape is denoted. The average is about that of the first
measurement given. They are of a light and rather pale green color,
profusely speckled with dull reddish-brown, usually in small and also
rather diffuse pattern, but sometimes quite sharijly marked ; the sharper
markings are usually the smallest. There is sometimes much confluence,
or at least aggregation, about the greater end, but the whole surface is
always marked. Most of these eggs were taken in the latter part of
June, some by the eud of the month ; in all, incubation was in progress.

GONIAPHEA MELANOCEPHALA, (Sw.) Gray.
Black-lieaded Grosbeak,

Guiraca melanocephala, Sw., Pliilos. Mag. i, 1827, 438. — Bp., List, 1838. — Bp., Consp. Av. i,
1850, 502.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 41)8.— Coop. & Sucic, N. H. Wash. Ter. 18G0, 200.—
Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1G8.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 18GG, 88 (Arizona, May to
October). — SuMicii., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 18G9, 551 (Vera Cruz, alpine region anil
plateau, 1,200 to 2,500 metres, resident).- Coop., B. Cal. i, 1^70, 228.— Mkhi:.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, G83 (Utah aud Idaho).— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 8.

CoccothrauntcH iiielaiioccplKtlnK, Kicu., I'r. ]hit. Assoc, for 1830 (1837).

rityhiH mclunofcphaJun, Gi;ay, Gen. of B. ii, 3G2.

FrhtgiUa mchaioiipliala, AxjD., Oru. Bio<^. iv, 1838, 519, pi. 373.

CoccobortiH melanocrphalus, Aun., Syn., 1839, 133. — AtD., B. Am- iii, 1841, 214, pi. 20G. —
Hkkh.m., p. K. K. Kep. jc, 1859, ])art vl, 51.

HedymcliH malunoi:cphalnH, Cau., ftlus. Heiu. i, 1851, 153. — ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 213
(Orizaba); 1858, 303; 1859, 58, 3G5 (Xalapa) ; Cat. 18G2, 100.— B. B. & K., N.
A. 15. ii, 1874, 73, pi. 30, IIl;-. 1, 2.

Goniaphctt {/Jed jinnies) mvUuuKiphdla, (ju.VY, Hand-list, No. 7547.

Goniaphea mduiwvtphalu, CouK.s, Key, 1872, 149. — Ali.kn, 1>u11. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178
(Kansas, Colorado, and Utah).

FrbujiUa xaiilhoindnchalin, Wacil., Isi.s, 1831, 525.

nty'luH (juttatuii et (.') Guiruca tricolor, Li:ys., K. Z. ii, 1839, 102.— '' /•'. cpopcfa, LicilT."

Hah. — United States, Mid<lle and Western Provinces, retirin<» into Mexico in winter.
Resident on the table-lands of Mexico. No Ceutral Americau or valid West Indian
record.

168

G. MELANOCEPHALA, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.

List of specimens.

19355
19356
19357
19358

.

Stinking Creek.
Bighorn River.
M. of Passoagie.
Bighorn River.

5

June 13, 1860
Juue 5, 1S80
June -24, 1860
June 4, 1860

G.H.Trook..

^|o

do

8.25
7.50

12.75
13.00

4.25
4.25

do

8.25

13.00

4.25

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4850-2, Bijoux Hills; 5586, Powder River.
Later ExjjedHions.— 61685-90, Ogdeu, Utah; 62274, Idaho.

This interesting western ally and representative of our Eose-breasted
Song Grosbeak, is of common and very general occurrence in the ]\Iiddle
and Western Provinces of the United States. The easternmost instance
is, I believe, that recorded by Mr. Allen, who found the bird in Middle
Kansas, breeding, in June. He saw young birds on the 11th, and the
eggs of a second brood toward the end of the month. 1 have not
observed any references beyond the United States to the northward ;
in the other direction the bird appears to extend through Mexico, on
the Table-lands. Many reside in that country ; others, obeying the
mysterious impulse of migration, enter the United States in April, and
become extensively dispersed, as we have just seen, retreating to their
warm winter quarters in the fall. In the mountains of Arizona I found
it to be an abundant summer resident from the beginning of May until
the end of September. It appeared to shun the pine woods, preferring
ravines wooded with deciduous trees and upgrown to shrubbery, as
well as the thick willow-copses that fringe the mountain streams. Like
others of the same beautiful genus, it is a brilliant and enthusiastic
vocalist, its song resembling that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and
having much similarity to that of the Baltimore Oriole. As I have
elsewhere remarked, its ordinary chirp, or call-note, strikingly resembles
that of Gambel's Plumed Quail — so closely, indeed, that I never could.
tell which of the two I was about to see, both species often being found
together in the creek bottoms. It feeds at times extensively upon wil-
low buds, and similar soft, succulent vegetable matter; also upon seeds
and berries, in their season, and upon various insects. Mr. Allen has
noted its fondness for peas, causing it to be ungraciously regarded by
the agriculturists of Utah.

According to Dr. Cooper, a nest "found May 12, at the eastern base of
the Coast Eange, was built on a low, horizontal branch of an alder,
consisting of a few sticks and weeds, very loosely put together, and
with a lining of roots and grasses. The eggs were only three, pale
bluish-white, tliickly spotted with brown, densely so near the large end;
size, 0.95 by 0.70." Dr. Heermaun's account of the niditication is sub-
stantially correspondent, except as to the situation of the nest, which,
he says, is "formed with little care of twigs very loosely thrown to-
gether, and lined with roots ; it is placed on the branches of a bush. The
eggs, four in number, are greenish-blue, marked with irregular spots
of umber-brown, varying in intensity of shade." In nearly a dozen
specimens, I can find no reliable differences from the egg of the Eose-
breasted Grosbeak.

During Mr. Allen's western reconnoisauce, the species was first met
with at Fort Hays, and afterward at various localities near the foot-
hills of the Eocky Mountains, and in tbe valleys, u[) to about 8,000 feet.
Its song and breeding habits, according to his observations, agree with
those of the Eose breasted Grosbeak, and the nidification is very simi-
lar. Mr. Merriam, who found the species to be quite numerous among
the scrub-oaks at the foot of the Wahsatch Mountains, obtained a nest
on the -J2d of July, in Teton Basin. Idado. "It was on a cottonwood

GONIAPHEA CCERULEA, BLUE GROSBEAK. 169

sapling, about five feet above the ground, aud was composed of pieces
of grass and vines laid carefully togetber, with their ends sticking out
four or five inches ; it contained two fresh eggs." Mr, Trippe writes to
me as follows:

" The Black-headed Grosbeak arrives in the lower valleys of Bergen's
Park, Colorado, about the 20th of May, and by the 1st of June has be-
come quite numerous throughout the park. It rarely ventures higher
than 7,500 feet, however, as it is rare in the valley of Clear Creek, and,
indeed, quite uncommon outside of Bergen's Park, but is abundant
from there down to the plains. It is the exact counterpart of the Hose-
breasted Grosbeak in its flight, manner of feeding, and general habits
and actions, and its song closely resembles that of the latter bird, but
is nevertheless distinguishable. In September it disappears from the
upper range in the mountains."

GONIAPHEA CCERULEA, (Linn.) Gray.
Blue Grosbeak.

Loxia coerulea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 306.— Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 78, pi. 24, f. 0.

G-uiraca cccrtdea, Sw., Philos. Mag. i, 18-27, 438 (Mexico). — Bp., List, 1838, 30.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 81 (ludiau Tenitorv and Texas, very conimou). — Newu.. P. R.
R. Rep. vi, 1857, 88.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 499.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 365 (Xulapa);
378 (Oaxaca); Cat. 1862, 101.— Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 168.— Coues &. Pkent.,
SniitlLS. Rep. 1861 (1852), 413 (Washington, D. C, May to Sept., breeding,
rather rare). — Boakdji., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1882, 127 (Cahiis, Me., " very nncer-
taiu, but coraniou in the spring of 1861"). — Veiui., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1.58
(Maine, "accidental"). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 88 (Arizona, summer). —
■ LAWit., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 286 (New York, rare) ; ix, 1868, 10-j rCosta
Rica); ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan).- Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 284^ (New
England, rare or occasional). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116 (South
Carolina, summer, not uncommon). — Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 43 (rare straggler). —
SuMicn., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 5.52 (Vera Cruz, wintering) —Coop., B. Cal.
i, 1870, 230 (whole of California).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 77, pi. 29, f. 4, 5.

Fringilla carulca, LiciiT., Verz. 1823,22.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 114.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 529.—
Ann., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 140; v, 1839, 508; pi. 122.

Coccohorus acnikiis, Sw., Class. B. ii, 1837, 277. — Aud., Syn. 1839, 132. — Aud., B. Am. iii.
1841, 204, pi. 204.— Cai5., Mus. Hein. i, 1852, 152; J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 9 (Cuba).-
PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 228 (Massacliusetts, casual).— Heerm., P. R. R.
Rep. X, part vi, 1859, 51.— Fixscn, Abh. Nat. 1870, 339 (Mazatlan).

Cyanoloxia cocndea, Bp., Cons]}. Av. i, 1850, 502.

Goniaphca cwrulcn, Scr.., P. Z. S. 1856, 301 (('ordova). — Gray, Hand-list, No. 75, 35. —
Coues, Key, 1872, 149, lig. 93.

Hah. — United States, southerly, from Atlantic to Pacific. In the east, north to Mid-
dle States regularly ; to Connecticut Valley occasionally ; to Maine casually. In tlio
iuterior, north to the Platte. In the west, norlh througli (."alifornia. Breeds through-
out its United States range. Winters in Mexico and Central America. Cuba (Cabaiiis).

Licntonuit Witrnii''s Ejpvditlon. — 9285-87, Loup Fork of the I'latte.

Not obtained by Captaiu Raynold.s' Expedition.

This is essentially a southern bird, whose desultory northward exteu-
siou is perceived from the foregoing quotations. It i;i)pears to visit the
Middle States regularly, yet rarely, and is not common north of Mary-
land— in fact, I know of no locality in the United States where it <mu
be said to be abun<lant. I used to get it every s(>ason about ^Vashiug-
ton, where it breeds; it was (piite common in tlieohl lieids and pastures
just nortii of the city. I have also shot young birds in Arizona, in
August. The nest is phiced in the crotch of a bush or tlwartisli shrub
— rarely on the lower limbs of trees — geiu^rally in an old, m-glected
field, half overrun with shrubbery, or on the adjoining v<\\!:.(' of an open
piece of woods. It is built of line, dried grasses, rather inaitistically,
and lined with rootlets or hair. The eggs are of the palest blue shade

170

CYANOSPIZA AMCENA, LAZULI FINCH.

— mucli like those of an Indigo-bird. I liave never seen one with any
markings whatever. The variations in size, even in the few specimens
before me, are very great. Thus, one measures a full inch long by only
0.00 broad, and is as pointedly piriform as a Sandpiper's ; another is
only 0.78 by 0.05, and is almost globular, and equally rounded at each
end.

CYANOSPIZA AxM(E:N^A, (Say) Bd.

Lazuli Fiiicli.

Emherha anurna, Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mts. ii, 1S23, 47.

FruHjlUa {Sp'iza) amocna, Bp., Am. Oru. i, 1825, 61, pi. 6, f. 5.

Frbujilla amocna, I3p., Syn. 1828, 106.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 473 ; 2(1 ed. i, 1840, 546.—

AuD., Oi-D. Biog. V. 1839, 64, 230, pis. 398. 424.
Splza amwna, Bp., Li.st, 1838, 35. — AuD., Syu. 1839, 109. — Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 100, pi.

171.— WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 87.— Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi,

46.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 283.
Cyanosinza amccna, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 504.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860,

205.— Ha YD., Rep. 1862, 168.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Aoad. 1866, 89.— Coop., B. Cal.

i, 1871, 233.-ALUi;x, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Mepk., U. S. Geol. Snrv.

Ter. 1872, 683 (Utah).- Hold., Pr. Best. Soc. 1872, 201 (\Vvoming).-CoUES,

Key, 1872, 149.— Snow, B. Kaiis. 1873, 8.— B. B. & R., N. A.'B. ii, 1874, pi. 30,

f. 11, 12.
Fasserina amocna, Gray, Hand-list, 1870, ii, 97, No. 7436.

Hah. — United States, from the Plains to the Pacilic; southward into Mexico. No
Central American record.

List of Specimens.

19275
19354

30

Wind River

Yellowstone R. .

<? Mav 25, 1860
$ June 22, 1860

F.V.Hayden.
G. H. Trook..

5.00
5..50

8.50

8.76

2.75
3.00

Lieutenant Warren. s Expeditions.— b'i9o-9S, Fort Lookout; 5399, Fort Pierre; 8948,
Laramie Peak.
Later Expeditions.— Qimi to 61712, Ogdeu, Utah; 62324, Idaho.

The prettily-colored and delicate little Lazuli Finch is found to be
common in most suitable places witliiu its range, where it entirely
replaces its Eastern allv, the [ndigo-bird. It breeds at large, appar-
ently, in the i)ortions of the United States just indicated, but i[s winter
resorts are not so clear; at least I do not find among the works at hand
any such satisfactory indications as I could desire.

I do not agree with some who say that the song of the Lnzuli Finch
is entirely different from tliat of the Indigo-bird; on the contr;iry, to
my ear at least, it has sounded very siniiUu". It is a simple and eveu
feeble strain, rather monotonous, and given in a tripping, desultory
way, as if the little performer were tired or indifierent. At such a
time he is usually observed on some prouiinent outpost, near a grove,
or in an open place overgrown with shrubbery; and if we see him
frequently resorting to the same perch, meanwhile fl.ving into the low
cover at intervals, we may be sure his ho^jie and mate are there con-
cealed. The first batch of eggs are laid early in May, in a grassy, bair-
lined nest of considerable bulk, let down in the crotch of a low bush,
much like that ot the JilacU throated Finch {Foozpiza oilincata); the
eggs are three to five in number. An excellent description has been
given by Dr. Cooper: "A nest found May 7, in a low bush close to a
public road, about three feet from the ground, was built very strongly
supporteel by a trijde fork of the branch, composed of grass-blades
iirndy interwoven, the inside lined with much horse-hair aud cobweb.
The outside measured three inches in height, three and three fourths in

CYANOSPIZA CYANEA, IXDIGO-BIRD. 171

width ; inside it was two wide, one and tbree-fonrtlis deep. The eggs,
partly hatched, were pale bluish-white, and measured 0.75 by O.oG inch.''
He also describes nests similar in position, but of fibrous roots and bark
strips as well as grasses, with a lining of plant-down or horse-hair, and
containing four or five eggs. These last correspond with three found
in Utah by Mr. Merriam ; " one was on a scrub-oak about three feet
high, and the other two were about two feet above the ground. The
eggs, generally four in number, are laid about the first or middle of
June, in a beautiful downy nest, composed of fine grasses and wool,
lined with hair."

According to Mr. Trippe, "the Lazuli Finch is abundant in Colorado
from the plains up to about G,000 feet, stragglers wandering into Ber-
gen's Park, where a few pairs breed, but never venturing beyond 7,000
or 8,000 feet, and rarely reaching that limit. A pretty little bird, with
much the manners and voice of the Indigo-bird, and a weak, rambling
song, in which the relationship of the two birds is quite apparent."

CYAXOSPIZA CYANEA, (Linn.) Bd.
Indigo-bird,

Tanagra cyanca, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 17G0, :515.

L'mherisa cyanca, et (?) cendca, et (?) cyaneUa, Gm., Syst. Nat. 1788, 876, 887.

Fringllla cyanca, Wils., Aui. Orn. i, IrilO, 100, pL 6, f. 5.— Bp., Am. Orn. ii, pi. 11, fig. 3
( $ ).— Bp., Syu. 1828, 107.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 473.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832,
377 ; V, 1839, .^.03; pi. 74.

Passerina cyanea, "Vieill., 1816."— Ghay, Haud-list, ii, 1870, 'J7, No. 7435 (according
to Gray, type of the genus, antedating Cijanoysp\:a, Balnl, 1858).

Spiza cyanca, Bp., List, 1838, 35.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 109; B. Am. iii, 1841,96, pi. 170.—
Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 110.— WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 87.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i,
1856, 210.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1856, 304 (Cordova).— Russ, J. f. O. 1871, 18.

Cyanospiza cyanca, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 505.— Scl. 6c Salv., Ibis, 1859, 18 (Guatemala). —
ScL., Cat. 1862, 107 (Mexico and Guatemala).— Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc, ix,
1862, 128 (Maine, "rare").- McIlwu., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1866, 90 (Canada West,
common).- SuMicn., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1839, 552 (Vera Cruz, winter).— Lwvi;.,
Ann. Lye. viii, 180 (Nicaragua); ix, 1868, 103 (Costa Rica); 1869, 201 (Vuca-
tau).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 190 (Veragua).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1872,
178 (Eastern Kansas). — Coues, Key, 1872, 150.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 8 (very
common).— B. B. & R., N. A. B., ii,'l840, 82, pi. 30, f. 13, 17.

Cyanoloxia cyanca, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 502.

Hab. — Eastern Province of the United States. North to Canada and Maine. West
to Kansas and Indian Territory. South through Texas to ^lexico and Central America,
where it winters. Breeds through most of its United States habitat, IVom Texas to
Canada. Culia (Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 8).

Although obtained by neither Plxpeditiou, this bird is known to laugo
along the Lower Missouri, having been found in Kansas h\ several
observers.

The habits of the dainty Indigo bird need not be here given ; they
are familiar to all interested in ornithology. Tlie egg is variou.sly
described as jjure wliite, plain blue, or bhii.sh, speckled with reddish.
The fact apjjcars to be, not tliat tiiese statements are contiicting or any
of them erroneous, but that different eggs vary accordingly. It seems
to be the general rule with normally bluish eggs, thiit they range in
shade from (juite blue to white, and are o(;casion;illy speckled. Such,
for instance, is the case with the eggs of roofipiz(t bitincata, as noted bj*
me in tiie ''American Naturalist" for 1873, p. 3L*3; and I presume it will
so )>rove to be with those of ('i/(inos})i:n amditd, as it is with Cdhaiiospiza
hir()l(>)\ Euspizd (niii')-ii't(in(, and even Ti(r<li(s J'KNCinccita. Neverllu'less,
all the numerous eggs before me are plain white, with ii faint blue shaih'.
A lair si)ecimen measures 0.72 by 0.52. Eggs of ('. ((inivna are indistiu-

172 CARDINALIS VIRGINIAKUS, CARDINAL GROSBEAK.

guishable. Those of Guiraca cceruica are the same in color, but of course
larger. But another species, commonly placed in the genus Cyanospiza,
namely, C. ciris^ lays an entirely different egg — pure white, heavily
speckled with reddish-brown, dark brown, or purplish-gray. This style
of egg is much as in Jujico, or in Spizella pusilla.

CARDmALIS VIRGINIANUS, (Briss.) Bp.
Cardinal Grosbeak; Virginian Redbird.

a. virginiamis.

CoceofJiransfcs vbriiniana cardinalis dicta, Briss., Orn. iii, 1700, 252.

Cardinalis vinjiniaints, Bp., List, 1838, 35 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 501. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
1853," 81 (Texas aud Indian Territory).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 509.— Maxim., J. f. O.
vi, 1858, 268.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 18G0, No. 162.— Coues & Pj:kxt., S. I.
Rep. 1861, 413 (Washington, D. C, resident, abundant). — Hayd., Rep. 18G2,
163. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 85 (Massachusetts, accidental in summer,
on JSfHttaJVs authority). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 284 (the same). — Dress., Ibis,
1865, 491 (Texas).— La WR., Aim. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,286 (New York Island).—
TuRXi;., B. E. Pa. 1869, 24 (frequent, and wintering).- Allex. Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, *78 (Kansas).— Coues, Key, 1872, 151, fig. 96.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.—
B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, lOO', pi. 30, f. 6, 7.

Loxia cardinalis, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 300. — G.M , Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 847. — Lath., Ind.
Orn. i, 1790, 375.-^Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 38, pi. 6, f. 1, 2.

FringilJa {Coccothraiistes) cardiiiaIis,Bv., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 79.

Coccothranstes cardinalis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.

FrinfjiUa cardinalis, Bp., Syu. 1828, 113. — Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 519. — Aud., Orn. Biog.
ii, 1834, 336, pi. 159.

Pityhis cardinalis, Aud., Syn. 1839, 131; B. Am. iii. 1841, 198, pi. 203.— GiR., B. L. L
1844, 132.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).

b. cocchieus.

Cardinalis virginianus, ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 302 (Cordova); 1859, 365 (Xalapa); Ibis, 1859, ■
104; Cat. Am. B. 100 (in part).— Lawr., Aim. Lye. ix, 1860, 201 (Yucatan).—
Su.AiiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. 1869, .552 (Vera Cruz).

Cardinalis rinjinianus var. coccineiis, Ridgw., Am. Journ. Sci. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 99.

c. ignetis.

Cardinalis igneus, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 305 (St. Lucas). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.

Jan. 1868 (South Arizona).— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 16.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 238.
Cardinalis virginianus var. igneus, Coues, Key, 1872, 1851. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874,

103, pi. 30, f. 10.
Cardinalis virginianus, Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. 1872 (Tres Marias). — Fixsch, Abh. Nat.

1870, 339.

d. carneus.

Cardinalis carneus, Less., R. Z. 1843, 209 (Acapulco aud Realejo). — Bp., Consp. Av. i,

1850, 501.
Cardinally virginianus var. carneus, Ridgw., Am. Journ. — B. B. & R., ii, 1874, 99.

Hal). — The typical form from the Eastern United States, west to Kansas, Nebraska,
Indian Territory, Texas (and New Mexico?). North to the Middle States commonly,
to New York rarely, to Connecticut casually, to Massachusetts accidentally, and in the
West to Missouri. Not south of the Rio Grande. Stationary or scarcely migratory.
Var. coccineus is the resident form beyond the United States, through Eastern Mexico
to C(>-ntral America. More richly-colored, and without the grayish edgings of the
dorsal plumage. Var. igneus, in which the black frontlet is narrowed or wanting at
the base of 'the culmen, is from Arizona and Lower California, and southward. Var.
carneus, with stifi'ened coronal feathers, as in the very different C. phasniceus, is from
Western Mexico. The last-mentioned variety I have not seen ; the others run extremely
close to typical virginianus.

Mr. Allen has prepared some Interestiug tables showing the range of variation in
this species and others. He finds the southern resident birds, as might be expected,
smaller than those of the Middle States. The former measure as follows : Males —
length, 7.75 to 9.10; extent, 11.00 to 11.78 ; wing, 3.50 to 3.85: tail, 3.40 to 4.20; tarsus,

PIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS, TOWHEE BUNTING. 173

0.62to0.80. Females— 7.50 to 8.75; 10.70 to 11.75; 3.25to2.85; 3.40to4.10; 0.62to0.75.
Average, male— 8.46 ; 11.43; 2.63; 3.87. Average, female— 8.27 ; 11.27; 3.53: 3.75.

Lieutenant Wan'cn's Expedition. — 4854, Iowa Poiat.

Not obtained Captaiu Rayuolds' or the later Exjieditions.

The Cardinal lays rather a peculiar egg, some specimens reminding
one of a I^ight-Hawk's, in coloration at least, and others being more like
those of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the pattern of markings. The
ground is white, in all of about fifty cases noticed. The spotting is of
every shade of brown, from pale-reddish to heavy chocolate, but it is
usually rather dark, and there is a great show of the various purplish -
brown or stone-gray shell markings. The markings vary from fine
uniform dotting or marbling to heavy spotting, but I see none with very
large masses of color. Size a little over an inch by rather less than
three-fourths of an- inch, but very variable. The egg of Fyrrhuloxia
sinuata is altogether similar.

PIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS, (Linn.) Vieill.
Ground Robin; Marsli Robin; Towliee Bunting; C'hewink.

a. eryfhroplithalmus.

FringiUa cnjfhrophthahnus, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 318.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 112.— NuTT.,
Mau. i, 1832, 515.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 1.50 ; v, 1839,'511 ; pi. 29.

Emberisa crylhrophthahna, Gji., S.vst. Nat. i, 1788, 874.^WiLS., vi, 1812, 90, \)\. 53.

Pipilo enjthrophtkalmus, Vieill., Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 109, pi. 80. — Bp., List, 1838, 35. — Ax'D.,
Syu. 1839, 124.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 167, pi. 195.— Gik., B. L. I. 1844, 124.—
Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 487.— Woodil, Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 81 (New Mexico (?),
Texas, and Indian Territory ).—Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 512.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 168.—
Allen, Bnll. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Coues, Kev, 1872, 151.— Snow, B. Kans.
1873, 8.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 106, 109,'pl. 31, f. 2, 3 ; and of authors
generally.

PipiJo atei; Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 292.

b. aUeni.

(Smaller, white-eyed, with less white on wings and taU. Florida.)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus var. alleni, Coue.s, Am. Nat. v, 1871, 366 ; Key, 1872, 152. — B. B.

& R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 112, with tigs.
Pipilo leucopis, Mayn., B. of Fla. (in press).

Hah. — Eastern Province of North America to Minnesota {Trippc), Canada (Ifcll-
irraith), aud Labrador (Auduhon). In northern portion.s of its range perfectly migratory,
aud only seen in summer. Resident in the Southern States, and even as high as Peun-
sylvauia, in sheltered situations (Turnhidl). Breeds in mo.st places thrunghout its
range. Reaches westward through part of Kansas, and on the Missouri River to about
43°. Fort Randall {Ilaijdcn). Meets var. arclicns in Northern Dakota.

Lieutenant TTarren's Exped'ition.— 4S:)2. Iowa Point; 4835, St. Joseph's; 4834, Wood's
Bhitf ; 4828-29, 4833, 48;{<j, Bald Island, Missnnii River.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition.

According to the authority last quoted on tiiis subject, extensive series of Ea.stern
PipiJo present the following measurements of the uuiles, the females being a little
smaller in each case :

Northern sj)<!fiHie«s.— Length, 7.50 to 8.80 ; extent, 10.00 to 10.25 ; wing, 3.17 to 3.90 ;
tail, 3.30 to 3.93; tarsus, 0.98 to 1.13. Average: Length, 8.19; extent, 11.32; wing,
3.43; tail, 3.66; tarsus, l.Oti.

Floridan upecimcnn (var. alleni). — Length, 7.20 to 8.50; extent, 9..5fl to 11.30; wing,
2.80to3..50; tail, 3.25 to 3.90; tarsus, 0.80 to 1.00. Average: Length, 7.88; extent,
9.88 ; wing, 3.1.3 ; tail, 3.56 ; tarsus, 0.94.

The little difference in total length of Northern and Southern, compared with that
in tlio wing and in alar extent, is owing to the greater relative length of the tail of
the Floridan form.

Audubon states that in the young the eye is sometimes yellowish-white, and th.at
occasionally the two eyes of the same individual are not of the same color. .\ late anony-
mous writer says that the eyes turn white in winter. The Floridan form ai>iK'ars to
be resident in that State, and to always bavo white or whitish eyes. Its song " is quite

174 PiriLO ERYTIIROPHTHALMUS, TOWIIEE BUNTING.

(lifFeront from that of tlio nortbprn bird, beint;; ordinarily oidy about half as biiif^, and
uttered with much less spirit. There is probably a larne proportion of uortberu birds
among the Pi-pUoncs of Fkmda in winter ; while probably in sununer the majority are
of the southern type above described, as are doubtless those of Middle and Southern
Florida at all seasons" (Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 282). The amount of white on the tail
is less — that on the outer feather of var. alkiti about equaling that on the next quill of
ordinary anithrophtlutlmns.

S[tecimens from the Red River region show an interesting approach to var. arctirus
in the presence of small, concealed white spots. It may be necessary, after all, to bring
the species into the same series with maculatus, and consider all the forms as varieties
of one species.

In the Middle Atlantic districts, as Maryland for instance, the Towliee
is cliietly a migrant, appearing in great numbers the third or fourth
week in April, and so continuing until the middle of May ; while in tbe
IVdl it is still more numerous during the month of October. Still, I
used to tind one or more families settled to breed each summer, and
generally saw the streaked birds of the year in July. 1 never ascer-
tained that any wintered about Washington, but should guess this to be
the case, since the liev. Dr. Turnbnll states that some/pass that season
in the most sheltered situations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With
the coming of other seed-eaters from the north, early in October, the
Towhee suddenly appears. As we walk along the weedy old "snake''
fences and thick hedges, or by the briery tracts marking the course of
a tiny water-thread through a field, scores of the humble gray Sparrows
flit before us; while ever and again the jaunty Towhee, smartly dressed
in black, white, and chestnut, comes into view, flying low, with a saucy
flirt of the tail, and dashes again into the covert as quickly as it
emerged, crying "to?r-/t6'e" with startling distinctness. In the spring it
is less conspicuous, and more likely to be found in low, tangled woods,
amid laurel brakes and the like; on the ground, rustling and busily
scratching the matting of last year's leaves that covers the earth, doubt-
less in search of insects. Its notes are then louder, and oftener heard.
Some say that the males precede the females in migrating; this may
average true, but I have constantly found the sexes together at both
seasons. This is only a partially gregarious bird, large gatherings being
seldom witnessed. In fact it seems to prefer the society of the smaller
and plainer S[)arrows, among which it shines without (lifliculty, doubt-
less patronizing them in the genteel way, customary with big folks,
that is so exasperatingly oppressive to the recipients.

The Towhee Bunting nests always on the ground, usually at the foot
of a bush by an old log, or in we«dy rubbish, which, with the deep set
of the nest in the ground, very eftectually conceals it. The only one I
have happened to find so far, was sunk to the level of the surface, rest-
ing upon a straggling bed of leaves, like those strewn all around, built
of weed-stalks and small sticks, loosely interlaced, and finished care-
lessly with a slight lining of fine, dried grass. It contained five eggs^
three Cow-bird's and two of its own, which must have been sufficiently
discouraging. After this infiiction, when I came to take the ue>t away
altogether, the poor birds seemed perfectly stupefied with despair. The
female flew to a bush near by, with a plaintive chirp that soon brought
her mate, and there the two sat motionless, side by side, too sick at
heart, it seemed, to even remonstrate.

This was a case contrary to the general rules, that the Cow-bird lays
but one egg in a nest, and selects the nest of a bird whose eggs are
smaller than her own. The Towhee's egg measures about 0.95 by 0.70 ;
the Cow-bird's about 0.75 by 0.60. There is a remarkable similarity in
coloration between the two — so much do they resemble each other, that
in the instance noted above I wondered at first how the Towhee had

PIPILO MACULATUS VAE. ARCTICUS, ARCTIC TOWHEE. 175

come to lay three "rnnt" eggs. The gronud is white, but uniformly
ami so completely and thickly freckled in hue pattern with dull, ])ale
reddish-browu, as show as much of this color as of the white. The
Cow-bird's egg is minutely freckled iu the same way, but the colors are
darker and more sharply marked.

Two broods of Towhees are usually reared each season, and sometimes
three. The young are very difi'erent from the adult, being streaky all
over ; yet at a very early age the black of the male, and the rich brown
ot the opposite sex, respectively appear.

PIPILO MACULATUS var. ARTICUS, (Sw.) Coues.
Arctic Spotted Towliee.

a. maculatus.

Pipilo maculatus, Sw., Philos. Jonrn. 1827 (Mexico).— "Jard. & Selb., 111. pi. 31, 34."—
Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 487.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1838, 304 (Oaxaca) : 1859, 380.— Coues,
Key, 187*2, 152.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 105.

b. oregonus.

P'qnlo oregonus,B^jJL., Anu. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 6 (Oregon).— Bp., C. R. xxxvii, 1853,

932 ; Consp. i, 1850, 487.- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 513.— Coop. &. Suck.. N. H. Wash.

Ter. I8(i0, 200.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. lust, iv, 1864, 120 (British Columbia).—

Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 241.
Pipilo maculatus var. oregonus, Coues, Key, 1872, 152. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 116,

figs.
Frinf/illa arctica, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 49, pi. 394, nee Sw.
P/>(7o arctica, Aud., Syn. 1839, 123; B. Am. iii, 1841, 164, pi. 194.

c. arcticus.

Pfirf/ita (Pijnlo) arctica, Sw. & Ricn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 260, pis. 51, ^ , 52, 9 .

Pipilo arcticus, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 589; 2d ed. i, 1840,610. — Bp., List, 1838, 35; Consp.
i, 18.j0, 4i-!7. — Bell, Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 7. — Woodii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,81.—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 514 (also, var. suharcticus, Id., ibid. 515, iu text). — H.iydx.,
Rep. 1862, 168.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 492 (Texas).— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872,
202 (Wyoming).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.

Pipilo erythrophthaJmus var. arcticus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.

Pipilo maculatus var. arcticus, Coues, Key, 1872, 1.52. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 119,
pi. 31, f. 5, 6.

d. mcfjalonyx.

Pipilo vminlomiT, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 515, pi. 73.-ITeekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi,

51.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 186;), 89.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 242.
Pipilo maculatus var. mcgalouyx, Coues, Key, 1872, 152.— B. 13. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 113.

i7a?>.— ]\Iiddle Province. North to I'lie Saskatchewan. South along the Rockj' Mount-
ains, where it runs into mci/alonux, of New Mexico, Arizona, and CaliCoruia; west to
Oregon aud Washington, then; inosculating with oregonus. East to about 43- north
latitude on the Missouri, where it meets erijthrophtlialmus. The typical Ibrm Mexicau.

List of S2)eciinens.

j 19277

178

Powder River..

Sept. 24, 1860 G. H. Trook

8.00

11.25

3.50 I

I-

Lieutenant fl'arren's Expedition. — 4839-40-4.5, Bon Homme Island; 4841, The Tower;
4842-43-44-47, Bijonx Hills ; 5387, Fort Pierre ; 5389, Yellowstone River ; 5388-90, Fort
Lookout.

Later Expeditions. — 60382-5, Wyoming.

The connection of the several spotted Pipilos of the west and of Mexico, I beliovo
first n«t(;d l)y Dr. <S'(V«/(r, has been amply coiilirmed by subsc(|ueut invest igatiou. Tliey
umiUiistionably intergrade eomjiletely, funning gcogniphical races o.'"one spi'cies. Tho
(lucstion is. wbcthi-r to this series I'. eriithri>i>lilli(ttmuK sliould not also be added. In
tlie Key, 1 kept it apart and ])resented the considerations favoring this view, vi/., tho
entire absence of spotting on the scapuhirs and back, the stronger sexual distinctions,
aud the ditferent uote — the cry of tho wosteru species rosembliug that of tho Cat-bird.

176 PIPILO CHLORURUS, GREEN-TAILED FINCH.

It would uot, however, be at all sui'prising if complete intergradation betweeu erytliropli-
thalnius aud arcticus were j)roveu by specimeus from the Lower Missouri, gaining first
a spot or two, and then gradually assuming the fully speckled state. lu that event, I
should not hesitate to combine the whole in one series, beginning with the black un-
spotted erythrophthalmus, yv'ith clear brown female, and ending with the olive-shaded,
spotted mciculafits and its nearly similar female.

Dr. HaijdeH has shown exactly where the two forms meet along the Missouri, at about
43*^. In Northern Dakota var. aretieiis occurs east to about 102° longitude, and my
Red River specimeus of enjihrophthahnus show an approach toward it.

Exceptiug the curiously differeut call-uote, the western forms are all
precisely like the eastern iu habits and manners. The large-clawed
form is very abundant in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The
sexes of this race are not obviously distiuguishable by any outward
mark — in fact, on cutting open a supposed male on one occasion, I found
an egg inside. Mr. Trippe sends me the following items :

" The Arctic Towhee appears in the vicinity of Idaho Springs about
the middle of May, and iu the course of a week or two becomes rather
common, though never very abundant. It becomes rare above 8,500
feet, and above 9,000 disappears altogether, being most numerous from
7,500 feet down to the plains. In habits and appearance, it is quite
similar to the Eastern Towhee, but is much shyer and is easily fright-
ened, when it hides in the bushes until all appearance of danger has
passed by. Sometimes, though rarely, I have heard it utter the
"' chewink" of P. erythrophthalmus, or a note almost exactly like it, though
a little lower and more wiry; but its, usual call is quite different. It
does not sing near as frequently as the latter bird, but when it does,
acts in the same manner, mounting to the lower limb of a tree and
chanting its simple ditty at short intervals for half an hour or more.
This song is almost the same as the Eastern Towhees ; and it has, also,
the same fine drawn, wiry note. It disappears in September."

Note. — The Pipilo fusciis, Sw. {mcfsolciicus, Bd. ; cf. CouES, Key, 152), has been taken
near Canon City, Colorado, by Mr. C. E. Aiken, and may extend to the head-waters of
the Platte. A pair were killed iu winter.

PIPILO CHLORUPtUS, (Towns.) Bd.

Green-tailed Finch; Blanding's Finch.

Fringilla cMorura, Towxs. — Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 336.

Zonoiricli'ui cldorura, GASUi., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 51, ph 9.

Emhernaqrn chJonira, Bp., Consp., i, 1850, 483. — Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi,

4C).— ScL., Cat. 18()2, 117.
Pipilo dilontrus, Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 519. — Heerm., 7. c. part v, 15. — Hayd., Rep. 1862,

1G9.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 90.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 248.— Stev.,

U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 684.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z.

iii, 1872, 178.— CouES, Key, 1872, 153.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 131, pi. 31, f. 4.
FrivgiUa hlaudinqiana, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 260.
Zonotricliia blandiiujiana, Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 85.
Emhernaqra hlandingiana, Cass., 111. 1853, 70, pi. 12.
Pipilo rufipilcus, Lafres., R. Z. xi, 1848, 176.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 487.
Kicneria n(fi2)ilciis, Bp., Comp. Rend, xl, 1855, 356.

fl«&.— Southern Rocky Mountain region. North to Laramie. Across from Texas to
Southern California. Winters on the southern United States border (Colorado Valley
aud San Diego, Cooper),

lAat of spedmens.

19278

16

Wind River . . .

$

May 28, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

7.25

9.75

3.00

Lieutenant Warren, a Expedition. — 9270-77-78, Laramie Peak.

Later Expeditions. — 606GO-62, Little Sandy Creek, Uintah Mountains, and Green
River, Wyoming; 62232-94, Couaut Creek, and T6ton Basin, Idaho.

In continuing to ref(!r this species to the genus Pipilo, I follow custom ; but I am
unable to appreciate any obvious differences from Zonotrichia.

PIPILO CHLORURUS, GREEN-TAILED FINCH. 177

Within the general range just mentioned the movements of this spe-
cies remain to be precisely ascertained. The bird probably breeds in
mountains throughout its range, and lower down in higher latitudes.
It lias been ascertained to breed in Colorado. Dr. Hayden's specimens
may represent its limit in one direction. In the higher portions of Ari-
zona, I ascertained its presence in numbers, but only during the migra-
tions, in April and May, and in September, It appeared to be a shy,
retiring bird, courting the seclusion of tangled undergrowth, where it
might easily be overlooked, unless diligently sought for. I generally
observed it in small, straggling companies, associated with other friu-
gilliue birds. Dr. Cooper states that it winters in the Colorado Valley,
as well as in Lower California.

In a late communication to me, Mr. Allen observes : " This is one of
the most interesting birds met with in the wooded portions of the great
central plateau of the continent. In the mountains of Colorado it
ranges from the foot-hills up to the limit of trees, and throughout the
mountain valleys is one of the more common species. It atfects the
moister thickets near the streams, and possesses a peculiar and very
pleasing song. In habits or notes it has but little resemblance to the
group of Towhees with which it is commonly associated by systematic
writers, presenting in these respects far more resemblance to the group
of Sparrows so familiarly represented in the Atlantic States by the com-
mon White-throat, from which it only differs structurally in its relatively
longer tail." Mr. Trippe's notes upon the same subject will be read with
interest : " The Green-tailed Finch is abundant throughout Clear Creek
CouJity, from its lower valleys up to within 700 or 800 feet of timber-
line, breeding throughout; but is most numerous, during the nesting
season, from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. It arrives at Idaho early in May, and
soon becomes abundant, remaining till the close of September or early
part of October. It is a sprightly, active little bird, with something
wren-like in its movements and appearance. It is equally at home
among the loose stones and rocks of a hill-side (where it hops about with
all the agility of the Eock Wren), and the densest thickets of brambles
and willows in the valleys, amidst which it loves to hide. It is rather
shy, and prefers to keep at a good distance from any suspicious object ;
and if a cat or dog approaches its nest, makes a great scolding, like the
Cat-bird, and calls all the neighbors to its assistance ; but if a person
walks by, it steals nway very quietly and remains silent till the danger
is passed. It has a variety of notes which it is fond of uttering ; one
sounds like the mew of a kitten, but thinner and more wiry ; its song is
very fine, (piite different from the Towhee's, and vastly superior to it.
It builds its nest in dense clumps of brambles, and raises two broods
each season, the first being hatcijed about the middle of June."

The eggs of this species have recently been brought in by Mr. H. W.
Henshaw, one of the naturalists of Lieutenant Wheelers Survey.
They are rather peculiar, being of a pale greenish or grayish-white,
freckled all over with rich reddish-brown, the speckling being aggre-
gated in a wreath or area about the larger end of the vix^. Some speci-
mens are much more minutely and obsoletely dotted than others, i)ut
in all the cases I have seen the markings are (piite regular, Mr. (!. FI.
Trook also took the eggs on Snake and Ueiu-y Iviver. The nest is
placed iiulifferently on the gi'ound or in a low bush. The cg;<^ measures
0.90 by 0.08. The e<^g is of the same general 'character as that of P.
erythrophthalmus and its allies; but entirely different from the whole
P. /«,s'c»,s' group, in which the style is curiously as in A(jcl(cus — a pale
greenish ground, sharply spotted, scratched and streaked with blackish.
12

178 DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS, BOBOLINK.

Family ICTERID^ : American Starlings.

DOLICHONYX OEYZR^ORUS, (Liim.) Sw.

Bobolink; Reed-bird; Rice-bird

JEmhcriza oryzivora, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 311. — {Hortulanus carolinensis, Briss., Oru.
iii, 282, pi. 15, f. 3; Emheriza carol hiknsis, Klkin, 92).— Gm., i, 17S8, 880. —
Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790, 408.— Wils., Am. Oru. ii, 1810, 48, pi. 12, f. 1, 2.

Passerina orijz'irora, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 3.

Bolichoviix oriizivorus, Sw., Zool. Jonru. iii, 1827, 351. — S^^'. & Ricn., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
*278.-^Bp., List, 1838, 29; Cousp. i, 1850, 437.— AuD., Syu. 1839, 138.— AuD., B.
Aai. iv, 1842, 10, pi. 211.— Gould, Voy. Beagle, 1841, 106 (Galapagoes).— GiR.,
B. L. I. 1844, 137.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 229.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 81
(Texas aud Indian Territory, migratory). — Cab., J. f, O. iv, 1856, 11 (Cuba). —
Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 522.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 1858, 266.— Buyant, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii,
1859 (Baliamas).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 72; Cat. 1862, 134 (Bolivia; St. Martha).
March, Pr. Pliila. Acad, 1863, 299 (Jamaica).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 781
(Veuezuela). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 169 (verj^ common to Fort Pierre). — Coop.,
Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 78.— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, not
common). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873 (breeding; rare). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 178 (Ogden, Utah).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 686 (Utah).—
COUES, Key, 1872, 154, tig. 97.— Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 16 (Rio Negro,
Rio Napo, La Plata). — Lawr., Aun. Lye. N. Y. 1864, 99 (Sombrero). — Pelz.,
Oru, Braz. iii, 199 (Brazil).— B. B. ifc R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 149, pi. 32, f. 4, 5.

Icterus aqrtpcnms, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 87 ; Syu. 1828, 53.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 185.—
Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1831. 283; v, 1839, 486; pi. 54.

JDoliclionyx iKjrlpcnnis, Rich., Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.

Psarocolins caudacutus, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, 32 {Bd. and Cass.).

Dollclioinjx oryzivorus var. ulhinucha, Ridgw., Mss. — Coues, Check-list, App.

Hah. — Eastern North America. North to the Saskatchewan (latitude 40'^, Eich,}.
West to the Rocky Mountains and somewhat beyond. Utah {Allen); Nevada {liidg-
way); Wyomiug {Haydcn); Montana {Cooper). South to Bolivia, La Plata, &e. Gala-
pagoes. Breeds from the Middle States aud Kansas uorthward. Does not winter
anywhere in the United States. West Indies, Central and South America (numerous
quotations).

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — 5360, Fort Pierre ; 8951-52, Loup Fork of Platte.

Later Expeditions. — 61728-30, Ogden, Utah (" abundant").

The entire cliaDge of plumage which the male of this species uucier-
goes twice a year is iioue the less iuterestiug because it is so well kuowii
a fact in its economy. When the bird reaches the Middle districts,
which is nsnally not until May, the males, as a rule, are already in
nearly perfect breeding attire, but in the vast majority of instances stiil
show touches of yellowish on the belly aud legs. At this period they
are very conspicuous, associated in flocks, sometimes great in extent,
moviug restlessly about the meadows and orchards, overflowing with
glad music. Their number seems out of all proportion to that of the
females, but this is probably due to the silent and more retiring ways
of the latter sex. They really pass through, in the vernal migration,
quite rapidly, though they do not api)ear to be at all in a hurry, as we
see them by day. They throw themselves in a field, scatter on the
ground, feeding, and at the slightest alarm, or in mere wantonness,
suddenly fly en manse to the nearest tree, fence, or bush, and begin to
sing, i^roducing an indescribable medley, hushed iu an instant only to
be resumed. Sometimes they siug as merrily, though with less con-
certed action, while they are rambling in the grass. Their day-time
leisure for song and food is easily explained : for they migrate, at this
season, almost entirely by night. Every night in early May, as we walk
the streets, we can hear the mellow metallic clinking coming down
through the darkness, from birds passing high over head, and sounding
clearer in the stillness. By the middle of May they liave all passed ;

DOLICHONYX OEYZIVORUS, BOBOLINK. 179

a few, it is stated, linger to breed south of New Englaud, but the main
body pnsses on, spreading; over that portion of the Union and the neigh-
boring British Provinces, occupying in pjurs almost every meadow. The
change of plumage with the finishing of the duties of reproduction is
rapid and complete before the return njovement is made, although this
takes place in August. As far north at least as Maryland, I never saw
or heard of a decidedly black individual, among the millions that re-
pass that State late in the summer and during September. The males
are, indeed, distinguishable by their superior size and a sort of diffuse-
ness of tawny coloration, not quite like the cleaner and lighter pattern
of the females, aside from the black traces that frequently persist; but
the difference is not great. They are now songless — who ever heard
Bobolink music in the fall? — they have a comfortable, self-satisfied
chinl; befitting such fat and abandoned gourmands as they are, throng-
ing in countless hordes the wild-rice tracts and the grain fields, loafing
and inviting their souls. So they go, until the first cold snap, that sends
them into winter quarters at once — chiefly in the West Indies, but also
much further south. They have successively filled the role of Bobolink,
Eeed-bird, Rice-bird, and Butter-bird ; and as soon as the season relaxes
once more, in March, they will re-enter the United States, and do it all
over again.

The Atlantic Coast is the favorite highway of this species, but it
travels also by other routes in the interior. It goes up the Mississippi
Valley ; there some stop to breed, as low at least as the mouth of the
Missouri, but numbers keep on, pushing past the United States, and
resting at last in the region of the Saskatchewtm. The very consider-
able westward extension of the species has been only lately determined.
Thus Mr. Allen and Mr. Merriam both found it "common" in September
at Ogdeu, in Utah, where it is said to breed. Dr. Hayden remarks that
it is " very common at Fort Pierre," and " one of the most abundant
birds on the western i)rairies." Dr. Cooper has an interesting note
from an extreme locality : " At several points in the valley of the Bit-
terroot River, I heard and saw at a distance what I took for the Bobo-
link, the flight and flying-call exactly resembling that bird's. At Cceur
d'Alene Mission I again met with it, but could not get near enough to
shoot it or determine the species, though they frequented a wheat-field
for several mornings. I know no bird likely to be mistaken for it, and,
having been found at Fort Bridger, a few probably go north to 47° 30',
as they go to latitude 54° east of the mountains." The westward ex-
tension of several eastern birds in this latitude is apparently an indica-
tion of the oblique westward trend of the Eastern Province, which
reaches the Pacific in Alaska. It breeds very abundantly, in June, on
the prairies bordering the Red River of the ]Sorth, to 40^ at least.

The Bobolink makes a rude and flimsy nest of dried grass on the
ground, and lays four or five eggs, 0.85 long by about 0.G3 broad, dull
bluish-white, sometimes brownish-white, si)otted and blotched with dark
chocolate or blackish-brown surlace-marks, and others of i)ak'r hue iu
the shell. The general effect is much as in Pa,ssen'ulus, or Fooecetcs,
but the variability is very great. The nest is cunningly hidden, and
often further screened from threatened observation by ingenious devices
of the i)arents.

It appears to me most probable that this si)ecies and the Cow-bird
will require removal from the family Ictcridcv, where they have long
rested, to a position nearer that assigned by the original and several
early describers.

180 MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD.

MOLOTHRUS PECOKIS, (Gm.) Sw.
Cow-bird ; Cowpen-bird ; Cow-Bljickbinl.

a. pecoris.

FringiUa pecoris, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 910 ($).— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 443.—
Light., Verz. 1823, No8. 230, 231.— SACiiNE, Fraukl. Joimi. 076. (F. v'mjiniana of
Bfisson ; Cowpen Finch of Pennant, Arct. Zool. ii, 371, No. 241.)

Emherha jK'Coris, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 145, pi. 18, figs. I, 2, 3.

Passerina pecoris, Vieili.., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxv, 1819, 22.

Icterus pecoris, Bp., Oba. Wils. 1824. No. 88; Syn. 1828, 53.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 178.—
AuD., Orn. Biogj. i, 1831, 493 ; v, 1839, 233, 400; pis. 99, 424.

" Psarocolius iuxoris, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 30" {Jide Cahanis).

Moloihrns pecoris, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 277.— Bp., List. 1838, 29; Consp. i, 1850,
436.- AriD., Svu. 1839, 139; B. Am. iv, 1842, 16, pi. 212.— Gii;., B. L. L 1844,
139.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, .524.— Tkippe, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 291 (biography).—
Stev., U. S. Gcol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Coues, Key, 1872, 155.— B. B. & K., N.
A. B. ii, 1874, 154, pi., 32, f. 6, 7 ; and of writers generally.

Molohrns pecoris, Sundevai.l, Metb. Nat. Av. Disp. Tentamen, 1872, 22 (after Caij.,
Mus. Heiu. 192).

MoJothriis alcr, Gi:ay, Hand list, ii, 1870, 36, No. 6507 (after Bodd., PI. Enl. 606, fig. 1).

'' Oriolus ftisctis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,203" (thus identified by Cahanis and Gray;
queried by Baird ; probably belongs here).

"OrioJns minor, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 394" (apiid Cahanis and Cassin); also oi Latham.

'^Icterus emberizoides, Daudix" (fide Grai/ and Cahanis).

FriufjiUa ambitjiia, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 484 (unquestionably !).

b. ohscuriis.

Sturniis ohsciirus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 804 (S. novaldspanice, Briss., ii, 448).

Sturnnsjiinccli, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 326 {=^ S. obscurus, Gm.)

Moloihriis ohscurus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 18 (Lower California and Mexico). —

Coop., B. Cal. i. 1870, 260.— Gi:ay, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 36, No. 6508.
MoJothrus pecoris, var. obscurus, Coues, Key, 1872, 155 (Arizona and southward). — B. I).

& R., N. A. B. ii. 1874, 154 (in text), pi. 32, f. 8.
Molothrus pecoris, (?) Sci.'., P. Z. S. 1857, 213; 1859, 365; 1860, 252.— Coues, Pr. Phila.

Acad. 1866, 90.

Hah. — The typical form throughout temperate North America (excepting Pacific
coast?). North to 68°. Breeds abundantly from about 35° northward, and winters in
great numbers in the Southern States. Var. obscurus in Arizona, Lower California, and
southward.

Lieutenant Warren's Ex2)edition. — 4355, Fort Pierre; 4365, 5368, mouth of the Yellow-
stone: 5327, Medicine Hill; 9334, 9336-7, Loup Fork.

Later Expeditions. — 60450, La Bont6 Creek, Wyoming.

The bird I have designated as var. obscurus, or the Dwarf Cow-bJ' d, as above, and
also in the Key, is strikingly smaller than the typical form. Indeed, Mr. Cassin was
led to make it a distinct species, which, however, it is not. It is precisely like the
ordinary bird in color, but is much smaller, the male only about equaling the female
of true j^fcori.s. The female of var. obscurus is under 7 inches long, with the wing about
3*, and the tail 2i ; the female of pecoris is 7 to 7^ inches long, the wing nearly 4, the
tail nearly 3 ; while an average male pecoris measures full 8 inches, the wing over 4,
and the tail over 3.

Earlier authors described the Cow-bird under a variety of names, and not always
accurately, causing uncertainty if not confusion. But we may be reasonably sure that
pecoris, the name usually adopted, is not the one having pi'iority. Turning back a few
pages of Gnielin, from p. 910 (pecoris), we find on p. 804 a certain Sttirnus obscurus, evi-
dently a Cow-bird, and usually held identical with pecoris, hut which, from the refei"-
ence to S. norev-hisjjaniee of Brisson, is the dwarf Mexican form. So far as this goes,
the above quotations ought in strictness to be reversed, giving us Molothrus obscui'us
and M. obscurus var. ^wcoris. But back still further in Gmelin, wo find Oriolus minor
(p. 394) and O. fuscus (p. 393), both probably Cow-birds. It appears, however, that we
need not employ any of Gmeliu's names ; for, according to Mr. G. R. Gray, the aicr of
Bodda^rt is this species, and antedates them all. It would apjiear, therefore, that the
proper name of the species is Molothrus ater (Bodd.), Gray, and of its variety, M. ater
var. obscurus (Gji.), Coues. Even the generic name has given trouble, for both Ca-
hanis and Sundevall understand, upon philological grounds, that Swainson should
have written Molobrus instead of Molothrus.

MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD. 181

There is no doubt whatever that the Frhif/ilJa amMgna of Nuttall. yvhich AiWubou
once* hastily surmised to he a young Wliitc-crowned i?parrow, is nothing but a very
young Cow-bird, as questioniugly suggested by Baird. X newly-leathered bird in my
cabinet, shotiu the middle of July, at Washington, answers" perfectly to Nuttall's
description.

Parasitism, iu the zoological sense of the term a frequent condition
of lower forms of life, is sufficiently rare among higher animals to excite
special interest; and the exceptional absence of the strong parental
instincts of birds is particularly noteworthy. Considering that con-
scious volition — that choice, in a word — determines the whole process
of perpetuation of the species in the Cow-bird, denying all but the
purely sexual of conjugal relations, abrogating parental relations, and
rendering family relations impossible, we must concede a case of para-
sitism having almost an ethical signiticance, to such an extreme is it
pushed. Certain low organisms, like the Entozoa^ for example, only
exist under conditions fulfilled within the bodies of higher animals,
presenting a (;ase not so widely different from that exhibited in the rela-
tion between a plant-germ and the soil in which it grows; but they
work detriment to their host, and even its death, by the irritation of
their presence in myriads, or their actual consumption of substance, and
in this respect are more exactly comparable to the true epiphytes, like
the mistletoe, drawing sap directly from the other plants upon which
they fix. Another kind of parasitism is illustrated by numerous insects,
sometimes designated as i^juoa, which are independent organisms, self-
supporting, yet habitually seeking to live upon other aninjals. Such
answer more nearly to the peculiar signification of a parasite, in its ety-
mological sense of an " uninvited guest," than the Entozoa do. and lead
up to cases of ])arasitism in its literal signification. Among mammals
we have i)ure parasitism in the asserted relations of the jackal and lion,
the former being literally "beside the table" of the latter. The Jaegers
are similarly and more forcibly parasitic, feeding at the expense and to
the annoyance of Gulls; so are some Gulls, in their turn, i)arasites of
the Pelicans, i)icking small fry out of the very beak of these industrious
fishers. The Bald Eagle is a bold parasite of the Osprey, accomplish-
ing by violence what is usually done by intrigue. But all such cases
relate simply to procuring of food; only a lew extremely "advanced
thinkers" among birds and the human species dispense with family ties,
duties, and delights, throwing the burthensome results of their sexual
propensities upon society. It is not difficult to trace, in either case, the
demoralizing effect upon the individuals themselves, or the mischief
wrought at large. But it may be straining an analogy to comi)are cases,
however similar, in one of which resides a moral quality which we n)ust
presume to be absent in the other.

However this may be, it is singular that this particular kind of para-
sitism should occur in the isolated cases of birds so unlike, as Cuckoos
and Cowbirds, and only there, so far as we know. The egg of the Cow-
bird is less than an inch long, by about two-thirds of an inch wide; it
varies a great deal in size, as is seen on comparing- any large series.
Given tln^ existence of the habit of laying in other birds' nests, wc
should iiave anticipated its occuirence throughout some p;irticul;u
group, rather than its seemingly "sporadic" character. But there are
uo accidents in the order of nature ; if we could but see far enough, not

* 8"° od. ill, 159. But later (iv, 20) he says that the young Cow-bird from wliich ho
made liis drawing was sent to him l)y Nuttall, and thar'lt was the Mine xpirimcii as that
descrii)ed by Niittall as the "Ambiguou.s Sparrow"—" nothing else than a young Cow-
peu-bird, scarcely Hedged."

182 MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD.

only Avould the connection between the habits of the Cow-bird and
Cnckoo be plain, bnt we should discern how such peculiar modifi-
cations of its instinct were effected. The production of the traits in
question is a theme fruitful of speculation, if not of solid information.
Ages ago, it might be surmised, a female Cow-bird, in imminent danger
of delivery without a nest ])repared, was loth to lose her olispriug, and
deposited her burthen in an alien nest, perhai)S of her own species,
rather than on the ground. The convenience of tliis process may have
struck her, and induced her to repeat the easy experiment. The found-
lings duly hatched, throve, and came to maturity, stamped with their
mother's individual traits — an impress deep and lasting enough to simi-
larly affect them in turn. The adventitious birds increased by natural
nuiltiplication, till they outnumbered the true-born ones ; what was en-
gendered of necessity was perpetuated by unconscious volition, and
finally became a fixed habit — the law of reproduction for the species.
Much current reasoning on similar subjects is no better nor worse than
this, and it all goes for what it is worth.

There are several species of the genus Molothrits in the warmer parts
of America; their habits, so far as we know, are like those of our repre-
sentative. The position of the genus is a little uncertain ; it has strong
affinity with the Blackbirds {Icteridw), yet it is difficult to see in what
respects it differs from certain Iringilline birds. But in any event, there
is nothing whatever in the structure of the birds to give a hint of their
peculiar habits. Attending the central fact of reproductive parasitism
are numerous circunhstances worthy of attention, since they all tend to
insure the perpetuation of these species under anomalous conditions,
and react against the multiplication of the various birds which are
selected as foster-parents. It is mysterious, indeed ; the inHiction is
certainly an unmitigated evil to the birds who are drawn into the cou=-
nection, and yet we cannot rationally conceive of the existence of such
thing, except as a means of some greater good. Can it not be possible
that this special check upon the increase of certain kinds of birds pre-
serves the delicate balance of some of Nature's forces f

I do not feel at all sure that the small relative size of the Cow-bird's
egg should be accounted a circumstance favorable to the bird, as some
have believed, reasoning that a larger egg could not be adequately in-
cubated by the small species usually selected as nurses. No a, 2yriori
reason ai)pears why the Qgg should not have been of ordinary dimen-
sions, and a different series of birds been called upon to incubate it 5
while, as the facts stand, it is clear that the bigness of the egg, in com-
parison with those among ^hich it is usuall}' deposited, and not its
smallness relative to the Cow- bird's bulk, is the favoring element. For
the larger egg must mechanically obstruct the incubation of the smaller
ones, and so receive the greater share of warmth from the bud's body.
But perhaps both the circumstances may be brought into reasonable
connection. Were the Cow-bird's egg of ordinary dimensions relative
to the bulk of the species, it might be susceptible of successful incuba-
tion only by other birds large enough to remove or destroy it, as would
certainly be done when practicable ; it is therefore unusually small, in
order that it may be committed to the charge of birds able to hatch it,
yet too weak to eject it ; and now its superiority in size to the eggs of
such birds becomes a favorable circumstance.

It is stated that the Cow-bird's egg hatches sooner than that of most
birds, the period of incubation being not over ten days. But I am not
aware that the evidence in this case is either sufficient, explicit, or pre-
cise ; it would be well to have it checked by many additional observa-

MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD. 183

tions. A difficnlty, not usually recognized, meets us here, in the variable
circumstances of incubation. An egg habitually intrusted to numerous
difl^rent birds, from the size of a Thrush down to that of the tiny
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, is necessarily subjected to a varying temperature
(within, however, narrow limits), hastening or retarding development
of the embryo ; even the material of so many different nests, consid-
ered as conductors of heat, may exercise a slight disturbing intlueuce.
Under these fluctuating circumstances the duration of incubation may
yet be proven inconstant ; and it cannot be supposed to bear a single
definite relation to that of each of the birds concerned. Of its prior
maturity, as a rule, however, there seems to be no doubt, and the result-
ing advantage is obvious. The young Cow-bird immediatel,y demands
and receives attention, so that incubation of the other eggs may remain
unfinished ; and if the latter are hatched, the chances of the younger
and weaker birds against the alien are very problematical. They may
• be trampled to death, or smothered, even if they are not forcibly ejected ;
and they generally fail to receive sufficient nourishment, of which the
lion's share falls to the intruder.

There is another and a very singular element of success for the Cow-
bird. However indignant and despairing the nurses may be supposed
to feel about it at first, they generally make a virtue of necessity ; and
when they have once made up their minds to accept the unpleasant sit-
uation, they do their whole duty by it, even to the neglect of their
rightful ott'spring. As not unirequently occurs in other cases, they be-
come, so far as we can judge by their actions, really fond of the found-
ling, and, at any rate, they give assiduous attention to its wants, and
care for it as tenderly as if it were their own.

It does not appear that the Cow-bird ever attempts to take forcible
possession of a nest. She watches her chance while the owners are
away, slips in by stealth, and leaves the evidence of her unfriendly visit
to be discovered on their return, in the shape of the ominous egg. The
parents hold anxious consultation in this emergency, as their sorrowful
cries an<l disturbed actions plainly indicate. If theii- nest was empty
before, they generally desert it, and their courage in giving up a cosy
home results in one Cow- bird the less. Sometimes even after there is
an egg of their own in the nest, they have nerve enough to let it go,
rather than assume the hateful task of incubating the strange one. But
if the female has already laid an egg or two, the pair generally settle
ihto the reluctant conviction that there is no help for it; they quiet
down alter awhile, and things go on as if nothing had happened. Not
always, however, will they desert even an empty nest; some birds have
discovered a way out of the diiiicultj- — it is the most ingenious device
imaginable, and the more Me think about it the more astonishing it
seems. They build a two-story nest, leaving the obnoxious egg in the
basement. 1 want no better i)roof that birds possess a faculty indistin-
guishable, so far as it goes, from human reason ; and such a case as this
bears imi)ressively upon the general (piestion of the diU'erence between
reason and that faculty we designate by the vague aiul misleading term
"instinct.'' The evidence has accumulated till it has become conclnsive,
that the dilference is one of degree, not of kind — that instinct is a lower
order of reason — the arrest, in brutes, at a certain stage, of a faculty
refljching higher development in man. Instinct, in the ill-considered
current sense of term, could never lead a Sununer Vdlowbird up to
building a two-story nest to let a Cow-bird's eggs addle below. Such
"instinct" is merely force of habit, inherited or acquired — a sum of ten-
dencies operating unknowingly and uniformly upon the same recurring

184 MOLOTHRUS PECORTH, COW-BIRD.

circumstances, devoid of conscious design, lacking recognized prevision ;
totally inadequate to the requirements of the first special emergency.
What bird, possessed of only such a faculty as tbis, could buikl a two-
story nest to get rid of an objectionable deposit in the original single-
story fabric ? It argues as intelligent a design as was ever indicated in
the erection of a building by a human being. No question of inherited
tendency enters here ; and if it did, the issue would be only set back a
step no nearer determination, for there must have been an original
double nest, the result of an original idea. Nor is this wonderful fore-
thought very rarely exhibited; considering what proportion the double
nests discovered bear to the ordinary ones brought to our notice, among
the millions annually constructed, we can easily believe that the inge-
nious device is in fact a frequent resort of the birds plagued by the
Cow-bunting. And how can we sufncieutly admire the perseverance
and energy of a bird which, having once safely shut up the terrible egg
in her cellar, and then having found another one violating her premises,
fortJticith built a third story f She deserved better of fate than that her
house should at last be despoiled by a naturalist. This was a Summer
Yellowbird, to whom the price of passing thus into history must have
seemed hard.

The Cow-bird's foster-parents are numerous ; the list of those so deter-
mined is already large, and when completed will probably comprise
pretty much all of the species nesting within the Cow-bird's breeding
range, from the size of a Thrush down to that of the Guatcatcher. It
is unnecessary to recite the long list ; Iwill mention, however, the Wood
Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Towhee Bunting, as showing that
the foster-birds are not always smaller than the Cow-bird itself. The
Summer Yellowbird, the Maryland Yellow-throat, and the Eed-eyed
Vireo, are among those most persistently victimized. On the prairies-
of the west, where the Cow birds are very numerous, and breeding birds
restricted in number of species if not of individuals, I had almost said
that in a majority of the nests taken in June will be found a Cow-
bird's Qgg.

In the nature of the case it is impossible to say what is the normal
number of eggs usually deposited each season by a single bird — that is
if more than one be laid, as is probable. We can only presume, quite
reasonably, that the laying is of four or five eggs, as usual among the
allied species. Neither do we know whether the same individual ever
deposits more than one egg in the same nest — at least I am not aware
of observations on this score, and they would be necessarily very difii-
cult, if not impossible, to make. Finding several Cow-bird's eggs in a
nest, as frequently happens, proves nothing to this effect, for the same
nest might easily enough be used by different Cow-birds in succession.
It is rare to find more ihau two of the alien eggs together ; I have found
three in a Towhee-Bunting's nest, and even Jive have been discovered
in the same nest. Singularly enough, these unusual numbers were in
the nest of the same species. Thus ]\Ir. T. ]\Iartiu Trippe, in his inter-
esting article on the Cow-bird (Am. Nat. iii, 291), cites a remarkable
case : "I never heard of more than two instances where there were more
than two eggs of the Cow-bird in a single nest. Prof Baird and Dr.
Brewer once found three eggs in the nest of a Black-and-white Creeper,
and I once had the good fortune to discover a nest of the same bird
containing Jive eggs of the parasite, together with three of her own. In
the latter case incubation had begun, and all of the eggs contained em-
bryos." We may consider this pair of Creepers relieved, on the whole,
by Mr. Trippe's visit — the mother-bird rescued from drowning in the in-

MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD. 185

undation of so many " well-spriugs," and the father saved the uecessity
of hanging himself from the nearest convenient crotch.

It is interesting to observe the female Cow-bird ready to lay. She
becomes disqnieted; she betrays unwonted excitement, and ceases her
busy search for food with her companions. At length she sepai-ates
from the flock, and sallies forth to reconnoitre, anxiously indeed, for her
case is urgent, and she has no home. How obstrusive is the sad
analogy! She flies to some thicket, or hedge-row, or other common
resort of birds, where, something teaches her — perhaps experience —
nests will be found. Stealthily and in perfect silence she flits along,
peering furtively, alternately elated or dejected, into the depths of the
foliage. She espies a nest, but the owner's head peeps over the brim,
and she must pass on. Now, however, comes her chance ; there is the
very nest she wishes, and no one at home. She disappears for a few
minutes, and it is almost another bird that comes out of the bash. Her
busincvss done, and trouble over, she chuckles her self gratulations,
rustles her plumage to adjust it trimly, and flies back to her associates.
They know what has happened, but are discreet enough to say nothing —
charity is often no less wise than kind.

Polygamy is rare among higher birds; in no creatures are the parental
and conjugal instincts more strongly developed or beautifully displayed.
But the Cow-bird illustrates this mode of life, and not in the lordly
manner of the barn-yard cock, so devoted to his harem, so gallant and
just to all. As in this species tbere is no love of offspring, neither can
there be conjugal affection ; all family ties are dispensed with. The
association is a mere herding together in quest of food in similar resorts.
The Cow-birds never mate; their most intimate relations are no sooner
effected than forgotten ; not even the decent restrictions of a seraglio
are observed; it is a perfect community of free-lovers, who do as the
original Cynics did. The necessary courtship becomes in consequence
a curiously mixed afiair. During the period corresponding to the n)at-
ing season of orderly birds, the i)atriarchs of the sorry crew" mount up
the trees and fences, to do what they call their singing. They posture
and turn about, and ruffle their feathers to look bigger than Nature
made them ; if their skins were not tough they would certainly burst
with vanity. They puff" out their throats and pipe the most singular
notes, perhaps honestly wishing to please their companions of the other
sex — at any rate, to their own satisfaction. Meanwhile the females are
perched near by, but without seeming very enthusiastic — rather taking
it all as a matter of course, listening at times, it may be, but just as
likely jireening their plumage, with other thoughts and an ulterior i)ur-
pose. The performance over, it is a very little while afterward when
the whole band goes trooi)ing after food in the nearest cattle-yard or
pasture.

Cow-birds appear to be particularly abundant in the West; more so,
perhaps, than they really are, for the numbejs that in the East spread
equally over large areas are here drawn within small compass, owing
to lack of attractions abroad. Every wagon-train j)assiug over the
prairies in summer is attended by Hocks of the birds; every camp and
stock-corral, permanent or temporary, is besieged by the l)nsy birds,
eager to glean subsistence from the wasted forage. Their ramiliarity
under these circumstances is surprising. Perpetually wandering about
the feet of the draught-animals, or perching upon llieir backs, they be-
come so ac(Mistomed to man's presence thai they will liardly gi't out of
the way. I have even known a young bird to suffer itself to be taken
in hand, and it is no uncommon thing to have the birds fluttering within

ISG AGEL/EUS PHCENICEUS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.

ii few feet of one's bead. The animals appear to rather like the birds,
and suffer tliein to i)erch in a row upon their back-bones, doubtless find-
ing the scratching of their feet a comfortable sensation, to say nothing
of the riddance from insect parasites.

A singular point in the history of this species is its unexplained dis-
appearance, generally in July, from many or most localities in which it
breeds. Where it goes, and for what purpose, are unknown ; but the
fact is attested by numerous observers. Sometimes it reappears in
September in the same places, sometimes not. Thus, in Northern Da-
kota, I saw none after early in August.

AGEL^^US PHCENICEUS, (Linn.) Vieill.
Eed-winged Blackbird.

a. phceniceus.

Oriolus phceniceus, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 161.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 386.— Lath.,
IncL Oru. i, 1790, 428.

Agelmis jfhccniceus, Vieill., "Analyse, 1816."— Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 539. —
Gray, Geu. of B. ii, 347 ; List of Brit. B. 186.'5, 92 (said to be accidental in
Eusrland).— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 280.— Bp., List, 1838, 30; Consp. i,
1850, 430.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 141 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 31, 216.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844,
141._WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 80.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 205 ; 1859, 58, 381 ;
Cat. 1862, 133 (Orizaba; Guatemala).— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 19 (Guate-
mala).—Duess., Ibis, 180T), 492 (Texas).- Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 263.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 526; Mes. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 18.— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x,
1859, iv, 30.— Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Coop. »S: Suck.,
N..H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 207.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 169.-Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad.
1866, 90.— Lawr., Auu. L^c. N. Y. ix, 1868, 104 (Costa Rica).— Sumich., Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 553 (Orizaba).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 261.--Trippe, Pr. Es.s.
Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 284 (Florida);
iii, 1872, 178 (Kansas to Utah).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.—
Merr., ibid. 1872, 686.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 8.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,
90 (Arizona) ; Key, 1872, 156, pi. 4.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 159, pi. 33, f.
1, 2, 3 ; and of late authors generally.

Icterus phamcens, Daiid. — Light., Verz. 1823, No. 128.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 68;
Syn. 1828, 52.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 169.— Aud., Orn, Biog. i, 1831, 348; v, 1839,
487 ; pi. 67.

Psarocolius phaniceus, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 10.

Sturnus prcdatorius, Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 30, pi. 30, fig. 1.

b. assimilis.

Agdaius assimilis, Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 12 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 316 (Cuba, breeding).
AgelcEus phceniceus var. assimilis, B. B. <fe R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 159.

c. gubernator.

Psarocolius gubernator, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 281.

Agdaius gubernator, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 18.38,30; Cousp. i, 1850,430. — Aun.,
Svu. 1839, 141 : B. Am. iv, 1842, 29, pi. 215.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 89 (Cali-
fornia).—Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 127, 213; 1859, 365; Cat. 1862, 136 (Xalapa).—
Newr., p. R. R. Rej). vi, 1857, 86 (California).— Bd., ibid, ix, 529.— Kenn., ihid.
X, 1859, pt. iv, 31.— 1Ieer:\i., ibid. pt. vi, 53.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 263.

Icterus gubernator, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 187.

Agclams phwniceus var. gubertiator, Coues, Key, 1872, 156.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874,
163, pi. 33, i; 4, 8.

d. tricolor.

Icterus tricolor, Nutt., Mau. i, 2d ed. 1840, 186.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 6, pi. 388.

AgelcBus tricolor, Bp.. Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 30; Consp. i, 1850, 430. — Aud., Svn.
1839, 141; B. Am. iv, 1842, 27, pi. 214.— Woodil, Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 80.— Newr.,
P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 86.— Bd., ibid, ix, 1858, 530; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii,
18 (Colorado River).- Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 265.—
B. B. &. R., N. A. B., ii, 1874, 165, pi. 33, f. 5, 6, 7.

Agelceus phceniceus var. tricolor, Coues, Key, 1872, 156.

AGEL^EUS PHGENICEUS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 187

Hab.— The typical form througbont temperate North America, and south to Central
America. Breeds in suitable idaces from Texas to the Saskatchewan, and along the
■whole Atlantic coast. Winters from about 35-^ southward. Said to have occurred in
England. Var. asshniUs in Cuba. Var. guheriiator along the Pacific coast, from British
Columbia into Mexico. Var. tricolor resident in California.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— Albl , Big Nemaha; 5325-2G, Medicine Creek ; 9332,
9331, 9339. 9333, 9330, along the Platte.

Later Expeditions. — 6105H-89, Green River ; 61725-56, Ogden, Utah.

Wc have been furnished by Mr. Allen with elaborate tables of measurements, show-
ing the sexual and individual diflerences in size and proportions of specimens from the
same locality, as well as tbe variation in the same respects, according to geographical
distribution. The difference in size consists in the inferiority of southern biriis, ac-
cording to a well understood law ; it is coujded, as usual, also, with attenuation of the
bill. In color, southern birds differ in the more intense lustre of the black aud brighter
red. Following are the dimensions ; the numbers in parentheses are the several
averages. Massachusetts males : Length, 8.40 to 9.85 (9.16) ; extent, 13.95 to 15.35
(14.71); wing, 4.43 to .5.00 (4.69); tail, 3.12 to 3.90 (3.63); bill, 0.75 to 0.91 (0.88).
Massachusetts females: Length, 7.35 to 8.55 (7.53); extent, 11.25 to 13.55 (12.24);
wing, 3.63 to 4.26(3.86); tail, 2.65 to 3.15(2.93); bill, 0.70 to 0.82 (0.75). Southern
males: Length, 8.25 to 9.55 (9.02); extent, 13.60 to 14.90 (14.41); wing, 4.34 to 4.80
(4.62); tail, 3.35 to 3.90 (3.61); bill, 0.85 to 1.00 (0.91). Southern females: Length,
7..50 to 8.00 (7.73) ; extent, 11.85 to 12.85 (12.44) ; wing, 3.63 to 3.90 (3.83) ; tail, 2.75 to
3.20 (2.99). Calitbrnian specimens are correspondent. Independent of all extrinsic
influences, the normal inherent variation in dimensions amounts to fifteen per cent.

The so-called species, A. gnhernalor, has not the slightest claim to specific rank — in
fact it can hardly be rated as a fair variety. Of the same size and shape as ordinary
phfcniceus, with the same scarlet carpus, it only ditiers, in extreme cases, in not having
this red bordered with tawny. Tbis is produced by the restriction of the brownish-
yellow of the middle wing-coverts (in phwniccus occupying the whole length of these
feathers) to the basal portion of the feathers, their projecting ends being black, and so
failing to produce a tawny bordering of the red. But every imaginable stage is a mat-
ter of observation in different specimens, from one extreme to the other ; and in some
cases of phoaniceHs most of the greater coverts ai-e likewise tawny, producing a
brow!]ish-yellow patch, nearly as large as the scarlet one itself.

Var. tricolor is better marked, in its smaller size and attenuated bill (thus agreeing,
however, with Floridan phwiiiceus), dark blood-red wing-patch, and pure white border.
The better distinction in this case corresponds to tbe geographical restriction and com-
parative isolation of this local race. That it is no more, however, than a variety,
seems fairly inferable; the difference in the shade of red is no greater than that
observable in .specimens oi phanicev.s proper, while the bordering of the red in the
latter is .sometimes nearly pure white.

Tlie Ked-shouldered ]Marsli Blackbird is of commou occurrence iu all
suilublc places tbroiijiliout the Missouri region; but from its nature it
is somewhat localized, being found only in wooded and watered por-
tions, except while journeying; and I am not aware that it ever gathers
in such vast numbers as throng the more congenial marshy tracts of
the Eastern States. Some modification in habits is the necessary result
of topographical as well as climatic changes, which birds exi)erience
in their oidinarily extensive dispersion. In Arizona, for instance, I
found Ifedwings common in the i)ine-woods, miles away from any water,
excepting a tiny mountain stream that afforded no special conveniences
for them.

The Tricolor variety is extremely abundant and resident in the fertile
portions of Southern (Jalifornia. It very rarely cros.ses the intermediate
desert to the Colorado Jiiver; this arid tract forming a barrier to the
eastward i)rogress of many species, of great etiicacy in distingui.shing
the littoral fauna from that of the Colorado Valley. One who has
traveled this region will not be surprised that birds with any fan<-y for
green, watery i)laces, decline the same journey. At Wilmington and
Drumm Jiarracks 1 found the Tricolors Hocking in vast nund)ers, iu
November. They thronged the streets of the town, and covered the
militaiy i)arade-ground ; alone, so far as their congeiieis were concerned,
but on intimate a.ssociation witli hundreds of llrewer's lUackbirds. lloth
species were almost as tame as poultry, anil the boys used to stone them,

188 X. ICTEEOCEPHALUS, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.

to their mutual amusement, I should say, for the birds were uever hit,
and rather seemed to like the sport. Often, as I sat in my quarters on a
bright sunny day, the ligbt would be suddenly obscured, just as by a
qiuckly passing cloud, and a rushing noise ensued as the compact flock
swirled past the window. They often alighted by hundreds on the roofs
of the barracks, almost hiding the shingles, and every i>icket of a long
paling fence near by would sometimes be capped by its bird. They were
very noisy, chattering from daylight till dark — all the time they could
see to fly about. Nobody troubled them much ; but Hawks of ^ arious
kinds — the Harrier, the Western lied-breast, and the Lanier — were con-
tin nally dashing in among them, with terrible swooping, bringing death
to not a few, and dismay everywhere. At this season the sexes kept
mostly apart; the flocks of males seemed to largely outnumber the
females. Very few of those I shot and examined were in perfect i)lum-
age, much of the black being varied with different shades of brown and
yellowish, and the white wing-bar being imperfect. In spring the birds
resort together to marshy spots, breeding in loose communities. The
nests and eggs do not difler appreciably from those of the common
Redwing.

*&>•

XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEEOCEPHALUS, (Bp.) Bd.
Tellow-Iieaded Blackbird.

Icterus icIeroccphaJus, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1835, 27, pi. 3.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 17C ; 2el etl.
1840, 187.

Agelcem ictcrocephalus, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, \^hl, 188.

Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 531 ; Mex. B. Saw. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 18. —
Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1886, 11 (several uoar Philadelphia). — Coues, Pi-. Phi la.
Acad. 1866, 91 (New Mexico and Arizona). — Dkes.s., Ibis, 1865, 492. — Coues,
Am. Nat. v, 1871, 195 (biography).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 267.— Sxow, B.
Kans. (breeding). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 636 (Watertown, Mass.). — Mayn.,
Gnide, 1870, 122 (same case).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178 (Kan.'^as to
Utah).— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 498 (Iowa) ; 518 (Illinois).— Tup.xb.,
B. E. Pa. 43 (casual).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Mehu., ihhl.
1872, 686.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Aiken. Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 202 (Wy-
OBiiug).— Coues, Key, 1872, 156, lig. 98.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874. 167, pi.
32, f. 9, pi. 33, f. 9.

Icterus xavthoccphahis, Bp., Jouru. Phila. Acad, v, 1826, 222 ; Syn. 1828, 52.— AuD., Orn.
Biog. V, 1839, 6, pi. 388.

Agelaius ocanthocpx)hahm, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 281 (north to 58°).- Bp., List,
1838, 29.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 140.— AuD., B. Am. iv, 1842, 24, pi. 213.— WooDn.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 80.— Newjj., P. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 86.— Heerm., Md. x, 1859,
pt. vi, 52.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 261.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117
(Minnesota).

Afjdalus Jomjlpcs, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 436, No. 57.

Icterus pcrspicillatiis, LiciiT., " Mus. Berol."

Fsarocoliiis pcrspiciUafiis, Wagl., Isis, 1829, 758.

Xaiithoecpkalus iierspiciHutiis, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 431.

Jgckvus jierspicUlattts, REiyn., Ibis, iii, 1861, 7 (Neuortalik, Greenland, Sept. 2, 1820).

" Icicrtis fraiatits, LiciiT., Isis, 1843, 59.— Reinil, Kroyer's Tidskrift, iv ; Vidensk.
Jleddel. for 1853 (1854), 82 (Greenland)."

Hab. — Western North America. North to the Saskatchewan and Red River {Richard-
son). Ea.st regularly to Iowa and Illinois {Alien), and Wisconsin {Coues). Casually to
Greenland {Iieiuhnrdi), Pennsylvania {Cassin, Turnbull), and Massachusetts {Allen).
West to the Pacilic. South into Mexico. Cape Saint Lucas, Florida (Mus. S. I.). Cuba
(Car., J. f. O. vii, 1857, 350).

List of specimens.

19367
19368

Devil's Gate...
Sweetwater . . .

May 15, 1860
May 17, 18G0

G. H. Trook.
do

10.75

17.25

Lieutenant Warren's Exjyedition.—^^i'iS, near Fort Pierre.

Later Expeditions.— {iOTS'i , Green River ; 61783-4, 61786-7, Idaho.

X. lOTEROCEPHALUS, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. 189

I am iiicrmed to agree with Dr. Cabanis aud others, that it is unnecessary to separate
this species generally from Agelmis. In form it differs from the latter only very sli<'-htlv
and its general economy is the same. * " " '

The eastward extension of tbe species is greater tban was not long
since supposed. Essentially a prairie bird, it reaches regularly the flat
open portions of the States immediately east of the Mississippi, occurring
in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois, if not also more
rarely in Michigan and Ohio. Its presence in Greenland is dout^tless
casual ; all the above quotations appear to relate to a single instance.
Other exceptional records are above quoted for Massachusetts and
Pennsylvania. Mr. Allen says a specimen was taken near Watertown,
in October, 1869, by Mr. Maynard ; and Mr. Turnbull says "Dr. Jackson
mentions that this species is occasionally seen along the Alleghany
^lonntains, where a flock appeared in 1857. Mr. John Krider shot a
young male near Philadelphia." Allen states that it is "said to breed
in great numbers in the Calumet marshes of Illinois," and also in the
Skunk Piver marshes of Iowa. He saw birds in Iowa, in July, about
grassy ponds near Boouesboro'. I met with a few on the prairies of
Wisconsin, in April, 18G4, and the following month found it abundant
in Kansas, and again in Is'ew Mexico, where thousands were breeding
in a marshy place near Laguna, just west of the Pio Grande ; they were
also seen in Eastern Arizona, but not in such plenty. I do not recollect
meeting any in California, but Dr. Cooper stji^es that they are numerous
in all the valleys of the State, especially where there are grassy meadows
or marshes. " They winter in large luimbers in the middle districts, and
some wander at that season to the Colorado Valley and San Diego,
though I doubt if any pass the summer so far south." He alludes in
this connection to Dr. Newberry's finding them swarming about Klamath
Lake, and adds, that he never saw them near the Columbia, though they
are abundant east of the Pocky Mountains up to ~)S^. Dr. Heermanii
mentions the appearance of immense flocks at Fort Inge, Texas. Dr.
Woodhouse speaks of its abundance in Texas and the Indian Territory,
and states that it winters about San Francisco, in California. I have
not seen it higher on tbe Missouri tban Leavenworth, but Dr. Hayden
says it is quite common throughout tbe northwest, in marshy spots on
the prairies. Finally, Sir John Picliardson gives it as very numerous
in the interior of the fur countries, to about 58^ in summer, leacbing
tbe Saskatchewan by the 20th of May.

Tbe Yellow-headed Blackbird breeds in suitable places throughout
the region indicated in tbe above paragraph. However generally dis-
tributed over dry places and even deserts it may be at other seasons, in
the breeding time it shows its aflinity to tbe true Apclwi by resorting
to marshy spots, sometimes by thousands. The nest is i)la<'ed in a tuft
of ui)riglit reeds or rank grasses, some of which [tass through its w.dls,
fastening it securely, like that of a Marsh Wren, though it luny sway
with the motion of the rushes. Probably, to render it light enough to
be supported on such weak foundation, no nuul is used in its <-onq>osi-
tion ; tlie structure is entirely woven and plaited with bits of dried reeds,
and long, coarse, a(juatic grasses, ntt lined with any dilferent material,
although the inside stramls are tbe liner. The brim of tbe nest is ele-
vated iuul somewhat folded over, making a thick, linn edge; but I am
not awai(^ that tbe fabric is ever actually "canopied over like that of
the Mea<l<)w-lark," as stated byTownseiid and repeated by Coojx'r. Tbe
whole tiling measures live or six inches acioss, and is nearly as deep.
The eggs nuiy be from three to six in number; two selected specMmens
measured 1.04 by 0.75, and 1.15 by 0.7(i. They are pale grayish-green,

190 STURNELLA MAGNA, MEADOW-LARK.

spotted all over with several shades of reddish-brown, sometimes so
thiekly, esi)ecially at the larger end, as to hide the gronnd-eolor. This
spcckiiiig instead of strealcinji^, is more like that of the eggs of the
tScolccophagi than of the Afjclcci. During incubation the males appear
to desert their mates, as is certainly the case with the Boat-tailed
Grackle. 1 have found the birds nesting in June, in New Mexico, and
during the sanje month in Northern Dakota.

At other seasons these Blackbirds are very generally dispersed. They
gather about stock-yaids and corrals, come into the emigrants' cam]) at
evening, and ramble fearlessly among the animals in search of food, often
in company with flocks of Cow-birds. They are eminently terrestrial
birds, as indicated by their long, strong legs, and large rasoiial claws,
and ahvays walk or run, instead of hopping on the ground. They retire
in cold weather from the northerly i)ortions of their habitat.

STUENELLA MAGNA, (Linn.) Bd.

Meadow-lark ; Field-lark.

a. magna.

Almida magna, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 167 {ex Catesh/, pi. 33) ; 1766, 289.— Gm., Hid.
ed. 13tli, 1788, 801.— Wils., Aid. Oru. iii, 1811, 'io, pi. 19.

Sturudla maqna, Bd., 15. N. A. 1858, 535; aud of inauy late authors. — Hayd., Eep. 1862.
169 (to 430).— Allen, jieni. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 496.— Tkiite, Pr. Bost. !Soc. xii
1872, 239 (Io^va).— Hart., Brit. B. 1872. 118 (Eus^laiul).- CouES, Key, 1872,
157, tig. 99, aud pi. 6, ligs. 1, 2, 3, 4.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 174, pl.*34. f. 2.

Sturnm ludoviciaiiiiii, Linn., Sykt. Nat. i, 176G, 290.— Gm., i. 1788, 802. — Lath., LkI. Oru.
i, 1790, 323.— Bp., Jouru. Phila. Acad, iv, 1824, ISO ; Syu. 1828.— Nutt., Mau. i,
1832, 147.— Aud., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 216 ; v, 18.39, 492; pi. 136.

SiunieJhi ludoriciana, ii\\\, F. B. A. ii, 1831, 282.- Br., List, 1838, 29; Consp. i, 1850,
429.— Aud., Syu. 1839, 148; B. Am. iv, 1842, 70, pi. 223.— Cui., Mus. Heiu. i,
1851, 192.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 288.

8lurncUa coUaris, Vieill. Anal. 1816 ; Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 134, pi. 90.

iSiuDins coUaris, Wagl., Syst. Av. i, 1827, No. 1 ; Isis, 1831, 527.

Cacicns alaiidarius, Daud., (Jidc Cahanis).

b. neglccta.

Stnruella neglccta, Aud., B. Am. vii, 1843, 339, \A. 487.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 78.—
Newb., p. R. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 86.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 537.— Kenn., P. E. R.
Eep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 31.— Heerm., thkJ. pt. vi, 54.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash.
Ter. 1860, 208.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 109.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 492 (Texas).-
Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 23.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 91.— Coop., B.
Cal. i, 1870, 270.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 — Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872,
239 (Iowa, with the preccdiuo).— SxEV., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.—
Meri{., ibid. 1872, 687.— Snow,"B. Kaus. 1873, 8.

SlurucUa ludoviciaiia var. neglccta, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.

Sttirnclla magna var. neglccta, Coues, Key, 1872, 157.— B. B. & E., N. A: B. ii, 1874, pi.
34, f. 1.

" {1) Sturnclla Mppocreim, Heerm., Journ. Phila. Acad, ii, 1853, 269 (Suisun)."

c. M2)]Jocrepis.
(Cuba.)

Stiirnella Mpiwcrrpis, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 281.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1860, 266.— ScL.,

Ibis, 1861, 179 ; Cat. 1862, 139 (Cuba).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 24.
Sturnella magna var. h>2>i)0crcpis, B. B. & I^ N. A. B. ii, 1874, 172.

d. mexicana.

(Mexico and Central America.)

(?) Sturnella magna, Sw., Syu. Mex. B. Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 436 (Mexico).
;SttinteUahi2}2)ocrepis,Sci..,l\Z.S. 1856, 30, 301; 1859, 58, 365, 381; Cat. 1862, 139.—

SCL. &, Salv., Ibis, i, 18.59, 19; 1860, 34.
Stitrnella mexicana, ScL., Ibis, iii, 1861, 179. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. iii, 1865, 177 (New

Granada).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 24.
Sturnella magna var. mexicana, B. B. &, E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 172.

STUENELLA MAGNA, MEADOW-LAE.K. 191

e. meridionalis.
(South America.)

Sturnellu hidoviciana, (?) Scl. P. Z. S. 185G, 29, 142.— (?) Lawr., Anu. Lye. ix, 18G8, 104.
StiirueUa rneridiouaUs, ScL., Ibis, 1861, 179.— Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 186G, 24.
Sturnella magna var. meridionaJis, B. B. &: K., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 172.

Rah.— The typical form in Eastern North America to Nova Scotia, and north to 53°.

shade into var. nerjlecta, which readies its maximum departure on the dry central
plains. Individuals indistinguishable from typical magna in Kansas, Iowa, and East-
ern Dakota, and reappearing on the moist Pacific coast. Individuals like ncfjlceta
occur in Pennsylvania. Extralimital races, all inseparably connected, are distributed
as above noted.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— a. magna, 9325-7, Loup Fork.— b. iieglecta, 9307,
9312-19, 9321, Loup Fork; 9,332, Platte; 4748, 4751, 4752, "Nebraska;" 5334, 5338,
Fort Union ; 5336, 5341, Yellowstone ; 5335, 5339, Fort Pierre ; 5330, Fort Lookout :
5329, Little Cheyenne ; 4749, The Tower.

Later EjrpedHions.—\m: neglecfa, 54312-15, 60,444-6, 60738-43, 60808-12, 610G0-9, vari-
ous Wyoming localities ; G1732-3, Utah.

Cases like the present have, until very recently, proven stumbling-blocks. All the
facts were long in our possession before they received adequate and reasonable expla-
nation ; tbey were simply noted and left as found. It would be a curious and not
unprofitable enquiry, how much the progress of philosophic ornithology has been re-
tarded by the trammels of the binomial nomenclature, which practically forced us to
either recognize as a species what we now call a race, or sink it into au immeaniug
synonym. To cite a striking example in this very case of Star nella: Dr. Cabanis, in
1856 ; Dr. Finsch, in 1870 ; and Mr. Allen, in 1871, all came to the eamo conclusion, that
there is but a single species of the genus. Bnt in a synonymical notation of this fact,
such as that given by Mr. Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,'288, the difiereuces of race are
ignored as completely as the resemblance is brought out. So far as his synonymy goes,
all the Sturnellas are repeated exactlj' alike, which is by no means the case. The
bringing into general use of the term " var." is a great practical help, albeit an instru-
ment too clumsy for the nice work of the future, we may confidently anticipate. I can
to-day foresee naturalists' reversion to a polynomial nomenclature, in wliich three or
more words shall express to a nicety the shades of their zoiilogical meaning. Liuna'us
conferred an inestimable boon upon a century of natuialists ; but an eliective mode of
expressing the ideas then current has ])roven inadequate ibr present purposes. I raise
my voice emjihatically in favor of freedom from the binomial shackles.

I have not personally investigated the relationships of the extralimital forms, but
the current views of those who have, accord with my belief. The case of Sturnella
magna neglecta is settled and explained ; Magna shades directly into negleeta, and de-
velopes its pecnliarities precisely according to the mean annual rain-fall, and conso-
qnently the average humidity of the atmosphere of the regions in whicli it rcisides.
The change is imperceiJtibly eftected; distinguishable examples sometimes occur to-
gether; the characters culminate in the most sterile regions. The i)ecnliarities of
veglrcta are casually exhibited in the East. I was once shown some uulabelled speci-
mens, which I did uot hesitate to call ''negleeta," and was considerably taken aback
on learning they were shot near Philadelphia, by Mr. Krider.

A dilierenco in the song, " attested by all ol)servcrs from Lewis and Clarke down to
the present day," is very curious. My own exi)erience in this matter agrees exactly
with that of Mr. Allen, who I will (juote: "At tlu^ little village of Denison, in Iowa,
where I first noticed it in song, it was particularly common, and half-iloinestic in its
habits, preferring, apparently, the streets and grassy lanes, and the immediate vicinity
of the village, to the remoter prairie. Here, wholly unmolested and niis»si)icious, it
collected its food ; and the males, from their accustomed perches on the house-tops,
daily warbled their wild song for hours together. » » * » 'pj^, ^ow^, liowever,
was so new to me that I did not at thst have the .slightest suspicion its author was
the Western Meadow-lark, as I found it to be, the time being between daylight and
sunrise, and the individual in ((uestion singing IVom the toji of the eoun-bonsi-. It
diflers from that of the Meadow-lark in the Eastern States in the notes lieing louder
and wilder, and at the sanu^ time more liquid, mellower, and far sweeter. Tiiey have a
peusiveuesK and a general character remarkably iii harmony with the half-dreary wild-
ucssof the iirimitive paairie, as though the l)ird had received from its surroundings their
peculiar impress; while if Ici-s loud their .songs would hardly reach their unites above
the strong winds that almost constantly sweep over the jirairics in the hot months.
It dillers, too, in the less frequency of the harsh, comphiiuiiig chatter so conspicuous
iu the Eastern birds, so much so tiiat at first I 8Usi)ected this to bo wholly wanting."

192 ICTEEUS SPURIUS, ORCHARD ORIOLE.

It has often occurred to me, and I make the su<rgestiou for what it may be worth,
that a different aconstic inoperty of the dry, rarilicd air of the West may in some
measure deterniinc the peculiarity of the sou<^. In further iUustration of this inter-
esting subject, I will quote the remarks of Mr. Trippe, who evidently inclines to keep
the two forms apart:

"If this bird is merely a variety of S. magna, it is certainly a very remarkable one.
** * * * Careful observationsfor the last two years have convinced me of the fol-
lowing facts, viz., tliat there are two varieties or species of the Meadow-lark iu
Southern Iowa, that possess totally different songs and notes, and that these differ-
ences are constant. The Common Lark is here by far the most abundant; its notes
are ijrevisdy simiha- to those of the same bird in the East, and its habits, also, nearly
or quite the same. The Western Lark, on the contrary, vever utters the peculiar, long-
drawn whistle of the common species — at least I never heard it — and it has a number
of notes which the latter never utters, one in particular, which resembles a note of the
Eed-wiuged Blackbird. The Western Lark, like the common species, has a rapid chat-
ter, but so different, in every bird that I have heard, that the difference was at once
appreciable; indeed, it is more striking than the resemblance. The Western Lark is
here quite a timid species, compared with the other at least, which is quite as tame as
the Bluebird or Chi[)ping Sparrow. The former is never heard after the 1st of Septem-
ber, although it arrives as sOon as, or a little before, the other — early in March — while
the latter remains until November. I have never heard a bird whose notes were inter-
mediate between the two. Here, then, we have the remarkable fact of two varieties —
if they are such — of the same species, existing side by side, seldom or never mingling,
and each preserving its peculiar notes and habits ; yet resembling each other so closely
in form and plumage that the most experienced ornithologists are unable to draw the
dividing line between them."

In Dakota, along the Red River, I found S. ncglccta alone, although the Fauna there
is almost exclusively Eastern. The same was the case at Fort Randall, and, in fact,
all along that portion of Dakota towards Sioux City, Iowa, where the birds are ex-
ceedingly numerous — perhaps the most abundant of all the prairie species. They
reach this locality early in April, and soon begin to sing. In May we cannot ride a
mile anywhere without seeing them, while their peculiar notes, one of the most de-
lightful voices of the prairie, are continually heard. In April, before pairing, hun-
dreds used to frequent daily the parade-ground of Fort Randall, where, as the grass
was yet scarcely sprouted, good opportunity was offered of observing their character-
istic habit — one not so generally known as it should be, since it is related to the
peculiar shape of the bill. The birds may be seen scattered all over the ground, busily
tugging at something; and on walking over the scene of their operations, the ground,
newly-softened by the spring thaw, is seen to be riddled with thousands of little holes,
which the birds make in search of food. These holes are quite smooth — not a turning
over of the surface of the ground, but a clean boring, like that made by sinking iu
the end of a light walking-stick ; just as if the birds inserted the bill and then worked
it about till the hole was of sulffcient size. Whether they bored at random, or were
guided by some sense in finding their prey, and what particular objects they were
searching for, I did not ascertain; but the habit was so lixed and so continually per-
severed iir as to attract general attention. Silent, or nearly so, upon their first arrival,
the birds became highlj' musical during April, singing in rival groups from th'e trees
aud fences in the intervals of their search for food ; and at length they paired and
scattered over the prairie to breed. None pass the wiuter in this latitude; they depart
late in October. Further west, ou the boundless prairie, they occur everywhere, but
not, according to my observations at least, in such large numbers as they do about
settlements, since they appear to prefer more fertile regious, where, doubtless, their
food is most iilenty.

ICTERUS SPURIUS, (Linn.) Bp.
Orchard Oriole; Chcstmit Ilangncst.

a. spurius.

Oriolus spurius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 162.— Gm., i, 178H, 389.

Icterus sjm-ius, Br., Syn. 1828, 51 ; List, 1838, 29.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 165.~AuD., Oru.
Biog. i, 1831, 221 ; v, 1839, 485; pi. 42.— Aun., Syn. 1839, 144.— AUD., B. Am. iv,
1842, 46, pi. 219.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 144.— BD.!i B. N. A. 18.58, 547.-Cass., Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1860, 140 (Atrato).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 301 (Cordova); 1859,
365 (Xalapa) ; 1859. 380.— La-\vk., Ann. Lye. viii, 1865, 177 (New Granada).—
MclLWii., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 90 (Canada, casual). — Col'ES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
1868, 285 (Southern New England).- Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. 1869, 553 (Ori-
zaba).—Trippk, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 239 (Iowa, breeding).— Allen, Bull. M. C.
Z. ii), 1872, 178 (Kansas and Colorado).— Snow. B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Coui:s, Key,
1872, 158.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 190, pi. 34, f. 4, 5, 6 • and of most authors.

ICTERUS BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 193

Icterus (Bananirorus) spiirius, Scl., Cat. 1863, 130.

Yiihantcs spurius, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 4;}2.

Xanthonms sj)uriiis, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 184. — Lawr., Anu. Lye. ix, 104 (Costa Rica).

Penduliniis sjyurws, Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1867, 61.

Oriolus varius et (?)c«_pcHSis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 390, 392.

Xanthoruiis varius, Gray, Gen. of B. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79.

Tnrdns ahr, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 831.

Oriolus castantus, Lath., IdcI. Orn. i, 1790, 181 (=0. varius, Gm.).

Icterus castaneus et Jlarus, Daud.

FsarcoUns castaneus, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1829.

Turdus jugularis, Lath., Ind. Orn, i, 1790. 361 (= T. ater, Gm.).

Oriolus wutatus, Wii.s., Am. Orn. i, 1808, pi. 4, iigs. 1, 2, 3, 4.

Hypliantes solitarius ; et Pendulinus nigricoUis et viridis, Vieill.

b. affinis.

Xaniliornus affinis, Lawr., Ann. Lye. v, 1851, 113. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79. — SCL.

& Salv., Ibis, 1859, 20 (Guatemala) ; 1860, 34.
Bananivorus affinis, Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 365.
Pendulinus afflnis, Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1867, 61.
' Icterus spui-ius var. affinis, Coues, Key, 1872, 158.

Eal). — Tbrougbout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains; rare in Northern
New England, and only casually to the Canadas. Breeds throughout its United States
range. South in winter into Central America. Cuba. Var. affinis from Texas south-
ward.

Lieutenant TTarren's Expedition. — 9339, Loup Fork ; 5343-53, Nebraska and Dakota.

Not obtiiiued by Captain Raynolds' nor by the later Expeditious.

The Orchard Oriole is abundant in the eastern portions of the Mis-
souri, and of common occurrence along the wooded streams of the
mountains. It is a slightly southerly species, more so than the next.
It is not included by Mr. Trippe among Minnesota birds, and is very rare
or casual in Northern New England and the British Provinces, its regular
limit appearing to be the Connecticut Valley. It br#*eds throughout its
United States range. Var. affinis consists of the smaller Southern birds.

ICTERUS BALTIIMORE, (Linn.) Daud.

Baltimore Oriole; Golden Robin; Firebird; Hangncst«

Oriolus haltimore, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 162.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 381.— WiLS.,
Am. Orn. i, 1808, 23, pi. 1, f. 3; vi, 88, pi. 53, f. 4.

Icterus iallimore, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 348.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 51 ; List, 1838, 29.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 1.52.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 66; v, 1839, 278; pis. 12, 423; Svn.
, 1839, 143 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 37, pi. 217.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 548.— Hayd., Rep.
1802, 170.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1865, 177 (New Granada). — Sumich., Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 553 (Orizaba).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Trippe, Pr. Boat.
Soc. XV, 1872, 239 (Iowa).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178 (Kansas, Wy-
oming, and Colorado).— Coues, Key, 1872, 158.— Rodney, Am. Nat. 1871.— B.
B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, pi. 35, f. 5.
Tphantes hallimorc, Vieill., Ency. Meth. 708; Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 124, pi. 87.— Bp., Cousp.
Av. i, 1850, 432.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79.

Psarocolius baltimore, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 26.

Ili/phantcs baltimore, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 183. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 104 (Costa Rica).

Icterus haltimorensis, Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 116. — Scl. & Salv., Ibis, i8.")9, 20 (Guatemala). —
CoUK.s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 285.— Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota).

Hyphantes haltimorensis, SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 57, 365; Cat. 130 (Xalapa).

Icterus baltimorus, McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 90 (Canada West).

//a&.— United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. North regularly to the British
Provinces. Breeds chiefly toward the northern portions of its range, but generally
dispersed in summer over the United States. Passes to Mexico and dntral America
(numerous ((notations). Cuba (Car., .1. f. (). iv, 10).

Lieutenant Jf'arren's Expedilion.—'J.W, Loup Fork; 0342, Elkhorn River; ,5359, Yel-
lowstone River; .')3.')7-58, Powder River: 6715, Fort Lookout; 4745, Farm Island.

Re8])eeting the specitic name of this spin-ies, it may be observed : That if Linna'us'
name, bullimore, is to be changed at all, it should bo altered iuto baltimorei, not halti-
morensis; for the allusion is to the colors of Lord Baltimore's dress, not to tho city of
that name.

13

194 ICTERUS BALTIMOKE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

The range of this. Oriole is nearly coincident with that of the last,
and, like it, it is generally dispersed along wooded streams of the North-
west. It regularly goes, however, somewhat further north, apparently
reaching the British border all along. It breeds in all suitable places
iu its Missouri range, which reaches and somewhat overlaps that of the
succeeding species. It is extremely abundant about Pembina, Dakota,
where it breefls in June, but was not observed by me west of the Red
Eiver Valley. The specimens from this region, as well as those from
Kansas, are remarkable for the brilliancy and intensity of the golden-
orange, which iu some cases become almost scarlet.

The following interesting communication was prepared for the work
by Mr. Thomas G. Gentry, of Germantown, Pennsylvania:

" The nidification of this species is so familiar to nearly all that it
may seem presumptuous upon my part to say anything in connectiou
therewith. Nuttall has so beautifully and faithfully delineated the
characteristic nest of this species that it would be worse than folly for
me to attempt an improvement thereon. But there is a novelty, hith-
erto unnoticed, so far as I am aware, in a couple of nests in my collec-
tion, of which a description cannot be considered amiss.

" In the scores of nests which I have had the pleasure to examine,
exclusive of the above exceptions, all were begun as Nutta^ affirms,
'by firmly fastening natural strings of the flax of the silk-weed or
swamp-hollyhock, or stout artificial threads, around two or more forked
twigs, corresponding to the width and depth of the nest. With the
same materials, willow-down, or any accidental ravellings, strings,
thread, sewing-silk, tow, or wool, that may be lying near the neighbor-
ing houses, or around the grafts of trees, they interweave and fabricate
a sort of coarse cloth into the form intended, toward the bottom of
which they place the real nest, made chiefly of lint, wiry grass, horse
and cow hair,' &g.

" To one of the nests referred to, the above partial description an-
swers satisfactorily; but it does appear that the birds had, through
some cause or other, manifested but little judgment, so to speak, in the
selection of a suitable site; for we find, in order to make the best of a
bad bargain, they were constrained to erect a i)ermanent roof to their
dwelling by interwoven strings, through their deprivation of the verdant
and agreeable canopy which the leaves would naturally aftbrd. In the
other, economy seems to have been of iDaramount importance, for this
nest is a faithful counterpart of the real one of Nuttall's description,
minus, to be sure, the inclosing pouch.

" Xo. 1 is somewhat cylindrical in shape, with the long axis or dis-
tance from top to bottom slightly in excess of the short, or the distance
from side to side, the former being about five and the latter nearly four
and a half inches. It is composed of strings compactly woven to-
gether, Avith a slight interspersing of hairs of the horse and cow; the
whole forming a structure comfortable and cozy, and well calculated to
protect its inmates from the inclemency of the weather. So nicely is
the roof adjusted to the nest, that even the most critical investigation
cannot discern the union. The entrance is a circular opening situated
in the superior third of the nest, facing southwardly.

" No. 2 is an inverted cone, with a blunt apex. The greatest diam-
eter at top is four inches, and the less three and a half; depth, four and
a half inches. It was built between two forks of a pear-tree. It is
composed almost entirely of the hairs of the horse and cow, firmly but
densely woven together. So slight is the texture that it can be readily
fceeu through. This sijecimeu presents the ax>pearance of an ordinary

ICTEEUS BULLOCKII, BULLOCK's ORIOLE. 195

nest without its customary coveriug. In Nortlniinbeiland County, of
the State of Pennsylvania, where this nest was found in the summer of
1866, I am tokl that it is the characteristic style of nest. It is more
than likely that in districts tiir removed from the busy haunts of men,
owing to a lack of the usual materials, the birds are constrained to use
the hairs of the domestic as well as those of wild animals in the structure
of their domiciles. In times very remote, before the introduction of
civilized man into the country, there is no doubt that the above was the
only style of architecture known to the species.

" It is evident that in those days of primitive gloom, and even at the
present time in thickly-wooded sections, a very dense nest is not at all
desirable, since the birds obtain the protection which they require from
the weather in the beautiful covering which Nature throws around them.
Now, in sections where the forests have disappeared by the strokes of
the pioneer's axe, such a shelter would not afford the comfort and
security which the inmates demand, Now, as birds are not slow to
discern what best comports with their security, surely the Oriole, which
displays so much taste and ingenuity, would readily perceive that a
more compact and thicker structure would be necessary. History shows
that the highest and most elaborate style of architecture which man is
now capable of achieving is but the outgrowth of the simpler and less
complicated forms that preceded it. Keasouing, therefore, from anal-
ogy, the highest style which the Baltimore Oriole has been able to ac-
complish the typical nest, is but an outgrowth of the one which I have
described.

" From the i)lausible remarks advanced, the inclosing pouch is but
an improvement superadded to the main structure, it being a subse-
quent oi)eration. This is apparent from the manner in which the initial
stages of the nests of Vireo olivaceus and V. novehoracensis are accom-
plished.

" In the first of these anomalous forms of nests still further improve-
ment is manifest in the closely-woven roof In the open nests this
protection is but partially secured in the clusters of leaves that depend
from above, the site being doubtless selected with a view to this natural
arrangement. As reason tends to improvement, and as birds are pos-
sessed of a share of this great gift, so it is natural to suppose that they
must vary their style of nest-buihling in favorable directions when it
will subserve the individual and family good."

ICTERUS BULLOCKII, (Sw.) Bp.

Bullock's Oriole.

Xanthornm huUoclcU, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 436.

Agelaius hulloclch, Rich., List., Rep. Br. Assoc. 18157.

Ictcrm bnUockii, Bi>., List, 18:?8, '29.— Aid., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 9, pis. 388. 4.^3.— AuD.,
Syu. 1H:5'J, 143.— All)., B. Am. iv, lt?4'2, 43, pi. 218.— Nkwh., T. R. R. R.-p. vi,
18i-,7, 87.— Bn., B. N. A. lf^5H, 549; Mcx. B. Siiiv. ii, 1858, pt. ii, -Jd.— Maxim., J.
f. O. vi, 1858, 259.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wnsh. T<r. ISCi), 209.— Hayd.. I^op.
18(!2, 170.— LoRi>, Pr. Rov. Art. Inst, iv, 121 (Ikitisli Colunil)i:i).— ("oi r.s, I'r.
Philii. Acad. 1866, 91.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 273.— CouES, Am. Nat. v, lt<71,
678 (biography).— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 203.— Allkn, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 178.— Mkhu., U. S. Gool. Snrv. 1872,685,708 (t-ggs).— Snow, B. Kaii.-<. 1-73,
8.— CoiKs, Koy, 1872, l.V, lig. 100.— B. B. & R.,N. A. l?.ii, lf74. 19!i. pl.34, f.3,7.

Tphanics bHllocLii, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 432.— Hkkkm., P. R. R. Rop. x, 1859, pt. vi, 52.

JJiiphaiitca hullorhii, Cas.s., Pr. Phila. Aead. 1867, (y2.

rmroculiu.1 auricvltin, Maxi.m., Reise, i, IKW, 367 (Dakota).

Mnb. — Entire Missouri region (rare above Fort Pierre, Hai/dai) to the Pacific, and
southward along the Tablf-Lands of M('xi('o. North to British Columbia. Breeds in
8nit;ibh' i)la(TS tliroughout its Cnitcd States range. Passes beyond the L'nited btates
in winter. (City of Mexico, Scl., P. Z. S. 1869, 362).

196

ICTERUS BULLOCKII, BULLOCKS ORTOLE.
List of specimens.

19359

1936U

193lil

19362

vyz^s

18

19-289

19

19290

29

Popoagie

Bighorn Mts. .
Bighorn River

Popoagip

Wind River...
Wind River...
Wind River...

$
9
$
9
9

May
May
May
May
May
May
May

23, 1860
29, 1860

25, 1860

24, 1860
29, 1860
29, 1860

26, 1860

G. H. Trook..

do

do

do

F.V.Hayden.

do

do

8.50

7.75
8.00
8.25
7.55
7.50

12.25
12.00
12.25
12.00
12.00
11.25
12.00

4.00
3.15
4.25
4.00
4.00
3.50
3.76

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5354, Farm Island.

Later Exj[)edition8.—6l713-2i, Ogdeu, Utah ; 61782-85, Devil's Creek, Idaho.

The occurrence of tbis species eastward into Kansas, where, Prof.
Suow remarks, it is " quite frequeut," has been lately determined. Its
range thus largely overlaps that of the Baltimore Oriole, both being
found over a considerable portion of the Missouri region, along tlie
wooded streams. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific it is the
characteristic species, entirely replacing the Baltimore. I have seen
but one record (above given) of its occurrence in British America. It
appears, however, to rarely penetrate to the uppermost Missouri. It is
strictly migratory, like our other representatives of the family, winter-
ing in Mexico. It appears over our border in March, but the migration
is not completed until the following month, when the forests it loves to
dwell in are clothed in verdure. My experience with the species en-
abled me to give, on a former occasion, the following account:

"In the pine-clad mountains of Arizona and New Mexico, I never saw
it until about the middle of April ; then, and until the cool weather of
September, I was almost daily gratiiied with the sight of the gaily-hued
birds gleaming through the sombre foliage like tiny meteors, and with
the sound of their musical voices awakening echoes along the deepening
aisles of the woodland.

" In the countries just mentioned, the belts of thick cotton-wood and
willows that generally fringe the streams are fiivorite resorts, perhaps
because the pliant twigs are best suited to their wants in constructing
their nests. All the Orioles are wonderful architects, weaving pensile
nests of soft, pliable, fibrous substances, with a nicety and l)eauty of
finish that human art would vainly attempt to rival. These elegant
fabrics are hung at the end of slender twigs, out of reach of ordinary
enemies; and though they may swing with every breath of wind, this
is but cradle-rocking for the callow young, and it is a rude blast indeed
that endangers the safety of their leafy home.

" Little time passes after their arrival before the modestly-attired
females, rambling silently through the verdure, are singled out and
attended each by her impetuous consort, who sings his choicest songs,
and displays the prowess she admires most. His song is an elegant
paraphrase of the Baltimore's, with all its richness and variety, though
an ear well skilled in distinguishing birds' notes can readily detect a
difference. Their courtship happily settled, the pair may be seen flut-
tering through the thicket they have choseu, in eager search for a
building place ; and when a suitable one is found, no time is lost in
beginning to weave their future home. It is a great mistake to suppose
that birds of the same species always build in the same way. Though
their nests have a general resemblance in style of architecture, they
differ greatly according to their situation, to the time the birds have
before the nest must be used for the reception of the eggs, and often,
we are tempted to think, according to the taste and skill of the builders,
lu their work of this sort, birds show a remarkable power of selection,

ICTERUS BULLOCKII, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. 197

as well as of adaptiDg themselves to circumstances -, in proof of which
we have only to examine the three beautiful specimens now lying before
us. Each is differently constructed ; and while all three evince wonderful
l)owers of weaving, one of them in particular is astonishingly ingenious,
displaying the united accomplishments of weaving and basket-making.
Before j)roceeding, we may premise that the idea of the nest is a sort of
bag or purse, closely woven of slender pliant substances, like strips of
fibrous bark, grass, hair, twine, &c., open at the top, and hung by its
rim in the fork of a twig or at the very end of a floating spray.

" The first nest was built in a pine-tree ; and if the reader will call to
mind the stiff nature of the terminal branchlets, each bearing a thick
bunch of long, straight needle-like leaves, he will see that tlie birds
must have been put to their wits' end, though very likely he will not be
able to guess how they made shift with such unpromising materials.
They made up their minds to use the leaves themselves in the nest, and
with this idea they commenced by bending down a dozen or twenty of
the stiff', slender filaments, and tying their ends together at the bottom.
If you have ever seen a basket-maker at work, with his upright pieces
already in place, but not yet fixed together with the circular ones, you
will understand exactly what the birds had thus accomplished. Thej^
had a secure frame- work of nearly i)arallel and upright leaves naturally
attached to the bough above, and tied together below by the bird's art.
This skeleton of the nest was about nine inches long, and four across
the top, running to a point below ; and the subsequent weaving of the
nest upon this basis was an easy matter to the birds, though, if one
were to examine a piece of the fabric cut away from the nest, he could
hardly believe that the thin yet tough and strong feltinghad notbeen made
by some shoddy contractor for the supply of army clothing. Yet it was
ail designed in a bird's little brain, and executed with skilful bill and feet.

'' Perhaps the young birds that were raised in the second nest did
not appreciate their romantic surroundings, but their parents were
evidently a sentimental pair. If they did not do their courting ' under
the mistletoe,' at any rate they built a cosy home there, tinting the
sober reality of married life with the rosy hue of their earlier dreams.
The nest Avas hung in a bunch of the ArceuihoMum oxycedri, an abun-
dant epiphytic plant, that on the western wilds represents the mistletoe,
and recalls the cherished memories of holiday gatherings. The nest
was a cylindrical purse, some six inches deep and four broad, hanging
to several sprays of the mistletoe, which were partly interwoven with
the nest to form a graceful drapery. The felting material was long,
soft, vegetable fibre of a glistening silvery lustre, in artistic contrast
with the dark-hued foliage. A few hairs were sewn through and
through, for greater security, and the pretty fabric was lined with a
matting of the softest possible plant-down, like that of a button-wood
or an A.sclepias.

"The general shape and the material of the third nest were much
the same as those of the last; it was, however, suspended froiu the
forked twig of an oak, and draped, almost to concealment, with leaves.
But it had a remarkable peculiarity, being arched over and roofed in
at the top with a dome of the same material as the rest, and had a little
round hole in one side just large enough to let the birds pass in. Such
a globular nest as this is i)robably exceptional; but now it will not do
to say that Orioles always build pensile pouches open at the top.

"The eggs of this species are four or fiv*' in number, and rather elong-
ated in form, being much i)()inted at the smaller end. They measure, ou
au average, just au inch in length by about two-thirds as much in

198 SCOLECOPHAGUS FERRUGINEUS, RUSTY GRACKLE.

greatest diameter, which is much nearer the hirger than the smaller
end. In color they are very pale bluish, or rather whitish, with a faint,
dull blue shade, and are everywhere irregularly overrun with fine, sharp
liair lines of blackish-brown, or blackish with a slight tinge of purplish.
These curious zigzag markings are characteristic of the eggs of a ma-
jority of the birds of the family {Icteridcv). Tbey have no definite style,
but wander at random over the surface, and in no two specimens are
they alike. Thus, in one specimen, the lines, fine as hairs, are wound
round and round the butt, with such regularity that they hardly ever
interfere 5 in others they are snarled up in different places, and some-
times, particularly at a sharp turning-point, the lines spread into little
sjwts ; and there are often a few such Isolated markings in various
places over the ^gg.^''

Further accounts of the nidification of this beautiful species are given.
Mr. Merriam, who found it very abundant in Utah, and collected in
June no less than sixteen nests, containing over sixty eggs, says :

"They. build a beautiful hanging nest, often ten and a half inches
deep, and composed of fibres of grass, flax, and the inner bark of vines,
which is generally lined with wool. The first lot were deep and solid ;
were composed chiefly of the fibres of flax and dry grass, and had a
grayish appearance, while the second lot — which were built by the same
birds after their first had been taken — were not very deep, had evidently
been made in haste, and were principally composed of the inner bark
of small bushes and vines, giving them a brownish look. They gen-
erally conceal their nests among the leaves on the top of a willow, from
eight to ten feet above the ground, in such a position that it rocks to
and fro whenever there is a little wind."

SCOLECOPHAGUS FERRUGINEUS, (Gm.) Sw.

Rusty Grackle.

OrioJusfernighwus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 393.— Lath., lutl. Orn. i, 1790, 176.

Gracula fcrri'ghica, WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 41, pi. 21, f. 3.

Qidscalus ftrrughmis, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 46; Syn. 1828, 55.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832,
199.— AUD., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 325; v, 1839, 483: pi. 147; Svu. 1839, 146; B.
Am. iv, 65, pi. 222.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 146.— Maxim., J. f. 6. vi, 1858, 204.—
Tkippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 117 (west to Red River).

Scoleco])hagus fcrrtigincus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 286.— Br., List, 1838, 28.— GiiAY.-
Gen. of B.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 78.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 551.— CouES, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1861, 225 (Labrador, breeding).— Cass., ibid. 1866, 412. — Hayd.,
Rep. 1862, 170.— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869,285 (Alaska).— Ma yn.,
Pr. Bost. See. xiv, 1871 (Maine and New Hampshire, breeding). — Sxow, B.
Ivans. 1872 (Kansas, migratory).- CouES, Key, 1872, 159.— B. B. & R., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, 203, ]^\. 35, f. 4.

(?) Oriolus niger, Gm., i, 1788, 393.

Sfohcophagun niger, Br., Cousp. i, 1850, 423. — Car., Mns. Hein. i, 1851, 195.

Turdns hnilwiiicns, uoreboraceiisis ct lahradorius, Gm., i. 1788, 818, 832.

" OriohtH leucoce2)halus, et Gracula quiscala var., Lath."

PcndnUnus atcr, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.

'* Chalcophancs rirescens, Waul., Syst. Av. App. Oriolus, No. 9."

Hab. — Eastern Province of North America. West to Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota ;
thence obliquely in British America to the Pacific in Alaska. IJreeds from Northern
New England northward. In winter, generally dispersed over the Middle, Southern,
and Western States.

Lieutenant Warreii's Expedition. — No. 5322, uear Sioux City, Iowa.

There are some interesting points in the geographical distribution of
this species as compared with that of S. cyanoccpliahis. During the
breeding .season their habitats are entirely separate, but they overlap
during the fall migration, if not also in winter. In the East, the Rusty
Grackle breeds from Northern New England (and perhaps further south

S. CYANOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GRACKLE. 199

in mountains) northward, throughout a great part of the British Pos-
sessions, from Labrador entirely across to AUiska. Now, to take an
intermediate point — say Fort Pembina, on the lied Eiver, the extreme
northeast corner of Dakota. Here, in the spring and summer, the
Eusty Grackle is not known, while Brewers Blackbird occurs in great
abundance, breeding. In the fall, howev^er, the Rusty Grackle enters
Dakota from the north on its migration, and mixes with the other
species. I have even found them so associated over three hundred
miles further west, on the head-waters of the Mouse Eiver, where they
came in September; and for a month the Hocks of Blackbirds about
our camps contained both species of Scolecophcujiis, associating so inti-
mately that the same shot would generally drop individuals of both
kinds. Their habits at this season are identical, but the specific char-
acters are always, so far as 1 know, preserved intact. 1 have never
seen any doubtful specimens of either species.

Mr. Holdeu's record of /S'. fcrrugineus breeding in W^-oming in com-
pany with the other species is undoubtedly erroneous; no such associ-
ation occurs at this season ; when the two are found together, the indi-
viduals of S. femigincus are altogether a difttrent lot, come from the
North. The case is by no means unparalleled ; in fact, a great many
birds in migrating take up diiierent lines of migration in the spring and
fall. This brings species often into association at certain seasons, while
never found together at other times; and it accounts satisfactorily for
their abundance, during migration, at one season and scarcity at
another. Of this latter fact we have a striking example in the Con-
necticut Warbler {Oporornis agilis), a bird so abundant in New England
and elsewhere in the East, in the fall, that hundreds have been taken in
one season, while it is rarely ever seen in tiie spring, as at that season
it api)ears to migrate inland, up the Mississippi Valley, being, according
to accounts, not uncommon at some points during tlie vernal migration.

SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS, (Wagl.) Cab.
Blue-headed Grackle; Brewer's Blackbird.

Paarocoltufi cyanocepliahis, Wagl., Isis, 18'29, 758.

Scohxophaijtia cijanocfpliahiH, C.viJ., Miis. Heiii. i, 1851, 195. — Bn., B. N. A. 1858, 552. —
llEEiiM., p. K. K. Ke]). X, 185'J, pt. vi, 53. — Coop. &, Suckl., N. II. Wash.
Ter. 1800, 209.— IIavd., liep. 18li2, 170.— Di:ess., Ibis, 16(55, 40:5 (Mataiiioras
and Sail Antonio, l)ree(ling). — Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 180t3, 41o. — CoL'US, Pr.
Pliila. Acad. 18(i(), 90 (Arizona, rosidcnt). — SL'MICm., Meui. Bost. Soc. i, 18o9,
553 (plateau of Mexico, abundant). — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 8 (Eastern Kansas). —
Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 405.— Mekh., ihld. 1.-72, (W7.— Aikkn, Pr.
Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 (Wvoniinjr).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— CoUES,
Key, 1872, 100.— B. B. cV K., >*. A. B. ii, 1874, 200, pi. 35, f. 3.

Seolccopha'/tin mcxicaims, S\v., Two Cent, and a Quart(!r, 1838, 302, No. GG. — Gr.vv, Gen.
of B.— Bi'., Cons]!. i, 1850, 432.— Newh., P. K. K. Kep. vi, 1857, 86.

" Icier iiH untHH, Li<;Hr." {Up.)

Qnifrulnn bnivcri, Aui)., B. Am. vii, 1843, 345, pi. 492.

HcokcophmjUH ''J'vnityiiictt)i" Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 (error) (\Vyoniin<;, breeding).

Hub. — United States, from Eastern Kansas and Minnesota totlio Paeilie. South into
Mexico. Breeds throughout its United States laugc. Migratory I'roni extremes i f its
range.

List of sjyechnens.

19369

• - • •

S.ForkStiuk.C.

2

June 14, 1860

G.H.Trook..

[t.OO

14.75

5.00

Lhiilenoiil Vaneii's Expedilion. — 5320, Fort Randall, Dakota; 4753-56, Upper Mis-
souri lii\er.

J,(itti- /;x^;((///i(>»/.v.—()()151-."7, 00721-30. 010711-73, various Wyoming localities; 01710,
61731, Utah; 02272-73, Idaho and Wyoming.

200 S. CYANOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GRACKLE.

Tbe liahitut of this species is observed to overlap that of the preced-
ing", along the line through Eastern Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota, as
well as in the country immediately along the Red Kiver. Prof. Snow
states that it is "quite common even in Eastern Kansas;^' and at Pem-
bina, on the Red River, I found it breeding abundantly. Further south,
in Dakota, I have not observed it east of Fort Randall, where it is
common ; and beyond this, in the Missouri region, it almost replaces
the eastern species, which, however, reaches, in Dakota, during the fall
migration, to about 103° west longitude at least.

1 took a single male bird at Fort Randall, in November, after all the
migrants had passed southward; but its occurrence was due, I ascer-
tained, to an injury of one wing, which kept it from flying off with the
rest; and I am satisfied that none winter so far north as this, though,
on the Pacific coast, according to Dr. Cooper, the species is residerit as
far north as the Columbia. In Arizona, at various seasons, and late in
the fall in Southern California, I found the birds in great abundance,
and enjoyed excellent opportunities of studying their habits.

This species appears to leave both latitudinal extremes of its range
periodically, and probaRly all the individuals change their abode twice
a year; yet the oscillation of the whole body is insufficient to remove
them entirely from most localities, the birds being simply more or less
abundant according to season. Thus casual observation in Arizona
would lead to the belief that the species was there a winter visitant
only, while I am satisfied that they reside in the Territory. In Sei)tem-
ber and October their ranks are recruited by constant arrivals from the
north, and they are very abundant until the iollowing May. Then the
flocks break up ; the incomplete migration ensues, and the remainder
scatter about to breed. Unlike some Blackbirds, the Scolecophagi do
not breed in extensive communities, nor do they necessarily resort to
swampy localities. Several pairs, however, are olten attracted to the
same spot, and more than one nest may be found on the same tree or
high bush. The nest is placed in a crotch several feet from the ground;
it is a bulky structure, like a miniature Crow's nest, but deeper and
more compact. The basement and outer wall is an interlacement of
short, crooked twigs, inatted with a variety of softer materials, and may
rarely be plastered with mud. This substance, however, is not used
in great quantity, often apparently no more than what sticks to the
weeds and roots. The nest is finished inside with a quantity of hair,
rootlets, &c. The eggs difier entirely from those of the Agclcvi, being-
speckled, not streaked, like those of the Xauthocephalus. They are
hardly distinguishable from those of the Rusty Grackle. They vary in
number from four to six, measuring an inch or more by a little over
three fourths of an inch (a selected specimen was 1.05 by 0.78). They
are a dull, olivaceous-gray, sometimes a clearer pale-bluish or greenish-
gray, thickly scattered all over with various shades of brown, from quite
blackish or dark chocolate to light umber. None of the spots are large ;
they are very irregular in outline, occasionally quite linear; they vary
in number, sometimes being numerous enough to hide the ground-color.
A nest of Brewer's Blackbird before me, taken by Mr. Allen, June 24,
1873, on Heart River, Dakota, was placed only a few inches from the
ground. It is large and bulky, with many projections of the small
sticks which form the exterior, and are mixed with grasses and weed-
stalks throughout the nest. The lining is distinct, of fine, tortuous
rootlets, very neatly disposed in a circular manner. It contained five
eggs, v.ith large embryos. The ground is grayivsh, but it is everywhere
so thickly mottled, or rather clouded, with dull chocohite-brown as to

S. CYANOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GRACKLE. 201

give the prevailing effect. A specimen measures 1.19 by 0.80 ; the
shape is tumid, with an obtuse smaller end.

Several kinds of Blackbirds are abundant in Arizona, but the present
surpasses them all in numbers, and in its general diffusion plays the
part that the Cow-bird takes in the farms of the East, and that the
Yellow-headed Blackbird fulfils in the settlements on the plains. They
are eminently gregarious when not breeding. Yet I never saw such
countless numbers as those of the Eed-winged Blackbird during its
migrations. Troops of twenty, fifty, or a hundred are commonlj- seen ;
they have no special fondness for watery places, but scour the open, dry
ground, and scatter among straggling pines and oaks ; they come fear-
lessly into the clearings about houses, the traveler's camp, and the
stock-yards, gleaning plentiful subsistence from man's bounty or waste-
fulness. Much of their time is spent on the ground, rambling in hurried,
eager search for grain and insects; they generally run with nimble
steps, hopping being the exception, when they have satisfied their
hunger, and are moving leisurely with no particular object in view.
The movements are all easy and graceful, the bird's trim form and
glossy color setting it off to great advantage. At full speed the head
is lowered and fixed : in slower progress it is held upright, bobbing in
time with each step. When a llock is feeding, they pass over a good
deal of ground, without seeming to examine it very closely ; every one
tries to keep ahead of the next, and thus they scurry on, taking short
flights over each other's head. At the least alarm, the timid birds be-
take themselves to the nearest tree, perching in various attitudes. A
favorite posture, so easy as to appear negligent, is with the body held
nearly upright, the tail hanging loosely straight down, while the head
turns in various ways, with the whim of the moment. When excited,
the bird often sits low down, firmly on its legs, with elevated and wide-
spread tail, constantly flirted, while its watchful eye peers down through
the foliage. However compactly a flock may fly np into a tree, they
generally scatter as they alight all over the branches, so that it is rarely
that more than two or three can be brought down at a shot. On the
ground the case is quite diflereut ; there they often huddle so close to-
gether that the whole flock may be decimated. Their behavior in the
presence of man is a curious mixture of timidity and heedlessness ; thej-
come to the very door-step, and yet a sudden movement, or a shout,
sends them aflrighted into the nearest trees. The next moment they
begin to straggle back again, at first singly or in little squads, till the
more timid ones are reassured and come streaming down together, when
the busy search for food is resumed.

Their hunger satisfied for the time, the birds betake themselves to
the trees, often passing the whole period of digestion snugly ensconced
in the thick foliage. Then their concert opens; and if the music is
neither sweet nor soft, it is sprightly, and not disagreeable, for it sug-
gests the careless joviality and lazy good humor of Blackbirds with
their stomachs full, and satisfactory prosi)ect of luture supply. The
notes are energetic, rapid, and \ aried, witli a peculiar delivery, which,
like the yelping of the prairie wolves, gives the hearer a very exagger-
ated idea of the number of the performers. The usual note is like the
sound of pebbles smartly struck together, rapidly rei)eated an indefinite
number of times; it is varied at irregular intervals by a hmg-drawn
liquid whistle, which has a i)eculiarly i)leasing etlect in breaking the
numotony of the other notes, and mellowing the whole performance.
The ordinary call-note is exactly between the rou;^h gntteral "c/jMc/i" of
the Bed wing and the clear metallic ^' chink" of the Keed-bird.

lu the fall, when seeds of all sorts and various insects arc most readily

202 S. CYANOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GRACKLE.

procured, the birds grow fat, and furnisli very good eating. They are
tender, like nearly all small birds, and their flesh lacks the peculiar
taste and odor, not entirely agreeable, that that of the Redwing acquires
at the same season, when the bird feeds mostly on wild oats [Zizania).
At this season the lustre of the i)hunage is obscured, and its uniformity
interrupted by dull gray edging of the feathers. But even in autumn
some males are found nearly as richly clad as in the spring-time, and I
do not think that even the dullest colored females and young are ever
so decidedly rusty-brown as the Eastern Grackle. The sexes may be
known by their disparity in size, aside from the difference in plumage;
moreover, the eye of the male is clear lemon-yellow, that of the female
brown. The perfect male is lustrous greenish-black, changing abruptly
to purplish and violet on the head; length, 9^ to 10^; extent, IG or 17;
wing, about 5^; tail, 4i ; bill, 0.85; tarsus, about Ifj. The female only
averages 9 in length, with an extent of about 15, and other dimensions
are correspondingly smaller than those of the male. She is dull brown-
ish, blackening on the back, wings, and tail, where there is often a
greenish lustre, and with a plumbeous cast on the under parts; the
head, neck, and breast, ochrey-brown. The female and young are dis-
tinguished from those of 8. fernigineiis with some difficulty, but they
average larger, with the bill heavier at the base, and are probably never
so decidedly rusty-brown.

Since the preceding was written, Mr. Allen has sent me an interesting
addendum: "Brewer's Blackbird is one of the most common repre-
sentatives of the Icteridw at the western edge of the plains, and
throughout the mountains of Colorado. I found it abundant both at
Denver and Cheyenne, and along all the wooded streams southward to
Colorado City. It was also numerous at all favorable localities along
the mountain streams ; it occurred in large flocks in South Park, and
was met with on the Snowy liange, even above timber-line. I met with
it also at various points in Southern Wyoming, west of Cheyenne, and
saw it in the Great Salt Lake Valley, in autumn, in flocks of several
hundred. It is at all times more or less gregarious, and from its size,
color, and habits, might readily be mistaken at a little distance for the
Purple Grackle of the East. The latter species, however, was not seeu
west of Middle Kansas."

Mr. Trippe also furnishes his observations upon the species at Idaho
Springs, Colorado : "Abundant; migratory; breeds. The Blue-headed
Blackbird arrives in Bergen's Park early in spring, as soon as the
marshes and wet meadows begin to thaw. In this park, as well as in
all others that I have visited, it is very abundant, but only ventures
outside of these limits in straggling parties, foraging up and down the
valleys for food, especially early in the spring and late in the fall, when
the supply has become in^ecarious. In its habits and actions it shows
more resemblance to the Crow Blackbird than to the Rusty. It is very
social, and constantly in flocks, even in the breeding season associating
in small parties on its way to and from its ieeding grounds. It nests
in wet meadows and brushy swamps, whence it makes excursions to the
neighboring plowed fields and hills. The nest is built late in May, and
the female begins to set early in June. It Is placed on any dry spot in
the swamp, the centre of a clump of bushes being preferred, and is
always on the ground. It is large for the size of the bird, neatly con-
structed of weeds, grass, and bark, and smoothly lined with rootlets,
line bark, and hair. The eggs are five, of a pale bluish-green, very
thickly splashed and speckled with pale chocolate-brown. Late in fall
this bird leaves the mountains, and gathers in large flocks on the
plains."

QUISCALUS PURPUREUS, PURPLE GRACKLE. 203

QUISCALUS PURPUREUS, (Bart.) Liclit.
Purple Grackle; Crow Blackbird.

a. purpureus.

Gracula quhcaJa, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1758, 109; 1766, 165.— Gm., i, 1788, .397.— Lath.,
Ind. Oiu. i, 1790, 191.— Wils., iii, 1811, 44, pi. -21, f. 4.

Chalcophaiuti qniscalns, Wagl., Syst. Av. 18"27. — Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1851, 196.

Gramla pio-purea, Bai;t., Tniv. in Florida, 1791, 290.

Quiscalm purpureus, Light. — Gray.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79. — Cass., Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1866, 403.— Ridgw., ibid. 1889, 133.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 291
(includes several species); iii, 1S72, 178. — CouES, Key. 1872, 160, fig. 102; pi.
5, tigs. 1, 3, 4, 5.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 214, 215, pi. 37, f. 1.

Qiiiscalus versicolor, Vikill., Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 1819. 488; Gal. Ois. i, 171, pi. 108. —
Bp.. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 45 ; Am. Oru. i, 1825, 45, pi. 5, f. 1 ; Syn. 1828, 54;
List, 1838, 28; Consp. i, 1850, 424.— S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 485.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 194.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 35 ; v, 1839, 481 ; pi. 7 ; Syn. 1839,
146 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 58, pi. 221.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 555.— Hayd., Rep. 1862,
170.— TiuppE, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 187.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.

(?) Oriohts htdovicianus et hudsonius, Gm., i, 1788, 387.

" A7«rHH.s quiseahis, Daudin."

Gracula burila, Oru, Jouru. Pbila. Acad, i, 1818, 253.

Qitiscalus iiitciis. Light., Verz. Donbl. 1823, 18, No. 164 (et "fulgida, Light.")

Quiscalus 2>urpuratufi, S\v., Larduer's Cycl. 1838, 299.

Chalcophanes purpurulus, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 196.

b. wneiis.

Quiscalus wnenn, Ridgw., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1889, 134 (cf. Aud., pi. 7; CouES, Key, 161).
Quiacalus 2>ur2}ureus var. ceneus, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 218.

('. aglcmis.

Quiscahts Ixirilus, Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 5.56, pi. 32 {an aucti).

Quiscalus aghrus, Bd., Am. Journ. Sci. 1366, 84. — Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 404. —

Ridgw., ibid. 1869, 135.
Quiscalus purpureus var. aijlcrus, CoUES, Key, 1872, 161, pi. 5, figs. 2, 6. — B. B. & R.,

N. A. B. ii, 1874, 221, pi. 37, f. 2.
(For otbor probable syuonvms of tins species, and names of local races, see Sw.,
Larduer's Cycl. 299, 300,^355;' Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 404 ct seq. ; Allen, Bull. M.
C. Z. ii, 1871, 291.)

Hab. — Nortb America, east of tbe Rocky Mountains. Nortb to Labrador, Hudson's
Bay, and tbe Saskatcbewan. Breeds tbrougbout its range. Winters iu tbe .Soutberu
States. Var. af/lauis from Soutbern Florida.

Lieutenaut Warren's Exptifition. — 4761, Big Nemaba; 4766, 4762, 4758, 4760, 4767, Bald
Island, Missouri Rivei".

The Crow Blackbird has lately been traced west to the Rocky Moniit-
aiiis ; it is abundant in the eastern i)art of the Missonri rej;ion. It has
been several times accredited to California, bnt the evidence remains
insutlicient. The variety ccneiis is very abundant along the Red River
of the North, breeding in hollows of trees, and later in the season I
hav(i found it far west on the Mouse River, in the same latitude.

Mr. Tiiomas T. Gentry sends me the following paragraph : " This
i'aiiiiliar bird reaches the latitude of Philadelphia, usually about the
middle ot March. As 1 write (March 21), many small Hocks may be
seen in various directions, fluttering and cliatteriug auiong the trees.
]!^est-building has been observed even as early as March 1~>; but then
oidy iu slicltcred situations, such as the south slopes of a hill. Here
the nests arc built chielly in the branches of coniferous trees. Usually,
but one brood is reared each season, but I have observed instances of a
second brood, when the season has been unusually iiropitious. In such
cases the lirst batch of young appeared iu April, the otlu-r in duly.
Tlu^ugh sometimes annoying to the agriculturist by its mi.schief in the
corn-liclds, this bird has nevertheless some good cjualities lecomuiend-

204 CORVUS CORAX, RAVEN.

ing it to favor. It is obviously of great service iu the destruction of
iusects. But it lias oue very bad trait, i^erhaps not generally kuown.
Like the Crow, a not distant relative, it is fond of birds' eggs and ten-
der nestlings, and it destroys a great many, particularly Robins. Cow-
ard-like it lurks about the Robin's vicinity until the parents are away,
when it pounces on the nest, seizes an egg or a young one, and hastily
retreats. But wary and vigilant as it is, sometimes it is caught in the
act, and forced to seek safety by rapid flight from the impetuous attacks
of the owners. I had been aware of its fondness for eggs for several
years, but only lately learned of this carnivorous propensity, which is
doubtless the natural outgrowth of its habit of sucking eggs." About
Washington, the present year (1874:), the Grackles appeared in consider-
able number early in March, frequenting the various parks of the city
with Robins, Bluebirds, Red-wings, and other early arrivals.

The following (the onlj^ additional North American species of Quiscalus), has not
been found in the Missouri region :

QuisCALUS MAJOR, Fieill.

a. major.

Gramla iarifa, Wils., Ind. Am. Orn. vi, 1812.

Quiscalus hnritus, Peab., Rep. Oru. Mass. 1839, 285 (Massachusetts ; probably a mis-
take).— LiNSL., Am. Jonrn. xliv, 1843, 2G0 (Connecticut ; probably a mistake).

Gracula quisccda, Okd, Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1818, 253.

Quiscalus major, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 1819, 487.— Bp., Am. Ore. iv, 1825, 35, pi,
4 ; List, 1838, 28 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 424.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 192.— Aud., Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834, 504 ; v, 1838, 480; pi. 187; Syn. 1839, 146; B. Am. iv, 1842, 52,
pi. 220.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 555.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Texas).- Cass., Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1866, 409. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 85 (^Massachusetts;
probably a mistake).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 2.-'6 (New Enghuid ; prob-
ably a mistake).— Allen, Bull, M. C. Z. ii, lb71, 295 (Florida).— Coues, Pr.
Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 117 (South Carolina).- Coues, Ibis, 1S70, 367 (biogra-
phy).—Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 25 (North Carolina).— Coues, Key, 1872,
1G(»._C0UES, Check-list, 1874, No. 224.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 222, pi.
.36, f. 3, 4.

Chalcoplianes major, Temm., Cab. Mus. Heiu. 1851, 96.

b, maerourus.

Quiscalus maerourus, Sw., An. iu Men. 1838, 299, f. 51«.-ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 300 (Cor-
dova); Ibis, i, 1859, 20 (Guatemala) ; ibid, ii, 1860, 112 (Honduras).— Bi>., B.N.

A. 1858, 554'; 1860, 554, pi. 58; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, 20, j)]. 20.— Cass.,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 138 (Carfhagcna).- Cab., .T. f. O. is, 1861, 82 (Costa
Rica).— Lawu., Ann. Lvc. viii, 181 (Nicaragua) ; ibid, ix, 104 (Costa Rica).—
Dress., Ibis, 1865, 493 (Texas).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867, 410 (critical).—
SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 553 (Vera Cruz).— CoUES, Key, l!i72, 160, hg.
159.

Chalcophanes maerourus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 196.

Quiscalus major var. maerourus, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 225, pi. 36, f. 1, 2.

Bdb.—T\x<i typical form along the South Atlantic and Gulf coast, from the Cnrolinas
to Texas ; not authentic in New England. Var. maerourus from Texas south into Cen-
tral America.

Family CORVIDiE : Crows, etc.

Sitbfamily CORVINJE : Ravens and Croics.
CORVUS CORAX, Linn.

Raven.

Corvus corax, Linn., auctorum ; Planches Enlum. 495.— Naum., Vog. pi. .53.— Gould,

B. E. pi. 220.— SciiL., Not. 8ur Corv. pi. 1.— Wils., Am. Orn. ix, 1825, 136, pi.
75, f 3.— Bp., Syu. 1828,56.— Dough., Cab. Nat. Hist, i, 1830, 270, pi. 24.-Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 290.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 202.— Aud., Oru. Biog. ii,

CORVUS CORAX, RAVEN. 205

1834, 476, pi. 101 ; Syn. 1839, 150 ; B. Am. iv, 1843, 78, pi. 224.— GiR., B. L. I.
1844, 149.— Bp., Consp. 1, 1850, 387.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 78.— Heerm.,
P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 54. — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 525 (Indiana) ;
, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 40 (Alaska).

Corvits var. ferrccnsis, Brunn. ; C. leucomeJas, Wagl. ; C, leucojihceus, Vieill., Gal. Ois.
pi. 100 (individuals streaked with white).

Corvtis corax var. Uttoralis, Holboll, Kroyer's Tidskrift, iv, 1843, 390 (Greenland and
Labrador).

Corvus corax (var?), Coues, Key, 1872, 162.

Corvits corax var. carnivwus, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 234, pi. 37, f. 6.

Corvus maximus, Scop., Ann. i, 34, No. 45. «

Corvus clericus, Sparrm., Mus. Carls, pi. 2.

Coi'vus major, Vieill., et C. montanus, Temm. ; Le Vaill., Ois. Afr. pi. 61. — Bp., Consp.
i, 1850, 387 (.s/J. apocrypha).

Corvus carnivorus, Bart., Trav. Fla. 1793, 290.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 560.— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 210, pi. 21.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.—
Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 225 (Labrador) ; ihid. 1866, 91 (Arizona).—
Hayd., Rep. 1862, 70.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 121 (British Colnm-
bia.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Texas).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869,
285 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 282.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870,
465 ; and of most late American writers.

Corvus cacalotl, Wagl., Isis, 1831, 527 (Mexico).— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 115; Consp. i,
1850, 387.- Maxim., Reise, ii, 1841, 289.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 195.— Newb.,
P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 82.— Kenx., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 31, pi. 20.—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 563.— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 21 (Guatemala).— Sumich., Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 553 (Vera Cruz).

Corvus siuuaius, Wagl., Isis, 1829, 748 (Mexico).

Corvus cafototi, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 28.

Corvus iwhiUs, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, 79.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 386 (Mexico).

Corvus " sphndens, Gould," Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 115 (error). Not of Vielll.

Corvus luguhris, Agas., Pr. Bost. Soc. ii, 1846, 188.

" Corvus tliibcfauus, Hodgs."

" Corvus vocifcrus, Cab."
Gray's Hand-list, Nos. 6181-84, and 6189-90.

Eah.—ln North America, generally distributed. Throughout British America.
Everywhere in United States west of the Mississippi (according to Aiken, Am. Nat.
vii, 16, the Ravens of Colorado are chiefly C. cryptolcucus). Rare, or wanting in differ-
ent parts of Eastern United States. On the Atlantic coast, regularly south to Maine,
where it nests {Boardman) ; rarely to Southern New England, New York, Pennsylvania,
and New Jersey. Formerly breeding in Middle States and mouT>taiuous parts of South
Caxolina {Audubon). li&ntxxQky {Audubon). Ohio {Wheaion). Indiana (if«(/»ioH(Z; for-
merly numerous, became exceedingly rare" in 185()). Not found in the Gulf States, ex-
cepting Texas. South into Mexico {C." cacalotl," " sinuaius," " splendens," and " nobilis ").
Guatemala.

List of specimens.

19300

202

Loc. not given .

F.V.Hayden.

25.00

47.00

16.00

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 518G, Fort Randall, Dakota; 4546, source Little
Missouri River ; L'Eau qui comt ; 5787, Fort Pierre.

Later Expeditions. — 54316, 60813, Wyoming.

It is impossible to distinguish our Raven specifically from the European, and the
grounds for si^paratiiig even a C. corax var. carnivorus are very slight. The American
bird may average a trifle larger, with a correspondingly more robust bill; but the
dift'ereuco in these respects is entirely within the normal individual variability of the
bird, being equaled if not exceeded among specimens from each country. As to the
Raven of Mexico, described as distinct under a variety of names, it appears to bo
somewhat more richly iridescent, as a consequence of its subtropical habitat ; from
the same circumstances, the bill and feet may average relatively larger.

It is unnecessary to mention particular localities in the West, where the Raven is
more or less numerous ; it is so generally distributed, that its great abundance, scar-
city, or absence at various points merely represent incidents in the career of individ-
uals, drawn together by abundance of food or other favoring circumstances, and dis-
persed under opposite conditions. In fact, the restriction of it.s range in tlie United
States is probably reducible to a fortuitous matter, since this !)inl, like some others,
sooner or later finds the advance of civilization uiisupportable, and retires to regions
more congenial to its wild and wary nature.

206 CORVUS CRYPTOLEUCUS — C. AMERICANUS.

COIiVUS CRYPTOLEUCUS, Couch.

AVhite-iieeked Raven, ,

Corvits C)'ypto1encns,Covcu, Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 60 (Tamaulipas). — Br>.. B. N. A.
18r)8, 5G5; Mex. B. Surv. ii, pt. ii, 185'J, Birds, p. 20.— Cooi-., B. Cal. i, 1870,
284.— Dress., Ibis, 186.5, 494 (liable Pass, Texas).— Coues, Key, 1872, 162.—
Aiken, Am. Nat. vii, 187:5, 16 (Cheyenne, Wyo. Ter.). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.
1872, 203 (" very common along the base of the mountains"). — B. B. & R., N.
A. B. ii, 1874, 242.

Hah. — Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. North to Colorado and Wyoming. Sonth
into Mexico. Said to be abundant on the Llano Estacado. Found near Tucson, Ari-
zona, by Lieutenant Bendire {eplst.)

The known range of this species has been lately extended by Mr. C.
E. Aiken, who found it near Cheyenne; this brings it within the region
of the Missouri. Its peculiar character, of snowy-white bases of the
cervical feathers, has not been observed in any otlier of the North
American Corvi, but it occurs in a number of extialimital species.- It
is described as being considerably smaller than the Common IJaven, and
otherwise different ; but its relationship to some of its allies might jier-
haps be profitably investigated. In our Raven and Crows the bases of
the neck-feathers are plumbeous gray. The eggs of the White-necked
Raven are said to resemble those of the Common Raven, but to be paler,
and, it is to be presumed, smaller.

Mr. Trii)pe writes me, that in Colorado the White-necked Raven " is
abundant along the edge of the plains in winter 5 not common in the
mountains; not observed during spring and summer. I did not succeed
in taking any specimens of this bird, but have no doubt that it is the
White-necked Raven. It is called " Crow " by the inhabitants, to distin-
guish it from the Raven proper. Its croak is different from that of the
Eastern Crow, being mucli harsher; in flight and actions it is very simi-
lar to that bird. I have seen this species, one hundred miles or more
east of the mountains, feeding on dead buffalo."

CORVUS AMERICANUS, And.
• Common Crow.

a. americamis.

Corvus corone, Wii.s., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 79, pi. 25, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 56.— Sw. & Rich.
F. B. A. ii, 1831, 291.— Niitt., Man. i, 1832, 209.

Corvus americamts, AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 317; v, 1839; 477; pi. 156; Syn. 1839,
156; B. Am. iv, 1842, 87, pi. 225.— Bp., List, 1838, 29 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 385.—
NUTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 221.— Maxi.m., Reise, i, 1839, 140 ; J. f. O. vi, 1858,
198.— Gill., B. L. L 1844, 151.— Newb., P. R. R.Rep. vi, 1857, 82.— Bi)., B.N. A.
1858, 566.— Heehm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, vi, 54.— DiiESs., Ibis, 1865, 494
(Texas).— Coop. &. SccK., N. II. Wash. Ter. 1860, 211, pi. 23.— Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1861, 226 (Lahradoi).— Stkv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.—
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Hold., Pr.Bost.
Soc. 1872, 203 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 162.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 243, pi. 37, f. 5 ; and of authors generally.

b ? caurinus.

Corvus caurinus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 569.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. I860, 24, pi.
24.— D.\LL & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 286.— Coop., 13. Cal. i. 1870, 285.—
FiNScn, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 41.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 248. '

Coitus omericanus var. caurinus, Coues, Key, 1872, 163.

c. floridanus.

Corvus americanus vav. floridanus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858,568. — CoUES, Key, 1872, 163. — B. B.
& R., N. a. B. ii, 1874, 247.

PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, CLARKE's CROW. 207

Ral). — Temperate XorHi America (to 55°, Bichardson), exceptino;, probably, most of
the bigh central plains and tbe Southern Rocky Mountains, where the Raven abouuils.
Var. caurinus along tbe Pacific coast, from Sitka to Lower California. Var. floridanus
is a larger-billed strain from Southern Florida.

Lieutenant Warren' s Expedition. — 5188, mouth of Powder River; 5189-91, Fort Union,
Dakota ; 5192, Vermilion River.

Later Expeditions. — 60461, La Bont6 Creek, Wyoming.

The Corvus caurinus is probably not specifically distinct, but may represent a littoral
variety, distinguished by its smaller size, and some particular mode of life, circum-
stances probably mutually explanatory. It is hardly necessary to recognize "florida-
nus" by name, since it merely illustrates the usual relative increase in size of the bill
and feet shown by birds of corresponding latitudes.

Although apparently rare or quite wanting in a great part of the
West, in the interior, as above indicated, the Crow occurs along the
whole Missouri Kiver. lb is associated in most places with the Kaven,
but in general their numbers are reciprocal. The Eaven spreads more
over the plains, while the Crow is more partial to the wooded river-
bottoms and the immediate vicinity of the water-courses. At Fort
Eandall, where the Raven is comparatively rare, the Crow is common
and resident. I found many Crows along Mouse River, in Northern
Dakota, but no Ravens. I never saw a single Crow in Colorado, New
Mexico, or Arizona, where the Raven was ray constant companion dur-
ing all my journeying and residence.

The Fish Crow, which is not found in the Missouri region, has the following syno-
nymy :

CoRVUs ossiFRAGTJS, Wilson.

Co)-vu8 OHsifragus, WiLS., Am. Oru. v, 1812, 27, pi. 37, f. 2.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No.
39 ; Syii. 1828, .57 ; List, 1838, 27 ; Cousp, i, 1850, 385.— Wagl., Svst. Av. 1827,
Corvus No. 12.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 216.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii,"l834, 2G8; v,
1839, 479; pi. 146; Syu. 1839, 151; B. Am. iv, 1842, 94, pi. 226.— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 571 ; 1860, 571, pi. 67, f. 2.— Coues &, Phent., Smitlis. Rep. 1861, 414
(Washington, D. C, common).— Allen, Pa-. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 85 (Southern
New England, occasional). — Coues, Hid. v, 1868, 286 (the same). — Lawk., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 289 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii. 1868, 117
(South Carolina^.- TuKXiJ., B. E. Pa. 1869, 26.— Coue.s, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871,
26 (North Carolina).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 297 (Florida).— Coues,
Key, 1872, 162.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 251, pi. 37, f. 7.

Sab. — Coast of the United States, from New England to Florida.

PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, (Wils.) Bp.
Clarke's Crow ; American Nutcracker.

Comis columhianns, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 29, pi. 20, f. 2.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 182.5, No.
38 ; Syn. 1828, 57.— Nutt., Man. Oru. i, 1832, 218.

Nucifraga eohmbiana, AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 459, pi. 362; Svn. 1839. 156 ; B. Am. iv,
1842, 127, 1)1. 235.— Bp., List, 1838, 28.— Nutt., Man. i,'l840, 251.

Nucifraf/a (rieieorvus) cohimhiuna, Gray, TIand-list, ii, 1870, 9. No. 6165.

Ficicorvus eolumbianus, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 384.— Newij., P. K. R. Rci». vi, 1857, pt. iv,
83.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 573, 925.— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 32.—
Coop & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 212.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 171 (to Fort
Laramie).- Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 91.— Lohd, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv,
121 (British Columbia); Nat. in Vancouver (bnjcdiug near Fort Colville).—
Dall &. Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, l^■69, 286 (Sitka). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,
289.— STKV.,U.S.Geol.Surv.T('r. 1870, 465.— Couks. Ibis, 1-72, 52n>i<'graphv).—
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Holo.-Aiken., I'r. Bost. S(u'. 1-72. 2t».{ ( Wv-
oming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 162, fig. 104.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 255, pi.
38, f 4.

"Coi-vus megonijx, Wagl." — (Gray.)

ITab. — Chictly tlu' conifenms belt of the West, in mountainous regions, from about
3.000 feet n\i to the highpst peaks. North to Sitka ( lUxehoff). Northeast to Milk River,
Montana (200 miles east of Rocky Mountains., hit. about 49^, Suddoj). East to Fort

208

PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, CLAEKE's CROW.

Kearney (Xebraska, long. 99° G' W. Greenwich, Cooper). South on hipfh lands to Mexico?
(to Albuquerque, New Slexico, Eennerh/; Fort Whipple, Arizona, Coucs; Fort Tejon,
California, Xantits), Found breeding at Fort Colville, Washington Territory (Lord).

List of S2)ccimcns.

19291

37

19292

38

19293

32

19294

Grosventres R. .

do

Mud River

Popoagie Creek.

S

June 2, 18G0

do

May 30, 1860
May 20. 1860

F.V.Hayden.

do

do

G. H. Trook. .

12.25
11.50

16.50
20.50
17.50

7.50
6.75
6.75

Lieutenant Warren^s Exjiedition.— 8670-74, Black Hills, Dakota ; 8875, Rawhide Peak,
Wyoming.

Later is'xjjerZi/fOHS.— 54317-19, Wyoming ; 59856-9, Colorado ; 60817-18, Pacific Creek,
Wyoming ; 61087, Green River ; 11159 {young), Wyoming.

The range of this species is nearly coincident with the zone of conif-
erous vegetation in the West. It rarely descends below an altitude of
3,000 feet, and has been observed on peaks 10,000 feet high. A hardy
bird, finding its food at all seasons, Chirke's Crow is not a true
migrant ; that is to say, it does not move north and south at regular
periods. But the individuals are never thoroughly localized ; they are
restless birds, scurrying continually among the mountains. The nearest
approach to a regular movement appears to be their flying down mount-
ains in severe weather, and returning to the more elevated situations
to breed. This seems to be the case, at any rate, in latitudes from 45°
southward, although they nest quite low down in more nortbern situa-
tions. Thus, at Fort Whipple, near 3oO 30', and 4,000 or 5,000 feet high,
I never saw them in summer ; but they were irregularly common from
October to March, and I have no doubt they breed in the neighboring
San Francisco Mountains. I have never seen the nest or eggs. Mr. J.
K. Lord, who found the bird in immense flocks, in May, near Fort Col-
ville, and subsequently breeding there, states that a nest was placed in
the top of a pine, 200 feet h?gh ; " it was composed of fir-twigs, bark, .
leaves of pine, and fine root-fibres, with some moss and gray lichen —
very large and shallow."

Like others of this omnivorous family, Clarke's Crow is an indiscrim-
inate feeder upon vegetable substances, giving preference, however, to
the seeds of the pine, berries of the cedar, and acorns. Prying into a
pine-cone Mith its long and peculiarly-shaped beak, it gouges out the
seeds, often hanging, while thus engaged, head downward, like a
Thistle-bird swing under the globular ameut of a button-wood. It also
eats insects of various kinds, and has been observed pecking at dead
bark to obtain them, and making short sallies in the air for the same
purpose, like a Woodpecker. It sometimes descends to the ground in
search of fond, walking easily and firmly, like a true Crow; but we may
infer, from the length and sharpness of its claws, that it does not spend
much of its time on the ground.

According to my observations, made at all seasons, excepting during
the breeding time, Chirke's Crow is decidedly a gregarious bird. Flocks
of fifty or a hundred are ofteuer witnessed than single birds, and Mr.
Lord speaks of their appearance " by thousands." They are very noisy
birds, uttering a harsh, discordant scream of great volume and pene-
tration, and extremely wary, under ordinary circumstances, like most
of the larger CorvL The ordinary flight is rapid, straight, and steady,
accomplished by regular and vigorous wing-beats; but when flying
only from tree to tree, the birds swing themselves in an undulatory
course, with the wings alternately spread and nearly closed, much in.
the manner of the Woodpeckers.

GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA, BLUE CROW. 209

The following interesting passages occur in Mr. Trippe's Manuscripts :
"At Idaho Springs, in Colorado, Clarke's Crow is by no means rare;
nearly, or quite, resident ; breeds. Eight or ten years ago, as I have
been informed by old residents, this bird was exceedingly numerous,
and duriiig winter, very tame and bold, ajiproaching close to the cabins
and homes of the settlers, and devouring everything left exposed to
its voracity. At present it is seldom seen in numbers; but singly, or
iu small parties, is not uncommon from about 9,000 feet up to timber-
line during the warmer months, descending to the lower valleys, and
probably to the foot-hills, during the depth of winter, a few remaining
iu the county throughout the year. As soon as the weather has com-
menced to moderate a little, they begiu ascending again, working up-
ward in advance of all other birds.

"The habits of Clarke's Crow are well indicated by its name, for they
are a compound of those of the Woodpecker and Crow. At times it
' will alight on a dead limb, and hammer it precisely as a Woodpecker
does, the loud rattling being audible at a great distance; at others, its
actions are so similar to that of a Crow, that one might readily mistake
it for a smaller species of that bird were it not for its colors. It fre-
quently alights on the top of a tree, and utters its hoarse notes to call
or alarm its companions, constantly looking around iii every direction
to detect any approaching danger, just as the Crow is in the habit of
doing. It is rather a shy bird than otherwise, yet not so wild but that
it may be shot by using a little caution in approaching it. Its flight i*
bold and strong, with rather quick and rapid strokes, like the Blue
Jay's ; at times, after flying a little way from its perch, it will sail oit
its wings in a wide circle, returning to the same tree. Near timber-
line I have seen dozens of them all performing this manoeuvre together,,
sometimes flying hundreds of feet above the trees and returning to them
when tired. It occasionally visits the slaughter-houses, and, like a true-
Crow, seems to be quite omnivorous, cramming its hungry maw with
everything that will satisfy its voracious appetite. In sjjring, when
other food is scarce, it even attacks the cones and hudn Oi Finu» imniler-
osa and P. contorfa ; and nothing seems to come amiss. A tame one
which I saw preferred raw meat, but ate anjthing given to it with ap-
parent relish,

"Clarke's Crow probably breeds very early, as young birds are able
to fly in the middle of May ; its nest, however, I was never able to find,.
nor even gain any idea of where it is idaced. The young are cared for
by the parents a short time after leaving the nest, and are then left to-
shift for themselves — hence, as the tirst brood is liatched so early, they
may raise a sec^ond ; bat I never saw any young biids ai'ter the latter
part of June, and am inclined to think, therefore, that they raise but a
single brood. Of notes, this bird ])()ssesses several, all of whii-h are-
harsh, grating, and crow-like, many being quite loud. It is tamed as
easily as the Crow or Kaven, and soon becomes quite as familiar and
impudent, showing all the propensities to theft and mischief that mark
those birds."

GY:\IN0KITTA CYANOCEPnALA, (Maxim.) Bp.
Blue Crow; Cassiii's Jay; ^laxiniitian's Juy.

GymtiorhhiHs qianoaphalun, Maxim., Rui.so, ii, 1H41, 21.

Gymnoldtta cyaiiuirpliald, I5i'., Coiisp. i, lh'50, :?82. — Cas.s., B. Cal. .tikI Tox. i, IH.'jl. ICTt. pi.

•id— Ni:wi;., V K. K. K.p. vi. isr>7. s:?.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, lr<r>H, I'.CJ.— Bd.. B.

N. A. IdfiH, 074.— Ke.n.n., 1'. H. li. Ktp. x, ldr>U, pt. iv, 3*2.— CoCK», Fr. Pbilu.

14

210

GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPUALA, BLUE CROW.

Acad. 18G6, 91 ; Ibi.s, 1872, 152 (biognipliy) ; Key, 1872, IG;',.— Coop., B. Cal. i,
1870, 292.— AiKKX, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 204 (Wyoming).— B. B. &. 11., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, 260, pi. 38, f. 2.

Psilorhhiiis riianovcplialus, Gray, Genera of Birds.

Nudfv'.tqa {( i iimnokiUa) oianocephala, Gkay, Hand-list, ii. 1870, 10, No. GIGO.

Cyaii<>cepltalii,s wicdi, Bi'.,"Oss. Stat. Zoo). Eiir. Veit. 1840-'41, 1842; see Ibi.s, 1873, 103.

Cyanocorax cas^'uu, McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 21(;.

Hub. — Western United States, from the eastern foot-hills and spurs of the Rocky
Mountains to the opposite slopes of the Cascade and Coast Ranges.

List of specimens

•

19370
19371
19372
19373

Bighorn Mts.. .
do

$
9
9
$

June 1, 1860
do

G.H. Trook..
do

10.50
10.50

18.00

18.00

G.OO
0.00

do

do

do

153

Tullock Creek.

Sept. 3, 1890

F.V.Hayden.

11.00

lO.OU

6.50

Not obtained by Lientenant Warren's Expedition.
Later Expeditious. — 59860-3, Wyoming.

The following account, like tliat of Clarke's Crow, is reproduced, in
substance, from my article in the " Ibis," as above quoted :

For many years this species was considered a rarity, to be highly
prized, and may still remain among the desiderata of many or most
Euro})ean collectors; but of late a great many specimens have been
gathered, notably in California, by the late Captain John Feilner, and
in Arizona, by myself. Prince Maximilian's original examples are
stated to have come from one of the tributaries of the Upper jMissouri,
■which locality, if not beyond the bird's ordinary range, is certaiidy far
from its centre of abundance. Dr. Hayden does not appear to have
met with it in that region, and probably Maximilian's quotation indi-
cates nearly the norti)eiistern limit of the species, whicii would thus
prove very nearly coincident with that of Clarke's Crow. Coloiu^l McCall
foun<l his Cyanocorax cassini abundant near Santa Fe, New jMexico; Dr.
Kennerly met with great numbers near San Miguel antl at Fort Web-
ster, in the same Territory; and Captain Feilner ])rocured his tine suite
of specimens at Foit Crook, Califonia. Dr. J. S. Newberry is our i)rinci-
})al Oregon reference. I have seen no Washington Territory record ; but
data are to be anticipated from this quarter, corresponding to those
respecting Clarke's Crow. In the matter of altitude, the present species
lias not been proven to occur so high up as Clarke's Crow has ; but the
evidence is only negative. It breeds at or near its limit of altitude,
descemling in winter to the lower border of the pine-belt, if not a little
bey on (L

At Fort Whipple, in Arizona, where my observations were made, the
bird may be considered a permanent resident. Thougii v>e did not
observe it breeding in the immediate vicinity, vre found newly-tledged
young in the neighboring higliei- mountains, showing that it nests
there. Like most of its tribe — in fact, like most birds largely subsist-
ing on varied animal and vegetable substances — it is not strictly
migratory, ex(iei)t, perhaps, at its highest i)oint of dispersion. A
descent of a few thousand feet from mountain tops appears to answer
the purpose of the southward Journeying most migratory species per-
form, as far as food is concerned, wdiile its hardy nature eua5ies it to
endure the rigors of winter in regions IVeciuently snow-bound. Jt feeds
principally upon juniper-berries iiud pine-seeds; also upon acorns, and
probably other .small, hard fruit.

Notwithstanding its essentially corvine form, the habits of this bird,
like its colors, are ratlier those of .I;iys. It is a garrulous and vociler-
ous crjeaturCj of various and curiously modulated chattering notes

PICA MELANOLEUCA VAK. HUDSONICA, MAGPIE. 211

when at ease, and of extremely loud, harsh cries when in fear or anycr.
The former are somewhat jj;uttiiral, but the latter possess a resonance
different both from the hoarse screams of Cyanura macrolopha, and the
sharp, wiry voice of the Cyanocltta. Like Jays, it is a restless, impetu-
ous bird, as it were of an unbalanced, even frivolous, mind ; its turbu-
lent presence contrasting- strongly with tlie poised and somewhat sedate
demeanor of the larger black Corvi. With these last, however, it shares
a strong (character — its attitudes when on the ground, to which it
habitually descends, being crow-like; and its gait, an easy walk or run,
differing entirely from the leaping ])rogression of the true Jays. It
shares a shy and watchful disposition with its relatives on both sides of
the family ; its flight is most nearly like that of the Picicorvus. It is
highly gregarious, in the strict sense of the term. Immense as the
gatherings of Crows frequently are, these birds seem to associate rather
in community of interest than in obedience to a true social instinct;
each individual looks out for himself, and the company disperses for
cause as readily as it assembles. It is different with these small, Blue-
Jay Crows ; they flock, sometimes in surprising numbers, keep as close
together as Blackbirds, and move as if by a common impulse. As usual,
their dispersion is marked, if not complete, at the breeding- season ; but
the flocks reassemble as soon as the yearlings are well on wing, from
which time until the following s|)ring hundreds are usually seen
together. On one occasion at least, I witnessed a gathering of probably
a thousand individuals.
The nest and eggs of this bird apparently remain unknown.

Subfamily Garrulin^: Jays,

PICA MELANOLEUCA var. HUDSONICA, (Sab.) Cones.

American Magpie.

a. melanoleuca.

Corvns pica, Linn., Fu. Suec. 92 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 1.57 ; and of early authors.

Pica melanoltnca, Vieill., Nonv. Diet. iVHist. Nat. xsvi, 121.

Pica albivcutria, Vieill., Fu. Frany. lit), i>l. 55, f. 1.

Pica curopaa, Bdie, Isis, 1822, 551.

Pica rimticonim, Lkach, Cat. IhIG, 18.

Pica caudata, Fleming, Br. An. 1828, 87 ; and of many authors.

Pica varia, SciiL., Kcv. Ciit. Ois. Eur. 1814, 54.

Pica (jcnnanica, m^jtentrionali-iynt hicinaH-s^BuKuyi, Y. D. 1831, 177, 178.

b. hudsonica.

Corviiapica, FonsT.. Pliil. Trans. Ixxii, 1772, 382.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811,75, pi. 35. f.
2.— Hi'., Ohs. Wils. 1825, No. 4U; 8vn. 1828, 57, No. 62.— Sw. A Rich.. F. B. A.
ii. 1831, 292.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 219.— ACD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 408, pi. 357.

Corru8 hmhoniciiH, SaI!., Apji. Franklin's .Journey, 1823, 25,671.

Pica hudnoiiica, Bi'., List, ln:',H; Consp. i, 1850, 383.— Maxim., Reise, i, 1839, 508; J.f. O.
1858, 197.— Nkwu., P.R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 84.— Bd.. B. N. A. 1H.5S, 576.— Wot (DU.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77.— Coor. *t SiXK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18i;(), 213.— II a yd.,
Rep. 1862, 171.— LoiM), I'r. Arty. Inst, iy, 121 (Briti.sli Cohnnliia). — Dai.i. &.
Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869.286 (Alaska) —Fixsni, Ahli. Nat. iii. ISTJ. ;v.)
(Alaska).— Cool-., B. Cal. i, 1870, 296.— Sx;)W, B. Kans. 1>'73. s (8lia\vnee
County, Kans.).- lIoLDEN-AiKEN, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 204 (Wyoming, almndaut,
hrc<Mling).— 8tev., U. S. Gcol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 4(55.— Mei!I:.,"(7»/V/. 1872, i\d7.

CJe])(c8 hiidniniiciiH', Gamh., .Jouni. i'hila. Acad, i, 1847, 47.

Pica ntcUiiwIriird, Aid., Syn. 1K59, l.")7 ; 15. Am. iv, 1842, 'M, \t\. 2-2T.

Pica mrJaiiuldica var. luidminira. Coi'i'.s, K»'y, 1H72, 11)4, lig. I(i6.

Pica caudata var. hndmitiictt, Am, ex. Bull. "SI. C. Z. iii, 1872, 17s (Kansas, &c.). — B. B. &
R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 266, pi. 38, f. 1.

212

PICA iMELANOLEUCA VAR. HUDSONICA, MAGPIE.

c. nut f alii.

Pica iiuttallU, At^D., Orn. Biog. iv, 18:58, 450, pi. 362; Syn. 1839, 152; B. Am. iv, 1842,
104, pi. 228.— NuTT., Man. i, 1840, 236.— WooDii., Sitj^r. Kcp. 1853, 77.— Nkwb.,
P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 84, pi. 26.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 578.— Heekm., P. R. R.
Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 54.— Cool'., B. Cal. i, 1870, 295.

Clepfcs niitlaUii, Gamh., Jonru. Pliila. Acatl. i, 1847, 46.

J'tcii inchoiulciua var. iiuitdllii, CoUKS, Key, 1872, 164.

Fivu caudaia var. iiuttallU, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 270, pi. 38, f. 2.

Hab. — Western and Northern North America. Eastward occasionally to Lake Su-
perior and Hndsou's Bay (Hichardsou). Western Kansas (Pond) and Iowa (Coucs) to
the I'acitic. Alaska {Dull). Breeds in monntains of New Mexico (Cohcs). Var. nuttaUil
in California, apparently to the exclusion of the normal form. The typical form in
Europe.

List of specimens.

19295

19296
19297

201
1.58
193

Deer Creek

Nov. 20, 1800
Oct. 31, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

G.H.Trook..

do

19.00

20.00
19.50

26.00
26.00
25.50

8.25
8.75
8.00

... do

.do

Licntcnanl Warren^s Expedition. — 4547, 5196, Fort Pierre; 5193, Rnuninjr Water; 5197,
Great Bend, Missouri River; 5198, Fort Berthold; 5194-95.5199, Fort Randall ; 9060,
Fork of Cheyenne River; 9057-58-.59, 9062-63, 9067. Black Hills.

Laier £'ifj9ef/(7*OHS.— 54320, 60459-60, 60814-16, 61074-81, 61155, various Wyoming
localities; 61780, Idaho.

lu ascending the Missouri I saw the first Magpie near Sioux City,
Iowa, a point immediately on the border of its eastward dispersion,
Mv, Trippe does not include the species in his Minnesota list, nor does
Dr. Head, United States Army, mention it among the birds of Fort
Ripley, in that State. Prof Snow includes it among Kansas birds,
stilting that it has been seen in Shawnee County. Mr. Allen found it
in the mountains of Colorado, up to at least 11,000 feet, and elsewhere
in the West. Further south, Dr. Kenneiiy informs us that he met with
it soon after crossing the Rio Grande, and saw it from time to time on
his journey thence into California. But in following almost in Dr. Ken-
ueriy's tracks through part of New Mexico and most of Arizona, I did
not meet with a single one, and must conclude that it is rare in that
region. I, however, found it breeding east of the Rio Grande, in the
Raton Mountains, in June. A nest that I there found in a dense tbicket
was a large globular mass, about eighteen inches in diameter, su.spended
in a thick bush about ten feet high. Its walls were composed of closely-
interlaced twigs, and very thick, leaving but a small cavity, the en-
trance to which was a hole in one side, large enough to admit the hand.
Tlie lining was a little dried grass. The nest contained six young ones,
nearly ready to fly — a fact that disposes of one of the alleged distinc^t-
ive characters of the American as compared with the European Mag-
pie, namely, that it has but two young. The eggs measure from 1.40 to
1,20 in length by about 0.00 in breadth ; the ground-color dull ])ale
bluish or greenish, sometimes merely grayisli-white, thickly marked all
over with spots and dots of several shades of olive-brown and clearer
brown, with neutral-tint and i)ale-purplish or lavender shell-markings.

.Mr. Aiken describes a somewhat differently built nest: "The nest,
which is quite a curious structure, is usually placed in a small scrubby
tree, about tea feet from the ground. They commence to build about
the last of March, and the eggs are laid two or three weeks later. The
foundation of the nest is of twigs, tinnly cemented with mud. On this
is placed the nest proper, which is composed of finer twigs, plastered
with mud, and lined with rootlets. Outside of this a wall of dead twigs
is built u[) from the foundation, and arched over at the top, the whole
structure forming a rounded u)ass from one to three (!) feet in diameter.

PICA MELANOLEUCA VAR. HUDSONICA, MAGPIE. 213

The entrance is an unconspicuoiis liole in the side. Fall unmber of eggs,
eight. Young begin to fly about June 1."

Magpies are vei^v commou at Fort Randall through the winter, as at
other points higher up the river. They keep mostly in troops in the
Tvooded river-bottom, and, notwithstanding the severity of the weather,
they are not familiar and impudent, as they are represented to be in
times of scarcity. lu fact I have always found tbem wary and watch-
ful, on the alert for suspicious approach, and rather difiticult to shoot.
When a flock is feeding, as they habitually do, down among the bushes,
one or more are perched, apparently as sentinels, on the high trees over-
head, and the hidden birds below are instantly warned of danger by
their discordant screams. I have more than once succeeded in getting
within range of one of these picket-guards, and at the report of my
gun, scores of birds, of whose presence I was entirely uuaware, have
sprung up from the bushes all around, where they had been feeding in
perfect silence. I once procured several specimens unexpectedly and
unintentionally, the birds having come to feed upon the carcase of a
horse I had poisoned to secure wolves. iSix or eight magpies were found
dead next morning, besides several coyotes and a skunk. It is stated
that this method has also been successfully employed to destroy the
birds, when, from their numbers and under stress of hunger, they
proved a nuisance by alighting on the sore backs of horses and mule's
to pick at the raw flesh. An Indian boy at Fort Randall succeeded in
capturing a number alive with a common " tigure-of four" trap, showing
that their native cunning is sometimes at fault. During the whole
season of 1873 I did not see a single Magpie along the northern border
of Dakota.

This variety is scarcely at all found in California, where the yellow-
billed form is common west of the Sierra Nevada. That P. nuttalUi
is not a valid species is sufficiently proven by the facts, that the same
peculiarity occurs in the European bird, and that in several species of
this family the bill is indifferently black or yellow. I continue to regard
the yellow-billed race as sini])ly illustrating the perpetuation of a for-
tuitous condition. Messrs. Raird and Ridgway agree to the reduction.

The following observations, made by Mr. Trippe in Colorado, will b(!
read with interest :

"Common; resident; breeds. The Magpie abounds from the plains
up to 1(),()()() ieet, rarely venturing higher than that limit, while it is
most numerous below 8,500. It is a social bird, although not gregarious,
being usually found in pairs or small i)arties of from three to six or
eight, but quite often goes ahme. It is very voracious, living upon
seeds, carrion, insects, &c., and being espextialiy fond of the eggs and
young of other birds, of which it destroys very great (piantities. It is
easily caught and tamed, even when old, and soon becomes very cun-
ning and mischievims, exhibiting the same traits as the Crow, and, like
that bird, is said to imitate the human voice with some ai)titude. It
has almost an infinite \ariety of notes, some low, gurgling, and nuisical,
some harsh and lUscordant, others s<jueaky and grating. It is very
noisy at times, and quite silent at others, when engaged in robbing-
birds' nests or foraging near dwellings or barns. It has a loud, rapid
diatter, uttered as an alarm cry, and, with its extensive xocabulary,
seems at no loss to convey its ideas to its lellows. It prefers, as a rule,
the vicinity of streams, and the brushy valleys, but often waiulors
among the piiu> groves on the hill-sides, ;nid pays tHMpii'm visits to the
vicinity of siaiigiiter-houses. It is common along road sides, where its
bright i)lumage and harsh cries attract the attention ol' tiie traveler.

214 CYANURUS CRISTATUS, BLUE JAY

The Ma.Gl)ie is not a sliy bird, but if frequently sliot at soon learns to
keep out of range. Among the foot-hills, tlie jMagi)ie begins build-
ing in April ; the nest is quite an elaborate affair, and occu[)ies several
days in its construction. It is placed in the fork of u small, bushy tree —
Avhich is never a pine — from six to fifteen feet from the ground, and
composed externally of stout sticks, ingeniously placed and wedged to-
gether. Upon this is a layer of snuUler twigs, and then a layer of fine
chiy one-half or three-quarters of an inch in thickness, which, being ap-
plied soft and well worked in, becomes very hard, and binds the whole
structure firmly together. On this again is a soft lining of fine twigs,
hair, feathers, and any proper nuiterial which they can find. Over the
whole, rising from the walls of the nest, is a dome of twigs and sticks,
A'ery ingeniously and securely woven together, and framing a shelter for
the bird while setting. There are two openings, opposite each other,
evidently to make room for the long tail of the bird, which could never
be brought within the nest. The eggs are five, of a pale greenish, very
thickly obscured with spots and dasiics of pale purplish-brown, varying
somewhat in intensity and being somewhat thicker at the larger end. In
the foot-hills, the young are hatched about the first of June, at Idaho
Springs nearly three weeks later, or not for two months after the ap-
l)earance of the broods of Picicorvus columbiauus — a singular fact, con-
sidering the intimate relations of the two birds, and their similar habits, '
range and food."

CYANURUS CKISTATUS, (Linn.) Sw.

Blme Jay,

Corrus crhiatus, Lixx., i, 1766, 157.— Gm., i, 1788, .369.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 11, pi. 1,
fig. 1.— Dou<inTY, Cab. 1832, 62, pi. 6.— Bp., Syii. 1S28, 58.— Nutt., Man. i, 18.32,
224.— AUD., Orn. Bio|--. ii, 1834, 11; v, 18:i9, 475; pi. 102.

Gan-uUis cristatns, ViKiix., Eucy. Metb. 890 ; Gal. Ois. 160, pi. 102; Diet. 1817, 477.— Sw.
& Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 293.— Auix, B. Am. iv, 110, pi. 231.— Gik., B. L. 1, 1844,
153 —Maxim., J. f. O, 1858, 192.— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 177 (Miuuesota,
resident).

Pica cvisMa. Wagl., Syst. Av., 1827, Pica No. 8.

Cijaiiuriis crifitatiis, Sw.', F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, .580; and of most late
writers.- DitEss., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Texas).— McIlwi!., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 90
(Canada ^Vest, resident). — Al'lex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178 (Kansas). — Snow,
B. Kans. 1873, 8.— CouES, Key, 1872, 165.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 273, pi. 42, «<>. 3.

Cyauocorax cri.'datiiii, BoiE. — Bp., List, 1838, 27. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77 (Indiau
Territory).

('i/anocitta cristaia, SrniCKL., Ann. Mag. 1845, 261.— Cap., Muh. Hein. i, 1851, 221.

Ciia)ioi/((rntlii.v ctifitatitH, Bp., Consp.«Av. i, 1850, 376.

Hub. — Eastern North America. North to the Fur Countries (to 56°, Pichardson).
West to Kansas, Eastern Nebraska, and Dakota. Common on the Red River. Breeds
tliionghoiit its range. Resident throughout its United States range.

This abundant and familiar species of the Eastern States was unno-
ticed by either Expedition, and although Audubon states that it "pro-
ceeds uj) the JMissouri liiver to the eastern declivities of the liocky
Mountains," it does not appear to have been of late observed further
west thau as above indicated.

CYANURUS STELLERI var. IMACROLOPHUS, (Bd.) Allen.

long-crested Jay.

a. siellcri.

Corru!^ stcUcri, Gm., i, 1788, 370.— Lath., Ind. i, 1790, 158.— Pall., Zoog. i, 393.— Bp.,
Zool. .Journ. iii, 18-^7, 49; Syii. 1828, 433: Am. Orn. ii, 182><, 44. \)\. 13, fig. 1.—
NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 229.— Ald., Oru. Biog., iv, 1838, 453, pi. 362, fig. 2.

CYANUEUS STELLERI VAR. MACKOLOPHUS. 215

G(in;ihixsfcll>ri, Vieill., Euc. Meth. 893; Diet. 1817, 481.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii,
l.Nil, 294 (nut pi. 54?).— AUD., S.yii. 1839, 154; B. Am. iv, 1842, 107, ))1. 230.

Cijainiras .^Mlcri, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495.— Bd., B. N. A. 185a, 581.— Hekkm., P. R. R.
Kf|>. X, 1859, pt. vi, 55.— Coop. & Scck., N. H. Wnsli. Ter. 18(;o, 214.—
Loi;d, Pi-. Roy. Arty. lust, iv, 18(i4, 122 (British Colnnibiii, nesting).— Dall &
Banx., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 286.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 187U, 298 (iiic!n(k-s froti-
/rt/(.s).— CotTE.s, Key, 1872, 165. — RiDGW., Am. Jouru. v, 1873, 43.— B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. ii, 1874, 277, pi. 39, tig. 1.

Pica !ilclli:)i, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1^^27.

Cijciiiocorax ateUeri, BoiE. — Bp., List, 1838, 27. — Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 40 (Alaska).

Ci/aiiovilta r.tcUcri, Stj:icke.— Cau., Mns. Heiii. 1851, 221.— Nkwu., P. R. R. Rep. vi,
1857, 85.

Uyanoyurralus uteUcri, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 377.

b. frontalis.

Cijanura .tteUeri var. frnvfaJis, RiDGW., Am. Jouni. v, 1873, 43. — B, B. & R., N. A. B. ii,
1874,279, pi." 39, lig. 2.

c. macroloplius.

Garndns slclleri, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, pi. 54 (the text refers to true sfeUeri ; the

plate seems to represent var. niacrolophuH).
Cyaiiocorax 8felhri, Wt)Oi>ii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77.
CtjaiiociUa macrolopha, Bd., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1854, 118.
V'ljanura macrolopha, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 582.— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 32.— CouES.

I'r. Pbila. Acad. 1866. 92 (Aiizoiia).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 300.— Stev., U. S.

Geol. Siirv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Meim;., ibid. 1872, 688.— CoUES, Am. Nat. v, 1871,

770 (biography).- Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 17.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205.
Cyanuri .slclleri var. macrolopha, AiJ.v.s, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 178.— CouES, Key, 1872, 165,

lig. 107.— B. B. & R., IS'. A. B. ii, 1874, 281, pi. :<\), tig. 3.
Cyanura coroiiata var. macrolopha, Ridgw., Am. Jour, v, 1873, 43.

d. diudematus.

Cyanogamthis diadematus, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 377.
Cyanocitia diadcmaia, SCL., Cat. Am. Buds, 18(52, 143.
Cyanura coroiiata var. diadcmata, Ridgw., Am. Jouru. v, 1873, 42.
Cyanura btellcri var. diademata, B. B. &, R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 272.

e. coronatus.

GarritluH coronatus, Sw., Phil. Mag\ i, 1827, 437, No. 67.— .Jard. &. Selby, Illust. pi. 64.

Pica coroiiata, Wa<;l., Isis, 1829, 750.

CyanuruH coronatus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 583.— SCL., P. Z. S.

1859, 381.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 22.
Cyanacorax coronatus, Bp., P. Z. S. 18:>7, 115.— CiiiAY, Gen. of B.
Cyanoyarrulus coronatus, Bi'. Cousp. i, 1850, 377.
Cyanooitta coroiiata, SxiticKL.— Cai!., Mus. Ileiu. 1851, 222.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1858. .302, 359 ;

Cat. 1862, 142.— Tavlou, Ibis, 1860, 112.
Cyanura coronata var. coronata, R(D(iW.. Am. Jouru. v, 1873, 42.
Cyanura stelleri var. coronata, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 272, pi. 39, fig. 4.

Hab. — The typical form from flic Northern Pacific slopes, from Sitka southward.
Shading, in tiie Ca.'^i'ade, Coast Range, and Sitnra Nevada of Caliibrnia, into var.
frontalis. Xiir. macroloplius in the ccntial Rocky Mountain ri'gion of tiie I'nitcd States
(and eastward to Fort Lyons, in the Arkansas VaUey). Inosculating witli stclliri
l)ropt'r aliont th<' head-waters of the C;oliinibia ; sei)aratcd from it thence southward l)y
the Great Basin. Passing, on the Tahiti-lands of Mexico, into var. diadematus, and
this last passing southward into var. coronatus.

List of specimens.

19298

72

Spring Creek ..

Juue27,1860

F.V.Haydeu. 12.50

18.00 j 5.75

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8856-7, Laramie.

Later Lxpedilions. — ^iA'.VSt, 62243, Wyoming; 6043(), Laramie Peak ; 62241-2, Idaho.

All the specimens collected arc of the var. macrolopha.

The intergradatiou of tjie various sujiposed species of Cyanurus (|uote<l above, was
noted by Piol'. Baird in 18.")«, and snbseiinently by mysell ; but it remained for Mr.
Ridgway to point out exacwy tlie links in tiie connected cliaiu and detiue tiiem with
precision. 1 cannot do better than to (piote from his lucid exposition : " C. stelUri ex.-

216 CYANURUS STELLERI VAK. MACROLOPHUS.

issts niidor two vi'iy wi'll-maiked, tlion^h of conrst' intcinnuliiijf, forms; the typical
s/tV/fr( is coniinocl to tlu- iioitliciii coast region, fioiii Silkn to tiio ('oluiiil)ia River, niul
is eliaracterized by a short crest, entirely black head without any bine on the Ibrehead ;
b,y sooty-blaek body and nnitbrm blue of wings, belly, rniii!) and tail. From the Co-
lumbia, southward along tlie Sierra Nevada to Southern Caliibruia. it is modified into
a vveU-niaiked form {vav. J'r<)iil((H>i), which lias a longer crest, the head and crest gray-
ish-brown with conspicuous blue streaks on the forehead, brownish-ashy body, and two
dilferent shades of blue — the indigo of the tail and secondaries being abrujjtlyi con-
trasted with the light azure of the inmp, primaries, abdomen, aud tail-coverts. This
form * * » * approximates closely to C. mucroJopha of a parallel latitude, but
dotn not grade into it, there never being a white supraocular spot, barred greater ci)verts,
or other peculiar features of the Rocky Mountain and Mexican form. That the north-
ern race of C. stctleri should grade into V. macrolopha, while the southern one does not,
seems to be easily explained by the following facts: The habitat, lougitulinally, of
C. coronata var. macrolophu, is exceedingly limited, it being confined to the central
ranges of the Rocky IMonntaiii system ; thus it is everywhere separated from the hab-
itat of stelleri var. fro>ilaliH, which is ecpially restricted longitudinally by that broad
desert expanse, the Great Basin, which ati'oids no sheltering woods, such as are fur-
nished on the two boundary barriers, the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains,
^vhich ejK'h represents. The, northern limit of the range of C. macroloplia passes just
a little beyond the southern limit of the habitat of the northern race of the coast
fctock, and at a latitude where the Great Basin becomes greatly reduced in width, or
even terminates, and where its two great mountain systems become less distinctly sep-
arated. Consequently the coast stock cannot grade into the Rocky Mountain one, by
approaching its habitat, until [except] before it becomes moditied into var. frontalis.
* * * * ^|jg coast stock reaches its southern limit with the Sierra Nevada, aud
this of course prevents it from passing into C. coronata var. diadcmafa."

It will be observed that in this article Mr. Ridgway keeps the mountain and coast
stocks specitically separated, assigning the former to C. coronata as a variety. He,
however, admits their intergradation, saying : "As a summary of these facts, it appears
evident that the series of forms under consideration is divided into two well-marked
stocks, but that they intergrade at one point. The conclusion theu must be, that thej^
are all moditicatious of one primitive species, or we must accept as the only alterna-
tive the hypothesis of hybridization." And again, sjieaking of the mountain varieties,
he says : '"It is jiossible, however, that even the C. ateJlcri may yet also have to be
combined with these," apparently overlooking the fact that !)■ th Mr. Allen and myself
(//. CO.) had already made the combination he indicates. Messrs. Baird and Ridgway
now combnie the whole series as one species with hve varieties, a procedure which I
endorsed without hesitation.

Having enjoyed excellent facilities for studying the habits and man-
ners of the Long-crested Jay in the pine-clad mountains of Arizona, I
offered, on a i)revious occasion, an a(-c<)unt sul)stantiail,\ as follow.s :

When I was traveling westward, in the spring of 18t!4, 1 saw some of
these Jays in the Raton Mountains, in New IMexico, which I believe to
be about their eastern limit, at least in this latitude, for they were
strongly attached to pine-(;lad mountains, and are found as high up as
timber grows. In crossing the liocky Mountains, through Whipple's
Pass, I did not happen to uu^et with any ; to the westward still, in the
lofty forests of the San Francisco Moiuitaiiis, they were abiuidant, and
at that time (July) had just reaied their families, and were rambling
through the to]^s of the trees together. The old birds were in sorry
j)lighi, literally with a "crest-fallen" air, and full of pin feathers. But
when I came across them the third time, in the pineries about Fort
Whi|)ple, they were in good trim oxwc more, and saucy as ever. They
live in the mountainous parts of Arizona all the year, for they are able
to endure severe cold, being of hardy nature, and well clothed with
soft, thick plunmge, while their food is such as can be procured at any
season. Thus being non-njigratory, their permanent habitat may be
given with some accuracy; it iix^ludes the wooded Rocky Mountain
region at large. To the north, and esi)eciallv about the Columbia River,
they become mixed up with 8teller''s Jay, which is the boreal extreme,
reaching into Alaska; while in the opposite direction they run into the
Cyanura coronata on the Table-lands of Mexico.

CYANUEUS STELLERI VAR. MACROLOPHUS. 217

All Jays make tlieir share of noise in the world ; they fret and scold

about trities, quarrel over anything, and keep everything in a ferment

when they are about. The particular kind we are now talking about is

nowise behind his fellows in these respects — a stranger to modesty and

forbearance, and the many gentle qualities that charm us in some little

birds and endear thetn to us; he is a regular tillibuster, ready ibr any

sort of a<lventare that promises sport or spoil, even if si)iced with

danger. Sometimes he prowls about alone, but oiteuer has a band of

choice spirits with him, who keep each other in countenance (for our Jay

is a coward at heart, like other builies) and share the plunder on tlie

usual terms in such cases, of each one taking all he can get. Once I

had a chance of seeing a band of these guerrillas on a raid ; they went

at it in good style, but came ofL" very badly indeed. A vagabond troop

made a descent upon a bush (;lump, where, piobably, they expected to

find eggs to suck, or at any rate a chance for mischief and annisement.

To their intense joy, they surprised a little Owl quietly digesting his

grasshoppers, with both eyes shut. Here was a lark ! and a chance to

vripe out a part of the score that the Jays keep against Owls for injuries

received time out of mind. In the tumult tliat ensued, the little birds

scurried off, the Woo<lpeckers oveihead stopped tapinng to look on, and

a snake that was basking in a sunny spot concluded to crawl into his

bole. The Jays lunged furiously at their enemy, who sat helpless,

bewildered by the sudden onslaught, trying to look as big as possible,

with his wingsset for bucklers and his bill snai)})ing; meanwhile twisting

his head till I thought he would wring it oft, trying to look all ways at

once. The Jays, emboldened by partial success, grew more impudent,

till their victim made a break through their ranks and flapped into tlie

heart of a neighboring junii)er, hoi)ing to be protected by the tough,

thick foliage. The Jays went trooping after, and I hardly know how

the fight would have ended had 1 not thought it time to take a hand in

the game myself. 1 secured theOwl tirstjt being the interesting I'ygmy

Owl [Glaacidium), and then shot four of the Jays before they made up

their minds to be oft". The collector has no better chance to enrich his

cabinet than when the birds are quarreling, and so it has been with the

third party in a difticulty, ever since the monkey divided cheese for the

two cats.

It is difficult to dcvscribe the notes of this Jay, he is such a garrulous
creature, and has suidi a variety of outcries. He ordinarily screams at
the top of his voice, until he is tired or something attracts his attention.
This cry is something like that of a IJlue Jay, but hoaiser and heavier;
its base quality distinguishes it in a moment from the harsh out(;ry of
either Woodhouse's or IMaximilian's Jay, both of which birds run liigher
up the scale. He has also a call sounding like the ratapian of a Flicker ;
and again, when gieedity regaling on acorns, or hopping aimlessly r.bout,
or peering curiously down through the pine fronds to watch a sus[)i('ious
chara<'ter, he talks to himself in a (jueer w;;;., as if thinking alotul. and
chuckiing over some comical notions of his own. Sncli hxiuacily has
given a good name {Gorrulina') to the whole tiibe of Jays.

'iht' Long-crested Jay will eat anything ratable. It is said Jays kill
and devour small birds, ai:d doul)th'ss t'ley do so on occasion, tliough
1 do not think it is inibitual with them. I'liey suck eggs, despoiling
many a pretty nest; and ii they cannot crt'tch wingetl insects, tat larvie
and beetles do not come amiss ; but alter all, tliey are i)iincipally
vegetarians, leeding mainly u|»oii seeds, hard liuiis, and berries. Jn
the mountains where tlie Long-crested Jay lives, pine-seeds afford most
of its tare. 1 have often watched the bird hammering away at a

218 CYANURUS STELLERI VAK. MACROLOPHUS.

pine cone, which he would sometimes wedge in a crotch, and sometimes
lioid under his I'eet. Though most at home in the pineries, where this
particiihir source of sui)pl.v is unfailing, he often strays into the adjoining
oak openings, and into juniper pat(;hes, alter acorns or berries, or to
pick a (puirrel with Woodhouse's Jay and frighten the Sparrows.
Wherever he goes lie has it pretty much his own way, hated and feared
by the other birds, whom he silences with a scream and subdues by a
show of authority. But who of his kind has not enemies? Cassin's
Flycatcher, almost as noisy and audacious, has many a set-to with liim,
and even the nimble little Wood Pewees jsester him sometimes, Tiie
Woodpeckers tease him persistently ; they can scramble about faster
thau he can follow, and laugh at liim from the otiier side of a bough,
lill he quite loses his temper. But after all our Jay has his good points,
and 1 confess to a sneaking sort of regard tor him. An elegant,
dashing fellow, of good presence if not good manners; a tough, wiry,
independent creature, with sense enough to take precious good care of
himself, as any one who wants his skin will discover. As one approaches
the tall pine where he is rollicking, his restless, bright browni eye marks
the suspicious object. Now on the alert, he leaps like a squirrel from
bough to bough, till he reaches the toj), when he is oif with a scream
that makes the woods «'cho ht« triumj)h and disdain. It is of no use to
follow when he is thoroughly alarmed. But on some other occasion he
may be inclined to take another i)eep, tor his curiosity is great, and thus
expose himself through a rift in the foliage. This moment is the chance ;
and with the rei)ort of the gun comes his shriek of agony as he tumbles
all bloody from the bough he just mounted in pride and strength.

The foregoing account may be supplemented by Mr, Trippe's observa-
tions in Colorado, where he found the species "abundant and resident,
ranging up to timber-line and down to the plains, breeding, i)r()bably,
throughout — certainly from 7,00(J feet up to timber-line. The Long-
crested Jay scarcely changes its habitat the year round, those living
highest up descending a little in the severest weather, but even in mid-
winter it is comn>on at elevations of 10,000 feet and ovor. This species
is known as the Blue Jay throughout the mountains, and is one of the
most abundant and conspicuous of all the biids. From its noisy famil-
iarity, its si)lendid plumage, and its universal presence in every locality,
it is quite sure to attract the attention of the tourist and stranger. It
has all the j)ertness, garrulity and vivacity, of the Eastern Blue Jay ;
and never being molested it becomes very tame, alighting close to the
door of the miner's cabin to pick up whatever crumbs and bits of food
it may happen to find, and evincing the same familiarity that C. crlatnta
displays in Iowa and liansas. Its notes are harsh and jay like — at times
guttural and rasping. Its favorite haunts are the valleys, and hillsides
thinly scattered with pines; yet it also fiecpients the densest pine forests-,
• and adapts itself to all localities. Its nest 1 could not find, nor even dis-
cover at what time of the year it breeds. It occasionally robs the nests
of other birds, like the Eastern Blue Jay. In December I found this
bird quite common in the valley of the Arkansas iliver, near old Fort
Lyon and the mouth of Saml Creek."

The i^<^g; of Steller's Jay is pale, dull bluish-green, more or less thickly,
but usually quite uniformly, sprinkled all over with small olive-browu
and clearer brown spots. Size, 1.25 by 0.85, to 1.35 by 0.00.

APHELOCOMA FLORIDANA VAR. WOODHOUSEI. 219

APHELOCOMA FLORIDANA var. WOODHOUSEI, (Bd.) Alleu.

Woodhouse's Jay.

a. Jloriclana.

Coitus florkJanus, Baktij., Tiav. 1791, 291.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 58.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 230.—

AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 444, pi. 87.
Garrulus iioridauun, Bp., Aiu. Oiu. ii, 1828, 59, pi. 14, f. 1.— Aud., Syn, 16'39, 154; B. Am.

iV, 1842, 118, pi. 233.
Cyanuruf. jiorldmms, yvv., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495.
Cymiocorax 1lorhIaiiu8, Bp., List, 1838, 27.
C'l/anocilla ilortdaiia, Bp., Consp. 1850, 377.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 583.— Allex, Ball. M. C.

Z.ii, 1871, 298.— B. B. & R., X. A. B. ii, 1874, 28.j, pi. 40, f. 4.
Aphelocoma jlorkhuia, Cab., Mus. Iloin. 1851, 221. — Coi'KS, Key, 1872, 165', f. 108.
Garrulm ciiaiiciis, Vikill., Noiiv. Diet. (Vllist. Nut. xii, 1^^17, 476 (no def^criptioii).
Garrithm carulcfsccus, Yieii.l., ibkl. 480.— Op.o, .Jouin. Phila. Acad, i, 1818, 347.
Pica cocrulescens, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, Pica No. 11.

b. u'oodhousci.

Cijanocorax caJifo)-nk'(h Woodii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,77 (Arizona).

Cyanocitia irooilhoiisci, Bd., B. N. A. 1858. 5^5, pi. 59; ilex. B. Snrv. ii. 1859, Birds, 20,

pi. 21.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. ISGO, 92 (Arizoaa).— Coop.. B.Cal. 1,1870,304.—

Aiken, Fr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205 (Colorado).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870,

465.— Meim:., ibkl 1872, G88.
Jlihelocoma floridana, var. uoodhoiisei, Ai.i.ex, Bnll. M. C. Z. iii, i872, 179 (Ogden,

Utah)-— CouES, Key, 1872, 1G5.
Cyariocitta caUfoniica var. woodhotisci, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 291, pi. 40, f. 3.

e. calif ornica.

Garrulus californicus, ViG., Zool. Beecbey's Voy. 1839, 21, pi. 5.

Cyanocitia cali/oruica. Stiuckl., Ann. Mag. xv. 1845, 342. — Gamb., Jonrn. Phila. Acad,
i. 1847, 4.').— Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 377.— Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi. 1857, 85.— Bd.,
B. N A. 1858,584.— Kexn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 32.— IlEEiiM., ibid. pt. vi,
55.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 302.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857. 127; 18.58, 302; 1859, 381;
Cat. 1862, 143.— B. B. & R., X. A. B. ii, 1874, 288, id. 40, f. 1.

Cyanocorax californica, Gamu., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1847. 201.

Aphdocoma calij'oruica, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851. 221. — Bp., C'oin]it. Reud. xxxii, 1853, 823.

Jj)hcloco))ta Jloiidaua var. californica, Cones, Key, 1872, 1G6.

(orvuts uUramarinus, AfD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 456, pi. 362.

Garrulus uUramarinus, AUD., Syn. 1839, 154 ; B. Am. i\ . 1842, 115, pi. 232 (ncc Bp.).

Cyanocitia supcrciliosa, SriuCKL., Ann. Mag. xv, 1845, iiiiO \Jide Bd., type of genus).

" Coitus palliatus, Dkapiez."

d. sinnichra.Hti.

Cyanocitia sumiclirasli, Hidgw.. Rep. Geol. Snrv. 4(.th parallel, p. — (still in press).
Cyanocitia californica var. sumichra.tti, B. ii. &, R., N. A. B. ii, 187 ••, 283 (Mexico).
Aphelocoma jloridana var. sumiclirauli, CouES.

Ilab. — The tyitical form in Florida only. Var. ivoodliousci from the Southern Rocky
Mountain region, Utah into Mexico. Var. californica I'rom the Cascade Mountains and
Sierra Neva<la of Calitornia to tin; Pacific.

Xot obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions.

Baler Expeditious. — 598()4, 61082, Wyoming; 61754-.55, Utah.

'J'lie three forms above given, after being currently reported as distinct species for
several years, were united by Dr. Schlegel, whose example was followed by Mr. Allen.
But it appears that there arc some tangible dilferences, warranting a geographieo-
varietal separation. Mr. Alleu snbseciueiitly nu)dilied his first impressions to agree
with the determination as given in the Key, al)ov(^ (pioted. Messrs. Baird and Kidg-
Wi\y \n'r\) Jliiridaua separate, uniting only woodhousei with calif oruiea ; but all three
forms appear to eon.stitute links in a single chain. As for ti:e generic nanu-, both (iray
and Cabants .stat<' that Cyanocitia (SnncKi.A.ND) was based upon the crested species, and,
therefore, is a synonym u( t'yanurus, Sw. Prof. Baird states, liowever, that Cyauocilla
Las as type C. californica. 1 have no opportunity, just at present, of satislying myself
vhich is right.

The noi tliciiimost record of var. woodhou.sci \ liavc .schmi, i.s that k'^*«*u
by .Mr. Allen, who Ibuiid it at ()<;(h'ii, in Northern rtali, tluis hringiner
its raiiijc to the conline-s of the region embraced in the present woik.

220 APIIELOCOMA FLOUIDANA VAK. WOODIIOUSEI,

I jiulge it remains to be tletectecl somowliere fiii'tlier north still, alonj?
the inonntains. It is very abundant in the ui)i)er parts of Arizona,
w'iiere 1 saw it almost daily for two years. It may be called the charac-
teristic species of the subfamily in this region; for, although 3Iaxi-
milian's and Steller's Jays are equally abundant, Woodhonse's is the
more widely and equally distributed in all sorts of i)laces, with the
exception, perhaps, of the recesses of pine woods, which are generally
relin<iuished in iavor of the crested species. Its preference, however,
is for oak openings, rough, broken hill-sides, covered with i)atclies of
juniper, manzahita, and yuccas, brushy ravines and wooded creek-bot-
toms. The ordinary note is a iiarsh scream, indefinitely repeated with
varying tone and measure; it is (piite noticeably (lilferent from that of
either Maximilian's or Steller's, having a sharp, wiiy quality lacking in
these. It is always uttered when the bird is angry or alarmed, and
consequently is oftener heard by the naturalist; but there are several
other notes. If the bird is disporting with his lellows, or leisurely juck-
iug acorns, he has a variety of odd chuckling or chattering syllables,
corresponding to the absurd talk of our Blue Jay under the same cir-
cumstances. Sometimes again, in the si)riug-time, when snugly hidden
in the heart ot a cedar bush with his mate, whom he has coaxed to keep
him company, he modulates his harsh voice with surprising softness to
express his gallant intention ; and if one is standing quite near, unob-
served, he will hear the blandishments whispered and cooed almost as
softly as a Dove's. The change, when the busy pair find they are dis-
covered, to the ordinary scream, uttered by wooer and wooed together,
is startling.

The food is varied, as with all birds of this family ; but acorns
seem a favorite article of diet. To procure them with the least
trouble, the bird sometimes robs the store that the Calitorniaii Wood-
pecker has stuck in the bark of trees. The flight of the bird is Arm
and direct. When going far, and high over head, in flocks, the wing-
beats are regular and continuous; among trees and bushes, the short
flights are more dashing and unsteady, performed with a vigorou>i flap
or two and a sailing with widely-si)read wings and tail. The tail is
often jerked in the shorter flights, esi)ecially those of ascent or the re-
verse, and its frequent motion, when the bird is not flying, is like that
seen in Pii)ilo or Mimus. iVmong the branches the bird moves with agile
hops, like all true Jays, and its movements when on the ground have
the same buoyant ease; it never walks, like Maximilian's and otlier
Crows. I never succeeded in linding a nest; it is to be i)resume-d that
its nidification and eggs are much the same as those of the California
variety. According to Dr. Cooper, the latter builds "a large and strong
nest of tW'igs, roots, grass, &c., in a low tree or bush, and lays about
five eggs, dark-green, with numerous pale-brown blotches and spots."
He found eggs laid at San Diego about the oth of April.

Since the preceding paragraph was written, the surmise lias been
verified. INlr, Aiken, who found tiie bird a common resident in South-
eastern Wyoming, says: "Nest (;omposed outwardly of dead twigs,
then of fine roots, and lined with fine rootlets or horse hair. The eggs,
four or five in number, are laid about May 1. They are of a light bluish-
green color, and with the reddish-brown specks thic^kest at the large
end. Their average length is LOG inches; breadtii, 0.80 inch." The
egg of Aphelocoma., ot wliich numerous examples are before us, is dis-
tinguishable from that of Cydnunts, in most cases, by its richer, deeper
green ground, and much bolder maiking of heavy spots, especially
large, numerous, and heavily colored about the great end.

PERISOREUS CANADENSIS VAR. CAPITALIS. 221

PEEISOEEUS CAKADENSIS var. CAPITALIS, Bd.

Canada Jay.

II. canadensis.

Corviis canadensis, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, 1760, 158.— FoRST., Phil. Trans. 1772, 382.— Gm.,
Syst. Nat. i, 1788,':i76.— Wii.s., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 33, ]i\. 21, f. 1.— Sab., App.
Frauklin'.s Jouru. .'>72.— Bp., Obs. 1824, No. 42; Svn. 1828, 58.— Nutt., Man. i,
1832, 232.— Aui)., Oru. Biojr. ii, 1834, 53; v, 1839, 208; pi. 107.

Garruhis canadensis, S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 295.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 1.55; B. A. iv,
1842, 121, pi. 234.— PcTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 228 (Massachusetts, casual).—
TiuppE, ibid, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, resident; breeds).

Perisoreus canadensis, Bp., List, 1838, 27 ; Consp. i, 1850, 375.— Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 219.—
Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 590.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 226 (Labrador).— Veiuj.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 152 (Norway, Me., winter).— Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862,
127 (Calais, Me., resident).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 2m9 (New York Island,
in summer, accidental).— McIlwk., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 91 (Canada West).-
Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 285.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 43 (winter strag-
' gler).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, p. — (Urabagog, in June).- Coues.,
Key, 1872, 166.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 299, pi. 41, f. 3.

Dysornithia canadensis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 131, 495.

Gavrnlns hrachiirhnnchus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 296, pi. 55.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 599.

Garrulnsfiiscns, ViEiLi.., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. xii, 1817, 479; Eucy. Meth. 892.

" Pica nuchalis, Wage." — " Coracias mexicanus, Te.mm."

b. ohscurus.

Perisorens canadensis, Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 85 (California).— Coop. «fe Sucic,
N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 216 (Washington Territory ).— Dale & Baxn., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 286 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 397.— FixsCH, Abb.
Nat. iii, 1872, 40 (Alaska).

Perisoreus canadensis var. obscurus, Ridgw., Bull. Ess. Inst, v, 1874, 199. — Coues, Check-
list, 1874, App. No. 239".- B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 302.

b. capitalis.

Perisoreus canadensis, Hayd.. Rep. 1862, 171.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (mount-
ains of Colorado, &c.).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465 (Wyoming).—
Merr., ibid. 1872, 689 (Idaho and Wyoming).

Perisoreus canadensis var. capitalis, Bo. — Ridgw., Bull. Ess. Inst, v, 1874, 199. — B. B. &
R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 302, pi. 41, f. 4.— Coues, Check-list, 1874, App. No. 239".

Hab. — North America, to about 39-^ (further south along high ranges). Breeds from
New York, New England, and Minnesota, northward, and in the Rocky Mountains to its
southernmost observed limit. Rare straggler to the Middle Atlantic States in winter.
Var. capitalis is the Rocky Mountain form. Var. obscurus from Alaska to California.

List of specimens.

19299 jaiO

H. waters Gros v..

.... 1 June 7, 1860

F.V. Hayden.

10.75

17.75

5.75

Lieutenant TVarren's Expedition.— ^>^-i7, Laramie Peak ; 8848-52, 8855-58, Black Hills.
Later Expeditions.— ^)'J6V)'y, Colorado; i)0819-22, Uintah Mountains; 61083-6, Henry's
Fork and Green River ; 62244-48, 62250-53, Idaho and Wyoming.

Dr. ITavdeii speaks of tliis bird as oc(;iirriii<;- in " myriads " in tlio
Black Hills, aiul the dates of his observation leave no doubt of its
breeding- in that rej^ioii. In California, J)rs. Newberry and Cooper
found it coaiiiion north of 30°; and in Colorado, at about this parallel,
j\Ir. Allen observed it in duly, and noted its abnndanee. The birds
mentioned in his li.st of the vicinity of Blount Jvincolii, I'ark County,
Colorado, doubtless breed at or near that i)oiut, as he says " the region
is stiictly al]>ine in its features. Oui- camp was in the valley of the
riatte, at an altitude of about ll',(K»d feet, from whence excursions were
made every day by some of the party to the reoion above the timber,
which is here about 13,0110 feet above the sea li'vel. Three species
(Aitt/uis litdoricianits, Lcucostkte tcpltrocods, and Laijopus Icucunts) were

222 PEEISOREUS CANADENSIS VAR, CAPITALIS.

obtained al)ov(^ timber-line, that are truly arctic in their summer dis-
tiibution * * * WU.sonut pusiUa, Zoitotrichla leHcophrij^, nnd Melos-
piza U)icolni, were nowhere more abundant than among' the dwarfed wil-
lows and birches just above the general limit of the trees." All the
notes of this piiragraj)!! refer to var. capitalis.

In Minnesota, ^Ir. Trii)pe ascertained that this bird breeds iu the
<lense tamarack swamps. It is also known to breed in Maine. With
these exceptions, the United States record east of the Rocky Mountains,
and south of Northern New England, is entirely of straggling birds,
rare and only iu winter, saving only Mr. Lawrence's note of an acciden-
tal sunmier occurrence. But Mr. Merriam informs me that it breeds in
the Adirondacks. In Colorado, says Mr. Trippe, the Canada Jay [var.
c(ijnt((liii\ is abundant and resident, breeding. " I have never," he con-
tinues, '" seen the Canada Jay below 9,000 feet, even iu mid- winter ; and
but rarely below 9,500 or 10,000. During the warmer months it keeps
within a few hundred teet of timber-line, frequenting the darkest forests
of sj)ruce, and occasionally flying a little way above the trees. It is
quite tame, coming about mining camps to pick up whatever is htrowu
out in the way of food, and evincing much of the curiosity that is char-
acteristic of the family. In winter, its supply of food is very precarious,
and it is olten reduced to mere skin and bones ; at such times it will
frequently weigh no more than a plump Snow-bird or Sparrow, and
undoubtedly starves to death sometimes. During the latter part of
autumn, its hoarse croaking is almost the only sound to be heard in the
cold sombre forests that lie near timber-line."

The egg of Perisoreus is altogether different from that of Cyanurns
and Cyanoeitta, much nearer Fica, but still peculiar. The ground is
grayish-white, marked all over, but nearly always most heavily at the
but, or in a wreath around it, with several shades of a dark neutral
tint, mixed usually Avith some olive-brown spots. The markings in sev-
eral specimens before me are all quite tine, even those that are conflu-
ent at the larger end. Size, 1.20 by 0.70. The nest is built on the
limbs of trees, of hay, feathers, &c.

APPENDIX TO OSCINES.
A.

[^'OTE. — A portion of Mr. T. M. Trippe's series of interesting observations upon the
birds of Colorado, liaving failed to reach me in time for insertion iu the earlier pages
of this work, they are here iutroduced, together with various additional data respect-
ing the species thus far treated. The remainder of Mr. Trippe's notes is '.n substance
incorporated, j)«^sim, in the work.]

The period during which my notes were made, extends from January, 1873, to the
early part of December of the same year; the tield of observation. Clear (Jreek County,
Colorado, with two or three adjacent townships of Gilpin and Jetiersou counties. Dur-
ing different parts of the year, excursious were made throughout the whole of this
region ; and although these were not as fre(pient as coukl have beeu desired for a com-
plete account of the avi-fauua, yet they were so often repeated that I believe very
few birds escaped me, except such as are rare visitors or mere stragglers.

Clear Creek County lies on the eastern slope of the Kocky Mountains, extending
from the summit of the main range some twenty to twenty-five miles eastward, and
about the same distance north and south, the centre line being iu latitude 39^ 40'
nearly. It is traversed by a number of streams, whose valleys lie from 300 to 1,500 or
2,000 "feet below the surrounding ridges and peaks. The general course of the main
stream. South Clear Creek, is nearly due east ; but, the smaller tributaries, running at
various angles to this course, so cut up and divide the surface as to present a confused
assemWage of isolated peaks and ridges, disposed in no regular order or system, and
divided by deep valleys and ravines, which, toward the range, become in many instan-
ces, precipitous, rocky canons. Bordering the country on the east, lies Bergen's Park ;
an open park-like tract of rolling, grassy prairie, interspersed with groves of pines,
low hills, and wet, marshy swales, a. miniature of the great parks lying to the west-
ward of the range. The elevation of the western edge of the county, — the dividing
ridge of Atlantic and Pacific waters, — is between 11,000 and 12,000 leet, isolated peaks
rising 1,500 or 2,000 feet higher ; from this the general surfact) slopes eastward at the
average of about 300 feet per mile, the slope being much greater nearer the range
however, and diminishing as the distance from it increases, to the eastern border of
the county, which has an elevation, in its lowest part, of between {),."AIO and ;,000 leet
above the sea. Bergen's Park, lying for the most part in Jeli'ersou County, has an
elevation varying between 7,000 and 7,500 feet.

TJie streams are for the most part monntainons torrents, rarely with a fall less than
one hundred feet per mile, and, near the range, three or four times that, being fre-
quently a simple succession of cascades and waterlalis for miles. These waters, save
when muddied by the placer workings, are always clear and cold, and abound with
the black-speckled trout and two or three siecies of chub and sucker, tlu; latter, how-
ever, being only found in the lower valleys, where thecunent is less iai)id than higher
np toward tlu^ range. Near timber-line, nestled under the very shadows of the main
divide, most freciuently faced by i)erpendicnlar clills of rock, or abrupt, precipitous
and craggy slopes, are nnmbers of small, deep lakes, varying from mere pools to ono
hundred acres or more in size, and usually bordered on one or more sides by deep, cold
bogs, wherein grow various species of arctic willows and other alpine plants. Their
suriace is covered with ice from the end of October till early in .Inly, some with north-
ern exjjosure not being free from ict^ till late in Augustj and their waters are always
of an icy coldness, owing to their depth and the melted snow which is constanly
liouring into them. Some few of the deepest are tenanted by trout ; but the miijoriiy
are void of life, save various forms of insects which i)ass the larva .state in them. One
or two lakes at a lower elevation, near 10,000 feet, swarm with the curious Sindoiiv or
Amblyxlomd. Under these conditions, the absence of a([uatie birds will not bo sui-
prising ; and with a single exception no wader or swimmer can be said to be charac-
teristic of the region.

Great as is the. diversity of the snrlace, the climate is perhai)s still more variable.
The season of lr<73 was in no w.-iy a reiiiarUable (uie ; there was less snow 'haii usual,
but otherwise it was a fair average of the weather since the settlement of the country.
During January, February, ami the first half of >Ma:ch, the weather was (Klightliil
beyond comparison. No snow nor rain fell, with the exception of three or four days in
February; th' mercury never sank below zero ; ihednys were bright, cloudless, and
mild, even warm, 20- or 25 Fahrenheit hi ing a cnniiiKMi temperature at 7 a. m., while
at midday it rose to ,50- or (iO- . On the 7ih Hf February the niereury stood at 71^ iu
the shade at noon, at an elevation of H.dCd feet. Alter the middle of March wintry
weather .set in ; there was a constant sucei-^sion of snow-storms, violent winds a:ul
biting frosts, continuing till May. On the lirst of June, at an elevation of 7,SI0 feet,

2 '^4 APPENDIX TO OSCINES.

the poplars and willows had but jnst begun to pnt forth their leaves ; but once
started, the season advanced with great rapidity, and by the 15th, the deeicluous trees
had attained a complete foliage np to the highest limit of the pojilars, 10,500 or 11,000
feet. In anrnmn, the diti'erenee between this climate and that of eastern localities in
the same latitnde, is less marked. The leaves of the poplars and willows begin to
change color toward the close of Seiitember, and a month later have all fallen ; but it
is usually not till the middle or close of November that winter weather sets in. Heavy
snows sometimes fall in October, however, but unusual severity is generally followed
by a very mild, open winter'. The nights are always cool, even in midsummer, while
at mid-day tlie heat is at times oppressive, even at great elevations ; but in exposed
localities this is moderated by the strong winds that are almost constantly blowing.

Above and near timber-line, which varies from 10,000 to 11,000 feet, the climate
partakes of an alpine nature. The immense accumulations of snow do not begin to
melt rapidly till about the middle of June ; but once started, they disappear very fast ;
the streams are swollen to thrice their usual size, and by the first of July only isolated
snow-fields renjain, many of which are of great extent, and have sufficient depth and
solidity to exist throughout the summer. Frosts are almost of nightly occurrence,
and during summer scarcely a day passes without frequent thundei'-storms, with hail,
sleet and rain. Light snows begin to fall in September, but it is not until November
that heavy snow-storms set in, and the range is usually passable till the middle of win-
ter, or even later, the heaviest snows falling in April and May.

Many of the wider valleys have limited tracts of great fertility, and the immense
quantities of potatoes, rj^e and barley, raised on the scattered mountain ranches, attest
the adaptation of the soil to su^h crops. Yet the sum total of all the tillable land
scarcely amounts to as much as one or two per cent, of the whole ; while the remain-
der consists of rocky ridges and peaks, gravelly hills, gently sloping plateaus of sand
and glacial detritus, far above the valleys, and insusceptible of irrigation, and a gen-
eral surface so rough, craggy and inaccessible, as to be quite beyond the capabilities or
desires of the agriculturist. Nevertheless, on all the mountain-sides which are not
absolutely precipices of bare rock, in every nook and corner and crevice where the soil
can lodge, various grasses grow in great luxuriance, and furnish abundant food for num-
erous herds of cattle, the wild deer and sheep. Vast forests of pines and firs formerly
covered the whole face of the country, except the valleys and a few hill-sides, too
rocky or too barren even to support conifers ; but since the settlement of the country,
large tracts of timber have been cut down and their places supplied, to a great extent,
by young groves of poplars. Two species of Finns {P. ponderosa et P. contorta) range
np to within 1,000 feet of timber-line ; two others (P. aristaia et r.flex'tUs) are small
al])ine species; while Abies menvziesii et A. engdmanni form large forests, the former
almost monopolizing the region near timber-line. Of Poptdus there are three species,
cue growing extensively on the hill-sides, and extending up to 10,500 or 11,000 feet (P.
ireinidoidt's) ] the two others, mainly confined to the valleys of the larger streams,
where they grow amid dense thickets of willows, and not reaching much over 9,000
feet (P. avgustifolia et P. balsam if era). These few species, with Juniperiis viryiniainis,
which often grows to a large size, and extends, in a dwarfed form, far above timber-
line, comprise the limited sylva of the country. A species of Alnus, or small Betula,
various iSalices, and a Nef/itiido, grow in the rich bottom-lands, and flourish in rank
profusion on the banks of the streams, forming the densest thickets, and frequently
reaching a height of twenty feet or more. Different species of Eubus, Iiosa, Verasm,
Ribes, and other small bnsh-plants abound in the valleys and foiui thick copses on the
hill-sides, along with Clematis, Humiilus, Vilis, and other climbers. Among the annual
and biennial plants, however, the deficiency in number of species of the larger forms is
compensated. Although the species are quite different, the genera are for the most
part the same as in the eastern mountainous States, the order of flowering the same,
and, to a certain extent, there is the same relative proportions among families and
genera. Among distinctive features may be mentioned the abundance of various forms
of Borraginacea; — Echinospermum, Lilhospenmim, Cyiioglossum, Merteiisia, &c. ; the many
species oi Euphorbia, Senecio, and Erigcron, and the various alpine plants. Primula, Acti-
nella, &c. Yi-t, considering the vast intervening distance, the general aspect is strik-
ingly like that of the Alleghany region. The genera Viola, Castelleia,Saxifraga, Caltha,
Mimiihis, Pedicidaris, Polemonittm, Phlox, Helianthus, Solidago, Aster^ Erigcron, Senecio,
Cirsitim, Trifolium, iSilcne, Acpnlegia, liannnculns, Claglonia, Rosa, Pnhus, Nnbalus, Ambro-
sia, Bidens, Rudbeckia, and scores of others, are abundantly represented, and, as in New
York, are the predominating features of the flora.

In the fauna we And, perhaps, more points of difference from the eastern mountain-
ous regions. The various genera of manmialia are the same, but nearly all the species
are diflerent. Among ailinials comuK^n to the two faunte, may be mentioned Felis eon-
color, Lgnx rufns, Cani oceidentalis, (Inlo luscus, Littra canadensis, Ursus americanus, and
CervHS canadensis, all large and, with a single exception, carnivorous species. The
smaller and granivorous maunnals are quite distinct, and many new genera are intro-
duced, while others are wanting. Cervus leucurus, C. macrotis, Aploceros montaniis,

APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 225

Lepus ariemis'ia, L. campesiv'is, EretMzon epixantlius, Ardomys flavirenter, aud various
species of Sciurus, Spcrmophihis, Tamias, Mephliis, Xeotoma, Blurina, aud the small
rodt'utia are commou, all diti'ering from the eastern representatives of the genera, or
even geuerically distinct. Above and near timber-line, and occasionally wandering a
long way below it, is found the Little Chief Hare, Lagomys piriuccps, an essentially
alpine form.

Reptiles are rare in the mountains. A species of rattlesnake is common in the foot-
hills, but is seldom found higher than 6,500 feet. A Biifo aud a Baiia are occasionally
seen in the valleys of the larger streams as high as Georgetown ; while a Troptdonohis
and a large blackish snake (Coluber ?) occur sparingly as high as 9,000 feet. In some
fe«- lakes Siredon or Amhlystoma are found. With the lower animals the difference
between eastern aud western forms is much greater than it is among the higher. '

Of the one hundred and twenty species of birds I have found here, eighty-three were
observed throughout the breeding season ; of these sixty-four were quite commou,
while nineteen were more or less rare, aud but seldom observed. Of the thirty-seven
remaining species, twenty-one were common and sixteen rare. Fifty-three species, or
nearly one-half, are different from eastern forms and peculiar to the West ; but of
these, twenty-one are considered by many ornithologists to be merely geographical
races, leaving thirty-two species characterizing this region as distinct from the eastern
avi-fannal provinces. Twenty-two of the breeding species do not rear their young
below 7,500 feet, and three, only, above timber-line.

Taking into account the varied climate, surface, and general features, the number of
birds that are common during the breediug season seems surprisingly suuill when com-
pared with those found in less diversified regions. Southern Iowa, a rolling prairie
country, has at least a number greater by twenty or twenty-five; and certain portions
of the State, embracing the marshy haunts of aquatic birds, have nearly twice as
many. Nor is the paucity of species c()uq)eusated for by the number of individuals. The
vast, gloomy forests, the rocky xn'ecipitous mountain sides, the deep ravines aud sandy
hill-tops scattered with straggling pines, even the broad open valleys are, save on rare
occasions, remarkably poor in bird-life. The greatest number of birds is to be found
in the parks ; but even these have more or less of the dreary, desolate asjiect of the
great plains. It is only in a region whei'e prairies and mountains, woods aud open
meadow, and marsh aud lake, are in close proximitj^, that we can look for a great
variety of species ; asd where tiie mouutains, the plains, the forests or the prairies,
extend alone over great areas, the forms of bird-life, as Avell as all others, must be
more limited.

The small areas to which the local mountain avi-faunae are confined, and the sharp
lines which divide them, may be seen by a compaiisou with the lists of J. A. Allen, who,
in 1871, made an exploration of the fauna of the South Park and adjacent mountains.
Five species are given as common in that region, which were not observed at all in
Clear Creek County, or else so rarely as to leave no doubt that they were mere strag-
glers; three or four others were more or less frequent, which in the latter region were
scarce or entirely wanting; while, oti the other hand, four species were common in
Clear Creek County, and four or live more or less frequent, that are entirely wanting
in Allen's lists, or else given as (juite rare. Yet the two regions are contiguous, have
nearly the same physical characteristics, and are divided simjjly by a spur from the
main range. The same abrupt transitions may be noticed in the ilora, a snuill ridge
limiting the range of species and marking a local tlora. The main range — Sierra
Madre — of course, is the most important of these dividing lines, but the subsidiary
and independent ridges often mark out areas almost as distinctly. Nor does elevation
ai)]icar to have that decided inlluence which it is generally supposed to exert. The
<lilfcrent temperatures, of course, dc[»end ultimately upon it; and plant and animal
life are so intimately related to (.'limate that the one can scarcely vary without pro-
ducing a change in the other. Yet other causes combine to modify tlie inlluence of
mere altitude, to a degree wholly nnexpect(;d by one who has not studied the subject
in all its actual aspects. Thus, the limit of the growth, supposed by most persons to
be represented by a nearly constant figure, varies so greatly that on Mount Lincoln it
is about 1:5,000 feet (Allen), while at the South IJoulder Pass it is several hundred feet
below the summit of the range, which is given by Prof llayden at 10."200 feet, the
latter point being not more than thirty or tliirty-liv(! miles north of the former. Ber-
thoud's Pass, indeed, is in no place ab(i\c timber-line, though, aceoiding to the saiuo
authority, it is 000 feet higher (lO.-IlD), and is less than ten miles south of it. Thus,
with a ditference of ;?,0(I0 ieet or more in the altitude of timber-line within so short a
<listance, and corresponding modifications in the altitudes of all tin; local Ilora- and
fatuiiP, it will be seen tliat an attempt to mark out zones of certain elevations, corre-
sponding to similar zones as determined by latitude, would be (|uire futile. Yet, in a
general way. it may b(^ said tiuit near the summit of the peaks and higher portions of
the range is an arctic region, eharacterizeil by the Ptarmigan and (Jiay-crowned Finch,
and the j)resence of perpetual snow-fields; that bt low this is a sub-arctic belt, in
whicli various forms of alpine willows and northern plants llourisb, aud inhabited by

15

226 APPENDIX TO OSCINES.

the Titlark, Green Blaek-ciipped Warl)ler, Lineoln's Finch, and Wiiite-crowned Spar-
row; next, a Hiidsoiiiaii belt, extending from fiUO to 1,UU0 feet l>elo\\' the timber-liue,
iu which may be. found sub-alpine plants and such birds as the Canada Jay, Audubon's
Warbler, Brown Creeper, &c. ; then, of varying extent, a Canadian zone; below this,
an Allegiienian ; and, linally, on the plains, a Carolinian. It is quite impossible to fix
any prei-ise limits to these various fauuie, however; th(!y pass into each other (juite
gradually, and extend to such different elevations, according to the different inllueuces
to which they are exposed, that sometinuis two of them will be side by side for some
distance through the same altitudes, with merely a ridge intervening.

Nevertheless, the temperature of a region, although it modifies the plant and insect
life to a great extent, determines entirely the range of birds. Jiinco liijonalii^ abounds
on the plains and up to 8,000 feet during winter, yet, in company with three of the
other four varieties that spend the winter iu the same localities, it migrates to the
north on the ajjproach of the breeding season, while •/. eauiccps alone ascends the
niouutains, and tiuds the requisite clinuite in the higher forests, whicli the others seek
at higher latitudes. Yet it is well known that the Snow-bird breeds in the Alleghauies
further south than this region; and there appears no obvious reason for a northern
migration, when it could easily find any desired temperature by ascending the mount-
ains in compauy with its cougener, J. caniceps. Ou arriving from the north, most
birds apftear among the foot-hills and along the edge of the plains, some days in ad-
vance of their arrival higher up iu the mountains; and the same thing occurs during
the vernal miiirations, showing that most of the species prefer uiigrating along the
edge of the plains rather than through the mountains. Even so northern a species as
Anipelis (jarndiis, Vtdiich, during midwinter, is rare among the foot-hills, frequently
gathers there in large flocks, iu spring, preparatory to its leaving the country. The
boundary between plains and mountains appears to be a highway for all the migratory
species in spring and autumn.

The most prominent characteristic of the avi-fauna of this region — which may be
taken as a fair type of the Rocky Mountain chain between the thirty-eighth and forty-
Urst parallels — is, perhaps, the remarkable number of birds which are represented
further east by very closely-allied races or species. Of these there are over twenty ;
and Avhile some are plainly varieties shading into the eastern forms by such imper-
ceptible gradations as to leave no doubt of their specific identity, others cannot be so
summarily disposed of. No one has shown, for iustauce, that 4h'othliipi:i inacr/iUivraj/i
is connected by gradual, intermediate stages, with G. philaddphia ; or that Jitnco caiti-
ccps is similarly related to the other forms of its genus. But iini we to acc^ept this
detinition of a species? Are only such fonns eutitled to specific rank which cannot
•be shown to intergrade with others? The teudeucy of the day is decidedly in that
direction; yet, if logically carried out, this system will eventually lead to startling
results. If PipiJo erjithrophthalmuH can be showu to gradually pass into P. arcticns to-
v.ard the Eocky Mountains, and into P. allrni in Floiida; and if the former changes
into orcijoiiHa and mi'duloujix ou the Pacific coast, anil thus all these forms are to consti-
tute a single species, what reason is there for still keeping apart the various races of
Colaplt's, which intergra(h) quite as clo.selyf Carpodacus vasbini is considered a good
species; yet its points of diiierence irom C. pinpiirens are fewer and less marked than
those separating Contopits virciis and C. rwhardaouii, which are now thiowu together
uuder the same specific name. New links and new intermediate forms are constantly
coming to light ; and if, on discovering the gradation between any two forms previ-
ously held as good species, we are at liberty to combine them as races of the same
species, will it not be equally proper to combine other forms togfcther, even though
some of the intervening links are wanting, where analogy and experience point to that
conclusion? It is the exact reverse of Biehm's system, which letl that ornithologist to
find no end of species, where others could see but one.

The results of this system of reasoning are already beginning to manifest themselves.
Different forms are thrown together with the utmost freedom, and we are learnedly
referred to " well-known laws'" of geographic and climatic variation. Yet there are
cases where these "laws" will not work at all, and then thtiy are (]uietly ignored. In
the Rocky Mountains, for example, a species of Wren is found, so well marked iu its
notes, plumage, and habits, that tlie old;;r ornithologists considered it ipiite distinct;
but being somewhat like the eastern House Wreu, only grayer and paler, it is at once
referred to that species, and its changed color accounted for by the "law" that, in this
region, the dry air and bright sunlight exercise a bleaching inilueuee. In the same
locality, and existing uuder precisely siuiilar physical conditions, is a species of Fiy-
catcluu', also supi)osed by Audubon and the okler school to be a distinct species, but
whicU these modern ornithologists |)rouounee to be " var." richardsoiii of the eastern
Wood Pewee. Unfortunately, in this case, the bird happens to be darker than its east-
ern rehitive, and so we have not a word concerning the "laws of clinuitic variation"
and the " mean amount of rain-fall." Nor do the chief exponents of this new method
of reasoning tind any limits to their course when once fairly started. In a review of
a certain genus of the Tyrannidcv {Myiarvhuti), one of our j)reseut writers has declared

APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 227

that the examinatiou of a large number of specimens has resulted in his accepting a
much smaller number of species than bad previously been received as valid, and sig-
niticautly adds that, had a still more complete series been before him, he would probably
have reduced the number still further. So then, in his mind, recognition of specitic
rank is something almost dependent upon the number of specimens one has for com-
parison— the larger the series, the fewer the species.* Another cfiualiy well-known
author, in a recent review of the fifteen species of the genus Ccrthiola, remarks that " it
is a nice (piestion what are really species in this genus, and what merely races or varie-
ties, but it would probably be not far Irom correct to assume that the various forms
described are simply moditications of one primitive species, produced by geographical
distribution and external ])hysical conditions." Is there any reason to suppose that,
since the primitive species has become thus modified by geographical distribution and
external physical conditions, that it was not, itself, one of the niodiiications of a still
more primitive form ? Yet the progenitors of this "primitive species," which has split
into no less than fifteen different races, must have undergone variations brought about
by changed geographical habitats and different physical conditions ; unless, iudeeil,
they were special creations, and confined to a single narrow locality, a supjiosition
which we have quite as much reason for ap[)lying to all the recent forms of Ccrlltiolu as
to the one original form.

In considering the question of specific distinction, too little importance has been
attached to the habits and notes of the different races, while there seems to be no iu-
trinsic reason why a difference in these points should not be considered of as much weight
as a variation in the plumage. A series of Meadow-larks may be laid out, represent-
ing a gradual transition between the Eastern and Western forms, yet the notes of the
two are so different that, in a region where they both abound, either may be distin-
guished at onct! by its voice ; and a bird whose song is iiatermediate between the two,
is so rare that, in a residence of two years in a region where both were abundant, I
never heard one. Here, then, is an instance where the different forms may always be
distiuguisluHl by their notes, though sometimes ambiguous in their plumage. Again,
Coniopus richardsoiiii resembles Sayoynis fiiscus in its habits more than it does the Wood
Pewee, C. vlrens, while its notes are as different from those of the latter bird as the
western Lark's are from the eastern's. If Macgillivray's Warbler is a geographical
variety of the Mourniug Warbler, it is difficult to comprehend how it could have suf-
fered such a complete loss of musical power, seeing that its liabits are unchanged, and
that the external physical intluences are very nearly similar. Perhaps, however, the
"dry, thin air" can account for it; but if this is the case, it would be interesting to
knrnv why the same air has failed to change the voices of the Robin and Hermit Thrush
in the sligiitest degree.! All the western species whicli are closely allied to, or inter-
grade with eastern forms, varj^ from the latter, more or less, in their notes and habits,
sometimes so nuich that a resemblance can scarcely be recognized. That this may be
partly due to changed conditions of life, is undeniable, yet, under the supposition that
it has been wholly brought about by such cause, it is very dithcult to see why the same
changes have effected opposite results in birds of the same family and of the same mode
of life. And if these supposed races are found to meet and occui)y the same regions,
each i)reserving its peculiarities of notes, plumage, and habits, with a great degree of
C(mstancy, how can they properly be called " geographical" varieties, or their differ-
ences be accounted for on the supposition of different physical conditions 1 Yet of one
species, at least {StitrtteUa mayna), this is absolutely true. And admitting the in-
fluence of these external causes to be sufficient to produce such results, the (|uestion at
once arises: How wide must be the gap that separates congeneric " species ;" where
shall the limit of variation produced l)y such causes be placed ?

But however ornithologists may differ as to the proper rank of these forms, their
existence is uiuleniable, whether classed as species, varieties, or races, and it becomes
necessary to distinguish tiiem apart in ornithological nomenclature. The usual method
is to give the name of the first-discovered race, together with the siiecific title of the
form rciferred to as a variety. Thus, iNIacgillivray's Warbhu' is spoken of as (icolltli/pis
phUadelphia var. macgUlirraiji. To follow out this method, every bird of which there is
nu)n! tlian a single form should be designated by tLreeJ: names, generic, specific, and

* Quite true. We can only predicate and define species at all from the mere circum-
stance of mwsiHi/ /ikA.s. "Species" are the twigs of a tree separated from the parent
stem. We name ami arrange them arldtiarily, in default of a means of reconstructing
the whole tre<; according to nature's raniilicalious. — E. ('.

t Is it not (piite reasonable to suppose that dilieri-ut aninuils may possess a difl'orent
degree of su.sceptilnlity to nio<lifyiug influences, and that some nuiy be al)le to resist
such iidluences altogether? We must not presume upon uniform plastictity of orgaui-
zatiou. — E. C.

tl strongly .advocate a return to jtolyuomial nomenclature, as the only lit instru-
ment of expression of nice shades of zoological meaning. Many of us, in I'tVect, arc
already using trinomials, the true nature of which is but iiaitially concealed by inter-
vention of the term •' var." — E. C.

228 APPENDIX TO OSCINES.

varietal ; but in view of the now freqnent consolidation of old species, and the constant
discovery of new geographical races, such a method threatens to become quite cum-
brons and inconvenient.

Throughout my notes the nomenclature of Goues, as given in his " Key to North
American Birds," is followed. All the statements are the result of my personal obser-
vations, except some few which are based npou the accounts of trustworthy persons,
and of which separate mention is made.

TuRDUS JiiGHATORiu.s, Uohhi. Very abundant ; migratory ; breeds. The Robin is
perhaps the comiuonest bird to be found in the county. It arrives in Bergen's Park in
the middle of March, and slowly makes its way into the mountains, reaching the ele-
vation of 10,000 feet nearly a month later, and advancing as the season progresses to
the extreme limit of timber. From the plains up to timber-line it abounds in great
numbers all through the breeding season, and is nowhere more abundant than in the
extreme upper edge of the forests, nesting in the very to])most trees. They raise two
broods, conniiouly ; occasionally only one, and rarely three. At an elevation of 8,000
feet the first brood is hatched in the fore part of June, and the second toward the middle
of July ; near timber-line the second brood is not hatched till late in July, or even the
early part of August. The nest is placed in the fork of a pine, and is precisely similar
to those of eastern birds in construction and material. During the latter part of July
and early part of August the. young birds from lower down ascend to the upper for-
ests, and abound in the woods near timber-line. They frequently wander to the very
top of the range, feeding on the grasshoppers that swarm in countless multitudes above
the tree limit, toward the close of summer. They also frequent the edges of the little
lakes and pools which are very numerous at high elevations, where they pick up the
larvie of various insects. In September they tlock in great numbers to the blueberry
patches, of which fruit they seem extravagantly fond. Early in the autumn they
begin to descend, gradually working their way downward, nntil in November they all
have disappeared, except a few stragglers who linger about the juniper bushes until
banished by the deep snows of December.

T. SWAINSONI, OJire-hacled Thriifuli. Seen in May and September only. Late in Oc-
tober I saw great numbers of this bird near the Hot Sulphur Springs, in the Middle
Park. A sudden violent storm had occurred a day or two in"evious, and the snow
lay on the ground a foot deep. Great numbers of Titlarks, Song Sparrows, Blackbirds,
Bluebirds, and many other species, including the Olive-backed Thrush, had gathered
about the tepid pools, attracted by the warmth, and were busilj' searching for food
along the muddy banks and in the shallow water, though apparently without much
success, as the water is surcharged with sulphur. [This species is stated to breed about
New Haven, Connecticut, and also in the mountains of Pennsylvania. — E. C]

T. FUSCESCEXS, Vccyy. Seen but once in July, at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Hooked
carefully for the Veery in the lower parts of the county, as Allen states that it is not
nncommou from the foot-hills up to 8,500 feet, but with the single exception mentioned
I did not see it. [The eggs of this species are occasionally spotted. — E. C]

T. PA1.1.ASI, Hermit TJinisli. Abundant; migratory; breeds. The Hermit Thrush ar-
rives toward the end of May, and by the middle of June is abundant about timber-
line, below which it does not range more than 1,000 or 1,200 feet during the nesting
season. It is shy and retiring in its habits, seeking the seclusion of the darkest forests,
and the subdued light of deep, rocky canons, where the dense foliage and precipitous
walls shut out the sun and a perpetual twilight prevails. It is an exquisite songster,
and sings at all hours of the day ; its notes are something like those of the Wood
Thrush, but louder, wilder, and with very much of 1 he melancholy sweetness that marks
the AVcstern Meadow-lark's song. No one who visits its haunts in June or July can
fail to lie delighted by the singing of the Hermit Thrush ; and when several are heard
together, as is liecjuently the case, the Ijlending and echoing of so many sweet tones
lends an indescribable charm to the sublime and romantic scenery, amid which only
arc they ever heard ; a charm heightened by the mysterious concealment of the singers.
Never very tame, it is so shy while singing as to be almost iniapproaehable, and only
the utmost address will enablt! one, at such times, to obtain sight of the bird. Its
voice is very loud and clear, and may lie heard at a great distance. In September thej'^
descend fioni the higher regions, and by October liavi^ disappeared from the county.
Among several specimens there was no ai)preciaVile difference from eastern birds.

Ouk()scoptp:s montancs, Monntaln Mocici lujhird. A single specimen was taken at
Idaho Springs, May 10. It is a curious fact that many birds, on their first arrival iu
spring, venture much higher and further into the mountainous regions than the local-
ities iu which they pass the breeding season. The migratory instinct, probably, impels
them to penetrate into the mountains, until, finding the temperature too cool for their
comfort, they recede until they have found their jiroper haljitat.

MiMt's CAKoi.iNKNSi.s, Cdt-h'ud. Cniuniou, from the plains up to 7,800 feet, and ranging
a few hundred feet higher. The Cat-l)ird arrives among the foot-hills early in May,
and gradually advances into the mountains, reaching its highest point by the 20tli.
As is the case with many other birds, it presents some strong xjoints of dissimilarity

APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 229

from the eastern representatives of the species. One would scarcely recognize the shy
almost silent bird, that sedulously hides itself from view in the thickest shrubberv as
the tame loquacious Cat-hird of the east, and, indeed, mi(>ht never suspect its existence
in localities where it was not uncommon, from superticial observations. Although
quite numerous at Idaho, where I saw it nearly every day for weeks, I never but on^e
heard the cat-like mew so common elsewhere as to have given the bird its name, and
only once or twice heard it attenq)t a song. Yet though so different in some respects,
in others it is in-ecisely the same as its eastern relatives. In form, colors, size, carriao-e,'
and expression, I could detect not the slighest difference, while its favorite haunts and
food are the same. It disappears in August.

The Brown Thrush, given by Alien as extending up to 7,.500 feet, does not occur in
the county at all, or at least but very rarely. [Dr. Rothrock found it in Colorado. — E. C]
[To the svnonyuJS of this species add : Antimimiis riifns, SuxD., Meth. Av. Disp Tent
1872, 13 (type )v(/"«).— E. C]

SiALiA AiiCTiCA, Bluebird. Abundant from the plains up to timber-line, breediu"-
everywhere. Similar in its general habits to the Eastern Bluebird, the Arctic Bluebird
arrives in Bergen's Park early in March, and gradually working its way into the mount-
ains, reaches an elevation of 10,UU0 feet about the close of the mouth, preceding the
Robin by a few days. In Bergen's Park the tirst brood is not hatched till June ; it
probably raises two broods, altbongh of this I cannot be certain. It nests in hollow
trees and similar places, and being quite familiar, though not as tame as its eastern
cousin, takes possession of the little bird-houses put up for its convenience by the
miners and ranchmen. Its llight and habits seem to be the same ; but it lacks the
carol of the latter bird, its only note being a disconsolate, mournful sort of plaint,
somewhat like the fall note of the eastern bird. The young familiesof Bluebirds may
be seen with their parents throughout the latter part of summer, frequently wandering
far above tind)er-line, and even up to the highest peaks. It remains until late iu fall,
migrating both in spring and autumn in flocks. In the early part of November I saw
a bird at Hay's City, Kansas, which I am almost certain was this species; but not being
able to shoot it, I could not identity it lieyond all doubt.

S. MEXICANA, Wenicrn Bhtrhird. Of this species I shot two or tbree, and saw as many
more, in the first week in June, in Bergen's Park, where they probably breed. Of their
habits I learned nothing, except that tliey frequented the tops of the pine-trees, and
rarely descended to the lower limbs or ground.

CiNCLUS iNiKXiCAXUS, Dipper. Rather common, though nowhere very numerous. The
Dipper frequents all the monutain-streains up to timber-line, and is a constant resident.
It is an odd little bird, both in its notes and manners, and attracts the attention of the
tourist and miner, as well as the naturalist, from the singularity of its movements.
On being startled from the side of a brook, it flies off, flitting down the stream, close to
the surface, uttering a ra))id, chattering note; and having flown a certain distance,
alights on a stone or drift-log, in or close to the water's edge. Upon alighting it
begins bobbing up and down, bending the knees as though curtseying, and eyes the
intruder suspiciously. Having satisfied itself of safety, it walks into the water, pick-
ing hcie and there, and getting beyond its depth, spreads its wings and disappears
beneath the surface. A])parently as much at liome under the water as above, it flies
some distance beneath the surface, and stays under for a minute or more. At times it
alights on the surface of the water and floats down tlie rapid stream like cork, till it
has found footing. In winter it frequently goes beneath the ice, walking under with
the utmost composure, and reappearing at some air-hole a few yards off. Its nest is a
large globular structure, with an entrance on one side; it is comjiosed of mo.ss, lined
with grass, and is very neatly built. It is frequently ])]aced in a hollow or crevice in
the rocks, by the side of a stream. I did not succeed in finding either the eggs or
young. Although its ordinary note is the rapid chatter referred to before, it has a very
]»eautiful song, which it utters, however, very rarely, and then only in August, after
the young biids are abi(! to shift for themselves. Like the Hermit Tlirush, it seeks
the wihh'st, darkest ravines, and is very timid while singing. It song is dear, sweet,
and varied, more wren-like than anytliing el.se, yet iteculiarly its own, and, only to be
heard amid the most romantic scenery, mingliMl witii the music of nmuntain torrents,
has a charm tiiat is wanting fo other and finer songs.

The I)ii)per is called "Water Turkey" l)y the miners and monntaineei-s. One of
fhem told me that it passed the colder part of the winter in the mud, and that lu- had
f;iken one out from under the i<;e in a torpid state. During th<^ coldest weather it
descends from tlie higher regions to the lower and more ojieii valleys, where tho
stri'ams are larger and less obstructed with ice, and it tiuils a better and more acces-
8il)le supply of food.

l^Kiiri.rs (AMC.NDri.i's, li'iihii-erninnd Kiui/let. Abund.int ; n<''rratory; breeds from
;),.">(I0 or lO.OOO feet up to timber-line. Tlu^ Ruby -crowned Wren arrives at Idaho
Springs in tlie lirst week of May, and disappears toward the close of the month. Dur-
ing the iu-erding season it is \-ery abund;int in tin- upper woods, but is ncjver seen below
i',500 feet. In September it begins to descend, reaching Idaho about tho '^Uth, and

230 APPENDIX TO OSCINES.

tiiially disappea/inf!; in October. It is a fine soii<rstcr ; atid its lively, aniinatod strains,
of canary-like sweetness and clearness, may be heard at all lionrs of the day, in the
cool, damp woods, near the upper limit of tree-growtli. The female sings at times,
and nearly as loudly and sweetly as the male. R. aatrapa I have not seen in these
mountains.

['1\) the synonyms of this species add : Cortlnilio calendula, C'ai?., J. f. O. i, 1853, 83
(tv])e of the genus), and Sjjlrin (Rajitloidcii) calendula. Gkay, Hand-list, i, 1869, 21(5, No.
3d(i8.— E. C]

[The lirst nest of Retjiihts cahndnJa which has reached naturalists was taken by Mr. J.
H. liatty, in Colorado, July 21, 1873. It was j.laced on a spruce-bough, about 15 feet
from the ground, and contained five young aud one egg. The nest i.s astonisiiingly
huge for the bird ; I um not sure that its shape is jjreserved accurately, but the Avholo
could scarcely be got in the largest coll'ee-cup. It is composed of an inextricably but
loosely-woven mass of featliers aud hair, mixed with short bits of straws and a little
moss.— E. C]

Paki'8 ATiiiCAPiLLUS var. SEPTEXTKioxALis, Lontj-taikd Titmou-ie. Comnum ; resident;
breeds. Precisely similar in habits, notes, aud actions, to tlie typical F. alricapiUus.
This species does not range as high as the Mountain Titmouse, rarely venturing beyond
9,(!00 feet, ■while its usual range is from the plains up to about 8,00U feet.

P. .'MONTAXUS, Mountain. Titmouse. Abundant; breeding from about 8,000 feet up to
timber-line. lu winter it descends nearly to the plains, but may be found, in the
most inclement weather, nearly or quite up to timber-line. Not distinguishable from
the former in its notes and habits.

SiTTA CAHOLIXENSIS var. ACULEATA, Slender-Mllcd Xuthatch. This species arrives at
Idaho about the 1st of April, aud gradually extends upward, breeding from a,bout 8,000
or 8,500 feet, up to timber-line. It is not very common, but by uo meaus rare. In its
motious aud habits it is the exact counterpart of the White-breasted Nuthatch, but
its notes are quite ditferent. The common, piping note is nearly the same, though in
a ditt'erent key; but the loud spring-call is very different. It is far coarser, louder,
aud more rapid in aculeata — so loud and rattling in fact, that I have mistaken it for the
call of the Red-shafted Flicker — while there is none of the soft, uuisical tone that
marks the spriug-note of »S'. earolinensis. The notes, in fact, are almost as widely apart
as those of Sturnella maijna and S. uefjlecta, and one unacquaiuted witli the bird would
never suspect its relationship on first hearing its call. In October it retires toward
the foot-hills, where it may be found all winter.

S. rYG:\i.EA, I'ligmij Nutliaieh. Abundant and resident ; breeding from about 0,000
feet up to 8,500 or 9,000. Scarcely migratory, remaining in nearly the same localities
throughout the year. The Pygmy Nuthatch is a delicate little fellow, with more of
the habits and voice of ..S. canadensis than of the white-breasted species ; a similarity
carried out by the coloration of the tail, aud their half-warbler-like movements at
times. They are very active, and incessantly on the move, creeping over the trunks
and limbs of the pities, and tapping vigorously here and there, like a Woodpecker, and
far louder than the other Nuthatches do. Very .social, it is fond of gathering in flocks
with the Mountain Titmouse, whose habits lead it into similar }ihices, aud in whose
soci<;ty it roams through the woods in busy, twittering groups, exploring every decayed
limb aud falleu trunk, peering with sharp eyes into each crack and cranny that might
form the lurking place of its iusect food, and examining the pine and fir cones for the
same purpose, hanging from them in all possible positions, precisely like a Piue
Finch. Like the Canada Nuthatch, they will chase and cai)tnre an insect on the
Aving ; aud freciuently descend to the ground, alighting, warbler-like, on low bushes,
aud then flitting back to the pine boughs. Their notes are various; a sort of shrill
piping, like; that of the red-breasted species; a dee^j-toued variation of the same note,
uttered only in spring; and a twittering note, uttered at times while feeding together,
aud used as a rallying or warning cry, aud when about to take wing.

Ceutiiia EAMii.iAnis, r,rou-n Creeper. Abundant during the winter, from 7,000 feet
np to 9,000 feet, and probably ranging considerably higher aud lower. Breeds spar-
ingly in the ujiper woods, within a i'ew hundred feet of timber-line. Appears at Idaho
late ill the fall, and becomes very co:uuu)u as soon as the \^■eather becomes cold, great
numbers coming in from other regions. Similar in all respects to the casteru bird.

[Add to the synonyms of this spevies : Certhia fusca, 1>a1!T., Frag. Nat. Hist. Pa.
1799. If the American bird is to be distinguished, it is to be called C. familiaris var.
/((«cfl.— E. C]

Sai.pixcte:s 013S0LETTJS, i?oc/i' TTren. Abundant; migratory; breeds. The Rock Wren
arrives at Idaho about the 20th of May, an<l extimds its range up to, aud a little above,
timber-line. It breeds uiost abundantly between (),500 and 9,500 feet, rarely nesting
higher that the latter elevation, though found during suniuu'r from 12,000 feet down
to the. plains. It is a constant resident of the jiiles of loose rock whicli lie .scattered
on the mountainsides, in which it finds its food and rears its young, aud to which it
retreats for safety on being alarmed. On its first arrival it is rather shy, but soon
becomes tame aud even familiar, hauutiug piles of boulders aud small stones in the

APPENDIX TO OSCINES.^ 231

placer diggings, close to the miuers' cabins. It rarely ventures far from its favorite
rocky retreats ; but occasionally visits the road-sides to pick up flies and other insects
and sometimes hops over the roofs of cabins and mills, and nut infrequently chooses
the lidge as a convenient place from which to serenade its mate. It has a curious,
rapidly repeated note, that sounds like the whirring of wings ; its song is very beauti-
ful, louder and sweeter than that of the House Wren, though not as varied. While
singing, the bird usually perches on the top of a heap of stones, and stands erect, with
head thrown up, like the Carolina Wren. At such times it is quite timid, and if
alarmed, instantly ceases the song and looks anxiously around, bobbing itself up and
down every little while, like the Dipper, and presently creeps down into the stone-
heap. Late iu autumn its feathers become much worn from constant creeping among
the rocks. In September it disappears.

[To synonyms of T. aijdon add: Hi/lemalhrous ciMon, Cab., J. f. O. 1860, 407. — E. C]

Tkoglodytes akdon var. parkmani, rarlniaii's Wren. This bird, now regarded as
a variety of Trofjlodytvs aiidon, nevertheless presents manj^ distinguishing character-
istics from the latter bird, not only in size and color, but in notes and habits; and
hence, though merely a geographical race, may well be designated as Parkman's AVren,
in distinction from the typical House Wren. It arrives at Idaho in the middle of May.
and soon becomes abundant, extending its range up to 10,500 feet, and occasionally
venturing nearly up to timber-line. In many of its habits it is very similar to the
House Wren ; but it frequently haunts rocky hill-sides and cliifs and ledges of rock,
which I have never observed the latter to do. As is the case with many other birds,
its notes differ strikingly from those of its eastern relatives. It has far more variety
in its song, which at times is precisely the same as that of the House Wren, and at
others is very different, yet always wren-like — clear, ringing, and changeable. It has
one note which I never heard the latter bird utter — a rapid chirruping note, more like
the rattling noise ])roduced by a grasshopper or cricket than that of a bird, quite
similar, in fact, to the peculiar sound produced by the Rock Wren, referred to previ-
ously. This note it rarely utters, however; nor is it as fond of the scolding chatter
that the House Wi-eu uses so frequeutl;y to express its auger or alarn. It nests where-
ever it can find a chink or cranny to build iu — between the logs of a miner's cabin, iu
deserted mills, among the timbering about the mouths of old shafts and tunnels, and
iu any snug little nook it can find. It raises two and sometimes three broods; aud,
between 8,000 and 10,500 feet, the last brood is hatched in the latter part of July. The
eggs and nest are similar to those of eastern birds; the number of the former is usually
live, though sometimes only four. It disappears iu September.

\_Tehnoioduics pahtstris was taken by Mekuiam (No. 62327, Idaho): U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1»72, 673.— E. C]

[ Cintotliorus sfellarls. Satisfactory evidence of the presence of this species at Utah
Lake was obtained by Mr. Henshaw during the last season. — E. C]

[To synonyms of Jiiorthiira tro</lodijtc'S var. hijemaUs add: Troglodytes parvidus var.
hycmali.'i. P.. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 155.— E. C]

EREMOriiiLA alpestris var. ciiRYSOLiEMA, Western Horned Lark. This bird is not
abundaut in the mountains, there being few localities suitable to its habits. It is
rather common in Bergen's Park, and may be seen occasionally iu. the mountain val-
leys and meadows and on hill-sides, as well as above timber-line, breeding from the
foot-hills up to the summit of the range, wherever it can find a spot adapted to its
tastes. Although abundant on the plains throughout winter, it does not enter the
mountains till si)ring. On the 11th of .Inly I found several pairs iu an extensive grassj'
plain near James' Peak, at least a thousand feet above timber-line, that were evidently
breeding tliert^, although I looked iu vain for their uests. They were a little larger,
apparently, tlian specimens from the plains, and very brightly colored.

Antiius ludovicanus. Brown Lark. Abundant; migratory; breeds iu great num-
bers above timl)er-line. The Titlark arrives at Idalio Springs in the early part of May,
fre(iuenting (.]ten hill-sides, and showing a partialily to the i)lowed fields of monntaiu
ranches. By .June it has ascended to Xhv summit of the range, and commences nest-
ing almost as soon as the snow has suflicientiy melted to allow the ground to dry and
th(' grass to come up, incubation beginning iu the iiist and second weeks in July. The
nest is placed under the shelter of a i)r().iecliiig stone, and is very neatly constructed
of coarse grass externally, lined with line grass, and is about three inches and a half
in diameter. The eggs are fiv(! in nunilxT ; the ground-C(dor dark brownisli-]>inple,
almost hiilden by sjjots and splashes of pur|dish-black. Eggs from different m sts vary
Romewliat in the intensity of the coliirs, some being mucli lighter and grayer than
others, but the general aspect is always (piite chirk. There is also coiisiderahle vari-
ation in th(' colors and size of individual birds; in some tlie le;;s being black, in others
lighter, occtasionally light brown; some having two bands of white on the wings, and
others having no trace of them whatever; some benig nineli darker beneath than
others; with other variations. Notwithstanding which, I could not ilefnie any well-
marked or constant varieties, as, among a large nuinlK-r of spccimen.s, the various
forms of coloration aud size seemed to shade impercei)tibly into each other.

232 ' APPENDIX TO OSCINES.

In its lialiits and notes, tlio Titlark is precisely the same as the abnndant, well-kuowu
bird that abounds in the Northern States thronghont spring and fall — restless, vacil-
lating creatures, ever on tlie move, (querulous and tidgety. They are more shy during
summer, however, not willingly ])erniittiug one to approach nearer than iifty or sixty
yards. During the breeding season the males have a song unheard at other times,
with which they serenade their mates. Rising in the air at an angle of forty-five de-
grees, with a tluttering, uncertain Uight, they commence singing when they are up a
little way, and continue till they have reached the height of a hnndred yards or so;
then descending, lluttering their wings as before, till they light on a stone or sod, not
far from where they started. They have several ditiereut variations, all consist-
ing of two or three notes, quickly repeated over and over again, with quite a musical
and pleasing eiiect. One of these variations sounds very much like the plaint of a
little chicken lost from its brood. As one approaches their nests, they hover silently
about, uttering, at intervals, a chirp expressive of their anxiety. Daring their stay
above timber-line — they do not ever go below it during the breeding season — they
prefer wet, springy i)laces, which abound near the sunnnit of the range. They may
often be seen running over the vast snow-banks that remain on northern slo])es
throughout the year. In August and September they gather into ilocks, and begin de-
scending into the valleys, reaching Idaho toward the close of tbe latter month. Many
remain above timber-line until October, and some few throughout the month, or as
long as they can find open ground to feed in. In November they iinally disappear.,

[To the synonyms of Hclmhithophaga ruficapiUa add : Hehninlliophafja ntjicapilla var.
ocularis et var. guttxralh, B. 13. & K., N. A. B. i, 1874, 191, vrhich may not necessarily
be recognized by varietal name. — E. C]

Dendijceca ,^stiva, Yellow Warbler. The Yellow Warbler is abundant along the
foot-hills, and ranges as high as 6,50U feet. Stragglers undoubtedly wander as far as
Bergen's Park, although I did not observe any there.

D. coitoNATA, Yellow-crowned IVarhler. Abundant; migratory; does not breed. Ap-
pears at Idaho in the latter jiart of April, and goes up as high as 8,500 or 9,000 feet;
disappearing about the 10th of May, a few days before the following species. In fall
I did not observe it; probably it does not venture in the mountains, to any extent, in
that season. [It has also been taken in Colorado by Mr. Ilenshaw. — E. C]

D. AUDUBONi, AndHl)on\s Warbler. Abundant; migratory; breeds from about 9,500
feet up to timber-line. Audubon's Warbler arrives at Idaho about the middle of May,
bnt goes higher up into the mountains to breed, rarely being seen below 9,000 feet
during tlie latter part of June and July, in which months it rears its young, preferring,
during this season, the dense, dark forests of black siiruce. In spring it haunts the
same localities as the Yellow-crowned Warl)k'r, but is more partial to the uiidershrub-
bery, and frequently ventures into open fields and clearings, alighting on bushes and
weeds, and even on the ground, exhibiting much of the manners of the Red-polled
Warbler. Its usual note is one very similar to that of the Barn Swallow; its song is
a simple little carol, like that of the preceding sj^ecies. In August it begins to descend,
by Se[)teniber it is common in the lower parts of the country, and by October has dis-
api)ear(Ml.

D. xi<;i:f,scen8, Blaclc-tltroated Gray Warbler. A single specimen seen at Idaho
Springs, May 23.

Gkothi.ypis macgillivkayi, Mace/illivraifs Warbler. Common; migratory; breeds
up to a little above 9,000 feet. Very similar in habits to the Mourning Warbler. Ar-
rives in the latter part of May and disai)pears in August and September.

Myiodioctes pusii.i.us. Green Blaelc-eapped Fh/eatelier. Abundant; breeding in great
numbers in the bushes near timber-line. Fiist seen at Idaho, May 5, bnt not connnon
till the '22(\. By the middle of June all had hift the valleys, and at tJie close of the
month I ibnnd them very numerous in the den.se coppices of brush that extend for
some hundred feet above timber-line. They breed in July, reappearing at Idaho
toward tin; close of September, finally disappearing in the following month. It has
quite a sprightly little song, and is very activ^e. Hitting rapidly from bush to bush, and
rarely ascending among the trees.

Setoimiaga KiTTicii.LA, Ixedniavt. Apparently not very common ; breeds. First ap-
peared at Idaho Springs May "20, from which date until the 1st of June a few were
daily seen ; snbseiiuently I .saw but a single individual, a female, near timber-line, in
July.

Geothhjpis irichas and Helmuilliophaga celata are abundant along the edge of the plains,
bnt probably never wander as high up as Clear Creek County.

Pyrang.v iatdoviciana, Louisiana Tanager. This bird arrives at Idaho toward the
close of Juno, and soon becomes quite common, remaining till late in August or early
in September. It does not extend its range beyond 9,000 feet, bnt breeds from that
limit, or !i little lower, all the way down to tlii^ plains It bears a close resemblance
to the Scarlet Tanager, both in notes and habits ; rambling leisurely through the pine
Avoods, and singing at intervals from the tree tops; descending at times to the lower
branches and bushes, where its bright yellow is almost as conspicuous as the flaming

APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 233

scarlet of his eastern cousin : feeding on nuicli tlie same food, and captnriiig insects on
the wing with equal skill. His chirp is tlie same as the Scarlet Taiisiger's, and his song
very similar; yet a difference may be detected — a difference to the ))rejudice of the
western bird. As a general rule, the western races are a little inferior in scnig to their
eastern relatives of the same species and genus, although thfre are many exceptions to
this — the Robin, for instance. Birds of colder and more densely wooded regions have
sweeter, fuller, and more melodious voices than their kindreil of warmer and more arid
districts.

B.

The following interesting' notes were comninnicated to me by Dr. ,J.
M. Wlieaton, of Columbus, Ohio, favorably known by his excellent List
of the Birds of that State, so often quoted in the present work. — E. (J.

Oli\^e-15acked TiiiiUSH (T. swairisoiii). This is the most abundant of the Hylocichla
during the migrations. It pre.sents greater variations of color and size than any othei-.
By far the greater number of individuals belong to the typical variety Nirahisoiii, but
we have as extremes var. aliclw, the Gray-cheeked Thrush, an<l a small variety, length
6^ inches, bill only |, with the oliv^ of the back suffused with tawny, in this resjiect
resembling var. ustitlatusot' the Pacific coast, but having the spots on the Itreast darker.
The buff of this variety is much more decided, especially on the (;yelids and line from
above the eye to the bill. On very high colored fall specimens the buff of the breast
is sometimes prolonged in a pale median line to the middle of the belly. The obscure
bar at the base of the secondaries and inner primaries is creamy buff in •s)c«i//vo«t
proper, white in var. aliciw, and brownish-white in the snuxll variety.

The Gray-cheeked variety arrives a few days later in the sining than the Wood or
Wilson's Thrush, the typical Olive-back nearly a week later, followed shortly after by
the small variety, which, in 187:i, remained till June 1, and was the most terrestiial in
its habits, frequenting brush heaps in sparse, wet woodland. In the fall the Gray-
cheeked vai'iety nuikes its appearance sooner than the others.

BhVE WxunLKii {D. cam lea). Not conunon inmost places; is tolerably connuon in
Central Ohio. I have found them in considerable niimbers in May and June. Tov.ards
the close of June I have fouud the young fully Hedged in oak woods, where they )irob-
ably breed. The song ot this l)ird bears considerable resemblance to that of the Bay-
wing Bunting, though less loiul.

Ykixow-'hiuoatki) Waiujlkk {D. domhtica). Has perhaps a northern limit in this
State. In this vicinity they are among the most regular and earliest to arrive of »he
fannly. • I have noted them before the arrival of the Yellow Warbler, and even before
the last frosts and snow. They comuionly follow the streams in their nngratious. and
may be reailily recognized by their comparatively loud aud fre(juent note, which almost
exactly resembles that of the Indigo-bird on its lirst arrival. They soon disperse
through the woodland and ajijiear in the shade-trees aud gardens of the city. I have
never f(MUid them breeding. They return south in September by the same route as in
the spring nngration.

Cedaic Bii;d (.1. ccdwriim). I Iinve taken one spring specimen in very high plumage,
in which the «/x central tail feathers possessed the waxen tips. The length of the
specimen was 7.0.^) inches, the color much darker than usual.

Bi:oTiii;i:i.v-i.()\'E Viiti-.o ( I'ircn philadclphicim). I saw them on Sfpteud)er Ki, to the
number of twenty to thirty, in beech woodland, acconip.-niying llie Ked-eyed Vireos
on their southern migration.

LoddKitiiEAD SiiitiKK (C. hidoriciatiiis). Usually considered to be confined to the
South Atlantic aud Gulf States, and tiie white-rumped variety {ixcnbitoroidcfi), hereto-
fore sn|)posed to have its eastern limit in lllirois; but both occur not uncommonly
with us, and appear to be on the increase. They arrive early in April. My observa-
tions coincide with those made by ^Ir. Tri]qie in Iowa (Naturalist, If^l'.l, 4'J7), except
that we have si)ecimens which might be considered ty[iical litdoricKiiiiin. On tiie I'lst
of May, 1H7:>, I captured a family of tlii;se birds, the male of wh.ich was clearly of the
white-rumi>ed variety, but lighter than Illinoi.s specimens of the same. Tlie female
presented the tyi)ical features of /i/f?r)r(((V(H'(v. The length of the male was l> inches ;
the female, Hi' The young were just fmm their nest in a hedge. They were light
ashy, dusky waved above, decidedly waved below, and with the head-stripe not vicct-
iiKj in front of tlu' eye, and considerably restricted. My obs<'rvations are not sutH-
cieutly extended to ventui'e an opinion, but from such as I li;ive maile, I would not
be surprised if it sliould be determined, that to the north aud west the White-rumi)ed
Shrik(! i)assed insensibly into the nculheiu bird {hvrculix), as with us it does into the
southern form.

Song Spahuow (M. viclodia). Dr. Abbott, in tluN Naturalist, lf^7(). page ;{7f', calls at-
tention to a variation in the song of this bird, and asks if otiieis have noticed it. With
us it is resident in couqiaratively small numbers in winter. During the fall months its
song is seldom or never lu'ard. In Deeember I luive observed ihi'm perched in the top
of a forest tree, singing with vivacity a continuous song, which was altogi'ther differ-

234 APPENDIX TO OSCINES.

ent from their usual spring notes. The position and song -^-ere sucli tbat I failed to
recognize the bird, and on two occasions have shot them before suspecting the trne na-
ture" of the case. When alarmed in this position, they drop almost perpendicularly
to the ground, as in the habit of the Brown Tlirush, a miniature of which, in attitude
and song, they seem to be. I have lieard the same song near the ground, but not often.
Late in January their wmter song is freely varied with passages from their well-kuowu
Bunmier notes, and by the first of March the peculiar notes of winter have all dis-
anpeared.

Lahk Fin'CH (C. grammaca). Usually considered to find its eastern limit in Illinois,
is a summer resideut in this locality. I am of tlie opinion that both it and the Shrike,
above mentioned, are comparatively recent additions to our fauna. I first saw it in
1860, since which time it has increased in numbers, and at present is not uncommon.
It nests in meadows, and the young take to trees as soon as they are able to fiy. I sus-
pect, from not meeting either these birds or the Shrikes after the breeding season is
fairly over, that they join their comrades in the west before going south. [This spe-
cies has occurred in Florida (spec, in Mus. S. I.) — E. C]

Night-Hawk {C. popetue). I have noticed, when skinning this bird, that the male,
in spring, exhales a strong hircine odor. If this is common to all birds of the family,
it may have added apparent reason to the superstition from which the family name is
derived.

Chimney Swallow (C. pelasgia). No writer seems to have mentioned what mjitiy
have noticed in this bird, that the broad line of black extending from the nostrils along
the bill to the gape, across the fores, in front of and above the eyes, is composed of
feathers of different structure from those of the general plumage. These are short and
thick set, remarkably velvety both to the eye and touch.

There is anotlier curious anomaly in this remarkable bird, which I have not seen
mentioned : On the under-surface of the wing a linear bare space will be noticed,
extending from the cari)al-joint to the base of the first primary. This seems to have
been caused by friction, and suggests that the bird uses the wings to assist the feet
and spiny tail' in clinging to the chimney-side. That certain birds do make use of
their wings as supports has been affirmed in the pages of the Naturalist ; but if this
is really the case do they not violate the law laid down for them by Owen (?), who says
(Anat. of Vert. vol. ii, p. 6) : "In no case do the anterior limbs (wings) take any share
in stationary support or prehension."

Note. — Neither of the North American species of so-called Poospiza has occurred, to
my knowledge, in the Missouri region, but either may yet be found in the southwest-
ern portion.

These birds seem scarcely congeneric with the type oi Poosjnza, Emhcriza nifjro-rufa,
D'Orbig., and, in the extreme subdivision which at present obtains, may be distin-
guished under the following names:

Amphispiza, Cones, n. g. (type Eniberiza Mlineata, Cass.)

Amphispiza bilineata, Coues.

Emberiza Mincata, Cass., Pr. A. N. S. P. v, 1850, 104, pi. 3 (Texas) ; 111. 1854, 150, pi, 23.
Poospiza hUinmta, Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 7. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 470; Mex. B. Surv. ii, part

ii, 1859, Birds, 15.— Heerai., P. E. E. Eep. x, 18.59, Parke's Route, Birds, 14.—

Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 203.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 483 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Phila.

Acad. 1866, 86 (Arizona).- Coues, Key, 1872, 140.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874,

590, pi. 26, fig. 8.
Hal). — Middle Province of the United States. North 40°. South into Mexico.

Amphispiza bellii, Coues.

Emberiza bellii, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1850, 104, pi. 4 (California).

Poospiza hcllii, Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 7.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 470.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x,
1859, pt. vi, 46.— CouKs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 86 (Arizona).— CooP., B. Cal. i,
1870, 204. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Ogden, Utah, var. nevadensis,
EiiHiw.).- Coues, Key, 1872, 141.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 593, pi. 26, f. 9.

Zonoiriehia bcUii, Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 14.

Hab. — Of A. bellii proper, Southern California. Of A. bellii var. nevadensis {Ridgivay,
Eep. Birds 40th parallel, in press; B. B. 4- /.'., N. A. B. i, 1874, 594), Middle Province of
the United States, to 40^^, and somewhat beyond.

CLAMATORES:

SUBORDER U Jjilltiil ± V/±tjUkji Non-melodious Passeres.

Family TYRANNID^ : American Flycatchers.

MILVULUS FORFICATUS, (Gm.) Sw.
Swallow-tailed Flj eatclier ; Scissor-tail.

Muscicapa forficafa, Gm., Syst. Nut. i, 1788, 931 (Moucherolle a qiiene fourchue cle Mexi-
que,'BuFF., P. E.' 677). — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807,71. — Steph., Shaw's
Gen. Zool. x, 413, pi. 3.— Bp., Am. Oru. i, 1825, 15, pi. 2, f. 1 ; Syu. 1828,275.—
NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 275.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 426, pi. 359, f. 3.

Tyrannus forficatiis, Temm., Tabl. Meth. 24.— Say, Long's Exp. ii, 1823, 224.— NuTT.,
Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 309.

MiJvulus forficatHs, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 225.— Rich., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838. 25.— AcD.,
Syu. 1839, 38.— Aud., B. Am. i, 1840, 197, pi. 53.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 192; Not.
Delat. 87.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 73 (Texas and Indian Territory). — Scu.,
P. Z. S. 1857, 204 (Xalapa).— Bd., B. N. A. 185», 169.— Cab., Mus. Heiu. ii, 1859,
79.— ScL., Ibis, 1859, 439 ; Cat. 1862, 237.— Scl. «& Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 121 (Gua-
. temala).— Taylok, Ibis, 1860, 114 (Honduras).— Cab., J. f. O. ix, 1861, 252
(Costa Rica). — Lvwii., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 116. — Sumicii., Mem. Bost. Sue. i,
1869, 556 (Vera Cruz).— Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 365, No. 5563.— Sxow, B.
Kaus. 1873 3 (Fort Riley, Kaus.). — Abbott, Am. Nat. vii, 1872, 367 (accidental
at Trenton, N. J.).— Coues, Key, 1872, 1()9, fig. 110^— B. B. & R., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, 311, pi. 43, f. 1.

Tyrannus mexicanits, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 135,

Muscicapa spcctahilis, Licht-, " Mus. Berol."

Hal). — Lower Mississippi Valley, Texas, and southward into South America.

This ])eculiaiiy elegant species, not inaptly called "bird of j)aradise"
by the Texans, is merely a straggler to tbe Missouri water-sbed. The
single instance I know of its occurrence in tbis region, is tbat cited by
Prof. Snow, on Prof. Baird's autbority. It is abundant in tbis country
only in some parts of Texas ; Dr. Woodbouse, however, gives it as not
uncommon in the Indian Territory. Like its equally graceful relative,
the Fork-tailed Flycatcher, M. tyranmis, it has been known to wander
even to New Jersey, where a specimen was lately captured near Tren-
ton. Some years ago. Dr. Prentiss and I stated that a MUcuIks, prob-
iibly forficatits, had been seen at Washiugton, D. C, by Mr. C. Drexler.
I only mention this to throw discredit upon it ; having since found rea-
son to believe tbat we were imposed upon by the collector.

The eggs of this Flycatcher are not with certainty distingnishable
from those of a Kingbird ; they are, however, rather smaller, and per-
haps on an average a little more nearly globular. Size, scarcely 0.00
by 0.70.

TYEANNUS CAROLINENSIS, (Gm.) Temm.

Kingbird; Bee-iiias'tin,

Laniits iiirannus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 136 (Cate.suy, i, 55, pi. 55; Buiss., ii, 391;

■p. E. 537).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17f?8, 302.— Lath., Ind. ()rn. i. 1790, 81.
Lanius ti/rainiiis var. carol hie imis et liidurichinHS, G.M., i, 1788, :{02.— Lath., Ind. Urn. i,

1790, 82 (P. E. (•)7(i).
Ti/ranniis carolhicnsin, Tkmm., Tabl. Meth. 24.— Cab., Mus. llciii. ii, 1859, 70.— Bn.. B.

N. A. 18.-)8, 171.— Coop. «X: Sick., N. II. Wash. T.r. I'^liO. 1(17.— IIayd., Rep.

Id62, 157.— LoiM), Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst. 1864, 113 (^Britisli Cohuubia).— Lawk.,

236 TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, ARKANSAS FLYCATCHER.

Anu. Lvc. viii, IHfif), 18:? (Nicarasna).— Cool-., B. Cal. i, 1^70, :?11.— Snow. B.
Kaus. 187:?, ;i— Ali.kx, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Utali and Wyoiiiiiij-).—
Stkv., U. S. Gool. Siuv. Ter. 1870, 46:>.- MioKK., ibid. 1872, 68<J.— Hold.-Aikkx,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 2U5.— CoUE.s, Kev, 1872, IGl), pi. 2, li<rs. 1, 2 ; Ji^-. 110'' ; lig.
111.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 31G, pi. 43, f. 4; ami of most late writers,

Miiscicapa n:r, Bawt., Fiasj;. Nat. Hist. Pa. 17!)9, 18.

Musdcapa iiiraiiini>i, Wils'., Am. Orn. i, 1K)8, 60, pi. 13, f. 1.— Bp., Svn. 1828. 6t>. — Num.,
Mail, i, 1832, 265.— Ai-i)., Oiii. Bino-. i, 403, v, 420; pi. 79; Syu.'l839, 40 ; B.
Am. i, 204, pi. 50.— Giii., B. L. I. 1844, 39.

Tyrannns plpirl, Vikill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 73, pi. 44.— Cab., J. f. 0. 1655, 478.— ScL.,
Cat. 18()2, 236.— GUNDL., Rej). 1865, 239 (Ciilja).— Couks, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871,
26.— ScL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1866, 189 (Peru) ; 1870, 837 (Houduras).

Tyrannnt^ iiifrcpidus, ViEiix., Gal. Ois. i, 1824. 214, pi. 133 ; Eucy. Metb. 849.— Sw., Pbilos.
Mas^. i, 1827, 368 ; Quart. Jotirn. xx, 1826, 274.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
1:}7^_]$P., List, 1838, 24?- WoODH.. Sity;r. Rep. 1853, 73.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.57,
2.32; 1858, 302 (Oaxaca).— Moork, ibid. 1859. 55 (Houduras).— Scl., Ibis, 1859,
439.— SuMicir., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).

" JJjjiarclnis intie2>idits, Bukm.," Verz. Mus. Hal. 46 {Vabauis).

Muscicapa aiiimosa, LicnT., Verz. 1823, 54, No. 558.

Tip-anni(.s leiicoqasiir, Steph., Qei\. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 132.

Tyrannus rieillofii, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 138 (=Gal. Ois. pi. 133).

Hab. — Nortli America at large. Nortb to "57° or furtber " (Fichardson). West to
tbe Rocky Mouutaius, beyoud wbicb ouly observed in Wasbingtou and Oregon Terri-
tories, and Britisb Columbia. Breeds tbrougbout. Winters on our extreme soutbevn
border (Aiidiibon), and tbence into Mexico, Central and South America, to Peru. Cuba.

Livuteiiaiif H'arreii's Expcdiiion. — 4692, 4695, Upper Missouri ; 5235-36, near Fort
Pierre, Dakota ; 5237-38, Farm Island, Missouri River ; 8095, Fr<?mont, on Platte.

Lattr Expt'dHions.—mUO, 6076.5, Wyoming ; 61770-1, 62287, 62289, Idaho.

The Missouri furuisbes to this and other species a highway across the
central i)hiins, of which it readily avails itself, and, crossing the mount-
ains of Montana, it occurs in Oregon and Washington Territories. As
Mr. Allen observes in a letter to uie, it is "abundant thronghout East-
ern and Middle Kansas, and more or less common at Colorado City,
Denver, Cheyenne and Ogden, indicating for it a more general western
range than it was formerly sui)posed to have, and showing that it may
readily reach tbe coast region of Oregon by way of tbe passes north of
the mountains of Colorado, and perhaps, also, by way of the Great
Utah Basin and the valley of the Columbia. In Colorado it disappears
near tbe base of tbe foot-bills, no species of tbe genus being met with
above about 7,000 feet." Mr. Trippe also attests its abundance in Colo-
rado, on tbe i)lains, and it even straggles as high up as Idaho Springs.
Through jS^orthern Dakota, during the whole summer, I found it to be
one of the most abundant of all the birds wherever there was any
timber.

TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, Say.

Arkansas Flycatelier*

Tyranmta rerticalis, Say, Long's Exp. ii. 1823, ()0.— Nitt., Man. ii, 1840, 360.— Bp., List,
1838, 35; Cousp. i, 1850, 192.— ]5i)., B. N. A. 1858, 173.— Heeum., P. R. R. Rep.
X, 18.59, pt. vi, 37.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860. 168.— Hayd., Rep.
1862, 157.— LoHi), Pr. Artv. Inst, iv, 1864, 113 (British Columbia).— Bkyant, Pr.
Bost. Soc. X, 1865, 'M (Plvm})ton, Me.).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 59.—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 312.— Sxow, B. Ki ns. 1873, 3.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1870, 463.— Mehh., ibid 1872, 690.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 179 (Kan-
sas and westward).— Aike:x., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205.— Coues, Key, 1872, 170,
figs. 110", 112.— B. B. wV R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 324, pi. 43, f. 2.

Muscicapa irrticalix, Bv., Am. Orn. i, 1825, Itf, pi. 2, fig. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 67.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 273.— Auix, Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 422, pi. 359 ; Syn. 1839, 39; B.
Am. i, 1840, 199, pi. .54.

Laplujctes rerticuH-s, Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 77.

Uab. — Western Uuited States, from Middle Kansas and Western Iowa (Allen, Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 498), to the Pacific, especially abundant on the high central plains.

TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, ARKANSAS FLYCATCHER. 237

British Colimibia. AcciiTeutal at Moorestown, New Jersey (Mus. AcacT. Phila •
TuKNB., B. E. Pa. 41), and at Plymptou, Maiue (as above). ' '

The very extensive series taken by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition,
demonstrates the abundance of the species in the Upper Missouri and
Platte reg:ions. Speaking of its occurrence with the Kingbird, Dr. Hay-
den says that the two are often found together, but notices that this
species " does not make its appearance, however, till we reacii a point
about one hundred miles below Fort Pierre, and thence to the mount-
ains. The T. carolhtensis diminishes in numbers, while the T. verticalis
becomes exceedingly abundant, occurring in vast numbers along the
wooded portions of streams." We may accept this as indicating, in
general, the respective bearing of the species upon the regions in ques-
- tion, but T. verticaUs is certainly found much further east than Dr.
Hayden supposed, as will be observed by the above citations. I never
saw it, to my knowledge, in x^rizona, but Dr. Cooper observed it at Fort
Mojave, on the Colorado. He describes a nest, taken at Santa Barbara,
in the following terms: "This nest was built on a branch of low oak,
.near the town, was live inches wide, and constructed of lichens, twigs,
coarse grass, and wool, lined with hair; the four eggs it contained were
creamy-white, spotted with purple of two shades near the large end,
measuring 0.94 by 0.70." The habits and manners of the species are, in
all essentials, the same as those of Kingbird, familiar to all.

Mr. Allen has favored me with an interesting communication pre-
pared for the present report: "The Arkansas Flycatcher occurs
abundantly as far east as Fort Hays, Kansas, where it is one of the
most numerous and characteristic of the woodland birds. It seems
even more pugnacious than its relative, the Kingbird, the males light-
ing with each other almost constantly ; and it is equally alert in driving
other birds from the vicinity of its nest. Its notes are harsher and
louder than those of the Kingbird, though at times rather more musical ;
they are marked by the same general character. It is more graceful on
the wing than the latter bird, possessing rather superior powers of
flight, yet resembling it closely in general habits. It constructs a rather
bulky and conspicuous nest, composed outwardly of the coarse stems of
plants, softly lined with liner material, generally hair; it is placed on
the outer and higher branches of quite large trees. The eggs, com-
monly five in number, in size, shai)e, and color so closely resemble those
of the Kingbird as not to be always distinguishable. Dozens of pairs
were breeding in the narrow belt of timber bordering Big Creek, on the
]\Iilitiiry Keservation at Fort Hays, We also found them nesting in
isolated trees at the heads of ravines, sometimes several miles from any
other tree or shrub.

"The s])e<.-ies is i)robably a common inhabitant of the plains, along
all the tiiiiliered i)ortions of the streams, Irom ^liddle Jvansas westward
to the Kocky Mountiiins. Along the South Platte and its tributaries,
near Denver, it is one of the most conspicuous species, but it ranges
only a little w;iy into the foot-hills. None were met with in South I'ark,
nor at any point in ("olonido, above 7,000 feet. During the latter i>art
of August they were abundant on Crow Creek, in the vicinity of Chey-
enne, although the arboreal vegetation was limited to a few dwarfed
cluiiq)s of willows. It was here partially gn-garions, loose Hocks of
several dozens being sometimes met with, compo^^e(l almost wholly of
joung birds. These roving parties had doubtless wandered here from

238 TYEANNUS VOCIFERANS, CASSIN'S FLYCATCHER.

the open woodlands, the nearest of wliich were about a hundred miles
distant. We also met with a few individuals at Ogdeu, Utah, and it
doubtless occupies the intervening country at all favorable points.'^

In Utah, according to ]\Ir. ]\Ierriani, "Arkansas Flycatchers are
numerous in the Great Salt Lake Basin, as they are among the cotton-
woods and bushes that border most of the streams between Salt Lake
and Fort Hall. From the oth to the 28th of June I collected four of
their nests; they were placed on willows or cottonwoods, from eight to
fifteen feet above the ground ; were composed of fibrous roots, pieces of
dead sage-brush {Artemisia), dry grass, «S:c., lined with wool and other
soft substances. The first nest that I found was really very beautiful, as
well as curious; it was composed of fibrous roots, stalks of dry grass,
wool, pieces of sage-brush, with here and there a few leaves, and is
lined with wool, fibrous bark, and thread, with a feather occasionally
showing itself; there is much wool on the outside and all through the
nest, giving it a soft, downy appearance. This beautiful structure con-
tained four cream-colored eggs, spotted with reddish and dark brown,
the spots being most numerous near the large end."

TYKANNUS VOCIFEEANS, Sw.

Cassin's Flycatcher.

Tyranmts vodfcrans, Sw., Quart. Jonr. Sci. xx, 18-20, 273; Phil. Maj?. i, 1827, 368.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 174 ; Mex. B. Snrv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 8, pi. lO.-^ScL., P. Z. S. 1859,
383 (Oaxaca).— SCL. & Sal v.. Ibis, 1859, 121 (Vera Paz).— Scl., Ibis, 1859, 439:
Cat. 1862, 235 (Mexico).— CouES, Pv. Pbila. Acad. 1866, ,59 (Arizona).— Sumich.,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 314.— Aiken,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205 (Southeast Wyoinins.— Meku., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1872,
690.— CouES, Key, 1872, 170, fig. 110'^.- B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 327, pi. 43, f. 5.

Laphycies rodferans. Cab., Mus. Heiu. ii, 1859, 77.

Tjiravnus casshii, Lawh., Auu. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 39, pi. 3, fig. 2 (Texas).

Musclcapa sateUes, Liciit., "Mus. Berol." (Caha'iiis).

Hah. — Southwestern Uuited States; Western Texas to Southern California. North
to the vicinity of the Black Hills. South through Mexico to Guatemala. "A few of
this species winter at Santa Cruz, latitude 37° j * * * * resident as far north as
Los Angeles" {Cooper).

Later Expeditions. — 61747, Cheyenne, "Wyoming.

Mr. Aiken's memorandum of the occurrence of the species near the
Black Hills is the northernmost record I have found, and it extends the
known range of the bird into the Missouri region. This observer first
noticed it the second week in May, in the same places where he found
T. vcrticalis. Further south it is an abundant and characteristic species,
mostly replacing T. verticaUs in New Mexico and Arizona. I found it
j>lentiful in both these Territories, from the main chain of the Rocky
Mountains, at Whipple's Pass, westward. It is only a summer resident
in upper Arizona, where it arrives about the middle of April, and
remains until toward October, frequenting all wooded localities. Its
habits, according to ray observations, are precisely the same as those of
T. verticaUs ; the nidification and the eggs are similar.

MYIARCHUS CRIISriTUS, (Linn.) Cab.
Great Crested Flycatcher.

a. crinitiis,

Muscicapa crinita, Lixx., Syst. Xat. i, 1766, 325. — Wir.s., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 75, pi. 13,
fig. 2.— Bp., Svu. 1828, 67.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 271.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 176;
V, 423 ; pi. 129; Syn. 1839, 40 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 209, pi. 57.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst,
i, 1856, 20.". (Massachusetts).

MYIAECHUS CRINITUS MYIARCHUS CINERASCENS. 239

Tyrannus crinitus, Sw., Quart. Jonrn. xx, 1826, 271.— Bp., Conip. List, 1838, 2.5.— Nutt
i, 1840, 302.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 182.

Myiohius a-iintiis, Gray, Geuera of Biixls, i, 248.

Tyrannula crinita, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 169. — Hartl., Verz. Mus. Breiii. 49. — Kvup
P. Z. S. 1851, 51.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 73. '

Myiarchus crinitus, Cab., J. f. O. 1855, 479.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 178.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis,
i, 1859, 121, 440.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 473 (Texas).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi,
1866, 83 (Canada West).— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 179 (Kansas).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1872, 63 (critical).— CouES, Key,
1872, 171.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 334, pi. 43, fig. 3.

Jlyiovax crinitus, Car., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 73 (type).

Myiarchus {Myiouax) crinitus, SCL., Cat. Am. B. 232.

Pyrocepludus (Myionax) crinitus, Gray, Hand-list, No. 5518.

Mascicapa ludoviciana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 934.

Tyrannus ludoricianus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, pi. 45.

Tyrannus irritahilis, Vieill., Enc. Meth. ii, 1823, 847.

'^ Muscicapa rirginca, Muller."

" Muscicapa rirr/inea cristata, Briss., Orn. ii, 412; Planch. Eul. 569, fig. 1 " (Gray).
, For extraliinitiil vars. h. and c, see CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1872, 65, 67. In there

assigning T. irrilahilis, Vieillot, to the South American bird (Suiriri panloyrojo, Azara,

ii, 143, No. 195, Paraguay), I fell into error following Bonaparte, who makes this iden-
tification. 1 am apprized by Dr. Sclater that Vieillot's name is really based upon

Buftoii (P. E., as above) ; and is therefore the true North American crinitus.

Hah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces, but rarely beyond the Connecti-
cut Valley. Not given by Trippe as Minnesotau. West to Eastern Kansas and Indian
Territory. Breeds throughout its United States range. Migratory. Entirely with-
draws from the United States to winter in Central America, especially in Guatemala.
Costa Rica (Lawrence, Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 115). Cuba? (G-undlach, 239); no other West
Indian quotations found. (Minnesota ? Hatch, Pr. Minn. Acad, i, 54.)

This species was not observed by anj- of the Expeditions, and its
Missouri range is restricted, apparently, to the lowermost portions of
the river. According to the observations of Mr. Allen and others, as
well as of my own, it occurs abundantly in Eastern Kansas, gradually
becoming less numerous with the restriction of timber to the westward,
being already rare in Middle Kansas. Mr. Allen onlj^ saw one during
his six weeks stay at Fort Hays.

jSTo eggs of this country are more peculiar than those of the Mi/inrcM,
and they are alike in all our species of the genus. It is difficult to
convey an adequate idea of the curious pattern of coloration. Upon a
buff or rich clay-color ground are drawn lengthicise unnumbered mark-
ings of rich, dark purplish-chestnut, or purplish-chocolate, with others
of a paler sliade of the same. The markings are of a peculinr sharp,
scratchy character, as if made with a fine pen. At the butt tlie scratches
are usually expansive and coniiuent, but elsewhere are distinct, aud
maintain for the most part their longitudinal direction, although in
many' samples the scratches run in every way. The size of the C'^<^ of
crinitus is about 0.85 by 0.G2.

MYIARCHUS CINERASCENS, (Lawr.) Scl.
Ash-throatJ'd Flycatcher,

Tyrannula cincrasccns, Lawr., Ann, Lye. N. Y. v, 1851, 109. — Newb., P. R. R. R<.'p. vi,
1857, 81,

Myiarchux cincrascena, ScL., Ibis, 18.'9. 121 (? Guatemala),440 ; P. Z. S. 18.59, .?84 (Oaxaca);
1871, 81 ; Cat. 1862, 233 (cxcl. svu. T. mcj-icanua, KAUr).— CoUES, Pi'. A. N. S.
1>^72, 69 (critical).— Cot T.s, Key, 1872, 171.

Myiarchus crinitus var. cincrasccns, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 337, pi. 43. lig. 6.

Myiarchus mcxicanus, Bl)., B. N. A. 1858, 179 (ncc Kait; ncc M. inixicanns, Lawr., Ann.
Lvc. ix, 1869, 202).— IlKERM., P. R. R. Rep. x, 18,59, pt. vi, 37, pi. 4.— CorES,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1H66, .59.— SiMicu.. Mem. Host. Soc. i, isdK, 557 (Vera Cruz).—
Coop.. B. Cal. i, 1H70, 31().— Aikkn, Pr. Host. Soc. 1^72, 205 (near Black Hills).

Myiarchus mcricanus var. pcrlinax. Hi)., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1859, 3U3 (Cape St. Lucas).

Myionax mcxicanus, Cab., Mus. liciu., ii, 1859, 74.

240 SAYOENIS SAYUS, SAy's FLYCATCHER.

//■(t/j.— South western United States. North to the Black Hills (Ailcen); Utah
(McCarlhij) ; Nevada (7i'/(^/(c«//). South through Mexico. Texas to the Pacific; Capo
St. Lucas; Mazatlau {Graij.so'ri) ; Guatemala (f). Said by Dr. Cooper to -winter in the
Colorado Valley as high as Fort Mojave.

The characters of this species, and its syuonymj^, will be found fully
discussed iu luy paper of 1871i, above cited.

As in the case of rlie preceding species, Mr. Aiken again furnishes a
northernmo.st quotation, carrying the known range into Wyoming. It
had before been brought from Utah and Nevada, but its centre of abun-
dance in the United States appears to be somewhat further south.
I found it numerous iu the mountains of Arizona, there occupying the
place of criniius, as Cassin's does of the Arkansas Flycatcher. It is
there only a summer resident, arriving late in April, and remainiug
through most of September. Avoiding the depths of the pineries, it
resorts to the oak openings, brushy ravines, and the fringes of wood
along the streams. Its habits and manners recall those of crinitus in
every particular. I never found the nest, which is thus described by
Dr. Heermann: "The nest, found in the hollow of a tree, or in a de-
serted squirrel's or Woodpecker's hole, is composed of grasses lined
with feathers. The eggs, five in number, are cream -colored, marked
and speckled with purplish-red dashes and faint neutral-tint blotches."

The species is of very general distribution in Mexico, in many places
associated with the resident variety of crinitus (var. cooperi of that
country). In the United States it is migratory, retiring to or beyond
our boundary iu the fall.

SAYOENIS SAYUS, (Bp.) Bd.
Say's Flycatcher.

Mvsdcapa soya, Bp., Am. Orii. i, 18-.i.'i, 20, pi. 2, tig. 3 ; Svn. 1828, 67.— Nutt., Man. i,
1832; 277.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 428, pi. 359 ; Syn. 1839, 41 ; B. Am. i, 1840,
217. pi. 59.

Tyrannula saiia, Sw. & Eicii.. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 142, pi. 45.— Bp., List, 1838, 24; Consp.
i, 18.50, 189.— Newb., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 81.— WooDii., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 74.

TliraniiKs nana, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 311.

TiiraniiKs .s«//((, Maxim., .J. f. O. 1858, 183.

JMijiobins saijiis, Gkay, Genera of Birds, i, 249.

Oclithoica sujia, Cab., Wieg. Archiv, 1847, 255.

Aitlaiiax .w//«.v. Cab., J. f. O. 18.56, 2.

Sayoniis Kaiius, Bd.. B. N. A. 1858, 185; Mex. Bound, ii, 1859, Birds, 9.— Kknk., P. E. E.
Eep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 24.— Heehm., ibid. pt. vi, 37.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 158.— CoUES,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 60 (Arizona).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Colo-
rado and Wyoming). — Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205. — Stev., U. S. Geo], Surv.
Ter. 1870, 463.— Mehu., ibid. 1«72, 690.— CouES, Key, 1872, 172.— B. B. & E., N.
A. B. ii, 1874, 347, pi. 45, lig. 3.

TheroDnjiiiH -sajii, Cab., Mas. Heiu. ii, 1859, 67 (type).

Tijraiinula pallida, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 367.

Sayoritis pallidus. ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 127, 204; 1859, 366 (Xalapa); Cat. 1862, 199 (Ori-
zaba).—ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 438

Hab. — Western North America, from the high central plains to the Pacitic. North
to latitude 60^ {Uickard.'ion). South to Mexico. Breeds api)areutly throughout most
of its range (T<!xas, DitESs , Ibis, 18(i5, 473), and winters along our southern border.

Lieuicnutii Ifarroi'ii Espediiion. — 5267, Knife Eiver; 5268, Fort Union ; 5269, Cannou-
ball Eiver, 8293-4, Black Hills.

Later IJxpcdilioiis.—bm):), 60448, 60766, Wyoming; 61769, Utah.

This is an abundant species throughout its range, in suitable places,
and one of the hardier birds of the family, proceeding as far north, ap-
parently, as any, and further tlian nu)st. It is also one of the earliest
migrants, in this respect agreeing with 8. /kscks of the East. From its
winter quarters along our southern border, in the valleys of the Colo-

SAYORNIS FUSCUS, PEWIT FLYCATCHER. 241

ratio and Gila, and in Sonthern California, it begins to move in Feb-
ruary, and by the following month has accomplished the first stages of
its journey. According to Dr. Eichardsou, it reaches the Saskatchewan
early in May. It returns very leisurely, tarrying by the way, not fairly
resuming its winter station until November.

In its habits it is nearest *S'. nigricans, but also in a noticeable degree
resembles the arboreal species of the East. It is a bird of open country,
the Flycatcher of the plains. As we ride through the rank herbage of
the innumerable ravines that trend toward the water-courses of the
west, among the sage-brush of the still more inhospitable regions, or in
less forbidding valleys, environed by forests, that lie among the moun-
tains. Say's Flycatcher may often be seen, singly or in pairs, i)erclied
on the stunted vegetation. We may approach quite near without
alarming it, hear its sharp note, observe its characteristic attitude as
it sits in wait for. passing insects, ready for instant action, and then see
it sally into the air to capture its prey with a click of the bill. It has
the same vibrating motion of the tail so characteristic of iS.fuscus. The
nidification is essentially similar to that of this species, in the construc-
tion of the nest, if not in its position. Sometimes mud is used in its
composition, sometimes not. The eggs, of the usual number for this
family, are pure white, unmarked, as in S.fuscus, and also S. nigricans.

SAYORNIS FUSCUS, (Gm.) Bd.
Pewit Flycatcher; Pheebe-bird.

Muscicapa fitsca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 93 (M. caroTlveitsis fusca, Briss., iv, 367.) —

ViEiix., Ois. Am. Sopt. i, 1H07, 68, pi. 40; Eiicv. Meth. 8-29.— Bp., Obs. Wils.

1825, No. 115 ; Syn. 1828, 68.— AUD., Oru. Biog. li, 1834, 1-22 ; v, 1839, 424 ; pi.

120 ; Syn. 1839, 43 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 223, pi. 63.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 42.
Tt/rannida fusca, Rich.. List iu Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837. — Bp., List, 1838, 24.
Ti/nuniHS fiiscus, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 31*2.

Myiarchits fiotcns, Cau., Wicg. Arch. 1847, 248.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 36C ; Ibis, 1859, 440.
Aulanux fiwcm, Cab., ,J. f. O. iv, 1856, 1.
Sayoruis fnscus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 184. — Sumicii., Mem. Bost. See. i, 1869, 5.')7 (Vera

Cruz).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 158.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 473 (Texas).— Snow, B.

Kans. 1873, 3.— Ai.lkn, Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 1872, 179.— Coues, Kev. 1872, 172, tig.

113K— Gentry, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1«73, 292 (nesting).— B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii,

1874, 343, pi. 45, lig. 2.
Empidim fnxrm. Cah., Mas. ITein. ii, 18.'>9, 69 (type).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 234 (Mexico).—

LvWR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 290.
PyroceiihaluH {IJiiipidia!^) fuxcim, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 363, No. .')539.
Mimcudpa utra, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 94().— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 278.
Muscicapa phocbc, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 489.
MuHciaipa UHHciola, Wii.s., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 78, pi. 13, f. 4.
Myiobhix iinttciola, Gray, (ienera of Birds, i, 248.
Tif rami Ilia iiuuciola, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 189.— WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 74.

Hah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. West to the Vermilion River,
or further. South into Mexico (Xalapa, Dr Oca, Mus. Lawr.). Winters abundantly iu
all the Sonthern States. Breeds throughout its United States range. One of the very
<;arliest migrants in the si)ring, reaching the Cauadas by the middle of April.

Not noticed by the Expeditions.

The following fre.sh observations on the nidification of this species,
by j\Ir. (ientry, in the i)aper above quoted, are reproduced entire, as
being of sullicient interest :

"It is the commonly received opinion that birds of the same species
unifoiinly build their nests of the same nmteriids and in the same form
and situation, though tliey iiiliabit dillerent climates. This, however,
is not invariably the case, as a few observations will show. On the
north branch of the Susquehanna, some months since, I procured several
10

242 SAYORNIS FUSCUS, PEWIT FLYCATCHER.

nests of our common Phoebe-bird, Sai/or)iis fusem, which in size, struc-
ture, aud materials, mij?ht be taken for nests of species distinct from the
one under consideration. As these nests were found upon the horizon-
tal beams of a wagon-shed, they would not seem to require such com-
pactness of structure as wheu built in more exposed situations.

"After a careful examination of several nests from different localities,
I find that they are usually cir(;ular at the top, with a depth externally
differing but little from the average diameter. By measurement 1
obtain the following dimensions: Diameter from side to side, 3^ inches,
depth 3 inches ; diameter of cavity within, 2i inches, making the thick-
ness of the lateral walls ^ inch ; depth of cavity, 1^ inch, indicating a
thickness at the bottom of li inch. These nests are composed of fine
roots, grasses, fine mosses, and hairs, which are plastered together, and
to the objects upon which they are built, by pellets of mud ; within they
are lined with soft grasses, lint, hairs, aud sometimes with wool, and
feathers.

"No. 1 of deviation is nearly circular, with an average diameter of 4
inches and a depth of 2 inches, being considerably depressed. Diame-
ter of cavity 2^ inches, depth 1 inch ; thickness of lateral walls f inch,
at the bottom 1 inch. The nest is constructed wholly of the silk of
corn, with a few strings and hairs on the inside for a lining ; the absence
of moss and clay pellets being a noticeable feature of the nest ; such
ordinarily indispensable materials evidently not being requisite, if the
site of the nest affords any criterion for judging.

"No. 2 of these anomalous forms is circular, with a diameter of 5
inches, and a depth of 2t} inches on the outside; within, 2^ inches in
diameter and 2 inches in depth ; lateral walls, 1| inch in thickness ; in-
ferior, ^ inch. The entire nest is composed of the inner bark of the
chestnut, plucked, doubtless, from fence rails, and reduced to very tine
strips for the inner part of the nest, aud gradually attaining a width of
nearly one-fourth of an intjh on the exterior.

"In an intermediate form between the ordinary form and the first de-
viation therefrom, I find the diameter 4i inches externally, depth 2
inches; cavity 2.] inches, and depth 1^ inch ; lateral walls, each, 1 inch ;
inferior, v} inch. This nest is formed of fine grasses, hair, wool, and an
abundance of moss externally ; within it is lined by fine grasses and
hairs ; the absence of clay would seem to imply an unexposed ])lace for
its site, to which theory looseness of its structure most assuredly adds
weight.

"That a species which has always been known to build a nest so char-
acteristic as the Pewee should deviate so considerably and suddenly,
as it seems to be, from its ordinary habit of nest-building, is remarka-
ble. But such is the fa(;t, as the mother-bird was discovered in the act
of incubation. It has been suggested that possibly these nests were
stolen })ro[)erty, and not the woik of the bird in question. But this, I
am satisfied, is not the case. The individuals of some species do take
forcible possession of the abodes of others, or the cavities in which
such are secreted, but I have never known the intruders to occupy the
same, except in the case of Molothrus peeoriH of America, aud Cuculm
canontfi of England. As these birds never build, but deposit their eggs
in the nests of other birds, I am hardly dis])osed to grant the propriety
of considering them in this light. It is well known that Troglodytes
aedon does, when prompted by a mischievous si)irit, drive away Icterus
baltiinore aud Sayornis fuscus from their rightlul ]>roperty, and take up
her abode therein, but not without having j>reviously constructed her
rude nest of coarse sticks, well lined with feathers and down.

CONTOPUS BOREALIS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 243

"So Strong is the attachment of birds to the nests of their own con-
struction, that the parental instinct is often lost sight of. Proofs could
be cited to sustain this assertion. One, however, will suflice. Two
years ago, in Atlantic Count)', New Jersey, I came across a nest of the
Robin, which, on account of its curious arrangement, I desired to pos-
sess. Unable to wait until the unfledged brood had taken their depart-
ure, I conceived the plan of removing them to another nest of the same
species, not so neatly constructed or so tastefully arranged. But, as I
had anticipated, the mother deserted her offspring ; the love for home
predominating over every other feeling.

•'These deviations from the usual style of nest-building by the Pewee
would seem to argue against the belief generally entertained, that in-
stinct, being a positive determination given to the minds of animals for
certain purposes, must necessarily be perfect, when viewed in connection
with those purposes ; but to say that they doubtless imply a change of
instinct is to perplex the understanding by a perversion of language.
But to ascribe these changes to the operations of reason influenced by
motives, does seem to be the most rational view to take of the subject.
That reason does enter into the inferior creatures, and dictate many of
the changes of habit which mark their career, has been shown in many
instances ; but I cannot forbear to record one which came under my
observation in the spring of 1871. While watching a pair of Ampelis
cedrorum, engaged in the building of a nest on a branch of an apple-
tree, it occurred to me that, by supplying them with materials, I might
secure a nest neater and more compact than those usually made. The
birds entered into the project with readiness, and carried away every
l)iece ol" colored string and cotton fabric with which 1 supplied them.
After I had ceased to furnish the materials they would fly repeatedl)' to
the branch where the articles were dei)0sited, as if imploring my serv-
ices. The result was a nest firmer, more symmetrical, and more elegant
in proportions than any I had ever observed. If instinct had been the
controlling principle in this case, the birds would not have given my
labors so much attention ; but admitting that they had been actuated
by leasoning faculties in their selection, the whole thing is perfectly
plausible. Instinct is always the same thing ; it never advances, never
retrogrades ; but reason tends to improvement, when it can serve a good
pur])ose.

"As the nests which form the subject-matter of this paper were found
within a short distance of each other, it would seem that circumstances
peculiar to the neighborhood had nnidered a deviation from the common
form tu'cessary. Observation tea(;hes us thiit when danger or any other
circumstance renders a change in the character of the nest necessary,
that deviation is made in an equal degree and in the same manner by
all the birds of one species, and that it does not extend beyond the
limits of the region wliere alone it can serve a good purpose.''

CONTOPUS BOREALIS, (Sw.) Bd.
Ollve-slded Fljcatclier.

Tiirarnim borealis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 18:11, 141, pi. 35.

ili/iuhiti.t borealiit, Gkay. Gt;n. of IJ. i, 248.

Cdiilopux borealis. Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 188.— Coop. & Sv'CK., N. IT. Wash. Tor. 18G0. 169.—
ScL., Cat. IHti-i, y:?0 (not of T. Z. S. 1858, :}U1 ; 18r)'.». 4:5; wliidi aro C. pir-
tiiiax). — Vkuk., I'r. Ess. Inst. iii. 145 (Norway. Mi-.. probaMy hn-cdinu;. not
very roinnion ; ijuite connnon about Unilja^oj;). — Ai.i.ic.N, I'r. Ess. Inst, iv,
1804, 54 (Massat'lin.sctts, not vt-ry rare; May 15 to Sfjit. 15). — CouES, ibid, v,
1868, 264. — McIlwi:., ibid, v, 1866^ 84 (Toronto, two siiccimeus). — L.vwH., Ann.

244 CONTOPUS BOREALIS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.

Lvc. N. Y. viii, 18G6, 290 ; ix, 1868, 115 (Costa Rica).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc.
xi'i, 1868, 118 (Sontli Carolina).— Tuhnh., B. E. Pa. 1869, 13 (very rare).-
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 323.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 125 (Massachusetts, breeds,
not very rare).— Ma yn., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (Northern New iingland).— Aiken,
ibid. 1872, 206 (Wvoming).— Snow, B. Kaiis. 1873,3 (migratory).— Allen, Bull.
M. C. Z. iii, 1872, i79 (Colorado Mountains up to 12,000 teet; Wahsatcb Mount-
ains ; Utah).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1872, 691 (Idaho).— Coues, Key,
1872, 173.— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 199 (Veragua).- B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874,
353, pi. 44, f. 1.

Sayornis borealis, Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, Birds, No. 48.

Piirocephalua {Coniopus) borealis, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 362, No. 5507.

Mmdcapa inornatu. Coop. & Nutt., Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 282, 285.

Muscicajya cooperi, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 282 (not Tyraiimda cooperi, of Hartl., Chili, nor
of Kaup, Mexico, nor Myiarchtis cooptri of authors). — AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,
422, pi. 174 ; Syn. 1839, 41 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 212, pi. 58.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i,
1856, 206 (Massachusetts).

Tymnnus cooperi, Bp., List, 1838, 24.— Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 298.— Reinh., Ibis, Jan. 1861,
7 (Greenland).

Tyrannula cooperi, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 189.

Contopus cooperi, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 18.55, 479; is, 1861, 248 (Costa Rica) ; Mas. Hein. ii,
1859, 72 (excl. syn. C. borealis, Sclater).

Contojyus mesoleucus, Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 43 ; Ibis, 1859, 122, 440.— Sumich., Mem. Bost.
Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).

Muscicapa villica, Light., "Mus. Berol." (Cabanis),

Hah. — Entire temperate North America. Mexico. Greenland (Eeinhardt). Com-
mon, and breeds in parts of New England. Rare in Middle and Southern Atlantic
States. More abundant in the West. South to Central America.

List of specimens.

19189

131

Wind River . . .

May 24, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

7.25 12.50 4.25

Latei' Expeditions.— 61739, Utah ; 62289-90, Idaho.

The very general dispersiou of this species iu North America only
gradually become apparent. It was disco veered by Sir John Eichard-
sou on the Saskatchewan, at Cumberland House, iu latitude 54°, and
described iu 1831 by Mr. Swainson, as above cited. It was rediscovered
by Mr. Nuttall, a specimen being obtained near Cambridge, Massachu-
setts, in June, 1830. This gentleman obtained several others in the same
vicinity, and described its notes and manners accurately. Tlie nest, he
states, was on "the horizontal branch of a tall cedar- tree, forty or tifty
feet from the ground. It was formed much in the manner of the King-
bird's, externally made of interlaced dead twigs of the cedar, internally
of the wiry stolons of the common cinquefoil, dry grass, and some
fragments of branching Lichen or Usnea. It contained three young,
and had probably four eggs. The eggs had been hatched about the
20th of June, so that the i^air had arrived in this vicinity about the
close of May. The young remained in the nest no less than twenty-
three days." The same author speaks of the eggs as ''•yellowish-cream3^
white, with spots of reddish-brown, of a light and dark shade." This
is exactly the character of the specimens before me. Tlie size is about
0.84 by O.OG. About the same time Dr. Brewer communicated a note to
Mr. Audubon, describing the nest as follows : "Measures five inches in
external diameter and three and a half inches in internal, and is about
half an inch deep. It is composed entirely of roots and fibres of moss.
It is, moreover, very rudely constructed, and is almost wholly flat, re-
sembling the nest of no other Flycatcher I have seen, but having some
similitude to that of the Cuckoo." New England quotations have con-
tinually multiplied, many referring to the l)reediiig of the bird from
Massachusetts northward ; quite lately, Mr. Brewster says, iu Mr. May-
nard's book above quoted, that it nests generally in the fork of a pine-
tree, the only nest found by him iu any other situation being placed ou

CONTOPUS VIRENS, WOOD PEWEE. 245

the outer limb of an apple-tree. Mr. Aiulnbon mentions the Magdaleine
Islands and Labrador as other localities. In the reverse direction, the
bird has been traced in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, but
I never saw it in Maryland or Virginia ; and in includino- it in my South
Carolina list I relied entirely upon Prof. R. W. Gibbes, of Charleston.
He very likely included it on the strength of Audubon's statement of
its occurrence in Georgia. The rarity of the bird, along the whole At-
lantic coast south of New Eiigland, may be inferred from the foregoing.
Turning now to the west, we find Audubou again quoting Nuttall for
its occurrence "in the dark fir-woods of the Columbia." This is cor-
roborated by Dr. Cooper, who says that the Olive-sided Flycatcher " is
very common, arriving early in ^lay, and frequenting the borders of
woods, where, from the summit of some tall, dead tree, its load, melan-
choly cry resounds through the day, during the whole of summer. It
frequents the suuill pine-groves along the coast, as well as in the
interior, and remains until late in September." More recently, the
same observer gives the species as "resident" in most parts of Cali-
fornia, stating that he found them rather common in the coast-range
toward Santa Cruz, where they had nests in May ; and saw them at
Lake Tahoe in September. Dr. Hayden's, Mr. Allen's, and Mr. Aiken's
Rocky Mountain references are above given. There is little doubt that
the bird breeds in places -in these regions. In Colorado, according to
Mr. Trippe, it breeds, though it is not very common. "This Flycatcher,"
he says, " arrives at Idaho Springs late in May, and remains till late in
August or early in September. It is quite uncommon, only three or
four pairs having been observed throughout the summer, and these at
widely diifereut points, each pair apparently monopolizing a wide range.
It keeps in the tops of the trees, and is an active flycatcher ; its voice
is loud and distinct; and its nest is placed in the top of a pine, and
zealously guarded from all iutrusiou with as much fierceness and energy
as the Kingbird's." I did not observe it any season in Arizona, but the
presumption is that it visits that Territory, since it is known to go south,
through Mexico, and to Central America. But in that region its place
seems to be mostly taken by the C. perthmx, a closely allied, but per-
fectly distinct Mexican species, there finding, probably, its northern
limit. I took a young bir<t of C perHnax at Fort Whipple, August 20,
doubtless hatched in the vicinity. The differences between C. pertinax
and G. horealis are correctly expressed in my paper (Pr. Phila. Acad.
18(56, 60) and in my later work, as above quoted. Both are true
" Pewees," and in their general economy closely resemble C. virens.

CONTOPUS VIRENS, (Linn.) Cab.
Wood Pewee.

Muscicapa vircnn, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1760, :527. — Gm., 936. — Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 482. —
LiciiT., Verz. \m6, ^{J:}.— ]5p , Svn. IH-JS, (!?;.— Nirr., Man. i, 18;i2, 28'..— Arn.,
Oni. 1U(.^^ ii, 18:54, lt:5 ; v, 18:5'J, 4',';"); iil ll".; Syn. l"^-!'.*, 42; 15. Am. i. 1810, 2:?1,
]il. ()4.— Gii!., B. L. I. 1844,4:5.— Tini'i'i:, Ir. Ess. Insf. vi, li^71, 114 (iliuiicsota).

Tynnmiila rircun, ]5p., List, 18:58, 24 ; Coiisp. i, ISfjO, 189. — Woomi., Sitgr. Rep. 185:5,74.

MijiobiuH vireiin, (iiiw, Gen. of B. i, 1840, 249.

TurannuH rirvns, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, :5U).

MyiaichnK rircnH, C.\B., Wicfj. Arcb. 1847, 248.— Soi.., P. Z. S. 185,^), 1.^)0.

Contoj)itn rireiis, V\li., J. i. O. iii, 18;").'), 479: ix. 18(51, 248 (Costa Kii-a); Mas. Hoin. ii,
18r.9,71.— SCL., P. Z. S. lHr.9, 44.— Sci.. & S.vi.v., Il)is, 18.V.), 122, 441.— 8cL., Cat.
1862, 2:51 (Vera Paz; (Juatcmala).— Bi>.. 15. N. A. IS'.S. 190.— Dhkss.. Ilii.s, 186.'.,
474 (Texas, breediiifr).— Gcndl., liep. 186.'>, 2:59 (Cuba).— Mcli.wi!., Pr. Ess. Inst,
vi, 1866, 84 (Canada).— L.vwi!., Anil. Lvc. ix, 18()8, llo (Costa Kica).— 8LMRn.,
Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Ori7,aba).-^ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 837 (Hon-

246 CONTOPUS VIRENS, WOOD PEWEE.

duras).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Kansas).— COUES, Key, 1872, 173,

fig. li:^'^.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 357, pi. 44, i\^. 3.
Pyroceplialus (Contopits) virens, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 361, No. 5506.
Muscicapa querula, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1, 1807, 68, pi. 39 {nee Wils.).
Muscicapa rapax, WiLS., Am. Orn. li, 181, 81, pi. 13, f. 5.

Hah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. Not much west of the Missis-
sippi ; only to borders of central plains. South to New Granada. Mexico. Breeds
throughout its United States range. Said by Audubon to winter in Louisiana and
Florida; observation unchecked by later accounts. Winters in Mexico and Central
America to New Granada. A late migrant in the spring ; entering the United States
in March, and reaching the middle districts usually about the end of the next month.
Extremely abundant, in wood-land, in most localities.

I am indebted to Mr. Gentry for the following notes: "This species
usually makes its appearance in the eastern part of Pennsylvania in the
latter part of April, and commences building about the middle of May.
It prefers the loneliness of the forest generally, to the busy haunts of
man. It is described by writers as being more retired in its habits than
its cousins, as well as more suspicious. In my early ornithological per-
egrinations, I had always encountered it far from the scenes of active
life, its nest being found in the recesses of dense forests, saddled upon
the horizontal limb of some gigantic, high-towering oak. Last spring
I was surprised to meet with several within a few yards of occupied
dwellings, in the midst of a rather thickly settled portion of our town.
These nests were fixed upon the horizontal branches of apple-trees, at
elevations less than ten feet from the ground. The trees had been often
visited by several of my pupils, who had even whiled their leisure mo-
ments away underneath their sheltering boughs, while the mother-birds
sat within their cozy nests overhead, apparently in the enjoyment of
calm satisfaction and perfect security.

" It is true that birds originally conceive very unfavorable opinions
of man, and seek safety and immunity from his presence in intermina-
ble forests and impenetrable undergrowth, under the fancied belief that
he is their inveterate foe; bat through the habit of association, or acci-
dental intrusion into his presence, they have learned more of his nature,
particularly in these latter times when the law is their protection, and
from holding him aloof as a being to be hated, they begin to see his
good qualities, and draw near to his dwellings and render to him mani-
fbld services.

"Nuttall's descrijition of the nest of this species, which has the credit
of being the best that is recorded, may have been a fiiithful portraiture
thereof in his day, and no doubt will be found to hold good in various
sections, as it does in New England, according to the authority of Sam-
uels ; but in this section of the country it is somewhat different, and
needs remodeling. Instead of being ' universally saddled ui)on an old
moss grown and decayed limb,' I have frequently seen it resting between
the forked twigs of an oak, and one that was in a perfectly living coo-
ditiou. 'The body of the fabric' occasionally consists of 'wiry grass or
root-fibres,' but 1 have never detected the "small branching lichens held
together with cobwebs and caterpillars' silk, moistened with saliva.' In
a nest which I have before me, which can be taken as a type, the bulk
of it is made up entirely of small strips of liber plucked from trees and
fence-rails, tow, and wool, arranged in a circular manner, and pressed
compactly together by the body of the bird. One of the most promi-
nent features of the nest is its external coating of bluish-gray crusta-
ceous lichens, of the kind that are found u])on the trunks of trees, which
give it a very close resemblance to that of the Hummingbird, which it
nearly rivals in symmetry and beauty.

" When the nests are saddled upon the limb there is much saving of

CONTOPUS RICHARDSONII, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE. 247

material, economy doubtleavS being practised at the expense of the com-
fort of the young. The bottom of the nest is so slight, that upon being
detached from the branch it presents a sieve like appearance. In those
that have been placed in the angle constituted by two uniting twigs,
theie has always been an abundance of material, thus making a soft
and comfortable nest for the tender brood.

"The habit of coustru<:ting the nest upon the superior face of a branch
was doubtless acquired in order to secure protection, the nest in this ])o-
sition presenting to an enemy at a distance the semblance of an anoma-
lous growth, overgrown with moss, such as are sometimes found upon
the diseased branches of the oak.

"I have taken the nests of this species during the latter part of July
and the early part of August, with eggs, but whether a second laying
or not I am not prepared to say ; possibly the work of birds that had
been debarred the essential duties of incubation earlier in the season,
since this desire is so innate as to be foregone with difdculty."

CONTOPUS (VIRBNS var ! ) EICHAKDSOXII, (Sw.) Bd.

Western AVood Pewee.

Tyrannula ricliardsonii, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 146, pi. 46, lower tig. (very wrongly colored).

Miiscicapa rkhardsoiiii, AuD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 299, pi. 434.

Contojms richardsonii, Bi'., B. N. A. 1858, 189.— ScL., Cat. 18r)-2, 231 (Vera Paz).— Hayd.,

Rep. 1862, 1.58. — Dkes.s., Ibis, 1865, 474 (Matamoras, breeding).— Coues, Pr.

Pliila. Acad. 1836, 61 (Arizoua). — Lawr., Anu. Lye. N. Y. ix, 1868, 115 (Costa

Rica). — Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 31 (Montana)!!— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, .>.2.").

AiKEX, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Colorado).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Tor. 1870,

463.— Meku., ibid. 1872, 691.
Pyrocephalnii (Coiilopiis) richardaonii, Gray, Hand-list, 1869, 362, No. 5510.
Tyrannula ijhabe, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 24 (not Muscicapa pkoobe, Latu.).
Muscicapa phabe, Auc, Syn. 1839, 42 ; B. Am. 1, 1840, 219, pi. 61 (Labrador quotation

probably erroneous).
Tyrannm j>/(«'Z;e,'NcTT., Man. i, 1840, 319.
Tyrannus atriceps, D'Oituio., {Jide Gray).
ContopHH bof/otensis, Scr.., P. Z. S. 1858, 459.
Tyrannula boffolensix, Bp., Couiptes Kend.

Contopm plcbtinn, Cah., Mus. llein. ii, 1859, 71 (Mexico) ; .1. f. O. ix, 1861, 248 (Costa Rica).
Coritopns.noydidnhts, 8CL., P. Z. S. 1859, 43; Ibis, 1859, 491 (Orizaba).— SCL. & .Salv.,

Ibis, 1859, 122 (Guatemala). — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (alpine

regiou of Vera Cruz).
Contopus vcliei, Baihh & COUES ; CouES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 61 (in text; seasonal

state of i)luuiage).
Contopus virens var. rivhard^onii, Aixen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Colorado and

Utab).— C<)r;Ks, Key, 1872, 174.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 360, pi. 44, f. 4.

Hab. — Western North America, from high central plains to the Pacific. North to the
Sa.skatch(;wau. Soutii through Mexico and Central America to New Granada. {".) "'Lab-
rador" (Audubon). Breeds in suitable i)]ace8 tbronghout its range. Migrates entirely
beyond the United States in tlie lail.

Lieutenant IVarrcn'H Expedition. — 8892, Loup Fork of Phitte River.

Later Expvditionn. — 59854, Berthoud's Pass; 60441, 60449, Bitter Cottonwood, Wyom-
ing; 61740, Utah; 62291, Idaho.

As already observed by Professor Baird, there are material discrei)aneies between
Swainson's account of Tyrannula richardmnii and the subject of the present article ; but
the most striking of these, tlu^ different wing formula, may be reconciled upon the
supposition tliat the type of Swainson's species was a young l)ir(l. This seems the
more reasonal)li-, becau.so of tli(! coloration of the plati — certainly wrong for an adult,
yet after all not so far out of the way for the very young bird, wliieli is rusty-tinged,
as in allieil species. Upon the whole, in view of the facts that .Swainson's bird was
a Contopus, and that the present is the only one ever known to inhabit the ascribetl
locality, tlu^ ideutilicatiou may be safely uuide.

I should not be surprised if, after all, it proved that Mr. Allen and others were
hasty in reducing this bird to a variety- of t. ri>TH«. It is true, indeed, as stated iu.
the " Key,'' that I failed to appreciate any perfectly constant differences, or, iu fact.

248 CONTOPUS RICHARDSONII, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE.

any decided peculiarities, in examining the very large series snbniitted to me by
several kind friends. But even in dried skins certain slight dillerences may be
observed to hold with cr)nsiderable constancy. 'I'he colors are ilurker (they shonld be
ligliter, ])alei-, iu a geographical variety Ironi the dry, western region); the olive-
brown of the npper ])arts is more fuscous, the olive-gray shading of the sides is
heavier, and reaches almost or entirely uiiiuterrupted quite across the breast, leaving
only the upjier ])art of the throat, and the belly, whitish. The wings average longer,
owing to elongation of th(i primaries, by which the tip is carried further from the ends
of tli(^ secondary (juills. It is also a siginlicant fact, that Audubon — oneof tiie acutest
of i)bservers, and certainly not one who can be accused of wanton species-making —
has left no hint that he even suspected its identity with virens. If he be not mistaken
iu his investigations in Labrador respecting this species, the mode of niditication is
totiilly different from that of the eastern Wood Pewee. The note is hai'sher and more
abrupt — has little of the plaintive, drawling intonation so characteristic of C. rirens.
When I re;iched the Rio Grande, fresh from eastern woods, where I saw the Wood
Pewe(; almost every day iu summer, and had been familiar with it for years, the
weste.n Pewee's note was one of the first that sainted my ears Irom the heavy timber
bordeiing the river ; and I well remember how peculiar it sonnded, making me sure
my old friend was not before me; and likewise through Arizona, it never occurred to
me that the birds might be the same as C. virens. So we return to the question, and
it is an open one, whether such field observations as those of Audubon's, Allen'.s, Trippe's,
and mine, should not be allowed to turn the scale in favor of specific distinctness,
although in this case they are not very satisfactorily borne out by inspection of speci-
mens in the closet. We may have to acknowledge, iu some cases, that species are bet-
ter determined in the iield than in the closet. If this be true iu auy case, it holds with
the little Flycatchers.

The Western Wood Pewee is exceediugly abnudaut in Aiizouii, from
the beginning' of May nntil the latter part of September. I found it in
all t^orts of woodland, bat more particularly in high, oj)en forests. On
entering a piece of woods the ear was sure to be saluted by the curious
notes of the bird, and one, or more likely several, would be seen, sen-
tineMike, on the ends of dead branches, in wait for passing insects. At
least two broods are reared in this latitude. The bird ai)])ears to breed
indifferently throughout its range; in the northward migration, iudi
viduals drop off all along, only a small fraction reaching the extreme
limit of the species ; but in the fall they sweep southward with one
accord, being delicate birds, unable to endure the cold of even our
soutbern districts. It would appear that a portion of them are resident
iu Mexico and Central America ; and to these, no doubt |)resenting
some slight peculiarities not shared by the migratory and northern-bred
birds, the names boffofensis, sordidulus, and pJeheius have been applied.
In most of its extent it appears to be separated a little from C. virens ;
but the two forms meet in their tropical winter quarters, and also, if
Audubon made no mistake, a-iain at their northern terminus, on the
cold and foggy shores of Labrador.

Information received from Mr. Allen since the above was written iu-
crea.ses the suspicion that Audubon may not have been entirely correct
in his descrij^tion of the nidification, even if the Labrador record be not
itself invalidated. My esteemed correspondent, remarking that the
bird is more or less common at the western edge ot the ])lains wherever
there are trees, and also throughout the moiuitains of Colorado, up to
about 12,000 feet, continues : "Though generally distinguishable from
the Eastern Wood Pewee on comparison of dried skins, it is more easily
recognized by the difference in its notes and breeding habits. The nest
is built iu the forks of a small branch, instead of being " saddled " on
a horizontal limb, like that of the eastern bird. It is neat and compact,
resembling, both in position and general ibrm, that of the Least Fly-
catcher [EmpUlonax minimu,s) of the Atlantic States, and hence differs
widely from that described by Audubon as observed by him in Labra-
dor. Its notes are harsh and less varied than those oi its eastern rela-
tives, lacking almost entirely the plaintive character so distinctive of

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 249

the latter. The usual eastern type was not met with west of Eastern
Kansas, the western form being the only one seen in Colonido. The
latter was especially ireqnent near Fairplay, in South Park, where it
was breeding, but all the nests obtained contained half-grown yonng."
The eggs are very similar to those of C. virem.

The following has been obligingly coinmnnicated by Mr. Tiippe:
"This bird arrives in Bergen's Park, Colorado, in the latter part of
May, and soon becomes abundant, extending its range up to over
10,600 feet, and perhaps as high as timber-line. It breeds from about
7,000 feet upward. The nest is planted in the fork of a tree and
resembles that of Emiridonax mimimis, being quite different from that
of the Eastern Wood Pewee; the eggs, however, are entirely similar.
The young are hatched late in June, and only one brood is raised. It
is one of the first birds to leave in autumn, departing about the middle
of August. In notes and habits it is very different from C. virens. In-
stead of haunting the thickest woods, it roams over the open country,
shunning the deep shade of the forests, and acting in all respects like
Sayornis fuscus ; while its notes are far harsher and quicker than the
slow, melancholy plaint of the Eastern Wood Pewee, and only faintly
resemble it. Tlie two varieties, in fact, are as well marked as any that
are supposed to belong to the same species of this family."

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, (Gm.) Bd.

Acadian, or small Green-crested Flycatcber.

{'>)Museieapa acadica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 947.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 480.—

ViEii.i.., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 71 (not of Xuitall).
Muscicapa acadka, Bp.. Svii. 1828, 68.— AuD., Orn. Bio<r. ii, 1834, 256 ; v, 18.39, 429; pi.

144; 8yn. 1839,42; B. Am. i, 1840,221, pi. 62.— Gn:.,B. L. L 1844, 40.— (?) PuTN.,

Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 20() (more likely minimus).
TyrannuJa amdica, Sw.— Bp., Comp. ami Geog. List, 1838, 24 ; Consp. i, 1850. 189.—

VVooDH., Sitgr. liep. 1853, 74 (Indian Territory).
Myobius acadicus, Gray, Genera of Birds, i, 219.
Mi/iarchus acadiciiH, Cah., Wieg. Arcli. 1847, 248.
Empidonax acadiciis. Cab., Mns. Hein. ii, 1859, 70.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 197.— Sci.., Cat.

1862, 229.— CouES & Phext., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 404.— Wheat., Ohio Agric.

Rep. No. 52.— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 54.— l)in:.s.s., Ibis, 1865, 475

(Texas).— Lawi:., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 290.— Mcli.wi:., Pr. Ess. Inst, v,

1866, 84 (Canada West, rare).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868. 264.— Tuhnh., B.

E. Pa. 1869, 14.— Bkew., Am. Nat. i, 1867, 119 (imi)ortant).— CoUES, Key, 1872,

174.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 374, i)l. 44, f. 11.
Pyrocephahifi {Empidoiiax) aeadicna, Gray, Iland-list, i, 1869, 361, No. 5492.
(?) " riatyrhynchitH vircwcun, ViEii.i.., Nonv. Diet, d'llist. Nat. xxvii, 22" (fide Cahanis).
Mnndcapa tuicntla, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 77, pi. 13, f. 3 {ticc I'uiUot).
"■ MuHvimpu niibviridiH, Baktk., i>. 289" (tpioted in .hird. ed. Wils.).
'■' Mmcimpa pasilla, Lemh., Av. Isl. Cuba, 1850, 129" (fide Lain:).
" Tyran)uda pmiUa, Guxni.., J. f. O. 18.55, 480" {fide Later.).
" Empidonax pusiUus, Cab., J. f. O. 1855, 480" {fide Lawr.).

Flab. — Eastern United States; rarely north into New England, and no autheutie
record l)eyond JMassachusetts. Canada West {Mvlhi-raith). West to the Mississippi
and slightly beyond. Breeds abundantly in the Middle District.s. Cuba (Lawk., Ann.
Lye. N. \'. vii, i860, 265; Gundl., Rep. 240). {" Acadicns" geographiealiy wrong.)

The present is the most distinct and easily recognized of the four
species of the genus inhabiting the Eastern States. Nevertheless, it
has been frecjuently conlouniled with others, notably by New lOiigland
writers, many or most of whose citations really refer to minimus or
traillii — especially the foruK-r. Thus, Nutt;dl says it is one of "our
most common summer birds" in Southern New Knghmd; but his whole
account evidently refers to mi)iim}i.'<. Mr. Allen njore eorreelly says it
is rather rare in .Massachusetts, while Mr. Maynard, a trustworthy ob-

250 EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.

server, never recofjuized it from that State. The only record beyond
Massaclinsetts 1 have found, is Audubon's citation of " Nova Scotia."
This may be correct, but is more likely a mistake. The lact is, that if
there is any biographical circumstance distinguishing this species prom-
inently froin its allies, it is its restricted northern range. It does not
ordinarily proceed beyond the Middle States, where it breeds in abun-
dance, in this ditt'ering from trailUi, minimus aud flaviventris, which are
chietiy seen in the Middle States during the migration. At Wasiiing-
ton, I). C, the Acadian Flycatcher is, through the summer, very abun-
dant, almost as much so as the Pewee itself. It arrives from the South
the last week in Ai)ril, and remains through September. Dr. Prentiss
and I observed E.flaviventris there in July, leading to the belief that it
may breed in that vicinity ; but with this exception acadicus was the
only species of the genus we ever found between the periods of migra-
tion. It was the only species of the genus observed in summer in West
Virginia by Mr. Scott.

The Mmcicaim acadica of Gmelin is not certainly determinable, but
has become current with later authors for this species, as accurately
indicated by Wilson under the name of querula. I notice a quotation
of a Muscieapa subviridis of Bartram, which, if belonging here, antedates
(luenda; if acadica be set aside as indefinite or inapplicable, is the
proper name to be applied. Most of the earlier descriptions of our Fly-
catchers, except Wilson's, apply with about equal propriety to several
diflereut ones, so that the identification is usually made, if at all, by
some collateral evidence. For instance, even Audubon's description of
'-'■acadica''' rather indicates minimus, with which he was not at the time
acquainted ; and the rest of his account, though apparently relating to
the true acadicus, requires some modification. Prof. Baird made a per-
fect discrimination of the species in 1858; and in the "Key" I endeav-
ored to set forth its peculiarities in such a pointed manner that there
need be no subsequent misapprehension respecting it. By an inadvert-
ence the M. acadica of Nuttall is quoted as synonymous. It is, as I
have said, the most strongly marked of all our species; and how little
acquainted with it New England writers were may be inferred from the
fact, that so late as 1871 we find Mr. Maynard saying (Pr. Bost. Soc.)
that he cannot see the difference between it and trailUi. {Cf. Am. Nat.
vii, 1873, 42). I should not be surprised, indeed, if it proved that even
Mr. Allen, whose reliability is justly rated so high, confounded it with
traiUii, and that, consequently, the bird remains to be detected in New
England.

Tlie M''estern limit of this species is much restricted, barely reaching
the eastern border of the Missouri region. The only trans-Mississippian
quotation I have seen is Dr. Woodhouse's, giving the bird as common
in the Indian Territory.

Setting Nuttall's account aside altogether, as unquestionably relating
entirely to minimus, we will notice Wilson's and Audubon's. The
former's description is unmistakable, and he says, nearly coirectly: "It
inhabits the deepest, thick-shaded solitary parts of the woods; sits gen-
erally on the lower branches; utters, every half u)innte or so, a sudden,
sharj) squeak, which is heard a considerable way through the woods;
and, a-s it flies from one tree to another, has a low, querulous note, some-
thing like the twitterings of chickens nestling under the wings of a hen.
It arrives from the South about the middle of JMay ; builds on the upper
side of a limb, in a low, swampy ])art of the woods, and lays five white
eggs." The italics here, which are mine, indicate that i)ortion of the
account which is erroneous. Audubon described the nesting as follows:

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 251

"Early in May, iu our Middle Districts, the small Green-crested Fly-
catcher constructs its nest. * * * * It is placed in the darkest
shade of the woods, in the upright forks of some middle-sized tree, from
eight to twenty feet above the ground, sometimes so low as to allow a
man to look into it. In some instances I have found it on the Jarye hori-
zontal branches of an oaJc, when it looked like a knot. It is always neat
and well finished, the inside measuring about two inches in diameter,
with a depth of an inch and a half. The exterior is composed of strips
of the inner bark of various trees, vine-fibres, and grasses, matted to-
gether with the down of plants, wool, and soft moss. The lining con-
sists of fine grass, a few feathers, and horse-hair. The whole is light,
elastic, and firmly coherent, and is glued to the twigs or saddled on the
branch with great care. The eggs are from four to six, small, and pure
white.''''

I have italicized the passages of this account that appear to be more
or less completely at variance with the facts. The next notice I will
call attention to is Mr. Giraud's. He says, in his "Birds of Long
Island," of this species, that "in habits it is solitary; generally seen
on the lower branches of the larger trees; utters a quick, sharp note;
arrives amoug us in the latter part of May, and retires southward earlj-
in September." Mr. E. A. Samuels gives the bird as a rare summer in-
habitant of any of the Xew England States, seldom coming so far
north." He states his lack of personal experience, and even this sen-
tence is probably grounded on Allen, whom I believe to have been
mistaken in this (^ase. Mr. San)uels, however, describes the eggs accu-
rately, and for the first time, upon five specimens furnished him by J.
P. Norris, Esq., of Philadelphia, and presumably from that locality.
They " are of a pale, creamy-white color, with a few thin spots of red-
dish-brown scattered over their larger end. They vary in size from 0.78
inch in length by about 0.5G in breadth, to 0.72 inch in length by 0.55
iu breadth. The form is like that of trailUi, but the spots are larger
and more numerous."

In the American Naturalist, as above quoted. Dr. Brewer gives to
several writers one of the overhaulings he can adni nister etiectively on
occasion, and, among other things, takes an opportunity of showing up
the misunderstanding and confusion that have i)revailed respecting the
Acadian Fly(;atcher. On my a[)plyiug to him for inforn)ation he did
not give at this time, he writes me as follows : " I do not think the bird
occurs iu New England, even in the Connecticut Valley, and believe
that Mr. Allen has mixed it up with traillii. I have myself no evidence
of its breeding northeast of Philadeli)hia; but it is shy and retiring in
its habits, and would readily esca[>e notice, so that its presence in New
Jersey, New York, and New England, may not be uncommon and yet
we not know <>1' it." He also kindly inclosed a passage from his then
forthcoming work; it runs as follows:

"The nest is generally placed on a drooping lind) of a beech or a dog-
wood-iree, at the height of Irom six to ten feet from the ground. It is
uevei' saddled on a limb, like that of a Wood Pewee, neither is it pen-
sile, like those of the Viieos, but is built in the fork of a small limb, and
seinuely fastened thereto by a strip of bark. TiiC nest itself is mostly
made of fine strips of bark or weed-stalks, woven ti)gether without
much care as to neatness or strength, and so very slight is the structure
that you may otten count the eggs in the nest from below.

"The eggs are generally tlut'e ir. number, and are of a rich cream-
color, thiidy spotted near the greater end.

"A beautifid nest of this species was found by Mr. George O. Welch

252 EMPIDONAX TKAILLII, TRAILL's FLYCATCHER.

uear Indianapolis. It was fully identified and the [taient shot. This
nest has a diameter of four inches and a height of two. Its base is
composed, to a large extent, of dry grasses, intermingled with masses
of withered blossoms of different herbaceous plants. Above this is
constructed a somewhat rudely-interwoven nest, composed of long, line,
wiry stems of grasses. The cavity is two inches wide, and is less than
one in depth. The eggs, three in number, are exceedingly beautiful,
and differ from all the eggs of this gemis, having more resemblance to
those of Contopi. They have an elongated oval shape, and are quite
pointed at one end. They measure 0,78 by O.-^G of an inch. Their
ground is a rich cream-color, tinged with a reddish-brown shading, and
at the larger end the eggs are irregularly marked with scattered and
vivid blotches of red and reddish-brown."

EMPIDONAX TEAILLII, (Aud.) Bd.

Traill's Flj catcher.

a. traillii.

Muscicapa traimi, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 236; v, 1839, 426; pi. 45; Syn. 1839, 43; B.
Am. i, 1840, 234, pi. 65.

Tyrannula fraillii, Rich., Rep. Br. Assoc. 18.37.— Bp., List, 1838, 24 ; Consp. i, 18.50, 189.—
WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 74.

Tyrannus traiUii, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 323.

MtfiohUis traUlU, Gray, Geuera of Birds, i, 249.

Emindonax trnilUi, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 193. — Cab., Mus. Heiu. ii, 1859, 70 (reference to
Aiidubou is wrong). — ScL., Cat. 1862, 229.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.
50.— Couj]s & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 404.— Verk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 146
(Norway, Me.). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, May, 1863 (New Granada); viii,
1866, 290 (New York); ix, 1868, 'll4 (Costa Rica); is, 1868, 202 (Yncatan).—
AxLEX, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 54. — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 84.— Coues, ibid, v,
1868, 265.— TuRXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 13.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 125 ; Pr. Bost. Soc.
1871, p. — .— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179
(Kansas). — Coues, Key, 1872, 175.

Empidonax pusiUus var. traillii, B. B. «t R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 369, pi. 44, f. 8.

b. pusillus.

(?) Platyrhiinclms pusilhis, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 366.

(?) Tyrannula pusilla, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 144, pi. 46, upper fig. (uncertain —
just as likely to have been minimus). — Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1847, 156. —
Bp., Consii. i, 1850, 189.

Muscicapa pusiUa, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 288, pi. 434; Syn. 1839, 44; B. Am. i, 1840,
236, pi. 66 (quotes " Labrador" and " Newfoundland ").

Tyranmis pusilUts, NuTT., Man. i, 1840.

Mtjiobim pmillus, Gjjay, Genera of Birds, i, 249.

Empidonax puSiUm,{l)C\B., .J. f. 0. 1855,480. — Cab.. Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 70 (Mexico). —
Bd., B. N. a. 18.58, 194.-Scl., Ibis, 1K59, 441; Cat. 1862, 229.— Coop. «fc Suck.,
N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 170.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 61.— Sumich.,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).— S.vow, B. Kans. 1873, 4.— Aikex,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Wvoming).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 691.—
B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 366, pi. 44, f. 9.

Empidonax traillii, CooP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 327.

Empidonax traillii var. pusillus, CouES, Key, 1872, 175.

Hab. — Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to the central plains,
whence to the Pacific replaced by VAV. 2»imlluH. South to New Granada. The western
form through Mexico.

Late Expcdlions. — 81741-6, Ogden, Utah ; 61773, Idaho.

I have found it impracticable to distinguish the western bird as a
species, and in treating it varietally it proves difiicult to assign any
very tangible chara(;ter.s. It may be noted, in this connection, that
Dr. Cooper has, on several occasions, insisted that the Californiau
bird is indistinguishable from traillii. Audubon's type was taken in
Arkansas, and he accredits the species with a range thence to the

EMPIDONAX TRAILLII, TRAILL's FLYCATCHER. 253

Columbia, where be also locates pusiUus. But it is best to accept traiUii
as the eastern bird, taking jJ«6'*7Z/^s', as defined by Baird more particu-
larly, for the western form, if this be considered worthy of a name.

In the East I never fonnd Traill's Flycatcher abundant, having ob-
served it only in its passage through the Middle districts, chiefly in May
and September. According to New England writers, it breeds in that
section; and Mr. Mayuard has given a valuable note respecting it:
"This species has a most i)eculiar note, like the sylhibles '•liewin'h'' ;
this is not so quickly given as the ^se-tvic'l-^ of E. minimus, -Aud is some-
what harsher. There is, perhaps, thirty seconds' interval between each
keicin'Jc. The birds while singing were perched on the top of a low alder.
It appears to frequent these thickets, generally by the side of streams,
for Mr. Brewster has repeatedly observed it in similar localities at Gor-
ham, where it had the same song and habits. When the bird is freshly
killed, the bill bears a striking resemblance to that of U. fiaviveniris,
and having the under mandible yellow, delicately veined with purple.
But in the dried state this yellow fades into brown, and loses its vein-
ing. The whole bird then ai)pears much like the larger and darker
types of E. minimus. Indeed, were it not for the slightly larger and
broader bill, and generally olivaceous or greenish-yellow stripe at tbe
base of the upper mandible and sides of the head of ^. tndUii, it would
be difficult to determine the skins of the two species." I entirely agree
with the author so far, though the rest of his article is not so i)ertinent.
E. minimns does grade up to irailUi in size, the colors are very
nearly the same, and the proportions of the parts scarcely different ;
yet no one who has had any experience in the field would say that they
were not ditferent birds.

This si)ecies appears to entirely withdraw from the United States in
the fall, to winter in Central America.

I found var. pnsiUus an abundant Flycatcher of the West. At Fort
Whipple, in Arizona, it is the commonest and characteristic species of
its group, arriving in the middle of April, and remaining through Sep-
tember. According to my note-book, the under mandible in my speci-
mens was dusky flesh-color. They averaged about G inches long by D
in extent, tbiis being quite as large as ordinary acadicus. A young bird
was strongly suffused with olivaceous-yellow below, nearly as in Jiavi-
ventris, and had the under mandible bright yellow, like the inside of the
moutli. The si)ecies was not noticed by Dr. Hayden in the Missouri
region, but wc hav-e various quotations demonstrating a general range
from tlie central ]ilains to tlie Pacific, north to the fur countries, and
south far into, if not quite through, Mexico. Mr. Merriam gives the
following account of its nidification :

" This western race of E. fraillii was very common in the Salt Lake
Valley, where I collected seven specimens ami three nests. They build
a neat, conq)act little nest, which they place in the fork of a rose or
other siiudl bush, about five feet above the ground. It is composed of
fibrous grasses, llax, wool, and other soft substances, interwoven wiih a
lew leaves of swamp-grass. It is a curious fact that this bird places all
the wool and other soft, downy substances on the outside of its nest,
lining it with Ihc rough stalks of <lry grass."

The eggs of this species (Indllii), to Judge frt)m nunuMous specimens
before me, may be distinguislu-d from those of acdflicus in lacking much
or all of the creamy tinge of the latter, and in the markings being, for
the most part, large, bold, and blotched, rather than sharpl> dotted.
The fact tiiat the eggs are colored nistead of coloiless at once «listiu-
guishes them from those of E. minimus, and is a point to be regarded
in discussing the specific relationships of the two.

254 EMPIDONAX MINIMUS, LEAST FLYCATCHEK.

EMPIDONAX MINIMUS, Bd,
Least Flycatcher.

Mitscicapa "acadica, Gm." of Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 288; not of authors.

Tjjrantuda minima, W. M. & S. F. Baiud., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 284; Am. Journ. Sci.
July, 1844.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 190.

Musciiapa minima. Aud., B. Am. vii, 1844, 343, pi. 491.

Empidonaxmi)iimus,BD., B. N. A. 1858, 195.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 384 (Oaxaca) ; Ibis.
1859, 122 (Guatemala) ; 18.59, 441 (Orizaba); Cat. 1862, 229 (Cobau, Duefias,
&c.).— Scl. &, Sai.v., Ibis, 18.59, 122.— Hayd., Rep. 18C2, 158.— Wheat., Ohio
Af>Tic. Rep. 1860, No. 51.— Couks & PijExNT., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 404 — Vekr.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 146 (breeding commoulv about Norwav, Me.). — Au.EN, Pr.
Ess. Inst, vi, 1864, 54.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 84.— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 265.—
Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 474 (Texas).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 290.—
TtTRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (ehiefly migratory, but some breeding). — Allen,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 498, 505. 517 (Iowa and Illinois).— Mayx., Guide, 1870,
126; Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870,837 (Honduras).— Sxow,
B. Kans. 1873, 4.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 179 (Kansas).- Coues, Key, 1872,
175.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 372, pi. 44, f. 10.

Eah. — Eastern North America to the high central plains ; up the Missouri to Fort
Union. Breeds abundantly from Southern New England noi'thward. Winters in
Central America.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 4698, "Nebraska" (probably Dakota); 4699, 4700-1,
L'Eau qui court; 4702, Vermilion River; 5270, near Powder River.

It is singular that a bird so abimdant as this is in the Eastern United
States should has'e been overlooked by Wilson and Audubon, or, what
is more probable, confounde<l with E. acadicus. Nuttall was perfectly
familiar with it, thoii.sfh he thought it was the Acadian Flycatcher. It,
however, escaped Audu])on's attention, having only been brought to his
notice, by Prof. Baird, just as he was finishing his work. It is very
common in the Middle States during the migrations. At Washington,
D. C, it usually arrives the last week in April, and is seen for about
two weeks only ; it returns the last of August, and loiters through most
of September. Its arrival is about a week earlier, on an average, than
that of E.flavirenfris. I never found it in summer, and Prof. Baird, in
Audubon, states that it is not seen about Carlisle, Pennsylvania, after
]\Iay ; but Dr. Turnbull says that a few remain to breed. It breeds
abundantly in most parts of New England ; in Massachusetts Mr. Allen
found it as numerous as all the other Empidonaces put together. Some
individuals press on into the Hudson's Baj' country, and in the West
its extension is much greater than that of typical traillii oy flaviventris,
particularly along the Missouri itself, and the Eed Biver, where the
wooded river-bottou)s aflbrd it congenial shelter. Br. Hayden saw it
occasionally "throughout the West,'' and Audubon mentions it from
the Yellowstone. Like others of the genus, it penetrates to Central
and Northern Sonth America in winter, and it is also quoted from por-
tions of Mexico.

It is not ordinarily found in gloomy woods, like E. acadicus, nor even
in heavy timber of any kind ; it prefers the skirts of woods, (coppices, and
even hedge-rows. It is readily distinguishable from acadicus by this
circumstance alone, to say nothing of the several personal peculiarities —
so to speak — slight traits, almost impossible to describe intelligently,
but which the field naturalist learns to recognize in a moment. Its
usual voice is lower and more jdaintive, though one of its call-notes is
sharp and jerky ; and its flight is slightly ditferent, owing to the marked
difference in the shape of the wing, in all these particulars it comes
much nearer traillii ami Jfaviventns, as has been already hinted.

The Least Flycat(;her is more numerous during the breeding season
along the Bed Bixer of the North than I have found it to be anywhere

E. FLAVIVENTRIS, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 255

else. It probably reaches the latitude of Pembina about the third week
in May, as I found it common on my arrival the first of June. It is
confined entirely to the wooded river-bottom, where, in the shadow of
the lofty trees, it may be observed at any time, perched on an outer-
most twig, uttering- its peculiar note, and dashing into the air to secure
the passing insect, clicking its mandibles; returning to its post to sit
upright and motionless, after a rustle of its wings and tail as it alights.
Early in June it was in company with Traill's Flycatcher, but as the
breeding season advanced the latter appeared to piivss on; at least, I
found none nesting. Most of the numerous nests I took were jirocured
the third and fourth weeks in June, at which latter date incubation
was generally advanced.

The bird generally nests on a sapling or shrub, within ten or twelve
feet from the ground. One nest 1 reached without climbing, and another
was placed on a slender swaying elm, about forty feet high; these were
the extremes of situation I observed. It is always placed, so far as I
discovered, in an upright crotch of several forks, preferabl3' between
twigs no thicker than a finger. The high nest just mentioned was situ-
ated on the bending trunk itself, but it rested, as usual, between a little
set of twigs that grew upright. It is very deeply let down into the
crotch, and usually bears deej) impressions of the boughs. The female
sets very closel;y ; one I almost covered with my hand before she tiut-
tered off, although I stood for several moments within a. yard of her.
On being frightened away, she retreats but a little distance, and flies
from one twig to another, uttering a mournful note. The nest is a neat
little structure; if it were only stuccoed with lichens it would be as ele-
gant as that of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, which it scarcely exceeds in
size. The basis of the nest is a substantial intertwining of fine fibrous
inner bark, and the decomposing outer substance of various weeds.
With this is matted a great quantity of sott plant-down, making a soft
yet firm and warm fabric. The interior is finished variously with a
special lining of plant-down, conhned with a slight layer of horse-hair
or the finest possible grass-tops. The brim of the nest is firm and even,
with a circular arrangement of the fibres; inside, the lining is simi)ly
interlaced. In size, these elegant structures vary a good deal; the
smallest one before me is under two inches and a half across out-
side, and less thati two deep; another, which was let down very deeply
in a narrow crotch, is nearly three inches, both in depth and width, and
is quite unsymmetrical. The cavity is quite large for the outside dimen-
sions, in some instances the walls being barely coherent along the track
of the supi)orting twigs; it is not, or but little, contracted at the brim,
and is about as deep as wide.

The eggs are generally four in number, sometimes only three; I did
not find five in any one of tiie six nests collected. One contained a Cow-
bird's egg. The eggs are pure white, unmarked. They vary much in size
and shai)e. Out of twenty examples, a hirge elongate one measures 0.08
by 0.5U; a small globular one, 0.59 by 0.50; a normal one, 0.G5 by 0.50.

EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTRIS, Bd.
TelloH-bellicd Fljcatclier.

a. flaviventris.

Tiirannuhi tlarirailnx, W. M. & S. F. Baikd. I'r. I'hila. Acad. i. 1843, 283; Am. Journ.

St'i. Ai;ril, IH.JI.
MmHirnjxi Itarirmlris, Ai;i>., B. Am. vii. I»r44, 341. jtl. 11H>.
Kmpidoiins tlaiiniilrix. Bd., B. X. A. ISoH. IDS.— Sci.., 1'. Z. S. l.-ioK. .kX}-, Ibis, l^sj'J, 441 ;

<;a't. lrtG2, '^'.i^J (Xalapa, Vera Paz, Dutuas).— ScL. «fc S.vLV., Ibis, 1859, I2i

256 E. FLAVIVENTRIS, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.

(Guateniula). — Wiikat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 53. — CouES & Prent.,
Smiths. Rep. 18()1, 404 (luigmtoiy, perhaps breeding).— Vki;h., Pr. Ess. lust,
iii, 14(5 (Maiue, suiimier).— Allen, ibid, iv, 1H64, 5,') (Massachusetts, May aud
June). — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 84. — Coups, ibid, v, 186», 265. — Lawk., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1863, 8 (New Grauada) ; viii, 1866,290; ix, 1808, 114 (Costa
Rica).— ScL. & Salt., F. Z. S. 1S70, 837 (Honduras).— Allen, Mem. Bast. Soc
i, 1868, 518 (Illiuois).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (breeding- in New Jersey).—
SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 126;
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (breeding commonly at Fraueouia, N. H.). — Coop., B. Cal. 1,
1870, 328.— Snow, B. Kans, 1873, 4.— Coues, Kev, 1872, 175.— B. B. & R., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, 378, pi. 44, f. 12.

Tyranmda minuia, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 189 (so identifies Mnscicapa mintda, WiLs!).

(?) " Tyrannula pmilla, Reinh., Vidensk. Meddel. (or 1853 (1854), 82.— Gloger, J. f. O.
1854, 426." — Reinh., Ibis, Jan. 1861, 7. (These citations refer to a siiecimen
taken in Godthaah, Greenland, in 1853).

Empidonax hypoxanthiis, Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 198 (in test).

b. (UfficiUs.

E-.npUlonax difflcilis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 198 (in text) ; pi. 76, f. 2.— Coop. & Suck., N.

II. Wash. Ter. I860,' 170, and "p. sv, errata."— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,

62 (Arizona).— SCL., Cat. 1862, 230.
Empidonax flavireiitris var. difficilis, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Utah).— CouES,

Key, 1872, 176 (in text).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 380.

Hah. — North America, at large. (?) Greenland. South through Mexico and Central
America to New Grauada. Breeds from the Middle States northward. The typical
form eastern. Var. difficHis western.

In size between average traillii and minimus, this species difiers from these and all
our other Flycatchers by the decided yellowness of the under parts — a coloration so
distinctive that the bird is always recognizable on sight. The Prince Bonaparte iden-
tifies it with the long lost " Mnscicapa miiiida " — the Small-headed Flycatcher of Wil-
son, Audubon, and Nuttall — a very questionable reierence.

This species reaches the Middle States a little later than the three
other eastern species of the genus — not ordinarily until the very last of
April or iirst week in May. It is found in high open woods as well as
in thickets, thus differing somewhat in the situation it affects from
minimus. Dr. Prentiss and 1 have taken it at Washington, at diflerent
times in July, probably indicating that it breeds in the vicinity, as it
certainly does a little further north : Dr. Turnbull mentions Trenton,
New Jersey, as a localitj- where Dr. Slack found it nesting. According
to ^Ir. Maynard, whose opportunities for observation appear to have
been ample, it breeds abundantly in Northern New England. In his
excellent Manual of Taxidermy, he remarks : " May 31, 18G9, 1 shot the
first specimen I had ever seen living; the next day I took eight of both
sexes in a few hours. Between this time and the 10th of June I took
two or three more;" this was in Massachusetts. The writer continues:
" I do not doubt that it has occurred in previous se.isons, but, being
unaccustomed to its low note — which is like the syllable ^;m very plain-
tively prolonged — and its retiring habits, I had not detected it before.
The sjiecimens were all taken in low, swampy thickets, with the excep-
tion of the first, which was shot on a tall oak. It keeps near the ground,
is rather shy, and upon the appearance of an intruder instantly ceases
its song. ' Shot a si)ecimen on May 25, 1809, in Watertown, Massachu-
setts, singing, with its peculiar note, in an apple-tree. I have shot the
female singing in the same manner, in August, 18G7, in Franconia, New
Hampshire, The only note I ever heard was the low ^^m ( Cr^K'-s^er).'"
In his later publication, after speaking of the abundance and breeding
of the bird in Northern New England, Mr. ]Ma.ynard remarks that in the
dark swamps at Upton he first heard the breeding note ; ''it was like
the syllables lil-Uc, very gilively gixen, with a long interval between
each utterance. The song was even less energetic than that of traillii.
While singing, the birds were perched on low limbs. Both male and
female used this note."

EMPIDONAX HAMMONDII, HAMMOND's FLYCATCHER. 257

Var. difficilis is generally dispersed in the West in all suitable wooded
places, it reaches the mountainous parts of Arizona by the middle of
April, and remains through most of September, inhabiting the more
open pine woods, the brnsh of ravines, and the mixed timber along
streams. Dr. Cooper observed its arrival at San Diego, April 15th.
Mr. Allen took it at Ogden, Utah, along with obscurvs and liammondii.
Dr. Hnyden did not observe it in the Missouri region, where, however,
it unquestionably occurs and doubtless breeds.

The egg; of flavivcntris is pure white, unmarked, and not distinguish-
able from that of U. minimus.

EMPIDONAX HAMMONDII, (Xantus) Bd.
Unmmoiurs Fljcatcher.

Tyrannula hammondil, Xantus, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1858, 117.

Emindouux hammondii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 199, pi. 76, f. 1.— SCL., Cat. 1862, 230.— CoUES,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 62 (Arizoua).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera
Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 330.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 179 (Utah
and Wyoming).- CouES, Key, 1872, 176.— B. B. &, R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 383,
pi. 44, f. 7.

Hal}. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, United States, from British to Central America.
Later Expeditions. — 60767, Pacific Springs, Wyoming.

This appears to be, in efiect, the western representative of mimmiis ;
and in spite of the tolerably well-marked characters, my present im-
pression is, that it will prove to be a geographical race of the species
just mentioned. Originally described from Southern California, its
range has latterly been extended, as above. Specimens were taken by
the late regretted Kennedy, upon the northwest boundary of the United
States and British America.

My personal acquaintance with its life-history is limited to finding it
a rather rare summer visitant in Northern Arizona, where it arrives
late in April, and remains until the third week in October. Dr. Cooper
noted its arrival at Santa Cruz, March 13, 18G0, and found it numerous
during the summer. "April 27th," he writes, " I found the tirst nest,
built on a horizontal branch of box-elder (N'egundo), about eighteen feet
from the ground ; but in pulling down the branch the eggs were broken.
I found four others afterward, from four to ten feet high, either on hori-
zontal branches or in forks of small trees, and containing three or four
eggs or young. The last found, with eggs was as late as June 20th —
probably a second attemj)t of a pair before robbed. All were thick
walled, composed externally of dry moss and downy buds, with a few
leaves and strips of bark, then slender fibres of bark, a few hairs and
feathers often lining the itiside. The size outside was about four inches
wide, two and a half high; the cavity two inches wide, one and a half
deep ; the walls nearly one and a half thick. The eggs were white, with
brown blotches and specks near the large end, mostly in a circle. They
measured 0.(18 by 0.52 inch." Dr. Cooper's next paragraph, however,
should be reproduced with the above: "These birds free] ueuted only
the darkest groves along the river, had very few simple calls of two or
tl'.ree monotonous notes, and were so shy that I did not get near enough
to determine the species positively." Un<ler the.se circumstances, it is
almost unnecessary to add, the above description of the ncsl and eggs
must be taken subject to confirmation. Aa the eggs of hainmondii are
pure white, unmarked, like those of mhiimus, the whole a<^count prob-
ably refers to \i\i\ 2)U!iillus of trailli.
17

258 EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS, WRIGHT's FLYCATCHER.

EMPID0:N^AX OBSCURUS, (Sw.) BcL
Wright's Flycatcher; Gray Flycatcher.

(?) Tjimmmla obscura, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Philos. Ma^. i, 1827, 367.

Em])idonax ohscurus, Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 200; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 8, pi. 11, f. 3.—
SCL.. P. Z. S. 1862, 19 ; Cat. 1882, 230 (La Parada, Mexico).— CouES, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 18li(), 62 (Arizona).— Sumich., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 329.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Colorado and
Utah).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Colorado).— Coues, Key, 1872, 176.—
B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 381, pi. 44, f. 6.

Empidonax uriyhtii, Bd., I. c. (in text).

Hab. — Rocky Mountains to tbe Pacific, United States. Observed north to Colorado.
South through Mexico.

This species enters the TJuited States from Mexico the latter part of
March, or early in April, and remains until October, some proceeding
as far north as the above-cited localities, and i^robably further. I have
only observed it in Arizona. Mr. Allen has obligingly placed the fol-
lowing notes at my disposal :

" The Gray Flycatcher was the commonest and almost the only spe-
cies oi Emindonax met with in the mountains of Colorado. It was gen-
erally observed in rather wet, swampy localities, dense willow thickets
seeming to form its favorite resorts. It is very retiring in its habits,
keeping almost constantly concealed in thick copses, where it silently
hunts its insect prey, and is hence a difficult species to collect. Though
it may be approached within a few yards, it eludes capture by keeping
in the middle of the close willow clumps, exposing itself to view only
when obliged to fly across an open space, taking its departure from the
side furthest from the observer, and flying low and hurriedly to the
nearest point of concealment. The several nests found contained young,
and were always placed some distance within the thick copse the birds
had chosen for their home. The nests were usually built in the forks of
small branches, and in thickness and general appearance greatly resem-
bled the ordinary nests of the summer Yellow-bird {Dendrwca cestiva).

Mr. Trippe's manuscript contains the following interesting notes of
the four Flycatchers occurring in Colorado :

''^Emindonax obscurus. Abundant; migratory; breeds. This Fly-
catcher arrives at Idaho Springs about the middle of May, and soon
becomes abundant, extending up all the valleys to over 10,000 feet, and
l)robably j-anging up to timber-line, wherever it can find localities suit-
able for its habitat. It is rather a shy little bird, with more of the hab-
its and appearance of acadicus than any other of the genus. It loves
the densest thickets of poplars and willows, and rarely ventures far
from the streams, never ascending the mountain-sides. It breeds from
about 7,500 feet up to its highest limit.

" j&. difficilis. Abundant on the plains and up to 6,800 or 7,000 feet;
and found, also, though unfrequently, up to timber line, near which one
was shot in July. This species frequents the valleys and similar locali-
ties to the ])receding, but often wanders ainoug the mountains a con-
siderable distance from the streams, and instead of constantly hiding
itself amidst the densest shrubbery, frequently mounts to the dead tops
of trees from which it may have an extended view, and watch for in-
sects, which it captures with great address and returns to the same
perch again. It has one or two low notes like those of E. minimus^ and
a loud, musical call, like "j;e-^6', j^c'-fe," quickly repeated.

E. hammondii. Two or three si)ecimens which were taken in June
and July, near Idaho Springs, answered pretty well to the description

EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS, WRIGHT's FLYCATCHER. 259

of this species, and being nearer to it than to any other form found in
this region, may properly be referred to it. On the plains E. imsUlus
was met with in small numbers in June, but not observed elsewhere.
It will be seen that four diflerent species or varieties of Unipidonax, are
found in the same region within a short distance ; one, obscurus, breed-
ing from 7,000 or 7,500 feet up to timber-line, or nearly to it ; another,
difficilis, from the plains up to the lower limit of the former, and some-
times straggling higher ; a third, pusillus, restricted entirely to the
plains ; and a fourth, hammondii, occurring, probably, only as a strag-
gler. All these varieties are much alike in their habits and notes, yet
all present distinguishing characteristics in both ; and although among
a large series of specimens some will be found that are intermediate,
apparently, the greater number of adults can be referred with certainty
to one or the other of the type forms."

To complete an account of the North American small olivaceous Flycatchers, all of
which, with these exceptions, have been given, I introduce the following species, par-
ticularly as I think they may yet be found in the southwestern part of the Missouri
region :

Empidonax fulvifrons var. pallescens, Coues.

a. fulvifrons.

Muscimpa fidvifrons, GiR., 16 Sp. Texas B. 1841, pi. 2 (probably Mexico).
Empidonax fulvifrons, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 301.

Mitrephorus fulvifrons, SCL,, P. Z. S., 1859, 45 ; Ibis, 1859, 442.— B. B. & R., N. A.B. ii, 385,
Empidonax rnUcundus, Cab., Mus. Heiu. ii, 1859, 70.

b. pallescens.

(??) Tfirannnla afflnis, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 336 (very uncertain).
Empidonax pygmceus, Coues, Ibis, 1865 (in text).

Mitrephorus pallescens, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 63 (Arizona). — CoOP., B. Cal. i, 386.
Mitrephorus fulvifrons, Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 19.

Mitrephorus fulvifrons var. jwJlescens, CoUES, Key, 1872, 176. — B. B. Si, R., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 386, pi. 44, fig. 13.

Hal). — Mexico. North into Arizona and New Mexico.

CONTOPUS PERTINAX, Cah.

Contopus horealis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 301 ; 1859, 43 ; Ibis, i, 1859, 122, 440 {nee Bd.).

Contopus pertinax, Cab., Mus Hein. ii, 1859, 72.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 231.— CouES, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1866, 60 (first introduced to United States; Fort Whipple, Arizona). —
Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 8.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 324.— Coues, Key, 1872, 173.—
B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 356, pi. 44, f. 2.

Hah. — Mexico and Guatemala. North into Arizona and New Mexico. (Mr. H. W.
Henshaw recently took quite a number of both these species in Arizona.)

ORDEE rl(jAKiZu! PICARIAN BIEDS.
SUBORDER (j I X bl!i_Li I Cypseliporm Birds.

Family CAPRIMULGID^ : Goatsuckers.

ANTEOSTOMUS VOCIFERUS, (Wils.) Bp.
Whippoorwill ; Night-jar.

" CaprimuJgus minor, Forst., Cat. An. N. A. 1771, 13." (Cass.)

" Capnmulgus europwus, Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. Pa. 1799, 14." (Cass.)

" Caprimulgus virginiamis, Linn. — Gm." — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 55, pi. 23 (mixed

with Chordeiles popetue).
" Caprhmilgus clamator, Vielll., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 324."
Caprimulgus vociferus, Wils., Am. Oru. v, 181-i, 71, pi. 41, tig. 1, 2, 3.— Bp., Syn.
1828, 62.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 330.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 614.— Aud.,
Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 443 ; v, 405 ; pi. 82 ; Syn. 1839, 32 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 155, pi. 42.—
GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 31.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 205.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi,
1858, 98.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 114 (Minnesota, very abundant. May
to September).
Antroskmms vociferus, Bp., List, 1838, 8; Cousp. i, 1850, 60. — Cass., Journ. Phila. Acad,
ii, 1852, 122 ; 111. 1855, 236.— Brewer, N. Am. 051. i, 1857, 84.— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 148.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 367; Cat. 1862, 280 (Xalapa and La Parada).—
Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 275 (Guatemala).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1866, 137.— McIlwr., Pr.
Ess. Inst. V, 1866, 83 (Canada).- Allen. Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 498, 506 (Iowa,
and Illinois, very abundant). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 300 (Florida, win-
tering); iii, 1872,129, 179 (Leavenworth, Kans.). — Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv,
1872, 232 (Iowa, abundant, breeding). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3. — Coues, Key,
1872, 180, tig. 116.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 413, pi. 46, f. 2.
Caprimulgus vociferans, Wartii., J. f. O. xvi, 1868, 369.

Sal). — Eastern United States and British Provinces. North to about 50°. West to
the Plains. South through portions of Mexico to Guatemala. Breeds in most of its
United States range. Winters from the Gulf coast southward. Apparently replaced
in the West Indies by the closely rehited species, if not vai-., A. cuhancnsis (Lawr., Ann.
Lye. vii, 1860, 260 — vociferus o{ D^Orhigny, Lembet/e, and Gundlach).

Not obtained by the Expeditions.

The Whippoorwill exteuds only to the eastern border of the Missouri
region, being replaced further west by the following species. It is said
to be rare in Kansas (where I did not find it), but abundant in Iowa,
there breeding. But even in the Carolinas, where it is a common and
characteristic bird during the summer, I did not think it present in such
numbers as I found it along the Eed Elver of the North, between Da-
kota and Minnesota. At Pembina, every night in June we were sere-
naded by a chorus of these strange voices, penetrating the darkness, it
seemed, from all points at once along the line of heavy timber that
skirted the river.

The rei)roduction of this species is similar to that of the Night-hawk,
which was also breeding at the same time. It lays on the ground, in
the woods, constructing no i^roper nest, and depositing only two eggs.
These are elliptical, nearlj^ or quite equal at both ends, about 1.25 long
by 0.85 wide, and are curiously scratched and mottled all ov^er with
brown surface markings and paler purplish-gray shell colors upon a
whitish ground. The egg is quite variable in amount of intensity of
coloration, some specimens being heavily marbled, while others appear
as if faded or bleached, from indistinctness of the tracery.

ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI, NUTTALL's WHIPPOORWILL. 261

ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI, (Aud.) Cass.

NuttaH's Wliippoorwill.

Caprimulgiis nuttalU, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 335 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 350, pi. 495 (Upper

Missouri). — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 63 (Arizona).
Antrostomus nuttalli, Cass., Jouru Phila. Acad, ii, 1852, 123; 111. i, 1855, 237. — Brew.,

N. Am. Ool. i, 1857, 86.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 77.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,

149. — Kenn., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 23.— Heerm., ibid, pt. vi, 35. — Coop.

& Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 166.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 157.— Coues, Ibis,

1865, 158 (Kansas).- Dress., Ibis, 1865, 470 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.

1866, 58 (Arizona).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1866, 137.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 340.—
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Kansas, Colorado, and Utah). — Sxow, B.
Kans. 1873, 3.— Mekk., U. S. Geol. Surv. 1872. 692 (Utah).— Aiken, Pr. Bost.
Soc. XV, 1872, 206 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 181.— Coues, Am. Nat. vii,
1873, 325 (eggs).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 18*74, 417, pi. 46, f. 3,

Hob. — United States, west of the Mississippi. Mexico (Salvin).

List of specimens

•

19187

19188

184
157

Powder River..
Bighorn River .

Sept. 9, 1859

G. H. Trook..
F.V.Hayden.

8.00

17.50

6.00

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition.— 8876, Black Hills; 5200, Yellowstone River.
Later Expeditions. — 61734-5, Ogden, Utah.

In the Conspectus, at page 61, Bonaparte makes an Antrostomus calif ornianus, with
which, he says, A. nuitaUi .should be compared. The latter being the only Californiau
species, we might suppose the two to be the same. Such, however, is not the case; the
description indicates a bird belonging to the second of Dr. Sclater's two sections of the
genus, namely, that one in which there is a white wing-spot ; and the bird seems re-
lated to A. nigrescens of South America, the assigned locality being most probably erro-
neous. Dr. Sclater appears to have overlooked the name in his synonymy of tlie
American Caprimulgidce.

Nuttall's Whippoorwill was discovered by Andubon, on the Upper
IVIissouri, thirty years ago; but it is only receutly that much material
has come into the possession of naturalists. The bird is, nevertheless,
very abundant in most parts of the West, where it is the ctiaracteristic,
in fact the only, species of the genus. Audubon gave a pleasant ac-
count of its discovery, but nothing specially to the point respecting its
biography, excepting the fact that its note differs from that of the
eastern species in omitting one syllable. He rendered it by the word
"o/t'-Ki<7/," which is perfectly expressive, though we now generally write
'■'■ poor' -will P This cry is very lugubrious, and in places where the birds
are numerous the wailing chorus is enough to excite vague apprehen-
sions on the part of the lonely traveler, as he lies down to rest by his
camp-lire, or to break his sleep with tittui dreams, in which lost spirits
appear to bemoan their fate and implore his intercession. It is not
strange that a heated fancy should riot in the circumstances of desola-
tion and imminent i)eril under which the emigrant or the explorer must
often be placed in the western wilderness. Experience comes vividly
to mind as 1 write, of night after night, when I have gradually lost con-
sciousness with a mind peopled with all manner of wierd images. Clos-
ing my eys to the stars in the broad expanse above, my only coverlet,
aud to (he rnddy gleam from the embers of the camp tire, with a thought
of home and perhai)s a silent aspiration, it might be long before the
sense of hearing, unnaturally strained, would desert its [)0st. The mo-
notonous tread of the sentinel would fall heavily on the ear; the horses
wonhl seem tochamj* as never before; the bands of vagrant coyotes
wouUl liowl with redoubled energy, and all the while the Poor-wills
shouted their alarm. Sleep, in apprehension, if not really expectation

262 ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI, NUTTALL's WHIPPOORWILL.

of danger before morning, is a strange state of mind — like a gun at full
cock, perfectly quiescent, yet on the very edge of action. A shot, even
a sliout, at sucb a time, would bring a whole camp to its feet in a second
of time. So the hours wear on, till darkness and tension of mind relax
together, and imagination is dissipated in the very homely, prosy fact
of breakfast.

Like others of its family, Nuttall's Whippoorwill is oftener heard than
seen. When flushed from its retreat in the day time, among the shrub-
bery or tall weeds, it rises hurriedly with wayward flight, dashes a few
yards, and realights. There is something about it at such times that
strongly recalls the Woodcock, and the bird is quite as difticult to shoot
on the Wing. 1 saw it under such circumstances in Kansas, near Fort
Eiley, one of its easternmost recorded localities. It was not, apparently,
very common in that region, but great numbers are found in the warmer
parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Their breeding range appears to be
coextensive with their United States distribution. I have observed one
Mexican quotation ; the species appears to winter on or near our south-
ern border, as the eastern Whippoorwill does in corresponding localities.

An interesting and important item in the history of this species has
only recently come to light. Unlike most species of its genus — of its
subfamily, in fact — of which the eggs are known, it lays colorless instead
of variegated eggs. Of this fact I was first informed by my Arizona
correspondent, Lieutenant C. Bendire, United States Army. He gave
me a minute account of the nesting, which is terrestrial, and essentially
similar to that of other species of the group. Lieutenant Bendire found
the eggs near Tuscon, in Arizona ; there were two, laid on the ground,
in a depression, at the foot of a bush, among dense vegetation. Eggs
were also taken by Mr. Eidgway in Nevada, and by Mr. Merriam in
Utah. They are white, unmarked, about an inch, or rather over, in
length, by four-fifths broad. Both sexes incubate.

The following interesting passage occurs in the Allen Mss., before
unpublished :

" Nuttall's Whippoorwill was first met with on my western expedition
at Topeka, Kansas, where it was by no means infrequent. We often
heard it at night near the outskirts of the city, and repeatedly met with
it in the day time in the darker and denser portions of the woodlands
bordering on the Kaw River, reposing on the ground, like the common
Whippoorwill of the Eastern States. When flushed it passed rapidly,
with a noiseless, skimming flight, through the more open parts of the
undergrowth, soon realighting again on the ground. In the mountains
of Colorado we again met with it at a few points in great numbers, as
high even as 8,000 feet above the sea. At our camp of July 12, on Tur-
key Creek, just above the caQon, scores were heard singing on the neigh-
boring slopes throughout the beautiful moon -lit night, but our pursuit
of them was fruitless, as they could be seen only as they flitted from
pcint to point when disturbed. We afterward heard them in consider-
able numbers at the Garden of the Gods, near Colorado City, and found
them very numerous in September at the mouth of Ogden Canon, near
Ogden city, in Utah. Here, as soon as the dusk of the evening ren-
dered it difficult to distinguish sucb small objects with distinctness, the
whole hill sides seemed to be alive with the tantalizing abundance of
these birds. Like the common Whippoorwill of the East, they seem to
sing at intervals throughout the season, and at this date (September)
appeared fully as musical as during the breeding season. It lingers at
its summer home till the autumn is far advanced, as we found it at
Ogden as late as October G, quite far up the slope of the mountains, in

CHOEDEILES VIRGINIANUS, NIGHT-HAWK. 263

the midst of a driviug snow-storm — the first of the season — the snow
having then already accumulated to the depth of several inches."

Mr. Merriam gives the following note in his report: "This rare bird
was only found on the rocky slopes at the foot of the Wahsatch Mount-
ains; here, on the 12th of June, 1 obtained their eggs; they were pure
white, without spots, and were laid in a slight cavity in the bare ground,
without any nest. They contained full-grown embryos, and would doubt-
less have hatched in a few hours. The male bird was shot as he left the
nest, and as the feathers were worn off his belly by setting, it is evident
that both male and female take part in the incubation."

Introduction of the following species completes an account of the North American
species of the Caprimulgidas :

Antrostomus c.vrolinensis (Gm.) Gould.

Caprimulgns carolinensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1028. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 584. —
WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 95," pi. — , fig. -.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 61.— Nutt. i, 1882, 612.—
AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 273 ; v, 401 ; pi. 52 ; Syn. 31 ; B. Am. i, 151, pi. 41.— Warth.,
J. f. O. 1868, 368.

Anstrotomiis caroHnensis. GorLD.— Cass., 111. i. 1855, 236.— Cab., J. f. O., iv, 6 (Cuba). —
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 147.— Cab., Mas. Hein. ii, 1859, 90.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1866, 136;
Cat. 1862, 280.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 70 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868,
118 (South Carolina).- Lawr., Ann. Lvc. ix, 1868, 120 (Costa Rica).— Saxv., P.
Z. S. 1870, 303 (Veragua).— Ali.en, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 300.— Coues, Key,
1872, 180.— B. B. «fe R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 410, pi. 46, fig. 1.

Caprimnlgus riifiis, Vieill., O. A. S. i, 1807, 57, pi. 25.

(Jo.pHmuJ{)U8 irachypterus, Steph., G. Z. x, 159.

Hob. — South Atlantic and Gulf States. Cuba. South to Guatemala
Chordeiles texensis, Lawr.

Chordeiles brasilioisis, Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1851, 114 (wee Gm.). — Cass., 111. 1855, 238.

Chordeiles scqjiti, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 63.

Chordeiles texensis, Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. vi, 1856, 167.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 154, pi. 44 ;
Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, 7, pi. 6.— Scl., Cat. 1862, 279; P. Z. S. 1866, 134
(Guatemala).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 345.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 471 (Texas).—
Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 58 (Arizona).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 120
(Costa Rica), 204 (Yucatan).— Coues, Key, 1872, 181.

Caprimnlgus texensis, Warth., J. f. O. 1868, 376.

Chordeiles sapiti var. texensis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 406, pi. 46, fig. 5.

Hub. — Southwestern United States, and south to Guatemala.

CHORDEILES VIRGINIANUS, (Gm.) Bp.
Night-hawk ; Bull-bat ; Plsk ; Firaraidig.

- a. virginianus.

Caprimulgus virginianus, Briss., Orn. ii, 1760, 477 ipariini). — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
i028.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 585.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 62.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii,
1834, 273; v, 1839, 406; pi. 147.— Nutt., Man. i, 18.32, 619; ii, la34, 609.

Caprimulgus (Chordeiles) virginianus, Sw. &. RiCii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 337.

Chordeiles virginianus, Bp., List, 1838, 8; Consp. i, 1850, 63. — Aui)., B. Am. i, 1840, 159,
pi. 43; Syn. 1839, 32.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 72.— Woodh.. Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 63.—
Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 186 ; 111. 1855, 238.— Brew., N. Am. Oiil. i, 1857,
87.— Nevvb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 79.— Scl., Cat. 1862, 279 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 132
(Brazil).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 303 (Veragua).— Coues, Key, 1672, 181, fig. 117.

Chordedeiles virrjinianus, Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 86.

Caprimulgus po'petue, Vieill., O. A. S. i, 1807, 5(), pi. 24 ( 9 )•— Br., Obs. Wils. 1825, 177.

Chordeiles popetue, Bo., B. N. A. 1858, 151. — IIeerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 36. —
Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wash. Tor. 1860, 166.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. May, 1860
(Cuba).— Havi)., Rep. 1862, 157.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Allkn, Bull. M. C. Z.
ii, 1871, 300 (excl. syn. sapiti. brasiliensis ct texensis) ', iii. 1872, 179.— Coop.,
B. Cal. i, 1870, 342.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206.— B. B. «fc R., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 401.

Caprimnlgus americanus, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 65, pi. 40, figs. 1, 2.

Chordeiles amerieanus, DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, pi. 27, fig. 60.

264 CHORDEILES VIEGINIANUS, NIGHT-HAWK.

b. henryi.

Chordeiles henryi, Cass., 111. 1855, 239.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 153, 922 ; P. R. R. Rep. x,
1859, i)t. iii, 13, pi. 17.— Scl., Cat. 1862, 279 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 133.— Dress., Ibis,
1865, 476 (Miitamoiiis).— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 58.— Coop., B. Cal. i,
1870, 344.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Meru., ihid. 1872, 692.—
Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.

Chordeiles popefue var. henryi, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179.— B. B. & R., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, 404, pi. 46, f. 4.

Chordeiles virylnianus var. henryi, Coues, Key, 1872, 181.

c. minor.

Chordeiles virginianus, Lemb., Aves Isl. Cuba, 1850, 51. — GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 33.

Chordeiles minor, Cab., J. f. O. 18.^6, 5 ; Mus. Hein. ii, 18.59, 86.— Lawu., Ann. Lye. May,
I860.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 77 ; Cat. 1862, 279 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 433 (Cuba aud
Jamaica). — Makch, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 286 (Jamaica).

Chordeiles gundlachii. Lawk., Anu. Lye. vi, 1856, 165 (Cuba).

Bab. — Entire temperate North and Middle America. North to Hudson's Bay (Mur-
ray, Edinb. Phil. Journ. 1860). Cuba and Jamaica, migratory. Bahamas (Bryant, Pr.
Bost. Soo. vii, 1859). South to Brazil (Felz. Orn. Braz. i, 14). Var. henryi from the
Southern Rocky Mountain region- Var. minor in Cuba aud Jamaica (resident).

List of specimens.

49336

■

Stinking Creek.

G. H. Trook..

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 8877 , Black Hills; 8878, Loup Fork ; 5201-03, forty
miles above St. Pierre.

Later Expeditions. — 59851, Colorado; 60417, Laramie; 60772, Pacific Springs; 61775,
62254-5, Idaho; 6225, Wyoming. (All var. henryi.)

The bird described as C. henryi is merely the paler form prevailing in the dryer aud
unwooded parts of the West; the gray and tawny shades in excess of the darker
colors, and the white patches more extensive. It is not larger than ordinary riryini-
anns, though so stated to be ; aud the plate above cited, in the Paciiic Railroad Report,
is highly exaggerated in coloring. The West Indian form, apparently resident, I can-
not distinguish as a species ; the only ascribed character, its smaller size, is readily
attributable to its southern habitat. The fact that the true rirfiinianus also occurs in
Cuba is no rebutting evidence, for I suppose the individuals of the latter to have been
migrants; and, as is well known, the bird performs very extensive journeys — quite
. from the Arctic regions to Brazil.

Mr. Allen is clearly wrong in allocating the C. texensis {Lawrence), sapiti {Bonaparte),
and hrasilianus, auct., among the synonyms of viryinianus. I cannot here discuss the
question whether or not these names are synonymous inter se ; but they are, beyond all
question, permanently distinct from virginianus, as Mr. Allen himself afterward became
aware. I should judge that " /fxcHsts," which is abundant along our Mexican border,
constitutes a large northern race of C. avutipcnnis {Boddarri), with which sapiti {Xatt-
erer, Bonapart-e) is synonymous. It may require to stand as C. acutipeunis var. tcxensis.

The Nigbtrbawk is as abundant in most parts of the West avS else-
where in North America, particularly in the spring and fall, during the
migration. I have seen it at these seasons wherever I happened to be;
and it also breeds throughout most of the country. It retires south-
ward in the fall, entirely withdrawing from the United States.

Mr. Allen's notice is corroborative of these statements. '' It ap-
pears," he says in a letter to me, "to be everywhere a common inhab-
itant of the great central plateau of the continent. About Fort Hays,
Kansas, it was as abundant in June as I ever found it in any portion of
the Atlantic States, and presenting essentially the same habits. It
breeds on the bare ground, where, during our ornithological tramps, we
often flushed them from their quiet repose on the heated earth. We
also frequently found them assembled in the timber along Big Creek,
several being sometimes observed in a single tree. They were also
abundant in the mountains of Colorado, being more or less common up
to the altitude of about 11,000 feet."
9 The Night-hawk nests on the ground, lays two eggs, a.nd the young

PANYPTILA SAXATILIS, WHITE-TIIROATED SWIFT. 265

are batcbed downy. This is a singular circumstance, in which the
Caprimukjidcc resemble the lower orders of birds, and not the higher
groups witli which they are associated. The chicks are not, however,
hatched entirely clothed; for the first two or three days they are only
densely llocculent on the under parts, the upper being but sparsely
downy ; soon, however, they are uniformly covered with down, varie-
gated above^ plain below. The design of this provision is evidently
protection from the danip ground on which the young rest. In the
several instances of nesting I have found, there was nothing whatever
between the birds and the earth ; but occasionally, it is said, a few
leaves or straws lie underneath them. A favorite nesting place, in the
West, is the little mounds of loose soil thrown up by the gophers, either
in open fields or by the edge of woods. Tlie birds are also said to lay
on the mould of stumps and logs, but I have never found eggs in such
situations. One of the two eggs may be hatched sooner than the other;
in one instance I found an interval ot three days to elapse, during which
I frequently visited a nesting place. The female, on each occasion,
remained near her charge until nearly trodden upon, and then fluttered
off, making believe she was crippled, as perfectly as I ever saw the pious
fraud performed in my life. Not having much, if any, legs to be lame
in, she simulated a broken wing, fluttering and pitching about in the
grass, at no time more than a lew feet off. The statement that the bird
will remove her young, if disturbed, is true. The bird I am alluding to
carried them to another hillock, after my second visit, but only a couple
of yards away. The male, on each occasion, came dashing overhead,
sometimes darting close down, but did not join the mother in her at-
tem[)ts to decoy me away.

I have found the Night-hawk nesting in the Carolinas and Dakota, as
it apparently does in most of its United States range. The eggs are
nearly elliptical, blunt at the smaller end, where nearly as large and
rounded as at the other. They measure about 1.30 by 0.90, but vary a
good deal. The coloration is blended, intricate, and difidcult of descrip-
tion. The ground-color is a pale stone-gray, sometimes grayish-white,
obscurely mottled all over with |>ale purplish gray or neutral shell-
markings, over which is laid a marbling or scrat(fhy fret-work of dark
olive-gray. Tiie tone of the markings — rather, the number and intensity
of the markings, resulting in the general tone of coloration — is ex-
tremely variable, some very pale, scarcely clouded, eggs being met with.

Family CYPSELID^ : Swifts.

PANYPTILA SAXATILIS, (Woodh.) Coues.
White-throated or Rock Swift.

Jcautln/liH xaxatilis, Woonn.. Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 64.— Cass., 111. i, 1855, 252.

ranjiptUa mixafilis, CouES, Key, 1872, 182.

Cypwhis mvhivolciicm, Bd., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1H.')4, 118.— Cass., 111. i, 18.55, 248.

rumjpUla mduiioUmca, Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 141.— Kkxn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 23.—
HiCKHM., ibid. pt. V, 10; pt. vi, 35, pi. 18, lower fig.— ScL. &- Salv., Ibis, 1859,
125 (biography).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 18G1, 122 (Cajon Pass, Soutberu Cali-
forniii).— Cour.s, Phila. Acad. 1866, 57.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18:55, 607.— Coop., B.
Cal. i, 1870, 347.— Ai.uoN, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 151, 180 (Colorado).— Aiken,
Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 206.— B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 424, pi. 45, f. 5.

ffafe.— Southern Rocky Mountain region to the Pacific. North to headwaters of the
Platte at least. South to Guatemala.
Not noticed by (he Expeditions.

Respecting the Acauthylis saxatiUs of Dr. Woodhouse, I remarked on

266 PANYPTILA SAXATILIS, WIIITE-TIIROATED SWIFT.

a former occasion that there was no donbt of its being the same as the
bird subsequently described by Prof. Baird; and although I did not
then consider it necessary to make the change of nomenclature, this has
since a]>peared to me to be required. While encamped at "Inscription
Eock" (the original locality of fiaxatilis), I saw great numbers of these
Swifts; but as I had been obliged to leave my gun behind, to accom-
plish the difticult and rather dangerous ascent of the cliis, 1 failed to
secure specimens, though the birds occasionally flew almost in my face,
so that 1 could positively identify them. The only material discrepancy
in Woodhouse's description is the mention of a white rump; but I am
perfectly satisfied the observer mistook the character of the white lat-
eral flank-patches, which often in life overlie the rump till they nearly
or quite meet across it. The Violet-green Swallow shows exactly the
same thing.

From Inscription Rock, which lies a day's march west of Whipple's
Pass, between this and Zuni, to the San Francisco Mountains, I saw the
Swifts almost daily — always when we passed the peculiar cliffs they fre-
quent. In favorable places they were congregated in immense numbers,
and were evidently nesting in the rocks. But their strongholds were
impregnable, at least from the front, and as it would have delayed the
party a day to make a detour and scale the crags from behind, I cannot
say whether they built a nest against the open rocks or in the crevices,
though they certainly did so upon the face of the cliffs. With them
were associated large numbers of Swallows, particularly the II. luni-
frons. They generaUy fly very high — far out of gunshot-range, and with
extraordinary rapidity. I shall never forget my disappointment when,
on this account, I failed to secure specimens under the most advantage-
ous circumstances 1 could reasonably expect. It was at sundown when
we encamped by some small pools, where the dank, hot, lower atmos-
l^here was loaded with gnats and mosquitoes, upon which the birds came
skimming down quite to the ground to feed, as well as to sip the water
in passing. The associate Swallows outnumbered them ten or twenty
to one, and it added so much to the difficulty of shooting them, that I
had to occupy precious seconds in picking out the right birds, among
the hundreds dashinf down to the pool, and I invariably fired either
prematurely or just too late ; and when the darkness closed in I had not
got a single Swift.

The species was observed in the same zoological area by Drs. Kenn-
erly and Heermann, both of whom have recorded remarks agreeing in
purport with my own. Dr. Cooper extended the known range of the
species to the Pacific. "About twelve miles north of San Diego," he
writes, "I found them rather numerous about some high rocky bluffs,
close to the sea shore. They were there March 22, and may have been
about a month previously, but generally fly so high during the day that
they are at first betrayed by their harsh twitter when scarcely i)ercepti-
ble in the zenith. Occasionally they start off" like lightning for several
miles and back, as if it were only a slight curve iu their course ; some-
times they sweep for a moment near the ground, and the next disappear
in the sky." This naturalist seems to think they winter about the canons
of the Colorado, noting that Dr. Kennerly found them February 10, but
this appears to me improbable. Swallows often appear in our Middle
districts in February, allured by a few warm days to perform a flight
from the far South ; and the appearance of these Swifts in February is
nothing remarkable for the hot region of Colorado. Messrs. Sclater
and Salviu record the species from Guatemala, and a flight through
Mexico, toward the close of winter, would be a mere bagatelle to birds
of such powers of wing.

CHiETUEA PELAGIC A, CHIMNEY SWIFT. 267

The White-throated Swift, for all that is at present kuown, barely
reaches the southern border of the Missouri region, being noted from
points in Colorado not far from the headwaters of the Platte. Mr.
Aiken records its arrival at Cailou City, April 18 ; Mr. Allen found it
somewhat further north, and it probably goes as far at least as the
Black Hills. The last-mentioned gentleman's note is as follows : "Ob-
served only at the 'Garden of the Gods,' near Colorado City, where a
considerable colony were nesting in holes and crevices in the cliffs,
iisually far above gunshot. They seemed very shy, and flew mostly
near the tops of the highest rocks. Upon ascending the rocks most fre-
quented by them, they moved to other points, and thus managed to keep
generally out of range. By spending a considerable part of two days,
we procured only four specimens, though several others which were
killed fell in inaccessible places. They fly with great velocity, and are
very tenacious of life. As they swoop down to' enter their nests ('al-
most with the velocity of a bullet,' he says in a letter), the rushing
sound produced by their wings can be heard to a considerable distance.
Hirundo tMlassina was also breeding here in similar situations."

CH^TUEA PELAGICA, (Linn.) Bd.

Chimney Swift*

Hirundo pelagica, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 192.

Chcetura pelagica, B. B. & JR., N. A. B. ii, 1H74, 432, pi. 45, f. 7.

" ffirmulo caroUtiensis, Briss., Oru. ii, 1760, 501."

"Herundo cerdo, Bartr., Trav. Fla. 1791, 292.— Bart., Frag. N. H. Pa. 1799, 18."

Hirundo pelafigia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17(56, 345. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 73, pi.

33.— WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 48, pi. 39, f. 1.
Cypselus pcJasgius, Bp., Syu. 1828, 63.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 609. — Aud., Orn. Biog. ii,

1835, 329 ; v, 1839, 419 ; pi. 158.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 27, f. 58.— Maxim.,

J. f. O. vi, 1858, p. — .
Chcetura pelasgia, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 76. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 8. —

Aud., Syn. 1839, 33; B. Am. i, 1840, 104, pi. 44.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 144.—

Hayd., Rep. 1862, 156.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 282 ; P. Z. S. 1863, 100 ; 1865, 610.—

Trippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 114 (Miunesota ; not common). — Snow, B. Kans.

1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 301 ; iii, 1872, 180.— CouES, Key, 1872,

183, fig. 119 ; aud of authors generally.
Acanthylis pdasqia, Temm.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 64.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 63. —

Cass., 111. i, 18.55, 249.— Brew., N. A. Ool. i, 1857, 108.
Hemiprocne pelasgia, Streubel, Isis, 1848, 362.

Hah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces.
Lieutenant IVarren^s Expedition. — 4781, Bijoux Hills.

It is difficult at present to fix the western limit of this species, owing
to several circumstances. The accounts of the earlier writers, who
ascribe to it a range to the Pacific, must remain in abeyance until it is
decided whether G. vanxii be a distinct species or only a variety; for it
is certain that this is the bird they had in view. Others mention its
abundance along the eastern base of the Bocky Mountains, and in New
Mexico; I never recognized it in the latter Territory, and I do not find
that later observers, such as Allen, Aiken, and Holden, ha\e there met
■with it. The westernmost locality of which I am personally cognizant,
is that above quoted. Finally, Prof. Snow's remark, tlmt it was form-
erly rare, but is now becoming common in Kansas, wouid appear to
indicate a shifting of its western extension, very probably with the
advance of civilization. Dr. Ilnyden says that it is i-aie in the north-
west, where I have yet to meet with it. I am entirely in the dark re-
specting its winter-quarters. I find no mention of its wintering in the
United States, and Allen notices its entering Florida late in March;
yet after faithful search among the papers of Lawrence, Sclater, Salviu,

268 CH^TURA PELACICA, CHIMNEY SWIFT.

and otbers, 1 have failed to lav my hand on a West Indian, Mexican, or
Central American reference. Dr. Sclater, usually explicit, is silent in
the matter, in his critical notice of the Ci/psclkkv.

The Chimney Swift reaches the Middle States early in April, and
leaves toward October. It is abundant in our towns and cities, and
familiar to all. The following- account of its nidification, the most inter-
esting point in its economy, leaves nothing to be desired. Dr. Brewer
writes :

" The nest of the Chimney Swallow is one of the most remarkable
structures of the kind to be fouud among the handiwork of even this
interestiug family, nearly all of whom are far from being undistinguished
for their architectural accomplishments. It is composed of small twigs
of nearly uniform size, which are interwoven into a neat semicircular
basket. In selecting the twigs with which to construct the nest, the
Swift seems to prefer to break from the tree such as are best adapted
to its wants, rather than to gather those already scattered upon the
ground. This is done with great skill and adroitness, while on the wing.
Sweeping on the coveted twig, somewhat as a Hawk rushes on its prey,
it parts it at the desired placed and bears it ofl" to its nest. TLiis fact is
familiar to all who have attentively observed its "habits. Each of these
twigs is firmly fastened to its fellows by an adhesive saliva, secreted by
the bird, and the whole structure is strongly cemented to the side of
the chimney in which it is built, by means of the same secretion. When
dry, this saliva hardens into a glue-like substance, apparently firmer
even than the twigs themselves. In separating a nest from the side of
a chimney, 1 have known portions of the brick to which it was fastened
to give way sooner than the cement with which it had been secured.
When moistened, however, by long or heavy rains, the weight of their
contents will sometimes cause them to part, and precipitate the whole
to the bottom. The young birds cling very tenaciously to the sides of
the chimney, with their strong claws and muscular feet, and often save
themselves from falling in such accidents, by this means, even at a very
early age, and before they have attained their sight. As the nest, even
when undisturbed, soon becomes too small for them, the young leave it
long before they are able to fly, and climb to the top of the chimney,
where they are fed by their parents."

The eggs, four to six in number, are pure w hite, unmarked, sub-ellip-
tical in shape, and measure 0.75 by 0.50, or slightly more.

Kemaiuing North American species of this family are only as follows :

Ch^tura vauxii (Toivna.), De Kay.

Cypselns vauxii, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad, viii, 1839, 148 (Colorado River).

dhcBtura vauxii, DkKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 36.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 145, pi. 18.— Kexn.,

P. R. R. Rep. X, pt. iv, 18.59, pi. 18, f. 2.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.

1860, 165.— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1860, 37 (no specific name).— SCL., Cat. 1862,

282: P. Z. S. 1863, 100 (Guatemala); 1865, 611 (critical).— Lawr., Ann. Lye.

ix. 1868, 204 (Yucatan).— Coop. B. Cal. i, 1870, 351.— Coues, Key, 1872, 183.
Acanthylis vauxii, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 64; Comi^tes Rend. 1854, 600.— Cass., HI. 1855,

2.50.— Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 78.
ChcBtum (j)alagica var. ?) vauxi, B. B. «fe R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 435.

Hab. — Pacific Coast, United States, south to Guatemala.

Nephcecetes NIGER vav. BORE.vLis (Eemi.), Coues.

a. niger.

Eirundo nigra, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1025.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 577 (Antilles;

based on H. apos clominiccnsis, Buiss., ii, 514, pl. 46, f. 3).
Cypselus nigev, GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 63 ; 111. pl. 10.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1858,

268 (Cuba).
Cypseloidcs nigcr, ScL., P. Z. S. 1865, 615.

TROCHILID^, HUMMINGBIRDS. 269

b. borealis.

Ojpselus borealis, Keisn., Pr. Phi la. Acad, ix, 1857, 202.

Ciwscloules borealis, Scl., P. Z. S. 1865, 615.

Nephocwtes niger, Bd., B. N. A. 18.^.8. 142.— Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 20.— CoOP., Orn. Cal. i,

1870, 349.— SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 562 (Vera Cruz).
Xephmceies niger var. borealis, Coues, Key, 1872, 183.
Xephcecetes niger, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 429, pi. 45, f. 4.

Hab.— The typical form iu Cuba and Jamaica. Var. borealis from the Pacific coast,
United States ; south into Mexico.

';

Family TROCHILIDiE : Hummingbirds.

The Hummers constitute a very large family of very small birds, and form one of
the most remarkable groups in ornithology. Sharply distiDguished from all other
birds, no less by their general appearance than by their technical characters, they are
recognizable at a glance by the casual observer, and some representatives are familiar
objects to all, from the vast numbers that are set up all over the civilized world merely
for ornamental purposes, and the gratification of the cnrious. They compete with
Ostrich and Bird of Paradise plumes, Rooster's hackles, Gull's breasts, and other mis-
cellaneous objects of natural history in the decoration of woman's head-apparel ; and
are prominent features of bird-stufter's show-cases. Beautiful even under such condi-
tions, in the more favorable circumstances of their native haunts they are the most
lovely of the feathered denizens of the air, gorgeous in color, exquisite in form, won-
derful in action.

Notwithstanding the ease with which these birds as a group may be known, some
technical comments will not be out of place here. With ordinal characters of Picariw,
they associate a medium to extremely long and very slender, subulate, or even acicular
bill, usually straight and acute, with inflected tomia, serrate or not, and short unl>ristled
gape. In some remarkable species, as the Docirnastes ensiferus, the bill is actually longer
than all the rest of the bird, a thing not elsewhere known among birds ; and iu general,
it is longer than the head. The tongue is peculiar ; it resembles that of the Wood-
peckers, in its length and lumbriciform sleuderness, as well as its susceptibility of
being protruded to great distance by means of its posterior prolonged " horns," that
curve around the skull; but in structure it is double-barrelled, consisting of two
thready tubes, an arrangement which, in connection with the tube-like sloping of the
niouthj facilitates the extraction of honey from the nectaries of flowers, by a peculiar
process that may be true voluntary suction, or a sort of capillary attraction, or partly
both.

The wings are remarkable in several respects. In general, they are thin, sharp, and
pointed, with long, stiff", curved primaries, rapidly graduated, and short secondaries,
resulting iu the shape especially to be called falcate. They have but six remiges, in
addition to the ten primaries. The upper arm-bone is extraordinarily short; perhaps
representing the extreme of this condition among birds. The breast-bone is very large,
and has an enormous keel; this is in relation to the immensely developed pectoral mus-
cles that move the wing. The whole conformation illustrates perfectly a well-known
law, yet one not often mentioned, respecting the movements of the wing of a bird, viz.,
that the nearer to the body the longest quill-feather is, the more rapidly is the wing
moved. We will assume, for example, what is very near the truth, that a Humming-
bird and an Albatross have about the same relative length of wing in the ''hand" or
pinion portion that bears the ten primaries, and the same relative length of these
quills. In the Albatross, this portion of the wing is widely separated from the body
by the length of the humerus and fore-arm; in the former, the reverse extreme exists;
and we see the result in the long, measured sweep of the ocean-bird's wing and the
rapid strokes of the other's. This is in strict accordance with a mechanical law
respecting the ratio between time of motion and distance traversed. Given, say, a
Hunnner's wing two inches from flexure to tip of first primary, and one inch from
flexure to shoulder-joint; this would make th<' point of tlie wing describe ar. are of a
circle with a radius of three inches; and a certain amount ofnuiscnlar eontraetion
effects this in a certain time. Now, lengthen fore-arm and upper-arm till they are
each about two inches long, which would be something like the relative lengths in an
Albatross' wing; this would make t4ie point of the wing move in the arc of a circle
with a radius of six inches. Now, the muscular ibrce remaining the same, it is evi-
dent that the point of the wing could not move through this nnich larger arc in the
faiime tune; i. c, the wing-strok«;s WDuld be necessarily slower. It is interi'sting to
observe how, in some other birds, ;i .similar result is brought about by dilferent means.
In a Partridge, for instance, without special shortening of upper-arm or fore-arm, the
longest quill-feather is brought nearer the body by the roundness of the wing, that is,

270 TROCHILIDiE, HUMMINGBIRDS.

the successive sliortoning of several outer primaries; and this bird, as is well known,
makes forrespoiidiiigly more rapid wiii>;-beats and vigorous, wliirring llight. In tho
Humniing-Uird the quickness of the wing-vibration readies the maximum; so rajiid is
it that the eye cannot follow the strokes, but merely perceives a film on each side of
the body. The lliglit of the bird is also the most rapid; frequently the eye cannot
follow the bird itself. It is ahnost needless to add, that the peculiar sound, from which
the family takes its English name, is not vocal, but j)roduced by the wings, just as it
is in the cases of so many insects.

The tail is moderate, in most Hummers, but is too various in size and shape to he
concisely characterized here. It sometimes greatly exceeds the length of the body.
None of our r('i)reseutatives have any special developments "of this member. It always
has ten rectrices. The feet are small and short, and usually naked, though clothed in
some; the toes normal; the claws rather large, relatively, and sharp. The feet are
scarcely used for progression; the birds take to their wings for the briefest locomo-
tion.

The birds are noted for their gorgeous coloring, duo in most part, and in the vast
majority of instances, to the iridescent glitter of their plumage; the metallic sheen is
specially noticeable upon the throat, forming the characteristic gorget of the male sex.
This is commonly wanting in the female, and she is also duller, usually, and otherwise
so different in color as to be frequently mistaken for a different species. The sexual
difference is sometimes so great, and affects such changes in size and shape of parts,
that even genera have been framed upon it, or the sexes of the same species referred
to different genera. Various greens, particularly of the golden series, are among the
commonest body-colors; purples and violet-blacks oftenesli tint the wings and tail;
the brilliant gorget changes hue in different lights, and here only, among birds, the
rainbow finds adequate material expression.* The crown is sometimes as brilliant as
the throat. Velvety-black and snowy-white occur. A part of the species are crested ;
others have the gorget prolonged into a ruff; many have white, cottony tufts upon the
flanks.

The general interest that attaches to the Hummers causes them to be eagerly sought
after, and one good result of their search, to offset the lamentable wanton destruction
of the beautiful little creatures for mercenary ends, has been the unparalleled advance
of our knowledge of the species within comparatively few years. Now, we know at
least three hundred species, apparently valid, aside from the unnumbered nominal
ones tliat have been intj'oduced into the system. The family is confined to America,
and has its centre of abundance in the tropical parts of South America, esiiecially New
Granada, although some representatives are found from Alaska to Patagonia, and
others live on snowy Andean peaks. The species have been almost endlessly subdi-
vided into subfamilies and genera ; but, while the latter are undeniably many, perhaps
but two of the former may be recognized with certainty and entire propriety. One of
these, Pliaethoriiithince, embraces only about a tenth of the family, and is composed of
the duller-coloretl species, especially inhabitants of the dense forests of the Amazon.
The other, Troch'dinte, comprehends the great variety, and is the onlj' one represented
in North America, at least with the limitation of Phaiilhontithina; just alluded to. The
localization of many species is a singular fact in tlie history of the family; not a few
are strictly conliued, so far as is now known, to particular valleys or particular mount-
ain peaks, only a few miles in area. Others however, are widely dispersed, as our
Euby-throat and the western Rufous-backed Hummer, which reaches from Alaska into
Mexico. Few of the genera now usually adopted have many species ; quite often but
a single one.

There has been much conflict of opinion concerning the food of these birds. From
their hovering so constantly about flowers, it was for a long time believed that they
were nourished solely upon the sweets extracted from the nectaries. Then insect?
were found in their stoujachs, and oiiinion veered to the opposite extreme. But doubt-
less both ^ i(!ws are correct; we know that the birds are extensively insect-eaters, and
the few that liave been preserved alive in confinement have been easily fed upon syrup
or sugar and water. Besides being the most active of birds, they are spirited, even
irascible, and at times extremely pugnacious; the males have fierce encounters in airy
tournament. They are not prox)erly gregarious, though so many often collect at
favorite feeding-grounds. They build exquisite nests, sometimes pensile, but ordi-
narily saddled upon a small bough or in a crotch, tastefully adorned outside, and at
the same time eliectively concealed, by being stuccoed over with bits of moss or lichen ;
within, they are warmly lined with the most delicate silky, cottony, or downy vege-
table substances. They never lay more than two eggs, which are white; and the
period of incubation is stated to bo twelve or fourteen days.

Wilson knew but one North American Humming-bird, and Audubon only two or

* It may not be generally known that under certain conditions the plumage of our
dullest birds will show rainbow-colors. A Sparrow's wing, for instance, held up to a
strong light, and half-spread, will give the spectrum, by decomposition of the solar ray
in passing through the fine barbules and barbicels, like that seen upon a soap-bubble.

TEOCHILUS COLUBRIS, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 271

three more. In 1858, Prof. Baird nearly doubled the number, iuclnding seven in his
work. In 187-2, I was enabled to recognize eleven species in the " Key" ; one of these,
however, was purely adventitious. Since this time, a large and beautiful species (Eii-
geues fuhjens) has been discovered by Mr. Henshaw to occur over our Mexican border,
where, doubtless, additional species will eventually be found.

TEOCHILUS COLUBRIS, Linn.
Ruby. throated Hummingbird,

TrocMlus cohibris, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 191.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 312.— Vieill.,
Enc. 569; Ois. Am. Sept. i, pis. 31,32; Ois. Dor. i, 66, 69, 70, pis. 31, 32, 33
("i?H6js").— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 26, pi. 10, figs. 3, 4.— Jard., Humm. i,
85, pi. 5.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 98; Comp. List, 1838, 10 ; Consp. i, 1850, 81.— Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. 'ii, 1831, 323.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 588.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i,
1832, 248 ; v, 1839, 544 ; pi. 47 ; Syn. 1839, 170 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 190, pi. 253.—
GiR., B. L. L 1844, 169.— Gould, Monog. iii, pi. 131 ; Introd. 86.— Maxim., J. f.
O. vi, 1858, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 131.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 98 (Cuba) ;
Mus. Hein. iii, 1860, 57.— Scl.. P. Z. S. 1856, 287 (Cordova) ; 1859, 367.— SCL. &
Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 129 (Guatemala).— Salv., Ibis, 1860, 266.— Salv., P. Z. S.
1870, 208 (Veragua).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 470 (Texas).- Sxow, B. Kans. 1873,
3.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 301 ; iii, 1872, 180.— Coues, Key, 1872, 184.—
B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 448, pi. 47, f. 2.

MelUsuga coUibris, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiv, 247.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 113.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853. 65.

Oniismyia cohibris, Less., Troch. 1, pi. 1 ; Ois. Mou. 151, pi. 48.— Dev., R. M. Z. 1852, p.—.

Cynanthus cohibris, Jard., Humm. ii, 143.

Trochihis aureigaster, Lawr., {fide Bd.).

Hub. — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. North to 57°, at least. South
to Brazil. Cuba. Winters in Florida (?)

No Hummers appear to have been observed by Dr. Hay den ; but two
certainly inhabit the Missouri region, while a third {8. rufus), if not
also a fourth {Stellula calliope), may occur. The present species is of
common occurrence in Kansas, has been taken in the Saskatchewan
region, and ranges also over the intermediate ground. I found it quite
common and breeding, at Pembina, in June.

SELASPHORUS PLATYCERCUS, (Sw.) Bp.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird.

TrocMlus plaUjcercits, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 441.

Sdasphorus piatycercus, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 82. — Gould, Monog. iii, 1852, pi. 140 ; Introd.
89.— Scl., P. Z. S. 185G, 288 (Cordova) ; 1858, 297.— Sol. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859,
129 (Gnatemala).- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 135, 922.— Bd., U. S. & Mex. B. Surv. ii,
1859, pt. ii, 6, pi. 5, f. 1, 2.— Caij., Mus. llein. iii, 1860, 56.— Coop., Pr. Cal.
Acad. 1861, 68; B. Cal. i, 1870, 357.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180 (Colo-
rado, Wyomiug, and Utab).— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Wyoming). —
Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 57 (Arizona), aud Key, 1872, 185.— B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. ii, 1874, 462, pi. 47, f. 5.

Mcllisuga platycerca,GiiAY, Gen. of B. i, 113.

Ornismyia tricolor, Less., Colibris, 125, pi. 14 (Brazil) ; Troch. 1831, 156, pi. 60 (Mex-
ico).— Jard., Nat. Libr. ii, 77, pi. 13.

Cynanthus tricolor, Jard., Humm. ii, 144.

Ornismyia montana. Less., Troch. 1831, 161, pit. 63, 64 (young).

Trochilus montanus, Jard., Humm. ii, 67.

nab.— Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada to the Black Hills. Texas. South into
Mexico.

Not obtained by the Expeditions.

This species, one of the several ascertained of late years to inhabit
the United States, long after its original description as a bird of ^lex-
ioo, was first entered in our fauna by Prof. Baird, upon speciiuens taken
at El Paso, Texas, bv Mr. J. JI. Clark. Its range was almost simulta-

272 SELASPIIORUS PLATYCERCUS.

neously ascertained to extend through New Mexico, where Dr. W. W.
Anderson obtained it, at Canton Burgwyn, to Fort Brid^er, then Utah,
now in the new Territory of Wyoming, where Mr. C. Drexler secured
exauijjles. In June, 18G4, I found it on the very summit of the liocliy
iMoun tains of New Mexico, at Whipple's Pass. It appeared to be quite
common; many were seen feeding- among the wild roses then in full
bloom, and excellent examples were procured. I did not recognize it at
Fort Whipi)le, where the other species of the genus, >S'. riifus, was num-
erous through the summer. Dr. Cooper found it at Lake Tahoe, at aa
altitude of (),00() feet, where it was breeding, his specimens being young.
He lecords his anticipation of its extension northward to the Blue
Mountains, near Snake River, in Oregon. Mr. Allen found it commoa
at Ogden, Utah, in September, at Cheyenne, Wyoming, and also in
Park County, Colorado, where he saw it repeatedly among the flowers
growing far above the timber-line of Mount Lincoln, as more fully
stated in the following memorandum he obligingly gave me :

'• The Broad-tailed Fiummer was common from Cheyenne southward
along the base of the mountains to Colorado City, and thrc.ughout the
mountains was everywhere abundant, even to above the timber-line.
Its flight is exceedingly swift, and characterized by a sharp whistling
sound ; but in all other respects it might be readily mistaken for the
common Ruby-throat of the East. Its nest was not discovered, but
hardly a day passed without a considerable number of the birds being
observ^Hl, often several iudivi<luals being in sight at once. The great
abuiulance of flowers throughout the mountain valleys, and which here
and there also nearly cover the ground, even far above the limit of trees
on the Snowy Range, renders this mountain region highly favorable to
the existence of this interesting species, and otters a ready explaimtiou
of its abundant occurrence here." Cur last record is a note, by Mr. C.
H. Holden, relating to his observations among the Black Hills :

"These little birds were quite common. On one occasion, while
skinning a Hawk, I threw a piece of flesh into a suiall dead tree near
me. In an instant three of the birds were poised before the meat, mis-
taking it, no doubt, for some gaudy flower. But one nest was found.
It contained two young ones about a week old. I was struck by the
wisdom displayed by the birds in placing their nest. A small tree had
fallen over the brook, which was here eight feet wide. The nest was
placed on one of the under branches in such a way that the trunk of
the tree would effectually keep out the rain. The nest was lined with
a species of cotton obtained in the vicinity." Mr. Trippe writes as fol-
lows from Colorado :

S. phdycercufi. Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Abundant; migratory;
breeds, The Broad-tailed Hummingbird arrives in the vicinity of
Idaho Springs about the middle of May, and extends upward as the sea-
son advances, reaching timber-line by the loth of June, and during
summer roaming far above it. It is very common, and universally dis-
tributed, wandering over all the mountain sitles and throughout all the
valleys; and even penetrating at times the depths of the forest — in
short, wherever it can find flowers, it is at home. The sound i)roduced
by its wings is very peculiar, and quite unlike the humming of the
Ruby throat ; it is a loud, rattling noise, more like the shrill chirrup of
a locust than the buzzing of wings. It is an expert insect-catcher, and
frequently perches on the dead limb of a tree, or some tall, dry bush,
whence it keeps a sharp lookout for passing insects, which it pursues
with lightning-like rapidity, and after capturing them returns to the
same perch. xVt times it utters a sharp, quick note, especially when

CERYLE ALCYON, BELTED KINGFISHER. 273

angry or alarmed. It has the habit, during early summer, of mounting
forty or fifty yards straight up in the air, poising itself a moment or
two, and then darting down again, repeating the same manoeuvre sev-
eral times in succession. Sometimes a score or more may be seen dart-
ing up and down together in this way for half an hour or more.

This Hummingbird, breeds from the plains up to timber-line, and
probably raises two broods each season, as I have found young birds
just hatched, as late as the middle of August. Its nest is an exquisite
little affair, so cunningly covered with lichens as to look precisely like
the limb on which it rests. One which I found was placed on a sway-
ing bough directly over a mountain-torrent, and within two or three
feet of the watex. The young are cared for and fed by the old birds
for some time after they leave the nest. They disappear in September.
Mrs. Maxwell, of Boulder, who has paid much attention to the birds
of this region for the last few years, informs me that she has seen on
two or three occasions, a Hummingbird with a flaming-red throat and
breast, much larger than the present species, a straggler from Mexico,
perhaps, as yet undetected within the limits of the United States [very
possibly Eugenes fulgcns. — E. C.].

Family ALCEDINID^ : Kingfishers.

CERYLE ALCYOX, (Linn.) Boie.

Belied Kingfisher.

Alcedo alq/on, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 180.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 451.— Lath., Ind.
dm. i, 1790, 2.j7 {IspUJa caroJincnsis cristata, Briss., iv, 512 ; Belted Kingfisher,
Catks., Car. i, pi. 69 ; Arct. Zool. ii, No. 169 ; Gen. Syu. ii, 637 ; also, Martin-
peclieur de la Louisiaue, P. E. 715 ; Gen. Syu. ii, 637, and M.-p. hup})e de St.
Domingue, P. E. 593).— Vieill., Euc. Meth. 283.— WiLS., Am. Orii. iii, 1811,
59.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 48.— Sw. & Kicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 339.— Ald., Oiu. Biog.
i, 1831, 394, pi. 77 ; Syu. 1839, 173 ; B. Am. iv, 205, pi. 255.— Xutt., Mau. i,
1832, 594.— Gii{., B. L. I. 1844, 172.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 102.— Tkippe, Pr.
Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117.

Ceryle alvyon, Boik, Isis, 1828, 316.— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 108 ; List, 1838, 10 ; Consp. Vol.
Anis. 10 ; Consp. Av. 160.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 82 ; Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 81
(Jamaica).— WooDii., Sitgr. liep. 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 1855, 254; Cat. Hale.
Mus. Phila. 4.-Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 101 (Cnba) ; Gundl., Kep. 1866, 292
(Cuba).— Bke-.v., N. A. Orn. 1857, 110, pi. 4, f. 52 (egg).— Newh., P. R. R. Rep.'
vi, 1857,79.- Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 158.— Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi,
57.— Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, 53 (Houduras).— Newt., Ibis, i. 18.''>9, 67 (Santa
Cruz).- ScL., Ibis,i, 1859, 131 (Belize).— Taylor, iWrf. ii, 1860, 116 (Honduras).-
Bry., Pr. Bosr. Soc. vii, lc.59 (Bahamas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 233 ; 1859, 236,
367; 1860, 253 (Orizaba).— Miiruay, Edinb. Pbilos. Jouru. 1860 (Hudson's
Bay).— Coop. & Sick., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 1()7.— CoUES, Pr. Pliila. Acad.
1861, 217 (Labrador).— Lawk., Ann. Lvc. 1861, 318 (New Granada).— IIavo.,
Rep. 1862, 157.— Cai!., Jouru. 1862. 1 62*^ (Costa Rica).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 471
(Texas). — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866 (Porto Rico and St. Domingo). — CouES, Pr.
Pbila. Acad. 1866, .59 (Arizona).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 18(58, 118 (Costa Rica).—
StiNi)., Ofv. V. A. 1869, 585 (St. Bartholomew).- Dall Sl Bann., Tr. Cliic. Acad,
i, 1869, 275 (Ala.ska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 336.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv.Ter.
1870, 4(i3 (Wyoming).— AlXEN, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 300 (Florida) ; iii, 1872,
179 (mountains up to 9,000 leet).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872. 206 (Colo-
rado).-Trippk, ihuL 233 (Iowa).— FiNscii, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 29 (Alaska).—
Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 124 (Ireland !).—Coi;es, Key, 1872, 188.— Snow,
B. Kans., 1873, 3.— B. B, & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 392, 2^1. 45, f. 6.— Siiaiu'e, Mouog.
Alced'tnkkr..

lapida alciiun, Sw., Classif. of Birds, ii, 1837, 33().

Meyaeenjie nleijon, Rekti., Ilandbucli, i, 1851, 25, pi. 412, figs. 3108, 3109.

Utreptwirijle alcjioii, Cab.. Mus. Hem. i, 18.59, 151. '

Cliloroeenile iilci,(iii, SCE., Cat. Am. Birds, 1862, 264.

Alcedo Itidoiieiaiia, (iy\., Syst. Nat. i, 178-S, 4.52 (P. E. 715, r. Hupra).

Aleedojagiiaiali, " Du.mont, Diet. Sci. Nat. i, 1816. 455."

Alcedo (jHueit, " Vieill., Nouv. Diet, d'llist. Nat. xix, 1818, 406."

18

274 COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTPIALMUS.

Tlab. — Over the waters of all North and Midillo Anicrica, and many of the West
Indian Itslauds. Resident, or iuii)erfeetly migratory, being in the north forced away
by the freezing of the waters. Breeds nearly throughout its range. Accidental in
Irehuul (in 1H45, Thompson, B. Irel. i, 373).

Liciilcnant Warren's Expedition. — 4G57, Little Missouri ; .5234, Yellowstone.

Later Ex2M'dilions.—!J9S49-bO, Colorado ; 604r)8, 60806-7, Wyoming.

Family CUCULIDyE: Cackoos.

Note. — The Ground Cuckoo, Geococeyx cnlifornianus, is entered npon the Holden-
Aiken List (Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872), as a resident, species; but since, in the preparation
of two diiferent Mss. for the press, the editor neglected to preserve indications of locali-
ties with desira)>le precision, it is uncertain whether the species should be included iu
the present work or not. The List covers ground partly in the water-shed of the
Missouri, and i)artly beyond it, for Mr. Aiken's observations extend as far south as
Canon City, Colorado. The case is parallel with that of Pipilo fuscus (" inesoleucus ").
Until recently, I was unaware of the extension of the Ground Cuckoo beyond the lati-
tude of New Mexico and Arizona, excepting in the .Sacramento Valley, California, to
Fort Reading (latitude 40-p) ; Mr. Aiken's record is interesting in this regard. To this
may be added the occurrence of the species on the Arkansas, near Fort Lyons, as re-
corded by me, Am. Nac. vii, 1873, 751.

COCCYZUS EEYTHROPHTHALMUS, (Wils.) Bp.
Blaeli-Ijillecl Cuckoo,

Cuculus eriitliropMliaTmus, Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 16, pi. 27, fig. 2. — Steph., Shaw's
Gen. Zool. xiv, 208.— H.vnx., Br. Birds, 1872, 124 (Ireland).

Coccyzus eri/tliroj)htbaImi(s, Bp., Ob.s. Wils. 1825, No. 48 ; 8yu. 1828,42; Consp. i, 1850,
111.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 170, pi. 32; Syn. 1839, 187 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 300,
pi. 276.— Gut., B. L. i: 1844, 183.— Ghav, Gen. of B. ii, 4.57.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
1853, 92.— Gloger, J. f. O. 1854, 224.— Leotaud, Ois. de Triu. 352.— ScL. &
Salv., Ibis, 1860, 276 (Guatemala).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859,252; 1864,122; 1870,
168 ; Cat. 1862, 323.— Coues, Key, 1872, 199.— Sxow^ B. Kans. 1873, 2.— Lawk.,
Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 128 (Costa Rica).— Gundl., Rep. F. N. i, 1866, 295 (Cuba).

Piai/a erijthrophthahna, Less., Trait6 Orn. 1831, 141.

Erijtlirophryu criitltropktlialnuis, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 40. •«

Coccygus erythrophthalmus, Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 104 (Cuba, breeds). — Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
77.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 154.— Caij. &l Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1862, 76.— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. vii, 1862, 23 (New Granada).- McIlwu., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 83
(Canada). — Tiuppe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 118 (Minnesota); Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872,
233 (Iowa).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 484, pi. 48, f. 5.

Coccyzus dominicus, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 556 (not of authors).

^afe.— North America to the Rocky Mountains (Wyoming, Troolc). North to Labra-
dor. South through Mexico and Central America to the valley of the Amazon. Cuba,
rarely; no other AntiHean record. Said to winter iu Florida. Accidental in Europe
(Killead, Antrim County, September 25, 1871 ; Blake-Knox, Zool. 1872, 2943 {" ameri-
canus," error ; Clermont, ihld, p. 3022) ; Harting, Br. Birds, 1872, 124. — Italy, Bolle,
J. f. O. 1858, 457; Selys-Long., Ibis, 1870, 452; Salvad., Fn. Ital. Ucc. 1871, 42.

Lii^t of specimens

•

19337
19338

P. F. Bighorn R
do

June 15, 1860

G.H.Trook..

12.00 15.00
12.00 15.00

5.50
5.50

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— bZ22, Fort Lookout; 5233, Moreau River; 8979-81,
Platte River ; 8982, Loup Fork.

These specimens indicate the westernmost locality as yet on record
for this species, which was not previously known to cress the central
l)jains. It is true that Dr. Newberry quotes the species lor Calilornia,
but he does so with a double query; he secured no specimens, and the
cries he heard, it those of any Cuckoo, were doubtless of C. americanus.

This si)ecies is found throughout most of Eastern North America
with C\ americamts, and yet there is a notable diflerence iu their distri-

COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 275

butioD, tlie Black-billed Cnckoo being th.e more northerly bird. Audu-
bon has recorded both species Ironi Labrador, but in rather vague
terms, and does not appear to have actually taken any specimens; I
think it safe to infer that all the Cuckoos he may have seen there were
of this species. In New England the Black-billed is the more common
of the two, and I think that there the Yellow-billed finds its ordinary
northern limit; in fact, it is extremely rare in many localities. This
relative distribution is susceptible of numerous illustrations. Thus,
Mr. Mcllwrath gives the Black-billed as a common summer resident at
Hamilton, Canada West, while of the Yellow-billed he says he never
saw but one specimen in Canada. Allen and Maynard's testimony for
Massachusetts, though necessarily less pointed, is to the same general
effect. In the Middle States, on the contrary, we find Dr. TurubuU
giving the Yellow-billed as rather the more common of the two. At
Washington, D. C, the Y'ellow-billed is very abundant, especially in the
spring and fall, but also breeds plentifully; it arrives late in April, and
remains through September. There the Black-billed is much less
numerous, even when both are migrating, and breeds but sparingly. In
his Kansas list. Prof. Snow gives both species without remark, but
marks the Yellow-billed only, as breeding. The latter api)ears to breed
everywhere in its United States range, the former rarely south of the
Middle districts.

The habits of the two species are very similar, and the birds are com-
monly confounded by unscientific observers. The notes of the Black-
billed are less harsh and not so often repeated. The nesting is much the
same; the eggs deeper green, smaller (1.10 by 0.80), and less elliptical.

I found the Black-billed Cuckoo breeding in the Pembina Mountains,
forty miles west of the Red River. At date of July 12 the nest con-
tained a single young bird, just ready to fly ; the others, it any, having
already left. The nest, in this instance, was remarkable in position,
being placed in the crotch of an oak bush less than two feet from the
ground, in a dense thicket on a hill-side. There was a large basement
of loosely-interlaced twigs, on which was placed a matted platform with
scarcely any depression, of dried leaves and poplar catkins. The young
one could not quite fly, but scrambled off as I approached, and I had
some little difticulty in catching it; during the capture, the old bird
came about within a few feet of me, and answered the cries of the
young with a curious guttural note. The young has the feathers of the
upper parts all edged with whitish, and a faint tawny-gray shade on the
breast; the bill and feet are pale-blnish ; the iris is brown.

COCCYZUS AMERICANUS, (Linn.) Bp.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

CuchJuh domiuiccnsis, Briss., Orn. iv, 110, pi. 9.

Cuculua dominicus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 170. — Gm., i, 416.— -Lath., lud. Orn. i, 221. —

(Not CocqifiuH domi)n(u.s of Nrrr., or of Bp., Cous])., or of ScL., Cat.)
CocctjguH dominicm, Bn., Pr. Phila. Acad. 18(5:{, 154.
Piatja domitiica, Ghay, Genera of Birds, ii, 4.57.
Cuculus caroIhuvKin, Buiss., Orn. iv, 112 (Coucou de la Caroline, P. E. 816).— WiLS., Am.

Orn. iv, 181 1, i:{, pi. 28, f. 1.
Eryihroplmjs caiolinvuHia, Sw., Classif. Birds, ii, 1837, 322.
CuculuH amencaiiiin, hiss., Syst. Nat. i, 17GG, 170.— Gm., i, 416.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790,

219.— Stki'H., Shaw's Gen. Zool. ix, 93.— Scnr,., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844. 51.—

Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 124 (Great Britain).
Coccyzua anurkaiiiin, Bi'., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 47; Consp. i, 1^50, HI.— NuTT., Slan. i,

1832, 551.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 18; v, 1839, 520; pi. 2; Syu. 1839, 187; B.

276 COCCYZUS AMERICANUS, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

Am. iv, 1842, 29.5. pi. 275.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 242.— Gray, Gen. Birds, ii, 4.')7.—
GossK, B. Jam. 271).- WooDri., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,92.— Leotaud, Ois. Trin. 350.—
Newt., Ibis, 18.59, 149.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 2.52; 1864, 120; 1870, 165; Ibis,
1860, 43; Cat. 1862, 322.— Lawu., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 128 (Costa Rica).— Gkay,
Haud-list, ii, 1870, 210, No. 8914.— Guxdl., Rep. F. N. i, 295 (Cuba).— CouES,
Key, 1872, 190, lig. 126.

ridija amcrimiia, Less., Trait6 Oru. 1831, 142.

JEriithrojjJtrijs amcrimnun, Bv., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 40.

Cii'rrux (imvricdinifi, Br., Cat. Metod. Ucc. Europ. 1842, 50.

Cocq/.'itcs anurictuiKS, Key.s. & Blas., Wirbcltli. Europ. 1840, 149.

Coccygus anunmniiH, Cau., J. f. O. 1856, 104 ; 1862, 167 ; Mus. Hein. iv. 1862, 75.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 76.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 155.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 371.— Snow,
B. Kans. 1873, 2.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Thippe, Pr. Bost. Soc.
XV, 1872, 233 (Iowa).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 477, pi. 48, f. 4 ("3" err.).

Cocc)izu8 2)!Jirhopi('ruf, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. viii, 270; Ency. Met. iii, 1343.

Ctieulus ciiieronus, Temm., Man. Oru. iv, 1835, 277.

CocctjtiteH Jiavlrostris, Gloger, J. f. O. 1854, 223.

Coccyzus bairdii, Scl., P. Z. S. 1864, 120.— Gkay, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 211, No. 8923.—
" Pelzeln, Oru. Bras. 273."

(?) Coccygus julieni, Lawk., Pr. Phil. Acad. 1863, 106, Ann. Lye. viii, 1864. 42, 99 (Som-
brero).

Hob. — Eastern United States and part of the British Provinces. West to the Rocky
Mountains. Also observed in California. South through Mexico and various West
India Islands and Central America into South America as far as Buenos Ayres. Acci-
dental in Europe. See Gould's ifc Schlegel's works; also, Hakt., Man. 1872, 124 (live
British instances, with the references).

Lieutenant irairen's Expedition.— 8980, 8987, Platte River; 8983, 8985, Loup Fork of
Platte ; 8986, Elkhorn River.

Confusion has arisen in the employ of the name dominicus for different species. Nutt-
all applied it to our Black-billed Cuckoo ; Bonaparte used it for a species, of which he
says (correctly or not) " rostro nigerrimo ;" Sclater, for the West Indian Mangrove
Cuckoo ; Baird apparently relegated it to the insular variety of americanus, afterwards
named bairdii by Sclater. But, as Cabanis and Heine determined, there is no doubt
whatever that it is merely a synonym of americanus.

I am satisfied of the necessity of reducing the C. bairdii, Scl., to americanus, and the
same may be found necessary with C. julieni.

Cabanis aud Heine have made two species of the rusty-bellied, yellow-billed "Man-
grove" Cuckoos; it does not a^jpear, liowever, that there is more than one siiecies, the
synonymy of which may be arranged as in the accompanying foot-note.*-

Having already compared the North American distribution of this
species with that of the Black-billed, it only remains to note its Pacific

* Coccyzus SENicuLus, (La<7i.) Vieill.

Cucidus minor, Gm., i, 411 (ex P. 1. 813.) (Nomcn ineptum.)

Coccyzus minor, Gkay, Gen. of B. ii, 457; Hand -list, ii, 1870, 210, No. 8917.

Caculm seniculus, Latil, Ind. Orn. i, 219. — Stei'H., Gen. Zool. ix, 125.

Coccyzus senicuhis, Vieill., Ency. Meth. 1346. — Bi'., Consp. i, 1850, 111. — SCL., Cat. 1862,

323; P. Z. S. 18(;4, 121.— Tavlok, Ibis, 1864, 170.
Coccygus senicidus, Cais. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 78.
Coccygus helvivcntris, Cak., Schomb. Guiana, iii, 714.

Mab. — Continental Tropical America. Trinidad; Dominica; Guadeloupe; Martinique.

SEXICULUS var. nesiotes

Erythrophrys seniculus, Bi'.. Comp. anil Geog. List, 1838, 40.

riaya minor, Less., Traite Orn. 1831, 141.

Coccygus minor, Cab., J. f O. 1856, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 78.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,

1874, 482, pi. 48, f. 3 (" 4 " err.).
Coccyzus dominicua, (?)Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 112 (gives black bill).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 323

(not of Linuiuus).
Coccygus nesiotes. Cab., Mus. Hein. iv, 1802, 78.— Taylor, Ibis, 1864, 170.— Scl., P. Z. S.

1864, 121.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 210, No. 8918.

i?a6.— Greater Antilles aud Florida.

COCCYZUS AMERICANU'S, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 277

coast record. Early observers gave "Oregon" as a locality which has
remaiued uncbecked to date, and, in fact, it is only recently that the
California quotations have been confirmed. Before, it rested upon
"hearsay," literally, for several persons wbo tbonght tbey heard its cry
may bave been mistaken, easily enough. In the first place, the hooting
of tbe Burrowing Owl is so similar to the notes of the Eain Crow, that
I should bave been deceived myself on one occasion had I not been fore-
warned by my friend Cooper ; and secondly, as this gentleman observes,
the noise made by tbe Spade-footed Toad {Scaphiopus) is also very simi-
lar. Specimens have, however, been actually procured by Mr. F. Gruber
in Napa Valley.

Tbe ])eculiar notes of this bird, sounding like tbe syllables l-oo-l-oo-J:oo,
indefinitely repeated, are probably uttered more frequently during the
atmospheric cbanges j)receding falling weather, and have given rise to
the name "Eain Crow," by wbich botb our species are universally known
to the vulgar. The Yellow-billed is rather tbe noisier bird of the two,
and its voice is more lorcible. It is a rather sby and unfamiliar species,
inhabiting higb, open woods, as well as tbe large shade-trees of parks
and cities, and generally remains high among tbe branches. When
dashing about, in active pursuit of the various large-winged insects tbat
form its chief food, tbey are conspicuous objects, the metallic olive-gray
flasbing in tbe sun, and the snowy under parts contrasting with verdure.
But ordinarily they are hidden birds, oftener heard than seen; tbey
pass from one tree to anotber stealtbily, with a rapid, gliding, noiseless
fligbt, and often rest motionless as statues for a long time, especially
when crying out. or when they have detected a suspicious object. Tbey
court tbe seclusion of the thickest foliage. Their curiosity is not small,
and tbey may be observed to frequently peer down with inquisitive
looks through the dense foliage, trying to make out some unusual object.
Although not parasites, like tbe European species, devoid of parental
Instinct, they bave their bad traits, being even worse enemies of various
small, gentle birds; for they are abandoned thieves, as wicked as Jays
in this respect, continually robbing birds of their eggs, and even, it is
said, devouring the belpless nestlings.

Tbe nidification is not remarkably peculiar, tbe nest being like that
of a Crow in miniature, conqiosed artlessly of many small sticks and
some grass, rather loosely interlaced, and forming a flattish, unsubstan-
tial structure, usuall}- saddled on a large horizontal branch. Tbe eggs
are pale greenish, ratber broadly oval, measuring about 1-^- inches long
by I in breadth. But tbe ovi[)Osition is very unusual. The fact is, that
tbe bird begins to set as soon as the first egg is laid, and successively
deposits tbe rest at sucb intervals that a nest may be found with a fresh
egg in it, another partially incubated, a newly-hatched bird, and one or
more young more advanced. I have verified tbis fact ; but in ]>lace of
my observations I will give an extract from Audubon, wbich leaves
uotbing to be desired :

"A nest, wbich was placed near tbe centre of a tree of moderate size,
was readied by a sou of the gentleman on wbose grounds we were. One
of the old birds, wbicb was sittiug ui)on it, left its situation only wbeu
witbin a few incbes of tbe climber's hand, and silently glided olf to an-
otber tree close by. Two young Cuckoos, lu'arly able to tly, scrambled
oti" from tbclr tenement among the brandies of tiie tree, and were caugbt
by us after awbile. Tbe nest was taken, and carefully banded to me.
It still contained tliree young Cuckoos, all of dillerent sizes, tbe small-
est aj>[)aiently just batcbed, tbe next in size i)robably several days old,
while tbe largest, covered with pin -feathers, would have been able to

278 HYLOTOMUS PILEATUS, PILEATED WOODPECKER.

leave the nest in about a week. There were also in the nest two eg:gs,
one containing a chick, the other fresh or lately laid. The two young
birds whicli escaped from the nest clung so firmly to the branches with
their feet that our attemi)ts to dislodge them were of no avail, and we
were obliged to reach them with the hand. On now looking at all these
young birds our surprise was indeed great, as no two of them were of
the same size, which clearly showed that they had been hutched at dif-
ferent periods; and I should supi)Ose the largest to have been fnll.N thiee
weeks older than any of the rest. Mr. Khett assured us that lie h;id
observed the same in another nest i)laced in a tree within a lew paces
of his house, and which he also showed to us. He stated that eleven
young Cuckoos had been successively hatched and reared in it, by the
same pair of old birds, in one season, and that young birds and eggs
were to be seen in it at the same time for many weeks in succession.

"On thinking since of this strange fact, I have felt most anxious to
discover how many eggs the Cuckoo of Europe drops in one season. If
it, as I suspect, produces as our bird does, not less than eight or ten, or
what may be called the amount of two broods, in a season, this circum-
stance would connect the two species in a still more intimate manner
than theoretical writers have supposed them to be allied. And if our
Cow-pen bird also drops eight or ten eggs in a season, which she proba-
bl.v does, that number might be considered the amount ot two broods,
wliich the Eed-wiuged Starling usually produces.-'

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is stated to winter in Southern Florida. It
is a ])artially nocturnal species, in so far at least as the fact of its often
crying out in the night, and being apparently in motion, may warrant
the statement. Besides the insects above mentioned as its food, it eats
various grubs, even wood- inhabiting molluscs, and also plucks different
kinds of berries and other soft fruits.

Family PICID^ : Woodpeckers. '

lu all our representatives of tbis family, the nesting and eggs are so similar that it
becomes unnecessary to refer to the subject under heads of each species. The birds
all lay in holes of trees, dug by themselves, depositing the eggs— generally to the num-
ber of five or six, but sometimes more or fewer — upon the chips and dust at the bot-
tom. The eggs are of a more nearly globular shape than is usual among birds, with a
shell of crystal smoothness and purity, white, unmarked. Almost the only difference
in the eggs of the species is in size, which corresponds in general with that of the
parent, though, in the cases of our two largest species, the size appears disproportion-
ately small. Thus, an egg of H. pilcatus measures only 1.25 by U.9b, thus being not
much bigger than a good-sized Flicker's egg (1.18 by 0.88).

HYLOTOMUS PILEATUS, (Linn.) Bd.
Pileatcd Woodpeclier.

Pi'CMS inleatus, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 173 {Picns nUjcr maximum capitc ruhro. Gates., i,
17; 1'. virgiiiiainis ciiisidtiiti, I'liiss., iv, 21); J'ic uoir hiq)pv dc Lon'tiiatu; MVFV., P.
E. 718).— G.M., i, 1788. 425.— Lath., Ind. i. 1790, 225 — Vikili.., Ois. Am. Sept. ii,
1807, 58, pi. 110.— WiLs., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 27, pi. 29, f. 2.— Stkpii., Gen. Zool.
ix, 158, pi. 32. — Wagi,., Svst. Av. 1827. — Vikill., Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 84 ; Ency.
iii, 1313.— Bp., Svn. 1828,' 44.— Sw. & Rich., V. 15. A. ii, 1831, 304.— Lkss., fr.
Orn. 1831, 229.— Nurr., Man. i, 1832, 5G7.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 74; v, 1839,
533; pi. Ill : B. Am. iv, 220, pi. 257.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 352.— SuxD.,
Cousp. Av. Pic. 18()(j, 8.

Driiotomus pilmUis, Sw., Chissif. Birds, ii, 1837, 308.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 39.

Bryocopiis jiilcafitfi, BoiE. — Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 132. — Scl., Cat. 1862, 332. — Gp.ay,
Hand-list, ii, 1870, 188, No. 803.5.

DrilojncKs inlcatns, Bp., Not. Orn. Delattre, 1854, 85.— Malh., Mou. i, 34, pi. 11, figs. 5, 0, 7.

Jjriocpicus pUcutu8, Bp., Cousp. Vol. Zygod., Ateu. Ital. 1854, 8.

PICUS VILLOSUS, HAIRY WOODPECKER. 279

Campephilus pileatus, Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 391, pi. 647, fiats. 4317, 4318.
Hylaiomus pihatus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 107 ; and of most Uuited States writers.
Hylotomus pileatus, Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 396. — Coues, Key, 1872, 192, fig. 128.— Sxow,

B. Kaus. 1873, 3. (rare).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 550, pi. 56, f. 5, 6.
Ceophlccus pihatus, Cab., J. f. O. 1862, 176. ^

Phlaotomus pileatus, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 102.
Hai. — Timbered regions of North America at large.

This large species was not noticed by either of the Expeditions, and
is doubtless of rare, if more than casual, occurrence in mcst parts of
the Missouri region, which is not heavily wooded enough to suit its
habits. It varies greatly in size according to latitude.

PICUS VI'LLOSUS, Linn.

Hairy Woodpecker.

a. villosns. (Wing-coverts profusely white-spotted.)

a', iiwjores. (Northern examples, 10 to 11 inches long.)

Piciis villosus, FoRST., Pbil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 305.—

Dall «fc Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1839, 274.
Picus villosus var. major, Bd., B. N. A- 1858, 84.— Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 16.
Picus rillosus var. canadensis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 503.
Picus leueomelas, Bodd., Tabl. P. E. 1783, pi. 345, f. 1 {Pic da Canada, Buff.).— Gray,

Hand-list, ii, 1870, 18.">, No. 8.599.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 199.
Dryobates leueomelas. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 67.
Picus canadensis, Gm., i, 437 {Picus rarins canadensis, Briss., Orn. iv, 45, No. 16, pi. 2, f.

2, 9).— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 230.— Steph., Geu. Zool. ix, 173.— Vieill.

Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 92; Eucv. iii, 1318.— AUD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 188, pi. 417,

Syn. 1839, 177; B. Am. iv, 1842, 235; pi. 258 — Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 137.— Reich.;

Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 373, pi. 638, figs. 4250, 4251.— Malh., Mou. Pic. i, 78, pi,

21, f. 4.
Picas phiUipsii, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 186, pi. 417; Syn. 1839, 177; B. Am. iv, 1842,

238, pi. 2.')9 (young, with yellow crown).— Nltt., Man. i, 1840, 686.— Malh.,

Mon. Pic. i, 84, pi. 21, f. 5.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8601.
Picus pMUpsii, Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435.
Picus j)hilipsi, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 138.

Picus 2)lnrn)j)sii, Reich., Hand-bnch Sp. Orn. 364, pi. 632, figs. 4204,4205.
Trichopicus philipsi, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus septenfrionaUs, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 684 (= 2)hillipsii).

h.' medii. (Intermediate examples, 9 to 10 inches long.)

Picas villosus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 175 (Kalm, It. iii, 43 ; P. varius vicdins quasi
villosus, Gates., i, 19; P. i-arius virginianus, Briss., iv, 48; Pic varie de Virginic,
Buff., P. E. 7.54).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 435.— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 232
(England).— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 64, pi. 120.— Wils., Am. Orn. i,
1808, 150, pi. 9.— Steph., Gen. Zool. ix, 171.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 71 ;
Encv. 1305.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 575.— ftp., Syn. 1828, 4() ; List, 1838, 39 ; Consp.
i, 1850, 137.— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 164, pi. 416; Syn. 1839, 179; B. Amer. iv,
1842. 244, pi. 262.— Gi;av, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 374, pi.
638, (igs. 42.52, 42,53, 4254.— Malh., Mou. Pic. i, 75, pi. 21, f. 1, 2.— Gray, Hand-
list, ii. 1870, 184, No. 8592.— Coues, Key, 1872, 193. -Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad.
1863, 199.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.—
FiNSCii, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 60 (Alaska).— Hayd., Rep. 155.— Hart., Man. Brit.
Birds, 1872, 122 (accidental in England ; three instances).

Picus rillosus var medins, Bn., B. N. A. 18.58, 84.— SuND., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 16.

Pieus rillosus var. rillosus, B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 503, pi. 49, f. 3, 4, 5.

Tricliitpicus rillosus, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.

Trichopipo rillosus, '"Cab. & Heine, Mns. Beiol."

Dryobutes rillosus, (.'ab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 66.

Picus leucomelauus, Wac.e., Syst. Av. 1827 (young).— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 8.5.

Picus maW/jur, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 81, pi. 417 ; Syn. 1H39, 178; B.Am, iv, 1842,
240, pi. 2(;o ('-Canada; " but ascribed ditnen8i<ius not those of the largo northern
race; young).- GitAV, Geu. of B. ii, 435.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 138.— Reich.,
Haud-ijuch, 364, pi. 632, figs. 4206, 4207.

280 PICUS VILLOSUS, HAIRY WOODPECKER.

Picus martini, Bp., Comp, List, 1838, 39,— Malii., Mon. Pic. 82, pi. 22, f. 1, 2.

Tnchoplcus martina\ Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., At'>ii. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus ruhrk'up'dhis, Nutt., Mau. i, 1840, 685 (= inari'ma;).

c.' minores. (Soutberii examples, 8 to 9 inches long.)

Picus aitdiihoni, Rw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 306, fig.s. 5, 6, 7, on next page (Georgia). — Trud.,
Jouni. Pbila. Acad, vii, 1837, 404 (young, with yellow on crown). — AUD., Orn.
Biog. V, 1839, 194, pi. 417; Syu. 1839, 1«1 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 2.79, pi. 265.— Bp.,
Comp. List, 183K, 39.— Quay, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 138.— Reich.,
Hand-bncl), 363, pi. 632, fig. 4203.— Malii., Mou. Pic. i, 87, pi. 22, f. 4.

Trichopicit8 auduboni, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.

Picus viUosus var. miuor, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 85.— SuxD., Consp. Av. Pic. 18tj6, 16.

Picus villosus var. auduhoni, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 503.

Picus villosus, Bky., Pr. Best. Soc. 1859 (Bahamas).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 302
(Florida).

Picus cuvieri, Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 85, pi. 22, f. 3 (young female).

b. harrisii. (Wing-coverts scarcely or not spotted.)

a', major es.

Picus harrisii, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 191, pi. 417; Syu. 1839, 178; B. Am. iv, 1842,
242, pi. 261 (smoky-bellied).— Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Nutt., Man. i, 1840,
627.— Gamb., Jouru. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 54.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 138.— Reich.,
Haud-buch Sp. Orn. 364, pi. 632. figs. 4308, 4209.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 87.— Lord,
Pr. Arty. Inst, iv. 111.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 159.— Stev.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Meri:., ibid, 1872, 693.— Malh., Mou. Pic. i,
73, pi. 20, f. 1, 2, 3.— SuNix, Consp. Av. Pic. 1868, 17.

Triclmpicus Itarrisii, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.

Trichopipo harrisii, Cab., "Mus. Berol."

Dryobatcs harrisii, Cab. &. Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 68.

b'. medii.

Picus harrisii. Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 21. — Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 57. — COUES,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 52.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 375.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.
1872, 206.

Picus villosus var. harrisii, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180. — Coues, Key, 1872, 194. —
B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 507.

Picus hi/losc^j^us. Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8604.

Dryobatcs hyloscopus. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 69.

c'. minores.

Picus jar dinei, Malh., R. Z. 1845, 374; Mon. Pic. i, 103, pi. 25, f. 4, 5.— Gray, Gen. of B.
iii,App. p. 21; Haud-list, ii, 1870, 186, No. 8614.— Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 137.— Scl.,
P. Z. S. 1856, 308 ; 1857, 214 ; 1859, 367, 388 ; Cat. 1802, 334 (Xalapa).— Scl. &
Salv., Ibis, 1859, 136.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 200.— Sund., Consp. Av.
Pic. 1866, 17.

Phreuopicus jardiuii, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.

Trichopipo Jardiui, Cab. & Heine, "Mus. Berol."

Dryohates jardinei, Cab. &, Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1833, 69.

Picus harrisii, Cab., J. f. O. 1862, 175.

'Picus iucarnatuSjhiciiT.,'" "Mus. Berof." (fide Cab. = " inornatHS," error, Bp.).

Sab. — The entire wooded portions of Nortli America — the typical form east of the
Rocky Mountains, reaching the Pacific, however, in Alaska. Var. hariisi froui the
Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. Each variety grading in size according to latitnde.
(England).

List of specimens (var. harrisii).

19179

250

Deer Creek

Jan. 4, 1860

F.V.Haydeu.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4638, Sioux River; .5226, Powder River; 5227-28,
Fort Lookout. (Typical viUosus).

Later Espeditious. — 60360, 60802-3, Wyoming; 62260, Idaho (var. harrisii).

The very interesting parallel relations sul)sisting between dilferent forms of this
species, as sketched in the foregoing synonymy, may l)e i)roperly amplified.

We have first to note that typical villosus, of the Eastern United States, exhibits a
profusion of white spots on the wings, usually in six ov seven pairs on the primaries,
with several pairs on all the secondaries, anil one or more such spots on each of the
wing-coverts. In the other extreme, tyjiical liarrisii, there are tewer pairs (five or

PICUS VILLOSUS, HAIRY WOODPECKER. 281

Bix) on the primaries, and none on the inner secondaries and wing-coverts. The change
Legins ill birds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, and is etfected by im-
perceptible degrees. Laying a few scores of s)iecimens side by side, in linear series
representing the change in longitmle, one may see the spots disappear one by one, or
by jiairs, proving the complete intergradaticm of the two iornis. This has been known
to several ornithologists for some years, and hints to this effect have repeatedly been
given ; but, so far as I am aware, it was not formally recognized, by reduction of harri-iii
to a variety, until this was done simultaneously by Mr. Allen and myself.

We will next observe that the original of Ficns harrisii, from the Columbia River,
has the under parts of a i^eculiar smoky-gray tinge, with also more or less evident thin
black stripes along the sides. This appears chiefly in specimens from Oregon and
Washington Territories, and I think is something more than mechanical soiling of the
feathers with carbonaceous matter from the trees, although this agent undoubtedly
sometimes effects a like result. All my New Mexican arid Arizonian specimens are as
pure white below as in the eastern variety, and usually lack all traces of stripes along
the sides.

Resting upon these facts respecting the distinctions between the eastern and western
form, we will take up tlie remarkable variution in size that both exhildt in a perfectly
parallel manner. Specimens of typical villosus occur ranging from 8 to 11 inches long ;
and this difference is found to depend upon latitude, size increasing pari pasHu with
heightening of latitude, by insensible degrees. But there is nothing exceptional
about this; on the contrary, it is merely a strong illustration of the prevailing rule
with widely-distributed birds, the individuals of which are stationary or nearly so.
With the maximum size of the northern birds there is associated an increase of white-
ness, also in conformity with a general rule. These two particulars, size and hoariness,
give the bird a peculiar aspect, so readily distinguishable that the Picus " lencomelas"
or "canadcnsifi" has passed for a species with many writers. But I see no necessity of
recognizing it by even varietal name; if we did, we should also, to be consistent, sep-
arate the Hylotomus pilealus into races founded on size, the variation being fully as
great in this case. The smaller size of the South Atlantic and Gulf States' villosus is
recognizable, on an average, but is not so strongly marked; in coloration they are pre-
cisely the same as the ordinary bird of the Middle States.

In the West, the boreal extension of var. harriNii is cut off by the topography of that
region, the westward trend of the mountains bringing the eastern zoological province
to the very Pacific, and giving us var. viUosus instead of harrisii. Consequently, typical
var. harrisii is itself the largest form. It about equals ordinary villosus of the Middle
States. The New Mexican and Southern Califoruian specimens are slightly smaller
than those of Washington Territory, but not notably so, the chief distinction being
the color of the under parts, as already noted {hijloscoims, Vabauis). But the Mexican
extension of tlie species, as well as I can judge by descriptions, is strongly marked by
its, small size, being quite as much under the average as F. " leuco7iielus" in over the
average. This is the P. jardinei of authors. The parallelism is thus seen to be com-
plete; in the east, a series with a marked northern maximum of size and less con-
spicuous minimum ; in the west, a marked southern minimum and less conspicuous
northern maximum ; in both cases, the variation directly and precisely according to
latitude; while the intergradation of the two according to longitude is perfect.

It is too late to say much about the various nominal species establislied upon con-
ditions of immaturity; they have already been satisfactovily disposed of. But,
although so admirable and long-exporienced a tield-iiaturalist as Audubon miglit well
be excused for proposing harrisii and tjairducri, at a time when climatic variation had
no [dace in the conceptions of naturalists, it is incomprehensible that, after years of
study in the field, and shooting perhaps hundreds of Hairy Woodpeckers, he should
never have found out that the young males iiave more or less of the vertex red or yel-
low, instead of an occipital crescent of scarlet. Tliis crown-patch is sometimes per-
fectly sfpiare, and bright yellow, almost exactly as in I'icoidcs ; but it is oftener dif-
fuse, of a bion/.y or coppery hue, mixed with wh^te, &.c. I'. ^^ phiUipsii" is the young
of the northern race; /'. " ?(i«r//)(«''' may l)e so too, lieingfiom Canada, luit the ascribecl
dimensions (" length, 9^") are those of ordinary rillosus, to which it may be as well to
relegate it. " Scptcutrioualis" and ^^ ruhricapillus" of Nuttall are the same as "j)hil-
lipsii" and '' 7uartiua\" respectively. ^^ J'ivus auduhoiii" is one of the curiosities of
ornithological literature, inasmuch as Swainson and Trudeau, without the slightest
reference to each otlier, each proposed the same name for the same bird in the same
plumage, and not a valid species <'itlier.

This species moults the (luills and tail-feathers very tardily ; they Jiersist with de-
creasing vitality, until Just Iji-fore tliey (hop they are often found faded, toward their
ends at least, into brownish-fc/ij/c.

This condition has crept into some of the itublished plates. Another individual
peculiarity is, that the occipital scarlet band of the male is often discontinuous behind,
being thus resolved into two supra-auricular spots, almost exactly as in I'icus qucrulus.
This may have induced Ciiay to put^'«/(/(Ht( alongside /'. borcalis in the subgenus i'/irt/i-

282 PICUS PUBESCENS, DOWNY WOODPECKER. " •

op'ieus. Great as the variation of size is in this species, the minimum does not appear
to inosculate with the uiaxiuuiiu oi puhcucens. There is a constant gap between full-
grown birds of about an inch (i'. gairdneri being usually between seven and eight
inches) ; and, besides, the white tail-featliers of villosus, as against the barred ones of
2)uhcsc('ns, are perfectly distinctive.

In the IVIissouri region, P. villosus proper is the prevailing type; only
mixing with or shiuling into the var. harrisii among the mountains.
The birds are very abundant in the timbered bottoms along the Mis-
souri, as at Fort Eaudall and elsewhere. My Randall examples are
pure villosus, of rather large size, averaging 9| or 9^ long, 10 or 17 in
extent, the wing 4f or 5. One was shot that had apparently broken its
leg, and the union at a considerable angle threw the foot outward ; not-
withstanding this, the bird was scrambling as actively as any one could.
This species is very noticeable among the few birds that endure the
rigor of winter on the Upper Missouri, apparently without the slightest
inconvenience. On entering the crackling, dry weed-patches of the bot-
tom, at such times the ear is often saluted with the shrill, startling
" quank " of the active bird, unseen in the low covert until, disturbed at
its meal in the snug retreat, it takes a long, swift swing up into the
nearest tree, or disappears in festoons further into the under-wood.

PICUS PUBESCENS, Liuu.
Downy Woodpecker.

a. puhescens.

Picus piCbescem, LixN., Syst. Nat. i, 176(5, 175 (P. varius minimus, Gates,, 21; P. varius
rArqinianns minor, Briss., Orn. iv, 50). — Gm., i, 1788, 435.— Lath., Ind. Oru. i,
1790, ^S-^.— ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 65, pi. 121.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808,
153, pi. 9, f. 4.— STf:PH., Gen. Zool. ix, 170.— Vieill., Eucy. iii, 1311 ; Nouv.
Diet, xxvi, 82.— Bp.. Syn. 1828, 4G.— Less., Tr. Oru. 1831, 228.— Nutt., Man. i,
1832, 576.— Atjd., Orn.Biog. ii, 1834, 81 ; v, 1839, 539; pi. 112; Syn. 1839, 180;
B. Am. iv, 249, id. 263.— Bp., List, 1838, 39.— Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Bp.,
Consp. i, 18.50, 138.— Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 374, pi. 638, fig. 4255-57.— Bd.,

274.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 155.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z.
ii, 1871, 304 ; iii, 1872, 180.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 60 (Alaska).— CouES,
Key, 1872,194, fig. 131.— Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 122 (England).— B. B. »&
R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 509, pi. 49, f. 6, 7 ; and of authors generally.

Picm {Dendrocopns) puhescens, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 307.

Triehopicus puhescens, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8.

Trlehopipo puhescens, Cau. &. Heine, " Mus. Berol."

Dryohales puhescens, Cab. & Heine., Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 62.

Pieus (Deudrocopus) mediunus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 303 (New Jersey).

Picus mediauus, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 601.— Gray, Geu. of B. ii, 435.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850,
138.— Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 375.— Malii., Mou. I'ic. i, 122.— Gray, Hand-
list, ii, 1870, 184, No. 8594.

Triehopicus mediauus, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. 1854, 8.

Picus {Deudrocopus) meridioualis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 303 (Georgia).

Picas meridioualis, Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 43.5.— Bp., Consp. i, 1650, 138.— Reich., Hand-
buch Sp. Orn. 375. — Malii. , Mou. Pic. i, 124. — Gray, Hand-list, ii, 184, No. 8505.

Triehopicus meridionaUs, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8.

Picus lecontei, Jones, Ann. Lye. N. Y. iv, 1848, 489, pi. 17 (malformed specimen, lacking
hallux).

Tridachjlia (!) lecontei, Bp., Consp. Zygod. 1854, 8 (made type of a genus!)

Picoides (!) lecontei, Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 132, pi. 40, f. 7.

b. gairdneri.

Picm gairdneri, Aw., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 317; Syn. 1839,180; B. Am. iv, 1842, 252.—
Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 375.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 123.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
91, pi. 85, tig. 2, 3.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, 57.— Coop. & Sucic, N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 159.— Cass., Pr, Phila. Acad. 1863, 201.— Lokd, Pr. Roy. Arty.

PICUS PUBESCENS, DOWNY WOODPECEEE. 283

Inst, iv, 1860, 111.— Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 17.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,
377.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462.

Picus gardntri, Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435.

Pictis gardineri, SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 127.

Trichopkits gairdneri, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zyjiod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8.

Dryohaies gairdneri, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 64.

Ficus {Dryohates) qardneri, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 184, No. 8591.

Picus meridioiiaHsj ^VTT., Man. i, 1840, 690.— Game., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 55.

Picus turati, Malh.. Mou. Pic. i, 125, pi. 29, f. 5. 6.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 202.

Dryohates turatii, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 65.

Picus {Dryohates) turati, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8597.

Picus homorus, " Cab. & Heine, Mss."

Dryohates homorus, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 65.

Picus (Dryohates) homorus, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8596.

Picus imh'escens var. gairdneri, Coues, Key, 1872, 194.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1374, 512.

^ai!>.— Entirely correspondeiit with that of P. villosus. (Accidental in England.)

List of specimens of var. gairdneri.

19180

168

Source Cheyenne

$

Oct. 27, 1859

F.V.Hayden.

Lieutenant Warren^s for/^edi/ioH.- 4639-40, Platte Eiver ; 4641, Bonhomme, Dakota
(typical puhescens).
^Late)- Expeditions. 60361, 61088-89, Wyoming (gairdneri).

This case of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is exactly parallel with that of the last
species; it jiasses from puhescens to var. gairdneri in the same region, and both forms
show a gradation of size and some minor changes, accordmg to latitude. It is unne-
cessary, therefore, to enlarge upon the matter. There is no question of the pertinence
of the various synonyms above enumerated.

Although the range of the two species is substantially the same, they
being found together in most localities, yet, upon the whole, the Downy
is rather more southern than the Hairy, at least in the matter of abun-
dance of individuals. On the Atlantic coast, up to the Middle districts,
the Downy is the more numerous. It is iibundant about Washington,
D. C, where the Hairy is comparatively rare. Mr. Allen says the same
for Florida. In the Missouri region, throughout which both species are
found in timbered places, the Hairy is the prevailing form. I was
rather surprised to find, in Arizona, that the latter occurred to the
almost entire exclusion of the other, which, in fact, I never identified
there to my satisfaction. The habits of the species differ in no appre-
ciable respect. Neither is there the slightest difference in the character
of their plumage, as implied in the names "Downy" and "Hairy" —
words that have only a quasi-application to these or any other Wood-
peckers.

Such synonymical lists as may be prepared in this case and the pre-
ceding one, and countless other instances, do not reflect creditably upon
a late state of our science — a state that we may hope soon to be able to
call "late" in the same sense in which the word is used respecting de-
funct persons. The vagaries of nomenclature are exhibited in strong
light by such an affair as the genus TridactyUa, based on a malform-
ation, either congenital or merely accidental. I may remark, in this con-
nection, that I once shot, at Washington, D. C, a specimen of Colaptcs
anratuH showing the same thing, the right inner hind toe being want-
ing. It did not occur to me, however, to propose a genus Tridactylo-
colaptcs., nor even to describe the bird as a new species of I'icoidcs. Yet
my knowledge of birds at that time was much more limited than either
Bonapartc'S or the monographer Malherbe's should be presumed to have
been.

284 PICOIDES ARCTICUS.

PICOIDES ARCTICUS, (S\v.) Gray.
Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker.

" Pku8 rnriiis cayancrisls, 9, Binss., Oru. iv, 57" (fide Cab.; nomeu geogr. ineptum,
lapsii ("canadensis"), sec. Sund.).

Picu8iri(htctiiIu^,V,r., Am. Oru. iii, 182S, 24:i, pi. 14, f. 2; Syn. 1828, 46.— AuD., Oru.
P.i()<,^ ii, 1K54. 198; v, 1839, 5:?8; pi. i:32.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 578, {Not of
Eu ropea n ivritcrs. )

Ficus {Aptentm) arciiciis, Sw.. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 313, pi. 57.

Ficiis arcik'us, Aud., Syu. 1839, 182; B. Am. iv, 268, pi. 2<)8.— Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 691.—
PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 214 (Massachusetts ; very rare). — Sund., Cousp.
Av. Pic. 1866, 15.

Jpternus arcticus, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 306.— Bp., Cousp. List, 1838, 39; Cousp. Av.
i, 1850, 139.— Reich., Haud-buch Sp. Orn. 36 ; pi. 630, f. 4189, 4191.— Newu., P. R.
R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 91.

Picoides arcficns, Ghay, Gen. of B. ii, 434 : pi. 108, fig. 7 ; Hand-list, ii, 1870, 181, No.
8539.— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 98.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 174, pi. 39, f. 5, 6.— Boahdm.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 123 (Maine ; probably resident). — Lokd, Pr. Roy. Arty,
lust, iv, 1864, 112 (Cascade Mountains). — Vekk., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 144 (Nor-
way, Me. ; very common, except in summer). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864,
52 (Massacluisetts ; very rare or accidental, iu winter). — McIlwr., ihld. v,
1866, 83 (Hamilton, C. W. ; rare, in winter).— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 262.—
TuitNi!., B. E. Pa. 1869,41 (occasional iu mountains of Northern Pennsylvania,
Pocono). — Mayn., Guide?, 1670, 129 (Massachusetts, very rare) ; Pr. Bost. Soc.
187J , p. —.—Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1868 (Lake Tahoe) ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 385 (Sierra
Nevada of California).— Tjuppe. Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (f ).— Mekr., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 694.— Coues, Key, 1872, 194.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 530, pi. 50, f. 1.

Tridacfi/lia avciica, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 27.

" FicHshochii, Nauai.— Glogee, Haud-buch Nat. Gesch. Vog. Eur. 462" (Cab.)

Hab. — Northern North America, into the Northern United States in winter, and in
all probability resident along our northern frontier, as well as further south in moun-
tainous regions. Rarely south in winter to Massachusetts; casually to Peuusylvauia
{Audubon, Tunibidl). South to Sierra Nevada {Cooper).

Laic Expeditions. — 62261, Lower Gej'ser Basiu, Wyoming.

Altbougli this species Las not, to ray knowledge, been yet taken in
the Missouri region, there is no doubt whatever of the propriety ofiu-
chuliug it in the present work, as a species to be found at least in the
mountainous and northern portions. Mr. Trippe gives it as probably
breeding in Minnesota, and Dr. Cooper has a more explicit notice. "I
found this bird," he writes, " quite numerous about Lake Tahoe, and the
summits of the Sierra IsTevada above G,000 feet altitude, in September,
and it extends thence northward, chieily on the east side of tliese and
the Cascade Mountains, as I never saw it near the Lower Columbia.
At the lake, they were quite fearless, coming close to the hotel, aud
industriously tapi)ing the trees in tlie early morning and evening. * *
I noti(;ed their burrows in low pine-trees near the lake, where they had
doubtless raised their young. I found tbem silent birds, though prob-
ably in the spring they have a great variety of calls. The only note I
heard was a shrill, rattling cry, sufdcienlly distinct from that of any
other Woodpecker."

PICOIDES AMERICANUS, Brehm.

Banded Three-toed AVoodpecker.

a. americamis.

{1 1) '• Ficus varius cayavensis, <? , Bin.ss., Orn. iv, 54 "^Pvc tacliei6 de Cayenne, P. B.
5o',i^ Aptcrnu)i vnyanciiNin, Reich. , Haud-buch, 363; uomen ineptum; avis
fictita? Inde F. umhdalKS, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 69; Enc. Meth. iii,
1319 (" digitibus (juatuor ") = P. uudatus, Temm., Tabl. Meth. 63, et P. undoaus,
Cuv., R. A. i, 1829, 451.— (Malh., Mon. i, 184, 185).

PICOIDES AMERICANUS. 285

Picus Mdactilus var. /3., Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 439.— Lath., Incl. Orn. i, 1790, 243.

Picus (Apternus) tridacfyhis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 311, pi. 56 (nee Linn.).

Picoidcs tridaciylus var. americamis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, pi. .50, f. 2.

Tridactylia undulaia, Steph., Geu. Zool. ix, 220.— Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 28.

Picas hirsutus, Wagl., Svst. Av. 1827, Gen. Pic. No. 102 (nee Steph., G. Z. ix, 219, pi.
38 ; nee Yitaia..] Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 68, pi. 124 ; Euc. iii, 1324; Nouv. Diet.
xxvi, 103, qui sp. Ainer. refert, sed spec. Europ. descripsit). — Aud., Orn. Bioj^.
V, 1839, 184, pi. 217, f. 3, 4 ; Syn. 1839, 183; B. Am. iv, 1842, 268, pi. 269.—
NUTT., Man. i, 1840, 622.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 229.

Apternus hirsutus, Bp., List, 183S, 39 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 139. — Reich., Haud-buch, 361,
pi. 630, f. 419^, 4194.— FixsCH, Abli. Nat. iii, 1872, 61 (Alaska).

Picoides hirsutus, Gijay, Geu. of B. ii, 434.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,98.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst,
iii. 1.57 (Maine, in winter;. — Coues, ibid.v, 1868, 262 (strafrgliug to Massachu-
setts).— Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 572 (Lynn, Mass.). — Mayn., Guide, 1870,
129 (same instance).

Picoides amerieanus, Bkehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 195; " VoUst. Vogelf. 71." — Malh.,
Mon. Pic. i, 176, pi. 39, f. 1, 2.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 335.— Gkay, Cat. Brit. Mus. iii,
1868, 30.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 274.— Gray, Hand-list, ii,
1870, 181, No. 8537.— Coues, Key, 1872, 194.

Picoides amerieanus var. faseiatus, Bd., in Coop. B. Cal. i, 1870, 385.

Apternus amerieanus, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 306.

Picus amerieanus, SuND., Cousp. Av. Pic. 1866, 1.5.

Picus arcticus, DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 190, pi. 17, f. 36 (nee Sw.).

b. dorsalis.

Picoides dorsalis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 100, pi. 85, f. 1.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 179. — Hayd.,
Rep. 1862, 155 (type specimen).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 694.

Tridactylia dorsalis, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 26.

Picus dorsalis, Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 14.

Picoides amerieanus var. dorsalis, Bd., in Coop. B. Cal. 1, 1870, 386. — Allen, Bull. M. C.
Z. iii, 1872, 160 (mountains of Colorado, from 8,000 feet up to timber-line). —
Coues, Key, 1872, 194.

Hah. — The tyitical form in Arctic and Northern North America, straggling into the
United States in winter, to Massachusetts. Var. dorsalis from the Rocky Mountain
region as far south as Colorado.

Lieutenant IJ'arren's Expedition. — 8809, Laramie Peak, $, Aug. 25, 1857; type of
dorsalis.

Later Expeditions. — 62262, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming.

As observed by Sundevall, and afterward by Baird, our three species of Picoides
chiefly differ in the amount of white on the back, from none in arcticus, to a long con-
tinuous white stripe in var. dorsalis, much as in P. villosus. But although it may be
only a step from the darkest-backed hirsutus to arcticus, I am not aware that the step
js ever actually taken by intermediate specimens, and I therefore retain the species as
distinct. Between amerieanus and var. dorsalis, on the contrary, the intergradatiou is
complete. The character of dorsalis lies in the disappearance of the one or more ti-ans-
"ver.se black bars on each white feather of the back, leaving an uninterrupted white
stripe — the successive steps toward this end being as clearlv traceable as are those of
the changes in the white spots of P. villosus aud pubescens. Sundevall showed that the
name hirsutus, of Vieillot, usually applied to this species, was based upon the Euro})ean
bird, although ascribed to North America ; and that the P. undulatus of the same author,
probably a hctitious species, is based upon P. E. .533, said to be from "Cayenne," to
have/o«» toes, and to be otherwise entirely incompatible with the present species.

The Banded Tliree-toed Woodpecker is very rare in the United States — apparently
more so than P. arcticus. I have not learned of its occurrence further south than
Massachusetts, where Mr. Welch lately took specimens at Lynn. The dorsal variety,
on the other hand, is a common bird of the Rocky Mountain region, especially about
Laramie, and to, judge from the dates of observation of the specimens secured, it is
undoubtedly there resident. Dr. Hayden's specimen, above quoted, furuislied the type
of the description of/', dorsalis.

SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS, (Linn.) Bd.

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.

a. varins.

Picas var ius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17()6, 176 (P. varius minor, venire Jutco, Catks., i, 21;
varius ca>'o/iH«», Bui.ss., iv, 62; P. E. 785). — Gai., i, 438. — L.vrii., Ind. Orn. i, P.
232.— ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 63, pis. 118, 119.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1608,

286 SPIIYRAPICUS YARIUS, YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER.

147, pi. 9, f. 2.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, pi. 8, f. 2 ; Syn. 1828, 45 ; List, 1838, 39 ; Coiisp. i,
iyr)U, i:58.— Wagl., Svst. Av. 1827, No. 1(5; Lsis, 1829,.WJ.—Nutt., Mau. i, 18:52.
574.-^LESS.,Tr. Oru. i, 1831, 228.— Aui)., Oni. Biog. ii. 1834,519; v, 1830, 537;
pi. 190 ; Svn. 1839, 182 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 263, ))1. 2(57.— Guay, 0(^1. of B. ii, 435.—
Kkich., Haiulhiich Sp. Oni. 37(5, pi. (i39, f. 4258,4259; J. f. O. 185(5, 102.—
Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 41(5.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 308; 1858,305; 18.59,3(57,
388. — Kicixii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 8 (Greunlaud ; two iustauces). — SuND., Cousp. Av.
Pic. 18(56, 33.

Piciis (Dnnirocopiifi) variufi, Sw. & Ricn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 309.

Pilumiuix varius, Bp., Cousp. Vol. Zy<;od. Ateueo. Ital. 1854,8.

S2)ln/ra2):ciin rariits, Bd , B. N. A. 1858, 103.— Maui., Mon. Pic. i, 157, pi. 37, fifrs. 2, 4.—
('oiTEs, Key, 1872, 195, f. 131.— Sno\v, B. Kaus. 1873, 3.— Buy., Pr. Bost. Soc. x,
18(55, 91 (auatomy) ; aud of most lato authors.

Sphi/ropieiiH rariiis, Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 13(5 (Guatemala). — Sci.., Cat. 1862, 335
(Orizaba).— B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 539, pi. 51, f. 1, 2.

CJadoscopus rarim, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 18(53, 80.

PicHS {Spliiirapicit.'i) rarias, Gkay, Haud-list, ii, 1870, 186, No. 8617.

Ficitfi atroilwmx, Less., Trait6 Oni. i, 1831, 229.— PucH., R M. Z. vii, 1855, 21.

" Picus galhula, Tem.m., Mus. Lugd." — Malh., Mou. Pic i, 157.

b. nuchalis.

Spliyrapicus varius var. nnclialis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 103 (in text.). — Malh., Hon. Pic. i,
161.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Coues, Key, 1872, 195.

Sp}nj7-opicus rarius var. iiiichaHs, RiDGW., Am. Jouru. Sci. 1873, 40. — B. B. & R., N. A. B.
ii, 1874, .542, ])1. 51, f. 3. 4.

Sphyrapk'ua nuchalis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 921, pi. 35. — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 53
(aiiatouiy, »S:c.).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.

Sph>iro2)icH.s 7iiic]taUs, Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 390.

Ctacloscopiis nuchalis. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 82.

Picus rarius, Heei:m., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 58.

Sphijrajjicus rarius, Hayd., Rep. 1832, 155.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 207.

Picus varius occidcntalis, Sund., Cousp. Av. Pic. 1866, 34.

c. r liber.

Picus ruler, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 429.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 228.— Stepil, Gen.

Zool. ix, 160.— Wagl., Svst. Av. 1827, P. No. 15.— AuD., <)ru. Biog. v, 1839, 179,

pi. 416 ; Syu. 1839, 181 ; B. Am. iv, 1844, 261, pi. 2(56.— Heeum., P. R. R. Rep.

X, 18.59, pr. vi, 57. — Malh., Mou. Pic. i, 132, pi. 31, figs. 1,2.— Sund., Consp. Av.

Pic. 18:56, 32.
Picus {Sphyrapicus) ruber. Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 186, No. 8616.
Melauerpes ruber. Rich., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838, 39; Consp. i, 1850, 115.— GisAY,

Gen. of B. ii, 444. — Game., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1844, 56. — Reich., Haud-buch

Sp. Orn. 382, pi. 642. f. 4287, 4288.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 127.
Pilumnus ruber, Bp., Cousp. Vol. Zygod. Ateueo Ital. 1854, 8.
Sjihyrajncus ruber, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 104.— Coop. & Sucic, N.H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 160.—

Coues, Key, 1872, 195.
S2)liyropicus ruber, (JooP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 392.
CladoscopuN ruber, Cab. «t Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 82.
Sp>hyropicus imrius var. ruber, RiDGW., Am. Journ. Sci. iv, 1873, 40. — B. B. & R., N. A. B.

ii, 1874, 544, pi. 51 fig. 6.
Picus flaviveulris, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 67 ; Nouv. Diet, xxv, 95 ; Enc. iii, 1320.
"Picus niger, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 90."

Hah. — The typical form in Eastern North America, north to 61° at least. South to
Guatemala (numerous extralimital quotations). Mexico. Cuba. Bahamas. Green-
laud. Var. nuchalis from the Rocky Mountain region and Great Basin. Var. ruber
from Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada to the Pacific.

List of specimens {nuchalis).

19181
19182
19183
19184
19185

33
74

25

28

Wind River Mts.

do

do

do

Popoagie Creek.

3

May 28, 1860
June 6, 1860
May 26, 1860
■May 27, 1860
May 25, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

do

do

do

G. H. Trook..

8.00

14 50

5.00

7.50

15.00

5.00

7.75

15.00

4.75

7.75

15..50

5.00

8.25

17.00

5.25

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — (varius and nuchalis); 4631-33, Big Sioux River;.
4635. mouth of Platte River ; 4(536-37, near Council Blutis; 8807, Laramie.
Later Expeditions.— iJOSOi-O:}, 61090-92, 61095, Wyoming.

SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS, YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 287

Probably no genus of tlie Picidw is more strongly marked than this
one. Without very striking external peculiarities, the structure of the
tongue and associate parts is remarkably different from that obtaining
in any of the North American sjjecies at least, and may justly claim
higher taxonomic value than that subsisting among any of the details
of" con tour of our remaining species. The peculiarities are fully set
forth in my paper above cited. Assertions of misinformed authors to
the contrary notwithstanding, the 8. '■'■ wiUiamsonP or fhyroidem is a
typical Sphyrajncus, as I determined by examination of the hyoid appa-
ratus in freshly-killed specimens. The regimen of both species, cor-
respondently with their anatomical features, is peculiar ; they denude
trees of their ba'-k in areas, instead of drilling holes, and feed exten-
sively upon soft sap-wood, as well as upon various fruits and insects.

I intimated a suspicion of the specific identity of 8. ruber and varius
in the Key, as above cited. I had not, at the moment of writing, speci-
,mens enough to satisfy myself of the complete intergradation of the
two forujs, through var. nuchaUs, which is simply the first step toward
var. ruber. But this has been satisfactorily determined by Mr. Eidgway,
His remarks are so pertinent that I will transcribe them, in giving them
my unreserved endorsement:

"This tendency to an extension of red, as we approach the Pacific
coast, is strictly paralleled in the case of Sphijrapieus larius. Taking
specimens of this species from the Atlantic states (typical S. varius), it
is noticed that in the male the red patch on the throat is entirely cut
off from the white rictal stripe by a continuous maxillary stripe of black,
while the nuchal band is brownish-white ; and that the 9 has the throat
eut irely white. Not more than one per cent, have a tinge of red on the
nape in the male, or a trace of it on the throat in the female. In speci-
mens from the Kocky Mountains (var. nuchalis) we find that all have
the nuchal band more or less red, while the female invariably has the
throat at least one-third of this color ; the male, too, has the black max-
illary stripe inte/Tupted, allowing the red of the gular patch to touch,
for quite a distance, the white stripe beneath the eye, while it invades,
for a greater or less extent, the black pectoral crescent. Another step
is seen in specimens from the region between the Rocky Mountains and
the Cascade Eange, in vfhich the red is extended still more; first, the
black auricular stripe has a few touches of red, the black pectoral cres-
cent is mixed with red feathers, aud the light area surrounding it (sul-
phur-yellow in the more eastern styles) is more or less tinged witli red.
Then, as we continue westward, the red increases, uiitil, in specimens
from the coast region of California, Oregon, Washington Territory, and
British Columbia (var. ruber), it overspreads the whole head, neck aud
breast, in extreme examples entirely obliterating the normal pattern,
though usually this can be distinctly traced. With this increase in the
extent of red there is also a gradually increased amount of black, strictly
])arallel to that in Ticus ri'loHus (var liarrisii) and P. pubescens (var.
(jalrdncrl) from the same regions."

The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is common in the wooded bottoms of
the Missouri region. Kansas and other eastward exami)les are pure
variuH, but most incline toward var nuchalis, which becomes completely
establislied on the first sl()i)es of the mountains. I found varius breed-
ing comnu)nly along the lied Kiver of the North.

288 SPIIYRAPICUS THYROIDEUS.

SPHYRAPICUS THYHOIDEUS, (Cass.) Bd.

Black-breasted or Williarason's Woodpecker.

Picas ihyro'idens, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 349 ( 5 ). — Heerm., Journ. Phila. Acad.

ii, 183:5, 270.— SUND., Cousp. Av. Pic. 186(5, 32.
Picus (Sphyrapicns) fhi-;roidem, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 18G, No. 8618.
Mclanvrpes thijroideus.^CASS., 111. B. Cal. aud Tex. 1854, 201, pi. 32.
Pihiminis thi/roideus, Bp., Cousp. Vol. Zygod. 1854, 8.
Colaptes tlu/rcoidens, Keich., Haud-buch Sp. Oru. 411.
S2}kijrap)ici(s tityroideus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 106. — Hayd., Ecp. 1862, 155. — CoUES, Pr.

Phila. Acad. 1866, 54,— Malh., Mou. Pic. i, 162, pi. 37, f. 2.— Coop., B. Cal. i,

1870, 394.— Mekk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 694.— CouES, Key, 1872, 195.—

Hensh., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 242.
Sphyropicus thyroidem, B. B. «& R., N. A. B. ii. 1874, 547, pi. 56, fig. 6.
Cladoscopiis Ihyroideus, Cab. & Heine, Mrs. Hein. iv, 1863, 84.
''Picas aatalia', Malh., J. f. O. 1854, 171."
" Centaras natalice., Reich., Haud-buch Sp. Oru. 411."
Picas wiUiamsoni, Newh., 1'. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 89, pi. 34, f . 1 ( ,? ). — SUND., Consp. Ar.

Pic. 1866, 32.
SpJiyrapicas wiUiamsoni, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 105. — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1.55. — Malh., Mon.

Pic. i, 163, pi. 36, f. 4.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 54.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,

393.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872,

694.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 195.
Sphyropicus wiUiamsoni, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 545, pi. 51, fig. 5.
Cladoscopus tviIUamso7ii, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 82.
Melanerpes {Cladoscopus) wiUiamsoni, Gray, Haud-list, ii, 1870, 201, No. 8820.
Melanerpes ruhrigularis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, i, pi. 131 ; Aun. Mag. Nat. Hist. 1858, 127 ( ^ ).

Hah. — Rocky Mouutaius to the Pacific, Uuited States.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8803-04, Larauiie Peak, August 24, 1857.

Later Expeditions. — 62363 {$), Wyomiug ; 62259 {juvenis), Montaua.

The foregoing synonymy will doubtless be viewed with surprise by
those not previously aware of Mr. Henshaw's discovery that '■'• icilliam-
smiV is the male and '■'■ thyroideu^'''' the female, of one aud the same spe-
cies. IsTo point in our ornithology could have been more novel and
unexpected than w^as Mr. Henshaw's announcement of the fact, which
he determined beyond reasonable question, that he found the two sup-
posed species paired and rearing a family in the same hole. It is not
uninstructive now to look back upon the history of the supposed species.
In the first place we notice that the two have always been accredited
with the same geographical range, and have generally been found to-
gether; at least, most papers containing a notice of one, also give the
other. Next we observe, in most cases, hesitation and evident uncer-
tainty in descriptions of the sexual differences of each sui)posed species,
the female of '-'■ wUliamsoni'''' and the male of '•'■ thyroidenH'''' having been
groped for indeed, but not found. Nor is there, in the fairly large amount
of material received at the Smithsonian, an unquestionable specimen of
the opposite sex of either of the supposed species. As indicating how
far w'e may sometimes go astray, these birds have been placed in several
different genera, so widely have the sexes of one species been dissoci-
ated ; while the biographical notices which have appeared are not
entirely concordant, showing how much our written history of living
birds may be tempered by evidently fortuitous circumstances of observa-
tion, or transient impressions of an observer.

On the systematic position of the species there is no room for ques-
tion. Prof. Baird correctly assigned it to the genus Sphyrapicus^ of
which it is a typical representative, having all the strong lingual pecul-
iarities of 8. variufi, as I showed in my paper above cited.

I frequently observed this Woodpecker in the pineries about Fort
Whipple, where it is resident and not uncommon, though less abundant
than either the Melanerpes formicivorus or Colaptes mexicanus. It ap-

CENTUEUS CAROLINUS, EED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 289

peared to be nearly confiuecl to tlie pine woods, and proved ratber a
wary bird, frequenting for the most part tbe upper portions of the tall
trees. It lias an abrupt, explosive outcry, much like that of other spe-
cies of Woodpeckers, and also an entirely different call-note. This
sounds to me like a number of rolling r's, beginning with a guttural 1i —
k'-r-r-r — each set of r's making a long sylhible. This note is leisurely
given, and indefinitely repeated, in a very low key. The general habits
of this species are most nearly like those of S. rarius, but its geograph-
ical distribution is much more restricted, and the bird is not, apparently,
migratory. It is an inhabitant more especially of mountainous regions
of the west, within the pine belt — the same fauual area of which Picicor-
vits and Gj/mnol'itta are characteristic.

Mr. Tri])pe writes me as follows of Williamson's Woodi^ecker in Col-
orado : "Common; migratory; breeds. This Woodpecker arrives in
the neighborhood of Idaho Springs in the early or middle part of April,
and soon becomes rather common, extending its range up to 10,000 feet,
and iierhaps higher, but is most numerous between 0,000 and 9,000 feet.
It is rather unequal in its distribution, being abundant in certain locali-
ties and quite scarce in others, but a short distance away."

CENTURUS CAEOLINUS, (Linn.) Sw.
Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Picus caroliiuis, LiXN., Syst. Nat., 1766, 174 (P. ventre rulro, Gates., i, 19).— Wii.s., Am.
Orn. i, 1808, llS, pi. 7, lij^. 2.— Bp., Svh. 1828, 45.— Nutt., Man. i, .'>72.— Aud,,.
Oru. Biog. V, 1839, 169, pi. 415; S.yn. 1839, 183; B. Am. iv, 1842, 270, pi. 270.—
Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 179.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 418.— Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 53..

Centurus caroUinis, Sw., Class. B. ii, 1837, 310 (" caroUnemis "). — Bp., List, 1838, 40 ; Consp..
1, 1850, 119.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 91.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 109.— Hayd.,
Rep. 1862, 156.— Car., J. f. O. 1862, 324.-Dhess., Ibis, 1865, 469 (Texas).—
AiXEX, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 53 (Massachusetts, "accidental"). — Coues, ibid.
V, 1868, 262 (rare or accidental in Southern New England). — McIlwh., ibid, v,
1866, 83 (Chatham, C. W., three specimens).— Aixex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868,
499, 519, 525 (Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 306
(Florida) ; ill, 1872, 180 (Kansas).- Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 3 (abundant).— CoUES,
Key, 1872, 196.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, .554, pi. 52, tig. 1, 4.

Zcbrapicus camlhius, Maltj., Mou. Pic. ii, 234, ]}\. 103, figs. 7, 8.

riciis zebra, Bodd., Planch. Eulnm. 602.

Ficun (jriseus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 52, pi. 116.

"Picas erythniucheii, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827."

Ilab. — United States to the Rocky Mountains. North rarely to Southern New En-
gland ("Nova Hcotia," Audubon). Canada West. Not found in Minnesota {Triple).

Fort Thorn, New Mexico {Henry).
Lieutenant Jl'arren's iJor/jcrfiVion.— 4653, St. Joseph's, Mo. ; 4624, Nemaha Reserve.

This is a rather southern S])ecies, very abundant south of 35°, but
not common north of the Middle districts. It very rarely extends into
New England, whence we have but few quotations, and none north of
Massachu.setts. Audubon, indeed, gives it from Nova Scotia, but such
a range has not, to my kn(>wledge, been confirmed of late. Mr. Mcll-
wraith notes three specimens captured in Canada West. I used to find
it frequently about Washington. Mr. Tiippe remarks upon its ai)i)arent
absence in Minnesota with surprise, since "during the winter it is ex-
ceedingly abundant in Southern Iowa, from which .section great num-
bers migrate on the approacli of spring. I supposed that it crossed
over the i)rairi('S(»f Iowa and the southern i)art of Minnesota, and passed
the breeding season in the woods of tlie northern part of tlie latter State.
I found this to be a mistake, however, as I did not see a single individ-
ual during the whole year." In Kansas it is pleutitul; I found it in
I\Iay in tiie timber along KepTiblican River. It must, however, be con-
sidered a raiC bird in most portions of the Missouri region.

19

290 MKL/NERPES ERYTHROCEPHALUS.

MELANEKPES EEYXnilOCEPHALUS, (Linn.) Sw.

Red-hcadod AVoodpecker.

Picks enjfhroceplialus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176(), 174 (Gates , i, 20 ; BRif<s., iv, 53, pi. 3,
Hg. 1 ; Planch. Enluni. 117).— ViEiLL.,Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, (iO, pis. 11'2, 113.—
WiLS., Am. Oin. i, 1S08, 142, pi. 9, fig. 1.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 4.').— Wagi.., Lsis, 1829,
518.— NuTT., Mau. i, 1832, p.— Aui>., Oru. Biofr. i, 1832, 141, pi. 27; Svn. 1839,
184; B. Aiu. iv, 1842, 274, pi. 271.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 180.— Maxim., J. f. O.
1858, 419.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 214 (Massaclnisetts, rare).— Thippk,
ibid, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota, abundant). — Sund., Coiisp. Av. Pic. 18GG, .50.

Melaim-peti erythroccphahis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 310 (Lake Hiuou). — Bp., List, 1838, 40;
Consp. i, 1850, 115. — Gamb., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1847, 55.— Woodh., Sitgr. Kep.
1853, 91.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 113.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1.56.— Veri?., Pr. Ess. In.st.
iii, 1862. 145 (Maine, rare). — Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 53 (Massachusetts, rare). —
McIlwij., ibid. V, 1866, 83 (Canada West, common). — Coue.s, ibid, v, 1868, 203
(New England, rare).— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 469 (Texas).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,
402.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 463 (Wyoming).— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873,
3.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180 (Kansas and Colorado).— Hold., Pr. Best.
Soc. 1872, 207 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 196.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii,
1874, 564, pi. .54, fig. 4.

Picus ohscurus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 429 (juvenile).

Hab. — Temperate Eastern North America to the Eocky Mountains. Not authenti-
cated on the JPacitic Coast ? Now rare in New England. Breeds from Texas to Nova
Scotia. Utah {Ilidgwaij). Calilbrnia (Gmnbel).

Lieutenant TVarren^s Ejcpediiion . — 462.'w;0, Nemaha River; 5230-31, Yellowstone River;
5529, Fort Lookout; 8808, Fremont, on Platte River.

Later Expeditions. — 601548-54 Bitter Cottonwood and La Bont6 Creeks.

From time to time we have had accounts of the supposed occurrence
of this species on the Pacific coast, and elsewhere west of the Ko(;ky
Mountains. Tlius, Richardson mt^itions a specimen said to have come
from the Columbia Eiver; Gambel gives it from the coast of California;
Cooper includes it in his work, but, as in many other cases, upon sup-
position of its occurrence in California, " as it extends to the Kocky
Mountains and perhaps over them." None of these records are satis-
factory, however; the most western ones upon which full reliance can-
be placed being" those from the headwaters of the Missouri and its trib-
utaries, and from Salt Lake City. Of these there is no question. Dr.
Hayden s])eaks of tb.e species as one of the most abundant birds along
the wooded bottoms ot the Missouri. Mr. Holden and Mr. Stevenson
found it in Wyoming, and Mr. Allen in Colorado, from the plains np
to about 11,000 feet. Mr. Trippe, also, found it common in Eergen's
Pass.

Tlie Woodpeckers, as a rule, are n on -migratory birds, owing to their
hardy nature, and the character of their food, which can be obtained at
all times. Mostof our species are pretty thoroughly localized; such are
all tho.se of Southern portions, as the Ivory-bill and Ked-cockaded in the
East, the Melaucrpes formicivvru^ in the West, tJtc, as well as the robust
species of Picus proi)er, Piroidc.s, and Sphjjrapicus. But even some of
these journey with the season, and others, notably the Ked-bellied, the
Oolden-winged, and the present species, are migrants in most regions —
l)erha|)s irregulaily so, indeed, but still not entirely stationary. Taking
an intermediate locality, as the District of Columbia, for instance, we
find the Eed-bellied and the Flicker there the whole year; but both of
these are partially migratory, the former being most abundant in sum-
mer, while the latter is so during the spring and fall, most individuals
going further north to breed and further south to winter. The Ued-iiead
is more decidedly migratory, and most abundant in summer. 1 never
found it between October and April. Tlfcis corresponds with Dr. Turn-
buli's observations, made in Penn.><ylvania and iS'ew Jersey, where, he

ASYNDESMUS TORQUATUS, LEWIS WOODPECKER.

291

says, it arrives the latter part of April ami departs in September or the
beginuing of October. That even this species, however, sometimes
liDgers through the winter in Pennsylvania is shown by Prof. Baird's
record of Carlisle specimens, among which are observed captures in De-
cember and February. I do not think that any Eed-heads endure the
severe winters of the Upper Missouri, P. riUosns and puhescens being the
only species I have observed in Dakota at this season.

ASYNDESMUS TOEQUATUS, (Wils.) Coues.
Lewis's Woodpecker,

Picus iorqnafus, W' ils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 31, pi. 20, fig. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 46.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 1832, 577.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 170, pi. 416; Syu. 1839, 184; B. Aui. iv,
1842, 280, pi. 272.— SuND., Cousp. Av. Pic. 1866, 51.

Melanerpes torquatus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 115. — Heekm., Jonrn. Phila. Acad, ii, 1853,
270.— Newb., p. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 90.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 1 15.— Heei!M., P.
E. E. Eep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 58.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860. 161.— H ayd.,
Eep. 1862, 156.— Coop.. B. Cal. i, 1870, 406.— Aleex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.—
Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 207.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870,463.— Merp..,
ihid. 1872, 695.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 561, pi. 54, fig. 5.

CcIe.HS lorquatus, Woodie, Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 90 (excl. syn. Gm., Less., TVaf/l.)

Asyvdesmns forqualiis. Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 56.— Coues, Key, 1872, 197.

Melanerpes {Asyndesmus) torquatus, Gpay, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 201, No. 8818.

Pitus moida-,.us, OwD, Gutlu'ie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 1815, 316.

" Picus hwisii, Dkapiez." (fide G. E. Gray).

Hah. — Eastern slopes and foot-bills of the Eocky Mountains to the Pacific, United
States.

List of specimens.

19185
19186
19331
19332
19.333
19334

82
10

Snake River . ..
WiudE. Mts..
Yellowstone R
Bighorn Mts. ..

do
do

2

Jime 17, 1860
May 26, 1860
June 23, 1860
June 15. 1660
June 20, 1860
June 20, 1860

F. V. Haydeu
do

G. H. Trook.

do

do

do

11..50

22.00

r..75

11.75

22.00

6.75

11.00

22.00

6 50

11.50

22.00

6.50

11.00

21..50

6.00

11.00

21.50

6.00

Lieutenant Warreii's Expedition.— "No. 4668, Cheyenne River; 8810-15. Laramie Peak.

Later EjC2}editions.—b98U-i6, Colorado; 54303," 60355, Wyoming, 62274-76, Idaho.

The plumage of this remarkable Woodpecker is peculiar, both in
texture and color; no other species of our country shows such a rich
metallic iridescence, or such intense crimson, and in none is the plumage
so curiously moditied into a bristly character. Unlike most species,
again, the sexes are not certainly distinguishable. The young, however,
dilfer very materially, the under i)arts being dull gray, only here and
there slashed with red, the face lacking the crimson velvety pilous area,
and the upper parts being much les.s lustrous.

This line species, like ^phip'apieu.s fhyroidcns, is chieliy a bird of the
vast forests tliat clothe most ot our mountain ranges with permanent
verdure. With this limitation its distribution is exten.sive, as noteil
above. My own experience with the bird in life is confined to the
vicinity of Fort Whipple, in Aiizona, where it is a very common species.
A bird of singular aspect, many of its habits are no less pe(;tdiar. One
seeing it for the lirst time would hardly take it for a Woodpecker, unless
he happened to ob.serve it clambering over the trunk ot a tree, or tap-
ping for insects, in the nninner jiecnliar to its tril)e. When Hving, the
large, dark binl might ratiier be mistaken for a Ciow IJhickbird; for,
aitliough it sometimes swings itself from one tree to another, in a long
festoon, like other Woodpeckers, its ordinary tlight is more lirm and

292 COLAPTES AURATUS, GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER.

direct, mikI accompli shod with regular wing-beats. It alig^hts on boughs,
in the attitude of ordinary birds, more frequently than any of our otiier
species, excepting the Coluptes, and, with the same exception, taps trees
less frequently than any. It nuiy often be seen circling high in the air,
around the tree-tojis, apparently engaged in capturing passing winged
insects; and, as it is particularly gregarious — let me say, of a sociable
disposition — many are sometimes thus occui>ied together in airy evolu-
tions about the withered head of some ancient woodland monarch fall-
ing to decay. At the sight, as the birds passed and repassed each other
in vigorous flight, while the sheen of their dark-green plumage flashed
in the sunbeams, I could not help fancying them busy weaving a laurel-
wreath fitting to crown the last days of the majestic pine that had done
valorous battle with the elements for a century, and was soon to mingle
its mould with the dust whence it sprang.

Unlike its gay, rollicking associates, the Californian Woodpeckers,
Lewis' is a shy and wary bird, not easily destroyed. In passing from
one part of the forest to another, it prefers, apparently through cautious-
ness, to pass high over the tops of the trees rather than to thread its
way through their mazes. It generally alights high up, and procures
its food at the same elevation. I do not remember to have ever seen
one descend among bushes, still less to the ground, as Flickers are wont
to do, in search of ants and other insects. At most times they are rather
silent birds for this family, but during the mating season, which always
callsout whatever vocal powers birds possess, their harsh notes resound
through the forest with startling distinctness. I have never identified
one of their nests, but there is no question of their breeding in the sum-
mits of the pines, generally a projecting top blasted by lightning or de-
cayed in natural process. In July the young may be seen scrambling
in troops about the tree tops, before they are grown strong enough to
fly ; and a curious sight they are. Having seen more of them together
than were at all likely to have been hatched iii the same nest, I have uo
doubt that different families join each other as soon as the young are on
wing, haunting favorable resorts. The association of Californian Wood-
l)eckers and '• Sapsuckers" with these more aristocratic birds seems
partly a matter of sufterance, partly of necessity, for the smaller and
more agile birds can scramble out of the way when, as often happens,
Lewis' makes hostile demonstrations.

In Colorado, according to Mr. Trii)pe, " Lewis' Woodpecker is com-
mon among the foot-hills, extending up to 7,000 feet, and occasionally
to 8,000. It is rarely seen within the limits of Clear Creek County, but
IS common lower down. It is a common visitor, arriving a little later
than the Red -headed Woodpecker."

COLAPTES AURATUS, (Linn.) Sw.
Golden-winged Woodpecker; Flicker.

ChcuIus aiiratus, Linn., Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i, 1758, 112.

Picas aitratus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17(i6, 174. — Ft)i{ST., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.—
YiEiLi.., Ois. Am. vSept. ii, 1S07, ()6, pi. 123.— WiLS., Am. Oru. i, 1808, 45, pi. 3,
f. 1.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 44.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, .5(;i.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1832,
191; V, 1839,' 540; p]. 37; Syii. 1839, 184; B.Am, iv, 1842, 282, pi. 273.— SuND;,
Coiisp. Av. Pic. 1866, 71.— Timppe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 118 (Miuuesota).

Colaptes anratuH, Sw., Zool. .Tourii. iii. 1827, 353. — Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831. 314. —
Bp., List, 1838, 40; Consp. i, 18.50. 113.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 91 (ludiau
Territory) —Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 118.— Maxim., .J. f. O. 1858, 420.— Reinh., Ibis,
iii, 1861, 8 (Greeulaud; (juotcs Mo.sciilei!, J. t'. 0. 1856, 335). — Dkess., lbs, 1865,
470 (Texas). — Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 156. — Allen, ]SIem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 499

COLAPTES AURATUS, GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 293

(Iowa).— Dall & Bank., Tr. Cliic. Acad. 1869, 275 (Yukou River, Alaska).—
Fowler, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 422 (biography).— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873, 3.— Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180 (East Kansas).— Hakt., Man. Brit. Birds, 1872, 123
(England).— CouES., Key, 1872, 197, fig. 132.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 575,
pj. 55, f. 1. 2; and of most authors.
Geopicua duratus, Malii., Mon. Pic. ii, 255, pi. 109, figs. 5, 6, 7.

The following synonyms refer to specimens intermediate in varying degree between
auratus and mexicatius :

Colaptes ayresH, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 348, pi. 494 (Fort Union, Upper Missouri River;

mostly auratiifi, but with red moustaches). (Not of Heeum., P. R. R. Rep. x,

18.59, pt. vi, 59, Califoruia, which is C. chrysoides.)
Colaptes lujhridus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 122 (excl. syn. Gcopicus clirysoidcs, Malu ; gives

ail the stages).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 156.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr. 1870,

463.— SNcnv, B. Kans. 1873, 3.
Pkus aurato-mexicaiuis, Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 72.

Hab.— 'Eastern North America, to the slopes and foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains,
where in many localities it becomes mixed with C. mexicainis. Alaska {Dull). Gree|jlaud
(Eeiuhardt). Accidental in Europe (Amesbury Park, Wilts, England, one instance;
"Marsh, Zool. 1859, p. 6327"; Hart., Brit. Biids, 1872, 123). Breeds throughout its
ranire ; resident from the Middle States southward.

List of specimens from the Warren Expedition. — A, true auratus : 4620, Fort Leaven-
worth ; 4619, Upper Missouri ; 5221, Fort Lookout; 8868, tifty miles above mouth of
Platte River ; 8866-67, Fremont, Platte River ; 8861-62, 8864-65, Loup Fork.— B, aurato-
mexicanus : 5214, Fort Pierre ; 5225, near Fort Pierre ; 5220, 5222-23, Squaw Butte Creek ;
5215, Powder River; 5211, 5216, Fort Uniou ; .5224, White Earth River; 5212-13, 5217-19,
Yellowstone River: 8863, Loup Fork ; 8869, fifty miles above mouth of Platte. Of the
foregoing specimens, not tyi^ical auratus, Nos. .5211-13 have red or orange predomina-
ting on the shafts, and are nearer mexicanus than auratus ; the remainder are yellow-
shafted, and nearer auratus.

Laier expeditions.— m-dbl-Q (Wyoming); 60800, North Platte; 61093, Green River (all
"lujh-idus").

Dr. Hayden's numerous examples are principally those that enabled Prof. Baird to
elucidate one of the most remarkable cases in American ornithology — the perfect inter-
gradation of two such distinct species as auratus and mexicanus. This author adopted,
without qualification, the hypothesis of hybridization, remarking, in proposing the
name the hyhridus : " By the above name I intend to cover a remarkable series of
Woodpeckers, from the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone, combining the characteristics
of Colaptes auratus and mexicanus, in })roportions varying with ahiiost each individual,
and leading irresistably to the conclusion that they are the descendants of originals of
the species mentioned above, mixed up by interbreeding of successive generations, to
a degree unparalleled in the annals of ornithology." He traces the successive steps of
departure from the typical ai!r((tus into mexicanus, and forcibly illustrates the grada-
tions with a comparative ta1)nlation of the varying characters. The first deviation
is the appearance of red feathers in the black maxillary patches;* these increase till
they prevail, finally to the exclusion of the black, resulting in the wholly red patch of
the mexicanus. With this occurs the diminution and final extinction of the scarlet
nuchal crescent, where coiucidently we find the characteristic golden-yellow ou the
wing and tail passing through an intermediate orange into the red of mexicanus, a
change accompanied with another affecting the i)eculiar lilac-brown of the throat and
olive-brown of the back, which become respectively nieiged into ashen and purplish-
giay.

If there ever were a case of hybridization to an unlimited extent, resulting in fertile
offspring, that again and again interbred, this would apj)ear to be one ; and it has been
so accepted by the majority of ornithologists without hesitation. But we may well
pause before committing ourselves to au liypothesis of hybridization ou such au im-
mense scale. In tbe light of late researches ui)on the <iuesti()U of climatic variation
according to inflexible and inl'allilile laws, most of the lesser instances of supposed
hybridity have seemed less weighty. Tlie i)i('sent may be considered a test case — the
strongest argument of those wlio maintain hybridity.

A slight circumstance may give a clue to tlie case, and lead up lo impartial consid-
erations. As stated in the " Key" (p. 198), I am informed by Mr. AlUu that Floridaii
exanqtles of C. auratus sometimes show red touches in the black nnixillary patches.

* These black patches are supposed to be entirely wanting in the female. But Mr.
W. D. Scott says (Pr. Best. Soc. Oct. 1872): "An iu'imature female (sex noted by care-
ful dissection) had a dark cheek-patch, differing only IVoni tbat of the mature male in
having giay fcatlieis mixed witli the black. In an adult female the outlines of the
cheek-patch can be plainly seen."

294 COLAPTES MEXICANUS, RED-SHAFTED WOODPECKER.

Mr. J. H. Batty tells me of a Neio Jerseif speciraeu, got a few years since, with mixed
red and black check patches. As C. mexironus never occurs in these regions, hybridity
is there impossible ; and the fiict is demonstrated that C. aiirdtiifi may tliiis tend toward
the characters mcxicanufi by its own inherent susceptibility to change under climatic
inflneuces. The important bearing of this fact cannot easily be over-estinvited ; the
circumstance is, in my judgment, strongly against the theory of hybridization.

So far as I am aware, the assumed case of C. ^'hiihridits" was first called seriously
into que.stion by Mr. Allen. Tliis writer says (p. IIS): " Few congeneric species, it
would seem, need be more distinct than Colaptes aniatv^ and C. mexiccuiufi, the one
occupying the eastern and the other the western side of the continent. Yet a mixed
race has been long known to exist in the region where their habitats adjoin, in wliich
every possible combination of the characters of the two birds is presented, and which
shade off gradually on the one side into C. anratns, and on the other into C. mcxicavun ;
these, as it were, engrafted characters not entirely fading out in either direction for a
distance of several hundred miles ; while to the southwestward is a smaller synthetic
race (C chrymicle^) partaking mainly of the characters o C. anraliis. When but com-
paratively few instances were known, in which specimens combined in various degrees
the characters of two (piite distinct species, their synthetic character was generally
explained by the theory of hybridity ; but the irrefragibility of the evidence now at
hand in proof of the gradual intergradation of such forms over large areas — the
transition being so gradual as to occupy hundreds of miles in the passage — and also
coincident with a similarly gradual change in tlie conditions of environment, together
with the demonstrable evidence of the power of clin^.atic inlluence, seems to fuinish a
far more satisfactory explanation of these perplexing phenomena. But an advocate of
the theory of hybridity might still assume that this gradual transition over a wide
area is no objection to the theory, since the gradual fading out of the impression of
contact in either direction from the line of junction of the respective habitats of two
forms is just the result that would be anticipated from such a sexual intermingling of
the forms in question. But the real objection to the theory— granting tlie possiltility of
hybridization on such a gigantic scale, wliich seems really improbable — is, that widely
dilx'erent forms occur also at ditfercnt points in latitude, between which each successive
stage of gradual differentiation can be readily traced, where hybridity can scarcely be
suiTposed to account for the gradual change. Furthermore, a dilferentiation is now
known in so many cases that it amounts to the demonstration of climatic variation as
a general law, by means of which a species may be safely predicted to take on a givea
character under certain specific climatic conditions. If the theory of hybridity be urged
to account for the intergradation of forms occurring at localities differently situated in
respect to latitude, as has been sometimes done, it evidently fiiUs under the weight ic
has to suxiport: and yet there seems to be little better evidence in its behalf in cases
where the intergrading forms happen to be differently situated in respect to longitude."

For my own part, 1 am stronglj' inclined to endorse this view, though I do not d; ny
that there is much to be said against it. No weak argument, indeed, is eomjirehended
in the statement, that if C. aurufiis and mcxlcauus are not " good species," then there are
none such in ornithology. But I would reply, as I did on a former occasion, that it is
only in virtue of missing links that we are enabled to predicate species in any case. If
all the steps in a line of descent with modification were before our eyes, we could no
more draw specific, or generic, or ordinal lines of distinction, than we could say where
a circle begins. This particular case of Colaptes seems to be exactly parallel with that
of Splu/rapiciis rariufi and ruber — it is merely pushed to a further extreme, and appeals
ii' stronger light, because of the greater amount of differentiation sulYt>red. Such being
my view, I may be justly accused of inconsistency in not formally reducing (). mexkaiius
to C. (iiiratus var. mexicanitu ; and I would say, that such an action may yet be deemed
advisable, or even prove necessary. But our uomenclature is merely a matter of cou-
venieuce, of little more siguificance than the index of a book; thi^ present case is
uni(iue in some respects; and, especially, the hypothesis of hybridity is not yet actually
disproveu.

In Nortbern Dakota, beyond tbe Missouri water-sbed, tlie true C.
aiiratus occurs, witbout the sbjj;btest admixture of mexicanus, at least
four hundred miles west of the Ked River — mucli further west than tbe
])()int on tbe Missouri region where tbe gradation eominenees, '■^hiihridus"
liaving been noted even from Kansas, and being tbe prevailing Missouri
form.

COLAPTES MEXICANUS, Sw.
Red-shafted AVoodpecker ; Mexican Flicker.

Picus cafer, G.M., Syst. Nat. i, ll^A, 4:?!.— L.vTii., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 242 (supposed to be
from Cape of Good Hope).

COLAPTES MEXICANUS, RED-SHAFTED WOODPECKER. 295

Picas laihami, Wagl., Svst. A v. 1827, ririts No 85 (same as P. cafcr).

C'olantes mericanus, Sw., Syn. Mcx. B. in Phil. Mag. i, 1827,440; F. H. A. u, 1831, 315.—
SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 305 (Oaxaca).— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 91.— Maxim.,
J. f. O. vi, 18r.8, 421.— Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 120.— Kexn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1.-59, pt.
iv, 22.— Heeum., ihid. pt. vi, 59.- Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18o0, 163.—
Lord. Pr. Rov. Arty. Inst, iv, 112 (British Coluuibia).— Dije.s8., Ibis, 1865, 470
(Texas).— Col-ES, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1866, 56.— Dale & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad,
i, 1869, 275 (Sitka).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869,562 (Vera Cruz).— Coop.,
B. Cal. i, 18;0, 408.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Mekk., ibid. 1872,
69.5.— Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872,207.—
Coues, Key, 1872, 198.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874,
578, pi. 55, f. 3, 4 ; and of most late authors.

Picus mexicaniis. Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 174, pi. 416; Syu. 1839, 185; B. Am. iv, 1842,
•295. pi. 274.— SuND., Mon. Pic. 1868, 72.

Picuii (Colaples) mfjcicaDUS, Nutt., Man. Orn. ii, 1834, 603,

Geopkits rnexicaiiiis. Malil, Mou. Pic. ii, 262, pi. 110, f. 4, 5.

Picas nibricatas, "Light., Mns. Berol."- Wage., Isis 1829, 516.

Colaptcs nibricatas. Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 109; List, 1838,40, Consp. i, 18.50, 114 (uot of
Ghay & MiTOM., Gen. of B. pi. HI, which is C. mcxicuuoidcs, Lafr, ; uor Geo-
j)icas ruhricatus of Malil, Mon. P,c. ii, 265, pi. 110, f. 1, 2, wLich is also mexi-
catioidcs, Laei:.).

Colajries colla)is,YiG., Zoo\. Journ, iv, 1820, 384; Zoo', Beechey's Voy. 1839,23, pi. 9
(uot of Bp., Consp, i, 18.50, 114, which is mexicaaoides).

Colapfes mexicanoides,\YooDn., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 91 (not of Lafk.),

J^ab. -Eastern slopes aud foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains, to the Pacific, North
to Sitka. South into Mexico. Ea^t to Kansas.

Late Ex!n'ditions.—59S47-A8, Soda Springs, Colorado; 54304, 50358, 60797-99, 62258,
Wyoming ; 62259, Idaho.

As will have been gathered from tbe precediug article, the greater
l)art of the Missouri region is occui)ied either by the true C. auratus or
by the mixed form, the ty[)ical mexivanus being chiefly confined to the
western border, aiuong the head-waters of the Missouri and its greater
tributaries. 1 did not observe it north of the INIissouri water-shed. Dr.
Hayden says that he found it most abundant about the Bad Lands aud
the sources of the Missouri. Prof. Baird, however, in 1858, quoted
individuals from the Bepublican Fork of the Kansas River, and Prof.
Snow speaks of a flock which remained about the timber, near Lawrence,
ibr two or three weeks in December. The northernmost record I have
seen is Mr. Dall's; he si)eaks of its being taken at Sitka by Bischoff.
The true auratus is found in Alaska, north of the main range of mount-
ains. In the llocky Mountains the bird becomes fitirly established,
mostly freed from admixture with auratus, and occurs tlien(;e, in all
suitable regions, to the Pacilic coast. I found it as common in some
parts of New Mexico and Arizona as the Flicker is in the East, the
habits of the two being identical in all essential resi)ects. In Cohn-ado,
says "Sir. Trippe, the si)ecies is common and migratory. '• It breeds
from the plains up to timber-line. The Bed-shatted Flicker appears
near Idaho Springs about the middle of April, and soon becomes rather
common. It is never a very abundant bird, but is to be seen, more or
less ire(]uently, throughout the mountains, having very much the same
habits as the/ <lolden-winged Woodpecker. It is shy and dillicult of
ai»i)roa<;li. In ()ctol)er and November it di.sap])ears,

''Mrs. .Alaxwell, of Boulder, inlbrnus me that a Yellow-v.inged Flicker
has appeared in the groves that fringe the streams near that town,
within the last lew year.s, and is gratbudly becoming more abundant.
From lu'r de.scri[)tions I should sui)posc it to be C.auratusj but probably
it is some form of C. hi/bridus.^^

296 CONURUS CAROLINENSIS, CAROLINA PARROQUET.

Family ARIDJ5 : Parroquets.

CONURUS CAROLINENSIS, (Limi.) Kubl.
CiU'olina Piirroquet.

Psittacus caroUnensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 141 (Gates., i, 11 ; Biuss., iv, 350). —
WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 89, pi. 26, f. 1.— Bp., Sj-n. 1828, 41.— Nuxr., Muu. i,
1832, 545.— AiTi)., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 135, pi. 26.

Conurus caroJinensis, " KuiiL, Nov. Act. Acad. Ores. Leop.-Car. 1830." — Bp., List, 1838, 38 ;
Consp. i, 1850, p. 1. — Woodii., Sitgr. Rep. 18.53, 89 (Texas and Indian Terri-
tory.—Maxim., J. f. 0. V, 1857, 97.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 67.— Hayd., Rep. 1862,
154 (Missouri River below Platte).— CoUES, Pr. Bost. .Soc. 1868, 119 (8!)utli
Carolina, formerly). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc, i, 1868, 525 (Indiana, formerly). —
TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 41 (at rare intervals).— Allen, Bu 1. M. C. Z ii, 1871,
308 (Florida, still abundant); iii, 1872, 130 (Kansas, formerly). -Tiuppe, Pr.
Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 233 (Iowa). — Sxow, B. Ivans. 1873, 2 (Kansas, now occa-
sional).—Coues, Key, 1872, 199, tig. 133.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. li, 1874, 587, pi.
56, f. 1, 2. — FiNSCii, Die Papageien, i, 1867, 475.

" Centitrns" (err.) caroHuenfiis, Au»., Syn. 1839, 189; B. Am. iv, 1842,306, pi, 278.

Fsittacns ludovicianus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 347.

Conurus ludovicianus, Gkay, Cat. B. M. Fsit. 1859, 36 (North America).

Psittacus luteicapillns, ViEiix., Eucj'. Metb. p. 1402.

Psittacus thalassinus, Vieill., Eucy. Metb. 1377.

Sab. — Southernmost Atlantic and Gulf Srates; up the Mississippi Valley to Mis-
souri ; up the Missouri River to the Platte.

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — Nos. 4606-18, B-ild Island, Missouri River, Nebraska.

According to Gray (Hand-list, ii, 147, No. 8113), tbe Conurus caroJinensis of Kubl is
not this but a Brazilian species, C. chrjisotjenys of autbois, jterb^ips refeiable to the P.
a;ru(]lnosuH of LinnsBiis; and be quotes '^ perlinax p. Finsch " as synonymous.

Among tbe more interesting ornithological results of Dr. Hayd n's investigations
may be mentioned bis discovery that this species is abundant at a higher point than
usually recognized — "along the thickly-wooded bottoms as far up tbe Missonri as Fort
Leavenworth, possibly as high as tbe mouth of tbe Platte, bat uever seen above that
point." Dr. Woodhouse, in 1853, recorded it as ([uite numerous in the timber-lands of
tbe large streams of tbe Indian Territory and Eastern Tex;is. I never Ibund it along
the Mis ouri, or anywhere in Kansas, and neither did Mr. Allen, who merely mentions,
on tbe authority of Dr. C. A. Logan, tbat it ^svas formerly coumiou in Eastern Kansas,
but had not recently been observed. Prof. Snow, however, remarking upon its former
abundance in the woods of Eastern Kansas, states that it is still seen in thinly-settled
districts. In Iowa, according to Mr. Trip^ie, the Parrot still occnrs. "A resident of
Decatur County told me that he had several times seen a flock of Parrots in tbe south-
ern part of the county, on a tall, dead cottonwood-tree, known to tbe neighboring
people as tbe ' parrot-tree,' from its having been frequented at intervals hy the same
flock for several years."

A comparison of the earlier with the more recent accounts of the general distribu-
tion of the Carolina Parroquet, shows that it has been steadily contracting year by
year. About a century ago, we are informed by Prof. Bartou, writing in 1790, a flock
apiieared in January in the neighborhood of All)any, New York, and excited great con-
sternation, being regarded as of ev'l portent. We have various records of occurrences
in Pennsylvania, so that, even in 1869, Prof. Tnrnbull allowed it to bold a place in his
list of casnals. I retained it in my South Carolina list, with tbe remark tliat it seemed
hardly entitled to remain there, although it was abundant in tbat State not many
years siuce. Audubon (1832) has an interesting paragraph upon this subject:

"Our Parrakeets are very rapidly dinunisbing in numljcr, and in some districts,
where twenty-five years ago they were plentiful, scarcely any are now to be seen. At
that period they could be procured as far up the tributary waters of the Ohio as the
Great Kanawha, the Scioto, the heads of Miami, the month of the Manimee at its Junc-
tion with Lake Erie, on tbe Illinois River, and sometimes as far northeast as Lake
Ontario, and along the Eastern districts as far as the boundary-line betwei^n Virginia
and Maryland. At the present day very few are to be ibund higher than Cincinnati,
nor is it until you reach the mouth of tbe Ohio that Parrakeets are met with in con-
siderable numbers. I should think that along the Mississippi there is not now half the
uumVter that existed iifteen years ago."

In 1838, Dr. J. P. Kirtland stated, tbat "tbe Parrakeets do not usually extend tbeir
visits north of the Scioto, tbougli I am informed, perhaps on doubtful authority, tbat
thirty years since flocks of tluun were seiiu on tire Ohio at the moutli of Big Braver,
thirty miles below Pittsburgh." Mr. J. M. Wheatou admits it iu his Ohio list, but with

CONURUS CAROLINENSIS, CAROLINA PARROQUET 297

the remark, on a subsequent page, that it is not probable they extend their migrations
into the State at the present time. Althongh not given in Allen's Illinois list, they
still exist in the southern part of that State, or did within ten or tiiteen years. For
their occurrence in Indiana he quotes the authority of Dr. Raymond, who stat-s, in
1856, that they were formerly very numerous along White Water River, but had not
been seen for several years.

Among the causes of this retrocession — perhaps the principal cause — is their perse-
cution and destruction, jiartly for the damage they do in grain-fields, partly in pure
wantonness. They may be readily killed by any pot hunter or idler, merciless ad-
vantage being taken, to slaughter them by scores, of the heedless distraction and con-
cern they show when any of their number are brought down. Mr. Alleu's paragraph
may well be here reproduced. In speaking of their abundance iu Florida, he says:
'' Hundreds are captured every winter on the Lower St. Johns, by professional bird-
catchers, and sent to northern cities. Thousands of others are destroyed wantonly by
sportsmen. Concerning this needless slaughter, Mr. Boardman thus writes : ' The little
Parrakeet nmst soon be exterminated. Some of our Enterprise party would sometimes
shoot forty or fifty at a few discharges, for sport, as they hover about when any are
shot until the whole flock is destroyed.' From its habit of feeding upon the tender
maize in autumn, it is somewhat injurious to the farmer, and for this cause, also, many
are killed. It is also more or less hunted as a game-bird. It is well known that the
Parrokeet formerly inhabited large portions of the United States where it is now never
seen, and the cause of its disappearance has been deemed a mystery. Such facts as
these, however, seem to render clear what its ultimate fate must be in the United
States — extermination."

The egg of the Parroquet is nearly equal at both ends, of rather rough texture, and
measures about 1.40 by 1.05. The color is white; but the only specimen before me
shows much yellowish discoloration, like that on the eggs of many geese and ducks.

RAPTORES:

ORDER Iliir iUiiljO. BIRDS OF PREY:

Family STRIGID^E : Owls.

STRIX FLAM ME A var. AMERICANA, (Aud.) Schl.

American Barn Owl.

a. fiammea.

Sirix ahico, Bitiss., Orn. i, 503

Temm., Man. i, 1815, 52.— Lkach, Cat. 1816, 11.— Bkkiim, V. D. i, 106.— Vieill.,
Fu. Fraiif. 46, pi. 22, tig. 1. — Roux, Orn. Prov. i, 81, pis 54, 55.— Brescii., Ann.
Sc. Nat. 2d ser. v, pi. i, pi. 2 (anat.)— Lk.s;.., Man. i, 114; Tr. 112.— Cuv., R. A,
2(1 etl. i, 342.— Nai;.m., V. D. 1822, i, 483, pi. 47, lig. 2.— Macg., Hist. Br. B. iii,
473; Rap. Br. B. 343.— Jard., Br. B. i, 253, pi. 27.— Tiiomps., B. Irel. i, 92.—
Morris, Br. B. 205, pi. 21>.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. (i.— Bp., List, 1838, 7.— Keys. &.
Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 31.— SciiL., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 15.— Gray, Gen. ofB. i,
1844, 41.— Baill., Orn. Sav. i, lfi8. — Werr efe Berth., H. N. Canar. Orn. 8.—
Mull., J. f. O. ii, 398. — Bolle, ibid. 447.— Degl., Orn. Ear, i, 137.— Strickl.,
Orn. Syn. 1855, 178. — Gray, Cat. Br. B. 18')3, 28 ; and of authors generally.

Strix flummca var. Jlamitica, RiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 11.

JIhco /lainniciis, Fleming. Brit. Anini. 57.

Strix (ilha, Scop., Ann. i, 21, No. 14.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 293.— Lath., Ind. Orn. 1,
1790, 61.— Daui)., Tr. Orn. ii, 200.- Shaw, G. Z. vii, 247.

Strix qnitaia, BRp:n]M, Vog. Deutschl. i, 106, pi. 7, fig. 3.

rij/niin; Buff., P. E. 440.— Lkvaill., Ois. Afr. i, 164.

White or Barn Old of Authors.

b. javanica.

Strix flummca, Pears., .Tourn. A. S. B. x, 630. — Blyth, ibid, xiv, 186; Ann. N. H. xii, 93

Strix Jiamntca xav. javanica, Ridgw. — B. B & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 13.

Sirix jura>iica, Gm.. ISvst. Nat. i, 1788, 295. — Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 64.— Daud., Tr.

Orn. ii, ^.02.— Horse., Linn. Trans, xiil, 139; Isis, 1825, 1055.— Sykes, P. Z. S.

ii,8l; Journ. A. S. B. iii,420.— Less., Man. i, 109. — Jekd., Madras Journ.x, 85.—

Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 55.— Gray, Gen. of B. pi. 15; List B. Brit. Mus. 109.—

Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 180.

c. delicatula.

Strix flammea, VxG., Liun. Trans, xv, 190. — Less., Isis, 1832, 112.

Strix flammca var. delicatula, Ridgw.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 13.

Strix delicatula, Gould, P. Z. S. iv, 140; Syn. B. Aust. iii, pi. 50, lig. 1; Intr. B. Aust.

23; B. Aust. i, pi. 31.— Biath, J. A. S. B. xvii, :;46.— Gray; List B. Brit. Mus.

109.— Kaup, Men. Siricj. Cont. Orn. 1852, 119.— Bp., Cuusp. Av. i, 1850, 54.

d. americana.

Strix flammca, Wils., Ara. Orn. vi. 1812, 57, t)1. 50. fig. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 38; Isis, 1832,
1140.— NuTT., i, 1832, lo'9.-AuD., Oni. Biog. ii, 1834.403; v, 388; pi. 171.—
ViG., Znol. Beechey's Yov. 16; Zool. Joiirn. iii, 438. — Gray, Li.st B. Brit. ^'us.
1844, 54.

Uhtla flammca, Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 264.

Strix americana, Aud., Svn. 1839, 25. — AuD., B. Am. i, 1840, 127, pi. 34. — Brew., ed.
Wils. 687.— DeKay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. 1844, 31 ; pi. 13, fig. 28. (Not of Gvielin.)

Strix flammca americana, SciiL., Mus. Pays-B:is, 1^62, Stri(]ex, p 4.

Strix flammea var. americana, CoUES, Key, 1872, 201, fig. 134.

Strix pralineola, Bp., List, 1838, 7 ; Consp. i, 1850, .55.— Cass., 111. 1854, 116. — Brew., N.
A. O. i, (i2, pi. 4, fig. 38.— Ni-.WR., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 76.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
47.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 390 (Oaxaca)— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 34.—

STRIX FLAMMEA VAR. AMERICANA, BARN OWL. 299

Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 18G0, No. 20.— Dijess., Ibi.s, 1865, 330 (Texas).—
CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. ISGG, 49 (Aiizoua).— Lawk., Add. Lye. N. Y viii, 186G,
281 (New York, rare).— DiiKSS., Ibis, 1862, 49 (Texas).— CouES., Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
1868, 312 (Massacliusetts).— COUE.S, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, 119(S()ntla Caroliua).—
Bkyant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1867, 6 >.— Allex, Am. Nat. iii, 570 (Spriugtield, Mass. ;
Sacheiii's Head, Conn. ; Stratford, Conn.) ; iOid. 646 (Lynn, Mass.).— Turns., B. E.
Pa. 1869, 8.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870. 415.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1871, 27 (North
Carolina). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 2.

Strtt flammea var. pmiiiicola, RiD(;w.— B. B. &. R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 13.

Shix perlata, (•' Light."), Kaup, Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 247.

e. furcata.

Sfrix flammea ex IvsiiUs An fill.

iStrix prathicola, Gos.se, B. Jam. 1847, 23.

Sirix Jnnala, Temjj., PI. Color. 432 (Cuba).— D'Orb., La Sagra's Cnba,0i8. 34.

Slrix flammea var. furcata, Ridgw.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 12.

f. (juatemaJcp.
' Strix flMmmea var. guaiemaJw, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii. 1874, 11.

g. perlata.

Strix flammea, Dahw.. Zool. Voy. Beap:. 34.— Scitomb., Guiana, 732. — Spix, Av. Bras, i, 21.

Strix Jiammca var. perlata, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 12.

Strix perlata. Light., Verz. 1823, 59. — Maxim., Beit, iii, 363 (excl. syn.) — Hahtl., Ind.

Azara, 3. — T.sciiudi, Wiegm. Arch. 1844, 267.— Bridges, P. Z. S. xi, 110; Ann.

Nat. Hist, xiii, 500.— Kaup, Mon. Sirirj. Cout. Oru. 1852, 119.— Stuigkl., Orn.

Syn. 1855, 180 (excl. syn. furcata^ Temm.).

Hub. — The Strix flammea type of Owl is found in r.early all warm and temperate
parts of the globe. Var. flammea: Europe, Africa. Yar. javaiiica: parts of Asia,
Java, &c. Var. delicaiula: Australia, &e. Var. amcricaiia : North America and
Mexico; not beyond the United States; rather southerly; rarely north to New En-
g and and the Columbia. Var. //n(Y;.V( .• West Indits (Cuba, Jamaica). Vai. f/tiate-
vialw : Central America. Var. pirUitr.. : South America generally.

The foregoing appear to be iin(]uestionably geographical races of a .single species,
slightly modified, by climate and (;ther circumstances, in size, form, or coloring, line
not sufficiently impressed to be permaneutlv separable. In a uumberof other* ft'shoots
of this same Strix stock the modification has progressed further, and I>ecome sulhoitntly
profound for th'^ characterization of "species.'" Instances in ]ioint are the following:
S puxgt.\tissima. Gray (Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii, 34, pi. 4), troni the Galapagoes; S. Can-
dida, of Tickell (J. A. S. B. ii, .572=. S'. louijimonhrix. Jerd., Madras .Journ. x, 86), fnuii
Southern Asia; S. capexsis. Smith (111. S.Afr. Zool. 9; Miill., J. f. O. ii. 398). of South
Aliica, where *S'. flammea is also found ; another form, S. I'oio.Nsis, Eraser, P. Z. S. 18-i2,
189, is described from Fernando Po; S. xov.E-noLi,.\XDi.E, Steph. (Shaw's Gen. Z.)ol.
xui, pt. ii. 61 = S. personata, Vig., P. Z. S. i, 50; Gould, B. Aust. i, \\. 29 = 6'. eijclojhs,
Gould, P. Z. S. iv, 140 = Dacti/lo.strix perwtiata, Kaup, Jlon. Strig. Cont. Oru. 1852, 119),
of Australia; S. Castaxops, Gould (P. Z. S. iv, 140; B. Aust. ]A. 2f^ = Dactijloxtrix ea-s-
taiiopH, Kaup, l. c), of Tasmania-; S. tenei!i;icos.\, Gould (P. Z. S. 18^5, 80; B. Aust. i,
pi. '.W := Alef/atitrix teiiel)ricof<a, Kaup, ()\). Cit. 120), of Australia. The hist three are
especially well marked, and lia\c l)een placed, as above noted, in different subgenera.
A still more distinct form, though most nearly related to Strix proper, is the PiiODlLUS
BADius of Southern Asia, Java, Sumatra, &c. Its synonymy is given below.*

The Aiuericau Barn Owl is an abnudttnt bird on both sides of the
contiiieiit, .soiitli of a certain Ijttitnde. UidiUe many of its reltitives^
warmly clothed and of a hardy nature, withstanding great cold, it ap-
])(Mrs of ratlier delicate and sensitiv(» organization. In the Mis.souri
legion it has oidy occurred, to my knowledge, in Kansas, where it
bleeds, though it is rarely Ibund, according to Prof. Snow. 1 ascer-

* Strix badia, House., Zool. Res. 1821, pi. 37; Linn. Trans, xiii, 139; Isis, 1825, 098,

1055.— Te.mm., pi. Col. 318.— Less., Man. i, 114; Tr. Orn. 112.— Guv., R. A. \id

ed. i, 342.— Sw. Cla.ss. B. ii, 216.
Jther.e badia, IIoDG.s. — Gkay, Zool. Mi.se. 82.
ritodilus hadiiix, Geoee.. Ann. Se. Nat. xx\i, 1830. 201.— Bi.v rii, .1. A. S. B. n. s. xix. 513.—

Gi!.\Y. tJeii. of 1). i, 1HJ4, 111. 15, fig. 1 ; List B. Bit. Miis. 110. — Bp., ('onsp. Av.

i. 1?,jO, 55.— Stiuckl., Orn. Syu. 18;j5, 183. — Kacp, Mou. otri(j. Cont. Oru.

1852,^118.

300 BUBO VIRGINIANUS, GREAT HORNED OWL

tained its occurrence in Arizona; once, wading' through a reedy lagoon
at midday, I disturbed a Barn Owl, which rose silently and llai)i)ed
along till I brought it down. It is a common bird in Caliiornia — appar-
ently the most abundant species of its family in the southern part of
the State; and, according to Dr. Cooper, it extends its range to the
Columbia, in lat. 40°. Ur. jS^ewberry observed an interesting modihca-
tion of its habits by circumstances, which cause it to inhabit holes in
the peri)endicular cliffs bordering the shore of San Pablo Bay. Tiie
same fact has been noted by Mr. Dall, in the case of Brachijotus pahudrlfi^
in the Aleutian Islands ; so that our Burrowing Owl is not the only
species that lives in holes in the grourd. In the Atlantic States, the
Barn Owl is not abundant north of the Carolinas; J found it on the
coast of North Carolina, in the salt marshes. It occurs, however, regu-
larly, if rarely, in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Dr.
TurnbuU observes : " Not rare, and more frequent in spving and autumn.
Its nest is generally found in a hollow tree, near marshy meadows." Its
occurrence in New England must be regarded as exceptional, and it has
not been observed in that section further north than Massachusetts.
In 1843 (Am. Journ. xliv, 253), Rev. J. H. Linsley reported the capture
of a specimen at Stratford Conn. According to Mr. Allen, as al)ove
quoted, Dr. Wood took one at Sachem's Head, Connecti(;ut, October 28,
1865. The first specimen known from Massachusetts was procured near
Spriugtield, in May, 1800, as stated in my paper above quoted ; another
was shot near Lynn, in the same State, in 1803, as recorded by Mr. Allen.
This completes the New England quotations to date.

The egg of this species is colorless, and measures about 1| in length
by 1^ in greatest breadth. Little or no preparation is made for the re-
ception of the eggs, which are simply dropped on the debris — often the
bones and the remains of the birds' food — in the cavities or recesses to
which the birds resort to breed. The eggs are said to vary from three
to six in number.

BUBO VIRGINIANUS, (Gm.) Bp.
Great Horned Owl.

a. virginianus.

Strix virgiriiarms, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 287. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 52 (Biuss., i,
484; Eagle Owl, Arct. Zool. ii, 228; Virgiuian Eaic-d Owl, Edw., 60; Gen.
Syu. i, 119).— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 210, pi. 13.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, pi. 30.— Temm.,
TaLl. Meth. p. 7.— WiLS., Am. Oiu. vi, 1812, 52, pi. 50, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 37;
Isis, 1832. 1139.— Rich. & Svv., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 82 (Snbg. Biibo).—NvTT., Man.
i, 1832, 124.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 313 ; v, 393 ; pi. 61.— UeKav, N. Y. Zool.
1844, pi. 10, lig. 22.— Peab., Rep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 87.— Thoju'S., N. H. Vt. 65.

Buho virgimaiitis, Bv., List, 1838. 6 ; Consp. i, 1850, 48.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 29 ; B. Am. i,
1840, 143. pi. 39.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 27.— Ivaup, Monog. Coiit. Orn. 1852, IIG;

• Tr. Z. S. iv, 18.59, 241.— Cass., 111. 18.54, 177.— Buinv., N. A. 0. 18.57, 64.— Maxim.,

.J. f. O. vi, 1858, 23.— Bd., B. N. A. 1P58, 49.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.59, 390(Oaxaca).—
ScL. &. Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 276 (Guatemala).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Ori-
zaba).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 154.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861,
320.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 111.— Diiess., Ibis, 18G5. 330
(Texas).— CoiiES, Pr." Phila. Acad. 1866, 49 (Arizona).— Lawh., Ann. Lye. N. Y.
ix, 132 (Costa Rica).— Dael & P.axn., Tr. Chic. Acad. i. 1869, 272 (Alaska).—
SCE. & Saev., p. Z. S. 1869, 155 (Peru).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 116 (Veragua).—
Coop.. B. Cal. i, 1870, 418.— Finscu.. Abli. Nat. iii, 1872, 26 (Alaska).— Coues,
Key, 1872, 202, f. 135.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 62 ; and of authors.

Buho viryinianHii allanlicits, Cass., 111. 1854, 178.

Ottis virfjinianKn, Sti;ph., Shn w's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 57.

Ultda virfjiniaiin, Jam., ed. Wils. i, 100.

(?) Strix maximuti, Baktk., Trav. Fla. 1790, 285 (" capite aurito, corpora niveo ").

BUBO VIRGINIANUS, GREAT HORNED OWL.

301

SMx pyfhanles, Bartr., Trav. Fla. 1790, 289.
Bilbo lucloL-icianiis, Daui>., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800,210.
Bubo pinicola, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1809, 51.

b. pacijicus.

Bubo virginiaims var. padiicus, Cass., 111. 1854, 178. — CouES, Key, 1872. 202. — B. B. &
R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 61, 65.

c. arcfieus.

Sti-ix (Bubo) arcticus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 86, pi. 30.

Eellaptex arcticus, Sw., Classif. B. i, 328 ; ii, 217.

Bubo virginianus var. arcticus, Cass., 111. 1854, 178. — Blak., Ibia, iii, 1861, 320. — CoUES,

Key, 1872, 202.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 60, 64.
Bubo sub-arcticus, Hoy, Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 211 (Wisconsin). — Cass., 111. 1854, 117.

d. magellanicus.

Strix magellanicus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 788, 286 (Hibou des terres Magellan iques, P. E. 385). —

Dacd., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 210.— Less., Voy. Coquille, i, 617 ; Isis, 1833, 76.
Bubo magellanicus, Gray, List B. Br. Mns., 1844, 46.

Bubo virginianus var. magellanicus, Cass., 111. 1S54, 178. — B. B. »fe R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 61.
Strix bubo var. (5., Lath.," Ind. Orn. 1790, 52 (Magellanic Eared Owl, Gen. Syn. i, 118).
Strix nacurutu, Vieill., N. D. d'Hist. Nat. vii, 44 ; Enc. iii, 1281 (Nacurutu, Azara, i, 192.
Bubo crassirostris, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. 19.
Bubo macrorhynchus, Temm., Pi. Color. 62.

Eab. — The Western Hemisphere. Common and generally distributed in wooded
regions in the United States. V.ar. magellanicus in South America.

List of specimens.

19126
19127
19128

179
202
183

Powder River.
Deer Creek . . .
Powder River.

9

Oct. 5, 18.59
Nov. 21, 1859
Oct. 1. 1859

G. H. Trook.

....do

....do

23.00
19.50
21.00

56.70
49.00
52.00

17.00
14.00 ,
15.00 i

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5180-81, Fort Union, Dakota.

I divide the synonymy of this species in the conventional method, without feeling ,
in any considerable degree impressed with the necessity of so doing, but rather believ- '
ing that, with the exception of the alpine and boreal var. arcticus, the races are
variously inter-related, and not satisfactorily co-ordinated with geographical distribu-
tion. This appears to be Mr. Cassin'.s later view ; for after establishing the racts in
1854, he subsequently remarked : " These varieties are evidently not to be recognized
as at all strictly geographical, nor so much so as intimated in our notice of them
alluded to above." I have not myself critically examined the Soutii American bird,
which appears to average daiker ; but Dr. Schlegel states that some specimens arc like
North American ones in every respect. Var. pacijicus would also api)ear to be a dark
form, but it is not confined to the coast whence the name is derived, nor are all the
b'.rds of that region alike, some being entirely indistinguishable from the ordinary
Atlantic styles. In the " Key," I adopted the variety entirely at the instance of Mr.
Ridgway, who has made our raptorial birds a special study, and followed him in pre-
senting it as a dark, littoral form, " extending from Oregon northward, coastwise, to
Labrador," although I confess that I do not quite comiirehend this i)ecnliar alleged
distribution. Var. arcticus is the most easily recognized, being very pale-colored. tVe-
(|Uci)tly (piite whitish, and not distantly resembling the Snowy Owl. This peculiarity
of coloring seems to mark, in varying degree, alpine specimens, even so far south as
New Mexico.

Tlio Great Horned Owl occurs in suitable localities tliroujjbout the
Missouri regjion, as elsewhere in Nortli America. It is by no means
rare, and, con.spicuons in its size, falls uiuler frequent observation. It
occurs chiefly in wooded regions, where the various animals it preys
upon find shelter, and where it is itself in a measure concealed from view.
It is not mi<,aatory. In temperate latitudes, the ej;gs are laid in winter;
and even in the fur countries, according to Sir John Richardson, the
young are hatched in .March. It breeds indifferently, according to cir-
cuiustauces, in hoUow trees, or even in the crevices of rorks ; in such
cases the eggs are simply dej)oslted on some grass or feathers. But,
perhaps oftener, a large, bulky, rude nest, of sticks aud twigs, lined with

502 BUBO VIRGINIANUS, GREAT HORNED OWL.

grass and feathers, is placed among the branches of a tree, generally at
a great height. The eggs are colorless, snbspherical, measuring about
2\ inches in length by li, or a little less in breadth. They are said to
range from three to six in a clutch. The only instance ot breeding of
which I have become per-soually aware was at Pembina, Dakota, where,
early in June, I found two young birds in the tiuiber-belt along the
river. Both parents were observed, perched on the tree-tops, near the
nest, ami Hying boldly, apparenty not in the least incommoded by the
ligiit of day. That they could see perfectlj" well, was evidenced by the
(jjire they took to keep at a distance. The young, two in number, were
found on a prostrate log; where the nest was I had no idea — perhaps it
was in the hollow of a large blasted tree that overshadowed the log.
The young were entirely unfledged ; the downy covering was entirely
v.'hite. On approach, they resented the liberty in the usual manner,
clicking the bill, hissing, and throwing themselves into an upright pos-
ture. They could scarcely stand, however, and were easily secured. I
took them with me, and they were amusing pets for a whole summer,
<luiing which time they traveled with me several hundred miles. They
got their feathers in due season, and became very finely plumaged by
the fall. The first plumage, after the down disappeared, was of a much
more uniformly fulvous cast than that ensuing when the dark gray
mottling, and distinctive white of the under parts, was assumed. The
birds ate freely from the first — in fact were voracious, grew rapidly, and
became more tame than any other birds of prey I have ever kept. They
would suffer themselves to be handled without impatience, and would
occasionally fly up on my shoulder. Early in their lives they had two
different notes, one of hunger or loneliness, a querulous explosive sylla-
ble, and the other a harsh cry of anger, or remonstrance, when rudely
handled, or too nearly a[)proached by an unfamiliar object. They did
not begin to hoot until they were about four months old, and then only
while at liberty during the night. For ihey became so thoroughly tame,
that, as their wings grew, enabling them to take short flights, I used to
release them in the evening from the tether by which they were usually
confined. They enjoyed the liberty, and eventually used to stay away
all night, doubtless foraging for themselves for their natural prey, and
returning to their shelter behind my tent in the morning.

These Owls were most active during the night; yet it would be a
great mistake to suppose their vision is much restricted in the daytime,
notwithstanding that they belong to a group of Owls commonly regarded
as nocturnal. They passed most of the day, indeed, crouching in the
shadow of the tent, and it was only toward sundown that they became
active, flying the length of their tether in the attempt to reach the
ridge of the tent ; yet their vision was acute at all hours. I often saw
them look up and follow with their eyes the motions of a grasshopper
or butterfly, flickering several yards up in the air. On one occasion, in
particular, I saw them both gazing steadfastly, and on looking up to see
what had attracted their attention, I was m.Nself bUnded by the glare,
for the direction was exactly in the sun's eye. But a few moments
afterward 1 discovered a pair of white Cranes, fioating in circles half a
mile high. The Owl's eyes endured a glare that my own could not, and
the birds certainly saw the objects, for they slowly moved the head as
the Cranes passed over. The best of the supposed performances of an
Eagle soaring in the sun's eye, could not excel this. Nor was the innei'
eyelid drawn over the ball to shade it. 1 had abundnnt evidence, on
this and nunierous other occasions, that the movements of the bird's
iris are entirely under the control of the will, instead, as commonly

SCOPS ASIO, SCKEECH OWL. 303

supposed, of being automatic, depending upon tbe stimulus of ligbt. I
frequently saw tbem instantaneously contract or relax the quivering-
iris in accommodating their vision to different objects, or different dis-
tances ; and moreover, they could move tbe two irides independently
of each other. For they often looked at objects with one eye only, tbe
other being sleepily half-closed ; and on such occasions the pupils were
generally of different sizes. They varied in diameter from that of a small
split-pea, to that of a finger-ring ; in tbe latter condition the iris was a
mere margin, about a tenth of an inch in diameter. In tbe night-time,
I always found tbe pupil largely if not fully dilated ; at every stage of
contraction it remained perfectly circular.

SCOPS ASIO, (Linn.) Bp.

Red Owl; Mottled Owl; Screech Owl.

a. asio.

Strix asio, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176G, 13*2 {Nociua aiirifa minor, Catf.s., i, 7; Acio scops
caroliiieiisis,'^ B\uss., i, 497).— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788,287. — Lath., Iiul. Oru. i,
1790, 54.— Daud., Tr. Oni. ii, 1800,^216.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 229.— Wils.,
Am. Oru. v, 1812, 8:?, pi. 42, f. 1.— Bi'., Syn. 1828, 36; Isis, 1832, 1139.— Aid.,
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 486; v, 1839, 392; pi. 97.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832; 120.— Brew.,
cd. Wils. 687.

Scops asio. Bp., Comp. List, 1838. 6 ; Consp. i, 1S50, 45.— Less., Tr. Oru. 107.— Kaup,
Mon. Sfrif/. Cout. Oru. 1852, 112.— Cass., 111. 1854, 179.— Strickl., Oru. Svn.
1855, 199.— Brew., N. A. Oi'll. 1857, 65.— Bn., B. N. A. 1858, 51.— Coop. & Suck.,
N. H. \Yniih. Ter. 1860, 155?— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 420.— Mayn., Nat. Guide.
1870, 131.— COUES, Key, 1872, 202, fig. 136— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 49 ;
and of most authors.

Buho asio, Vieill., Oif. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 53, pi. 21.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 29 ; B. Am. i, 1840,
147, pi. 40.— DeKav, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 12, (igs. 25, 26.— GiR., B. L. I. 1814,
28.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 23.

Hihnu asio, Temm., Planch. Color. No. 80.

Ofiis OHIO, Stepii., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii. 57.

Ephkiltcs asio. Gray, Gen. of B. — Wooim., Sitgr. Rep. 18,53, 62.

atrix wa-LvV/,, GM.,Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 289.— Lath., Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 55.— Daud., Tr. Oru. ii,
1800, 217.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 230.— Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1812, 16, pi. 19, f. 1.

Asio na'ria, Less., Man. Oru. i, 117.

Otus udvius, Cuv., R. A. i, 2d ed. 341.

Siiniiii na;via, .Jam., ed. Wils. i, 96, 99.

Bilbo sirialiiK, Vieii.l., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, .54, pi. 21.

" Ephialtcs ocreata, Licht., Mus. Berol."

b. Iceunicottii.

Scops l-ciuiirottii, Elliot, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867,69 : B. Am.]), xxvii, pi. 1 1.— DaLL & BaNN.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, IS(ii), 273.— ]5d., ihid. 311, pi. 27 (Sitka).— Fixscn, Abh. Nat.
iii, 1872, 28 (Alaska).

Scojjs asio var. kriniicottii, Coues, Key, 1872, 203.— B. B. & K., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 53.

c. maccaUii.

Ephialtcs clinliha, L.vWR., Ann. Lvc. N. V. vi, 1853, 4 (not of Vieill.).

Scops maccaUii, Cass., 111. 1854, 180 — Strkkl., Orn. Svn. 1855, 200.— Brew., N. A. Ool.
1857, 66.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 52, pi. 39; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 18.59, pt. ii. Birds. 4,
pi. 1.— Dre.ss., Ibis, 1865, 3:50 (Texas). {Xot Scops Irichopsix, Wagl., Isis, 1832,
276: See ScL. «S: Sala., P. Z. 1868, .57. »)

Scoj)8 asio var. maccaUii, Coues, Key, 1872, 203.— B. B. &, R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 52.

d. JioHdanHn.

(.f) Scops asio. Car., .T. f. O. iii, 465 (Cuba).

l^cops asio var. ftoridanus, Ridgw. — B. B. *& R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 51.

"Mr. Kidgway has ealli'd my attention to the fact, that .*>. Iriihopsis of Wagler, to
which maiiaUil is referred by .*>clatei- and Salviu, as Mli"Vf (|iioted, is u perfect ly dis-
tinct species, as, on examinatiou of tyi»ieal specimens, 1 liml it to be.

304 OTUS VULGARIS VAR. WILSONIANUS

e. enano.

(?) Scops maccaim, Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 2m (Oaxaca).— Sci.., Ibis, 1859, 220 (Guatemala).
Scojhs asio var. enano, Lawk., MSS.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 48.

Hab. — North America at large. Var. Icennicottii is the large, daik, northern form, from
Alaska, &c. Var. maccalUi is a small, pale, southern form, fi-om the south-western bor-
der and southward. Var. floridanus, from Georgia, Florida (and Cuba ?). Var. enano,
from Mexico and Guatemala.*

This little Owl does not appear to have been noticed by either of the
Expeditions, as we find uo specimens in the collection. It inhabits,
however, the wooded tracts of the Missouri region, and is abundant in
some parts, as in Kansas.

Without going into the history of the long controversy respecting the
"Red" and "Mottled" Owls — which would involve scores of quota-
tions t — it will be sufficient to state, that not only are these two birds
identical, as indeed has been admitted by most observers since Wilson,
but that, moreover, the i^lumages are purely fortuitous, and character-
istic of neither sex, age, nor season. The same rufesceut phase occurs
in other species of Owls — notably, among ours, in the little Glaucidium
ferrugineum, which I recently introduced to our fauna (Key, 200) — and
is apparently analogous to the melanotic condition of many Hawks.

OTUS VULGARIS var. WILSONIANUS, (Less.) Allen.
American Long-earedOwl.

a. vulgaris.

Strix oUis, Linn., Syst. .Nat. i, 1766, 132 ; aud of early authors generally.

Bubo otns, Savig., Descr. Egypte, i, 109.

Asia otus, Less., Man. Oru. i, 116.

Ulida otus, Macgil., Rap. B. Br. 403.

JSpolius otus, Keys & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 32.

" Otus solonicnsis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 203" (Gray).

" Otus ulbicollis et italicus, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 213" (Strickland).

Otus sijlvestris, arboreus et gracilis, Bkehm, V. D. i, 121, 122, 123.

Otus vul(jnris, Flem., Brit. An. 56 ; and of many authors.

Otus curopa;us, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 57.

Otus communis. Less., Tr. Oru. 1831, llo.

Otus aurita, Mont., Oru. Diet. ed. Rennie, 262.

Otiis asio, Leach, Syst. Cat. 1816, 11.

b. wilsonianus.

(?) strix americana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 288.

Otus americatius, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 7 ; Consp. i, 18.')0, 50.— Kaup, Men. Stng. Cont.

Orn. 18.52, 113 ; Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 233.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 25.— Allen,

Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 51.
Strix percgrinator Bartr., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 289.
Asio per egrinator, Strickl., Oru. Syn. 1855, 207.
Strix otus, WiLS., vi, 1812, 73, pi. ol, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 37.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 130.—

Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1835, 573, pi. 83.— Pear., Rep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 68.
Strix (Asio) otus, S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 72.
Vhila otus, Jam., ed. Wils. i, 104.

* Another small species of Sco^is, occurring over our southern border, is the following :
Scops flammeola, Liclit.

Scops flammeola, Licht., Nomen. Mus. Berol. 7.— Kaup, Monog. Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 226.—

SCHL., M. P.-B. Oti, p. 27.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 96.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868,

57 ; Exot. Orn. vi, 1868, 99, pi. 50.— Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 28.— Coop., B. Cal. i,

1870, 422.— Coues, Key, 1872, 203.— B. B. & R., N. A. B, iii, 1874, 58.

It was found breeding at Fort Crook, California, by the lato Captain John Feilner,

United States Army.

t Those who wish to examine the subject may refer to the following among other
articles : Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 357.— Michner, ibid, vii, 1834, .53.— Hoy, Pr.
Phila. Acad, vi, 1853, 306; aud Trans. Wise. Agric. Soc. ii (1852), 1853, 344.— Cabot,
Journ. Bost, Soc. ii, 1838, 126.— Allen, Am. Nat. ii, 1S68, 327 ; Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 338.

OTUS VULGARIS VAR. WILSONIANUS. 305

Ohw u-ilsonianus, Less., Ti^. Orn. i, 1831, 110.— Cass., 111. 1854, 181.— Brew., N. A. Ool.

1B.57. 67.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 53.— Hayd.. Rep. 1862, 153.— Coor. & Suck., N.

H. Wash. Ter. 1H60, 155.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18(30, 50 (Arizona).— Coop., B.

Cal. i, 1870,426.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— :itERR.,U. S. Geo!. Suiv.Ter. 1872, 695.
Otus vuk'ari'i, Jard., ed. Wils. ii,278.— AuD., Syn. 1639, 28; B. Am. i, 1840, 136. pi. 37.—

GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 25.
Otus vulgaris americanus, Schl., Mas. Pays-Bas, 1862, Oti, p. 2.
Otus vulgaris var. icilsonianus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, ISO.— CouES, Key, 1872,

204.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 18.

Hah. — Europe, &c. Var. wilsoniaints. Temperate North America, at large.

List of specimens.

19130
19131
19330

290
174

Willow Springs.
Powder River..
Popoagie Creek.

April 7, 1860 F.V.Haydeu.
Oct. 1, 1859 I G. H. Trook..
do

14.50
14.00
13.00

36.00
37.00
35.00

11.50
12.50
11.00

1

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4536, 4538, White River ; 4537, Fort Pierre.
Later Exjjcditions. — 61760, Devil's Creek, Idaho.

I quote the principal synonyms of the Old World form, without, however, additional
references. In the uncertainty at present attending the determination of several
names of American forms, I only quote those of special pertinence here.

This species is of not uncommon occurrence in the northwest, as in suitable places
elsewhere throughout temperate North America.

"This species is quite common in Ea.stern Pennsylvania tbroiighout
the year. It is more retiring in its nature than yycUde acadlca. The
latter prefers an orchard, in close proximity to man ; while the former,
aci'ording: to the writer's experience, evinces by its actions a partiality
for deep forests of evergreens, where the hum and stir of busy farm-life
is nearly unknown. The nests are usually constructed of rnde sticks,
sometimes of boughs with the leaves adherent thereto, externally, and
generally, but not always, lined with the feathers of birds. Tbe same
nest is made use of for several successive years. The female begins to
lay early in April, and sometimes produces two broods in a season.
The eggs are never more than four in number; sometimes as low as two
have been observed. It is stated, by both Audubon and Wilson, that
the nests of other birds, when of sufficient size, are generally used in
which to rear its young. Although it has not been my fortune to know
of such a case by personal experience?, yet I cannot doubt the observa-
tions of these learned authorities. One of the best authenticated cases
is that related by Wilson, where one of these Owls had taken possess-
ion, forcibly, as I am led to infer, of the nest of the Qua-bird (Night
Heron), and was actually setting. The common Crow occasionally
builds in similar situations in this latitude, and there is a possibility
that its abandoned nests are sometimes appr<)i)riated, but this is mere
presumi)tion. Within three quarters of a mile of Chestnut Hill (ui)per
part of (jermantown), existed an immense forest of pines, within a com-
paratively recent period, which was the great place of rendezvous of
the Long-eared Owl, during the dreary winter months, and where, in
the spriug-tiuie, the females dei)Osited their eggs in rude and unsightl\
nests of their own construction. Tlie numbers that thronged this
thicket <)f pines was i)rodigious, so there were very few of the trees, if
any, that had not sup[iorted one or niore nests. The many fragnients
of the bones of mammals and bnd.s, and the other remains of the same
that laid iji i>iles niton the ground, bore testimony to the wholesale
destruction of lite that was carried on. Within the last two years, during
which time many of the trees have yielded to the woodman's axe, the
number that visit the wood is small in comparison. The birds have
nu>stly gone to moir congi'uial localities, and but a few remain of ,dl
that mighty host," — {iicntry.)
20

306 BRACHYOTUS PALUSTRIS, SHORT-EARED OWL.

BRACHYOTUS PALUSTlilS, (Bechst.) Gould.
Shoi't-earcd Owl.

(a. general references.)

" Strix noctiia major, Biuss., Oin. i, 511."' (Tliis is one of the bases of Strix iihila, L., ITfio.)
^' yoclita minor, G.M., A'ov. Coiiini. Petroj). xv, 447, pi. 12."

" SirixatriilnUi, , Nov. Act. Rn'^. Ac. 8ii«c. 17d;->, 47." (Striclhunl.)

" Strix arctiva, Si'ahhm., Mus. C.uls. pi. 51. — Daud., Tr. Oi ii. ii, 197."

Strix hruchyotns, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 28y.— Lath., Iiul. Oni. i, 179a, 55.— Daud., Tr.

Oni. ii, 1800, 21().— Bechst., Naturg. ii, 909.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 2'23.—

Tkmm., Man. i,H9 ; iii, 51 ; Tubl. Meth. 7.— Mey., Tasch. i, 73.— Fjusch., V. D.

pi. 98.— ViEiLL., Fn. Franf. 43, pi. 20, f. 3,— Roux, Orn. Prov. i, 75, pi. 49.—

Bahx., Orn. Sav. i, 177.— Bkew., Br. B. 2d ed. i, 58, CO.— Yahh., Br. B. i, 121.—

Penx., Br. Z. i, 1812,2(50, pi. 32.— Selys-Longch., Fu. Belg. 59.— Mouu., Br. B.

173, pi. 23.
Otus hradnjotiis, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 549.— Steph., G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 57.— HODG., J. A.

S.' B. 1837, 3G9.— Jenyns, Man. 92.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 459, pi. 45.— Eyt.,

Cat. Br. B. 6.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 14.- Gray, Geu. of B. i, 1844, 40.— Rupp., Syst.

Uebers. 12.— Civ., R. A. ed. 2, i, 341.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 111.— .Jahd., Br. B.

i, 285.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217.— Bp., Cat. Ucc. Enr. 1842, 23 — Selby, 111.

Br. B. i, 88. — Fi.em., Br. An. 50. — jMont., Orn. Diet. ed. Rennie, 241. — Thomps.,

B. Irel. i, 88.— Watt., B. Irel. 24.— Peale, U. S. Exp. Ex. 75.— Kaup, Mou. StrUj.

Contr. Orn. 1852, 114 ; Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 236.— HuDS., P. Z. S. 1870, 799.— Cass.,

Cat. Strig. Acad. Pliila. 1849, 11.
Asio hrnchjioius, Macgil., Brit. B. iii, 461. — Strickl., Oru. Syu. 1855, 209.
Uhda Irachijotiifi, Macgil., Rapac. B. Br. 412.
JEfioVutH hrachj/otiis, Keys &, Blas., Wirb. Enr. 1840, 32.
Strix avcipitriini, Pall., Itiu. i, 455. — Gm., Sib. Reise, ii, 163 — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,295.—

Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 185.
" Strix uliila, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 294 {iiec Llnx.)".— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 60.—

Daud., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 196.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 270.
Asio nlnla, Less., Man. i, 116.
Otiis idiila, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 328.
'' Strix 2)ns>ii'rina var. B., Lath., Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 66."
Strix pahistris, Bechst.. V. D. ii, 344. — Siemss., Hand-bncb, 35. — Lath., Ind. Oru. Suppl.

13.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 227.— Mey., Zool. Aun. i, 332.
Otus jjalustris, Gould, Zool. Vov. Beagle, pt. iii, p. 33.— Brehm, V. D. i, 123.— Bridges,

P. Z. S. ix, 110; Ann. Nat. Hist, xiii, 500.
Bracliyotus pahiisiris, Gould, B. Eur. pi. 40. — Bp., List, 1838,7.
Braclifi tuN 2)ahiiilris cnropwiif!, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 51.
Strix iri2)e)iHis, Schrank, Fn. Boica, 112.
Strix l)r<ich!iura, 'NiLSS., Fu. Snec. i, 62.
Slrix rrt.sp;«, Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 272.
Strix m/olius. Pall., Zoog. R. A. i, 309.
Otus microccphalus, Leach, Syst. Cat. 1816, 11.
Otus agrarius, Brehm, V. D. i, 124.

(b. American references.)

Strix brachiiotus, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 384.— WiLS., Am. Oru. iv, 1812, 64, pi.
3.;', f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 37.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 132.— Ald., Orn. Biog. v,
1839, 273, pl. 432.— Thomps., N. H. Vermont, 66.— Pear., Rep. Oru. Mass. 89.

Strix hrachifota, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 75.

Otus 1>ra<liiioliis, AuD., Svn. 1839, 28; B. Am. i, 1840, pl. 38.— .Tard., ed. Wils. ii, 63.—
GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 26.— Cass., 111. 1854, 182.— Reixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Green-
laud).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 340.— Scu & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 143.—
Pelz., Orn. Bias, i, 10.— HuDS., P. Z. S. 1870, 799.

Otus {nrarhiiotiis) brucltyotus, B. B. & R., N. A- B. iii, 1874, 22.

Dhda brachyotus, Jam., ed. Wils. i, 106. — Philipi-i, Cat. (Chili).

Otus bracliyotits americanus, JIAXL^L, .1. f. O. vi, 1858, 27.

Otus patuHtris, DkKav, N. Y. Zool. ii, 28, pl. 12, f. 27.

Bruclnjotns palnMris, Bp., List, lKi8, 7.— Coi'ES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 27 : Key, 1872, 204.

Brachyotus paliislris unuricunus, Bp., Consii. i 1830, 51.

Brachyotus cassiui. Brew., I'r. Bost. Soc. 1856, — .—Brew., N. Am. 061. 1857, 68. — Car.,
J. f. O. iii, 465 (Cuba).- Gunul., Rep. 1865, 225 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
54. — Newb., p. R. R. Rei). vi, 1857, 76.— Heerjl, ibid, x, 1859, pt. vi, 34.— Scl.,
P. Z. S. 1859, 390 (Oaxaca).— Coop. &. Suck., N. H. Wash. Tcr. 1860, l.-)5.—
Hayd., Rep. 1862, 154.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 330.— Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866,

SYRNIUM CINEREUM, GREAT GRAY OWL. 307

50.— SCL. & .Salv., p. Z. S. 1868, 143 (I]nenos Ayres).— Dat.l & Bann., Tr. Chic.
Acad. i. 1869, 273.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 428.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter.
1870, 462.— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873, 2.— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Aleutian
Islands).

c. galapagoensis.

Brachyoliis fjalapfigooisin, Goi'ld, P. Z. S. 1837, 10.

Otus (jalapaqomsls, Dauw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 32, pi. 3. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 51. —

Gray, Geu. of B. ; List B. Brit. Mas. 108.
Asto galapafjoensis, Stkickl., Orn. Syu. 1855, 211.

Ilab. — Europe. Asia. Greenland. America. Wqst Indies. Var. galapagoensis from
the Galapagos.

Lieutenant Warrcn^s Expeditio)i. — 4634, Grindstone Creek; 4539, ^Yhite River.
Later Expeditions. — 00633, Sweetwater, Wyoming.

The specific uame of this species is highly appropriate, such is its
preference for low, moist, and even swaujpy or niarshy resorts. The
^ greater part of the Missouri region being not particnlarly adapted to
' its wants, it is not so common or so generally ditfnsed in this part of
the country as in some other portions. I procured one specimen at
Fort Kandall, in the winter of 1872-73. It is, however, one of the few
species not confined to woods, but occurring in open [)rairie, sometimes
many miles from timbered land. It nests on the ground, laying its eggs
either in a bare depression, or upon a few sticks, or feathers, or a little
grass. The eggs, usually four or five in number, are dull white, less
nearly spherical than usual in this family, and measure about au inch
and a half in length by one and a fourth in breadth. But its nesting
varies with circnmstances. Mr. Dall recently found it breeding in bur-
rows, on the island of Oonalashka; "the hole is horizontal, and the
inner end usually a little higher than the aperture; lined with dry grass
and feathers." The burrows were not over two feet deep, usually
excavated in the side of a stee}) bank.

Being so generally diffused in this country, it is not a little surprising
that Dr. Brewer should have been led to say, in 1857, there was no
authentic case of its occurrence, south of Pennsylvania, in the United
States. It is decidedly the comn)onest Owl about Washington, D. C,
especially in winter. I frequently observed it in the salt-marshes of the
North Carolina coast at various seasons, and Mr. Allen records it as
quite common in the marshes of Florida. On one occasion I observed a
gathering of twenty or thirty individuals on the ('olorado Eiver, below
Fort Mojave; others have noted similar instances of its sociable dis-
position. The birds wrre sitting (piite closely together in the rank
herbage bordering the river; some Happed hurriedly off as the steam-
boat came abreast of them, while others stood to their perches as we
])ass('d. In Calilbrnia, Di-. Cooper observes that lie has not seen it
soulh ol the 8anta (Mara Valley. It occurs in the West Indies, and the
South American form is conspecilic. I am unable to a[)[)reciate any con-
stant or tangible differences between the European an(l American bird,
although the latter may average slightly larger, and a shade darker.

SYKNIUM CINEinOUM, (Gm.) Aud.
tireat tlray Owl.

a. cinrrcum.

Sirix cinerca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i. 1788, 291.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790. 58 (ba.sed on Sooty
Owl, Arct. Zool. ii, 232, No. 120: Cinereous Owl. Syn. Siippl. 45).— Vikii.l.,
Nonv. Diet, d'llist. Nat. vii, 23 ; Eiie. Melh. iii, 12:^9; Ois. Am. Sept. i, 48.—
Bp., Am. Oni. pi. 23; Ann. Lye. N. Y. ii, 436; Inis, ls32, 1140.— Nltt., Man. i,

308 SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM, BARRED OWL.

1832, 128.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 77, pi. 31.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838,
3G4, pi. 3.-)l.— TvzKX.. R. Z. 1«.51, .571.

Scotiaptex cinerca, >Sw., L'hissif. B. ii, 1837, '217.

Uliila cinerea, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, .53 (in i);iri ).

Syrnium cinereum, Bi'., List, 1838, 6. — Aud., Svn. 1839, 26; B. Am. i, 130, pi. 35. — Buiow.,
ed. Wils. 1840, ()87.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 26, pi. 13, f. 29.— Abbott, Pr. Bost.
Soc. i, pp. 57, 99 (Massachusetts). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 204 (Massachu-
setts).— Cass., 111. 184.— Stkicki.., Orn. Syn. 1855, 188.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep.
vi, 1857, 77 (Sacramento Valley, C'al., and Oregon).- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 56. —
Kaup, Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 2.56.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 1 A).—
Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 25.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 18.;2, 123
(Maine, rare). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 81 (Massachusetts). — Vehr.,
ibid, iii, 1862, 144 (Maine, rare).— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 260 (New Euglaiul). —
McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 82 (Canada West, in winter, rare). — Tuknb., B. E. Pa.
1869, 40 ("se\'eral times found in New Jersey.")- — Dall & BANN.,Tr. Chic.
Acad, i, 1869, 273 (Alaska). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 130 (Massachusetts). — Hatch,
Bull. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 52 (Minnesota, common). — Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y.
X, 1874, 379 (Illinois).

Sijr))ium (Scotiaptex) cinereum, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 30.

Syrnium lapponicum var. cinereum, Ridgw., upml Coues, Key, 1872, 204 ; but cinereum
(1788) has priority over lapponicnm (1800).

" Strix acdamator, Bart., Trav. 1790, 285" (more likely S. nehulosum).

" Strixfnligiuosa, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 244."

b. lapponicum.

Strix lapponica, Retz., Fn. Suec. 1800, 79, No. 30. — Sparrm., Mus. Carls. — NiLSS., Orn.

Suec. i, 58. — Meyer, Taschenb. iii, 20.— Temm., Man. Orn. pt. i, 81; pt. iii,

44.— Wern., Atl. Ois. Eur. pi.— Tyzex., R. Z. 1851, 576.
Ulula lappomca, Less., Man. Orn. i, 113; Tr. Orn. 108. — Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 342.
Surnia lapponica, Gould, B. Enr. pi. 42.
Syrnium lapponicum, Strickl , Orn. Syn. 1855, 188.
Strix barbatu, Pall., Zool. R. A. i, 318, pi. 2.
Strix microplithalma, Tyzen.
Syrnium microplitlialmum, Gray.

Syrnium cinereum, Bp. List, 1838, 6 ; Cat. Ucc. Eur. 23.
Ulula cinerea, Bp., Consi). Av. i, 1850, 53.

Hab. — Northern North America, south in winter to Massachusetts (to New Jersey,
Turnbnll), Illinois {Eidyway), aud California. Var. lapjjonicum from corresponding lat-
itudes in the Old World.

AUlioagh this species was not noticed by the Expeditions, it is intro-
duced as one undoubtedly occurring in the Missouri region iu winter.
Dr. Cooper states that it is " common" iu the dense spruce forests of
the Columbia, and probably resident in that latitude. According- to
Dr. Newberry, j)roofs of its occurrence even to the Sacramento Valley
have been obtained. It is given in Mr. Wheaton's Ohio list, and has
frequently occurred iu New England as far south as Massachusetts.
Dr. Turnbuirs notice extends the record to New Jersey, Mr. Kidgway's
to Illinois. It is said by Dr. Hatch to be very common in Minnesota.

SYKNIUM NEBULOSUM, (Forst.) Boie.
Barred Owl.

a. nehulostmi.

Strix nebulosa, Forst., Tr. Philos. Soc. Ixii, 1772, 386, 424.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 291.—
Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, .58.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 191.— Shaw, G. Z. vii,
1809, 245 ; Misc. pi. 25.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. 17 ; Nouv. Diet, d'llist.
Nat. vii, 32; Enc. Metli. iii, 1292.— Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1812,61, pi. 33, f. 2.—
Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 57.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 38 ; Isis, 1832, 1140.— Sw. & Rich., F. B.
A. ii, 1831,81.— NuTT., Man. i,' 1832, 1.33.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i,lt32,242; v, 1839,
386 ; pi. 46.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 10, f. 21.

Syrnium ncbulosum, Boie. — Gray. Gen. of B. — Gould, B. Eur. pi. 46. — Aud., Syn. 1839,
27; B.Am. 1,1840,132, pi. 36. -WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 63.— Cass., 111. 1854,
184.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 72.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 56.— Kaup, Cont. Orn.

NYCTEA SCANDIACA, SNOWY OWL. 309

1852, 12 ; Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 256.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 28.— Drkss.. Ibis, 1865,
330 (Texas).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1.54.- -Allen. Mera. Bost. Soc. i, 1868,'499 (West-
ern Iowa); 506 (Illinois).— Coop., B. Cal. i,lb70, 431 (but never fouud iu Cali-
fornia).—Allkn, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,340 (Florida).— TRippE,Pr. Ess. Inst,
vi, 1871,114 (Minnesota). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873,2 (Kansas, common). — Coues,
Key, 1872, 204, tio;. 137.

Ulula nehidom, Steph., G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 60.— Cuv., R. A. 2d. ed. i,.342.— Jame.s., ed.
Wils. i, 107; iv, 280.— Less., Man. i, 113; Tr. 108.— Bp., List, 1838,7 ; Consp.
Av. i, 1850, 53.— ScHL., Mus. Pays-Bas, StrUjes, 1862, p. 11.

SMx chichietU, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788,29(3.

(?) Strix acdamator, Bartr., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 289.

Strix variiis, Bart., Frag. N. H. Pa. 1799, 11.

Strix fernandica, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 263.

b. sartorii.

Syrnium nebulosum var. sartorii, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 29 (Mirador).

c. fulvescens.

Syrnium fulve.scen8,SAi.v., P. Z. S. 1868, 58 (Guatemala).

Syrnitim nebulosum var. fulvescens, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 29.

ITnh. — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. Chiefly United States. Var.
sartorii iu Mexico. Ym: fuhTScens iu Central America.
Lieutenant Warren's Expedilion. — No. 4607, Missouri River.

This specimen of Dr. Hayden's remains, as it was when taken, the
westernmost on record for the species. The Barred Owl is one of the
few which does not appear to be equally distributed, having never yet
been observed west of the Rocky Mountains, where it is to some extent
replaced by the allied but perfectly distinct 8. occidentale, discovered by
Mr. Xantus, at Fort Tejon, California, and subsequently observed in
Arizona, by Lieutenant Bendire, United States Army. It appears to
be somewhat a southerly bird, vei\v abundant in the woods of the South
Atlantic and Gnlf States; but, although common iu New England, is
rather sparingly represented in British America, the home of the Great
Gray Owl, ^'. cinereum. It breeds in March, laying five or six white
subspherical eggs in the hollow or among the branches of a tree, some-
times taking i)ossession of a deserted Hawk's or Crow's nest, sometimes
building for itself. The eggs measure about 2 inches in length by 1| in
breadth. Although Wilson states to the contrary, the sexes of this
bird are not appreciably different in size, nor otherwise distinguishable
by external characters. The average size appears to be 20 inches in
length, 47 in extent, the wing 13^, the tail 9.

TJje third and only other species of Si/rnlnm of Xorth America. S.
occidentale, will probably, in time, be found iu the Missouri region. Its
synonymy is given below.*

NYCTEA SCANDIACA, (Linn.) Newt.
(Jreat White or Snowy Owl.

Sii'ix capite aurito, corpore alhido, Linn., Fn. Suec. 174G, 16 ; ex liuho scandianus, Ri'DEB.,

Ic. ined. {fide Walukn).
Strix 8eandiam,\AST^., 8yst. Nat. i, 17(56, 132 {oy. priced.).— MxiMC, J. f. O. 1865, 396.
J\'ycl(a Kcundi(ira,KK\\T., 4th ed. Varr. lir. B. pt. iii. 1872, 1S7.— DiiKss., B. Eur. i)t. — .
Kyctia scuvdiuca var. iirctica, Iviixiw. — B. B. A R., N. A. 15. iii. IS74, 7(i.
Strir niba fnti-liudnoniH, Buis.s., Orn. i, I7t)(», 522.
Strix nyctea, l^i.NN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 132 (ex Aluco albiin dinruux.Euw., 61. — Bki.ss.. i,

522).— BkOnn.. Orn. Bor. 1764, 7.— Fohst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 38.">,— (;m..

Syst. Nut. i, 1788, 201.— Fauu., Fu. Groeu. No. 16.— Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790,

"" Syrnium occidentale, Xantus, Pr. Phihi. Acad. 18.59, 193. -Bd., B. N. A. 1860. pi. 66
(not iu ed. of 1858).— CouKs, Key, 1872, 204.— B. B. ^t K., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 38.

JIab. — Caliloruia (Fort Tejon, Xantus). Arizoua {Jiendirc).

310 NYCTEA SCANDIACA, SNOWY OWL.

57.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii. 1800, 188.— Bechst., Naturj;. ii, 925 ; V. D. ii, 350.—
Meyer, Ttisch. i, 75. — Vikii.l., Ois. Am. Sept. pi. 18; Fn. Fr. 48, ])]. 23, f. 2. —
Sn.\w, Gou. Zool. vii, 1809, 240.— Sab., Panv'.s 1st Voy. Suppl. 193.— Rich.,
I'anv's 2a Voy. App. 342.— Fall., Zoojj:. K. A. i, 1831, 312.— Wils., Aui. Orn.
iv, 1812, 53, ]il! 32, 1'. 1.— Br., Syn. 1828, 34 ; l.sis, 1832, 1139.— Temm., Man. pt.
i, ]>. 82 ; pt. iii, p. 45; Tabl. Moth. C— Nacm., V. D. 241, pi. 33, f. (JG; od. nov.
). 417, pi. 41.— Yakk., Br. B. i. 134.— Flem., Br. An. 58.— ScHiNZ, Imi. Helv. 56.—
Mont., Diet. (ed. Reuuie) 471.— Mohk., Br. B. i, 194, pi. 27.— W'EitN., Atl. Ois.
pi. 45.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A ii, 1831, 88.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 116.— Aui>.,
Orn. Biog. iv, 1834, 135 ; v, 1839, 382 ; pi. 121.— Thomps., Hist. Vt. 64.— Peab.,
Rep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 84.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 17.
JVbcf«a ni/e/m, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 332.— Boie, Lsls, 1822, 770.— Less., Man. i, 110; Tr.
lOL—BiiEHM, Isis, 1834, 240.— Bkehm, V. D. 103.— JE^•YNs, Man. Br. Vert.
23.— SCHE., M. P.-B. 1862, SirUjOi, 45.
Sip-nium inictca, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, pp. 59, 190.

Suriiia vyctea, Selby, 111. Br. Orn. i, 1833, 95, pi. 23.— Edmonst., Mem. Wern. Soc. iv,
157. — James., ed. Wils. i, 92. — Gould, B. Eur. pi. 43. — Jahd., Br. B. i, 303.—
Thomps., B. Irel. i, 95.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 6.— Keys & Blas., Wirb. Eur.
3:i._Aru., Syu. 1839, 21 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 113, pi. 28.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844,
pi. 9, f. 20.— Gii?.. B.L. I. 1844, 22.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 204.— Kaup,
Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 214.
Syrnia mictea, Macgil., Hist. Br. B. iii. 1840, 407 : Rep. B. Gr. Brit. 348— Thomps., Ann.

Nat. Hist, i, 241 ; iii, 107.— Jaud., ed. Wils. ii, 46.— Watt., B. Irel. 27.
Strix wapaciitku, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 291 {ex WaiHicuthu Owl, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii,
1785, 231, No. 119).— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 58 (Gen. Syu. Silppl. 49).— Daud.,
Tr. Orn.ii, 1800, 189.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 243.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 47.
Nyctea tvapamtJiu, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 63, No. 2.
Strix arciica, Bakt., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 289.

Strix nivea, Thunb., Sv. Ak. Handhing, 1798, 84.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 190(?a Chott-
dte hianche, LeVail., Ois. Air. i, 1799, 174, pi. 45).— Zawad., P'u. Wirb. 1840, 45.
Noctna nivea, Brehm, Isis, 1834, 246.

Nyctea nivea, Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1844, 34, pi. 12, f. 2 ; List, B. Br. Mus. 86; Cat. Geu.
8.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 18.50, 36.— Cass., III. 1854, 190.— Brehm, Vogelf. 1855, 35.—
Brew., N. Am. 061. 1857, 79.— Bd., B. N. A. ld.5.i, 63.— Kirkp., Oiiio Agric. Rep.
1858 _-^V heat., ibid. 1860, No. 28 (Ohio).— Coues & Frext., Smiths. Rep. 1861,
402, (Washington, D .C.).— Boardm., Fr. Bust. Soc. is, 1862, 123 (Calais, Me.,
probably breeding).— Verr., Fr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 144 (Norway, Me., iu wiu-
ter). — Allen, ihid. iv, 18(54, 52 and 97 (Massachusetts, Nov. to May 20). —
MclLWR., ihid. V, 1866, b2 (Hamilton, C. W., iu -winter). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868,
261 (New England, iu winter). — Dress., Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas).— Lawr.,
Aun. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 259.- Coues, Pr. Bo.st. Soc. xii, 1868, 120 (.South
Carolina).- TURNB., B. E. Fa. 1869, 9 (winter, rather rare)-— D-Vix & Baxx.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 273 (Alaska).— Dall, Pr. Phila. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Aleu-
tian Islands).- Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 447 (nevt-r found in California).- S.NOW,
B. Kaua. 1873, 2 (Kansas, rare in winter). — Coues, Key, 1872, 205, tig. 138.
Nyctea nivea europwa et aiiiericana, A. Brehm, Verz. Samml. C. L. Brehm, 1866, 2.
Strix bubo var. albus, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 210 (ex Lixx.).
Strix Candida, Lath., Ind. Orn. Suppl. 1801, p. xiv, No. 3 (ex LeVaiill.— J^jvm'jfe Otvly

Lath., Syu. Suppl. ii, 1802, 60, No. 7).
Nyctia Candida, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217.
Nyctea Candida, Brehm, Vogelf. 1855, 35.— Bp., List, 1838, 6.— Kaup, Men. Sirig. Cent.

Orn. 1852, 107.
Strix erminea, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 251.
Ni/ctea erminea, Steph., Geu. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 63, No. 1.
Harjantj, Buff., P. E. 458. •

Hah.— 'Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere, ranging irregularly south-
ward in winter. Iu North America, resident from the Canadas and probably from
Maine, norlhward. Regnlarly enters the Northern States iu winter, fre(|uently w;iu-
dering to the Middle States, casually to the Southern States, even to Texas (Drex^er).
Kansas (Snow). Kentucky and South Carolina (Audnhon). Bermuda (Jardine).

Although aijpareiitly iiniioticed by either Expedition, the Suowj
Owl visits the JMisfsouri region in winter, as it does the corresponding
latitudes of the Eastrru States. Its wanch'rings are more extensive
than those of either the Hawk Owl or the Great Gray Owl, as will be
seen by the above quotations, and are remarkable for a bird whose
whole aspect betokens a nature lifted to endure the utmost rigor of
climate. We have advices of its presence in winter in nearhj all the

SURXIA ULULA VAE. HUDSONIA, HAWK OWL. 311

States east of the Mississippi, aud in Kansas and Texas ; while the
silence of the records in the West may be in greatest part due to the
fact, that few explorations are conducted — even individual observations
being- restricted — during the inclement season, when its visits are made,
if at all. But I have learned, from several residents in the vicinity of
Fort Randall, of its occasional appearance on the Missouri at that ])oiut.
I find no United States quotations west of the Rocky Mountains ; for
although the species is admitted in Dr. Cooper's work, this author
admits " there is as yet no intimation of the occurrence in California of
this large Owl." In New England and a part of tlie Middle States, the
Snowy Owl is sometimes common in winter. Mr. Cassin remarks tbat
it is occasionally so numerous as to sell for a mere tritle in the Philadel-
phia markets. It does not, however, entirely withdraw from the arctic
regions even in winter, at which season Mr. Dall saw it flying over the
frozen Yukon. The j^robability is, tbat it is resident in the forests of
Maine. Mr. Boardman instances a pair seen in spring that probably
had a nest in the vicinity of Calais; and its capture in Massachusetts,
as late as the 20th of May, is recorded by Mr. Allen.

According to those who have studied the bu'd in its native regions,
it is not exclusively nocturnal, but hunts by day without inconvenience;
feeds on hare and grouse as well as smaller game, and is expert in fish-
ing ; nests on the ground, and lays three or four white eggs measuring
about U| inches in lengtli by 2 in breadth.

SURNIA ULULA var. HUDSOXIA, (Gm.) Cones.
American Hank Owl.

a. ulula.

Chouette a lotigiie r/iiene de Siberic, Ruff., P. E. 463; Ois. Sonu. iv, pi. 30, fig. 1.

C'hoiiette eperricrc, Buff., Ois. Scjuij., iv, 128.

Strix ulula, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 17()(), 133 ())ased on Fu. Suec. 78 ; Bhiss., i, 511, &c.). —

DoNXi)., Beit, i, 16l.».— Nii.ss., Skaiitl. Fn. i, 64.
(???) Strix ulula var. b., Lath., Ind. Oin. i, 1790, 60 (quotes S. arciica, Spark., Mus. Carls.

iii. p. 5).
Surnia ulula, Bi-., Cat. Ucc. Eur. p. 22.— Guay, Gen. of B. i, 1844, pi. 12, fig. 1.— Kaup,

Mon. SirUj. Cont. Orn. 1852, 107.— Ghay, Hand-list, i, li-6L), 39.— Dress., B. Eur.

pt. xii, 1872.
"Strix funerva, Lixx., Fn. Suec, 1761, 2.5, No. 75" (this is also the primary hasisofSyst.

Nat. i, 17()6, 133, No. 11, with which, however, is cited S. caiuKhusis, Biast<.). —

Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 171)0,60.— Te.mm.. Man. i, 1820, 86.— Schl., Rev.Crit. 1844, 17.
Nocfua {Surnia) funtrva, Cuv., K. A. 1817, i, 332.
Surnia fnnerea, Bp., List, 1838, 6.— Gouf^d. B. Eur. pi. 45. — Less., Man. i, 110.— Sw.,

Classif. B. ii, 218.— Bhehm, V. D. i, 101.— Keys & Blas. Wirb. Eur. 1840, 32.
Strix umhumH, Shaw, Gen. Zoo], vii, 1801), 277, pi. 35 {nee 1'all.).
Strix uixoria, Mkvf.ij. Tascli. i, 1810, 84.— Bkcust., Naturg. li, 984.— Naum., V. D. 1822,

i, 427, pi. 42, lig. 2.
Syruium uisoriu, K.vui'. Sk. Ent. Eur. Tliierw. J829, 59.
Nocliia, tiiwria, Cav., K. A. 2d cd. i, 1829, 344.
Snniia uiwria, Bi:i;iim, V. D. i, 102, pi. 7. lig. 1.
Strix (luliata, Pai.l., Zoog. R.-A. i, l8ll, 316, pi. 1.

(f?) '• *7»u; «rc<(ttf, SrAiiini., Mus. ('arl.s. 51."— (Guav; rather Brachyotus palustris).
''Sirix arripitriua, Bkuust., Vog. Deutsch. ii, 372, pi. 12."

b. hudsonia.

Strix canadninis, Bi:iss., Oni. i, 17(;i), 518, pi. 37, fig. 2.— Shaw. Gen. Zctol. vii, 1809, 273.

Surui<i cauaihnsix. .StkI'H., Shaw's (icn. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826. 62.

Strix J'rtli-hu(houis, Bijis.s., Orn. 1760. 52(» ('Little Hawk Owl," Kdw., ii, 1747, pi. G2;

whence Caparacoch, Buff., i, 1770, 306).
Stnx fuiiirva, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176(;, 133 (partly; iucliules the European).— Foii-sT.,

Fhilo.s. Trans. Ixji, 1772, 3-5.— Jii'., Syn."l82.-<, 2;'>.— Sw. A: Ivicu., V. B. A. ii,

312 SURNIA ULULA VAR. IIUDSONIA, HAWK OWL.

1831, 92.— Ntttt., Man. i, 1832, 115.— Peak., Rep. Oni. Mass. 83.-BiiEW , ed.

Wils. 686.— TlioMi's., Vermont, G4.—Ari>., Orn. Biog. iv, 350, pi. :'.78.— DeKay,

N. Y. Zool. lf^44, pi. 9, tig. 19.
Siirnia fuiierea, DvMiiuu., Zool. Anal. 1806, 34.— Bp., List, 1836, 6.— Jai!D.. ed. Wils. ii,

270; Br. B. i, 514.— Aui>., Syn. 18:-9, -^1 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 112, pi. 27.— DiiESS. &

SiiAUPE, B. Eur. pt. xii, Aug. 1872 (North America ami Great Biitaiu).
Noctiia (Sitni'uc) fiiiicrca, Jexyns, Man. Br. Vert. 52(5.
Sijriiia fnnerea. MaC(UI.., Hi.st. Brit. Birds, iii, 1H40, 404 {-fide Du. «fe Sh.).
yodtta ftnierta. Yaki!KLL, Hi.st. Brit. Buds, i, 1843, 139 {Jide Du. & Sii.).
Strix caparocb, Mullkk, Svst. Nat. Suppl. 1779, i, 69.
Strix hudmnia. Gm.. Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 295.— Wils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 64, pi. 50, fig. 6

(Philadelphia).
Surnia hudmtna, Jameson, ed. Wils. i, 90.
Suruia hormlis, Lessox, Trait<5 d' Orn. i, 1831, 100.

Stfix uhda of authors, partly ; excluding Coniinental European references.
Surnia nliila, Cass., 111. 1854, 191 (excl. part of the synonymy). — Bkew., N. A. Ool. 1857,

80 (excl. part of svns.).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 64 (excl. pt. syn.).— Wheat.., Ohio
Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 29.— Hoy, Tr. Wise. Agric. 8oc. 1852 ; Fr. Phila. Acad. ]85fJ
(Wisconsin).— Boaud., Pr. B. Soc. ix, 1862, 123 (Calais, Me., breeding). — Veur.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 144 (Maine, autumn and winter). — Allex, ibid, iv, 1864,

81 (Massachusetts).^MclLi.\VR., ibid, v, 1866, 8<; (Hamilion, C. W., rare in win-
ter).—Coues, ibid. V, 1868, 261 (New England).— La wu., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii,
1866,281 (New York, rare).— Samuels. B. New Engl. 186'7, 80 ; Rep. Agric. Mass.
1863, App. — CooPEU apnd Samuels, 81 (Qneoec, winter). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii,

. 1870, 569 (Massachusetts).— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 41 (occasional in severe
winters). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 448 (not found in California). — Dale & Bann
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 274 (Alaska, verv common, breeding). — Meku., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 696.
Surnia tilida var. hiidsoiiia, Coues, Key, 1872, 205.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 75.

ifrt&.— Northern North America. Breeds from Maine northward. In winter occa-
sionally south to Pennsylvania and Illinois (Bidf/ivaij, Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 379).
Bermudas (iJnimmoiid, Jardine, Contr. Orn. 1850, 37). Not yet observed west ot the
Rocky Mountains. " Great Britain." Typical idula European.

Later Expeditions. — 62240, Madison River, Montana.

Contrary to the opinion entertained by ornithologists, of the absolute identity of the
American and European Hawk Owls, they prove to form two distinguishable geo-
graphical races, the American bird being recognized without dithcnlty by its darker
color, and the broader reddish-brown bars of the whole breast and belly, only a small
gorget being left white. According to the authors of the splendid work on the Birds
of Europe, from which a part of the foregoing synonymy is borrowed, it is the American
form, and not that of Continental Europe, which inhabits Great Britain, apparently to
the entire exclusion of the other.

The distribution of the American Hawk Owl is quite fully worked out
in a communictitiou I had the pleasure of coiitriburing to the work just
mentioned, and niaj' be gathered with approximate accuracy from the
foregoing quotations. Tbe bird does not appear to ever wander so far
south as the Snowy Owl frequently does ; excepting the Bermuda in-
stance, I have never heanl of it south of Pennsylvania and Illinois, nor
has it been observed west of the liocky Mountains. It is common in
the northern half of New England, in winter, and known to breed in
some piirts of Maine; fiom Massachusetts southward its occurrence is
rare and fortuitous.

As is well known, this species is the most diurnal in its habits of nwy
of the family, retiring to rest at night like an ordinary bird; and it is
the most hawk-like Owl, not only in its htibits, but in i)hysical aspect.
It feeds chiefly u[)on the field-mice {Arvicola') wliich swarm in the s[)h;jg-
nous vegetation of arctic lands; also upon small birds, grassho[)pers and
other insects. It is stated to breed oftenest in the hollows ot trees, but
sometimes to construct a nest of sticks, grass, ttnd feathers, among tbe
branches. The eggs range from five to eight in number, are white, and
measure from 1| to 1^ in k^ugth by 1^ to i| in breadth. Both sexes in-
cubate. The parents are represented as very spirited in the dei'ence of
their home : the male bird w ill even attack and wound an intruder with

NYCTALE TENGMALMI VAR. RICHARDSONI. 313

its talons, sometimes meeting tleath in the rashness of its onslaught.
When wounded it displays similar courage, boldly facing the enemy
and preparing to defend itself with all its might — "calmly and silently
it maintains its ground, or springs from a short distance on its foe. So,
bravely it dies, without a thought of glory and witliout a chance of
fame ; for of its kind there are no cowards."

"This species is seldom met with except in the arctic regions. Occa-
sionally, during severe winters, it is driven as far south as the latitude
of Philadelphia, owing to a scarcity of food in its natural haunts. Sam-
uels aftirms that he 'has known several specimens to be taken in Ver-
mont and New Hampshire,' and expresses the belief that it builds
occasionally in the New England States. The writer and a very inti-
mate friend of his, who is a taxidermist, have taken specimens as early
as the middle of October. In the former's collection is a beautiful speci-
men of a female that was shot on the 15th day of last October, the ther-
mometer indicating a rather high temperature at the time. It was shot
in the middle of the day, while careering hawk-like through the air,
doubtless in (piest of the tield-mouse, which is found in meadow grounds
in profusion, and which it prizes most assuredly as one of its daintiest
morsels.

"The southern appearance of individuals on many occasions, so early
in the fall, in rather mild weather, leads to the supposititm that it is
either a summer resident in small numbers, and performs the essential
duties of niditication and incubation here[f], or else, having attended to
these important concerns in more northern climes, journeys southward,
where it meets with a temj)erature which it has recently learned to re-
gard as more congenial than the rigors of an arctic autumn. The
writer is sanguine of the discovery of nests in this latitude. Like many
birds on their entrance into a new territory, this species may be shy
and reserved, and conse<iuently nidificates in out-of-the-way situations.
Familiarity with the country and its denizens, acijuired by a few years'
occupancy, may o[)erate in the production of changes of habits and dis-
lK)sition. Distrustfulness will undoubtedly give place to confidence,
and more of its history will be known.

"It is said by some writers that the species is crepuscular rather than
nocturnal. The writer'sexi)erience has been the former. There is nodoubt
that it fr<'(iuently hunts in the twilight; but the nu)vements of the bird
during the day-time, both in Avatching for its prey and in its ca])ture, are
certain evidence to his mind of the truth of the assertion. While on
the alert for its prey, it stations itself upon the toi)most bough of a tree,
and, as soon as the object of its desire couu's in view, pounces down upon
it like a hawk, and bears it away to devour it at its leisure. Frecpieiitly
it goes abroad in search of juey, skimming above meadows and low
fields, at a slight elevation, until its object is secured." — {Gentry.)

NYCTALE TENGMALMI var. RICHARDSONI, (lip.) Kidgw.

KUiiardsoirs Owl.

a, tempnahni.

Sh-ix iiiirliiii. Tr.NG., Act. Stockli. i, 178:?.

6lrix tciK/iiKtlmi, (iM., i, iiUl.— Lath., i, G4.— Daid., ii, i5ur).— Suaw, (J. Z. vii. IHO'J, '207.—

TiCMM., Man. iHlf), 54 ; i, i>4 ; iv, 41).— Vu:nx., Ual. i, pi. 'SA ; Kn. Eraiiv. 48, pi.

'J:?. f. 1.— Naim., V. 1). i, 1622, r.Ol, pi. 48, f. 2, :{.— DixiL., Orn. Enr. i, VM.—

ScMi... Uiv. ("lit. 1844. 15.

ScMi... Uiv. Crir. 1844, 15.
Athene leinjmalnii, IJnii;, Isis, 1822, 771

314 NYCTALE TENGMALMI VAR. RICHARDSONI.

Noctiia Uiitjmalmi, Cuv., R. A. i, 18-29, 549.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 102.— Selby, Brit. Orn.

•2i\ ed. i, 1(1.'), pi. '2().— Jaud., Biit. Birds, i, 270.— J ex., Mau. 18:35, 94.
jEyoUim toifjinalmi, K.vri'. Sic. Ent. Enr. Tli. 1829, 34.

VlnJa teiufiiialmi, Bi'., Os?*. Cnv. R. A. .53; Lsis, 1833, 1052.— Macgii.., Brit. Birds, iii, 445.
Scotophifus hiij/maJmi, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 217.
Nyctale tcnqmalmi, Bp., List, 1838. 7. — Guay, Gen. of B. i, 40. — Keys Sl Blas., Wirb.

Eiir. 1840, 32.— Stiuckl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 175.
" Sirix fiinora, Linn., Fn. Snec. 25" (Gray).
Nyctalv fiiiicira, Bp., Cat. IJcc. Eur. 1842, 24 ; Cousp. Av. 18.50, 54.— Gray, Cat. B. Brit.

Mns. 94; List Brit. Birds, 18G3, 22.— Kaup, Mon. Siri;/. Cont. Orn. 1852, 104.
" Sirix pasm-riiia, Meyer, Zool. Ann. i, 333. — Pall., Zoojj. R. A. i, 323.-'
Strix dasiipuH, Beciist., Naturg. Dent, ii, 972. — Meyer, Tasch. i, 82; Naturg. vi, pi. 2;

Vog. Liv. Esthl. 37.
Nycicdc dnayptm, Gray, Gen. of B.
NyctaU jiJuniccps, pinetorum et ahieium, Breiim, V. D. 1831, 112, 113.

b. ricliardsoni.

0)Sfrix pa-sscrim, FoRST., Pbil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 385 (Penn. Arct. Zool. ii, Suppl. 60.)

Strix tciK/malmi. S\v. &. Rich.,,F. B. A. ii, 1831, 94, pi. 82 (not of authors). — Nutt., Man.
'i, 18.54, 5(52.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, .559, pi. 380.— Peap,., R<!p, Oni. Mass. 91.

Nyctale teuymnlmi, Dall & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 18t)9, 273 (Alaska). — Allen, Am.
Nat. iii, 1870, 64() (Massachusetts, t^ ree instances).

Nyctale Icnqmahni xiw. ricliardsoni, Ridgw., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 28.5. —CouES, Key, 1872,
205.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874. 40.

TJluJa tevfpnalmi, Aui)., Syn. 1839, 24 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 122, jd. 32.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst,
i, 185(), 22() (Massachusetts). — fTi;ii>PE, ibid, vi, l!-)71, 113 (Minnesota).

Nyctale richardsoni, Bp., Comp. List. l.';38, 7 ; Cousp. i, 1850, ()4. — Kaup, Mon. Sirig.
Cont. Orn. 1852, 105.— Cas.s., 111. i, 1854, 185.— Sti:ickl.. Orn. Syn. 18.')5, 17(j.—
Brew., N. Am. Ool. 1857, 73.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 57.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc.
is, 1862, 123 (Maine, probably lesident, not commcm). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst,
iii, 18G2, 157 (Maiue).^ — ^Allen, ibid, iv, 1834. 52 (Massachusetts, rare, in win-
ter).—McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866. 82 (Canada West, rare, in winter).— CoUES, ibid.
V, 1868, 260 (New England).— Ma YX., Nat. Guide, 1870, 133 (Massachusetts).—
Hatcfi, Bull. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 52 (Minnesota, occasionally, in winter).

Nyctala ricliardsoni. Gray., Hand-list, i, 1869, 51, No. 555.

Hah. — The typical form from Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Var. ricliardsoni
from Northern Noi'th America; south regularly to the United States frontier; in winter
rarely through New England, beyond which no record on the Atlantic. Northern
Ohio ( Winslow).

Hiivinjf been at first considered the same as its European representa-
tive, and afterward beld to be a distinct species, this interesting- Owl
has at length settled into its true position as a geographical race ot N.
tengmalmi of Europe, as ascertained by Mr. liidg way's studies. It differs
troni its coiige'ier, just as the American Hawk Owl does, in an excess
of (hirker colors ; the legs being oclirey-brown, much variegated with
darker, instead of white, with little marking; and there is more dark
color on the crissum. It is, perhaps, the most decidedly boreal of our
species of the family ; for although it does not range further north than
some, such as the Hawk Owl, the Snowy, and the Great Gray Owl, its
southern limit is more restricted. It has never been observed as far
south as all of the tliree just mentioned are known to range in winter.
On the Atlantic coast T find no record for Pennsylvania or Kew Jersey,
though it is stated to have been procured in Connecticnt by Dr. VV.
W. Wood, while Mr. Allen gives several instances of its cai)ture in Massa-
chusetts. In Maine, according to Mr. Boardman, it is resident; it has
been noticed in Wisconsin by Dr. Hoy, and the queried Minnesotan
record, by Mr. Trii)pe, is doubtless correct, as it has been lately checked
by Dr. Hatch. Sir John Kichardson speaks of its very great abundance
in the region of the Saskatchewan, whence it undoubtedly visits the
Upper Mi.ssouri in winter.

Owls of this genus are among the most perfectly nocturnal birds ot
the iamily, and appear confined to wooded regions. The food is i)rinci-

NYCTALE ACADICA, ACADIAN OWL. 315

pally insects, although mice and the smallest birds are also captured.
The egg of the present bird is colorless, like that of other Owls, and
measures IJ inches in length by 1 inch in breadth.

NYCTALE ACADICA, (Gm.) Bp.

Acadiuii or Saw-wliet Owl.

Strix acadica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, '296.— Daud., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 206.— Vieilt.., Ois.
Am. Sept. i, 1807, 49.— Bp., S\u. 1828, 38; Isis, 1832, 1140.— S\v. & Rich., F. B.
A. ii, 1831. 97.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 66.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 137.— Aud., Orn.
Bioij. ii, 1834, 567; v, 1839, 397; pi. 199.— Peab., Eep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 70.—
DeKay. N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 11, fis?. 23.

Nyctale acadica, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 7 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 44,— Guay, Gen. of B. 1844,
App. p. 3.— Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. iv, 208.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. i, 1855, 176.—
Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 77.— Cass., 111. 1854, 186.— Bkew., N. A. 051.
1857, 74.— SCE., P. Z. S. 1858, 295 (Oasaca).— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 58.— Coop.
&, SucKL., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1800, 156.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.
27.— COUES & Prent., Smiths. Rop. 1861, 402.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862,
123 (Maine, resident). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 144 (Maine, resident). —
Allex, ibid, iv, 1864, 52 (Massachusetts, resident).— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 82
(Canada West).— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 260.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 50
(Arizona).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 119 (South Caroliua).—LAWR., Auu.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 281 (New York).— Turnb., B. East Pa. 1869, 9 (rare,
chiefly in winter).— Lord, Pr. Roy. Artv. lust. 1864 (British Columbia).—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 436.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 2.— Ridgw., Am. Nat. vi, 1872,
284 (critical).— Hap>t., Brit. Birds, 1872, 95 (England, very doubtfully ; quotes
MiLN., Zool. 1860, 8104).— Coues, Key, 1872, 205.— Allen, Am. Nat. vii, 1873,
427.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 43.— Ridgw., Auu. Lye. x, 1874, 378 (Illinois).

Nyctala acadica, Gra\, Hand-list, i, 1869, 51, No. 556.

ScotopMlus acadicus, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217.

Nocttia acadica, Rich., 1837.

Uhda acadica, Aud., Syn. 1839, 24 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 123, pi. 33.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i,
1856, 204 (Massachusetts).— ScHLEGEL, M. P.-B., 1882, Strigci^, p. 8.

{'?) Strix pa-sHriiia, For.st., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 385 (Penn., Arct. Zool. 1785,236).—
Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1812, 66, pl. 34, f 1.

Strix acadicHsis, Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790, 65 (Syn. pl. 5, f. 2).— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 206.

Strix albifrons. Shaw, Nat. Misc. v, 1794, pl. 171 ; Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 238.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. Suppl. 14.

Bubo (ilbifroiis, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 54.

Scop>i albifrons, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 182G, 51.

Nifctale albifrons, Cass., 111. 1854, 187.— C.vss., B. N. A. 1858, 57.— Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad.
1866, 50.— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1866, 82 (Canada).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,
435.— Verr., Am. Nat. 1871, 119 (Maine).

Xycfaki albifrons, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 52, No. 557.

jSirix frontalis, Licht., Abhandl. Akad. Berol. 1838, 430.

NiirhiU' kirtlnndii, HoY, Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 210.— Cass., 111. 18.53, 63, pl. 11.

Sirix pliiilauoidcs. Dathx, Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 206.— L.vni., Ind. Orn. Suppl. 16.— Vieill.,
Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, pl. 1.5.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 268.'

Athene 2)hakvnoidcs, Gray, Gen. of B. fol. 1844, sp. 43.

Athene irilsoni, Boie, Isis, 1828, 315.

"Strix dalhousci, Hall, Ms., Macg. ed. Cuv. R. A. 1829, pl. 8."

flf<?>.— Temperate North America, from Atlantic to Pacilic ; chiefly, however, Northern
United States and adjoining British territory; ranging southward, in wooded mount-
ainous regions, into Mexico. Oaxaca (SCL., P. Z. S. 1-56, 295).

Having been long aware that the so-called "White-fronted Owl," Sirix albifrons,
S. frontalis, aud A', hirllandii, of various autluus, was simjjly the yoniig i>f the jireseut
species, I was pleased to see tlie case so clearly srt forth as it was in Mr. Ridgway's
article above quoted — a \y.i])Qr instigated by Mr. Kliior's late erroneous ideiitilication
of these nauH-s as pertaining to tin- young of A. tcniiinalmi. In both species of yi/clale,
the i>lumage is mucli the same, aud its changes areentirely corresiioudeut. Tlie young
have (lie disc (lark brown, contrastetf witii white supcrc lia, the tbrehcad plain, aud
tlie under jiarts uuvariegateU. fading from a dark brown (tu the breast to oc hny-browu
on the belly. In tlio adults liie disc is mostly wliite, the for.-liead is sharply streaked,
and the uiider i)arts are white, with lengthwise chocolate-browu ui:irkings. Specilic
characters of the two l)irds are perceived in the greatly inferior size of acadica, a
diftereut rehitive length of wings aud tail, a dilVereiice in the cere aud nostrils, aud
the black instead of yellow bill.

Q

16 NYCTALE ACADICA, ACADIAN OWL.

In the paper above cited, Mv. Allen has the following on the supposed rarity of
"albifrons:" "Althoutrh the White-fronted Owl (Nyctale ulbifrons, C\ss.) is now con-
ceded by most, if not all, American ornithologists to be the young of the Saw-whet {N.
acadiea), its supjiosed rarity, in comparison with the adulr, renders the following record
of recent instances of its capture in Canada of considerable interest. Mr. Ritlgway,
iu a paper published in this journal in May, 1872, in noticing Mr. D. G. Elliot's mis-
take of considering the N. albifrons to be the young of iV. teiiomahni, has caretnlly
elaborated the evidence of its being the young of N. acadiea. This relationsliip had
been previously suspected, and now seems to be fnllj' confirmed. Mr. Mcll wraith,
under date of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, January 20, 1873, writes as follows: 'In
looking over the Naturalist of April, 1871, I observe a notice of the capture of a
specimen of the White-fronted Owl iu Maine, and the writer of the note. Prof. A. E.
Verril, says that the only other instance of its occurrence in the United States of
which he is aware, is the siieciraen taken by Dr, Hoy, at Racine. I am a little sur-
prised at this, fcr, though not coming much in contact with collectors, I have seen or
heard of this [sui)posed] species now and then for a number of years back. My first
knowledge of it was from Cassin's account, and the figure given of it in his Birds of
America. Shortly afterward I recognized it in a small case in the possession of the
Eev. Professor Ingles, now of the Dutch Reformed Church, Brooklyn, New York, where it
was called ' Saw-whet — young.' The case was brought from Montreal. I next met
it in Toronto, where Mr. Passmore, taxidermist, had two specimens, one of which I
obtained, and have now in my collection. . Again, I heard from Mr. P. H. Gibbs, of
Guelph, that there were several about his evergreens near the house, one of which he
shot. About the same time Mr. Booth, naturalist, of Drummondville, told me of a
specimen he had obtained. Dr. Anderson of Point Levi, ojiposite Quebec, had his
alive for a time ; and I heard of still another in the hands of E. K. Wiuslow, esq., of
Cleveland, Ohio. From the foregoing it would seem to bo more common in Canada
than it is further south. The opinion seems to be generally held by those with whom
I have conversed upon the subject, that it is the young of the Saw-whet ; and yet it is
somewhat singular that it is not as often met with as its sujiposed parents. In the
month of October, a few years since, I had six in the Saw- whet form brought me by a
lad, who got them all near the same place on his father's farm. The theory recently
advanced by Mr. Elliot, in the 'Ibis,' of its being the young of the Sparrow Owl
(Nyciale Unymalmi), I do not think at all probable; I have the two side by side, and
cannot observe any resemblance to warrant such a conclusion, the difl'ereuce iu size
alone being suflScient to show the distinction. My own opinion is that it will be found
to be the young of Saw- whet ; but is it not possible that they do not all assume the
same garb — that there may be here a freak of nature, so to speak, such as there is in
the case of the Screech Owl, where we find both red and gray.' "

The Acadian Owl is not so boreal a bird as its congfener, being found
tbronghont the United States in suitable pla(;es, and in the more south-
erly portions of British America. I have found no decidedly arctic
quotations. It is, however, more numerous iu the northern half of the
United States; and although it has been traced far into Mexico, its
southward extension ai)pears to be mainly along wooded mountain
ranges, the altitude of which compensates, in a faunal sense, for the
decrease of latitude. Fitted to endure great cold, it is resident iu our
northern districts. I procnred a specimen, iu the depth of winter, at
Boar's Head, on the New Hamspshire coast, and another at Fort Ran-
dall, in January, when the temperature had been ranging far below
zero. The last-named, a tine adult example, was brought to me alive
by Lieut. W. J. Campbell, who found it in the possession of an Indian,
and 1 kept it for some time in my study betore it died, probably of
inanition. It refused food, and after death its body was found greatly
emaciated. Although so puny and weak, the little bird .showed good
spirit, setting back with an air of defiance when aj)proached, sna])ping
its little bill, and pecking as hard as it could when I took it in hand ;
but after soothing it for a lew moments^ it would seem appeased, roost
quietly on my finger, and apparently like to have its poll quietly
scratched. In its noiseless lluttering about the room by night it more
resembled a big bat than a bird ; iu perching, as it did by preference,
on the «Mlge of the table or of a pile of books, it stood with its claws bent
inward, so that their convexities, and not the points, rested against the
support.

PYGMY OWL G. FASSERINUM VAR. CALIFORNICUM. 317

The food of this interesting little Owl, which is not so large as a Robin,
though it appears bulkier, consists chiefly of insects. Its nesting, ac-
cording to Wilson and Audubon, is various: sometimes it builds in the
blanches of trees, while at other times it will occupy the deserted nests
of other birds, or lay in a hollow tree. The eggs are pure white, sub-
spherical, of crystaliiue clearness, measuring 1| inches by IJ inches.

Mr. Gentry informs me of a curious circumstance in regard to this
Owl. Referring to the association of the Burrowing Owl of the West
with the prairie-dog, he continues : " In the hollow of an oak-tree, not
far iroin Gerniantown, lives an individual of the common chickaree
squirrel [Sciunis Jmrlsonius), with a specimen of this little Owl as his
sole companion. They occupy the same hole together in perfect har-
mony and mutual good-will. It is not an accidental temporary associa-
tion,'for the bird and the squirrel have repeatedly been observed to
enter the same hole together, as if they had always shared the apart-
ment. But what benetit can either derive from the other !"

While speaking of this small species, it may not be amiss to mention
vsome other little Owls of this country. Small as it is (the specimen above
mentioned measured only Ih inches long, with an extent of 19 inches,
the wing oj inches, the tail 2^ inches), it surpasses several pygmies
found on the west coast and southward. The Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium
passerinnm var. coliforniciim. of the whole Pacific region, is the most
abundant and best known of these. A closely allied Mexican species
of the same genus, and of about the same size {G. ferrtigineum), has
lately been detected in Arizona by Lieut. O. Bendire, U. S. Army. His
specimen gave the first intimation of its presence m the United States,
as I stated in the American Naturalist, vol. vi, p. 370. It will be fousid
fully described in the " E^ey," p. 206. Another, still smaller, and very
cuiious lilliputian Owl, was discovered at Fort Mojave, Arizona, by Dr.
J. (r. Cooper, and has more recently been observed at Mazatlan aiul on
the island of Socorro, by Col. A. J. Grayson. It is the type of a new
genus 1 instituted in 1866, calling it Micrathene ichiineyi. This species
is only about six inches long, has the tarsi nearly bare, and is otherwise
peculiar. 1 have the following accounts to j)resent of these two species
from my Arizona Mss. :

PYGMY OWL.* — G. passerinum var. californicum, [SgI.) Eidgiv.

* The following is the syuonyruy of this species :

a. j)«sscr(Hi(«i.

Strix pasHerlna, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 17()(i, 13:^.— Retz., Fii. Suec. 86.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i,
1788, 29fj.— Lati'i.. lud. Orii. i, 1790, (if).— Nilss., Oin. Suec. i, 09, pi. :^.— ViEUX.,
Euc. Metli. iii, l-JS'). — Goi'LD, B. Yaw. pi. 50. — Dkul., Oru. Eur. i, l;3G; auil of
authors generally.

Glaucidium j)aHnciiin(m, Boie. Isis, 1H2(), ;)7().— Bp., List, 1838, 6; Cat. Ucc. Eur. "i'i ;
Consp. Av. i, 18.')0, :U).— Bueum, Viig. Deutschi. 108.— Sn. & Dr., B. Eur. pt. iii.

Snniia passcrinii. Keys &, Bi.as., Wirl). Eur. 1840, '.ii.

Mirropljins piixscrinimi, KaiI', Mom. Strif/. Cout. Orn. 1852, 107.

Athi nc pasxvriiKi. Gkav, (icn. of 15. i, 1845, :55.

Xixhiit pasfn'riiHi. ^cui.., M. I'.-B., Strif/cx, 18G2, 41.

-Strix jiiisilla. Daid.. Tr. Oru. 1800, '205 {ex Lcraillaiit).

Strix p;i(jmnii, I'lECMsr., Nat. Deutschi. iv, 1805,, 'J78, pi. 24.— Meyeu, Tascheuh. i. 8:?.

Xodiia jtiiifnura, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 03.

.*?/»•/.(■ (icadica, Te.mm., Man. i, 1820, !)(> (not of GmeHii).

" Alhi'uv ajricaiia. Gkay," Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 30 (under G. 2)as8erinum).

1). ralifonncum.

{1)'- Strix tlat((. Xatt., Mus. Viniloh." apnd Bp., Consp. Av. i. l^'tO, 30.

(?) GIniiridiiim ihila. I5p.. Consp. .\v. i, 1850, 30 ('• SimiltH S. paatfirimv, svd raitda longiori;"

most prohaltly this loriu ; Mexiei)). «

Strix ixi-tiiiriiioidts, Ati>., Orn. Bu>g. v, 183'J, 271, pi. 432 (not of Temminck).

318 PYGMY OWL G. PASSERINUM VAR. CALIFORNICUM.

Tlie specimens 1 took at Fort Whipple enabled me to credit the Ter-
ritory with this fine little species, before only known in the United
States as a bird of California, Oregon, and Washington. It inhabits
the ^vhole Pacilic JSloj^e, as now ap[)ears, and extends southward into
Mexico. Audubon referred it to iStrix passerhioides, Temniinck, and Mr.
Cassin, at first, to *S'. infiiscata of the same author. Both these names
appear to have been bestowed upon the same species, which is South
American, and entirely different from the Mexican and United States
bird, which is more closely allied to the European imsserina. Dr. Sclater
proposed, in 1857, to separate the North American from the Mexican,
under the name of G. californicum.

I saw the Pyjimy Owl several times at Fort Whipple, and secured two
specimens, which were fortunately male and female. The peculiarly
retiring and unobtrusive habits of the Owls renders them difficult of
observation, and less frequently met witli than their numbers would
lead us to expect. Judging with due regard for this fact, I take it that
tbis bird is common in the wooded regions and mountainous por-
tions of Arizona. Une of my specimens was moulting ; the other, taken
in winter, was in perfect plumage. This warrants the belief that the
species is resident about Fort Whipple, and that it breeds there, tliough
I was not fortunate enough to discover the nest, which, with the eggs,
remains almost unknown, so far as I am aware. It will probably be found
to mate and lay very early in the year — in March, if not in February.
As a well-known general rule, the Owls breed earlier than most birds,
for some unexplained reason, but probably on account of their nocturnal
habits, and the quiet seclusion in hollow trees and other sheltered
places, in which most of their time is spent. Eemoved in a great meas-

Surina passerinokJes, AuD., Syn. 1839, 23 ; B. Am. i, 117, pi. 30.

Glaiicidiiim inftiscatum, Cass., 111. 1854, 189.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 77 (uotof

Temniinck).
Glaucidiiim gnoma, Cass., BaircVs B. N. A. 1858, 62 (not of Wcif;Jcr).—B.KEnM., P. R. R.

Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 31.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 158.— Cab., J.

f. O. 1862, 336; Ueb. Berlin. Mus. 1869, 207.— Lokd, Intellect. Observer, 1865,

409 (biograpbj'). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acatl. 1866, 50 (Arizona).
Glaucidiiim californicum, Sol., P. Z. S. 1857, 4.
Glaucidiiim jiakerinum var. californicum, Ridgw., apud Coues, Key, 1872, 206. — Ridgw.,

Pr. Bst. Soc. xvi, 1873,92, 94 (critical examination of. all the forms of the

genus).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 81.
Hal). — The true passerinum is Euro])ean. Var. californicum is from the Western
Province of North America. North to Oregon. East to Colorado. South on the table-
lands of Mexico. I regard it as very probable that the Strix data of Nattcrer^s Mss.,
which is said by Bonaparte to differ from pai^^crinnin in the greater length of the tail, is
really this variety; for the length of tail is preci.sely one of the main characters ad-
duced by Mr. Ridgway in his excellent monograph of the genus. Should this i)rove to
be the case, the bird will be known as G. pasHeriinim var. datum.

The only other North American species of this genus is the following :

Glaucidium fkkkugineum, (Maxim.) Kaup.

Strix ferrmfinea, Maxim., Reise, i, 1820, 105; Beit. iii. 234.— Tamm., P. C. 199. (Identi-

iied by Strickland with the Sparrow Owl ov Lath., Gen. Hist, i, 373, pi. 17.)
Nociua ferriiginca, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 69.— Less., Man. i, 111 ; Tr. Orn. 104.—

Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 346.— Tscii., Wiegm. Arch. 1844, 267; Fn. Peru. 19, 117.
Surnia ferruginea, Bp., O-sserv. Cuv. R. A. 56 ; Isis, 1833, 1053.
Athene ferruginea, Gkay, Gen. of B ; List B. Brit. Mus. 92.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 38.—

SxmCKL., Orn. Syn. 1855, 162.
Glancidintn ferruqinciim, Kaup, Mon. Siriq. Cont. Orn. 1852, 104. — Buini., Th. Bras, ii,

141, 146.— Cab., Ueb. Berl. Mus. 1869, 206.— Coues, Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 370

(Arizona. Bcudire ; first introduction to fauna of United States). — Coues, Key,

1872, 206.— RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 100 (critical).— B. B. & R., N. A.

B. iii, 1874, 85.
if f(?>. -Eastern South America, and whole of Middle America, to the southern border
of the Ubited States.

PYGMY OWL G. PASSERINUM VAR. CALIFORNICUM. 319

ure from the effects of sunlight, its vivifying and invigorating influence
seems replaced by the analogous effect of the warmth of their accus-
tomed haunts, and the same purpose of fostering vitality to be sub-
served. Sedentary habits, and luxurious day-dreams in snug seclusion,
may have on these birds the same effect of exciting into early and
uncontrollable action certain vital functions, that is known to be pro-
duced in our own species by a similar mode of life.

The brief notice of this species that Dr. Heermaun has left is incorrect
in one portion, for he says that it may sometimes " be caught perched
on the branch of a tree, napping, duriug the day-time." The fact is, that
it shows a decided tendency toward diurnal habits, and though thus
often found abroad in the day time, it will not likely be "caught nap-
ping." It has ai)peare<l to me, in fact, as little inconvenienced by the
glare of day as the Burrowing Owl is, and it pursues its insect prey by
day as well as by night with activity and success. Dr. Newberry speaks
more to the point: " It flies about," he writes, "with great freedom and
activity by day, pursuing small binis, upon which it subsists, appar-
ently as little incommoded by the light as they are;" thought I doabt
that birds form a great portion of its food. It is so small, and its rapa-
cious powers, if not nature, so limited, that it must confine its pursuit
to the most insignificant game. The stomachs of my specimens were
found to be filled with fragments of grasshoppers and beetles, some of
wiiich were yet scarcely altered by digestion, showing that they nuist
have been very recently captured. Each of the birds was killed about
noon. The following account of the bird is so good, and agrees so well
with my own observations, that I reproduce it from the Natural History
of Washington Territory. The first paragraph is by Dr. Cooper, the
other by Dr. Suckley :

" This (the smallest Owl found in the Territory) I have seen only
once, though it seems to be not very uncommon. On the 1st of Novem-
ber, 18.51, I observed it among a flock of Sparrows, which did not seem
at all frightened by its presence. For some time I thought it was one
of them, though its large head and owl-like flight seemed to me strange.
It was plaiidy diurnal in habits, not seeming to seek any shelter from
the sunshine. Its stomach contained only insects, and it is probable
that it does not often attack birds."

" I have obtained two specnmens of this Owl at Puget Sound, where
it seems to be moderately abundant. It appears to be diurnal in its
habits, gliding about in shady situations in pursuit of its prey. I saw a
bird of this kind, about midday, in a shady alder swamj) near Nisqually.
It flitted noiselessly past me several times, alighting near by, on a small
branch, as if to examine the intruder. It seemed quite tame, and en-
tirely unsophisticated. I noticed that in flying the tail was kept rather
widely spread. Near a snmll lake in the neighborhood of Fort Steila-
coom I frequently heard the voice of a small Owl, th(> notes of which
were subdued and clear, like the low, soft notes of a flute. As the only
small Owl I ever saw in the neighborhood belonged to this specitvs, it is
I)rol»iibl(' that the souuds heard <'ame from an individual of the l<iud.''

The last sentence gives the oidy intimation of the notes of this bird
that we have; and, unless the writei- was mistaken in his surunsc. which
is quite jjossible, it is something new in the history of the family, for \w
Owl is known to emit sounds at all conq)arable to the notes of a flute.
The voices of most of these night biids are among the most uncouth,
inharmonious, and lugubrious souiuls that ever bicak the stillness ot
the dark scene. With an avcrag*^ of musi(;al ability that birds are fa-
vored with, they com[)are as tlie creaking and pufiing of disordered

320 Whitney's owl — micrathene whitneyt.

organ-bellows to sounds from the keys of tlie instrument. No wonder
tbat in classic times it Avas written of Owls :

"Est illis sfrifiibits nomeii ; stnl noniiuis liiijiis
Cauaa quod Iiorremiri stiidcre uocte soleut ;"

nor that later and more professedly ornithological observers of nature
should have heavily taxed their vocabularies in selection of epithets to
express the vocal eccentricities of Owls, not to allude to the liberties
that lay writers, whether of prose or verse, have taken, in a supersti-
tious, legendary mood, with the weird associations of these " monks
who chant midnight mass in the great temple of Nature.''

I am inclined to repeat in this connection a liberal proposition, made
by one of the most delightful of writers on birds. In his history of the
rapacious birds of Great Britain, Mr. Macgillivray quotes a poetic pas-
sage respecting Owls, and adds, in his original way, "the reader may
here supply a chapter on snperstitions, which the author forgot! " For
the Pygmy Owl, unknown to poetic and legendary fame, living to our
remembrance only in times when nature is questioned fearlessly, not
tremblingly as of old wiien ignorance served all purposes, has never been
regarded as of weird, uncanny import. Not a single irrational attribute
has attached to it ; nor need it be sought in greater obscurity than the
shade of its favorite pines. With little experience of man, it has had
no opportunity of gaining that sort of wisdom credibly supposed to flow
from such contact; still less has it the supernatural lore attributed to
the bird of Minerva. It is a very straightforward, ingenious, unsus-
picious little bird, meddling with no affairs but its own, and innocent
enough to exjiect like treatment from others, expectations, however, not
always realized.

Note. — That there may be in future no misunderstanding regarding this Owl, and
for the purpose of comparing it with Whitney's, which bears some superficial resem-
blance, I give the following concise description, believed to be in every way pertinent.
Facial disk imperfect ; no ear-tufts ; tai'si densely feathered to the toes, which are
covered with hairs ; claws strong, sharp, much curved ; tail rather long, even ; wings
medium, or rather short; the fourth primary longest; iris, bright yellow : bill, cere,
and feet, dull greenish-yellow; soles, chrome-yellow ; mouth, livid flesh-color; upper
parts one shade of dark-brown, everywhere dotted with small circular spots of white ;
a collar of mixed blackish-brown and white, around the back of the neck; breast with
a baud of mottled-brown, separating the white throat from the white of the rest of
the under parts, which all have irregular lengthwise streaks of reddish-brown. Wings
and tail dusky-brown ; the feathers marked on both webs with a row of round white
spots, largest on the inner ; under wing-coverts white, crossed obliquely by a blackish
bar. Length of the male 7.U0 inches, or a little less ; extent of wings, 14.50 ; wing,
3.75; tail,:).00; of the female, length 7.50; extent, 15.50, &c. In the female the upper
parts are rather ligliter, with fewer larger spots, and a nearly obsolete nuchal collar ;
but both sexes vary in the tint of the upper pai'ts, which ranges from pure deep brown
to pale grayish, almost olivaceous brown, probably according to age and season, the
newer feathers being darker than they are when old and worn.

WHITNEY'S OWL* — Micrathene whitneyi, {Cooper), Coues.

This singular little Owl is one of the most noteworthy and interesting
of the many late additions to oar knowledge of western birds. Until
recently, the last-noticed species was properly regarded as the smallest
of its family in North America ; but it somewhat surpasses Whitney's
in size. The latter is not so long as many of our Sparrows, being the

* Athene ichitiieiii, Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1801, 118 (Fort Mojave, Arizona).

Mkrathoie ichitncyi, CouKs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 51. — Elliot, B. N. A. i, p. xxix,

pi. — . — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 442.— Ghays., (quid. Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y.

(Socorro).— CouKS, Key, 1872, 207.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 87.
Rah. — Arizona, Southern California, and southward fo Socorro.

SPEOTYTO CUNICCULARIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 321

least among our raptorial birds, if not the smallest known Owl. It was
discovered at Fort Mojave, in 18G0, by Dr. J. G. Cooper, to whose exer-
tions in developing the zoology of the West we are so much indebted.
We learn from Dr. Cooper's account that it is an arboreal, not a terres-
trial species, is partly diurnal, and feeds upon insects. It is probably a
rare bird, to judge from its having remained so long undetected. But
Mr. A. J. Grayson lately found it on Socorro Island, off the coast of
Mexico, while several specimens have been taken in Arizona, by Lieut.
C. Ben dire, and Mr. H. W. Henshaw, The former found it breeding
in the hollow of a mezquite stump.

Note. — As this species is still not geDerally known, I deviate from my usual course
to present the following description : Bill small and weak, narrow at the hase, which
is hidden among recurved and closely appressed hristly feathers. Facial disk imper-
fect. No ear-tufts. Wings very long, but rounded, the first primary only f the third
and fourth, which are equal and longest ; second equal to sixth. Tail of moderate
leugth, not graduated ; the rectrices broad at the tip. Tarsi nearly naked, the feath-
ers extending but a little way below the heel-joint ; rest of the tarsus, and the upper
surfaces of the toes, sparsely covered with short bristly hairs. Middle toe and claw
about as long as the tarsus ; hind toe lengthened. Claws remarkably small, weak,
and little curved ; hardly more than insessorial, instead of raptorial, in character. The
foregoing are rather the generic than the specific characters, and are those upon which
the genus Micrathene was established. It agrees with Athene, to which the bird was
referred hy its discoverer, in the imperfect disk and mostly naked tarsi ; but is other-
wise quite different and more nearly related to NyctaJe, Glaucidiiim, &c., from which
again, it is notably distinct ; nor do I know of any established genus of Owls to which
the species could probably be referred. It presents an entirely peculiar combination
of characters. The slight claws are an especial feature. The followiug account of the
colors, &c., is compiled from the original description, as the specimen itself is not at
hand at time of writing. Above light brownish-gray, thickly spotted with angular
pale brown dots, especially on the crown ; those on the back larger ; back also obso-
letely barred with wavy lines of the same color. A concealed white collar on back of
neck, forming a bar across the middle of the feathers, which are plumbeous at base
and brown at tip. Quills with three to six spots on each web, those of the inner webs
white, those of outer web of the fourth, third and second, white, the others brown.
A row of white spots on lesser coverts ; four on upper, seven on lower series, with a
row of light brown spots between ; outer secondaries with a few white spots; outer
scapulars with a white stripe, edged by pale brown stripes nearer the back ; outer
wiug-feathers dark brown, with pale, ashy dots near the ends of the secondaries.
Rectrices like the primaries, the light spots forming five broken bars and a narrow ter-
minal bar. Feathers above the eye white, with black spotted shafts ; below it, light
brown, obsoletely barred with dark ; bristles at base of bill black on terminal half. Chin
and throat white, the lower featherslight brown, the white forming abroad crescent from
.side to side. Sides of neck narrowly barred with ashy and light and dark brown :
breast imperfectly barred and blotched with the same colors ; toward the abdomen,
the brown forming large patches, margined with grey and white. Sides nmre grayish,
tinged with yellowish, the flanks phmibeous; til>iiii narrowly barred with light" and
dark brown. Tarsal bristles white ; those of the toes yellowish. Bill, pale green ; iris,
bright yellow. Length, 0.25 ; extent, 15.25; wing, 4..50; tail, 2.25 ; tarsus, 0.90 ; mid-
dle too and claw, 1.30 ; hind toe and claw, 0.50 ; gape, 0.45 ; height of bill, 0.30 ; width
at base, 0.40.

SrEOTYTO CUNICULARIA var. HYP0GJ3A, (Bp.) Coues.

liurroMiiig Owl.
a. cunicularia.

Strix ciuiicidaria, Moi.., Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1872, 343.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17Hp<, 2'.t2.—
Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1700, (13 (Noctua coqnimhaitii, Biass., i, 525; VoquUnbo <hcl,
Lath., Gen. Syn. i, 145).— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 201.— Mkykx, N. Act. Leop. C.ir.
xvi, Suppl. 70.— Licin., Yerz. 59.— Maxim., Beit, iii, 248 ; Koise, ii, 191, 344.

TJJnJa cuiiicithiria, Fkuili.1^;i;, Journ. Obs. Phys. 562.

Xociua cuuiciilaria, D\n\v., Journ. Res. 145. — D'Okh., Voy. 128.

Otitsviitikularhi, Ct;v., Rogne Anim. i, 2d ed. 341.

Surnia cunkiilai-ia, Br., Observ. Cuv. R. A. 50.

Nyctipetcs cunkidaria, Sw., Classif. Birds, ii, 1837, 218.
21

322

SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. HYPOGiEA.

Athene cunicularia, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 38. — Darw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 31. — Schomb., Gui-
ana, ii, 731. — BiUDGKS, P. Z. S. xi, 109 ; Auu. Nat. Hist, xiii, 50U. — Gray, Geu.
of B. sp. 19 ; List Br. Mus. 92.— Peale, U. S. Expl. Ex. 1848, 77.— Hartl., Ind.
Syst. Azara, 4.

riwleoptyiix cunicularia, Kaup, Mou. Strig, Cont. Orn. 1852, 106. — SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S.
18C8, 143 (Buenos Ayres).

Sirix (jraUaria, Spix, Av. Biaz. i, 21. — Temm., P. 0. 146.

Xocfua qraUaria, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 67. — Less., Mau. i, 111 ; Tr. Orn. 102.

Xociua nrucurea, Less., Tr. Orn. 103.— TscH., Wieg. Arch. 1844, 267 ; Fn. Peru, 116.

Athene patagonica, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1848, 78.

b. guadeloupensis.

Speotgto cunicularia var. guadeloupensis, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B, iii, 1874, 90.

c. hypogcea.

Strix cunicularia, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 48. — Say, Long's Exp. ii, 36, 200. — Bp.,
Am. Orn. i, 1825, 68, pi. 7, f. 2; Syn. 1828, 36.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 118.— AuD.,
Orn. Biog. v, 18.39, 264, pi. 432.

Surnia cunicularia, AuD., Syn. 1839, 23 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 119, pi. 31.— DeKay, N.Y. Zool. ii, 23.

Athene cuuicularia,Bv., List, 1838, 6 (not of Consp.). — Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 60 {nee Mo-
lika). — Kenn., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 20. — Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 33. —
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasli. Ter. 1860, 157.— Kaup, Tr. Z. S. iv, 201.— Canf.,
Am. Nat. ii, 1869, 583 (biography).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 437.

Ulula cunicularia, Jard., ed. Wils. 1832, iii, 325.

Speotiito cunicularia var. hypoga-a, Coues, Key, 207.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 90.

Strix hgpugcm, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 72.

Athene kijpoga;a, Bp., Consp. i, 18.50, 39 {hypogcea). — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 62 {hypu-
gcea). — Cass., 111. 1854, 188 {hypugwa).— Brew., N. Am. Otil. 1857, 75 {hiipnqaa). —
Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 59 {h\ii)ug(ea).—^¥A\v,., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 17.— Coop.
& Suck., N. H. Wash. fer. 1860, 157.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 154 {hypugwa).—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 448 {hypugwa).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462
{hypugmi). — Merr., ibid. 1872, 696 (hypugwa). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872,
180 (Kansas and Utah). — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873,2 {hypugwa). — Hold., Pr. Boat.
Soc. 1872, 208 {hypugwa).

Athene {Spcofyto) hypogwa. Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869,43, No. 437.

Strix caiifornica, Aud., Orn. Biog. pi. 432 (name on plate).

Athene socialis, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1846, 47.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 201 (Xalapa).—
Dress., Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas).

Note. — As the older authors generally made no distinction of the races, the term
cunicularia includes all, in most cases.

Hab. — The true cunicularia is South American ; var. guadeloupensis is considered by Mr.
Ridgway as a local form, of Guadeloupe. Var. hypogwa is the North Auun-icau form,
occurring in open places in the United States west of the Mississippi, and in Middle
America. In addition. Gray gives Autillean forms of Speotyto under the names of do-
mingensis, Miill. {dominicensis, Gm.), and fusca, Vieill.; the latter is, however, an entirely
different bird, while the former is scarcely identitiable.

List of specimens.

19132 163

19133 192

Powder River.
Tongue River.

9

Sept. 13, 1859

G. H. Trook.
do....

9.00
9.50

23.-50
25.00

7.00
7.00

Lieutenant Warrenh Expedition. — 5182-84, Fort Pierre; 9965, Running Water; 9066-67,
Loup Fork of Platte.

Later £a:i)prf(7/o-/s.— 54:300-01, 60090, 60342-47, Wvoming; 59843, Soda Springs, Col-
orado ; 60634-36, Big Sandy Creek ; 61637, Utah ; 61761-64, Idaho,

After examination of many Burrowing Owls from all parts of the West, in the field
as well as in the closet, I am of the decided opinion that the differences alleged to
exist between the birds of op[>osite sides of the Rocky Mountains have no foundation in
fact. The ascribed distinctions fall largelj'^ within the limit of individual variation,
and may be observed in any sufficient series of specimens from a single locality. Nor
am I, indeed, fully satisfied of the necessity of pcparatiug the North from the South
American bird, although in view of some slight average distinctions they may be held,
conventionally at auj^ rate, as climatic races.

The Burrowing' Owl is the only bird of its family inhabiting, in any
numbers, the entirely treeless regions of the West, and may be consid-

SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. IIYPOG^A. 323

eied characteristic of the plains. Wherever it can find shelter in the
holes of such animals as wolves, foxes, and badgers, and especially of
the various species of marmot squirrels, there it is found in abundance;
and in not a few instances small colonies are observed living- apart from
their ordinary associates, in holes apparently dug by themselves. They
constitute a notable exception to the general rule of arboricole habits
in this family, being specially fitted by their conformation for the sub-
terranean mode of life for which they are designed, and are further-
more exceptional in their gregarious disposition, here carried to the ex-
treme. The diffusion of the species in the West is so general that there
is little occasion to mention particular localities. They are met with in
suitable situations throughout nearly all the Missouri region, except the
easternmost, and are especially abundant to the south and w^est. The
most eastern point 1 have found them was a little beyond Fort Riley, in
Kansas; they were observed in great numbers thence to and along the
Arkansas River. I saw them near Fort Wingate, in New Mexico.
They occur in various i)arts of Arizona, living with the western spermo-
phile, Cynomys var. gunnisoni, and on the coastof Southern California I
found them plentiful in the burrows of Spermo^jhilns heecheyi, which are
numerous on the plain that stretches from Los Angeles to the seashore.
In the northwest. Dr. Hayden remarks, he does not remember to have
ever seen a prairie-dog village that was not inhabited by one or more
pairs of the birds. Southward they extend into Mexico; to the north
I am not aware that they have been observed beyond the United
States border, and I saw none along the northern boundary of Dakota.
But Dr. Suckley found them at Fort Benton, at the head of navigation
on the Missouri, and, with Dr. Cooper, in Oregon and Washington Terri-
tories. In further illustration of their distribution, I insert the following
communication from Mr. Allen, which also contains some interesting
biographical items:

'"' We found the Burrowing Owl a more or less frequent inhabitant of
the prairie-dog "towns," from Middle Kansas westward to the base of
the mountains in Colorado, and in Southern Wyoming; also in the
Great Salt Lake Valley, in Utah, where they occupied the deserted
holes of badgers and coyotes in the absence of thoLC of prairie-dogs.
Contrary to the experience of Townsend and Say, we found them usually
wary and difficult to approach, and, when once fully aroused, they were
almost sure to keep out of reach. Occasionally, however, they showed but
little timidity. They appear to live in small colonies of several pairs,
these colonies being generally quite widely separated. We often trav-
eled a whole day on the plains, passing most of the time through a suc-
cession of ])rairie-dog villages, without perceiving any indication of the
presence of the Owls. In twice crossing South Park we saw none what-
ever, and in a journej- thence eastward over the mountains to Colorado
City, we met with the Owls but once or twice, although the western prairie-
dog {Cynomys var. gummoni) occurred in abundance. Though a wide-
ranging si)ecies, they ap[)ear to be (piite locally distributed, by no means
inhabiting all tlie prairie-dog villages, as some writers have rather con-
fidently allirmed. Mr. Townsend says that 'the Indians assert, with
great confidence, that it retires into its burrow and spends the winter
in a tor])id state.' I lound, however, both the prairie-dogs and the Bur-
rowing Owls abroad and very active on pleasant days in Decend)er and
January, on the plains of Western Ivansas, although the tenq)erature
often fell nearly 1o zi-ro (Fahrenheit) during the nights following. I
was also assured by old residents of the plains that both these animals

824 SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAK. HYPOGiEA.

are frequently seen ubroad during pleasant weather tlirougbout the
wintm."

Having been noticed by the earlier writers in special connection with
the singular settlements of the prairie-dog {Cijnomys ludovicianus), and
the life relations of the two creatures being really intimate in very
many locnlities, an almost inseparable association of ideas has been
brought about, which is only partly true; and it was a long time before
the whole truth in the case became apparent. When competent ob-
servers, familiar with the animals, disagree, as they have, respecting
the kind and degree of relation between the bird and the mammals, we
need not be surprised at conflict of opinion in the books of naturalists
who never saw either of them alive. The case is further complicated by
tlie introduction of the rattlesnakes; and no little pure bosh is in type
respecting the harmonious and contidentiai relations imagined to sub-
sist between the trio, which, like the "happy family" of Barnum, lead
Utopian existences. According to the dense bathos of such nursery
tales, in this underground Elysium the snakes give their rattles to tlie
puppies to iDlay with, the old dogs cuddle the Owlets, and farm out their
own litters to the grave and careful birds; when an Owl and a dog come
home, paw-in-wing, they are often mistaken by their respective i^rogenj-,
the little dogs nosing the Owls iu search of the maternal font, and the
old dogs left to wonder why the baby Owls will not nurse. It is a pity
to spoil a good story for the sake of a few facts, but as the case stands,
it would be well for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
to take it up. First, as to the reptiles, it may be observed that they are
like other rattlesnakes, dangerous, venomous creatures ; they have no
business in the burrows, and are alter no good when they do enter.
They wriggle into the holes, partly because there is no other place for
them to crawl into on the bare, fiat phiin, and partly in search of Owls'
eggs. Owlets, and ])uppies, to eat. Next, the Owls themselves are simply
attracted to the villages of prairie-dogs as the most convenient places
for shelter and nidification, where they find eligible ready-made burrows,
aud are spared the trouble of digging for themselves. Community of
interest makes them gregarious to an extent unusual among rapacious
birds ; while the exigencies of life on the plains cast their lot witb the
rodents. That the Owls live at ease in the settlements, and on familiar
terras with their four-footed neighbors, is an undoubted fact; but that
they inhabit the same burrows, or have any intimate doimstic relations,
is quite another thing. It is no proof that the quadruped und the birds
live together, that they are often seen to scuttle at each other's heels
into the sauie hole when alarmed; for in such a case the two simply
seek the nearest shelter, independently of each other. The probability
is, that young dogs often furnish a meal to the Owls, and that, in return,
the latter are often robbed of their eggs ; while certainly- the young of
both, and the Owls' eggs, are eaten by tlie snakes. In the larger settle-
ments there are thousands upon thousands of burrows, many occupied
by the dogs, but more, perhaps, vacant. These latter are the homes of
the Owls. Moreover, the ground below is honey-combed with commu
nicating passages, leading in every direction. If the underground plan
could be mapped, it would resemble the city of Boston, with its tortuous
and devious streets. The dogs are continually busy in fair weather in
repairing and extending their establishments; the main entrances may
be compared to the stump of a hollow tree, the interior of which com-
municates with many hollow branches that moreover intersect, these
passages finally ending in little pockets, the real home of the animals,
it is quite possible that the respective retreats of a dog and an Owl

SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 325

may liave but one vestibule, but even this does not imply that they nest
together. It is strong evidence in poiut, that usually there are the
fewest Owls in the towns most densely popidated by the dogs, and con-
versely. Scarcity of food, of water, or some obscure cause, often makes
the dogs emigrate from one locality to another; it is in such "deserted
villages" that the Owls are usually seen in the greatest numbers. I have
never seen theiu so numerous as in plat;es where there were plenty of
holes, but where scarcely a stray dog remained.

As already intimated, the Owls are by no means confined to the dog-
towns, nor even to the similar communities of other gregarious spernio-
philes. They sometimes occupy the underground dens of wolves, foxes,
and badgers. In South America, the representative race lives among the
bizcachas {Lagostomus tricJwdactylus) that inhabit the Pampas. On
some occasions the birds have been found alone, residing apparently in
burrows excavated by themselves, as already stated. They are by no
means uocturnal ; able to endure the sunlight without inconvenience,
they may be observed abroad at all hours. It has been stated that, in
the autumn, at the approach of cold weather, they retire into their bur-
rows to hybernate — a fable matching the one that ascribes to Swallows
the habit of diving into the mud to pass the winter in rej)ose along with
tori)id frogs. In most localities the birds are abroad the year round ;
their disappearance, in inclement regions, is accomplished, if at all, by
ordinary migration. In California I saw them, bright and lively as
crickets, in November.

I never undertook to unearth the nest of a Burrowing Owl, but others
have been more zealous in the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties.
Dr. Cooper says that he once dug two fresh eggs out of a burrow, which
he followed down for three feet, and then traced five feet horizontally,
at the end of which he found an enlarged chamber, where the eggs were
deposited on a few feathers. In his interesting note in the American Nat-
uraJkt^ Dr. C. S. Canfield gives a more explicit account of the nesting:
"I once took pains to dig out a nest of the Athene ciDiicularia. I found
that the burrow was about four feet long, and the nest was only ab(mt
two feet from the surface of the ground. The nest was made in a cavity
of the ground, of about a foot ni diameter, well filled with dry, sott
horse-dung, bits of an old blanket, and far of a coyot6 {Canis latrans)
that I had killed a few days before. One of the parent birds was ou
the nest, and I cai)tured it. It had no intention of leaving the nest,
even when entirely uncovered with the shovel and exposed to the open
air. It fought bravely with beak and claws. I found seven young ones,
l)erhaps eight or ten days old, well covered with down, but without any
ieathers. The whole nest, ;is well as the birds (old and young), swarmed
with fleas. It was the filthiest nest I ever saw. In the i)assage leading
to it there were small scraps of dead animals, such as pieces of the skin
of the antelope, half dried an<l h;df putrified; the skin of the coyote,
&c. ; and near the nest were the remains of a snake that I h;id killed
two days before, a large Coluber f two feet long. The birds had begun
at the snnke's head, and had picked olf the tlesh clean from the vertebra?
and ribs for about one half its length ; the other half of the snake was
entire. The material on which the young birds rested was at least three
inches (Icep. * # * * There are very few birds that carry more
rubbish into the nest than the Ailirne ; and even the Vultures are not
much more lilthy. I am satisfied that the .1. cK)uci(l<(ria lays a larger
lunnber of eggs than is attributed to it in Dr. Brewer's book (four). I
have frcriucntly seen, late in the seiison. six, seven, or eight young birds
Standing around the mouth ol a burrow, isolated from others in such a

326 SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. HYPOGiEA.

manner that I could not suppose that they belonged to two or more
families."

The same writer has some further remarks, so strongly corroborative
of wliat has preceded, that I will quote his words again. Speaking of
the hundreds, perhaps thonsimds, of the birds he had seen in Califoriiia,
he continues : " Where I have seen them, they always live in the de
serted or unoccupied burrows of the ground squirrel {Spermophilus
hcecheyi). I came to the conclnsion that they were able to drive out the
SpermopMles from their habitations, but I am not certain of this. It is
true that there were, in that region, a large number of unoccupied
burrows wherever there was a colony of Spermophiles ; so that there
was no lack of unoccupied habitations for the Owls to take possession
of. But I have noticed that wherever there was a large number of the
Owls, very few or no SpermophUes lived. One or Uco Owls would occa-
sionally be seen among a colony of SpermophUes ; but they never ap-
peared to enter the same hole or burrow with a squirrel, and I have
never seen a squirrel enter a burrow that was occupied by Owls, how-
ever much tempted by fear he might be to enter the first hole he should
come to. True, the Bpermopliile never likes to enter any burrow but his
own, and will run past any number of inviting. entrances, in order that
he may at last hide himself in his own domicile. But aside from this,
I believe that the squirrels are afraid of the Owls, and do not dare to
intrude upon them."

The notes ot the Burrowing Owl are peculiar. The birds do not
"hoot," nor is there anything lugubrious or foreboding in their cry.
Sometime they chuckle, chatter, and squeal in an odd way, as if they
had caught a habit of barking from the " dogs " they live with, and
were trying to imitate the sound. But their natural cr^- is curiously
similar to that of the Rain Crow, or Cuckoo of America — so much so,
that Diore than one observer has been deceived. They scream hoarsely
when wounded and caught, though this is but seldom, since, if any life
remains, they scramble quickly into a hole and are not easy to recover.
The flight is perfectly noiseless, like that of other Owls, owing to the
peculiar downy texture of the plumage. By day they seldom fly far
from the entrance of their burrow, and rarely, if ever, mount in the air.
I never saw one on wing more than a few moments at a time, just long
enough for it to pass from one hillock to another, as it does by skimming
low over the surface of the ground in a rapid, easy, and rather graceful
manne>. They live chiefly upon insects, especially grasshoppers; they
also feeil upon lizards, as I once determined by dissection, and there is
no doubt that young prairie-dogs furnish them many a meal. Under
ordinary 'circumstances they are not very shy or difficult to procure; 1|
once secured several specimens, in a few minutes, and, I fear, left some
others to languish and die in their holes. As commonly observed,
perched on one of the innumerable little eminences that mark a dog-
town, amid their curious surroundings, they present a spectacle not
easily forgotten. Their figure is peculiar, with their long legs and short
tail; the element of the grotesque is never wanting; it is liard to say
whether they look most ludicrous as they stand stiffly erect and motion-
less, or when they suddenly turn tail to duck into the hole, or when
engaged in their various antics. Bolt upright, on what may be imagined
their rostrum, they gaze about with a bland and self-satislled, but earn-
est air, as if about to address an audience upon ;•. subject of great pith
and moment. They suddenly bow low, with profound gravity, and rising
as abruptly, they begin to twitch their face and roll their eyes about in
the most mysterious manner, gesticulating wildly, every now and then

CIRCUS CYANEUS VAR. HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK. 327

bentling forward till tbe breast almost touches the ground, to propound
the argument with more telling efitect. Then they face about to address
the rear, that all may alike feel the force of their logic; they draw them-
selves up to their fullest height, outwardly calm and self-contained,
pausing in the discourse to note its effect upon the audience, and collect
their wits for the next rhetorical flourish. And no distant likeness be-
tween these frothy orators and others is found in the celerity with
which they subside and seek their holes on the slightest intimation of
danger.

[Note. — Tbe foregoiug pages iuclude all the species of Sirigidw at present kuowu to
iuLabit North America, north of Mexico.]

Family FALOONID^ : Diurnal Birds of Prey.

CIRCUS CYANEUS var. HUDSONIUS, (Linn.) Schl
Marsh Hawk; Harrier.

a. cyaneus.

I<'a?co C2/ane?f.5, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 126 (Acciinfer cwriilcKfi, Edw., v, 33, pi. 225).-^

Rktz, Fn. Snec. 64.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 276.— Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790, 39.—

Daud., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 174.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 163.— Temm., Man. Oru.

1815, 26 ; and of earlier authors generally.
Cirms ajaueiis, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 549: 1828, 306.— Less., Man. i. 105.— Flem., Br. An.

53.— Macgh.., Rap. Br. B. 298 ; Hist. Br. B. iii, 366.— Keys & Blas., Wirb. Eur.

1840, 31.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 6.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 32, pi. 11, f. 1.— Goued,

B. Enr. pi. 33.— Brehm, V. D. 93 ; Isis, 1832, 839 ; and of late authors generally.
Circus (Striijicepii) cyaneus, Kaup, Mus. Seuck. 1845, 258. — Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 17.
Bitieo cyaneus, Jenyns, Mau. Brit. Vert. An. 89.
Strifjiccjis cyaneus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850. 35.

Falco pyoarfius, Lks"X., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 126 (Pyc/argus AxTiQ. ; Ace. falco torquafus,
' i3Ri.ss., i, 345).— Retz., Fu. Snec. 65. — GM.,'Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 227. — Lath., Ind.

Orn. i, 1790, 39.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 391, p'l. 38, 39; and of niauy authors.
Circus pygaryus, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 324. — Steph., Shaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 41. — Eyt.,

Cat. Br. B. 5.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 212.
Strigiccps py<jur(fus, Bp., List, 1838, 5.
Falco maerourus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 269. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 29 (based on

Aceipiter maerourus, S. G. Gm., It. i, 48 ; N. C. Petrop. xv, 439, pi. 8 ; Lepech.,

It. i, .59).— Daud.. Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 90.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 160 {Strickland).
Falco griseus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 275.— Lath., lad. Orn. i, 1790, 37.— Daud., Tr. Orn.

ii, 1800, 114'
Falco albicans, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 276. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 38 (based on Ace

laniarius albicans, Briss., i, 367).
Falco monlanus (3, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 278. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 48 (based on

Aec. falco viontanus cinercus, Buiss., i, 3.55).
Falco hohemicus, Gm., Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 279.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 43.
Falco cinercus, I'osEG., It. 29.
Falco ruhiqinosus, Po.seo., It. 29.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 27. — D.VUD., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800,

167.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 170.
Falco ranivorus, Lath., Ind. Orn. Snppl. ii, 7 (Strickland).
Falco sirifficeps, NiLSS., Orn. Snec. i, 21.
Circus yairniarius, Savi., Doscr. Egyp. i, 91.— Less., Tr. Orn. 84. — Vieill., Nouv. Diet.

' d'llist. Nat. iv, 459; Fn. Franc. 26, pi. ii, f. 1,2.
Circus vurii flatus, Viehj.., Nouv. Diet, d'llist. Nat. iv, 466 ; Enc. Mcth. iii, 1216.
Circus (iiiilliits, Leach, Oat. 1816, 9.
Circus cinereus, Bp.kiim, V. D. 94 ; Isis. 1S32, 843.
Aceipiter rarialnlis, I'aee., Zoog. R. A. i, 364.
Pijgaryus dispar, KocH., Syst. Baier. Zool. 128.

b. hudsoniuH.

Falco hudsonius, Lixx.. Syst. Nat. i, 176<>, 128 {Py(jaryus canadensis, Enw., 107 ; Aceipiter
freli-iiudsonis, BiHSS., vi, App. 18). — Gm., i, 1788,277. — Dau1>., Tr. Oru. ii, 173. —
Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 165

328 CIRCUS CYANEUS VAR. HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK.

Circus hudmnius, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 36, pi. 9.— Cass., III. i, 18.54, 108. —

Brew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 42.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 38.— Newij., P. R. R. Rep. vi,

1857, 74.— Kenn., ibid, x, 1859, pt. iv, 19.— Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 33.— Coop. &.

Suck., ibid, xii, 1859, 150.— Hayd., Rep. 18G2, 153.— Coues, Pr. Pbilii. Acad.

18G6, 49.— EiDGW., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1870, 141.— Stev., U. &. Gcol. Siuv. Ter.

1870,462.- jNlERit., ihul. 1872, G98.— Sxow, B. Ivans. 1873, 2 ; and of most authors.
Circus (Stri(jiccj)s) hudsonius, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 37, No. 3G5.
Strifjiceps hiidsouins, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 35.
Fafco nUginosus, Gai., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 278.— Lath., Ind. Oi-n. i, 1790, 40.— Dai;d.,Ti-.

Orn. ii, 1800, 173.— Sab., App. Frank. Juuru. 671.— WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812,

67, pi. 51, f. 2 {Marsh Hawl; Edw., pi. 291 ; Arct. Zool. ii. No. 105 ; Gen. Syn. i, 90).
Circus uliginosus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 37.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 20, pi. 3, f. 6,7.
Circus (Sirifjiceps) idirjinosus, Kaup, Mus. Seuck. 1845, 258.
•Strigiceps uiif/inosus, Bp., List, 1838, 5. — Kaup, Mon. FaJc. Cent. Orn. 1850, 58.
Fako varicgatus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 276.
Circus varic(jatus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 37.
Falco albidus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 276.

Faico buffouii, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 277.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 172.
Falco ci/ancus, vars. 3 et j, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 40.
Falco ijlaucus, sub-cocruleus, et raouwjfs, Bartk., Tiav. 1791, 290.
Falco curopoijisius, Bosc. — Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 110.

Circus europogistus,\iFAiA.., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 36, j)l. 8. >

Falco hyemalis var.. Lath., Ind. Orn. Suppl. 8 (Siriclland).
Falco wruginosus var., Shaw, Geu. Zool. vii, 117 {Strickland).
Falco jncatus, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 167 {Stricldaud).
Falco cccsius, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 315.
Falco cyaneus, Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 30, pi. 12 ; Syn. 1828, 33. sp. No. 22 : Isis, 1832, 10.38.—

NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 109.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 396, pi. 356.— Peab., Rep.

Orn. Mass. 1839, 82.
Circus cijaneus, Aud., Syn. 1839, 19. — Aud., B. Am. i, 1840, 10.5, pi. 26. — GiR., B. L. I.

1844, 21.— WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 61.
Butco {Circus) cyaneus? var.'? amcricanus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 55, pi. 29.
Circus cgatieus hudsouius, Schl., M. P.-B. 1862, Circi, p. 2.
Circus cijaneus var. hudsouius, Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181. — CouES, Key, 1872,210,

fig. 159.— B. B. &. R., N. A. B. iii, lti74, 214.

c. cinereus.

Circus cinereus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. ix, 1816, 454; Enc. Meth. iii, 1213. —

Darw., Voy. Beag. iii, 30.— D'Okbig., Syn. Av. Mag. Zool. 1837; Voy. Am.

Merid. 110.— Bridges, P. Z. S. ix, 109; Ann. Nat. Hist, xiii, 500.— Gray, Gen.

of B.; List B. Br. Mus. 80.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 254.
Circus cyaneus var. cinereus, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 214.
Circus compestris, Vieill., Euc. Meth. iii, 1213.
Circus histriouicus, Quoy, Zool. Jouru. ii, 271.— KixG, ifcK/. 425; Isis, 1830, 1182; Voy.

Beag. i, 532.-Less., Tr. Oru.85.
Falco histriouicus, QuoY, Voy. Uranie, 93, pi. 15, 16.
Strigiccjjs histriouicus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 35.
Spiziacircus histriouicus, Kaup, Mon. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 59.

Rah. — Europe, Asia. Var. hudsonicvs throughout North America. Var. cinereus in
.South America.

List of specimens.

19121
19122

160
181

5

G. H. Trook..
do

18.00
22.00

41.00
43.50

14.00
15.00

E.]

F'k. Tongue R.

Sept. 15, 1859

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 51C0, Cedar Island; 51 Gl, Fort Randall, Dakota;
5162, Running Water.

Later Expeditions. — 59841, Colorado ; 60339-41, Wyoming ; 60625, Uintah Mountains;
60626-7, North Platte River; 62237, Idaho.

With this species I begin an account of our diurnal Reptorcs that
might be indeiinitely prolonged were I disposed to enkirge upon " natu-
ral affinities" at the reader's expense. Mr. William Swaiuson, an ingen-
ious aud not entirely unimaginative writer, who entertained peculiar
ideas and was not fastidious in choosing the means to ui)h()ld them,
found the Marsh Hawk a more attractive, if not a more prolitable, sub-

CIRCUS CYAXEUS VAR. HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK. 329

ject of speculation tbau we are now likely to discover it to be. Since
mere opinions in such cases usually seem more valuable to their au-
thors than others find them, it is the more to be regretted that science
requires us to disagree with the wit who met the objection that facts
did not support his theory, by remarking, so much the worse for the
facts. So tar from agreeing respecting the natural affinities of the
Marsh Hawk, ornithologists have not succeeded in agreeing upon a
came for it. If one will collate the synonyms of the species, he must be
prepared to contemplate a great license ornithology has taken in the
manufacture of nominal species. Ornithology wears a histrionic mask,
never wholly laid aside ; and has its comic aspect, which becomes promi-
nent when we see what is often said about birds — how many parts they
are made to play in books, for which nature never designed them,
when we note their appearance in different charactei"s at the hands of
successive literary costumers. After the play of birds, to wliich authors
invite us, is over, it is well, sometimes, to go into the woods and fields
with the birds, and see how they look with their dominos ofl".

It is sufficient for my present pur])ose to state, that the Marsh Hawk
combines, to a notable degree, the characters of several raptorial types,
being, in particular, a link between Hawks and Owls ; and that our
bird is a geographical variety of the European. These facts established,
the theories that might be based upon them may be disregarded,
Audubon's plate is a good portrait of the bird. It has a queer owlish
physiognomy, produced l)y the sha])e of the head, and especially by the
ruff of modified feathers, which, in its higher development, is character-
istic of the iStrigidcc. This analogy is strengthened by a peculiar soft
texture of the plumage. Yet the bird, is not in the least degree noctur-
nal, as some of the Buzzards are to a certain extent. In its general
habits and structure, the Harrier is allied to ordinary Buzzards ; yet its
long- wings and tail are nearer those of Hawks of the genus Accqnfer,
biids whose spirit, however, it lacks. Its changes of pluujage and sex-
ual differences are peculiar. It differs from most Hawks in its mode of
nesting. Brietly, then, birds of the genus Circus look like Owls, behave
like Buzzards, nest like Vultures, and change color like no other birds
of the group to which they belong.

The terrestrial nidification of this bird, in which it stands apart from
its kind and approaches the Cathnrtes, is well known ; but accounts of
the nesting are at variance in detail. Some say that the nest is built
of "sticks, reeds, straw, leaves, and similar materials heaped together,
and is lined with feathers, hair, or other soft substances'' — a statement
too comi)rehensive to be successfully attacked. Such a nest would be
so comfortable that it is a wonder the birds have not the good taste to
use it. It has been said, again, that the only materials used " were
dried grasses, which were woven together rather neatly.'' To this state-
ment exception is taken by a writer whose science is better than his
grammar, in this wise: "I should doubt the power they possess in so
cond)ining the materials of their nest as to cause them to ai)i)car to be
woven, in many instances they nu'rely trample down the grass in the
meadow, and lay their eggs on the bare turf; and when the\- i)reteud
to build a nest, it will not compare in archite<'tui(' with that of the coui-
mon hen.'' This is rather severe on the Marsh Hawk, though i)robably
true.. But Audubon speaks of a nest that he saw : '• it was made of dry
grass, * * * * pix'tty regularly an<l compactly disposed, especially
in the interior, on "which much care appeared to be bestowed. No
feathers or other nuiterials had been used in its eonstruction, not even
a twig." This account of Audubon's ap])lies very nearly to the only

330 CIRCUS CYANEUS VAR. HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK.

iiest of the Marsh Hawk I ever discovered myself — one that I found at
Pembina, Dakota, June 3, 1873. It was on the ground, in the midst of
a large patch of wild roses, near the border of the woods along the
river. There was no depression of the ground ; the cavity of the nest
was slight; its diameter, about twelve inches; its height, about three
inches. The base was a few rose-bush twigs, upon which rested a mass
of dried grasses, rather neatly and for the most part circularly dis-
posed ; there was no special lining whatever. The eggs are variously
rated by writers from three to six in number. In this instance there
were five, slightly incubated at the date mentioned. Four or five ap-
pears to be the ordinary number. The eggs are broadly oval, and
nearly equal in contour at both ends. My specimens measured as fol-
lows: 1.87 by 1.45; 1.80 by 1.45; 1.82 by 1.44; 1.80 by 1.45; 1.80 by 1.42.
They were dull white, with the faintest possible greenish shade; there
were no evident spots, but much mechanical soiling. In numerous
other specimens I have examined, the bluish or greenish shade is much
stronger; and, authors to the contrary notwithstanding, some sets dis-
play markings, often pale and obscure it is true, but too evident to be
easily overlooked. These consist of irregular surface-markings, in small
spots and larger blotches, of pale brown, with other shell-spots of lilac,
lavender, or pale neutral tint. In this wide range of variation, eggs
from the same nest not seldom differ, though any one clutch is usually
much the same throughout. I have seen much smaller eggs than those
the measurements of which are above given.

In the case just given, I had seen the pair of birds for several days,
but could not trace them to their nest; at length, however, I stumbled
upon it by accident; the female was setting, and did not fly up until I
was within a few feet of her, my approach being hidden by the bushes.
She flew iiurriedly away, with loud cries, which soon brought the male;
and the pair circled for some minutes overhead. The male was quite
shy and perfectly mute ; the female, on the contrary, circled close over-
head, and continually uttered a harsh note. I contented myself with
securing the nest and eggs, not caring to take the life of the devoted
mother. The same season I almost constantly saw Marsh Hawks
throughout ISTorthern Dakota; they were the most abundant and uni-
versally distributed of all the rapacious birds. In July, at Turtle
Mountain, several pairs had bred in the vicinity of one of our camps;
and on one occasion I secured a family of five, newly on wing — the male
alone escaping. Here, as elsewhere, the brown birds are much more
numerous than those in blue plumage; in fact, I saw scarcely a dozen
of the latter during the whole season. These birds showed little of the
wariness most Hawks display, and almost any number could have been
secured. The craws of those examined contained insects, especially
grasshoppers, with remains of small quadrupeds and reptiles.

The geographical distribution of the North American Marsh Hawk is
coextensive with the continent. In most localities it is one of the most
abundant representatives of the family, and may be seen the whole
year. But it is, at least i^artially, migratory; that is to say, the same
individuals do not reside i)ermanently in all localities, nor even in those
where the bird, as a species, is seen at all seasons. In general, the ma-
jority of individuals are bred further north than those places where they
reside most of the year; and the further south we proceed, the fewer
binls are found during the summer. In most parts. of British America,
over the vast extent of which the bird ranges, it is stated that it is seen
during only a portion of the year, when the food supply is assured.

CIRCUS CYANEUS VAR. HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK. 331

The presence of water seems a necessary condition of its existence.
Along the Missouri Eiver it is the most abundant of the Hawks, not
even excepting' the Sparrow Hawk. I took numerous individuals at
Fort Kaudall. On the coast of the Carolinas, over the salt-marshes, I
found it more plentiful than all other Hawks together. In traveling by
rail through the flat, fertile, and well-watered districts of Minnesota and
Iowa, in October, I was surprised at the number of these birds I saw ;
they were almost continually in view, and sometimes several would be
seen at a time circling over the prairie, almost as if hunting in packs.
The bird may be recognized at any reasonable distance by its peculiar
configuration, produced by the length of the wings and tail, its easy
sailing flight, the singular bluish and white coloration of the adult male,
and the conspicuous white patch on the root of the tail of the female
and young. Probably none of our Hawks can be called properly gre-
garious, but the Marsh Hawk comes the nearest to being so ; the young
are said to hunt for some time in company, a statement that my ob-
servations probably confirm. When mated, the pairs of old birds
display the afiection and fidelity for which most rai)acious birds are
noted, keeping close company as long as their cares and delights are
shared.

The Marsh Harrier belongs among the "ignoble" birds of the
falconers, but is neither a weakling nor a coward, as cue may easily
satisfy himself by handling a winged bird. Still, under ordinary
circumstances, its spirit is hardly commensurate with its physique,
and its quarry is humble. It lacks the splendid action that insures
success, in the pursuit of feathered game, to the dashing Falcons
and true Hawks; with all its stroke of wing, it acquires no such re-
sistless impetus. Audubon, indeed, says that at times, when impelled
by hunger, it will attack Partridges, Plovers, and even Teal ; but he
adds, that he once saw a IMarsh Hen come off victorious in a battle
with the Harrier. It ordinarily stoops to field-mice, small reptiles, and
insects. It is particularly fond of frogs; these goggle-eyed and perspir-
ing creatures suffer more from the Harriers than from all the school-
boys that ever stoned them of a Saturday afternoon. The birds thus
jjarticularlj- resemble the Rough-legged Buzzards in the nature of their
prey, and we can see a reason why they are so tenacious of their
watery preserves. They hover at no great height, keenly surveying the
ground below, and drop directly on their quarry when it is descried.
They rarely i)ursue their prey or triinsport it to any distance when
secured, preferring to miike a meiil on the spot. Hence, it frequently
happens that, when walking in reedy covert, the gunner puts up a Marsh
Hawk, disturbed at its repast in the thick vegetation that served alike
to screen the bird and cover his own advance. At such a time, as the
bird flai)s up and makes oif at its best pace, it may be brought down
with tlie greatest ease. With wings of ample dimensions — even to be
called long in proportion to its weight — the bird nevertheless does not
fly very last ; it proceeds ordiiiaril.N with regular, easy strokes, tliiee or
four times in succession, ami then siiils until the impulse is exhausted.
It often courses very low over the ground, and rather swittly, turning,
passing and repassing, "quartering" the ground like a well-broken dog.
This is the habit that has given it the name of " Harrier," and, in some
sections, the less eh'gant (lesignation of " liog- trotter." The old male
is also sometimes called " Blue Hawk."

332 NAUCLERUS FORFICATUS, SWALLOW-TAILED KITE.

NAUCLERUS FOEFICATUS, (Linn.) Ridgw.

Sn allow -tuiled Kite,

Falco forficatiis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, ed. x, 1758. (Prior name.)

Xauclerns forficatiis, Eidgw.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 192.— Mehk., Am. Nat. viii,
1874, 88 (Florida).

Falco furcatus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17()6, 129 (Gates., Car. pi. 4; Briss., Orn. i, 418; P.
E. 72).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 262.— Lath., Iiul. Oru. i, 1790, 22.— Daud., Tr.
Orn. ii, 1806, 152.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 107.— Flem., Br. Au. 52.— WiLs., Am.
Oru. vi, 1812, 70, pi. 51, fig. 3.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 95.— AuD., Oru. Biog. i,
18:!0. 368; v, 1839, 371 ; pi. 72.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 7, fig. 55.

Milvus fnrcatus, Vieill., O. A. S. i, 1807, pi. 10.— Jen., Mau. 86— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 6G.

Elanus furcatiis, ViG., Zool. Journ. i, 340. — Stepi[., G. Z. xiii. pt. ii, 49. — Cuv., E. A. 2(1
ed. i, 334.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 31.— James., ed. Wil.s. i, 75.— jAiJD.,ed. Wils. ii, 275.

Elanoides furmtus, Vieile.', Euc. Meth. 1204.— Ghay, G. of B. i, 24, pi. 9, tig. 9.— Stiucki..,
Oru. Syu. 1855, 141.— Owen, Ibis, ii, 1860, 240 (biography).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867,
1.58 (Veragiia). — Lawk., Auu. Lye. N. Y. ix, 1868, 134 (Costa Kica).

Nauclerm furcatus, ViG., Zool. Jonru. ii, 1825, .387 ; Isis, 1830, 1043.— Less., Mau. i,''1828,
101 ; Tr. Oru. 73.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 210.— Bp., List, 1838, 4 ; Con.sp. Av.
i, 1850, 21.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 14 ; B. Am. i. 1840, 78, pi. 18.— Gould, B. E. jd.
30.— WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 60.— Cass., 111. 1854, 105.— Bkew., N. A. O. 1857,
38.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 36.— Scl.. Jbis, i, 1859, 220 (Guatemala).— Wmeat., Ohio
Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 14.— CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 402.— Lawr.,
Auu. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 289 (Pauaraa) ; viii, 1866, 280.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc.
xii, 1868, 120 (South Carolina).— TtiiiNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 40.— Allen, Am. Nat.
iii, 1870, 645 (Massachusetts).— Eidgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 144.— Timppe,
Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 113 (Minnesota).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 130.—
Coues, Key, 1872, 211.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873.— Dl>ess., Ibis, 186.5, 325 (Texas).—
Hatch, Bull. Miun. Acad, i, 1874, 51 (Minnesota).— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. x, 1874,
380 (Illinois). — Hakt., Br. B. 1872, 88 (Gtieat Britain, five instances, with
references).

Elanoides yelapa, Vieill., Euc. Meth. iii, 1823, 1205.

iTrt?*. —South Atlantic and Gulf States. Ou the Atlantic coast not regularly beyond
Virginia, but casually to Massachusetts. Up the whole Mississippi Valley, however
(Kausas, Snow, Allen) Iowa, Cooper ; Minnesota, lat. 47°, Trippe). Up the Mis.souri to
Fort Leavenworth, at least {Coues). Cuba {CcibavAs, J. f. O. ii, p. Ixxxiii). South to
Brazil (Cabanis, J. f. O. v, 41 ; Beiuh., Vid. Med. 1870, 65). Accidental ni Europe.

Marked among its kind by no ordinary beanty of form and brilliancy
of color, the Kite courses through the air with a grace and buoyancy it
would be vain to rival. By a stroke of the thin-bladed wings and a
lashing of the cleft tail, its flight is swayed to this or that side in a mo-
ment, or instantly arrested. Now it swoops with incredible swiftness,
seizes without a pause, and bears its struggling captive aloft, feeding
from its talons as it flies; now it mounts in airy circles till it is a speck
in the blue ether and disappears. All its actions, in wantonness or in
severity of the chase, display the dash of the athletic bird, which, if
lacking tbe brute strength and brutal ferocity of some, becomes their
peer in prowess — like the trained gypiinast, whose tight-strung thews,
supple joints, and swelling muscles, under marvellous control, enable
him to execute feats that to the more massive or not so well conditioned
frame Avould be imjjossible. One cannot watch the flight of the Kite
without comparing it with the thorongh-bred racer.

The Swallow- tailed Kite is a marked feature of the scene in the
Southern States, alike where the sunbeams are redolent of the orange
and magnolia, and where the air reeks with the pestilent miasm of moss-
shrouded swamps that sleep in perpetual gloom. But, imbued with a
spirit of adventure, pos.ses.sed of unequalcd powers of flight, it often
wanders far from its southern home; it has more than once crossed the
ocean, and become a trophy of no ordinary interest to the ardent col-
lector in Europe. On the Atlantic coast its natural limit appears to be
the lower portions of Virginia, similar in physical and zoological char-

ACCIPITER FUSCUS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 333

acters to the Carolinas ; but it has more than once occurred iu the Mid-
dle States. The Rev. Dr. Turubull raentious an instance of its capture
near Phihidelphia, iu 1857, probably the same that Mr. Cassin speaks of.
The name occurs in Mr. Lawrence's New York List, and Dr. DeKay
ligures it among the birds of that State. Bat its greatest extension is
through the Mississippi Valley, where it regularly occurs above the
mouth of the Missouri. Dr. Woodhouse found it coQimon in Texas and
the Indian Territory, and especially so along the Arkansas River. Dr.
Hoy records it from Wisconsin, Prof. Snow says it is rare in Kansas,
where, however, Mr. Allen states that several pairs arrived about May
15, 1871, near Topeka. The northernmost quotation I have found is
that of Mr. Trippe, who observed the bird in Minnesota, north of Mille
Lac, at latitude 47°, and states that it is rather common, especiall}- in
the immediate vicinity of the Mississippi. Finally-, I may add, I had
the pleasure of observing it myself in Missouri, opposite Fort Leaven-
'worth, in May, 1801:, when a magnificent specimen shaped its course
across my path, so near that 1 could see the tiash of its eye as it swept
by in full career. It was a beautiful sight, upon which no one could
look unmoved, nor without feeling that his excited senses borrowed a
plume from the bird itself to follow in imagination when the Kite was
lost to view.

I have before me an egg of this species, from the Smithsonian col-
lection, taken in Iowa. It measures 1.90 by 1.50; one end is smaller
than the other, though the greatest diameter is nearly equidistant from
either. The ground-color is white, but tinged, as if soiled or otherwise
mechanically discolored, with a faint brownish shade ; it is marked with
large irregular blotches of rusty and chestnut-brown, most numerous
around the smaller end. Besides these there are some specks and small
spots of blackish-brown. Audubon describes other eggs, no doubt cor-
rectly, as being "of a greenish- white color, with a few irregular blotches
of dark brown at the larger end," and states they were from four to six
in luunber. "The nest," he observes, "is usually placed on the top
branches of the tallest oak or pine-tree, situated on the margin of a
stream or pond. It resembles that of the common Crow externall}",
being formed of dry sticks, intermixed with Spanish moss, and is lined
with coarse grasses and a few feathers."

As if in compensation for its i)owers of flight, this bird's legs are so
short as to be scarcely serviceable for locomotion, and it rarely, if ever,
alights on the ground. Its food is prin(*ipally reptiles and insects. It
is found in winter in Central and South America, and is said, whether
or not with entire truth I do not know, to withdraw altogether fioni the
United States in September, to return in April. It ai)pears to breed
indilferently throughout its normal United States range.

ACCIPITER FUSCUS, (Gm.) Gray.

Sharp-shinned II<iwk; Pigeon Hunk.

Falcofuscus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17KM, 280.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 17<»(), 4:?.— l).\ri>., Tr. Orn.
ii, 1800, «6.— Sd.vw, (Jen. Zool. vii, lOl.— IJi-., Syu. 18'.iH, 4;?:?.— Ni it., Man. i,
183-2, 87.— All)., Orn. IJioff. iv, 1838, 522, pi. 474.— Pkab,, Kop. Orn. iMass. 1839,
78.— liHKW., ed. Wils. I'-^O, 685.

Accipiter ftiscun, 15p., Coiiip. Li.st, 1838, 5 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 32.— '\V<>oou., Sit<jr. Kop. 1853,
61.— Cass., 111. i, 1854, <>5; Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1855, 27'J.— Hkkw., N. A. Ool. 1857.
18.— Ik)., B. N. a. 1858, 18.— ScL., P. Z. 8. 1858, 295 (Oaxaca).— ScL.. Ibis, i,
1859, 218 (Central America).— Buy., Pr. Kost. Sue. vii, 18.59 (HaliauiaK).—Coor.

3^4

OO'^

ACCIPITER COOPEKI, COOPERS HAWK.

& Suck. N. H. WaBli. Tor. 18G0, 146.— Bi.ak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 317.— Scl., P. Z. S.

1864. 178.— Dicrss., Ibis, 18615, 324.- Couks, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 4:5 (Arizona).—

SCL. & Salv., V. Z. S. LH69, 280 (Mosquito Coast).— Ball & Ban.n., Tr. Chic.

Acad, i, 1869, 271.— Gkay, ' Hand-list, i, 1869, 32, No. 304. — Lawi{.. Ann.

Lye. N. Y. is, 134 (Costa Rica).— Sai.v., P. Z. S. 1870, 216 (VeniKna).— Coop.,

B. Cal. i, 1870, 466.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 319.— Stev., IT. S. Gcol.

Surv. Ter. 1870, 462.— Merii., ibid. 1872, 69, 9.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873.— CouES,

Key, 1872, 212 ; and of most late authors.
Astur fusats, Aud., Syn. 1839, 18 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 100, pi 25.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844,

ii, 17, pi. 2, f. 2.— GiH., B. L. I. 1844, 19.
Nisus fuscus, Kaup, Mon. Falc. Cout. Oiu. 1850, 64. — FixscH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 26

(Alaska).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 224.
Faico duhins, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 281.— Lath., I. O. i, 1790, 44.-Daui)., Tr. Orn. 122,
Acdpiter striatus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 42, ]>1. 14 ; Euc. Meth. iii, 1265.
Falco velox, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 116, pi. 45, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 29 ; Isis, 1832, 1137.
Acdpiter vdox, ViG., Zool. Journ. i, 338. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 31.
Astur vdox, James., ed. Wils. i, 68.

Falco pennsyJranicus, Wils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 13, pi. 46, f. 1.
Nisun 2)ennsf)lvanieus, Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 334.
2^^isus 2)0181/1 ruiicus, Less., Ti'. Orn. i, 1831, 59.
Acdpiter peunsijlvaniciis, ViG., Zool. Journ. i, 338. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 32. —

Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 44.— Jakd., ed. Wils. ii, 210.— Sw., Classif.

B. ii, 1837, 21.5.
Astur pcnnstjlvanicus, Less., Man. Orn. i, 92. — James., ed. Wils. i, 70.
Sparvius Uneatus, Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1823, 1266.
Ni?us malfiid (juv.). Less., Traite d'Orn. i, 1831, 58.
Acdpiter ardosiacus, Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1274.
' cooperi, ? , iiud friiigillarius, partly, Kaup" {fide Gray).

Hab. — The ■whole of North America. South to Panama.

List of spedmem

.

19116
f 19117

154

182

Powder River..
Rosebud

2

Oct. 1, 1859
Sept. 9, 1859

G. H.Trook..
Dr. Hines. .. .

14.00

25.00

8.50

Late Expeditions. — 60624, Uintah Mountains ; 62234-5, Wyoming.

Although not noticed by Dr. Hayden during the Warren explora-
tions, this handsome and spirited little Hawk was observ^ed by natnral-
ists of the Raynolds' Expedition, and ranges over the whole of the Mis-
souri region, as elsewhere on our continent. It is one of the best known,
and, in most sections, one of the more abundant of our birds of this
family. It preys chiefly upon small birds aud quadrupeds, captured iu
the dashing manner of all the species of this gronj), and, like its small
allies, feeds to some extent upon insects. It nests in trees, or on rocks,
I)referably the former, laying four or five eggs. They are difficult of con-
cise description, because so variable. The white ground-color has often
a livid or even purplish tint, and is ujarked, often so thickly as to be
obscured, with large, irregular splashes of various shades of brown,
interminably changeable iu number, size, and pattern, sometimes inclin-
ing to form masses or a wreath, sometimes more evenly distributed.
The Q^,Q is of nearly equal size at both ends, aud measures about 1.45
bv 1.15.

ACCIPITER COOPERI, (Bp.) Gray.
Cooper's Hnwk; Chicken Hawk.

a. cooperi.

Falco cooperi, Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 1828, p. 1, pi. 1, f. 1 ; Syn. 1828, 433 ; Isis, 1830, 1137.—
NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 90.— James., ed. Wils. iv, 3.— Peap,., Rep. Orn. Mass. 78.

Astur cooperi, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 5; Consp. i, 1850, 31. — At:d., Syn. 1839, 18 ; B. Am.
i, 1840, 98, pi. 24.— NEWI5., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 74.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 13.

ACCIPITER COOPERI, COOPER's HAWK. 335

Accijnter cooperi. Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 38.— Cass., 111. 1854, 9(5.— Brew., N. A. CiU.

1857, 20, pi. 5, f. 55 (eog).— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 16 ; Mex. B. Snrv. ii, 1859, p-.

ii, p. 3.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.59, 389 (critical).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pr.

vi, 33.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 145.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 317.—

Dre.ss., Ibis, 1865, 323 (Texas). — CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1868, 43. — AxLEX,

Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 321.— Scl. & Sai.v., Exot. Orn. i, 1869, 170.— Lawk., Ann.

Lye. X. Y. ix. 1868, 134 (Costa Rica).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 464.— Snow, B.

Kaus. 1873.— CouES, Key, 1872, 212, fig. 140.
Acdpitcr (Coo))era>itur) cooperi, Gray, H. L. i, 1889, 32, No. 312 (" Coo2)erastur," Bp., 1854).
Falco ste»/ei/(, AuD., Oru. Biog. i, 186, pi. 36 {Astur) ; ii, 245, pi. 141, 3.— Nutt., Man. i,

1832, 91.
Nisiis cooperi, Ridgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 59.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 230.
Accipiter jnexjcajnfs, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831,45.— Cass., 111. 1854, 96.— Stricic, Orn. Syn.

185.5, 109.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 17.— Coop. & Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 146.—

CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 43 (Arizona).— Coop., B. Cal, i, 1870, 465,— Stev,,

U, S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462.
Accipiter {Cooperastur) mexicamis, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 33, No. 313.
Nisus cooperi var. mexicaitiis, Ridgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 59. — B. B. & R., N. A. B.

iii, 1874, 231.
" besldi, Light. ; pileatus, juv. Kacp " {fide Gray),

b. gundlacM.

Astur coopo'i, Lejib., Aves Isl. Cuba, 1850, 17.

Nimoi pileatus, Lemij., Aves Isl. Cuba, 1850 ; Snppl.

Astur pileatus, Guxdl., J. f. O. 1854, p. — .

Accipiter guudlaehi, Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1860, 2.52. — Gundl., Rep. 224. — Sci., &

S.VLV., Exot. Orn. i, 170.
Accipiter (Cooperastur) gundlachi, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 33, No. 319,

Hal). — Temperate North America, and southward, Var. gundlachi, Cuba.

Lieutenant fVarren's Expedition. — 5163, Fort Berthold ; 5164, White Earth River,
Dakota ; 5165, mouth of the Yellowstone.

Later Expeditions.— &)Cyi'i, Uintah Mountains.

As may be gathered from the above, the habitat assigned to Cooper's Hawk includes
that of the so-called Accijnter 7Hexicanus. This last is a pure figment, described by Mr.
Swaiuson, who was apparently ignorant of A. cooptri, and perpetuated 'mainly by Mr.
Cassin, whose authority has had weight in this instance with all American writers,
nul il quite recently. The most that can be claimed for the supposed mexicanus is, that
it consists of rather smaller and more heavilj' colored, because more southern, speci-
mens, of J. cooperi; but even in extreme cases, the difference is insufficient to warrant
retention of the name. Dr, Haydeu's specimens, originally referred to " mexicanus''
by Mr. Cassin, are no smaller than ordinary coope:ri, and not otherwise percejitibly
ditferent ; as in too many other cases, the identification, in all j)robability, was made
upon some supposed points of geographical distribution that were groundless. So far
as I know, the identity of mexicanus with cooperi was first published by ]\Ir. Allen,
although others, myself among the number, had previously become convinced of the
fact. There is little to add to Mr. Allen's satisfactory exposition of the case. This
pretended species disposed of, we have in this country two species of Accipiter, identi-
cal in coloration, and nearly so in form, but instantly distinguished by the great dis-
parity in size — the difference being relatively as,great as that subsisting between P/cms
villosns and F. pubcscus, and the two cases being precisely parallel. The largest females
of A./uscus grade up closely toward the small males of cooperi, but there appears to be
a constant small gape between them, which, taking sex for sex, is much greater. The
fenial(! /uncus is 12 to 14 long, the extent about 26, the wing 7 to 8, the t.vil 6 to 7 ;
the male cooperi is 16 to 18 long, about 30 in extent, the wing 9 to 10, tlie tail about
8, There is also a difference in the feet, those o{ fuscus being much slenderer, com-
paratively as well as absolutely, and relatively longer; the whole foot is not over 3^
long, while that of cooperi is at least 4, generally more. In adult male fuscus the tar-
sal scutella tmpiently fuse, leaving a perfectly smooth shank — a state not observed
in cooperi.

Notwithstanding: thft abundance of tlii.s Hawk in the United States,
it.s i)erf'('ctly adult pluniajje is rarely noted, and in fact 1 have never seen
a description 1 consideit^d entirely satisfactory — that j;ivcn in the
" Key " is accurate, but, like most of my accoiuits, necessarily much
abbreviated. The adult bird is not only bluish-j?ray on the upper parts,
but has a decided shade of the same on the breast and sicU's, A tine
male 1 procured at \\'ashinj;ton showed this very plainly; yet it has
been supposed specilically distinctive of the Cuban variety. As usually

336 accipitp:r cooperi, cooper's hawk.

observed, in youth, the upper parts are dark browu, deepest on the
head, where often quite bhickish, and the under parts are white or
whitisli, lengthwise streaked with brown. This latter marking- gradu-
ally (changes, both in pattern and color, to a fine rusty red, in trans-
verse bars alternating with white. The upper parts simultaneously
grow bluish-gray ; the under finally acquire a similar glaucous shade.
There is nothing peculiar in this, however, for it is the rule among
Hawks, that those which on the under parts were barred crosswise when
adult, are striped lengthwise when young. The coloration and changes
of plumage of A. fitscns are precisely the same.

The birds of this genus are closely allied to the true Asturs, or Gos-
hawks, differing mainly in smaller size, slenderer build, and conse-
quently inferior prowess ; but they are " noble" birds of prey, scarcely
yielding in spirit and action to the typical Falcons themselves. Coop-
er's is one of the largest of the genus, and an audacious highwayman
it is. An idea of its daring may be gathered from Audubon's account
of an exploit he witnessed: " This marauder sometimes attacks birds
far superior to itself in weight, and sometimes possessed of a courage
and strength equal to its own. As I was one morning observing the
motions of some Parakeets near Bayou Sara, in Louisiana, in the month
of November, I heard a cock crowing not far from me, and in sight of
a farm-house. The Hawk next moment flew i)ast me, and so close that
I might have touched it with the barrel of my gun, had I been prepared.
Not more than a few seconds elapsed before I heard the cackling of
the hens, and the war-cry of the cock, and at the same time observed
the Hawk rising, as if without effort, a few yards in the air, and again
falling toward the ground with the rapidity of lightning. I proceeded
to the spot, and found the Hawk grai)pled to the body of the cock, both
tumbling over and over, and paying no attention tome as I approached.
Desirous of seeing the result, I remained still until, perceiving that the
Hawk had given a fatal squeeze to the brave cock, I ran to secure the
former; but the marauder had kept a hawk's eye upon me, and, disen-
gaging himself, rose in the air in full confidence. The next moment 1
pulled trigger, and he fell dead to the ground."

On the other hand. Cooper's Hawk has occasionally been tamed, ex-
hibiting an intelligent docility, and no small degree of regard for its
master. I witnessed an interesting instance of this while in the south-
west, riding twenty miles one day to see some tamed Hawks that had
grown quite famous locally. I find the following account of the visit
in one of my old notebooks : " Qur errand told, we were made at home
directly, for 'Tennessee Bill,' as our host was known in these parts, was
proud of his i)ets, and doubtless gratified we had come so far to see
them ; besides, he was not sorry to hear the news from ' the fort,' living
all alone as he did. He tendered such hospitality as his log-cabin
afforded — of the kind that, however varied in substance, is always much
the same ' in spirit.' AVhoso drinks in the West is entitled to all the
rights, privileges, and immunities said to be accorded him who tastes
salt in Arabia; but, although I have no objection to salt in its place, I
consider its place as limited, and, on the whole, iirefer our own customs.
Bill promised that the birds should be duly forthcomiug — ' providin'
they're anyways about here,' he added. He stepped to the door, and
blew a long, shrill whistle with his fingers in his mouth. jSTo answer,
and he whistled again, when, like a far echo, we heard a cry from the
woods. ' Jes' so ; I susplcioned they were off' down the crik, huntin'
on their own hook ; thar they come ; think I've got some grub for em ;
sold, ain't they V In a moment three Hawks came dashing toward the

ACCIPITER COOPERI, COOPER's HAWK. 337

house, with eager cries, (,'atching sight of strangers, they veered off
at the hist moment, and, with a graceful upward curve, settled in a tall
Cottonwood overhead. There they stood, peering with outstretched
necks down through the foliage, eager, curious, yet distrustful, and
occasionally uttering a whining note. Bill explained that they were
afraid of us, but said he 'reckoned he'd fetch 'em down,' and entered
the house for his rifle. I was surprised, for I thought he was going to
kill one; but my companion called to my mind that Bill was still in the
habit of shooting small birds lor them to eat, as he had done when they
were quite young. The birds redoubled their clamor as their owner
reappeared, gun in hand, and leaped lower down among the branches.
He stepped forward a few paces, and then, appetite overcoming their
mistrust, they sailed down, and flapped about over his head as he
walked toward the bushes. Crack ! ping ! He knocked the head off an
unlucky Sparrow, picked it up, held it out in his hand, and made a
queer, chuckling noise, like a hen clucking to her chickens. The boldest
settled lightly on his shoulder, theu slid down his arm, seized the bird,
and flew off', with the other two in full pursuit. This was the first time
1 ever saw a Hawk at liberty come at a call, and take food from its
master's hands. It was worth the ride."

These three birds had been taken when very young from their nest
in the crotch of a cottonwood over the cabin, reared in captivity until
well grown, and then allowed their liberty, with the above gratifying-
result. Both the parents had been shot. The nest, which was pointed
out to me, looked, from where I stood, like a Crow's. I did not venture
on a perilous climb to examine it more closely. Such is the situation
generally chosen. Audubon describes the nest as composed externally
of numerous crooked sticks, and lined with grasses and a few feathers.
Dr. Brewer mentions two, both lined with pieces of bark ; one of them
was between one and a half and two feet broad, the external layer of
sticks hardly an inch thick, " with only a slight depression in the centre,
hardly enough to keep the eggs from rolling out." The eggs I have ex-
amined measured from 1.80 by 1.55 to 2.10 by 1.60 — figures showing the
variation both in size and shape — they average about 1.90 by 1.50.
They resemble those of the Marsh Hawk so closely as to be not cer-
tainly distinguishable, but they are usually more globular, and with a
more granulated shell. The greatest diameter is at or very near the
middle ; difference in shape of the two ends is rarely appreciable. All
were more uniform in color than those of most Hawks, resembling the
l)ale, scarcely marked examples occasionally laid by most kinds of
Hawks; none were conspicuously dark-uuirked. The ground is white,
faintly tinted with livid or green ish -gray ; if marked, it is with faint,
sometimes almost obsolete, blotches of drab, liable to be overlooked
without close insi)ection ; only an occasional specinuMi is found with
decided, though still dull and sparse, nuirkings of i)ale brown. Three
or four eggs are the usual nest-comi)lement ; in the Northern and IMiddle
States they are laid in ^lay. Mr. Samuels speaks of a pair that nested
near Newton, Massachusetts, an<l were robbed of their eggs four times
in succession. "They built different nests in the same grove, and laid
in the four litters four, four, live, and three eggs, resi»ectively. The
eggs of the last litter were very small, but little larger than those of
the Sharp-sliinncd Hawk."

The lange of Cooper's Hawk is, in a measure, complementary to that

of the (loshiiwk ; not tiiat the two are never found together, for such is

the case in all our Northern States ; but one is as ilrcidcdly southern as

the other is northerly. The present species does not appear to peue-

22 • I

338 ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS, AMERICAN GOSHAWK.

trate any great distance into the British possessions, like its smaller
relative, the Sharp-shjnned ; and I have found no indication whatever
of its jnTsenee far north. It is abundant in most parts of the Unite<l
States ; i)articularly so in New England, where it is perha])s tbe most
numerous of all tbe birds of prey. It appears to breed indifferently in
all suitable jdaces throughout its United States range 5 and, to judge
by the well-known rule of difference in size according to latitu<le, it is a
resident bird. Gulf-coast examples average about two and a half inches
smaller than others from New England. Possessed of spirit commen-
surate with its physical powers, it preys upon game little if any humbler
than that of our more powerful Falcons. It attacks and destroys hares,
Grouse, Teal, and even the young of larger Ducks, in the state in which
they are known as ' flappers," besides capturing the usual variety of
smaller birds and quadrupeds. It occasionally seizes upon reptiles or
picks up insects. In securing its prey it gives chase openly, and dives
down on its quarry with almost incredible velocity. Its ordinary flight
is rapid, easy, and soaring, performed with alternate flapping and sail-
ing. When brought down winged, it shows undaunted front, and fights
desperately to the last gasp.

ASTUE ATRICAPILLUS, (Wils.) Jard.
The American Goshawk.

FaJco airicavmus,Wii.s., Am. Oru. vi, 1812, 80, pi. 52, f. 3.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, .517.— NuTT.,
Man. i, 1832, 8.').— Peab., Rep. Orii. Mass. 77.— Thomps., Nat. Hist. Veruiout, 62.

Eierofalco atricapUlus, Cuv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 323.

Sparvius atricapiUns, Vieill., Eucy. Meth. iii, 1823, p. 1266.

Astur atrimpUlus, Jakd. «fc Selby, Illnst. 1825, pi. 121. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 5; Consp.
i, 1850, 31.— Kaup, Mouog. Falc, 1850, 66.— CAgs., HI. 1854,93; Pr. Pbila. Acad.
1855, 279.— Brew., N. Aui. Ool, 1857, 17.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. 18.57, vi, 74.—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 15.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1360, 144.— Lord,
Pr. Roy. Arty. lust, iv, 110 (British Columbia). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860,
No. 6.— Cou'es & Prext., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 401 (Washiugtou, D. C, very
rare, in- wiuter).— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 316. — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862,
122 (Calais, Me. ; resident, common, breeds). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862,
141 (Norway. Me.; I'esideut, common, breeds). — Allen, Pr. Ess. In.st. iv, 1864,
50 (Massachusetts, winter). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 80 (Hamilton,
Canada West, rather rare). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 255. — Lawr., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 280 (New York).— Turkb., B. E. P.i. 1869, 6 (rare).— Dall
& Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 271 (Alaska, common, resident).— Coop., B.
Cat. i, 1870, 467 (Sierra Nevada).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873 (rare).— Mayx., Pr.
Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (Northern New England, common, resident). — Finscii, Abb.
Nat. iii, 1872, 26 (Alaska).— Coues, Key, 1872, 212.

Falco pahimhariii^i, Bp., Syu. 1828, 28; Isis, 1832, 1137.— AUD., Orn. Biog. ii, 241, pi. 141.

Accipitir palumharius, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 39, pi. 26.

Astur palumbarius, AuD., Syn. 1839, 18 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 95, pi. 23.— GiR., B. L. I, 1844, 18.

Astur palnmlmrUiH var. atrlmpiUus, RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1874,57. — B. B. «fe R.,
N. A. B., iii, 1874, 237.

Astur palumbarius var. striatulus,'RiT>GW. — B. B. &. R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 240.

Faico reijatis, Temm., Planches Coloriees, No. 495.

DcedaUoii pictum, Less., Traite d'Ornith. i, 1831, 67 (see Pucker., R. Z. 1850, 211).

Hob. — British America, and the Northern half of the United States — the latter chiefly
in wiuter ; farthest south along the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada {'^ striaiulus").

List of specimens.

19115

Deer Creek Mar. 28, 1860

G. H.Trook.. 24.50

44.50

14.00

Late Expeditions.— hS^S2, Colorado.

It is still a question whether the American Goshawk is specifically distinct from that
of Europe. Authorities are about etjually divided in opinion, aud both sides speak
with little, it any, reserve. My own comparisons have not been sufficiently extensive ;

FALCO MEXICANUS VAR. POLYAGRUS. 339

but careful examination of the material at my command shows me decided differences,
constant enough to fairly warrant specific disci'imination, although I should not be
surprised if larger series led to a different result. But " var. striatulus" is untenable.

This noble Hawk, one of the handsomest birds of the family when
in perfect plumage, is a decidedly boreal bird, entirely wanting in the
southern portions of the United States, appearing only in winter, and
in small nuuibers, in the Middle districts, but common aloug our north-
ern frontier. I have myself never seen it alive. According to the
records examined, its southward extension is from Maryland to Ohio,
Kentucky, Kansas, and California. It is, as a rule, rare even in South-
ern New Euglanrl, where, however, it appears some winters in consider-
able numbers. Mr. Allen remarks that it was common in Massachusetts
in the winter of 1859-'()0; and Mr. Samuels states that the same season
he received a dozeu or fltteen specimens from the vicinity of Boston.
Audubon says his figure was drawn trom a specimen taken in Kentucky,
and speaks of its breeding in New York and Pennsylvania. Such in-
stances of breeding as this must be, I think, exceptional. The only
region in the United States where it is reported as regularly resident is
Northern New England, where, both Mr. Boardman and Prof. Yerrill
state it is of common occurrence, and breeds. On the west coast, Mr.
Ball gives it as abundant and resident in the Yukon region. According
to DrvS. Cooper and Suckley, it is of frequent occurrence in Oregon and
Washington Territories. The specimen above quoted is the only one I
have ever seen from the Missouri region, where the species appears to
be rare, though doubtless of regular occurrence. Prof. Snow remarks
upon an individual killed near Lawrence, in Kansas.

According to Dr. Brewer, the egg of the Goshawk is 2^5_ long by
lif broad, nearly spherical, roughly granulated, soiled white, with a
faint bluish shade, " marked irregularly with large but quite faint
blotclies of drab and yellowish-brown." It thus closely resembles that
of Cooper's Hawk, ditlering chiefly in its larger size ; and the niditica-
tion is represented as being the same in essential particulars. In the
nature of its prey, its mode of securing it, its general habits and nature,
we find it also much the same, the only difference resulting from its
superior prowess, if not more ferocious nature^.

FALCO MEXICANUS var. POLYAGRUS, (Cass.) Coues.
American Lanier, or Prairie Falcon.

a. mexicanus.

Faico mexicanus, LiCHT., Mus. Berol. (Monterey, Deppe). — SCHL., Abh. Geb. Zool. u.
Vergl. iv, 1841, 15; M. P.-B. 18(i-2, FaUowx, p. 18.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 24.—
Gray, Hand-list, i, 1809, 20, No. 179.- Kujgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 140 (in-
cludes both varieties).

Falco {Ilhrofalm) lamuriun var. mexicanus, RiDGW., Pr. Boat. See. xvi, 1873, 44. — B. B.
& R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 109.

b. polyaffnis.

Falco pohiafjrits, Cass., 111. 1853, 88, 121, pi. Kl.— Bn.. B. N. A. 1858, 12.— Kenn., P. R.
k. Rep. X, 18.59, pt. iv, 19 (Arizona.)— IIkkkm., ihid. pt. vi, 31.— Cooi'. & Suck.,
N. H. Wa.sii. Ter. 18()0, 143 (Oregon).— Havd., Rep. 18(;2, 152.— Dkk.ss., Ibis,
18(;5, 323 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18(iG, 42 (Arizona).— C.uav, Hand-
list, i, 1809, 20, No. 178.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 458 (California).— Snow, B.
Kaiis.' 1873 (Kansa.s).- Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 402 (Wyomnif?).

Falco niexieunus, Riixiw., Ain. Nat. vi, 1872, 430 (Illinois).— CoUKS, Key, 1872, 213.

Falco (IJierofalco) laiiinrinn var. pohja(irHH, RilHJW., I'r. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 44. — B. B.
& R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 123. '
Z/nft.— The typical form from Mexico. Var. pohjagrus from Western United States.

East to Illinois (Sargent).

340 FALCO MEXICANUS VAR. POLYAGRUS.

List of specimens.

19113

68

Grosv. Fork .

June 18, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 51G7, Fort Randall, Dakota ; 5168-69, Knife River,
Missouri.

Later Expeditions. — 60333, Laramie Peak ; 60334, Camp Carling, Wyoming ; 60616,
Uintah Mountains; 61094, Sulphur Springs.

The specific identity of Mr. Cassin's Falco poh/agrus with the little known F. mexicanus
of Prof. Lichtenstein may be considered established. The discrepancies noted in my
article, above cited, are in part at least due to age, sex, or other fortuitous circum-
stances. There may be, however, as Mr. Ridgway has jirobably shown, certain differ-
ences due to climatic influences which may warrant recognition of two varieties. But
I am not at present prepared to follow Mr. Ridgway in referring tbese forms to the old
world F. laniarius, although they are unquestionably very closely related. As Mr.
Cassin pointed out, the resem1)lance is also very great to the Indian Jugger — F. jufjger,
Gray, 111. Ind. Zool. ii, pi. 26 ; Jerd., 111. Ind. Orn. pi. 44 ; in fact, the specimens I have
examined, excepting some very old ones, come nearer the representations I have seen
of F. jugger than of laniarius proper. This form, jugger, is also referred by Mr. Ridgway
to laniarius as a variety, but, until its varietal relationship is established, it may be
best to keej) the two apart, and also to recognize the American form as specifically
distinct.

The comparatively late discovery of this bird as an inhabitant of the
United States is particularly interesting, not only as giving- us a hitherto
unknown representative of the familiar Lanier group of Falcons of the
Old World, bat also as adding another to the numerous instances of close
alliance of Western American birds to certain Old World forms.

This interesting bird is of general distribution in open country
throughout the West, and rather common. It appears to be essentially
a prairie species, a circnmstance probably explaining its occurrence in
Illinois, where it was noted by Mr. J. I). Sargent and Mr. 11. Ridgway.
Prof. Snow catalogues it as rare in winter in Kansas. Dr. Hayden re-
marks that it is found at various points along the Missouri and on the
Platte, though not abundantly. Several observers found it in New
Mexico and Arizona. On the Pacific coast it is known to occur at
various points, from Fort Dalles, Oregon, where it was procured by Dr.
Suckley, to Monterey, whence came one of the types of the species, it
appears to be particularly abundant in the open portions of Southern
California, where Dr. Cooper told me he often saw it, in company with
the Ferruginous Buzzard, resting on the ground or flying low over the
surface in the neighborhood of the villages of the California ground
squirrel {Spermophilus heechei/i), for which animals it was doubtless on
the watch. The only time I ever saw it alive was in this region. While
at Drumm Barracks, one of these birds dashed past, returned in an in-
stant, and alighted on the roof of the house, while Dr. Cooper and I
were standing on the jiorch. It had evident designs upon the Black-
birds, thousands of which were scurrying about. Watching the bird
for a few moments, and perceiving it had no intention of leaving at that
particular time, I went into the house for my gun, and loaded for its
especial benefit. The bird watched the whole proceedings, eyeing me
audaciously, and never stirred from its perch until 1 made an irresistible
appeal. I found it to be a young bird, the iris brown, the feet dull
bluish, the claws black, the bill bluish-black, with the base of the under
mandible yellow.

This Falcon is inferior to none of our country in strength and spirit,
unless it be that the (iyrfalcon surpasses it in this respect. It even
attacks and overpowers the great hares of the West {L. eallotis and al-
lies)— animals actually larger and heavier than itself. With its nidifi-
cation I am unacquainted ; I have, however, examined its eggs, of which

FALCO COMMUNIS, PEREGRINE FALCON. 341

no description has liitherto appeared. A set now in the Smithsonian
was collected by Dr. Hay den in the Wind River Mountains, iu June,
18G(). They are rather unusually pointed at the smaller end, though
probably other examples might tend more nearly to the ordinary sub-
spherical shape prevailing among the eggs of rapacious birds. They
measure 2 inches in length by a trifle over li in breadth. The ground
color is dull white, but scarcely apparent, so thickly is it clouded over
with dull brown, forming here and there })atches of deeper shade. In
one specimen there is a decided purplish tint. To this identification of its
breeding range we may append the notice of its unfledged young, found
by Dr. Heermann near San Francisco.

FALCO COMMU^^S, Gm.

Peregrine Falcon; Duck Hawk.

a. communis.

Falco coynmunis, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 270.— Lath., Ind. Oin. i, 1790, 30 (Jcc./a/co eom-
miinis, Briss., Orn. i. 321).— Dal d., Tr. Oru. li. 1800, 92. -Shaw, Geu. Zool. vii,
124.— Savi., Descr. Egyp. i, 101.— Meyki:, Tasch. i, 57.— Wils., Mem. Wein.
Soc. ii, 595.— Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. 320.— Raffl., LiuD. Traus. xiii, 278.— Mfcss.,
Tr. Orn. i, 88, pi. 16, fig. 1.— Schl., Krit. Ueb. 14; Rev. Ciit. 2; Fn. Jap. 1;
Trait6 Fancon. — ; M. P.-B. i, 1862, FaJc. 1.— Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 23.

Falco pcrcgnnus, Gm.. Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 272.— Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790, 33 (Biuss., Orn.
i, 341).— Dafd., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 97.— Shaw, Geu. Zool. vii, 128.— Steph., ibid.
xiii, ])t. ii, 39.— Temm., Man. 1815, 34.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 11.— Kafp, Cla.ssif.
Stiug. u. Vog. 110.— Brehm, V. D. i, 63.— Ffem., Br. An. 49.— Jerd., Mad. .Journ.
X, 1839, 79.— Pall.. Zoog. R. A. i, 1811, 327, ])1. 3, 4.— Jenyns, Man. 82.— Xaum.,
V. D. i, 1822, 285, pi. 24, 25.— Macgfl., Hi.st. Br. B. iii. 294 ; Rap. B. Gr. Br. 1.59.—
Eyt.. Cat. 1.— Bp., Li.st, 1838, 4.— Keys. & Blas., 1840. 28.— Gray, Gen. of B. i,
19.— HoDG., Grav's Zool. Misc. 1844, 81.— Gould, B. Enr. pi. 21.— Kuhl. Beit.
Zool. i, 78 (anat.).— Rupp., Neue Wirb. 44; Syst. Ueberr'. 11.— Hardy, Rev.
Zool. 1844, 289.— ViEH.L., Fn. Fran?. 29, pi. 13, ligs. 1, 2.— Kaup, Mus. Senck.
2.57.— Bailly, Oru. Sav. i, 45.— S.-Loxgch., Fn. Belg. 50— Lfpij., Fn. Norf. 17.—
Roux, Orn. Prov. i, 49, pi. 29, 30.— Bechst., Tasch. 33.— :Meyer, Tascb. i, 55.—
Frisch, Y. D. pi. 83.— Selby, 111. Brit. Oru. i, 39, pi. 15, 15*.— Jard., Br. B. i,
115, pi. 4.— Thomp.s., B. Ireland, i, 33.— Wa'^., B. Ireland, 4.— Mouius, Br.. B.
88, pi. 13.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 81.— Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 11; aud ot
authors generally.

FaUo orientalis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 264.— Lath., I. O. i, 1790, 22.— Daud., Tr. ii, 76.

Falco iartaricm, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 272 (Brlss., Orn. i, 345).

Falco calidus, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 41 (Ikhree Falcon, Syn. Suppl. 35).

Falco luiiiilatus, Baud., Tr. Orn. ii. 1800, 122 {Strickland).

Falco abiednus, Bechst.. Naturg. DentseUl. ii, 759.

Falco pinelariuH. Shaw, Geu. Zool. vii, 195 (Strickland).

Falco gciitilis, Wil-S., Meui. Wern. Soc. ii, 587 (Strickland).

Falco viicrnrns, Hodg., Gray's Zool. Mi.sc. 1844, 81.

Falco (jriscircntrin, Brehm, Isis, 1833, 778.

Falco cornicum, Brehm, V. D. i, 62.

b. melanogenys.

Falco pcrcgrinns, Vio., Liuu. Trans, xv, 183; Isi.s, 1830, 260 (Strickland).

Falco mcluiiotjcnijx, Gofld, P. Z. S. v, 139 ; Syn. B. Aust. 3 ; Introd. B. An.st. 19 ; B. Anst.

i, pi. 8.';-Gkay, Geu. of B. ; List B. Brit. Mas. 51; Hand-list, i, 1869, 19. No.

167.— ]ip., llr\. Zool. If50. 484; Consp. i, 1850, 23.— Kaup, Mou. irt/t. Cout.

Orn. 1850, .56.— Strickl., Orn. Syu. 1855, 84.
Falco macropuH, Sw., An. in Mcnag. 341.
■ Falco communis var. melano(jcnyn, iiiimw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 129.

c. (inatum.

Falco ni(jcr, G.M., Syst. Niit. i, 1788, 270 (Bi!i.>^s., i, 327). (Strickland.)

Falco naviuM, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17'-8, 271 (Biass., i, 329.) (Strickland.)

Falco communifi, Coue.h, Key, 1872, 213, f. 141,

Falco communin var. anatnm, RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1873, 45.— B. B. * R., N. A. B. iii, 132.

342 FALCO COMMUNIS, PEEEGRINE FALCON.

Falco peregrinua var. b. anatum, Bi.AS., List B. Eur. 3. — Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Ac. 1870, 139.

Falco pere(jnnus, Wils., Am. Oni. ix, 1814, 1*20, pi. 76. — James., ed. Wils. i, 51. — Jahd.,
ed. Wils. ill, 2.")1.— Bkew., cd. Wils. G77, t)8:3.— Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 529. — Bp.,
Jouru. Phila. Acad, i, 1824, 342; Svn. 1828, 27; Isis, 1832, 1136.— Sw. & RiCH^
F. B. A. ii, 1831, 23.— Rich., App. Parry's 2nd Voy. 342.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832,
53.— Aui>., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 85; v, 1839, 365; pi. 16; Svu. 1839, 16; B. Am. i,
1840, 84. pi. 20.— GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 14.— Hald., Pr. Pbila. Acad, i, 1841, 54
(breeding in United States).- DeKay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. 1844, 13, pi. 3, f. 8.—
Lemb., Av. Cubpe, 1850, pi. 1, fig. 2. — WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 60.— Aleen,
Am. Nat. iii, 1^69, 514.— Taylor, Ibis. 1864, 80 (Trinidad).— Tbippe, Pr. Es.s.
Inst, vi, 1871, 113 (Minnesota).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,316; iii. 1872,"
180.— Russ, J. f. O. 1871, 49.— Phillippi, Cat. 1869 (Chili).

Falco anatum, Bp., List, 1838, 4 ; R. Z. 1850, 484 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 23.— GossE, B. Jam.
1847, 16.— Cass., 111. 1854, 86.— Bkew., N. A Ool. 1857, 8.— Bd., B. N. A., 1H58, 7.—
Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 ; 1&()7, 66 (Bahamas). — Cab., J. f. O. ii, p. Ixxxiii. —
GUNDL., Repert. 1865, 225.— Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 63 (Santa Cruz).— Wood,
"Hartford Times," June 24, 1861.— Blakiston, Ibis, 1861, 315.— Boabdal, Pr.
Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 122 (Grand Menan, breeding). — March, Pr. Phila. Acad.
1863, 304 (Jamaica).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 50; 1865, 153 (breeding).—
Salv., p. Z. S. 1867, 158 (Veragua).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 254 (New
England).— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 80 (Canada West).— Tubnb., B.
E. Pa. 1869, 6 (breeding on AUeghanies and clitfs along Susquehanna). — Dali
& Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 270 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 457.—
Snow, B. Kans. 1873 ; and of most late American writers.

Falco nigrieeps, Cass., 111. 18r.3, 87 (California); Pr. Phila. Acad. 185.5, 277; Gillis' U. S.
• Astron. Exp. ii, 1855, pi. 14 (Chili); B. N. A. 1858, 8, pi. 11.— Stbickl., Orn.
Syn. 1855, 85.- Coop. «& Suck., N. H. Wash. Ten 1860, 142, pi. 11.— Gbay,
Hand-list, i, 1869, 19, No. 166.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 456.

(?) Falco communis Yar. pealei, Ridgw., B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 137 (northwest coast;
melanotic ; may require varietal recognition).

{^ Falco cassini, Sharpe, Ann. Mag. N. H. Mar. 1873 (Straits of Magellan).

e. minor.

Falco covimunis minor, Sohl., Traitd Faucon. ; M. P.-B. i, 1862, 4.

Falco minor, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 23; R. Z. 1850, 484.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 83.—

Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 19, No. 168.
Falco peregrin ns, S^nxH, S. Afr. Quart. Jouru. 236 (Striclcland).
Falco peregrimis \ax. capensin, Sund. (Graij).
Falco peregrinoides, Aliq., (Bp.) — Smith, l. c. 235 (Striclcland).

Eal). — Nearly cosmopolitan. Var. communis, from most parts of the Old World. Var.
melanogenys, from Australia and Java. Var. anatum, generally distributed in America.
Var. minor from South Africa.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5166, mouth of Vermilion River.

Without feeling at all assured of even varietal distinctions in this case (excepting
var. minor), I arrange the synonymy as above. The several sets of names may be
readily combined if desired, while it would be less easy to separate them if the
synonymy were compiled indiscriminately. I quote several names, for the identifica-
tion of which I am not responsible, on the authorities cited in the respective cases.

The American Duck Hawk appears to have been first separated from the Old World
Peregrine by Prince Bonaparte, in 1838; but no characters were, to my knowledge,
then ascribed to it, and it is very doubtful that any exist. It may be presumed
that this author was misled by a then supposed, but since proved groundless, ditier-
ence in thenidification ; more likely, however, he proceeded upon some theory respect-
ing geographical distribution. The name has, however, been very generally adopted,
even by those who have demurred against it. One of the highest authorities on birds
of prey. Dr. Schlegel, states, after examination of various examples from North and
South America and Mexico, that '' le Faucon commun de l'Am6rique ne ditiere en au-
cune fa^on du notre.'' Such is nearly my own view ; and even Bonaparte, in 1850,
confesses that bis anatum is '■ forsan a F. communi spec, baud diversus." Mr. Eidgway,
however, claims good varietal characters for our bird A later candidate for recogni-
tion is found in the F. n'lgr'icrps of Cassin, which, like F. analnm, rests upon some
ascribed characters, being said to be smaller, darker, &c. But these features appear
to be fortuitous, belonging to the category of individual peculiarities; and since pure
anatum has been determined to occur within areas supposed to be occui)ied by nigriceps,
eveu its character as a geographical race disappears. Of the Australian F. melanogenys.
Dr. Schlegel has remarked : " La varietd accideutelle foucde de I'Australie » * * *
ne mdrite pas meme le nom de couspecies."

FALCO COMMUNIS, PEREGRINE FALCON. 343

A more tlistinct form than either of the foregoiug is, according to nearly all authori-
ties, that found in South Africa (var. minor), it being constantly suiallei".

Following Dr. Schlegel, I omit fro/n the above synonymy the names of the Indian
Red Falcon (F. ruber iiidicns, Antiq. ; F. communis indicufi, Gm, ; F. ahaheen, Jp:rd., Ma-
dras Journ. x. 81 ; 111. Ind. Orn. pi. V^; F. suUaueus, Hodg., Znol. Misc. 81 ; F. ruber,
ScHL., M. P.-B. i, 1862, 5 ; F. perenrinator, Giiay & Bp., an Sund. i), which seems to be
entitled to specific separation. By some authors, both early and late, it is rated as a
variety of communis, while others hold it to be distinct.

The Peregriue occurs at intervals in all suitable places in North Amer-
ica, and it is not a little remarkable that its extensive breeding- range
should have only lately been ascertained. Even so late as 1857, Dr.
Brewer stated that he had only recently become aware of its breeding
in the United States, and that only one authentic instance of its occur-
rence during the breeding season south of Newfoundland had come to
his knowledge. He appends a foot-note, contauiing information from
Prof. Haldeman of its breeding on a cliff along the Susquehanna, near
Columbia, Pennsylvania, and also, probably, at Harper's Ferry in Vir-
ginia. More recently Mr. Allen, with the assistance of Mr. C. VV. Ben-
nett and Dr. W. Wood, of East Windsor Hill, Connecticut, have been
conspicuous in elaborating the history of the species, and especially in
establishing the fact that it regularly breeds on several of the mount-
ains on and near the Connecticut River Valley. Mr. Boardmau reports
the same item from Grand Menan, where, he says, the bird is resident,
and regularly breeds on the cliffs. Dr. Wood, in the newspaper above
quoted, states that four nearly fledged young were taken from a nest on
Talcott Mountain, near Hartford, June 1, 1801, the female parent being
shot. Writing in 18G4, Mr. Allen states that Mr. Bennett took young
birds, "a few years since," on Mount Tom, near Springlield, Massachu-
setts. Shortly afterward Mr. Allen announced the discovery of the eggs
by Mr. Bennett, on Mount Tom, April 19, I8GI5 these were the tirst
known to have been procured in New England, or, indeed, in the United
States. The unusual interest attaching to his article induces me to
quote at some length :

"Although the Duck Hawk has been long known to breed at the
localities in Massachusetts mentioned above [Mounts Tom and Holyoke],
those conversant with the fact were not aware that any special interest
was attached to it, or that its eggs and breeding-habits were very little
known to ornithologists; and so, until very recently, no i)articular
efforts have been made to procure the eggs' Mr. Bennett, becoming
aware of this, resolved to procure the eggs. He accordingly visited
Mount Tom for this purpose, April Cth of the i>resent year (18{J1], when
he searched the whole ridge of the mountain, discovered the old birds and
the particular part they most frequented, and also the site of a nest,
where the young had been raised. The old birds were continually near
this spot, and manifested much solicitude when it was approached, often
flying within six or eight rods, and once the female came within three,
screaming and thrusting out her talons, with an expression of great
rage and lierceness. The birds did not ai)pear at all shy, being easily
approached quite nearly, though in walking, the crackuig of sticks anil
the clinking of splinters of traji-rock made no little noise. One of the
birds appeared to keep close to the eyrie, and both would a|)proach
whenever it was visited, screaming at and menacing tlu^ intruder, not-
withstanding that at that time there were no eggs. Mr. Bennett, sus-
pecting that inctd)ation had comnuMiced, visit<'<l the lo(;aIity again on
the Dth, but only saw the old nest, the birds behaving as before. Ten
days later he made another visit, and, creeping caretidly to the summit
of the cliff, at a point near the eyrie already spoken ol, lie saw the

344 FALCO COMMUNIS, PEREGRINE FALCON

female, on looking over the clifiF, sitting on the nest, and but five or six
yards distant. She eyed him fiercely for an instant, and then, scram-
bling from the nest to the edge of the narrow shelf supporting it,
launched into the air. In a twinkling Mr. Bennett's unerring aim sent
her tumbling dead at the foot of the precipice, several hundred feet
below. The nest contained four eggs, which were soon safely secured,
and the body of the female was obtained from the foot of the cliff. The
male soon coming about was shot at, but he was too shy to come within
range, excepting once, when the gnn was being reloaded. The eggs
were all laid after April 9th, and their contents showed, April 19th, that
they had been incubated but a day or two. Incubation seems, in this
case, to have commenced several weeks later than usual, which may
have been owing to the late snows and unusual coldness of the weather
this year during the first half of April.

" The situation of the eyrie was near the highest part of the mount-
ain, about one-third of the length of the mountain from its south end,
on a narrow shelf in the rock, eight or ten feet from the top of a nearly
perpendicular cliflf, 150 or 200 feet in height, and was inaccessible ex-
cept to a bold climber, and at one particular point. The nest was
merely a slight excavation, sufiQcient to contain the eggs; no accessory
material had been added. The site had been previous y occupied, and
probably tor several years; and for weeks before tlie eggs were laid
was carefully guarded by the bold and watchful birds."

These four eggs averaged 2.22 long by 1.68 broad, with 2.32 by 1.71,
and 2.16 by 1.65 as maxima and minima, respectively. The smallest
was larger than the one measured by Dr. Brewer (2.00 by 1.56), which
he obtained in Labrador. They also varied considerably in contour,
and in heaviness and extent of coloration they showed a series from the
darkest and most nearly uniform to the lightest and most sparsely
marked, in which latter the contrast between the white ground and the
blotches was striking. Of the darkest egg the writer says: "The gen-
eral color is chocolate-brown, darker and more dense and uuifoim about
the ends, the part about the middle being lighter, varied with small
irregular blotches and specks of a darker tint than the ground color.
The color of the smaller end is a nearly uniform dull red ochre. There
is also an irregular belt of scattered and apparently veiy superficial
blotches of very dark brown or nearly black." Two other eggs, as
already mentioned, graded toward the lightest, which is thus described:
" The greater end of the egg, which in the eggs of most birds is the end
most subject to markings and to the greatest depth of color, is white,
sprinkled sparingly with reddish specks ; while the smaller end is deep
bright brick-red, here and there relieved by small si)ecks and patches
of white ground color. About the middle of the egg the colors are iu
more equal proportions, the white patches becoming larger on the
smaller end toward the middle, and the red patches on the larger end
increase toward the same i)oint, where the colors meet and become
mixed in irregular patches of various sizes, from mere dots to blotches."
Viewing such variation as this, in size, form, and color, among eggs
of the same clutch, we see how utterly worthless are such discrepancies
as a means of deciding a mooted question of specific identity, or the
reverse, in nearly-allied birds. Yet some ornithologists will compare a
single egg with another, gravely note the diliV'rences, and tliereupon
]>roceed to an argument with still denser gravity. Corresponding dis-
crepancies in the mode of nidification serve as a basis for equally flimsy
arguments. Take the present case of the Duck Hawk, breeding on
Mount Tom on the bare ground, while in other instances it is known to

FALCO COLUMBARIUS, PIGEON HAWK, 345

build a large, bulky uest of sticks and other coarse material, as noticed
by Dr. Wood on Talcott Mountain, and by Audubon on the clifits of tbe
Labrador coast. The eggs of this species are also stated to be from
two to five in number, four being the usual nest-complement. Oology
is attractive and in many respects satisfactory, but it is certainly the
most unsafe department of ornithology.

Mr. Allen continues the subject in his later communication to the
American Naturalist, as above quoted: "One or more pairs of these
birds have been seen about Mounts Tom and Holyoke every season
since the first discovery of their eggs at the former locality, in 1864.
Mr. Bennett has since carefully watched them, and his frequent labori-
ous searches ior their nests have been well rewarded. In 18G0 he took
a second set of eggs, three in number, from the eyrie i^reviously occu-
pied. In 18C7 the male bird was killed late in April, and this appar-
ently prevented their breeding there that year, as they probably other-
wise would have done ; at least no nest Avas that year discovered. In
1808 Uawks of this species were seen about the mountains, and, although
they 1 eared their young there, all effort to discover their nest was inef-
fectual. The present year (1869) they commenced to lay in the old
uesting-pl;;ce, but as they were robbed when but one egg had been de-
posited, they deserted it, and cbose a site still more inaccessible. Here
they were equally unfortunate; for, during a visit to the mountain in
company with Mr. Bennett, April U8, we had the i^leasure of discovering
their second eyrie, and from which, with considerable difficulty, three
freshly-laid eggs were obtained. Not discourased by this second mis-
fortune, they nested again, this time depositing their eggs in the old
eyrie, from which all, excepting the last set of eggs, have been obtained.
Again they were unfortunate, Mr. Bennett removing their second set of
eggs, three in number, May 23d, at which time incubation had just com-
menced. The birds remained about the mountain all the summer, and,
from the anxiety they manifested in August, it appears not improbable
that they laid a third time, and at this late period had unfledged young."

Accounts from the West are meagre. The only indictitions from the
Missouri region I have seen arc Dr. Hayden's and Prof. Snow's. Mr.
Dall I'ound the bird in Alaska; a pair nested on a dead sjjruce, and had
young nearly ready to fly June 1st. Dr. Cooper observes that it is resi-
dent along the whole coast of Southern California, but migratory north
of the Columbia. It breeds in cavities of the lolty, inaccessible cliflV
overhanging the water, both along the main-land and on the islands.
" On Santa Barbara Island, in May, a pair which probably were still feed-
ing their young, swept boldly around my head, when 1 must have been
fully hali' a mile from the nest, and I shot the female, a very fine speci
men. 1 have seen one pursue a Swallow, and, turning feet upward,
seize it flying with perfect ease."

FALCO COLUMBAKIUS, Linn.

IMgcoii Hawk,

Falco culnmhariux, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17()(i, 1.2H {Ac. pa1umhar\an,Q,\-YV.'?.., i, \\\ Ac. caro-
liiiciisi.i, Bmss., i, :i7«).— FousT., I'liilos. Tr. Ixii, 177'J, :5."<'i.— (i.M., Syst. Nut. i,
17^^l. t>xl.— Lath., Iiul. Orn. i, 17S>0, 44.— Uacd., Tr. Orii. ii. 1^)0, K{.— Suaw,
Gi'u Zool. vii, l,^8._Civ.. K. A. 2(1 .■(!. i, :32-J.— Wii.s., Am. Oni. ii, I.SIU. 107,
pi. 15, f. ;{.— .Iaui)., od. Wils. i, •2r)4.— Jamks., e<l. Wils. i, (il.— 15i(i:w., cd. Wils.
(W:i.— Hi'., Syii. IH-iS, 38; Ism, IKW, li:{().— Nrrr.. Jlaii. i, IKi-i, HO.— Lk.s.s.. Tr.
Orn. 92— Kim. & Sw., F. IJ. A. ii, IKH. :{5.— Sw., C'iassil". B. ii. 1837. 212.—
Aci>., Om. 151. .;r. i, 1832, 4()l); v, ;.(i8 ; pi. i>:'; Svii. ISW. Ui ; H. Am. i, 1S4U. 88,
pi. 21— Uv., List, 18;W, 4.— GiK., 13. L. I. 1844, i7.-Dt;KAY, N. Y. Zool. i, 1844,

346 FALCO COLUMBARIUS, PIGEON HAWK.

4, pi. 4, f. 9. — Jai!D., Anil. N. H. xviii, 118 (Tobago).— Blak., Ibis, iii, 315. —

Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 142.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 460.—

Rir)GW., Pr. Pliihi. Acad. 1870, 140.— ?Alli:n, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 160.—

CouKS, Key, 1872, 214.
Faico (Hijpotriorchiif) columbarius of many authors. — Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 9.
TiniiiDuitluH colmnbariiis, Vikill., 01s. Aui. Sept. i, 1807, pi. 11 ; Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.

xii, 104 ; Euc. Meth. iii, 1236.
Nisiis coliimhariua, Cuv.
Asfiir rohnnhdrhtu, Boiic.
Hypotrioruhia colmnbarius, Gkay, Gen. of B. ; List B. Br. Mus. 55. — Bp., Consp. i, 1850,

26. — WoODH., Sitj^r. Rep. 1853,60.— Cass., 111. 1854, 90 (includes next species).—

Brew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 12.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 74.— Hkekm., ibid.

X, 1859, pt. vi, 31.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 323 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad.

1866, 42 (Arizona) —Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 270 (Alaska).—

Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 134 (Costa Rica). — Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter.

1870, 462 —Snow, B. Kaus. 1873.
Hijpoiriorchis {Lifhofalco) colnmbariiiti, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 26.
Hjipofriorchifi {^aaion) cohimbca-ius, GiiAY, Hand-list, i, 1869, 21, No. 193.
JEmloii coliimbariiifi, Kaup, Monog. FaJc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 54.
Falco {^Hdloii) lHhofaJco var. colinnbariits, RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1873, 46 (but co/«m-

bariits has priority).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 144..
Falco intermixtas, Daui>., Traite d'Oin. ii, 1800, 141.

Falco iememriiis, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 381, pi. 75. — Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 61.
Falco auduboni, " Blackw., Zool. Res. 1834."
(?) Falco {JEsalon) lithofalco var. siicJdeiii, Ridgw.-B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 147

(northwest coast ; melanotic ; parallel with case of communis \ai: pealci).

Hah. — Generally distributed over North America. Ranginfi; into Mexico, Central
America, and northern jjortions of South America. Ecuador (Scl. P. Z. S. 1858. 451).
Venezuela (Sci.. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1869, 252). Cuba(D'ORBiG., La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 23 ;
Cab., J. f. O. ii, p. Ixxxiv ; Gundl., Rep. 18G5, 255). Jamaica (GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 17).

Late Expeditious. — 60621, Green River.

In ranging this bird as a variety of the Eui'opean, Mr. Ridgway has apparently over-
looked the fact that " columbariiis" has priority over " lithofalco" which latter, in event
he proves correct in uniting the two, will be known as F. columbarins var. lithofalco.
Considering, however, that in tliis instance the fact of varietal relationship can hardly
be considered established, and that it is rarely necessary, or even expedient, to ex-
change one tentative view for another equally so, I follow the usual course in separat-
ing the two birds specifically Upon similar considerations I retain F. vichardmni as
a species until its inter-gradation with F. colmnbarius is proven, although I believe
that most probablj Mr. Ridgway's later view of its varietal relationship with F. colum-
barins is correct.

I have little to add to the published aocouuts of this elegant and
spirited Hawk, aptly styled " Tbe Little Corporal." It is apparently
not common in the interior of tbe West, and even less so than has been
supposed, a part of the quoted instances of its occurrence, like Dr.
Hayden's for instance, really referring to the next species, the history
of which has only lately been disentangled from that of the true Pigeoii
Hawk. Mr. Dall gives it as resident in Alaska, and notes the fact of
its even destroying Ptarmigan, birds much larger than itself — proof,
were any needed, of its audacity and prowess. According to Dr. Cooper,
it ranges over the whole of California in cold Meather, but he never
observ^ed it m summer, even in the highest mountains.

Our accounts of its mdificatiou are defective, and sometimes conflict-
ing. It appears to breed chiefly north of the United States, and accord-
ing to Hutchins, as rendered in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, it makes
a nest on rocks and in hollow trees, of sticks and grass, lined with
feathers. Audubon describes a nest he found in Labrador in a low lir-
tree, ten or twelve feet from the ground, built of sticks, lined with moss
and feathers. The bird is unquestionably resident in Northern New
England, where Mr. Boardmau says it breeds in hollow trees. No
authentic instance of its breeding lurther south has come to my knowl-
edge. Mr. Samuels, indeed, in his Catalogue, gives it as resident and
breeding in Massachusetts, but this is uegatived by his owu subsequent

FALCO RICHARDSONII, AMERICAN MERLIN. 347

Statement, in his later work, where he says he has no authentic infor-
mation of its breeding- in New England (p. 18). He, however, figures an
egg, received from Mr. Boardman as being of this species, from Mill-
town, Maine. It measures only 1.50 by 1.44, and in coloration, as rep-
resented on the plate, differs materially from any authentic specimens
I have seen. It may be here remarked, moreover, that the egg figured
and described by Dr. Brewer proves not authentic, he having been
deceived by a chain of circumstantial evidence he could not but accept
as conclusive. In the uncertainty, I am the more pleased to offer an
unquestionable description, derived from examination of specimens in
the Smithsonian. The size varies from 1.50 by 1.30 to 1.80 by 1.30 —
figures also indicating the range of variation in shape, some being sub-
spherical, others elongate-oval. Coloration ranges from a nearly uniform
deep rich brown (chestnut or burnt sienna), to whitish or white only,
marked with a few indistinct dots of dull grayish or drab. Such ex-
tremes are connected by every degree; a yellowish-brown ground-color,
irregularly splashed with rich ruddy brown, is the usual style. The
markings may be very evenly distributed, or mostly gathered in a
wreath around one or the other end, or even both ends.

I may here mention a fact in oology, apparently not without its value.
In measuring- many hundred eggs, I have noticed that the variation,
however great, is less in absolute bulk than in contour — in approach to,
or departure from, what may be regarded as tba standard of shape for
the species. Now this variation in shape is produced mainly by
difference in the length of the major axis, the transverse diameter being
approximately constant. What additional variation iu shape may occur,
results from slight shifting of the point of greatest breadth toward one
end or the other. Anatomical considerations bear this out. Taking
the calibre of the oviduct as an approximately fixed quantity in the
same species, and remembering that varying circumstances of age, sea-
son, and jihysical vigor, determine the amount of fluids secreted to
envelope the ovum, it is evident that, while the whole capacity of the
calcareous shell must vary correspondingly, the difference will be
maiidy in lengthening or shortening of the egg, since the contractility
of the oviduct holds the transverse diameter newly fixed.

There are also few instances of greater difference in the amount, '
intensity, and distribution of pigmentary matter than those occurring"
among Hawks, and even in eggs of the same nest-complement. I
think it a probable rule, that the succession of laying of the eggs can
be judged by the (juantity of pigment in the shell, those first extruded
being generally the most heavily colored, the others growing lighter
with gradual consuu)ption of tlie color su])i)ly. This is strikingly illus-
trated iu cases where the same nest has been robbed repeatedly — the
later laid eggs gradually losing their coloration, as well as gradually
growing smaller, with increasing exhaustion of the reproductive pow-
ers of the parent. Every jjoultry man is familiar with the extreme
instance of this, when a hen drops an egg often no longer than a
pigeon's, as the final effort before ceasing to lay.

FALCO IIICHAKDSONII, Kidgw.

American Merliu.

Falco (vsahti, Sw. & Rich., V. B. A. ii, IHIH, :?7, pi. 25 (excl. svn.; ikt auci.). — NUTT.,
Man. ii, IKU, .^.''.ri.— Towns., Narr. ls:ii».— Cooi-. A: SucK., N. H. Wash. Ter.
lH(iO, y.^S.— C<»ri:s, Pr. I'liila. At-ad. IHiC. 4:i (in t<-xt).

niipotriorch'm coluiuhdiiHn, V.\ii.t>., Hi. l.S")4, '.Hi (partly).— ILvVD., Rep. 1862, 152.— Stev.,
U. S. Geol. Siirv. Ter. IfTO, 402 (partly).

348 FALCO RICHAKDSONII, AMERICAN MERLIN.

FaJco colunibarius, Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 9 (partly).

Falco (Hupolriorchii) richardsonii, RiDGW., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1870, 145 ( ^ type one of Dr.

Haydeu's specimens).
Sypotriorchis richard'ion), Snow, B. Kans. 1873.
Falco richardsaiti, CouKS, Key, 1872, 214.
Falco {Msalon) Uthofalco var. richardsoni, RiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 148.

Hah. — Interior of North America. United States from the Mississippi to the Rocky
Mountains. Arctic America.

Lieutenant Warrenh Expedition. — 5170-1, month of Vermilion River, Dakota.

Later Expeditions.— md^'i, Berthoud's Pass; (;03:^5, La Bout6 Creek, Wyoming; G0617,
Box Elder Creek, Utah; 60618-9, Green River, Wyoming; 60620, Sweetwater.

This species was first noticed by the authors of the Fauna Boreali-
Americaua, who accurately distingnislied it from the common Pigeon
Hawk, considering it identical with the J^. wsalon of Europe. Subse-
quent writers attributed tljis hist to North America, all apparently
having- the present bird in view. Mr. Cassin, with some of the speci-
mens before him that afterward served as the basis of Mr. Ridgway's
descriptions, noticed the discrepancies presented on comparison with
the ordinary F. columharms, but made no specific discrimination, citing
F. cvsalon of Swainson and Richardson as a synonym. I observed the
same thing in 1806, remarking as follows : " In the immense series of
Pigeon Hawks which I have examined from all parts of the West, 1
find a few specimens which constantly differ to a marked degree from
any of the diverse i^lumages in which F. colunibarius presents itself.
These specimens are fnvariably much larger than any others in the
series; are much lighter colored; and differ constantly in the increased
number of light and dark bars on the tail. Compared with a European
specimen of F. wsalon, they agree in every particular. I think it most
probable that future careful research will demonstrate the existence of
a species hitherto usually confounded with F. columliiirius.''^ This sur-
mise has been verified by Mr. Ridgway, who, however, has pointed out
some differences, before overlooked, between our bird and the true
cesalon, and proposed the specific name I have adopted. The bird may
prove, I still think, only a geographical race of cesalon ; in fact Mr.
Ridgway has latterly reduced it. As the species is still very little
known, the description is subjoined.* It should be diligently sought
for in the northwest, additional .specimens being very desirable.

' * "Adult male: Upper plumage, dull earth-brown, each feather grayish-umber cen-
trally, and with a conspicuous black shaft-line. Head above, approaching ashy-white
anteriorly, the black shaft-streaks being very conspicuous. Secondaries, primary-
coverts, and primaries, margined terminally with dull white; the primary-coverts with
two transverse series of pale ochraceous spots ; primaries, with spots of the same, cor-
responding with those of the inner webs. Upper tail coverts, tipped and spotted be-
neath the surface with white. Tail, clear drab, much lighter than the primaries, but
growing darker terminally, having basally a slightly ashy cast, crossed with six
sharply defined perfectly continuous bauds (the last terminal) of ashy-white. Head
froutally, laterally and beneath — a collar round the nape (interrupting the brown
above) — and entire lower parts, white, somewhat ochraceous, this most perceptible
on the tibise ; cheeks and ear-coverts with sparse, fine, hair-like streaks of black ;
nuchal collar, jugulum, breast, abdomen, sides and llanks, with a median linear stripe
of clear ochre-brown on each feather; these stripes broadest on the llanks; each stripe
with a conspicuous black shaft-streak ; tibiic and lower tail-coverts with fine shaft-
streaks of brown, like the broader stripes of the other portions. Cliin and throat,
only, immaculate. Lining of the wings spotted with ochraceous-whitc and brown, in
about equal amount, the former in spots approacbing the shaft. Inner webs of pri-
maries with transverse broad bars of pale ochraceous — eight on the longest. Wing,
7.70; tail, 5.00; culmen, 0.50; tar.sus, 1.30; middle toe, 1.25; outer, 0.85; inner, 0.70;
posterior, O.JjO.

"Adult female : Differing in coloration from the male only in the points of detail.
Ground-color of the upper parts clear grayish-drab, the feathers with conspicuously
black shafts; all the feathers with pairs of rather indistinct rounded ochraceous sjiots,
these most conspicuous on the wings and scapulars. Secondaries crossed with three

FALCO SPARVERIUS, SPARROW HAWK. 349

This is the bird mentioned by Dr. Harden, under name of colnmba-
rius, as abundant in the wooded bottoms of the Missouri region. One
of his specimens from the VermiHon Eiver served as the male type
of Mr. Kidgway's description ; another (No. 58983), taken by Mr. J.
Stevenson at Berthoud's Pass of the Rocky Mountains, in Colorado,
is the female type. The writer quotes a third, a young' male, taken at
Fort Rice, Dakota, by General Alfred Sally. Prof. Snow records it
among Kansas birds, on Professor Baird's authority ; whether from
actual capture of specimens in the State, or upon the strength of its
known distribution, 1 am not informed. It is not unlikely that the pale,
ashy specimen noted by Dr. Cooper, as procured by him at Fort Mojave,
Arizona, was an individual of this species. Dr. Richardson's bird was
an old female, killed at Carlton House, on the Saskatchewan, May 14,
1827, while flying with b.er mate; "in the oviduct there were several
full-sized white eggs, clouded at one end with a few bronze-colored
spots." Another specimen is stated to have been killed at Sault St.
Marie, between Lakes Huron and Superior. What little information we
possess of the habits of the bird indicates nothing peculiar in com-
parison with those of F. columharius.

FALCO SPARVERIUS, Linn.
Sparrow Hawk.

a. sparverius.

Falco sparrerius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 128 {Ac. minor. Gates., i, 5; JEsaJon caroli-
nensis, Briss., i, :i86, pi. :?2, f. 1).— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 284.— Lath., I. Orn. i,
1790. 42.— Daud., Tr. Oni. ii, IfcOO, 142. pi. 12.— Shaav, Geu. Zool. vii, pi. 26.—
WiLs., Am. Oiu. ii, 1»10, 117, pi. 16, f. 1 ( $ ) ; iv, 57, pi. 32, f . 2 ( <? ).— Stkph.,
Geu. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 3^*.— Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 322. — James., ed. Wils. i,
56, 60.— Jard., ed. Wils. i, 262 ; ii, 51.— Brew., ed. Wils. 864.— Bi\, Syn. 1828,
27 ; Isis, 1832, 1136— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 517.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 31,
pi. 24.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 212.— Ni tt., Mau. i, 1832, 58,— AuD., Orn. Biog.
ii, 1835, 246 ; v, 1839, 370 ; pi. 142 ; Syn. 1839, 17 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 90, 22.—
ViEiJLL., Ency. Metli. iii, 1234.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 16, pi. 7, f. 16.—
Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 15.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 13.— Coop. & Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 143.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Art v. Inst, iv, 1864, 110.— Coop., B. Cal.
i, 1870, 462.— Allen, Bnll. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872,
207. — COUES, Key, 1872, 214, fig-. 142 ; aud of most authors.

Falco {Tinnunculns) sparvcriH>i of some authors. — RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1873, 48. — B. B.
& R., N. A. B. ill, 1874, 169.

TinmutculitH ftparverius, ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept, i, 1807, 40, pi. 12. — Gray, Gen. of B. —
Bp., Consp. i, 1850,27.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 60.— Cass., HI. 1854, 92; Pr.

A. N. S. 1855, 278.— Brew., N. A. Oiil. 1857, 16.— Newr., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857,
74.— Kenn., ihid. x, 1859, pt. iv, 19.— Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 31.— IIayd., Rep.
1862, 152.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 42.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868,
499.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Rurv. Ter. 1870, 462.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 69(5.- Snow,

B. Kans. 1873; and of many antlior.s.

TivnnmnluH {I'acciloriiix) sjmnrHitx, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 23, No. 216.
Cerchncis sparvcriu-i, BoiE. — Bp., Comp. Libt, 1838, 5.
PcecilorniH Hparreriu.t, Kai'p, Monog. Fale. Cont. Orn. 1850, .5;?.

bauds of deeper, more reddish-ochraceoua. Bands of the tail, pure white. In other
respeets exactly like the male. Wing, 9.00; tail, 6.10; culnien, 0.55; tarsus, 1.40;
niiddli' toe, 1.50.

" Yoiiiifi niah : Dift'erinji from the adult only in d<<j;n'e. U])per snrfaoe with the rusty
l)or<h'rs of the feathers more washcil over the <j:enera"l siul'ace : t he rusty oehraeeous
forming the gruMiid-eolor of the head — paler anteriorly, where the hlack shatt-streaks
are very conspieuoim ; spots on the primary coverts and primaries deep reddish oehra-
eeous; tail-hands broader than in tln^ adult and more reddish ; the terminal one twice
as broad as the rest (0.40 of an inch), and almost cream color. Beneath, i>ale oehraee-
ous, this deepest on the breast and sides; markings as in the adult, hut anal region
and lower tail-eoverls immaenlate; the shaft-streaks on the tibia', also, scarcely dis-
cernible. Wing, 7.0U; tail, 4.60.

350 FALCO SPARVERIUS, SPARROW HAWK

h, c, d, &c.

For various races or conspecies. real or supposed, see especially RiDGW., Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1870, 147-149 ; and B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii. 1874, 166-1G8.

JIah. — The whole of North America, aud southward.

List of specimens.

19114

67 Grosv. Fork... 9 ! June 7, 1860 F. V. Hayden.j 10.50

2.37

7.50

Lieutenant Warren. s Expedition. — 5172, 5177, Yellowstone River; 5175, Powder River;
5178, Fort Berthold ; , Farm Island, Missouri River.

Later Expeditions.— mm'2, Colorado ; 6033(5-8, Wyoming ; 60G62, North Platte ; 62236-9,
Idaho.

"The trees, of late so richly green, now disclose the fading tints of
autumn ; the cricket becomes mute, the grasshopper withers ou the
fences, the mouse retreats to her winter quarters ; dismal clouds obscure
the eastern horizon, the sun assumes a sickly dimness, hoar frosts cover
the ground, and the long night encroaches on the domains of light. No
longer are heard the feathered choristers of the woods, who throng to-
ward more congenial climes, and in their rear rushes the S})arrow
Hawk." So the great painter of Nature portrays the waning season,
graphic with pen as with pencil. The dying year may bring no dismay
to the intrepid little Hawk, but when its cold breath blows away the
delicate creatures that aftord his sustenance, i^erforce he follows after;
and once with us, braves all weathers aud lives in plenty. Few, if any,
of our birds are more widely dispersed, few are better known, and cer-
tainly no Hawk is regarded with less disfavor. Too small of frame —
though stout hearted enough, I warrant — to commit depredations in the
farm-yard 5 subsisting on small insectivorous birds, it is true, but also
destroying countless field-mice and noxious insects, he is to be held a
benefactor to the agriculturist. The prettiest and jauntiest of our
Hawks, and yet no prig ; a true Falcon, if a little one, with as noble
mien and as much ])luck as the best among his larger brethren, we can
but admire him. No Hawk is more abundant in the West. Go where
we may, in summer or winter, we shall before long see him hovering
over the fields, or perched, erect and motionless, on his outpost, sweep-
ing the groun<l below with keen, audacious eye. It is a treacherous
calm ; the ardor of the Falcon grows with restraint. An unlucky
Sparrow flirts in yonder bush, and gives a flip[)ant chirp — whisL ! and
it is all over. Poor, little, rollicking Sparrow! this is no easier for you
to bear, because it is a ''law of nature," as we say. Who is ever quite
ready for the last? What pang is taken away when the cry it extorts
is drowned in a sea of like lamentation f We theorize best before the
Falcon's talon strikes.

The reader has doubtless stood, as I often have, in a thicket, peering
about in readiness to shoot some rare Warbler or Finch that he vainly
tries to discover amid the dense foliage. And not seldom — whish ! some-
thing flashes right by, twists with marvellous swiftness and address
through the tangled underwood, a cry of distress is heard, along with
an exultant scream, and the next moment a Sparrow Hawk glides out
from the thicket on the far side, bearing his quivering victim in his
claws, and makes straightway for the nearest stump or post to feast at
his leisure. As eager as we were, but keen-eyed and more skilful, he
snatched the i)rize himself, and his beak is already buried in its breast,
drinking warm blood. We inwardly wish we could punish the bold rob-
ber, but the splendid exhibition of his powers almost makes amends

FALCO SPARVERIUS, SPARROW HAWK. 351

for our loss of the specimen ; and, besides, we may reflect that if the
worhl owes us ornithology, it owes the Sparrow Hawk a living.

It is surprising what large birds the gallant little warrior will attack.
I have seen it overpower and bear away a Thrasher, a bird inch for inch
as long as itself, and nearly as heavy. Still, it usually preys upon hum-
bler game, particularly such birds as those from which it derives its
name. It also often picks the elegant little lizards {Sceloporns) off the
fences. Like other Falcons, it captures its prey at a dash, or not at all.
If it miss its aim, or the bird contrives to elude its clutch, it disdains
to pursue, and remounts its observatory with a crest-fallen aspect, as if
chagrined at its want of skill, but doubtless reflecting, " better luck next
time." The difference between the true Falcons and the Accipiters is
much like that between a tiger and a wolf. As for the Buzzards, they
are bears among birds ; Kites are the weasels. In the Middle districts
these Hawks pair in April, and immediately go to house-keeping. As
they breed iu every section, from the fur countries to Mexico, the period
varies in time of the year according to the state of the season. It does
not appear that they ever build a nest for themselves. They generally
choose the hollow of a decayed limb or tall stub ; a deserted Woodpeck-
er's hole answers every purpose, in many cases, and they are s.aid to
sometimes occupy an old Crow's nest. The skilful and industrious
Woodpeckers — ''carpinteros," as the Mexicans aptly call them — fit up
residences for the Hawks, requiring no alteration. Five or six eggs api)ear
to be the usual nest-full ; seven are stated to have been found in one
clutch. They are nearly spheroidal, measuring about 1.33 iu length by
1.12 in breadth. The groundcolor is usually bufty, or pale yellowish-
brown ; this is blotched all over with dark brown, the splashes of which
are usually largest and most numerous toward the greater end, at or
around whidi they may run into a crown or wreath. Some eggs are
pale brown, minutely dotted all over with dark brown ; some are white,
with pale brown spots ; and a few are whitish, without any markings.
I have never vseen the nestlings ; Audubon says they are covered with
Avhitish down. But the first true feathers are much like those of the
parents, and the sexual distiuctions of plumage are very early apparent.

These liaudsome little Hawks are often kept in confinement, and make
interesting, if not entirely agreeable, pets — at least for those who like
to see birds under such unfavorable circumstances. For myself, I dis-
like caged birds, and caged Hawks of all others ; the incongruity is
unpleasant, view it as we may. While I was at Columbia, in South
Carolina, a neighbor had three Sparrow Hawks for some time. As they
had been taken from the nest when quite young, they became in a
measure reconciled to captivity. They ate any kind of meat freely, and
as they grew up, began to disi)lay much of their natural si)irit. When
tormeuted in the various ingenious ways people have of "stirring uj)"
caged birds, they would resent the indignity by snapping the bill, beat-
ing with the wings, and clutching with tlicir talons at the oftcnding cane
or uiiiluclla-tip. One of them was a cripple, having a broken leg very
badly set, and the other two used to bully him dreadfully. One night,
whether from not having been fed sutliciently, or being in unusually bad
humor, they set upon him, killed him outright, and then almost devoured
him before morning.

352 BUTEO BOREALIS, RED-TAILED BUZZARD

BUTEO HARLANI, -'Aiul."

Harlan's Buzzard; Black Warrior.

FaJco harJani, AvD., Oni. Biog. i, 1831, 441; v, 1839, 380; pi. 86.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832,

10.5.— BiJEW., ed Wils. 684.
Buteoharhuii, AvD., Svn. 1839, 6; B. Am. i, 1840, pi. 8.— Bp., Consp. List, 1838, 3i—

DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 11.— Strickl., Orn. Syu. 185.=^, 30.— Lawr., Ann.

Lye. V, 220.— Cass., 111. lf:^54, 101 ; B. N. A. 1858, 24.— Cottf.s, Pr. Plnla. Acad.

1866, 45.— RiDGW.. ibid. 1870, 142.— Coor., B. Cal. i, 1870, 473.-C'ouES, Key. 187f?,

216.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, — , aud Ani. Nat. vii, 1873, 172.— B. B. &, rVN. A.

B. ill, 1874, 292. (Not of Bryant.) (Very likely not of Aiidubon.)

Hah. — " Louisiana." " New Mexico." " California." " Kansas."

I regard the claims of tbis species to validity as not yet established.
Both Gray and Bonaparte quote it as a synonym of B. boreaUs, and it
appears not improbable that it represents the complete melanism of
that species, corresponding with the '■'■ insignatus''^ style of swainsoni.
A further element of doubt is found in the lact that different authors
have used the name for different species. Thus Dr. Bryant's '■'■ liarlani''^
is certainly sicalnsoni, while the " harlani " of some of the older New
England authors is almost as certainly the black state of Archibuteo
lagopiis.

The claim of the species to be embraced in the present work rests
upon the capture of a specimen near Lawrence/ Kansas. On being
transmitted to the Smithsonian, it was pronounced by Prof. Baird and
Mr. Eidgway to be harlmii, as understood by them. I have examined
this and some other specimens supposed to represent Audubon's bird,
and can see all the later ascribed characters, which cause me to
suspend judgment for the present, and let the bird stand on its own
merits, as the differences from any known style of boreaUs are too great
to be reconciled. The Buteo coo perl o&ers much the same case; addi-
tional specimens, only lately received, are just like the original type,
and easily recognized. But Audubon's bird may he = caJurus.

BUTEO BOREALIS, (Gm.) Yieill.

Red-tailed Buzzard; Ren Hawk.

a. boreaUs.

Falco horealis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 266.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 25.— Daud , Tr. Orn.
ii, 1800, 157.— 8haw, Gen. Zool. vii, 112. — Wils., Aui. Oni. vi, 1812,75, pi. 52, f. 1.—
Sabine, Frankl. Journ. 670.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 32; Isis, 1832, 1138.— Wagl., Isis.
1831, 517.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 102.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 265 ; v, 378; pi. 51.

Bufeo horealis, Virill., Nouv. Diet, d' Hist. Nat. iv, 1816, 478; Enc. Metb. iii, 1222. —
Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 50.— Vig., Zool. Jonrn. i, 340; Beech. Voy. 15.—
Stepii., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 47. — Less., Tr. Orn. 79.— Jajies., ed. Wils. i, 82,
84.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 280, 282.— Brew., ed. Wils. 450, 684.— Bp., List, 1838,
3; Cousp. i, 1850, 19.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 6; B. A. i, 1840, 32, pi. 7.— Gosse, B.
Jam. 1847, U. pi. 2.— Lemb., Av. Cub:e, 18.30, 18, pi. ].— Cas.s., 111. 1854, 97; Pr.

A. N. S. P^55, 279.— WoODii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 59 (includes western).— PuCHER.,
Rev. Zool. 1850, 214.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 21.— Gamb., J. A. N. S. i, 26.—
DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 9, pi. 8, fig. 17.— Peab., Rep. Orn. Mass.— Tno:MPS., Nat.
Hist. Vermont, App. 63.— Peale, U. S. Exi»1. Exped. 1848, 62.— Kaup, Mus.
Senck. 1845, 261.— Cass., B. N. A. 18.58, 25.— Maxim., .J. f. O. vi, 18.58, 17.— Bd.,
Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii. Birds, p. 3.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 318.—
Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861, 109.— Hayd , Rep. 1862, 152.— Wood, Am.
Nat. iii, 1869, 393.— Alt.en, Mem. Bost. «"c- 1868, 499; Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,
322 (exel. syn. partim); iii, 1872, 180.— RiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 142.—

B. B. it R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 282.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— Coues, Key, 1872, 216.
Astur horealis, Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 332.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 215 {'' Aster").

BUTEO BOREALIS, RED-TAILED BUZZARD. 353

Pcecilopternis horealis, Kaup, Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 76.

Buteo (Craxirex) horealis, Gkay, Hand-list i, 1869, 7, No. 46.

Falco kverianiis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 266. — Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 18. — Daud., Tr,

Orn. ii, 126.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 151.— WiLS. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 78, pi. 52.
Falco jamaicensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 266.
Falco aquilinuii, Bart«am, Trav. in Florida, 1791, 290.

Buteo ferrugmeicaudus, Vieili.., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 32.— Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 337.
Accipiier ruficaudus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 43, pi. lAbis.

Buteo full-Its, ViELLL., O. A. Sept. i, 1807, 84; Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 1816, 468, 472.
Buteo americanus, Vieill, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 1816, 477; Enc. Meth iii, 1224.

b. calurns.

(!?) Falco huteo, AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 508, pi. 372 (not of Linncens ; uncertain ; more

likely swahisoni).
(??) Buteo vulgaris, AuD., Syn. 18.39, 5 ; B.Am, i, 1840, 30, pi. 6 (not of authors ; same as

Falco buteo, Auduhou).
Buteo sicainsoni, Cass., 111. 1854, 98 (exclusive of the synonymy; not of Bonaparte, nor

of Cassin, 1858).
Buteo calurus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1855, 281.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 22.— Brew., N. A.

Oiil. 1857, 32.— Bd., Mes. Bound. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii. Birds, p. 3.— Bd., P. R. R.

Rep. X, 1859, pt. iii. p. 11, pi. 14.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 44.— Coop., B.

C:al. i, 1870, 471.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462.
Buteo montanus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1856, 39.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 26 (but not of

Nuttall, which is swainsoni). — Bkew., N. A. Oul. 1H57, 26. — Newb., P. R. R. Rep.

vi, 1857, 75. — Bd., Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii. Birds, p. 3. — Bd., P. R. R,

Rep. X. 1859, pt. iii, 12. — Kexx., ibid. pt. iv, 19.— Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 32. —

Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 147.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,

43.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 469.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.

Ter. 1870, 462.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 697.
Buteo horealis of Gray, Brvaxt, and Allex, partly.
Buteo horealis var. calm us, Ridgw. — B. B. &, R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 286. — Coues, No. 351«.

c. lucasanus.

Buteo horealis var. lucasamis, Ridgw., Mss. — Coues, Key, 1872, 216 ; Check-list, 1874,
351b. -B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 285.

d. Tcrideri.

Buteo horealis var. Irideri, Hoopes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1873, 238, pi. 5 (Iowa and Wiscon-
sin).—B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 284.— Coles, Check-list, 1874, No. 351>=.

e. costaricensis.

Buteo horealis var. costaricensis, Ridow.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 258, 285 ("B.
horealis of Central America").

Hah. — The whole of North America. Mexico. Cuba. Jamaica.

List of specimens.

19118

6

Wind R. Valley

May. 28, 1859 F. Y. Hayden .

22.00 50.75 17.25

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 5iri3, Yellowstone River; 5158, Fort Randall, Da-
kota; 51.59, L'Eau-fpu-court.

Later Fxpeditions.—^ySdf^i, Berthoud's Pass; 60628-29, Wyoming ; 60630, Uintah Moun-
tains {melanotic) ; 62231, Idaho.

Few of our birds have caused more confusion among writers, or acquired a more in-
volved synonymy, than the Hawks of the genus Buteo.

Setting a.sidc liiitalus nml ptunmilmuirus, as totally di.stinct from each other and from
the rest : ignoring for the moment " harlani " and " coojicri," we will confine ourselves to
consideration ot' the two species, boredlis, Gm., and sutiinxoui, Bi'. Tl\ese may be im-
mediately distingnislieil by the emargination of four outer primaries in horealis, and
only three in swaiusoni. There are other points, aside from color, which varies so greatly
in each.

Borealis in all its variety of color is much tlie largest, the female averaging aboutr
24 inches in length, with a stretch of wings over 5(1 inches; it is very robust, with a
comjjaratively sliort wing, and short, stout legs. In tlie Hast it remains compara-
tively e«)nstant in color, Ji.side from the normal changes with age. In the West it riins
from a slightly darker, or more ferrugiueous cast, iuto a quite fuliginous condition, the

23

354 BUTEO LINEATUS, RED-SIIOULDERED BUZZARD.

several stages being inseparably connected. The slighter departures from the normal
Eastern ist;iiidar(l ar<i the moiitdiins of Cassin, and most later writers, but probably not
of Nuttall ; the ciiiuax is re;w;hed in cahirus, Cassin. I adopt this name for the extreme
Western variety, ignoring the intermediate stages, which have been usually designated
montaiiHH. In all of these birds, whtn adult, the tail becomes chestnut-red on top, which
is never the case with swainsoni.

The FaJcn buteo or Bufeo vulgaris of Audubon is uncertain — rather, let us say, it com-
prehends both the Western Red-tail and Swainsou's Buzzard, being ostensibly based
upon the latter, but the description and figure rather indicating the former. The Bu-
/to ?((0/i'ft«H.s of Nuttall (1840; not iu edition of 1832) is based on Audubon's ^' Falco
hateo" but the description is unmistakably that of swainsoni. I follow Mr. Ridgway
in relegating both these names to swainsoni, leaving calurus as the first distinctive name
of the Western Red-tail in all its variety.

Swainsoni is the smaller species, perfectly distinct. The female is only about 21 inches
long; the form is less robust ; the wings are comparatively longer ; the legs slenderer.
This species was first noticed by Richardson and Swainson, who described and figured
it accurately, calling it " Buteo vulgaris," under the impression that it was identical
■with the I']uropean bird. It was subsequently sejjarated Ity Bonaparte, in 1838, under
the name of B. swainso7ii, which it should bear. Its other synonyms are noticed be-
yond ; here, however, it may be remarked, that B. swainsoni of Cassin, 111. 1854, 98, is
not this species, but the Western Red-tail, as shown conclusively by his description,
although he cites the synonymy of swainsoni. His swainsoni of 18.58, however, is cor-
rectly so named.

The Hen-Hawk is abundant in all parte of the West, as elsewhere iu
North America, and in all its variety has the same habits it shows iu
the East. I have obtained several specimens, of old and young, at Fort
Kandall, and very frequently observed the bird while I was traveling iu
Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota. The fuliginous styles (extreme of cahirus)
J have never seen iu the northwest, although in Arizona they were
nearly as common as the others, both occurring in the same localities.
These large Hawks are all heavy and rather inactive birds, ranking, iu
these respects, next to the species of Archihuteo. They are unfitted,
"both by their physical organization and temperament, for the daring
feats that the Falcons and Hawks execute, and usually prey upon game
disproportionate to their size, which they snatch as they pass along. I
have, however, tound nearly the whole of a rabbit in the craw. They
mate early, constructing a large and bulky, though shallow, nest in a
high tree, of sticks and smaller twigs, mixed toward the centre with
grass, moss, or other soft material, and often a few feathers. The eggs
are generally three in number, about 2.40 long by rather less than 2.00
broad. Tlu^y are dull whitish in color, sometimes with only a few mark-
ings of dull brownish-gray, but oftener extensively blotched with several
shades of rich brown. The young are a long time in acquiring the full
plumage. They are long full grown before the red of the tail appears,
aud this is usually in advance of the fulvous of the under parts that the
okl birds display. I have seen specimens with nearly perfect red tail,
yet showing pure white on the breast and the same elsewhere under-
neath, though marked with the usual dark-brown spots and streaks.
There is a great sexual difference in size, many males being found hardly
or not 20 inches long.

'»•

BUTEO LINEATUS, (Gm.) Jard.

Red-shouldered Buzzard.
I

a. Uneatus.

Tdlcolineatus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263.— Lath., Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 27.— Daud., Tr.
Orn. ii, 1800, 'l58.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, IhO'J, 113.— Cuv., R. A. i,2d ed. 334.—
WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, HG, pi. 53, f. 3.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 296, v, 1839,
380 ; pi. 56.

BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON'S BUZZARD. 355

Buieo Uneadis, Jard., Am. Orn. ii, 290.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 7.— Aud., B. Am. i, 1840, 40,
pi. 9.— Bkew., ed. Wils. 1840, 684.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 6, f. 13.—
Kaup, Mhs. Seuck. 1845, 261.— Woooh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 59.— Maxim., J. f. O.
vi, 1858, 19.— Cass., 111. 18.54, 99 ; B. X. A. 1858, 28.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Just, i,
1866, 203.— Bkkw., N. A. Ool. 1857, 28.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 141.—
BoARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 123.— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 18431,
402.— Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 51.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 81.—
Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 256.— Tuhxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 7.— Allen, Mem.
Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 499; Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 329.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873.—
Coues, Key, le72, 216.— Ridgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 66.— B. B. 4S: R., N. A.
B. iii, 1874, 275.

Buteo {Craxirex) linmtus, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 7, No. 53.

PoRcilopterniH lineatus, Kaup, Monog. Falc. Cout. Orn. 1850, 76.

Falco hyemaUs, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 274.— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 35.— Daud., Tr.
Orn. ii, 1800, 110.— Shaw, Geu. Zool. vii, 1809, 153.— Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 73, pi.
35, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 33 ; Isis, 1832, 1138.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 106.— Aud.,
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 364, pi. 71.

Nlsvs Jiyemalis, Cuv., R. A. 2d. ed. i, .37.

Cv-cus hijemaUs, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. pi. 7. — Bp., Journ. Pbila. Acad, iii, 1824, 305. —
James., ed. Wils. i. 85, 87.

Buteo hi/emaUs, Less., Tr. Orn. 81.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 3.— DeKay, N. T. Zool. ii, 10,
' pi. 6, f. 13.

Astur hyemaUs, J.\J!D., ed. Wils. ii, 72. — Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1273.

Buteo fiiscus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. pi 5.

Ashir fiiscus, Bp., Osserv. Cuv. R. A. 37.

Falco'buteokles, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 100.— Peab., Rep. B. Mass. 1839, 268.— Les'SL., Am.
Journ. Sci. 1843, 2.52.

Buteo " coopeii " (error), Allex, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 518 (New England).

b. elegans.

Buteo elegans, Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad, vii, 1855, 281.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 28.— Newb., P.
R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 75.— Kenn., ihid. x, 1859, pt. iv, 19. — Heerm., ibid. pt. vi,
32, pis. 2, 3.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. W^asb. Ter. 1860, 147.— Dress., Ibis, 1865,
325.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 45.— ScL.. P. Z. S. 1869, 344 (city of Mex-
ico).—(?) MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 81 (Canada).

Buteo lineatuH var. elegans, Ridgw. — B. B. & R.,N. A. B. iii, 1874, 277. — Coues, Check-
list, 1874, No. 352».

Hab. — United States and British Provinces (Nova Scotia, Bland). Var. elegans, west-
ern (? Canada, Mcllwraith).

No specimens of this species were taken by either of the Expedition.s,
and if, indeed, the bird ranges throughout the ^lissouri region, it mu.st
be uncommon. The name occurs in Prof. Snow's list, but without
remark. The hititudinal dispersion of the species appears to be quite
restricted; I have never heard of it from the fur countries, nor indeed
anywhere beyond the United States, excepting in Canada and Nova
Scotia. It reaches, however, across the continent ; examples from the
limited Pacific slopes are, as might be expected, more heavily colored
than ordinary, but it hardly seems necessary to recognize them by name.
Southern-born birds are considerably smaller than the average, as noted
by Prof. Verrill, in comparing Maine and Florida examples. In the
Atlantic States it is one of tlie most abundant of the birds of pn'V.
The niditication is similar to that of Ji. horculis ; the eggs, as u.^^ual,
have a wide range of variation in color ; they measure from !i.()() to li.i,'")
in length by about 1.75 in breadth ; they number from two to four.
The general habits of the species are ifiuch the same as those of alHed
large Hawks.

BUTEO SWAIXSONI, Bp.
Swnbisuirs Bu/.zard.

(ft) Falco olmlvtus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 268.— Lath., Ind. Orn. 1790, 28.— Daud., Tr.
Orn. ii. 1H^»I. 104.— Sn.\w,(4('ii. Zonl. vii, 1809, \o2 {Strickland ; very uucertaiu).
(f) Falco buteo, Aud., Orn. Biug. iv, .")08, pi. 372

35G

BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON'S BUZZARD.

Buteo vulgaris, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 47, pi. 27 (not of European writers). —
NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 539.— (?) Aud., Syn. 1839, 5 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 30, pi. 6
(based on Falco buteo of folio ed. pi. 372).

Biitco moiiianiis, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 112 (not of authors).

Buteo swainsoiii, Bp., List, 1838, 3; Consp. i, 1850, 19.— Strickl., Orn. Svn. 1855, 30. —
Brkw., N. A. 061. 1857, 24.— Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 19 (not of Cass. 111.
1854, 98).— Bd., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iii, 11, pis. 12, 13.— Hayd., Rep. 1862,
152.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 317 (eggs).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 324 (Texas).—
CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 43 (Arizona).— 1».vll & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i,

1869, 272 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 476.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter.

1870, 462.— Mekr., ibid. 1872, 697.— Coues, Key, 1872, 217.— Snow, B. Kans.
1873.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 263.— Coues, A. N. viii, 1874 (biography).

Buteo (Craxirex) sivainsoni, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 7, No. 50.

Buteo bairdii, HoY, Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1853, 451 (young ; Wisconsin).- Cass., 111. 1854,

99, 2.57, pi. 41.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 21. —Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 152.— McIlwr., Pr.

Ess. Inst. V, 1866, 81 (Canada).
Buteo insupiatus, Cass., 111. 1854, 102, 198, pi. 31 (vielanotic ; Canada). — Strickl., Orn.

Syn. 1855, 38.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 23.— Brew., N. A. 061. 1857, 33.— Heerm.,

P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, .32.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 45.— Coop.,

B. Cal. i, 1870, 474.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.
Buteo swainsoni var. insignatus, Dall «fe Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 272 (Alaska).
Buteo gutturaUs, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 17 (with eggs).
Buteo oxypterus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1855, 283 ; B. N. A. 1858, 30 (young).—

Stricki.., Orn. Syn. 1855, 28.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 45.— Coop., B. Cal.

i, 1870, 480.
Buteo swaimoni var. oxi/pterus, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 266.
Buteo fuh/inosus, Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 356 ; Tr. Z. S. 1858, 267, pi. 62 {melanotic; Mexico).—

Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 142.
Buteo " harlani, Aud." — Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1861, 115 (provisional name; proposes to

adopt sitminsoni in the probable event that the true harlani is a different species).

Hab. — Chiefly Northern and Western North America. Alaska. Kansas. Wisconsin.
Canada. Massachusetts. Also Mexico, Central and parts of South America.

List of specimens

19119
19120

180

7

Powder River .
Grosventres R.

$

Sept. 24, 1859
June 3, 1860

F. V. Hayden
do

22.00
19.00

50.00
45.00

16.50
15.00

Lieutenant Warrenh Expedition.— 'oViA, 5152, Little Missouri River; 5153 (?) Loup
Fork of Platte River; 5154, mouth of Yellowstone River; 5155, Knife River; 5156,
mouth of White Earth River ; 5157, Heart River.

Later Expeditions.— 54323, Wyoming ; 60631-2, Sweetwater ; 61765-6, Idaho ; 62226-9,
Wyoming ; 62230, Montana.

As noted in a preceding article, this species may be distinguished from any style of
horeali^i in all its variations of color, by the emargination of only three, instead of
four, outer primaries. It is very truthfully tigured by Dr. Richardson, and other plates
have been published, as above quoted, illustrating several of its plumages. " B.
bairdii" is now well-known to be the young bird, while " 7?. l/zsif/jjafifs" is merely a
melanotic condition. The species appears to inhabit chiefly the western portions of
America, but has occurred several times in Canada, and once in Massachusetts. Dr.
Hayden's numerous specimens attest its abundance in the whole Missouri region. The
confusion that has arisen respecting it is deplorable — the more so that there was no
occasion for any such misunderstanding. The raal-identiticatiou of montanus, Nutt.,
has had much to do with causing this. It is, of course, permanently distinct from
borealis, although hastily referred to this species by Mr. Allen. In bringing " ox//2><e?v/8 "
and '^fiiliginosus" into this connection, I follow Mr. Ridgway, who is unquestiouably
correct in this determination. Even the varietal distinction he attempts to maintain
in his last work is untenable, as he informs me he is now satisfied himself.

This large Hawk is very al)undant in Northern Dakota, where it
came under my almost daily observation during the summer of 1873.
Excepting an occasional Rongh-leg or Ked-tail, it was the only buteo-
uine species observed, and the only Hawks more common were the
ubi<iuitous Marsh Harriers and Sparrow Hawks. The species is thor-
oughly distinct from its nearest ally, B. borealis ; it never gains the red
tail, so characteristic of the latter, and differs in many other points of
coloration in its several stages of plumage, as noted beyond. Although
its linear dimensions intergrade with those of the Red-tail, it is not so

BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON S BUZZARD. 357

heavy nor so large a bird, aud its shape differs in some points. A very
tangible and convenient distinctiou, to which my attention was tirst
called by Mr. Eidgway, and which I have verified in numerous in-
stances, is found in the emargination of the primaries. As stated in
my late work (Key N. A. Birds, p. 217), Swainson's Buzzard has only
three emarginate primaries, while the Red-tail has /o??r; the fourth quill
of the former, like the fifth of the latter, is variously sinuate-tapering,
but never shows the decided nick or emargination of the inner web.

The following measurements, taken in the flesh, illustrate the sexual
difference and other variations in size : Largest-adult 9 , 22 inches long,
54 in extent, Ihe wing IG ; other females, respectively, 21.50 by 51.75 by
16.25; 21.00 by 53.00 by 15.75 ; 20.50 by 51.00 by 15.25; 19.00 by 49.00 by
13.50 — but this last one was an ungrown young. Adult S 's, 19.00 to
20.00 long by about 49.00 in spread of wing, the latter 15.00 or a little
more. In both sexes, and at all ages, the eye is brown, but of varying
shade — I have seen no approach to a yellow iris. In tlie old birds the
feet, togelher with the cere, gape, and base of under mandible, are rich
chrome-yellow; the rest of the bill, and the claws, being bhiish-black.
In the young-of-the-year these yellow parts much duller — grayish-.vellow,
or yellowish clay-color. Many old birds have the integument of the
lower belly largely bare, yellowish in color, hardened and thickened
with warty excrescences; this disease seems the rule rather than the
exception. Unfledged nestlings are covered with white fluffy down;
the first feathers to appear on the under ])arts show the characteristic
color and markings of the formerly supposed species, " MirdiiP (The
various plumages are given beyond.) A moult occurs in August and
September; it is protracted, the feathers being very gradually renewed,
almost one by one ; the fresh heavily-colored feathers contrasting strongly
with the ragged and faded ones worn during the summer. The young-
have no moult at this season, carrying the plumage in which they leave
the nest into the winter. I have no observations upon a spring monlt,
which probably occurs to both old and young. I took no specimens in
the melanistic state of plumage in whicli the bird has been described as
another supposed species {B. hm(inaiuii) ; and only saw one in which the
entire under parts looked as dark, when the bird was sailing over me,
as the pectoral band of the adult female is. This dark plumage is an
individual peculiarity, not a normal stage of regular occurrence.

iSwainson's Buzzard may be seen anywhere in the region mentioned —
even far out on the prairie, miles away from timber, circling overhead,
or perched on the bare ground. In alighting, it generally takes advan-
tage of some little knoll commanding a view around, though it otten
has no more prominent place than the heap of dirt from a badger's hole,
from which to cast about for some imi)rud('nt goi)lier* espied too Air
I'rom home, or still more ignoble game. But the bird jjielers timber,
and, especially as its nesting is confined to trees, it is most frcjjuently
observed in the vicinity of the few wooded streams that diversity the
boundless piaiiie. In Northeiii Dakota such streams cut their tt)rtu()us
way pretty deeply into the ground ; and the sharp edges of the banks,
lising steep on one side, and on the other stretching away on a contin-
uous level, are. favorite resting-si)ots, where sometimes a line of several
birds may he observed strung along a distaiu-e ot a few yards. The
Souris or Mouse Biver, a stream of this description, is a favorite resort,

*" Ctopher" : Frontier vemficnlar nanio for all tlio proiind-siinirrels (SpcrwophiU)
iudihciiiniiiately. ^'. tndiTcm-i'iKHhin ia tJie Louiuiout'st kiml Llic. Tbu i>oucbed rats
arc kuowu as " imckot-gopliera."

358 BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON's BUZZARD.

v.liore I found the birds more numerous tbau elsewhere. Much of the
livei-bottom is well wooded with elm, oak, and other large trees; and
the number of nests found in this timber — sometimes several in sight of
each other — w«tuld be considered surprising by one not recollecting that
conveniences for breeding are in this country practically limited to such
narrow tracts.

The nests are built at varying heights, from the intricacies of heavy
shrubbery, where a mau may reach them from the ground, to the tops of
the tallest trees. They are generally, however, i^laced thirty or forty
feet high, in some stout crotch or on a horizontal fork. They are bulky
and ragged-looking structures, from the size of sticks used for the base
and outside ; the interior is composed of smaller twigs more compactly
arranged. The shape varies with the requirements of the location,
being more or less conical in an upright crotch, flatter on a fork. The
interior hollowing is slight. An average external diameter may be
given as two feet, and depth half as much. I was too late for eggs in
the locality above mentioned ; the only nest I found with anything in it
contained two half- fledged young. This was on the 15th of August — so
late as to induce the belief that perhaps two broods may be reared in a
season, especially as before this date I had observed many full-grown
yearlings on wing. This nest was built about forty feet high, in an oak
tree, was very untidy, matted with excrement and the scurfy exfoliation
from the growing feathers of the youngsters, and encumbered with por-
tions of several gophers. The nestlings were too young to make any
resistance beyond a menacing hiss and a very mixed flapping when
they were unceremoniously pitched out. The mother was shot near the
nest with a pistol-ball, but her partner kept prudently out of the way.
The young had been well cared for; their crops were full of gopher-
meat at the time, and they were very fat.

In July I had a live young one in captivity, at about the age of
these two; and, early in August, possessed a completely-feathered
and full-grown bird of the year, probably hatched in May. This
shows that either two broods are reared, or that the laying season
runs through most of the summer. This grown young one made
rather an acceptable prisoner for some days, as he was trim and
shapely, with a fine eye and general military bearing, as well as an ex-
cellent appetite. But then he was bad-tempered, took the most civil
advances unkindly, and would not even fraternize with a pair of
very well-disposed and sensible Owls that were picketed with him. At
last, when he so totally failed to appreciate his position as to use his
claws with painful eflect, he was summarily executed. Both this and
the younger one before him had a peculiarly plaintive whistle to signify
hunger or a sense of loneliness, a note that was almost musical in in-
tonation. This was the only cry I heard from them ; the old birds have
a harsh, loud scream, much alike in all our large Hawks.

The quarry of Swainson's Buzzard is of a very humble nature. I never
saw one swoop upon wild-fowl or Grouse, and, though they strike rabbits,
like the Eed-tails, their prey is ordinarily nothing larger than gophers.
Though really strong and sufficiently fierce binls, they lack the "snap"
of the Falcons and Asturs; and I scarcely think they are smart enough
to catch birds very often. I saw one make the attempt on a Lark
Bunting. The Hawk poised in the air, at a height of about twenty
yards, for fnlly a minute, fell heavily, with an awkward thrust of
the talons — ami missed. The little bird slipped ofl", badly scared no
doubt, but unhurt, while the enemy flapped away sulkily, very likely to
l)rowl around a gopher-hole for his dinner, or take pot-luck at grass-

BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON's BUZZARD. 359

hoppers. They procure gophers, mice, and other small qnadrnpeds, both
by waiting patiently at the mouth of the holes, ready to claw out the
unlucky animals the moment they show their noses, and by sailing low
over the ground to pick up such as they may find away from home.
But I question whether, after all, insects do not furnish their principal
subsistence. Those that I shot after midsummer all had their craws
stuffed with grasshoppers. These insects, which appear sometimes in
almost inconceivable numbers, seem to be the natural source of supply
for a variety of animals. Wolves, foxes, badgers, and even rodents,
like gophers, supposed vegetarians, come down to them. Sand-hill
Cranes stalk over the plains to spear them by thousands. Wild fowl
waddle out of the reedy pools to scoop them up. We may kill scores
of Sharp tailed Grouse, iu September, to find in every one of them a
mass of grasshoppers, only leavened with a few grubs, beetles, leaves,
berries, and succulent tops of plants. It is amusing to see a Hawk
catching grasshoppers, skipping about in an awkward way, and looking
as if he w^ere rather ashamed of being seen in such a performance.
Food being abundant and easily procured, the birds become extremely
fat early in the autumn, and lazy withal. Unaccustomed to the pres-
ence of man in these regions, they may be approached with little diffi-
culty as they perch on the trees ; and they often fly unwillingly within
short range. When brought down winged, they show no lack of spiiit,
and must be prudently dealt with, as their talons are very effective weap-
ons of defense.

Changes of plumage -with age affect more particularly the under parts, the back,
wings, and tail being more nearly alike at all times.

Youn(j-of-thc-year (both sexes). Entire upper parts dark brown, everywhere varied
with tawny edgings of the individual feathers. The younger the bird, the more marked
is the variegation ; it corresponds in tints closely with the color of the under parts,
being palest in very young examples. Under parts, including lining of wings, nearly
unilorm fawn-color (pale, dull yellowish-brown), thickly and sharply marked with
blackish-brown. These large dark spots, for the most part circular or guttiform, crowd
across the forebreast, scatter on the middle belly, enlarge to cross-bars on the Hanks,
become broad arrow-heads on the lower belly and tibitc, and are wanting on the throat,
which is only marked with a sharp, narrow, blackish penciling along the median line.
Quills brownish-black, the outer webs with an ashy shade, tlie inner webs toward the
base grayish, ])aler, and marbled with white, and also showing obscure darii cross-
bars ; their siiafts black on top, nearly white underneath. Tail-feathers like the quills,
but more decidedly shaded with ashy or slate-gray, and tipped with whitish ; their
numerous dark cross-bars show more plainly than those of the quills, but are not so
evident as they are in the old birds.

Adults (either sex). Upper parts dark brown, very variable in shade according to
season or wear of the feathers, varied with paler l)rown, or even rcddisli-lirown edg-
ings of the feathers, but without the clear fawn-color of the young ; tlie featiiers of
the ci"own showing wliitish when disturbed, and usually sliarji, dark sliaft-lines ; the
iijtper tail-coverts chestnut and white, with l)lackish bars. Quills and tail-feathers as
before, bat the iinier webs of (he former showing more decided dark cross-bars upon a
lighter nuirbled-whitish ground, and the latter having broader and sharper, dark wavy
bars. These large quills, and jtarticularly those of the tail, vary much in shade ac-
cording to wear, the new feathers being strongly slate-colored, the old ones jdain dark
brown. The tail, however, never shows ;iny trace of the rich chestnut that obtains iu
the adult 11. horvaVm. Mah; : Under parts showing a broad j)eetoral area of bright
chestnut, usually with a glaucous cast, and displaying sliarp, black shalt-lines ; this
area contrasting sharply with (he pure white throat. Other under parts white, more
or less tinged and varied, in dillerent speeimens, with light chestnut. In soiiu- males,
this chestnut is diminished to traces, chielly in tiank-bars and arrow-hea<ls, and the
white throat is immarulale ; in others, the tliroat shows l>la(kish penciiling, and tho
rest of the under parts are so much marked with eliestnut, chietly in eross-ltars, that
this color predominates over the whiti^, and appears in direct continuation of the jx-c-
toral area itself. Some feathers of tliis area arc eonniionly tlark lirow ii. Frmalc: Much
darker underneath than the male; throat pure wiiitc. but other undrr jiarts piobably
ntiver whitening decidedly, rcetoral area liom rich, dark chistMut (U niahogany-eolor,
mixed with still darker feathers, to brownish-black; and other under parts heavily

360 BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS, BROAD-WINGED BUZZARD.

marked with cliestnut, chiefly in cross-bars alternating with whitish, but on the flanks,
and sometimes across the belly, these markings quite blackish. The general tone of
the under parts may be qnite as dark as the pectoral area of the male, but it lacks
uniformity, and the increased depth of color of the ])ectoral area in this sex suffices to
preserve the strong contrast already mentioned. (Aboat forty siJecimens examined.)

BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS, (Wils.) Bp.
Broad-winged Buzzard.

Falco peunsylvanieus, Wils., Am. Orn. tI. 1812, 92, pi. 54, f. 1.- Bp., Syn. 1828, 29 ;
Isis, 1832, 1137.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 105.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i/l832, 461; v,
1839, 377 ; pi. 91.- DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 11, pi. 5, f. 11.

Buteo pennsylvanicus, Bp., Osserv. Cuv. R. A. 5.5 ; List, 1838, 3. — AuD., Svn. 1839, 6 ; B.
Am. i, 1840, 43, pi. 10.— Cab., J. f.0.ii,p.lxxxii(Cuba).— CASS.,ill. 1854, 100.—
Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 32.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 203.— Brew., N. A.
Ool. 1857, 31.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 211 (Orizaba) ; 261 (Upper Amazon); 1658,
451 (Ecuador) — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 29.— Hoy, Pr. Phila. Acad. (Wisconsin).—
Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 11.— Coue.s & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861,
402.— BoARBM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 122.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 142.—
Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 51.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 81.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868,
2.57.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 325 (Texas).— Gundl., Rep. 1865,223 (Cuba).— La wr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 288 CPauama) ; viii, 1866, 280 ; ix, 1868, 133 (Costa
Rica).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 7.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 330.— Mayn.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— Coues, Key, 1872, 217.— Ridgw.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 65.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 2.59.

Falco lalistiimus, Wils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 92, pi. 54, f. 1 (later copies).

Astur (?) Jatissimus, Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 294.

Buteo latissimus, Lemb., Av. Cubiie, 1850, 19.

Spa7-viits platyptet-us, Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1823, 1273.

Falco ivlUoni, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 348.

Buteo ivUsoni, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 19.

Poecilopternis ivilsoni, Kaup, Monog. Falc, Cont. Orn. 1850, 75.

Hah. — Temperate Eastern North America. South to Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecua-
dor. Cuba.

This species was not noticed by either of the Expeditions, and the
only indication I have found of its presence anywhere in the Missouri
region is Prof. Snow's record of its occurrence in Kansas, where it is
said to be not common. Its longitudinal dispersion is thus quite re-
stricted, contrary to the rule among our birds of this family, most of
which range across the continent. The Broad-winged Hawk is appar-
ently more numerous along the Atlantic coast than elsewhere, especially
in New England, where all the local writers speak of it, some giving it
as the most abundant summer Hawk in certain localities, as about
Umbagog Lakes. It is known to breed in various parts of New En-
gland ; further south it is chiefly observed in tbe fall and winter, the
only seasons when I saw it about Washington, D. 0. I did not meet
with it in either of the Caroliuas, but it is given as common in Florida,
known to reach southward as far at least as Ecuador, as by the above
quotations, and to reside in Cuba.

The nest of this species has but seldom fallen under the notice of
naturalists. Dr. Brewer describes the one that Audubon saw, and
another taken by Prof. Adams, now in the museum of Middlebury Col-
lege, Vermont. Mr. Samuels states that a nest he visited the 2()th of
May, 18G4, in West Eoxbury, Massachusetts, was built in the fork of a
tall pine-tree, near tlie top, and composed of coarse sticks and twigs,
lined with red cedar- bark, leaves, and feathers. It contained four eggs,
measuring from 2.00 to 2.15 long, by 1.70 to 1.72 broad ; " dirty yellowish-
white, covered more or less thickly in the different specimens with spots
and blotches of reddish-brown." Other specimens had fainter mark-
ings, while in others again the spots were finer and darker.

AECHIBUTEO LAGOPUS VAR. SANCTI-JOHANNIS. 361

ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS var. SAKCTI-JOHANNIS, (Gm.) Eidgw.

American Rough-legged Uawk.

a. lagopiis.

Falco communis var., Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 270. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 30 (based on

Acc.falco Ji'HcoctphaUts, Biuss., Orn. i, 325; VuUur suhhttteus, Frisch, pi. 75).
Falco lago2}i(K, BidiNX.. Orn. Bor. 17G4, 4. — Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 260. — Lath., Ind. Orn.

i, 1790, 19.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 107.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, l!-09, 145.— Temm.,

Man. 1815, 22.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 359.— Meyer., Tasch. 37, pi. 34 ; and of

most early anthers.
Acdpiter larjopua, Paix., Zoog. R. A. i, 1811, 360, pi. 10.
Buteo lagopm, Leach, Cat. 1816, 10.— Steph., G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 47. — Roux, Orn. Prov. i,

41, pi. 25.— Flem., Br. Am. 54.— Jen., Man. 87.— Macgil., Hist. Br. B. iii, 193;

Rap. B. Gr. B. p. — .— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 4.- Keys. & Beas., Wirb. Eur. 1840,

30.— SCHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 9.— Cuv., R. A. i, 2d ed. 336.— Selby, 111. Br. Orn.

i, 58.— Gould, B. E. pi. 15.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 211.— Vieill., Fu. Frang.

21, pi. 9, f. 2; Mera. Acad. Turin, xxiii, 232.— Jard., Nat. Lib. Br. B. i, 197.—

Degl., Orn. Eur. i, 55. — Thomps., B. Irel. i, 76. — Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 54. — Kaup,

Monog. Falc. Cout. Orn. 18.50, 75.
TriorcJiLs Uujoims, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 84.
Archibutio lagojms, Guay, List Gen. of B. 3; Gen. of B. i, 12; List B. Br. Mus. 38; List

Brit". B. 8.— Kaup, Classif. Siiug u. Vog. 123.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 38.— Bp.,

Consp. i, 1850, 17.
Archihuiio lagopus var. lagojyus, Eidgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 72.
Buta'etes lugopus, Bp., List, 1838, 3.

Falco sclavonicus, Lath., I. O. i, 1790, 26.— Daud., Tr. ii, 1800, 166.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 171.
Falco innnatus var., Lath., Syn. Suppl. ii, 24 {Strickland). — Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 323.
Falco plumipes, Dauu., Tr. Orn. ii, 163.
Butaetes huteo. Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 83.
Butadtea lesnoni, A. Smith (Gray).
Archibutco planiceps et alUceps, Brehm, V. D. i, 46, 41.

b. sancti-johannis.

Falco savcU-joTiatmis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 273. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 34. — Daud.,
Tr. ii, 1800, 105. — Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 150. (Among older quotations, com-
pare Bough-legged and Chocolate-colored Falcons of Pex'Kant, Arct. Zool. pp.
200, 201 ; also, I'lacentia Falcon of Latham, Syn. i, 76; Suppl. 19). — Bp., Syn.
1828, 32.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832. 98.— LixsL., Am. Journ. Sci. xl'^, 1843.

Buta'elcs sancti-johannis, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 3.

Archibutco sancti-johannis, Gray, Gen. of B. ; Hand-list, i, 1869, 10, No. 82. — Bp., Consp.
i, 1850, 18 {excl. syu. ferrugineus, Llcht. et rcr/alis, Gray). — Kaup, Monog. Falc.
Cont. Orn. 18.50, 75.— Cass., 111. 1854, 103.— Brew., N. Am. 061. 1857, 34.— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 33.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 318.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,
217.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1861, No. 13.— Boari):m., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862,
123.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, ill, 1862, 143.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 51.— McIlwr.,
ibid. V, 1866, 81.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 258.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
280.— TURNI3., B. E. Pa 18(;9, 7.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 485.

Buteo sancli-jiihannis, ScHL. M. P.-B. 1862, Unteones, p. 2 (excl. syu.fcrrugin'^us, LiCHT.).

Archibutes lugopus var. sancti-johannis, RiuGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870. 142 ; Pr. I5ost. Soc.
1873, 72.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Coues, Key, 1872, 218.— B. B.
& II., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 304.

Falco spadivens, Gm., Syst. Nat i, 1788, 273.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 27. (of Pex-
NANr. )>ut not Chocolate Falcon of Forster). — Daud., Tr. ii, 180U, 109.

Buteo spadicvns, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i. 1807, 34.

Falco noriv-lcrra; Gm., Sv.st. Nat. i, 1788, 274.

Falco nigcr, Wii.s., Am. "Orn. vi. 1812, 82, pi. 53, f. 1, 2.

Buteo »iiv(T, Steph. , Shaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 47. — ViG., Zool. Journ. i, 340. — James., ed.
"Wils. i, 79, 80.— Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 336.

Falco laqopus, Wilb., Am. Orn. iv, .59; v, 216 ; pi. 33, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 32; Isis. 1632,
1138.— Nutt.. Man. i, 1832, 97.— AUD., Orn. Biog. ii, 377 ; v, 217 ; pis. 166, 422.

Buteo la'/o/nis, Sw. A h'icii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, .52, pi. 28.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 8; B. Am. i,
'1^40, 46, pi. 11.— (int., B. L. I. 1844, 6.

Archibuteo /<»7o/>»*«, Ca.ss., 111. 1S54, 104.— Brew., N. Am. Oiil. 1857, 36.— Bd., B. N. A.
18.58, 32 (exel. syn.).- Kenn., P. K. Ii. Ivep. x, 1S59. pt. iv, 19.— Coop. A Suck.,
N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 148.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1 r^66, 4-'.— Dai.l A B.vNN.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 272.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 483.— SNOW, B. Kans. 1873;
aud of hito Americau writers goueniUy.

362 ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS VAR. SANCTI-JOHANNIS.

Buteo atei; Vieiix., Nouv. Diet. tl'Hist. Nat. iv, 1816, 482 ; Enc. Meth. iii, 1227,

{}) Buteo "harlani, AxiD." (error), of the following New England writers: Emmons, Cat.

B. Mass. 1835, p. 1 ; Peauody, Rep. Oru. Mass. 18159, 296 ; Putnam, Pr, Ess.

lust, i, 1856, 225. See COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 258.

Hal). — Typical larjopus, European. Var. sancii-jolianim in North America at large;
rather northerly. The melanotic condition chiefly observed iu the Middle Atlautic
States, New England, and northward.

List of specimens.

19123

261

Fort Laramie . .

Feb. 2, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

20.00

54.00

17.75

The question, long agitated, of the relationship of our " Black " and " Rough-legged "
Hawks may be considered settled in favor of their specilic identitj', the Black Hawk
being simply the melanotic condition of the Rough-legged. There is nothing either
peculiar or remarkable in this, melanism being an afi'ection common to many or most
Hawks, independent of age, sex, season, or locality, and analogous to the rusty-red plum-
ages of Owls. It is curious, if not iustructive, to note, iu the history of the contro-
versy, how some authors have tried to make out two species upon wholly imaginary
differences in geographical distribution and migration, nay, also, in habits, such as
nidification, and even in the eggs ; while other authors, admitting the identity of the
two, have made each to be the old, and then the young of the other. The record is thus
highly susjiicious, upon a priori considerations ; and it has been proven groundless.
Specimens show every degree of melanism, from the first departure from normal lagopus
to the complete black dress ; and this is independent of age, sex, or season.

The only qualification of these remarks that seems to be required is respecting the
areas of distribution of the melanotic form. As is well known, the normal lagopus
ranges across the country ; but, so far as I am aware, the black jilumage has not been
observed in any individuals from the far west. Dr. Cooper, indeed, gives '' sancti-
johannis" but with the remark that he never saw it in California. This is the moro
remarkable since in the West alone occur the dark (^'calurus") forms of horealis, while
the melanotic state of swaiiisoni (" insignatits") has there its chief development.

As above noted, the Black Rough-legged Hawk is chiefly found in the Middle At-
lantic and New England States, and northward. According to my information, the
melanism has not been observed to occur in the European lagopus. This brings us to
consideration of the reliitionships of the American and European Archibuteo. The ma-
jority of writers have considered them identical ; and it is certain that normal lagopus
of this country cannot be specifically distinguished from the European bird. There
appear to be, however, slight discrepancies of the grade of those observed in the Hawk
Owls, the Marsh Hawks, and many other species common to both hemispheres, war-
ranting the recognition of geogi-aphical races. This is the view first taken, I believe,
by Mr. Ridgway, with whom I agree to sejiarate the American bird, in all its variety,
from the normal lagopus plumage to the perfect melanism, from the European, as a
geographical race, under the name above adopted. In the foregoing synonymy, it will
be observed, I unite the ^^ sancti-johannis" with the vaiious quotations of American
lagopus alone. G. R. Gray has already done substantiallj^ the same, but he makes spe-
cific distinction. Bonaparte, in 1850 {Conspectus), also separated our bird under name
of sancli-johannis, but he wrongly adduced the synonyms of A. fcrruginvus, which is
apiiarently a distinct species.

Since Audubon remarked, in 1834, that lie bad never seen tbis species
west of tbe Allegbanies, its successive and repeated occurrences bave
entirely negatived sucb implied restriction of its range. It is found
tbrougbout tbe West — in tbe United States cbiefly iu winter, iu tbe fur
countries only in summer. Sir John Eichardson remarks tbat it arrives
in April or May, and departs in October. Its migrations appear to be
quite regular and exteusive — more so, perbaps, tbau is geuerally sup-
posed— tbougli probably it does not differ from most Hawks in tbis
respect. Birds ot tbis family' must follow tbeir prey, wberever tbis
leads tbem, and only a few of tbe more powerful species, able to prey
upon bares and Ptarmigan, pass tbe winter in our bigbest latitudes.
Tbe Eougb-legged is a ratber northerly species, rarely, if ever, breeding
witbin tbe limits of tbe United States, and becoming rarer toward its
soutberu terminus. On tbe Atlautic coast I bave no autbentic evidence
of its appearance soutb of tbe United States, tbe maritime portions of
wbicb may be regarded as its winter headquarters. It is represented

ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, FEREUGINEOUS BUZZARD. 363

as being particularly numerous in the low land along the Delaware and
Schuylkill Elvers. It winters thence northward iuto Maine at least,
where Prof. Verrill and others have found it common at that season.
It also endures the rigor of the year in parts of the Missouri region,
though probably not the northernmost. Prof. Snow marks it as abundant
in Kansas in winter, but at Fort Randall, in Southeast Dakota, I never
saw it until April, when a fine female was secured. This was apparently
a very old bird, in light-colored plumage, with very little rufous, and a
complete broad abdominal zone of blackish-brown. Allen found it win-
tering in Wyoming. 1 took a single specimen at Fort Whipple, in
Arizona, in tbe winter of 1865, and Dr. Kennerly observed the species
at Zuni, in New Mexico, in November. This brings its range almost to
the Mexican border. The continuous mountain-chains probably account
for its range in this longitude beyond that it completes on the Atlantic.
Dr. Cooper thinks it only a winter visitor in California, where he did
not observe it beyond Santa Clara Valley, but surmises it may breed in
the mountains of the State, as he saw it on the Columbia in July.

Notwithstanding their size and apparent muscularity. Hawks of this
genus have none of the dash and spirit of the Falcons, and indeed seem
inferior to the Buteos in this respect. Their quarry, though diversified,
is always humble; they prey upon various field-mice and other very
small quadrupeds, lizards, and frogs, and even insects, rarely attacking
birds of any kind, and then only the most defenceless. Open fields,
especially in the vicinity of water, are their favorite resorts. They
appear heavy and indisposed to active exertion ; flying slowly and
heavily, and often remaining long motionless on their perch. They
show some analogy to the Owls iu points of structure, as well as in
their partially nocturnal habits. This has long been noticed. Sir John
Eichardson says : " In the softness and fullness of its plumage, its
feathered legs and habits, this bird bears some resemblance to the
Owls. It flies slowly, sits for a long time on the bough of a tree, watch-
ing for mice, frogs, «S:c., and is often seen sailing over swampy pieces of
ground, and hunting for its prey by the subdued daylight, which illum-
inates even the midnight hours in the high parallels of latitude." Wil-
son observes that it habitually courses over the meadows long after the
sun has set, and Audubon calls it the most nocturnal of our species.

The nest, which I have never seen, is said to be ordinarily built of
sticks, &c., in a high tree ; sometimes, however, on clifls, as noted by
Dr. Brewer. The eggs, three or four in number, and measuring about 2^
by If inches, run through the usual variations, from dull whitish,
scarcely or not at all marked, to drab or creamy, largely blotched
with different shades of brown, sometimes mixed with purplish slate
markings.

AECHIBUTEO FEREUGINEUS, (Licht.) Gray.
«

Ferrugincous Buzzard, or California Squirrel Ilawlt.

Sutco fcrriifjineus, LiciiT., Tr. Berlin Acad. 1838, 428.

Lmjopiix fcrriKjiiicun, Fijaskk, 1*. Z. S. 1H44, 3G.

Archibiilto frrriiijiiieiiM, Gij.vv, Geii. of B. i>l. G (name A. regalia on plato) ; Hand-list, i,
l.scii), 10, No. «i.— CA.SS., 111. 1K')4, 104, I.'')'.*, pi. 2r>; I'r. I'liila. Acad. IH.'k), 277.—
Stkicki.., Oin. Hvn. lb.').'), 40.— Bkkw., N. A. Oiil. l!^.')7, :{7.— Bo., B. N. A. 18.58,
:?4.— Hkkkm., P.'K. K. Hop. X, inr/J, pt. vi, 3-2.— Cooi-. &- Sick., N. II. Wash.
Tcr. 18G0, 14U.— llAVt)., Hep. 18<)-2, l.W.— Blak., Ibis, iii, INU, 318 (Sa.skatch-
ewan).— Dkess., Ibis, IHi;.'), 32". (Texas).— CoiK-S I'r. Pliiia. Acad. IHGO, 46
(Ari/oiia; also, anatomical").— K'lncw., I'r. I'hila. Acad. 1H70, 14-2.- Coor., B.
Cal. i, 1^70, 482.— for KS, Ki»y, lt72, 218.— B. B. &, K., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 3U0.

364 ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, FERRUGINEOUS BUZZARD.

ArcMhutco regaJis, Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 39.
Buieo califormciix, Ghayson, Hutchin's Cal. Mag. Mar. 1857.
Arvhibitteo sancU-johannis {partbn), Bp., Cousp. Av. i, IS.'SO, 18.
Buteo sancti-johannis {partim), Schl., M. P.-B. i, 1862, Buteones, p. 2.

Hub. — Western United States, chiefly from Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. Sas-
katchewan {Blaklston). Little Missouri River (Hayden). Platte River ( Wood). Texas
{Keiuierly and Dresser).

Lieutenant Warren, s Expedition. — 4544, Little Missouri River, Dakota.

In uuiting this species with A. sanetijokannis, Bonaparte subsequently
received the high indorsement of Prof. Schlegel's authority ; and I
understand that Mr. Allen is also disinclined to allow its validity, tak-
ing it as a somewhat parallel case with that of Buteo '■^elegans,''^ in the
increased amount of reddish colors displayed. With my present infor-
mation, however, I must decide that it is a good species, and to my
closet-studies of the bird I add no little experience with it in the field.
It has aflbrded me perfectly good characters, and I have seen no indica-
tion of its grading into the ordinary form. In perfect plumage, not often
seen, the under parts are entirely pure white, excepting the rich, deep
chestnut legs, barred crosswise with black ; the back and wings are
largely ferrugineous. The young, as usual, differ materially ; the under
parts are white, extensively streaked and arrows-headed with dark brown,
including the legs. The sexes are alike in color, but the female is larger
than the male, being 23 to 24 inches long, spreading about 56, the wing
about 17; tail, 10; cere, corners of mouth, and toes, yellow; claws, black;
naked skin of the superciliary shield, greenish and crimson; bill, bluish-
black ; eye of the old birds, pale yellow ; of the young, brown. Numer-
ous anatomical features are given in my article of 18G6, above quoted.

This large and handsome Hawk has been long described and nomi-
nally known, though until recently very little had been recorded of its
habits, and its extensive dispersion in the West remained unsuspected.
Originally described from California by Prof. Lichtenstein, in 1838, it
was first brought to the notice of American ornithologists by Mr. E. M.
Kern, in 184G, while attached to Colonel Fremont's Expedition. His
specimens from Tulare Valley, California, came under the observation
of Mr. Cassin, who, in 1851, gave us a good plate and descrii^tion, accom-
panied by the field-notes of Dr. Heermanu, who met with the bird in
California. Since then it has been very generally noticed by naturalists
in California, where it is the most characteristic and one of the most
abundant species of its family. I frequently observed it, and procured
several fine specimens at Fort Whipple, in Arizona, where it is resident
and common. Dr. T. C. Henry noticed it in New Mexico, at Fort Fill-
more, and Dr. Kennerly even in Texas. It has twice been observed in
the Missouri region : On the Platte, by Lieutenant Bryan's party, in
185G, and on the Little Missouri Kiver, along the western border of
Dakota, adjoining Montana, by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. These
latter quotations may represent its real dispersion in those directions,
IS at any rate they do our knowledge in the matter.

Although belonging to a group technically said to be "ruling '^Buz-
zards {^^Archibuteo"), it is difficult to see where the claim to royal purple
lies in this species and others of the same genus, for they certainly
lack the qualities that go to make Hawks famous. Viewing their
splendid presence, we wonder, as a late writer says, " that the object of
such an admirable organization is nothing more important than the
destruction of the smallest and most defenceless of quadrupeds or of
reptiles. Yet such is apparently the case. Many of the birds of this
group, though powerful in structure, and furnished with the usual
aj^i^aratus of strong and sharp bill and claws, and other accompaui-

ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, FERRUGINEOUS BUZZARD. 3G5

ments of predatory habits, rarely attack any animal more formidable
than a mouse or ground squirrel, or in some cases a frog or other of the
weaker species of reptiles." As in vsome cases of conspicuous personages,
become regal by the accident of a name, attributes of royalty compare
nnfavorably with its apparatus. The contrast between the physique of
Eough legged Hawks and their venatorial exploits, is striking, and
illustrates well the fact, that muscular effectiveness is not always co-
ordinate with its mass. The force of a little Falcon's onslaught is some-
thing more than that of its falling weight; this would tell to little effect,
compared with the result of its weight at high velocity. Granting the
heavy Buzzards commensurate courage to act with all their force, they
cannot, nevertheless, acquire the requisite speed, and so fail of momen-
tum, the product of mass and motion. Excepting during their occasional
aerial evolutions, when they ai)pear to circle lightly, they are retarded
by their own weight, and are generally observed winnowing low over
the ground with almost laborious movement. They pick up their prey
as they pass by, dipping obliquely, and it requires no great agility to
elude their clutch. Most small birds, it seems, evade capture, so that
the Hawks chiefly confine themselve to less active quarry.

But we must not hastily conclude that the Ferrugineous Buzzard is
spiritless because its courage is seldom conspicuous. I have seen it
fight bravely at desperate odds. Biding through an open glade, I once
observed a Hawk of this species perched on the top of a dead tree that
stood alone. Anxious as I was to secure it, I could only ride carelessly
along, for there was no cover, and the bird had already marked me. I
pretended not to notice it, gradually drawing nearer without altering
my horse's pace or making a movement. The ruse succeeded, and 1 was
almost to the tree before the bird unfolded his broad wings and launched
into the air. Without even drawing rein I threw up. my gun, and the
report echoed from the rocks beyond. But the Hawk sailed on, and I
thought 1 had missed, till, following him with wistful eyes, I saw his
course gradually lower, and at last he fell heavily to the earth, several
hundred yards away. I hastened to the spot, flushed with gratification,
but it was a sad sight after all. Shot had penetrated the bird's lungs,
and he lay on his breast with wide-stretched wings and drooping head,
breathing heavily, while the blood trickled from his beak. Thinking
life almost extinct, I disniounted and came up to him, when in an instant
he roused, recognized his extremity, and dared me to touch him — for
with a convulsive effort he threw himself on his back, stretched out his
talons defiantly, and snapped wrathfully, while the old fire flashed again
in his eyes. But the eft'ort was too much ; while striking wildly, a fresh
stream of blood welled up from his throat, he shivered, his eye grew
filmy again, and he lay dead on the stained greensward. Who could but
atlmire the pride that disdained to yield, even at the point of death ?

This method of approaching Hawks is frequently successful, and not
seldom the only one that can be employed when the birds are in exposed
situations. Ten to one, when perched on a tree-top, they have already
esi>ied you beibre you noticed them, and are watching your movements.
If you show they are observed, by attempting to work up to tlu'ni, they
susjject at once, and are oft' at their own convenience. But they appear
to be less alVaid of a mounted jierson than of one afoot, and may be
often ai)proached indirectly, with the simple i)re('aution of not making
them aware they are themselves observed. Bide until just within range,
Jind shoot on the instant; you will have a fair snap shot, ]>rol)ably just
as the bird spreads its wings, alarmed at your sudden stoi). Tlie same

3G6 ARCIIIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, FERRUGINEOUS BUZZARD.

day I killed the one just spoken of, and but a few moments before, rid-
iug throiigli tbe woods, I came up to a Red-tail, perched on a bough only
four or five yards overhead. 1 did not see it myself until I was right
underneath it, too near to shoot; so I rode on a few steps, wheeled sud-
denly, and made a successful shot as the bird flew. On another occasion
a large Hawk suffered a squadron of cavalry to file past him as he
cowered against the face of a rocky ledge, not fifteen yards away : and
only took wing, a few seconds too late, on discovering, by my motions,
that he was observed.

According to my observations in the West, the Ferrugineous Buzzards
have no partiality for watery places, thus differing from the eastern
Eougfi-legs. About Fort Whipple the birds mostly resorted to the open
plains and the grassy glades intervening between patches of pine-
woods. They could easily be distinguished by their size and the pure
whiteness of the under parts, and were beautiful objects, especially when
circling overhead. They were common, especially in winter, but were
apparently resident. Their cries were loudest and most frequent in the
spring, resembling the syllables ca ca ca, rapidly repeated in a high key.
In the stomachs of those examined I found the remains of burrowing
pouched-rats {Thomomys fulvus, Woodh.), the western wood-mouse {lies-
peromys leucopus var. sonoriensis), kangaroo-mice {Bipodomys ordii), and
some Arvicolce 1 could not identify. I was never before aware of the
existence of the latter in this locality, and would remark, in jiassing,
how often small mammals, reptiles, and insects, which might long re-
main undetected, owing to their rarity or insignificance, are found in the
stomachs of rapacious birds. Such examination of rapacious animals
is important, on this account, as well as to learn what is the nature of
their food. New species have occasionally been discovered in this way.
The bellies of large snakes are often important repositories, and excel-
lent specimens may be secured, owing to the slowness of digestion in
these reptiles, and to their swallowing their prey entire.

This bird is known as the "California Squirrel Hawk" in some locali-
ties, but it is not to be inferred that they often capture the agile arboreal
Sciuri. The name is gained from their feeding extensively, in Cali-
fornia, upon the "ground squirrels" {Spermojjhilus heecheyi), which
abound in many parts of that State. The Hawks are almost always,
too, observed in the vicinity of the settlements of the ISpermopliiU^
standing on the ground where there are no trees, or flying low over the
surface, in either case on the alert to seize any unlucky animal that may
venture too far from home. . They are also said to perch in wait at the
entrance of the burrows, ready to clutch the first animal that shows his
nose above ground.

Accounts of the nidification of this species, resting upon Dr. Heer-
mann's testimony, have proven, I have been informed, not authentic;
he had some other species, probably the western Eed-tail, in view. I
never saw a nest, to my knowledge ; but it is not to be presumed that
the mode of nidification is peculiar. Several authentic eggs examined
measured from 2.50 by 2.00 to 2.00 by 1.75, and vary so much in mark-
ing that no general description will suflice. Some are whitish, with
faint grayish or drab shade, the markings obsolete or entirely wanting.
Others are pure white or bufify, conspicuously blotched and splashed
all over with various shades of rich brown-sienna, bistre, and umber,
and also a few paler markings of graj', purplish-drab, and neutral tint.
They are broadly ellipsoidal in shape, with little or no appreciable dif-
ference in the contour of the opposite ends.

PANDION HALIAETUS FISH HAWK, OSPEEY. 367

PANDION HALIAETUS, (Liun.) Cuv.
Fish Hawk; Ospiey,

Aquila liaVuetus, Briss., Orn. i, 440, pi. 34.— Mey., Tasch. i, 23 ; V. D. ii, 23.— Jexyxs,
Mau. 81. — S.-LoNGCH., Fn. Belg. 53.

Aquila (Fandion) haViueia, Sw. «fc RiOH., F. B. A. ii. 1831, 20.

Falco liaUmtus, Linn., Fn. Siiec. 22 ; Svst. Nat. i, 176G, 129.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263.—
Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 17. 18.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 67.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 82.—
Temm., Man. i, 47; iii, 25.— Wils., Am. Orn. v, 13, pi. 37, f. 1.— Bp., Syu. 1828,
26; Isis, 1832, 1136.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 78.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 415; v, 362;
pi. 81; Syn. 1839, 12; B. Am. i, 1840, 64, pi. 1.5.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 11.— Maxim.,
Trav. Bras. 3.34.— Naum., V. D. (original ed.) iv, 113, jjI. 11, f. 19 ; (ed. of 1822),
i, 241, pi. 16.— WooDH., Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 59.— Wkkn., Atl. Ois. Eur. pi. — .

AccipHer haliajtiis, Pall., Zoog. R. A. i, 1811, 355.

Fandion liali(ctu», Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 316.— Les.s., Man. i, 86.— Steph., G. Z. xiii, pt. ii,
12.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 207.— Kaup, Mus. Senck. 1845, 261.— Macgil., Hist.
Br. B. iii, 23.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 2.— Bp., List, 1838, 3 ; Cat. Ucc. 19 ; Cousp. Av.
i, 1850, 16.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 29.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 8.— Gray,
Gen. of B. i, 1844, 17 ; List B. Br. Mus. 22 ; List Brit. B. 5.— Strickl., Orn.
Syn. 1855, 63.— Taylor, Ibis, 1866, 79.— Coues, Key, 1872, 219 ; and of authors.

SaJbusardiis halia-tus, Flem., Brit. B. 51 {Balhiizard, P. E. 414).

Falco (inindiiiacens, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263.— S.G. Gm., Itin. ii, 163.— Daud., Tr. ii,69.

Falco caijanetisis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 69.

Falco ca'rolivensia, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263 {Ace. inscatorius, Gates., Car. i, 2 ; Aec.
falco piscator antillarum et carolinensis, Briss., Orn. i, 361, 362). — Daud., Tr.
Orn. ii. 69.

Fandion carolinensis, Bp., List, 1838, 3 ; Consp., i, 1850, 16.— DeKay, N. Y. ZooL Birds,
6, pi. 8, fig. 18.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 64.— Cass., 111. 1854, 112.— Bi?ew.,N.
A. O. 1857, 53, pi. 3, f. 33, 34.— Newb., P. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 75.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi,
1858, 11.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 44.— Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 31.—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 153.— Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864,
110.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 49.— Fowler, Am. Nat. 1868, 192 (habits).—
Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 272.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 454.— Meru.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 698.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873; and of most late United
States writers.

Fandion haliwtus var. carolinensis, Ridgw., Pr. A. N. S. 1870, 143.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii,
1874, 184.

Fandion flnvialis, Savi., Descr. Egyp. i, 96.— Less., Tr. Orn. 45, 46, pi. 9, f. 1.— Vieill.,
Fn. Frang. ii, pi. 6, f. 1.— Degl., Mem. S. S. Lille, 1831, 241.— Roux, OrD. Prov.
i, 19, pi 11.— Baill., Orn. Sav. i, 104.— Pucii., R. Z. 1850, 209.

Ti-iorchesjiuvalis, Leach, Cat. 1816, 10.

Aquila pincatrix, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, pi. 4.

Aquila amcricana, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 31.

Fandion umcricanus, Vieill., Gal. Ois. pi. 11.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 207.— ViG., Zool.
Journ. i, 336.

Aquila hidbuzdrdus, DuM., Diet. Sc. Nat. i, 351.

Fandion icldhyaiitus, Kaup, Class. Siiug. u. V()g. 122.

Fandion indicus, IIoDGS., J. A. S. B. 1837, 366 ; Cat. Gray's Misc. 81.

Fandion lencocejjhalus, Gould, Syn. B. Aust. i, 22 ; B. Aust. pi. 6 ; P. Z. S. v, 138.— Gray,
Geu. of B.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 16. — Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1655, 65.

Fandion Ualiirtus var. lencocephalus, RiDGW. — B. B. tt. R., N. A. B, iii, 1874, 183.

J'andion tjonldii, Kaup, Isis, 1847, — ; Mon. Falc. Cout. Orn. 1850, 73.

Fandion alticeps at planiccps, 15i!EHM, V. D. i, 33.

Fandion fusciatus, Breiim, AUg. Deut. Zeit. ii, 1856, 66 ? (St. Domingo).

Hab. — Cosmopolitan. The American and Australian, respectively, uuder names of
P. carolinensis aud F. lencocephalus, have been currently regarded as distinct races or
species.

List of specimens.

19125

4

Wind River . . .

$

May 26, 1859

F.V.Haydeu.

23.00 56.50

20.50

Late Expeditions. — 62242, North Fork, Idaho.

The well-known Vhh Hawk i.s abundant thioiigbout North America,
in suitable regions, especially coastwise.

3G8 AQUILA CHRYSAETUS, GOLDEN EAGLE.

AQUILA CHRYSAETUS, Liun.
Golden Eagle,

Aquila ohriisactos, Briss., Orn. i, 431. — Cuv., R. A. Ist ed. i, 314 ; 2d ed. i, 324. — Pall.,
ZoojT. R. A. i, 341.— Stepii., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 15. — Flem., Br. An. 52. —
Jenyns, Man. 80.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. Am. ii, 1831, 12.— Brehm, V. D. i, 21.—
Macgil., Hist. Br. B. iii, 204.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 2.— Bp., List, 1838, 2.— Benx.,
Gard. Z. S. ii, 155, 151.— Jakd., ed. Wils. ii, 304.— Baill., Mem. Soc. Abbeville,
1833, 56.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 6.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 207.— Sykes, P. Z. S. i, 79 ;
J. A. S. B. iii, 419.— Blyth, ibid, six, 335.— Gkay, Gen. of B. i, 13, pi. 7, f. 1 ;
Hand-list, i, 1869, 10, No. 87 ; List B. Br. Mus. 9 ; List Br. B. 3.— Keys. & Blas.,
Wirb. Enr. 1840, 30.— Selby, Br. B. i, 12, pi. 1, 1*, 2.— Muhle, Orn. Griecbl.
20.— Couch, Corn. Fu. 10.— Jard., Br. B. i, 165, pi. 12.— Thomps., B. Irel. i, 1.—
Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 13.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 52.— V. d. Hoev., Hdb. Dierk.
812.— Bonn., Ency. Metb. 4.— Strickl., Orn. Svn. 1855, 55.— AuD., 8yu. 1839,
9 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 50, pi. 12.— Cass., 111. 1854, 109.— Brew., N. A. O. 1857, 45.—
Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 9.— Blas., Ber. xiv, Verz. Dent. Orn. J862, 83.— Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Coues, Key, 1872, 219.

Aquila chrymetos var. canadensis, Ridgw. — B. B. &l R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 314.

Falco chrysaetos, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 125 ; Fn. Suec. 54. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
256.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 12.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, pi. 17.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii,
1800, 46.— Seluy, Mem. Wern. Soc. iv, 428; 111. Br. Orn. i, 4.— Yarr., Br. B. i,
7.— LUBB., Fn. Norf. 13.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 464, pi. 181.

Jquila melanaetus, Briss., Orn. i, 434 (Frisch, 69). — Brehm, V. D. i, 20.

Falco meJaiiavtos, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 124.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 254.— Lath.,
Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 10.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 49.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 174.

Aquila , BRi.ss.,i, 419; wbence —

Falco fulvus,LiNS., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 125.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 256.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. i, 1790, 10.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 71.— Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 13, pi. 55, f. 1.—
Wils., Mem. Wern. Soc. ii, 570 ; iv, 434.— Cuv., R. A. 1st cd. i, 314 ; 2d ed. i,
324.— Savi., Descr. Egyp. i, 82.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 208, pi. 8, 9.— Temm.,
Man. Orn. i, 38 ; iii, 19; Tab. Metb. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 24 ; Isis, 1832, 1136.—
Baill., Orn. Sav. i, 86.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 62.

Aquila fnlva, Meyer, Tascbenb. i, 24. — Kaup, Class. Siing. u. Vog. 121. — Brehm, V. D.
i, 29.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 6.— Bp., Cat. Ucc. Enr. 18.— Vieill., Fn. Fran^. 7, pi-
4, f. 1.— Roux, Orn. Prov. i, 11, pi. 6.— Kuhl, Beit. Zool. 7, 8.— Tyzenh., R. Z.
1846, 323.-PEAB., Rep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 71.

Falco fuh'Hs \ar. h., canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 125. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
256.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 11 (American).

Falco canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 88.

Aquila canadensis, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 41. — Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 30. —
Coues & Prent., Smitbs. Rep. 1861, 402.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad 18G6, 49.—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 449.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad. 1869, 272.— Snow,
B. Kans. 1873 ; and of most late local American writers.

Falco niger, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 259.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 59.

Aquila alba, Briss., i, 424 ; wbence —

Falco albus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 257 (albino).

Falco amerieanus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 257 "?— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 73 ?

Falco melanonotus, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 16 (=^ niger, Gm.). — Shaw. G. Z. vii, 86.

Falco cygneus,hA'i'ii., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 14 (::^alhu8, Gm.).— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 76.

Falco aquila. Daw., Tr. Orn. ii, 47. — Beciist., Tascbenb. Deutscb.

Falco concihator, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 77.

Aquila rcgia, Less., Tr. Orn. 36, pi. 8, f. 1.

Aquila nohilis, P.u.L., Zoog. R.-A. i, 1811, 338, pi. 8.

Aquila daphwnia, Hodgs., Grav's Zool. Misc. 1844, 81 (India).

(?) Aquila barthelemyi, Jaub., R. M. Z. 1852, 22. See Gurney, Ibis, 1864, 339.
(Following are tbe bases of most of tbe above names : Golden Eagle, Auct., Grand

aigle, P. E. ^\0 :^^ cliryscetos. Black Eagle, Auct., Aigle noir. Buff., Sckwartz-braune

Adler, Frisch = melancetus. Riug-taile<l Eagle, KvCT., Aigle commun, P. E. 409=/«?yH8.

Wbite-tailed Eagle, Edw., i=^canadensis. Black-backed Eagle, Brown, 111. 4, pi. 2 =

melanonotus, LiAvn.:^ niger, Gm. Wbite Eagle, Lath., Syn. i, ^(j ^= cygnens. Lath. =

albus, Gm. Royal Eagle = regia, Calumet Eagle, Lewis & Clarke, Trav. iii, 1.55.)

Hab. — Nortb America northerly. South, ordinarily to about 35°. Europe. Asia.

List of specimens.

19124

200

Deer Creek..

Nov. 22, 1859

J. Stevenson.. .

33.00

77.00

24.00

HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS, BALD EAGLE. 369

Although more particularly^ a species of boreal and alpine distribu-
tion, the Golden Eagle has an extensive dispersion in this country,
greater than api^ears to be generally known, or, at least, recognized. It
is of not infrequent and apparently* regular occurrence in winter as far
south, at least, as Washington, D. C, where, for several years, a speci-
men was taken almost every season, as already- stated by Dr. Prentiss
and myself. Several individuals, procured in the Washington market,
are now in the Museum of the femithsonian. Prof. Snow records its
capture near Lawrence, Kansas, in January. Dr. Henry procured it at
Fort Tborn, i*few Mexico, and I saw it in the mountains of Arizona.
Mr. Allen observed it in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah ; and in Cali-
fornia Dr. Cooper states that it is common in most parts of the State
during the colder months. An account of its breeding on the Upper
Missouri is given by Nuttall.

Dr. Brewer gives it as breeding in the mountainous portions of Maine,
'New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, particularly instancing a
nest at Franconia, oSTew Hampshire, which was resorted to for several
successive years. But its nidification is usually in such inaccessible
situations, even when not in the most remote and uninhabitable regions,
that its eggs were for a long time special desiderata. Even in 1857
Dr. Brewer had no American specimens for description. I have, there-
fore, more pleasure in describing them, from no less than a dozen exam-
ples now in the Smithsonian, where, through the liberality marking the
attitude of that institution toward students of science, I have been able
to examine them. The eggs are almost spherical, the degree of prola-
tion being slight, and there being usually no appreciable difference in
the sbape of the opposite ends. Four selected specimens measure, re-
spectively, 2.G5 by 2.15; 2.90 by 2.40; 3.00 by 2.35; 3.10 by 2.25— figures
illustrating both the difference in absolute size and the variation in
shape. None are so large as the one said by Audubon to have been
3.50 bj^ 2.50 ; but I can readily believe that such dimensions are some-
times reached. Among the twelve, only one is white and unmarked ;
this closely resembles a Bald Eagle's. The rest are whitish (white,
shaded just perceptibly with neutral tint), variously spotted and
splashed, without the slightest approach to uniformity in the size, num-
ber, or pattern of the markings. The color ranges from "bloody-brown"
or rich sienna, to bistre and umber. There are many other spots, more
or less obscure, and all apparently below the surface, showing grayish,
drab, i)urplish, and neutral tint, by overlaying of the whitish cal-
careous matter in different thicknesses. Most of the markings are
sharp-edged and distinct, but others shade off gradually, while many
are confluent, making irregular patches. As a rule they are pretty
evenly distriljuted, but in some s[)ecimens are chiefly gathered about
one or the other end, where the coloration consequently becomes con-
tinuous.

HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS, (Linn.) Sav.

White headed Eagle; Bald Eagle.

Aquila Icucocephalos, Briss., Oni. i, 1760, 423.— Vikill.. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. 3.— P.vi.i,., Zoog.
. K. A. i, 1811, 347.— S\v., Classil". B. ii, l.'?37, 207.— Skias-L., Fn. Bolg. W.i.

Falco Icucocephalns, LiNN., Syst. Nat. i, l/OO, 124 {Aquila capitc alho. C.VTKS., i. p. 1, pi.
1; Aqiiila Iriicovt'phalus, Buis.*^., i, 423; Aiijlc <) lilc hlanche, P. E. 411). — Gm.,
Syst. Nat. i, 17HH, 2.").— Lath., IikI. Oiii. i, 1790, 11.— Shaw, ii. Z. vii,7S.— Wii,s.,
Am. Oiii. iv, 1H12, S'J, pi. iUj, lig. -.—Br., Svn. Ie2f<,2i;; Isis, 1K?2, 113G.— Nl'it.,
Man i. 1H32, 72.— Gkkk.n, Am. Jouni. Sci. "iv, 89.— Aid., Urn. Biog. i, 1832, IGO;
ii, 1834, U;0; v, 1839, 354 ; pis. 31, 120.— BiiKW., cd. Wils. 1840, {J63.

24

370 Audubon's caracara — p. tharus var. auduboni.

HaUaetus leucocephahis, Savig.— Cuv., R. A. 2cl ed. 326.— Less., Tr. Orn. 40.— Steph.,
SJiaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 13.— Br., Conip. List, 1838, 3.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 10.—
AUD., B. Am. i, 1840, .57, pi. 14.— Gm., B. L. 1. 1844, 9.— Br., Consp. i, 1850, 15.—
Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 16, No. 145 (quotes albicilla, Pall.).— Woodh., Sitgr.
Rep. 1853, 59.— Cass., 111. 18.54, 111.— Bkew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 48.— Cass., B. N.
A. 1858. 43.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 75.— Heerm., ibid, x, 1859, pt. vi,
30.— Coop. &. Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 151.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 328.—
CoUES, Pr Phila. Acad. 1866, 49.— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 272.—
Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 451.— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 113.— Allen, Bull.
M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 333; iii, 1872, 181.— SxNOW, B. Kans. 1873.— Hold., Pr. Bost.
Soc. 1872, 207. — Gilpin, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 429 (variation in tarsal scutella-
tion).— CouES, Key, 1872, 219.— Dale, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Aleutian
Islands). — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 326; and of authors generally.

Aqnila {HaliwHtus) lencocephala, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 15.

Falco ptjaaryus, Daud., Traite d' Orn. ii, 1800, 62 {Le pugarcjue, Buff., i, 99).

Falco ossifragus, WiLS., Am. Orn vii, 1815, 16, pi. 55, lig. 2 (juvenile).

Faico washiiigtoniana, AUD., London's Mag. i, 1828, 115.

Falco ^vaskhif/toiiii, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, .58, pi. 11.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 67.— Bkew.,
ed. Wils. 1840, 683.— James., ed. Wils. iv, 261.

HaUaetus washingtomi, Bp., List, 1838, 3.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 10; B. Am. i, 1840, pi. 13.—
Cass., ill. 1854, 110; B. N. A. 1858, 42; aud of mauy writers, especially local.
(Examine particularly Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 334.)

Hal. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Casual in Europe (Temji., Man. i,
25; Gould, B. E. pi.. 11 ; Naum., Vog. pis. 344, 345).

Of frequent occurrence througliont the Missouri region, as elsewhere
in this country, although less numerous than in better watered, and
especially maritime, i)ortions.

Breeds in suitable situations over the country at large, and resident,
except in the highest latitudes, whence the freezing of the waters forces
it to retire. Eggs dull white, unmarked, about 3 inches long by 2.50
broad.

From the circumstance that several years (at least three) are required
for the gaining of the perfect plumage, when the head and tail are en-
tirely white, it follows that "Gray Eagles" aud "Birds of Washington"
are much the more frequently met with. Those who, unpracticed in
ornithology, may be puzzled by accounts of numerous Eagles, may be
interested to know, that only two species have ever been found in the
United States. In any plumage they may be instantly distinguished
by the legs — feathered to the toes iu Aquila clirysaetus, naked on the
whole shank in Saliavius leiicocephalus.

Before proceeding to an account of the Vultures, I will introduce a
notice of a vulture-like Hawk, not found in the Missouri region:

AUDUBON'S CAEACARA. — Polyborus tharus var. auduboni,

{Cass.) Ridgw.*

* The following is the synonymy of the two races of this species :
Polyborus tharus, (Molina) Stnckland.

Falco Iharus, Molina, Chili, 1782, 234; French ed. 244.— GiM., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 254.—

Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 16.— Daud., Tr. ii, 41.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 170,
Fohghonis iharini, Strickl., Orn. Syn. 18.55, 18. (Not of Camn.)
Polyborus tharus var. tharus, Ridg^v. — B. R &. R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 177.
Falco chcrhvay, Jacq., Beyt. 1784, 17, pi. 4.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 254.— Daud., Tr. ii,42.
Vultiir chcrlwag, Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 8. — Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 43.
AcptUa cheriivay, Meyen, Nov. Act. Ak. Leop.-Carol. xvi, Suppl. p. 66.
Polyborus cheri'way, Schomb., Guiana, 741. — Nitzsch, Pteryl. 89. — Reixil, Vidd. Meddel.

1870, 64.
Falco plancm, Mull., 111. pi. 17. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 257. — Daud., Tr. ii, 42.
Vnllnr plancus, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790,8. — Sh.aw, G. Z. vii, 41.— FORST., Descr. An. 321.
Falco brasilicnsis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 262.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 21.— Shaw, G.

Z. vii, 106.— Daud., Tr. ii, 149.— Maxim., Beit, iii, 190 {Caracara, AucT. ; Circus

brasiliensis, Briss., i, 405).

Audubon's caracara — p. tharus yar. auduboxi. 371

We are not yet in position to define the geographical distribution of
this variety with desirable precision. If, indeed, it were not diflereut from
the well known bird of South America, the task would be easy; for it
would be said to inhabit all of South, and Central America, Mexico,
parts of the West Indies, and thence to extend northward along the
southern border of the United States, from one side of the republic to
the other. But admitting a distinction, as recently claimed by ]\Ir. Cassin
[mde Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. Jan. 18G5, p. 2), between the United States'
bird and tliat of regions more tropical, we have insufficient data for
determination of the line along which the two varieties inosculate, as
they certainly do somewhere, there being no considerable i^ortions of
country, from the southern 1)oundaries of the United States to Cape
Horn, where Caracaras are not to be found.

On the other hand, the distribution within our limits of the Vulture-
eagle, or Eagle-vulture, has been accurately determined. Since its
introduction into our fauna by Audubon {ride Orn. Biog. ii, p. 350,
pi. 101, and B. Am. i, p. 21, pi. 1), who discovered it in Flo'ida, it has
been shown to occur thence to the Pacific coast. Thus, Mr. Wurdemann
found it in Louisiana; Dr. Henry, in jS"ew JMexico; Dr. Heermann, in
Arizona ; Mr. Xantus, in Lower California ; while almost every naturalist
who has visited Texas has recorded its abundance in that State. Its
northward extension is thus seen to be strictly limited ; it may, in fact,
be taken as a type of several subtropical species which, though known
along our southern frontier, never penetrate much over the border.
As a particular illustration of its general range, and in confirmation of
the remark just made, we may cite its distribution in /Arizona alone.
There it is unknown in the northern, and even the central, mountainous
regions, where the climate is temperate, but is common in the valleys
of the Gila and Lower Colorado, and in the deserts of the southern por-
tions of the Territory at large. One of the authors above mentioned
has left us an interesting memorandum of his observations in this region.
" I am hapi)y," he remarks, " to be able to add this interesting si)ecies
to the fauna of California, having seen it on the Colorado River, near
Fort Yuma, in company with the Cathartes aura. The carrion of an ox

Circai'liis brasHleiiniii, Cl'V., Regue Aiiiiu. *2tl eel. i, 32d.

Fohjhurus branilk'nuix, \ui.. Zuol. Jouin. i, 162A, 3::^0, 836; iii, 434. — S\v., Phil. Maj;. i,

18'i7, 366; Zool. 111. scr. ii, pi. 2; Clas.sif. B. ii, l-^37, 'iOU.— Br., P. Z. S. v, lUc.—

Dai'vW., Jouiu. Kes. 64 ; A'oy. Beag. iii, 9. — P>uii)GE8, P. Z. S. xi, 108; Ann. N.

II. xiii, 499. — Ghay, Gen. of B. ; and of many antbors, not of the IJnited States.
PolyboruH rulgaris, Si'ix, A. B. i, i»l. 1". — Vieill., Gal. Ois, i,23, pi. 7.— King, Voy. Beag.

i, .'J3i'.— Vio., Zool. Voy. Beech. 15, pi. 7.— Br., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 13.— TbciiUDi,

Wieg. Arcli. lf^44, 3.
Caracara rulgaris, l^icss., 'lYaitd fl'Orn. 34.
I'andion caracara, GHU'irrii's Cuv.. R. A. vi, 325.

]fah. — South America.
PoLVisouus THARUS \UT. AUDUROXi, {CaHsiii) Ridguny.

" (?) Aquila maculom, ViKiLL., Oi.s. Am. Sept."

Pohihorun vulgaris, Am., Orn. Biog. ii, 1H34, 350, pi. 161 {ncc Spir).

PoliihnriiK hra-silieiixia, Bi'., Li.st. 1H3H, 2.— All)., Svn. )^-VJ, 4: B.Am. i. 1810,21. pi. 4.

VolyboriiH Iharus, Ca.s.s., 111. i, 1854, 113 ; Pr. A. N. S.'l855. 2>^i ; BainlV B. N. A. 185H. 15.—
Bhkw., N. a. C). I, 18,57, .58, j.l. 11, figs. IH, 19.— 11ki:i!M.. P. R. R. Rep. x. 1.S59,
31.— Sci.., Ibis, i, 18.59, 214 (Guatemala).— Owkx, Il>is, iii, 67 (eggs).— GiitN.,
Cat. Rajit. B. 1864, 17.— I)i:i:ss., Ibis, 1865, 329 (, I'cxas).

rohjhvriis aiiditboiii, Cass., Pr. A. N. S. IHi;,'), i>.— Cones, ibid. lS(i6, 49(.\rizona). — La\v|{.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 186H. lAo (Costa Iviea) ; ibid, ix, lHi9. 207 ( Vneatan).— Cooi'.,
B. Cal. i, 1870, 492 (.California).— Rukiw., Pr. A. X. S. If«7(t, 145.

rolyboriis tliarus var. anduboiii, COUKS, Key, 1872,220.-15. B. «.V It., N. A. B. iii. 1874, 178.

Ifdb. — Middle America. North to the southern hordir <if the I'nited States. Cubu
(Cau., J. f. O. ii, Ixxix ; GlNUL., Repert. I'^Im, -^.H). {1) Trinidad ( Tavluk, ll)i.s. 1^64, 79).

372 Audubon's caeacaka — r. tiiakus var. auduboni.

was covered with Turkey Buzzards, and one specimen of the Caracara
Eagle was among' them ; but it proved so shy that I could not shoot it,
although waiting in ambush I'ulh- two hours in hopes it would return.
We followed this species on our survey down the Gila until we left that
river, seeing one or more every day, and found it again in Texas ou
striking the settlements. At San Antonio, in the vicinity of slaughter-
houses, it is met with in great numbers, twenty or thirty often being
seen at one time. We found its nest ou the Medina liiver, built in an
oak, of coarse twigs, and lined with leaves and roots; being recently
tinished, it contained no eggs."

This statement in respect of the niditicatiou of the Caracara is
confirmed by other naturalists, though it may not hold good in every
instance. We should rather have anticipated that it would have been
found to breed on rocks, fallen logs, the ground, &c., after the fashion
of Vultures. According to the distinguished naturalist, Mr. Charles
Darwin, the South American bird occasionally breeds ou a low clitf, or
on a bush, thus evincing its vulturiue afQnities; and it is not to be pre-
sumed that there is any striking and constant difference in this regard
between the United States and the more tropical forms of the Caracara.
The situation of the nest doubtless varies with circumstances ; thus, I
have seen a memorandum from Mr. Xantus, stating that a nest he found
at Cape Saint Lucas was placed on the top of a giant cactus. But
wherever situated, the nests, like those of most Baptores, is a rude struc-
ture, compared with tlie elaborately planned and elegantly finished
structures of many higher birds, being little more than a slightly hol-
lowed platform of small sticks and twigs, lined with somewhat softer
material, as dried rushes, grasses, and leaves. •

It is possible, though improbable, that oology may eventually throw
more light upon the supposed distinctions between the two forms of
the Caracara. So Dr. Brewer intimates, in an article prepared before
Mr. Cassin established P. auduhoni. " Mr. Cassin informs me," he con-
tinues, " that his suspicions have been excited by certain variations in
specimens that have fallen under his notice, and Mr. Darwin states that
he met with individuals on the plains of Santa Cruz, which he and Mr.
Could were almost persuaded to be distinct species. In partial con-
firmation of this suspicion, I may in this connection refer to the great
variations noticeable in the eggs of the Vulturine Eagle. These are
neither slight nor occasional, but are constant and of so radical a char-
acter as to excite the strongest doubts of their belonging to birds of the
same species, the difterences affecting both their size and their ground-
color. The eggs from Cuba, so far as I am aware, represent one variety
exclusively, those from Brazil the other, while on the other hand, both
varieties were obtained on the Rio Grande by Dr. Berlandier, who
assigns them to a single species, which, in his manuscript notes, he called
Totache.''' The Brazilian specimens referred to w ere of course of the
true " Garrancha,''^ as P. tliarus is called in South America ; the Cuban
ones were probably those of P. auduboni ; and the fact that both sorts
were got in Mexico may serve in investigating the limits of the two
birds.

In examining a large number of eggs from different localities, I found
differences in size, shape, and color, to be fairly called remarkable, but
still not unparalleled, I think, by those known to occur in other cases
of unquestionably the same species of rapacious birds ; nor did I recog-
nize any division of the series into two distinct sets. I think it would
be easy to lay them all in a row in such manner that extremes in any
respect should be connected by intermediate examples. In studying

CATHARTIDiE, AMERICAN VULTURES. 373

these eggs, however, I was made aware of one interesting fact, namely,
that some are ellipsoidal, or prolately spheroidal, having both ends of
the same size and shape, while others (the greater number) are truly
ovoidal, in the sense that one extremity is narrower and more pointed
than the other, and that the greatest diameter consequently lies nearer
one end than the other. "^

The eggs measure on an average a little less than 2^ inches in length,
by a little more than If in breadth ; thus, one specimen was exactly
2.40 by 1.80 ; so much is easily affirmed. It is a difficult matter to
describe the markings. Some eggs are white, almost uniform, or with
numerous dots and tine points of brown evenly scattered over all the
surface ; others are wholly of a deep, rich, warm brown, the uniformity
of which is scarcely relieved, and only by a slightly paler or darker
clouding in some places. These are extremes, between which most
specimens are intermediate, ranging through every degree of blotching
'and splashing, with various shades of dark brown upon a pale brown,
bufty, fulvous, or tawny ground. The shade of these different browns
varies from light sienna, almost golden or russet, to a deep red, almost
blackish. Some of the most beautiful specimens are those without
blotches, but artistically clouded with indeterminate hues. The various
markings generally tend to aggregate together and deepen in shade
around the larger end.

Audubon's biography of this species, and Heermann's noticeably
similar account, i)resent the predominant traits of the bird's character.
It is nearly a Vulture, in almost every respect of mind, body, and —
egg ; approaching, in fact, those obvscene birds so closely, that some
have entertained doubts of its proper location among FaIconid(c. It
surpasses Harris' Buzzard, a not distant ally, in those traits of mind
and conditions of body that develope to a maximum among Vulturidie.
There is a naked space on the breast, and partial denudation about the
sides of the head near the bill ; the tibial feathers are short, not flow-
ing; the scutellation of the tarsus is peculiar, and there is considerable
webbing between the toes. The bird is a dullard ; spiritless and unam-
bitious; it walks and leaps like a Turkey Buzzard, and stands, like that
species, with its wings half si)read toward the sun ; its motions are
sluggish and unattractive, its attitudes slouchy and negligent; finally,
it feeds on carrion, and its body exhales bad odors. Altogether, this
species is a rather difficult subject for the systeuiatic naturalist, esi)e-
cially viewing the fact that in some structural points it comes nearest
the typical Falcons.

Family CATHAETID^ : American Vultares.

Tlie American Vultures are so remarkably distinguished from those
of the Old World, that they should properly constitute a family ajiart.
They are more sluggish birds, with little or none of the spirit that allies
the truo Vultures ( Vultunna) with the typical birds of i>rey. The ex-
ternal characters, as well as those to be drawn from the internal struc-
ture, are notably ditterent. Prominent among the former is the eleva-
tion of the hind toe above the level of the rest, betokening an iiiterest-
ing analogy, if not actual affinity, with the gallinaceous birds ; and there
is something in the general aspect of our commonest species that has
given it the name of Turkey Buzzanl. The claws are weak ; the ante-
rior toes long, with a web at their bases. The nostrils are very large
and pervious, whereas those of the true Vultures are sei)arated by au

374 CATHARTID^E, AMERICAN VULTURES.

impervious septum ; tliis is a difference probably related to the oar-
rion-feediug' bubits of our species, and believed by some to be intended
to facilitate the freeing of the nostrils from the foul decomposing sub-
stances in which the bird's beak is often plunged. Tlie feathers lack
aftershafts, and the oil-gland upon the rump has no circlet of feathers ;
these are both present in a majority of Kaptorcs. Tliere are numer-
ous important anatomical, and especially osteological differences, but
I will only mention one ; the lower larynx is undeveloped, and as a con-
sequence our birds are mute ; their only voice is a curious hissing
sound, apparently formed in the mouth, not in the windpipe.

It was long supposed, by savans as well as by those who might not
be expected to know better, that Vultures were chiefly guided to their
prey by scent; a belief that probably arose from consideration of the
size of their nostrils, and the very " gamey " nature of their usual food.
One of the first problems that occupied the attention of Audubon was
to discover whether the birds relied mainly on sigbt or smell. He made
a series of careful experiments, the results of which he laid before the
Wernerian Society of Edinburgh, December IG, 1826, in what he called
his "maiden speech," and has given a half-humorous account of the
feelings with which he attempted, on that, to him, momentous occasion,
to demolish the then existing beliefs, and establish the truth of what is
now generally admitted — thaf Vultures arechietly guided by their pierc-
ing eye-sight. Another absurd belief was, and perhaps still is, that
Vultures prefer putrid flesh ; in support of which one might point to a
group of Turkey Buzzards perched around a carcass, awaiting its de-
composition. But the reason is that their beaks and claws are not
strong enough to tear sound hide ; they can only attack a fresh carcass
at the eyes, nostrils, and vent, and when these parts are demolished,
must wait until putrescence is established, or until some carnivorous
bird or quadruped makes an opening.

Although the Cathartidcc are indolent, cow^ardly birds, they some-
times— particularly the larger kinds — when pressed for food, attack live
animals, especially sick or disabled ones, and generally overpower them
in the end. Young i)igs and lambs are sometimes killed by the Turkey
Buzzard, which is only of medium size. But in this connection it should
be remarked, that whatever damage they may thus effect is far out-
weighed by their good offices as scavengers in clearing away garbage
and offal. This is the true place of these foul and unseemly birds in
nature's economy ; they have the beauty of utility, if no other ; and
their usefulness is recognized in all warm countries, where they are
encouraged in their familiarity with man, and rightly regarded as pub-
lic benefactors.

Curious ornithologists have gone so far as to try the flavor of almost
every bird. Among those not ordinarily used for food, and which are
comparatively unsavory though not positively bad, may be reckoned
most of the cleaner sorts of rapacious birds. Thus a young Hawk is
passably good, though I believe that some such quality as that which
suggested the saying, " tough as a boiled Owl," renders in the whole
order. Crows and Eavens fall in the same category ; so do most of the
water-birds below the true wild- fowl, such as Pelicans, Cormorants,
Gaunetts, Gulls, Loons, and others that feed upon tish. But Vulture-
meat is certainly not to be thought of. One would think that the great
Israelitic law-giver hardly had need to interdict it, as he did however :
" Of all clean birds ye shall eat. But these are they of which ye shall
not eat : the Eagle and the Ossifrage, and the Osprey, and the Glede,
and the Kite, and the Vulture after his kind." As a more modern

CATHAETID^, AMERICAN VULTURES. 375

author Las remarked, " we presume tbis prohibition was religiously
observed, so far, at least, as it related to the Vultures, from whose flesh
there arises such an uusavory odor, that we question if all the sweeten-
ing processes ever iu vented could render it palatable to Jew, Pagan, or
Christian." Certain it is, that independent of the passing contents of
the alimentary canal, permanent foetid, musky odors, exhale from the
bones and muscles ; and the same stench is entangled in the web of
feathers. It is retained for a long while even after the bird is killed and
stuffed. So strong is it, that one author, an excellent naturalist, too,
fancied it muse be rather unpleasant to the birds themselves ! Thus
Pennant, speaking of the Vulture's habit of basking in the sun, with
half-opened, drooping wings, supposed that this was done " to purify
their bodies, which are most unpleasantly fcetid," as he naively remarks.
It is somewhat to be wondered that, when Audubon's experiments
came up, no person of an ingenious and inquiring turn advanced a
theory why Vultures were deprived of the sense of smell; reasoning
that if their olfactories were acute they could not bring themselves to
eat carrion, and that moreover they would be continually unhappy in
the noxious atmosphere emanating from their own bodies; in short,
that a merciful Creator had so arranged that they might not smell
themselves !

Tbis would be about one with some of the stories that used to pass
current, and not rarely found their way into books when ornithology
was younger. Buffon is responsible for much absurdity of this sort.
Wifh a vivid imagination he could make, when he could not find, a way
to write bird-histories; and his stories were never spoiled in the telling
for want of ready language. He had, moreover, a supply of precon-
ceived ideas regarding the liabits of birds that stood him in good stead
of observation, and made him a facile expounder of the way birds ought
to live, if less successful in telling how they do live. Among other no-
tions of his, a favorite one seems to have been, that American birds
were apt to be found degenerate mongrels of better-breed European
stock, lint he has been for this and similar things already so often
taken to task, that we may, without comment, give his picture of Vul-
tures, and allow others to decide upon its faithfulness. "In every part
of the globe," says Buffon, "they are voracious, slothful, otiensive, and
hateful ; and, like the wolves, are as noxious during their life as they
are useless after death."

One excellent service that the Turkey Vultures render in warm coun-
tries, is the destiuction of alligators' eggs. This was referred to over a
century ago (in 1752) by Don C'lloa, whose remarks, as rendered by Mr.
Ord, may be here transcribed :

"The Gallinazos are enemies of the alligators, and employ much strat-
agem to obtain them. During the summer the birds make it their busi-
ness to watch the female alligators, for it is at that season that they
dei)osit their eggs in the sand of the shores of the rivers which are not
then overtlowed. The Gallinazo conceals itself among the branches and
leaves of a tree, so as to be unperceived by the alligator, and permits
the eggs quietly to be laid, not even interrn]»ting the ])ains she takes to
conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water than the (lallinazo
darts upon the nest, and with its bill, claws and wings, uncovers the
eggs and g(>l)bh's them down, leaving nothing but tiie shells. This bau-
(juet would indeed richly reward its patience, did not a multitude of
Ciallinazos join the discoverer and share in the spoil."

This author has been criticised for his assertion that the Black Vid-
tures attack live animals; his account has been called "too improbable

376 CATHARTID^, AMERICAN VULTURES.

to merit serious refutation;" but we see nothing improbable in it.
"When the Gallinazos are deprived of carrion," he says, "they are
driven by hunger among the cattle of the i)astures. If they see a beast
vrith a sore on its back, they alight on it and attack the part affected ;
and it avails not that the poor animal throws itself on the ground and
endeavors to intimidate them by its bellowing ; they do not quit their
hold, and by means of their bill they so enlarge the wound that the ani-
mal finally becomes their prey." It is well attested that Ravens, and
even Magpies, during seasons of scarcity, alight on sore-backed animals
to pick at the raw flesh and torture the creatures, if they do nut actually
destroy them.

The Condor of the Andes {Sarcorliamplms gryplius) is one of the larg-
est, and otherwise the most distinguished, species of American Vultures.
It has been attributed by Bonaparte and Nuttall to the United States,
but the evidence is not good. They seemed to have relied upon the
statements of Lewis and Clarke, which undoubtedly related to the Cal-
ifornian Vulture, not the Condor. Yet it is probable that we have a true
Barcorhamplius in this country, in addition to the three species of Ca-
thartes. I have collected some information upon these points that I
cannot refrain from presenting. AYe have first to notice the Sacred
Vulture of Bartram {Vultur sacra), described by this author in his
"Travels in Florida" (p. 150) :

"The bill is long and straight, almost to the point, where it is hooked
or bent suddenly down, and sharp ; the head and neck bare of feathers
nearly down to the stomach, where the feathers begin to cover the skin,
and soon become long and of a soft texture, forming a ruff or tippet, in
which the bird, by contracting his neck, can hide that as well as his
head ; the bare skin on the neck appears loose and wrinkled, which is
of a bright-yellow color, intermixed with coral red ; the hinder part of
the neck is nearly covered with short, stiff' hair, and the skin of this
part of the neck is of a dun-purple color, gradually becoming red as it
approaches the yellow of the sides of the forepart. The crown of the
head is red ; there are lobed lappets of a reddish-orange color, which lay
on the base of the upper mandible. The plumage of the bird is gener
ally white or cream color, except the quill-feathers of the wings and two
or three rows of coverts, which are beautiful dark brown ; the tail, which
is rather large and white, is tipped with this dark brown or black ; the
legs and feet are of a clear white ; the eye is encircled with a gold-col-
ored iris, the pupil black." As Mr. Allen has remarked, in carefully
reviewing the subject, this is probably a mythical species, some facts in
connection with HaUactus leucocephaliis and Polyhorus tharus being mixed
in Bartram's mind witli some of his ideas respecting the King Vulture.

The King Vulture {Sarcorhanqjhus papa) is a well-known inhabitant
of the warm parts of America, and has also been attributed to the
United States ; but accounts of its occurrence within our limits require
confirmation. Nuttall gave it in his Manual (i, p. 40), but so he did,
also, several other birds that we know are not found in our country.
Still it is a Mexican species, that may stray into Texas, Arizona, or
Southern California. 1 am, in fact, convinced that this, or a closely-
allied species, does occur in Arizona — a large Vulrure, not the Condor,
nor the Californian, nor yet any of the smaller si)ecies of Cathartes. As
the determination is a matter of prime consequence, I may be allowed
to present the following considerations :

In Dr. Brewer's edition of -Wilson (p. Gil) the following extract is
made liom Clavijero's History of Mexico (CuUen's translation), i, p. 47 :
"The business of clearing the fields of Mexico is reserved principally

CATHARTID^, AMERICAN VULTURES. 377

for tbe Zoirilots, known in South America by the name of GaUmazzi ;
in other places by that of Aitre ; and in some places, though very im-
properly, by that of Ravens. There are two different species of these
birds — the one, the Zopilot, properly so called ; the other, called Cozca-
quanhtli ; they are both bigger than the Raven. These two species
resemble each other in their hooked bill and crooked claws, and by
having upon their head, instead of feathers, a wrinkled membrane with
some curly hairs. * * * * The two species are distinguished, how-
ever, by their size, their color, their numbers, and some other peculiari-
ties. The Zopilots, properly so called, have black feathers, with a brown
bill and feet ; they go often in flocks, and roost together upon trees.
This species is very numerous, and is to be found in all the different
climates ; while, on the contrary, the Cozcaquauhtli is far from numer-
ous, and is peculiar to the warmer climates alone. The latter bird is
larger than the Zopilot, has a red head and feet, with a beak of a deep-
red color, except toward its extremity, which is white. Jts feathers are
brown, except on the parts about the breast, which are of a reddish-
black. The wings are of an ash color upon the inside, upon the outside
are variegated with black and tav/ny. The Cozcaquauhtli is called by
the Mexicans King of the Zopilots," &c.

The "Zopilot" above mentioned is undoubtedly the Black Vulture
{C. atratiis), OT some small, closely' allied, species; while the "Cozca-
quauhtli" is certainly the common Turkey Buzzard {C. aura). The par-
agraph is introduced to show what names these birds bore with the old
authors; and particularly, that the Turkey Buzzard used to be called
"King of the Zopilots." What the King Vulture really is, may pres-
ently appear. Mr. A. S. Taylor, in an article in the San Francisco Her-
ald for April — , 1859, gives the following, also from the Abbe Clavijero's
work, but interpolated and differently worded :

"The Cozqualitle is called by the Mexicans of the city and valley of
Mexico the King of the Topilotes; * * * * r^^^^\ j^jj^y ggy {j^j^^
when the two species happen to meet together, over the same carrion,
the Topilote * * * * never begins to eat until the other has tasted
it. * * * * The King of the Topilotes has a red head and feet
[&c. ; the same as the above description]. Bonare says that the Aura
(pronounced Owra, for the Turkey Buzzard, by the Mexicans) is the
Cosqnafh of New Spain and the Trojniot of the Indians, so that Cozca-
quauhtli and Tropilotl are both native Mexican-Indian names for two
different birds. But the bird that now goes by the name of the King
of the Topilotes in New Spain, seems ditferent from the one we are de-
scribing. This is a strong bird, of the size of a common Eagle, with
stately air, strong claws, fine piercing eyes, and a beautiful blacl-., jchife,
and tau'iii/ plumarje. It is remarkable, particularly, for a certain scarlet-
colored, fleshy substance which surrounds the neck like a collar, and
comes over its head in the form of a little crown." * * # *

Tlie above mentioned Vulture, "with a beautiful black, white, and
tawny i»lumage," is the one we wish to determine. It is evidently no
Catluirft's; ni^irdTeutly a li^arcorJiaiupu.s ; and i)erhaps the same bird that
fornu'd the subject of a note I gave on page 1(> of my I'rodrome of the
Ornitliology of Arizona, to tlic ibllowing effect: AVliile encamped on
tlie San Francisco IJiver, near the mountains of the same name, in .July,
18(io, I saw a pair of very large rapacious birds sail over head with firm,
easy, graceful (light, sustained for a long time without visible motion of
the wings. Tliey were about the size of Bald ICagles, l»ut the shape of
the wings and its mode of llight were those of Vultures. The entire
under parts were imre white. I gazed with admiration, yet with a feel-

378 CATHARTIDiE, AMERICAN VULTURES.

iiig of bitter disappointuient, as tlie majestic birds disappeared in the
distance, and with them went the opportunity of identifying them, mar-
ring the pleasure I experienced at being the first to observe the unques-
tionable occurrence within our limits of some Vulture, probably a ISar-
corhampns, not recognized as an inhabitant of our country. I cannot
ijow refer the birds to any species known to me, unless, possibly, they
were iS.papa; but this is tawny or fulvous below, not white. I desire
to signalize the occurrence the more particularly, since the birds may
have been of a species unknown to naturalists.

I cannot close this account without giving insertion to an article by
Mr. A. S. Taylor, that appeared in the San Francisco Herald for April
— , 1859. It is quite worthy of being rescued Irom its precarious situa-
tion in floating literature. I copy the account (somewhat abbreviated)
without further comment, merely premising that, of course, there is
some mistake about the "four wings":

" The Qucleli, a rare bird of 8onora. — From the descriptions of some
of our friends we are placed in possession of some curious facts relating
to the habits and characteristics of this rare and highly curious bird.
An intelligent Sonoraian of Oquitoa, near Alta, in Sonora, who resided
in California several years, gave me the i'ollowing facts at Monterey, in
1855. It inhabits particularly the Pimeria Alta and Baja, the Papago-
ria, the Optaria, the Ai)acharia, and other Indian and little-known
mountain districts of Sonora, Durango, and Sinaloa to the east and
south. It is called " Queleli" by the Indians, who have a great venera-
tion for it. Its weight is from 8 to 10 lbs. The beak is hard and curved
sharply down 5 its color, bright lemon ; the iris is pink or light red. On
the crown of the head it has a fleshy caruncle or comb of black and
white, which forms like a cravat, and also hangs on both sides of the
head, and which is bare of feathers. The skin of the chops and cheeks
is mottled black and white ; the neck feathers are black, with a ring of
white feathers below, forming a rulf, like a circle of swan's-down on a
lady's tippet ; the back is striped black and white lengthwise of the
bird ; the ends of the wing-feathers are tipped with white ; the tail
feathers are striped and tipped the same as the wings ; the under sur-
faces of the wings are ban ed in the same way ; the wings measure from
113 to 18 inches long from the joint at the body [qu. carpus ^ ; the chest,
belly, and lower part of the body are of lemon-colored feathers*; the
legs and feet are also yellow, with four toes, armed with black and very
sharp claws. The female bird is of smaller size, the colors similar, but
more subdued. The eggs are reddish [?] and mottled black, sharply
peaked, and weigh about 2 ounces. They make their nests in the highest
trees of the mountain sides and peaks, and always go in couples, and
never in flocks. When they rise from the ground they make a whirring,
rushing noise, moving very fast. They raise two young in a year, gen-
erally male and female; when young the plumage is yellow, black, and
white. The full grow'n birds are about the size of the common Turkey
Buzzard. They are seen at times turning over and over in the air, in
quick motions, whence the Indians have a sui)erstition that they breed
in the air. The Indians also say that the male bird breaks the egg to
let the chick out. They eat dead animals, or those lately killed. The
tongue is red, and has a spinous process on the under part shaped like
a pen, said by the Indians to be used in making a loud whirring noise
when it rises from the ground. They eat very fast, and all other car-
nivorous birds hold them in great fear. My informant says it is most
abundant in the Alta Pimeria, of which the Gadsden purchase forms a
portion. [This is' now in Arizona ; and compare, also, the colors of the

CATHARTES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD. 379

birds as above giveu with those of the ones I saw; also, the facts of
the yonnp: in pairs, «S:c.]

'' IJiit the most siugular part of this bird, and which makes it such a
wonder among- the Sonoraniaus, is tbat it hn^fourwings, or appendages
for assisting- flight on each side of its body ; that is, a pair of wings
such as other birds', each with three assistant wings or winglets, joined
to the main ones, and folding under the main ones, next to the body.

"x\n officer of the revenue-service assured me that he had seen this
bird at Gnaymas in 1854, in possession of Captain Spence of that port,
and that, according to his recollection, my Sonoranian informant was in
the main correct. It seems to me there can be no doubt tbat it is a
ram ar/s unknown to naturalists. A gentleman now living in Monterej^,
who is, liUe the writer, an ajoateur naturalist, assures me, also, that he
saw a bird of this kind in Guaymas — most likely the same one — in the
possession of Captain Spence, or some other foreigner there."

Mr. Taylor further states that, according to this last informant, the
number of "winglets" on each side was three, not four; and their posi-
tion is more particularly described. He devotes the remainder of the
article to proving that the '-Qaeleli" cannot be the small Mexicj'.n Vul-
ture called King of the Topilotes, nor the King Vulture, nor the Sacred
Vulture of Bartram.

Leaving now these uncertainties, however interesting, for something
more definite, and conhning attention to the genus Cafluo'fes, it is to be
observed that of the six or seven described species, several are not
permanently distinct. The three of the United States, C. atrafus, C.
aura an.d C. caUfornianufi, with the South American C. burroi-ianus, are
the onl}- recognizable ones. Of these, at present, we have only to do
with the following

'»

CATHAETES AURA, (Linn.) 111.

Turliej Blizzard.

Fultur'aura, Linn.. Syst. Nat. i, 17(i6. I'i'^ (based ou TzopilofI, Hernand., 331 ; Unibu,
Maucg., 207; Vallnr brmHieiiniH, Br.iss., i, 4GS ; Bufco sjK'cic (jaUo-pavonis,
Gates., i, 0). — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, ITt'd, "24(5. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 17^0, 4. —
Laimt;., Tiav. 17t).j, 2d5.— Vii:ill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1^07, '2:'); jil. 'i,hh. — Shaw,
Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 3(5.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ix, 1H14, 915, pi. 7.'). f. 1.— Light.,
Verz. 1823, 63. — Aui>., Edin. New Phil. .Jonrn. ii, 172. — Dakw., Jon in. Res. 68. —
Wagl., Isis, 1831, 517.— Skixs, T. Z. S. v, 33; Mag. Nat. Hist. 2d ser. i, G6S.

Catharlcs aura, lix., I'lod. 1811, 236. — Uuv., R. A. i, 2d ed. 317.— Snx, Av. Bras, i, 1825,
2.— ViG., Zool. Jonrn. ii, 384.— Less., Man. i, 1828, 73 ; Tr. Orn. 1831, 2-^.- Bi>.,
Syn. 1828, 22; Isis, 1832, 1135.— Maxim., Beit, iii, 1830, 64.— Jaud., ed. Wils.
iii, 226.— JAME.S., ed. Wils. i, 3 ; iv, 245.— Sw. A: Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 4 (Sas-
katcliewan).- NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 43.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837. 205— Aui).,
Orn. Biof.-. ii, 1835. 2%; v, 1839, 339 ; pi. 151 ; Svn. 1839, 3; B. Am. i, 1840, 15,
pi. 2.— Bi'.. List, 183.8, 1 ; Consp. 1850, 9. -D'OituiG., La Sagra's Cuba. 1H39, 4 ;
Voy. Aui. Merid. iv, 38.— ScHOMU., Gniaua, 1840.742. — Bkkw., ed. Wils. 6>f2. —
Lixsi,., Am. .Jonrn. xliv, 1843, 2.50 (Connecticut).— DeIvav, N. V. Zool. 1"^44, 2,
pi. 5, f. 12.— T.sciiLDi, Wieg. Arch. 1844, 262 ; Fn. I'eru, 71.— Gkay, Li.st B. Br.
Mns. 1844, 3 ; Gen. of B. i, 1844, 1.— G().'!isi;, B. Jam. 1847, 1.— rr.Ai.i:, U. S. Expl.
Exped. 1.S48, .58.— WooDii., Sitgr. Rep. IS.53, .5S (Indian Tcrritorv ; New Mex-
ieo).— Oa.s.s., 111. 1H.54, 57.— Bkkw., N. A. O.d. is.57, 1.— Xkwii.. I'.'R. M. Rep.vi,
1H.57, 73.— L'As.s., B. N. A. 1858, 4 ; Br. A. N. S. l-<49, 1.59.— .Maxim., .1. f. O. vi,
18.58,2.— Hi;i;i!M., B. R. R. Rep. X. |)t. vi, 59.— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 213 (tiuat.-maia).—
BitVA.NT, Br. Bost. Soc. vii, 1S59 (Baliamas).— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1860, 2S7 (,Ec-nudor) ;
Ibis, ii, ls(50; 222 (Honduras).— Tavi.., Ibis, 1864, 78 (Trinidad).— C'oor. &
Sick.. N. II. Wasli. Ter. l^CO, 140.— Hayd., Rep. 1>!(52, 151.— Dkk.ss., Ibis. 18().5,
322 (Texas).— Goi'Ks, Pr. I'liila. Acad. l.-^(5(5, 42 (Arizona).— Kknn., Tr. 111.
Agric. Soc. i, 58(» (breeding).— Cocks A Pkk.nt., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 401 (resi-
dent at Wa.«,liington, I). C). — Wiikat., Oiiio .Vgric. K'ep. l"'6(l, No. 1. — Boaud.m.,
Pr. Bust. Soc. ix, 1662, 122 (Calais, Me. ; one instanco).— Veku., Pr. Ess. lust.

380" CATHARTES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD.

iii, 1862, 157 (same instance). — Sam., App. Secy's. Rep. Agric. Mass. 1863, p.
xviii (Massachusetts ; two instances). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1804, 81 (same
instances). — Gurn., Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 42. — Dress., Ibis, 1865, 322 (Texas). —
GUNDL., Rep. 1865, 221 (Cuba).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 253 (New England
instances).— McIlwr., Pr. Ilss. Inst, v, 1866, 80 (Canada West). — Lawi:., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 280 (New York).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1867, 589 (Para) ; 1868,
569 (Peru).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Sec. 1868, 120 (South Carolina).— Pelz., Orn..
Bras, i, 1868, p. — . — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 499, 526 (Iowa, and resi-
dent in Indiana). — Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 5 (resident). — Reinu., Vid. Med.
1870, 61 (Brazil).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871,27 (North Carolina).- Trippe,
Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 113 (Minnesota, breeding, and in December). — Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 310 (critical) ; iii, 1872, 181 (Florida, Kansas, Colorado,
Wyoming, Utah).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 502.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.- Coues,
Key, 1872, 222.— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 229 (West Virginia).

Cathftri.^ta aura, Vieill., Gal. Ois. 1825, pi. 4.— Grav, lland-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 18.

Pcrciwpfcriis aura, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 7.

lUunoiiryphns aura, RiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 344.

Vulttir aura, j3, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, .5.

Vultur iota, Molina, Stor. Chili, 1782, 265.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 247.— Daud., Tr.
Orn. ii, 1800, 20.

Cathartes iota, Briog., P. Z. S. ix, 108 ; Ann. Nat. Hist, xiii, 498.

Cathartes ru/icoUis, Spix, Av. Bras, i, 1824, 2 (quotes Catesby).

Cathartes septentrionaUs, Maxim., Reise, i, 1839, 162.

(?) Cathartes falklandicus, Sharpe, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.

Hah. — The whole of the United States and adjoining British Possessions. South
through Central and most of South America. Much confusion has prevailed in use of
the names aura and iota, notwithstanding the perfectly distinct (perhaps even generic-
ally different) characters of the two species — a difticulty which the labors of Mr. Alien
and Mr. Ridgway have done much to remove. It is believed that the synonymy as
here collated, based upon the authors just named, as well as substantially upon Strick-
land's prior lists, is correct. It should be observed, that aura of earlier authors appar-
ently included both species.

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — 4603, Cedar Islaud, Missouri River.

Althoagli more particularly an inhabitaut of the warmer parts of
America, aiul most numerous in the Southern States, along' with the
Black Vulture [C. atratus), the Turkey Buzzartl is nevertheless found all
over the United States, and a little way into British America. On the
Atlantic coast its ordinary limit is Long Island ; Audubou'S data were
incomplete in rendering his statement that it is never seen beyoml New
Jersey. It has been repeatedly observed in Southern New England,
and at least once in Maine. Its Nova Scotia record, as remarked by
I3r. Brewer, is vague and probably unfounded; and even its New En-
gland occurrences are rare, if not altogether casual. It is included in
Mr. Mcllwraith's list of the birds of Hamilton, Canada West, with the
remark that it is a regular summer visitor to the extensive Hats near
Chatham, and along the shores of Lake Saint Clair. In the interior, it
regularly goes further north than on the coast. Mr. Trippe found it
abundant in Minnesota, where it breeds; and Sir John Richardson's
well-known record fixes its northern limit at about latitude 53° in the
region of the Saskatchewan, where it arrives in Juue. The highest
point where I ever saw it myself, up to the date of present writing, was
Eort Randall, latitude 43° il', on the Missouri. At the close of the
most terrific storm of the season of 1872-'73, memorable for its severity,
five or six birds came sailing over the fort. This was on the loth of
April ; none had been observed previously after October, and I do not
think it usually passes the incleuient season at this point.

This brings us to consider the resident range of the species, as com-
pared with its summer dispersion. It has not been observed to winter
on the Atlantic beyond New Jersey, and even in that State is more
numerous in summer than in winter. But at Washington, D. C, my
home for a number of years, Avhere the bird is very common, I noticed
no material diminution of its numbers during the colder months. The

CATHARTES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD. 381

same is the case in both the Caroliuas, where I constantly observed it
during a residence of three or four years. In the interior it appears to
winter higher up ; thus, Mr. Trippe saw it late in October, and again
in December, in Minnesota. But the last may have been an unusual
occurrence ; probably the parallel of 40°, or rather the isothermal cor-
responding to this latitude on the Atlantic coast may approximately
indicate the line of its northernmost winter residence.

As is well known, the distribution of the Black Vulture, or Carrion
Crow, is much more restricted than that of the Turkey Buzzard. It
may not be amiss to compare the two, especially since some wholly un-
founded reports are current. The most notable of these is the record,
in the Fauna Boreali-Americaua, of the Black Vulture's abundance in
the Columbia Eiver region and elsewhere west of the Eocky Mountains.
But this rests entirely upon the statements of Mr. David Douglas, who
unquestionably mistook Turkey Buzzards for Black Vultures. The fact
is, that there is not a single authentic instance of the occurrence of the
latter on the Pacitic coast of the United States, nor anywhere west of
the Eocky Mountains in this country. As Dr. Cooper suggests, in ex-
planation of the statements of even so reliable an observer as Dr. Gam-
bel, the young of the Turkey Buzzard, before acquiring the red head,
may have been mistaken for the Black Vulture ; and he entirely dis-
credits the Pacific records. For the interior we have the authority of
Dr. Woodhouse, which there seems to be no reason to question in this
instance, for the occurrence of the Black Vulture in the Creek and
Cherokee countries, and less numerously in New Mexico. Up the Mis-
sissippi Valley, it is stated to occur as far as Illinois. I find no instance
of its presence in the region of the Missouri or any of its tributaries,
so that I cannot formally introduce it in this work ; but I should not be
surprised if it were hereafter shown to occur about the mouth of the
Missouri. On the Atlantic, Mr. Audubon states, it has been found as
far north as Maryland, and there are several authentic instances of its
straggling even into New England. But its ordiuar^- limit is, prob-
ably, the vicinity of Wilmington, North Carolina; certainly, at most,
not beyond the maritime portions of Virginia. I never saw it at Wash-
ington, D. C. ; the furthest point I have traced it to being Newberne,
North Carolina. At Fort Macon, on the North Carolina coast^ opposite
Beaufort, it regularly occurs every summer; and I once saw numbers
in March at that locality (Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28). But even here
they are far outnumbered by the Turkey Buzzards, and it is not until
we reach Charleston, South Carolina, that the reverse proportion of in-
dividuals of the two species is witnessed. They are moreover especially
maritime; for, even in South Carolina, as we recede from the coast, they
become less numerous, until at Columbia, South Carolina, the Turkey
Buzzards are again the more plentiful of the two. In this city both
species resider all the year.

No one can fail to observe with interest the great difference in the
form and general appearance of the two species when he compares
them sitting side by side sunning themselves upon chimney <»r house-
top ; and especially the discrepancy in their mode of flight as they
wheel together overhead in endless inosculating circles. The Turkey
Buzzards look larger as they tly, though really they are lighter weights;
they are dingy -brown, with a gray space underneath the wing; the tail
is long; the fore-border of the wing is bent at a salient angle, and there
is a corresponding reentrance in its hind outline; the tii)s of the longest
quills spread apart and bend upward; and one may watch these
splendid llyers for hours without perceiving a movement of the pinions.

382 CATHAETES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD,

Compnring now the Carriou Crows, tbo3^ are seen to be more tbick-set,
witli less sweep of wing and sborter and more rounded tail, beyond
which the feet may project; the front edge of the wing is almost straight,
and the back border sweeps around in a regular curve to meet it at au
obtuse point, where the ends of the quills are neither spread apart nor
bent upward. The birds show almost black instead of brown ; in i)lace
of large gray area under the wing, there is a sujaller paler-gray si>ot at
the point of the wing. And, finally, the Carrion Crows flap their wings
live or six times in rapid succession, then sail a few moments ; their
flight appears heavy, and even laborious, beside the stately motion of
their relatives.

Turkey Buzzards are resident in the lower, hotter portions of Arizona.
In the mountains I never saw them in winter. At Port Whip})le, for
instance, they arrived the latter part of March and remained until No-
vember. No better opportunity could be desired of studying their
habits than was afforded in this place, where they were very numerous.
"VVe had a large herd of cattle, one or more of which were daily slaugh-
tered for the supply of the garrison ; and early in the fall it was deemed
advisable to "jerk" all the beef that remained on the hoof, since, in this
state, it was always liable to be stolen by Apaches, and winter fodder
was procurable only in limited quantity. The shambles were located in
a grove of cottonwood near the fort, and day after day the meat hung
drying in thin strips festooned upon ropes stretched between the trees,
while bones and offal covered the ground at a little distance. These
were high times for the Buzzards, Kavens, wolves, and all the dogs of
the neighborhood; the place became a rendezvous for holding high car-
nival. The birds and beasts feasted alternately. At nighti'all tbe
coyote-wolves and their larger relatives, the lobos, left then- hiding
places, emboldened by hunger and shielded by darkness, and hastened
to tbe feast. There the}" fed, and fought, and caroused, yelping like
things possessed, till daylight surprised them and forced them to slink
away to their rocky fastnesses. Then the Buzzards and Eavens flapped
lazily down from their roosting places in the tall [)ines round about, and
took their turn. AVe destroyed a good many of the wolves, partly for
the sake ot their pelage, which was in flue order at that season ; partly
in revenge for the disturbance their perpetual orgies occasioned. But,
of course, there was no sensible diminutlou of their numbers ; those
who lived to get away returned the next night to feed, and their ranks
were continually recruited. The Buzzards were seldom molested ; this
and their continued surfeit made them as tame as they usually are in
southern cities. They certainly did us good service, though, perhaps, no
better than that rendered by the wolves themselves. Whether the birds
and wolves were on good terms or not I cannot say, for they always
feasted apart, at different hours; but there was evidently an under-
standing between the Buzzards and the dogs. They fed side by side,
and quarrelled no more than selfish, gluttonous Vultures generally do.
As for details of such banqueting as theirs, too much has already ap-
l)eared in print for the comfort of fastidious readers.

Turkey Buzzards, like other American Vultures, are mute. Their
only voice is a kind of hiss, which has been likened to the seething noise
of hot iron plunged in water. Except when flying, the birds show to
little advantage. The color is dull; the form uncomely; the gait is con-
strained, and the attitudes are negligent and slothful. They walk or
hop indifferently, and sometimes move with a succession of leaps, accel-
erated with the wings. When about to take flight from the ground,
the}' stoop for an instant till the breast almost touches, and theu, ua-

CATHARTES BURKOVIANUS CATHARTES ATRATUS. 383

folding the wings, give a vigorous spring into the air; with a few pow-
erful, hurried flaps, they are fairly off. They soon begin their gyrations
with set wings, only beating at intervals, when they are forced to rise
rapidly away from some obstacle; and, circling thus, they are shortly
in the upper air.

The Turkey Buzzard breeds sometimes in communities and some-
times by single pairs, depositing its eggs on the ground, on rocks, or in
hollow logs and stumps. The situation is generally in thick woods;
and when numbers breed together, the foulness of the resort is beyond
description — vegetation may be entirely destroyed over large areas.
Even single nests are offensive from their noisome deposits, not only of
excrementitious matters, but of others, disgorged by the parents to feed
the young. The eggs are generally two in number, often only one;
they measure about 2f in length by 2, or rather less, in breadth, being
thus notably shorter and of less capacity than those of the Black Vul-
ture. They are creamy or yellowish-white, variously blotched and
splashed with several different shades of brown, and usually showing
other smaller spots of lavender and purplish-drab. The young are said
to be covered at first wiih a whitish down, and to be fed for some time
with half digested carrion disgorged by the parents.

When wounded and captured, the Turkey Buzzard warns off its ag-
gressor very effectually by casting up the foetid contents of the crop,
but offers no resistance. Several winged birds I have handled remained
perfectly passive after this, and even seemed apathetic as they were
being put to death. I learned, on one occasion, that they will simulate
death. A bird that I had shot — through the lungs, as I judged from the
crimson froth and blood that flowed from the beak — appeared dead soon
after I i)icked it up, and I carried it home, some distance, holding it by
the legs dangling, perfectly limp. I threw it carelessly down on the
ground by my tent and turned to something else; but, in a few mo-
ments, on looking at it again, I was suri^rised to lind the bird I had
thought dead had changed its jiosition, and I caught its bright brown
eye glancing furtively around. On going up to it its eyes closed, the
body relaxed, and it lay as if dead again. I compressed the chest for
several minutes, till I Avas satisfied life was extinct, and then went to
supper. But the cunning bird was still "playing possum," ami, I sup-
pose, scrambled into the bushes as soon as my back was turned; at any
rate it was gone when I returned.

The remaining species of this genus are as follow^s :

Cathartes burrovianus, Casstn.

Cathartes biirroviamts, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, ii, 1845, 212 ; 111. 1854, 59 (? Mexico) ; B. N.
A. 1858, 1.— (iKAY, Haml-list, i, 18(59, 3, No. 19.— Coues, Key, 1872, 222,

Hhhiofirjiiihux hurroriainix, Rnxiw. — Ii. B. &, R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, :{44.

Valkartcx itrubitiiK/a, Natt. — I'Ki.z., Sitzb. Ak. Wien. 18(11, 7; Orn. Bras, i, 18G8, 1. —
GUHN., Cat. Rapt. B. 18()4, 46.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 18(57, 589 (Amazou).—
Ei.MOT, B. N. A. ii, pi. 2G.— Gray, llaud-list, i, 1809, 3, No. 20.

Hub. — Eastern Tropical Auieiica.

Cathartes atratus, Barfram.

Vulliir hrasiliensiit, Ray., Syn. Metli. Av. 1713, 10.

f'alhdrtix brtinUinixin, Bi'., Consit. i, 1850, 9.

Viilliir (Uidtiix, Baktr., Tiav. 1792, 289.— Meyer, Zool. Am. i, 1794, 290.— Brewst.,
Etliiili. .Jouiii. vi, !.">().

Cdtharlcs atrotns, Less., Man. i, 1828, 73.— S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, (>.— Tkmm.,
Tab. Meth. 183(), 1.— S\v., Clansif. B. ii, 1837, 20(5.— Dauw., .lonrn. Kcs. 1839,
08; Voy. B«>aKle, iii, 7.— .Ja.mks., ed. Wils. i, 10.— Bkew., od. Wils. IH40, 082;
N. Am. Ool. l.-,')7, .5, pi, 1, f. 3, 4.— Aid., Syn. 1839, 3; B. Am, i, 17. jd, 3.—
BiiincEs, P. Z. S. ix, 108; Ann. N. II. xiii, 498.— DkKay, N. Y. Zoo!, ii. 1844,
3. — Br., Cousp. i, 1650, 9. — Ca&s., 111. 1854, 58; U. S. A»iiou. Exp. ii, lo55, 173;

384 CATHARTES CALIFORNIANUS.

B. N. A. 1858, 5.— Sthickl., Oin. Syn. 1855, 2.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.jG, 223
(Swampscott, Mass., Nov. 1850, Jillso)i).—8CL., Ibis, i, 1859, 213 (Guatemala). —
SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 287 (Ecuador).— Taylor, Ibis, ii, 1860, 223 (Houduras).—
ALLr;N, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 81 (Massachusetts, quotes Jillson, I. c, and a second
specimen at Gloucester, Mass., Sept. 28, 1863, Vn-rill). —Covks, ibid, v, 1868,
254 (Massachusetts, quotes Putnam and Allen). — Mayn., B. Mass. 1870, 137 (same
quotations).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 322 (Texas).— Scl. &, Salv'., P. Z. S. 1867, 589
(Para).— Pelz., Orn. Bras, i, 1868, 1 (Rio).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 120
(South Carolina, resident).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28 (North Carolina,
rare, March and November). — Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 312 (critical). —
BoARDM., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 498 (Calais, Me.). — Aleen, ibid. 646 (Hudson, Mass.,
in 1869; one killed, several seen). — Coues, Key, 1872, 222.

Catharista aimia, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 16 (V., Anal. 1816, 22).— B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. iii, 1874, 351.

Vultur aura niger, h. Kerr, Gm. 1792, 473.

Fultur aura, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 19 (based on P. E. 187). Not of Linnceus.

Cathartes aura, " Spix, Av. Spec. Nov. 1824, 2" (Allen). Not of authors.

Vultur urubu, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. 2.

Cathartes uruha, Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 27; Voy. 614.— D'Orbig., Voy. 1844, 31, pi. 1.

Percnopterus urubu, Steph., G. Z. xiii, 1826, 7, pi. 31.

Cathartes fwtens, Iel., "M. Berol."— Licht., Verz. 1823, 63.— Maxim., Beitr. iii, 1830, 58.—
SCHOMB., Guiana, 1840, 742.— Tsch., Wiegm. Arch. 1844, 262 ; Fn. Peru, 71.—
Hartl., Ind. Az. 1.— Gray, Gen. of B. pi. 1, f. 3.— Reinh., Vid. Med. 1870, 62.

Vultur iota, Ord, ed. Wils. ix, 1814, 104, pi. 75, f. 2 (not of Molina, Gmelin, ov Daudin). —
Jard., ed. Wils. iii, 236.

Cathartes iota, Bp., Syn. 1828, 23; Isis, 1832, 1135; List, 1838, 1.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832,
46.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 33; v, 1839, 345; pi. 106.— Peale, U. S. Expl.
Exped. 1848, 59.— King, Voy. Beagle, i, 532.

Neophron iota, Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. 1, 137.

Hob. —Tropical and subtropical America. On the Atlantic coast, north regularly to
North Carolina, casually to Massachusetts ; resident from South Carolina southward.

Cathartes californianus, (Shaw) Cuvier.

Vultur californianus, Shaw, Nat. Misc. Ix, 1797, pi. 301; Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 10. — Lath.,
Ind. Orn. Suppl. 2.— Dougl., Zool. Journ. iv, 328 ; Isis, 1831, 110.— James., ed.
Wils. iv, 259.

Cathartes californianus, Cvv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 316.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 22; Isis, 1832, 1135;
List, 1838, 1 ; Consp. i, 1850, 9.— Nutt., Man. i, 1834, 39.— Sw., Classif. B. ii,
1837, 206.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 240, pi. 426; Syn. 1839, 2; B. Am. i, 1840,
12, pi. 1.— Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 832.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1844, pi. 2.— DeKay,
N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 3.— Peale, U S. Expl. Exp. 1848, 58.— Cass., 111. 1854, 58;
B. N. A. 1858, 5.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 3.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857,
73.— Heerm., ibid, x, 1859, pt. vi, 59.— Tay., Cal. Mag. iii, 1859, 537 (ligure of
eggs and young).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 141.— GuR., Cat.
Rapt. B. 1864, 39.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 42 (Fort Yuma, Ariz.).— Scl.,
P. Z. S. 1866, 366, fig. — ; 1868, 183, fig. —.—Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 496.— Coues,
Key, 1872, 222.

Catharista calif or niana, Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 4 ; Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 17.

Sarcorhamphus californianus, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 6. — ViG., Zool. Journ. ii, 375. —
Sw. &. Rich., F. A. B. ii, 1831, 1.— Licht., Akad. Wisseu. Berol. 424, pi. 1.

Pseudogri/phus californianus, RiDGW. — B. B. &, R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 338.

Vultur columbianus, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. ii, 1815, 315.

Cathartes vulturinus, Temm., Pi. Color. 1820, 31. — Less., Man. Orn. ii, 1828, 10.

Hal). — Pacific coast of the United States, from the Columbia River to Lower Califor-
nia. Utah (Hcnshaw), Arizona (Coues).

ORDEE COLUMlJiTj! PIGEONS, &c.

Family COLUMBID^ : Pigeons.

COLUMBA FASCIATA, Say.
Band-tailed Pigeon.

Columba fasciata, Say, Long's Exp. ii, 18-23, 10.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 77, pi. — , f. 3 ; Syn.

18-28, 119; List, 1838, 41.— WaCxL., S. Av. 18-27.— Nutt., Man. i, 183-2, 624.— AuD.,

Oiii. Biog. iv, 1838, 479, pi. 367 ; Syn. 1839, 191 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 312, pi. 279.—

WooDii., Sitgr. Kcp. 1853, 92.— Newb., P. R. K Rep. vi, 1857, 92.— Bd., B. N. A.

1858, 597.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 359 (Cordova) ; 1858, 304 (Oaxaca) ; 18.59, 369

(Xalapa).— Sai.v., Ibis, 1860, 276 (Guatemala).- Cooi-. & Suck., N. H. Wash.

Ter. 1860, 217.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 93 (Arizona).— Sumich., Mem.

Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 562 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 506.— Coop., Am.

Nat. iii, 1869, 80 (Montana Territory).— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 235, No.

9269.— Coues, Key, 1872, 225.— Schl., M. P.-B. 1873, 67.— B. B. & R., N. A.

B. iii, 1874, 358, 360, pi. 57, f. 2.
Tamccnas fasciata, Reich., Syst. Av. pi. 223, f. 1255; pi. 255, figs. 2865, 2866.
Cldorocnas fasciata, Bp., Cousp. ii, 1854, 51.
Columba »tOH*7i.s, ViG., Beechey's Voy. 1839, 26, pi. 10.
Ckloranas moiiiUn, Reich., Syst. Av. pi. 227, f. 2481.

Hab. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, United States, and southward to South;
America.

No specimens of this bird were ever taken by the Expeditions, and
it has not yet, to my knowledge, been actually found in the Missouri-
water-shed. It has occurred, however, to Dr. Cooper, near the Cojur
d'Aleiie Mission, in Montana, and, as a bird of the Rocky Mountains,
may not improperly be brought into the present connection. There i&
no reasonable doubt of its occasional presence about the Missouri head-
waters.

It is common in many parts of the West. I was, however, disap-
pointed in not meeting it more than once or twice in Arizona, where I
had anticipated its plentiful occurrence, at least during the migrations.
Its movements appear to be somewhat irregular; while it is abundant
in some regions, it is absent from others apparently equally favorable.
This may depend upon the i)recarious su[)ply of certain favorite kinds
of food, and thus correspond somewhat to the more conspicuous case of
the Passenger Pigeon, whose notorious wanderings are mainly i)r(>n)pted
by the same circumstances. It appears to breed indilierently in various
parts of its range, even so far south as Santa Cruz. The accounts of its
nesting that were for some years relied upon, are not entirely correct.
jMr. Towns(!nd's notice, which Audubon printed, is to the effect that tbe
bird lays on the ground without any nest whatever, the eggs being " of
a yellowish-white color, inclining to bluish-white, with minute spots at
the great eud. Whereas, as in other Pigeons, the eggs are i)ure white,
smooth and glistening, nearly elliptical in shape, measuring 1.50 inches
long by l.LM) broad." According to other authority, the bird builds a
simple nest of twigs in a forked branch, or on a horizontal bougli. But
situation of a nest is among the very variable elcnu-nts of the ornitho-
logical problem, since it depends upon many fortuitous circum.stances.
As is well known, the Common Dove [Zcnmlura carol incnsix) nestles
with equal readiness on the ground or in bushes. In colder countries,.
23

386 COLUMBA FASCIATA, BAND-TAILED PIGEON.

where reptiles are few, it generally sets on the gfrouud ; in Arizona, for
instance, the paradise of snakes and lizards, it always nestles in bnshes.
So, also, does the Ground Dove (Chanta'pelia paHserina)^ in the same
Territory. The niditication of the Band-tailed Pigeon may be equally
variable.

According to Dr. Cooper, this Pigeon is common in all the wooded
mountainous parts of California, descending to the valleys in search of
grain during autumn and winter. " North of San Francisco I have seen
them in flocks in the grain-fields as early as July, and along the Colum-
bia Eiver they spend the summer in the valleys as well as throughout
the mountains. They are there migratory, leaving in October, but in
Califoiuia their wanderings are guided chiefly by want of food. I have
found them breeding in the Coast Eange as far south as Santa Cruz,
though 1 did not succeed in finding any nests. I was told that they
built in companies, on low bushes in unfrequented parts of the mount-
ains, but Townsend found their eggs on the ground near the banks of
streams in Oregon, numbers congregating together. I have myself
found eggs, which 1 supposed to be of this bird, in a similar situation.
* * * * They feed on acorns, which they swallow whole, even when
very large; also on berries, especially those of the Madroua {Arhutua),
grain, and seeds of various kinds. Being large, and delicate food, they
furnish much sport for the fowler in certain districts, but soon become
so watchful and shy that they are shot with difliculty, excepting when
young or where they can be watched from an ambush. In Oregon they
collect in flocks of thousands in the autumn, bat I have never seen
more than a hundred together in this State."

Dr. George Suckley, whose opportunities of investigation were excel-
lent, has left us the following record: "The Band-tailed Pigeon is a
very common bird in Washington Territory, especially west of the Cas-
cade Mountains; I saw but one flock, containing five individuals, east
of those mountains. In 185G the first birds of this species that arrived
in the spring made their appearance about May 15, which is the cus-
tomary time every year for their arrival. One or two individuals are
first seen, and within two or three days thereafter the main body of the
migration follows. A small number remain throughout the summer and
breed ; the rest retire further north. Those that remain generally make
their nests in thick fir-forests, near water. They subsist during the
summer on wild cherries and other berries, and later in the season, since
the country has become settled, upon grain. About the first week in
September large flocks congregate in stubble-fields in the vicinity of
Fort Steilacoom, and for two or three weeks thereafter their numbers
are daily augmented by arrivals from the North. Some flocks of these
Pigeons, that I saw in Septendier, must have contained at least one
thousand individuals. 1 am told that in the cultivated districts on the
Cowlitz River, at the same season, they are in still greater numbers.
By the 5th of October, of the year 185G, all had suddenly disappeared,
with the exception of a few stragglers, generally young birds. In fly-
ing, the flocks, I think, are not quite so comjiactly crowded as those of
the Passenger Pigeon. During the summer, while breeding, their cooing
can be heard a long distance. The name of this bird in the Nisqually
language is ' hubboh,' a good imitation of its calls. * * * * In
autunni these birds are in excellent order for the table; indeed I prefer
them to the Wild Pigeon of the Atlantic States."

There is another kind of Dove in the West which may yet be found
in the southernmost parts of the Missouri region, but which I have no
authority for introducing in the present connection. This is the White-

ECTOPISTES MIGRATORTA, WILD PIGEON. 387

win,!?ecl Dove {Melopelia Icucoptera)* . It has somewhat the general form
aud appearance of the Carolina Dove, but may be recognized by the
broad, white, oblique bar on the wing. Audubon appears to have first
noticed it as a bird of this country, under the name of Columha trudeaui,
and not long afterward attention was again called to it by Colonel
McCall. But it remained little known until Mr. Xantus sent a fine
suite to the Smithsonian, from Cape St. Lucas, where he found it
abundant. I rarely saw it in Arizona, where it reaches at least to the
latitude of Fort Whipple, and breeds in that vicinity. This I ascer-
tained by seeing a pair of squabs in a cage; they had been captured
near by. Though only half-fledged, the white on the wing was already
evident. The eggs of this species are 1.25 inches long by 0.95 wide,
and, as usual, two in number j elliptical in shape, and of a pure,
glistening white.

ECTOPISTES MIGRATOEIA, (Linn.) Sw.
Wild Pigeon; Passenger Pigeon.

Columha canadensis, Linx., Syst. Nat. i, 176G, 2H4.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 785.

Columha m\(jratoria, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 285 (Cohimha amcricana, Friscii, pi. 14'2;
IvAi.jr, It. ii, 527; (ccnas), Briss., i, 100; Pahtmbus mir/ratorius. CATES.,2'.i). —
Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 389.— Fokst., Philos. Tr. Ixii,'l772, 3U8.— Wils., Am.
Orn. i, 1808, 102, pi. 44. fig. 1.— Br., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 179; Syu. 1828, 120.—
Ncrr., i, 1832, 629.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 319; v, 1839, 561 ; pi. 62.

JEctopistcs migratoria, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, i827, 355. — Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
363.— Bp., List, 1838, 341 ; Consp. ii, 18.54. 59.— Reich., Svst. Av. pi. 249, figs. 1377,
1379.— Aud., Svu. 1839, 174 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 2.5, pi. 285.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
1853, 92.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 600.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 218
(Fort Laramie, Wyo., aud Milk River, Mout.).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 171.—
Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 80 (Montana).— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 235, No.
9281.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 511 (Pnget's Sound).- Tuippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi,
118.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, — .— Coues, Key, 1872, 225, fig. 145.— B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. iii, 1874, 308, pi. 57, fig. 4 ; and of late writers generally.

Peristera mig'ratoria, SciiL., M. P.-B. x, 1873, 142.

Hah. — The greater part of North America, but scarcely west of the Rocky Mountains
(Pacific coast, near latitude 49^, Cooper ; Nevada, JUdfiirai/). Cuba {Guudlach, Rep. i,
1866, 102: J. f. O. ix, 112). Accidental in Europe {Gould, B. Eur. pi. 247; Harlimj,
Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 128).

lAeutcnant JVarrcii's Expedition. — 4856, 48.57, mouth of Big Sioux River; 5418, above
the mouth of the Yellowstone River.

There is no present occasion to particularize the general eastern range
of this species by citing the authorities for its occurrence ; suffice it to

* Columha leucopiera, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1866, 281 ("Asia," err. Turtur indicus fuscus,
Ei)W., 76; Colitmha imlica, Bui.ss., i, 105 ; Browxe. Jam. 468). — Gm., Syst. Nat. i,
1788, 773.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 595 (White-winged Pigeon, (Jen. Svn. iv,
617).— W.vGL., Syst. Av. 1827, Columha, No. 71.— McCaee, Pr. Phila. Aciid. iv,
1848, 64.

Zenaidu leucopiera. Gray, Gen. of Birds.

Turtnr Irueoptirun, Gossk, B. .Jamaica, 1847, 304.

Milopelia hueoptera, I!p., Consp. Av. ii, ltf54, 81.— Sci... P. Z. S. 18.56, 309 (Cordov.i) ;
1858, 305 (Oaxaca).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 603.— Xaxtus, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1.859
(Cape St. Lucas).— Taylor, Ibis, 1860, ii, 227 (Honduras).— March, Pr. Phihi.
Acad. 1863, 302 (.Jamaica).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 139 (Costa R'ica): 207
(Yucatan).- Cot Es, Pr. Phila. Acad. ls()(i, 93 (Arizona).— Coop.. B. C.il. i, 1870,
515.— CoiK.s, Key, 1872, 226.— Sciii-., M. P.-B. x, 1873, 152.— B. B. A: R., N. A.
B. iii. 1874, 37().

(?)Col.imh<i hoihll. Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 777.— Laiii., Ind. Orn. ii, 1700, 601 (White-
sbonldircd Pigeon, (Jen. Syn. iv, 6.54).

Columha Irudcaui, Aid., B. Am. vii, 1843, 352, pi. 496.

Uab. — Southern and Lower Calif<»ruia, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. South
through Mexico to Central America. Also, Cuba and .Jamaica.

o

)88 ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIA, WILD PIGEON.

allude to its continual wandering over the greater part of North America.
But in the West its food supply is limited, and its presence correspond-
ingly restricted. Excepting along the Missouri and the principal tribu-
taries of that great river, the Wild Pigeon does not ordinarily exceed
the general line oi ivooded country to pass out upon the bare plains be-
yond. But just as the Missouri forms for us a highway of communica-
tion with the vast districts which would be otherwise almost inaccessible,
so it seems to lead the Pigeons northwesterly, in great numbers, to
meridians of longitude they do not gain in the southwest. I never
saw or heard of one in New Mexico or Arizona, and have found no
quotations from Colorado, Utah, or California. But the birds reach
across Nebraska, probably following the Platte into Wj^oming, and
through Dakota and Montana, being even conducted to Pacific slopes
along the northern border of the United States.

Many years ago Townsend mentioned the Passenger Pigeon as an in-
habitant of " Oregon," but that was then so comprehensive a term that the
conhrmation of the occurrence, recently made by Drs. Cooper and Suck-
ley, was the more acceptable. In the work above quoted these authors
give the only unquestionable Pacific advices I have found. Still later
Dr. Cooper contributed some interesting items to the American Natu-
ralist on the occurrence of the species in Montana : " The Passenger
Pigeon, like the Cat-bird, astonished me by its frequency in the Eocky
Mountains, as, although I saw no very large flocks, I saw some almost
every day until I passed the Spokane Falls, just north of the Columbia
Plains. It thus seems to pass round to the north of that plain, and
occasionally to cross the Cascade Eange, as noticed by Dr. Suckley in
1853. Along the Missouri I often saw small flocks, and noticed quite a
number of their nests in small trees between Forts Pierre and Berthold.
I found one setting, June 7, and heard that many build farther south,
near Sioux City. In the mountains they fed, in August, chiefly on the
service berry {Amelancliier alnifoUa), which, along the Hell Gate, attains
a size and flavor unequaled by any I have seen elsewhere." Dr. Hayden
remarks upon its abundance on the Lower Missouri, but considered it
as rarer than it really is higher up the river. Still he says he has seen
a hundred individuals in a season, high up on the Yellowstone, when
the berries were ripe. According to Sir John Richardson, it reaches the
fur countries in May and leaves in October, attaining latitudes from 58°
to 02°, according to climatic conditions.

The westernmost point where I have as yet myself observed the Pas-
senger Pigeon is Turtle Mountain, on the northern boundary of Dakota.
It w^as, however, a rare bird in that locality. But a little further east,
along the Eed Eiver, I observed vast flocks during the latter part of
May, iu all the timber of the river, for many miles from Pembina south-
wardj and they doubtless extended as much further north of that point.
As w^e steamed along the river, for several days the flocks were almost
continually iu view. They generally flew high, beyond gunshot range,
in immense straggling flocks, or rather in successive groups, sometimes
stretching as far as the eye could reach ; but early in the morning and
toward evening, in passing to and from their roosting places, they gen-
erally flew lower, and numbers were readily procured. The woods along
the river were filled with stragglers, singly or in small troops. Many
nested in tbis region ; I found females ready to lay, and nests, during
the greater part of June. The nests were usually in the horizontal forks
of the branches of small trees and saplings, generally tenor twelve feet
from the ground. During the i)assage, in May of 1873, the birds were
very numerous about Saint Paul, Minnesota, where hundreds w^ere
netted, to be be used instead of tame Pigeons in shooting-matches.

ZEN^DURA CAROLINENSIS, CAROLINA DOVE. 389

Some years since a great flight of Pigeons occurred near Washington,
where for several days, in the fall, the woods were filled with the birds.
More or fewer are usually seen there every year, and I once killed a
specimen so newly from the nest as to cause me to believe that it had
been hatched in the vicinity.

ZENtEDURA CAEOLINENSIS, (Linn.) Bp.

Carolina Do\e; Common Dove.

Columha carolinensis, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 286 (Turtur caroUncnsis, Gates., Car. i,
24 ; Briss. i, 110. pi. 8, li^. 1).— Gm., i, 1788, 787.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, G13.—
WiLS., Am. Oru. v, 1812, 91, pi. 43, iig. 1.-Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 159; Svn.
1828, 119.— NuTT., Mail, i, 1832, 626.— Aui)., O. B. i, 1831 , 91 ; v, 18.39, 555 ; pl.'lT.

Ectojj'tstes cawlhietisis, Ricn., List. 1837. — Bp., List, 1338,41. — Aud., Syn. 1839, 195; B. Am.
V, 1842, 36, pi. 286.— WoODii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 92.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi,
18.57, 92.— Hkerm., ibid, x, 1859, pt. vi, 60.

Zenaidura carolincmis, Bp., Coiisp. ii, 1854, 84.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 604.— Kenn., P. R. R.
Rep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 33.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 359 (Cordova) ; 1859, 391 (Oaxaca) ;
Ibis, i, 1859, 222 (Guatemala).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasb. Ter. I860, 218.—
Taylok, Ibis, 1860, 227 (Houduias). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 172. — Codes, Pr.
Pbila. Acad. 1866, 93 (Arizoua).— Dke.ss., Ibis, 1866, 24 (Texas).— Boap.dm., Pr.
Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 127 (Maine, rare).— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864.75 (Massa-
chusetts, common). — Guxdl., Repert. 1866, 30 (Cuba). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst.
V, 1866, 91 (Canada \Ycst).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 287.— Lawii., Ann. Lye.
ix, 139 (Costa Rica) ; ix, 207 (Yucatan).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 81 ; B. Cal.
i, 1870, 512.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (mountains of Colorado up to
11,000 feet).— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 208.— Stev.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Coues, Key,- 1872, 226, lig. 146.— B. B. & R.,
N. A. B. iii, 1874, 383, pi. 58, fig. 2.

Perissura carolineti.sin, Cak., J. f. 0. 1856, 111 (Cuba).

Chaniapclia carolinensis, Giebel, Nomeuc. Av. i, 633,

Feristira caroUnetms, ScHL., M. P.-B. x, 1873, 142.

Columha marginata, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 286.— Gm., i, 1788, 791. — Wagl., Syst. Av.
1827 ; Isis, 1831, 519.

Ectopistes maryinata. Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 236, No. 9282.

Ectopixles viargiiu'Uiifi, Wooon., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1852, 104 ; Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 93, pi. 5. —
Gray, Hand-list, No. 9283.

Zenaidura marginellus, Bp., Cousp. ii, 1854, 85.

JIab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific. Canada West {Mclliiraith). Cuba.
South to Panama.

Lii'utoianl Warren^s Expcdilion. — 48.58, Cedar Islaud.
Later Expeditions. — 6046.5-66, 60770-71, Wyoming.

Unlike the last, this species is of extensive if not universal distribu-
tion in the West, as in other parts of the United States. It is more
soutlierly, however, considering its whole range. It is not common in
the Eastern States beyond Southern New England, and I note but a
single instance of its occurrence in the British Provinces. The parallel
of 4(P is probably about its normal northern limit. i\Ir. Trippe does not
include it among the birds of JMinnesota. It is a regular migrant over
about the northern half of the United States, resident elsewhere. I
have found it alike abundant in all kinds of country I have visited —
even in the terribl(» alkaline deserts of the southwest, where its presence
is elu'cring evidence that water uiay be Ibund not far oil'. Its nidiliea-
tion varies greatly with circumstances, the nest being placed indiffer-
<Mitly on the ground, bushes, or trees; and even, according to some
writers, on fences, stumps, «S:c. The eggs, two iu number, and whit(^,
as usual in this I'amily, measure about 1^^ l)y 4. They are laid, accord-
ing to cMmate, from April throughout the summer. 1 have found it
nesting in various parts of bolii (he CaroUnas, there breeding chielly
on tlu ground, wliih' in Ari/.ona, wliere icjitilesor the most venomous
character abouiul, tiie bird seeks safety for its eggs by i)laciug the nest

390 ZEN.EDUKA CAROLINENSIS, CAROLINA DOVE.

on bushes. The ])rincipal bashes of some parts of the Territory are
cacti and other thorny growths, so terribly prickly that snakes can
scarcely climb them; indeed 1 have seen nests in "cholla" bushes,
where it seemed scarcely possible for even a bird to alight to build with-
out wounding its feet, there being absolutely not a smooth spot on the
whole shrub. In the wooded and mountainous i)arts of the Territory
the niditication varies. Though resident in the Territory at large, the
Dove is only a summer sojourner in these higher parts, where it arrives
the latter part of April and remains until the middle of October. Its
coming marks the opening of spring, when the silence of the vast pine
tracts, scarcely" broken before but by the dismal caw of the Raven or the
harsh notes of the Jays and Woodi)eckers, is now enlivened by the twit-
tering of Swallows and the agreeable songs of the birds, as well as by
the cooing of the Dove, which resounds in plaintive, measured cadence,
while the gentle bird is wooing his mate.

The Ground Dove, a very small and delicate species of the southern
portions of the United States, has not been known to penetrate to any
portion of the Missouri region. It ap])eai's to be, in some degree, a bird
of our southern coast regions, so rarely, in tlie United States at least,
does it stray far inland. Its usual range is limited by the Carolinas,
but I have a record of the capture of a specimen, many years ago, at
Washington, D. 0. Audubon states that a "search for theuj a hundred
miles inland would in all probability prove fruitless;" but against this
statement I lind pencilled, in a co])y of his work in the State Library at
Columbia, South Carolina, a note to the efiect that one was shot on the
Congaree Eiver, not far from Columbia, in December, 1839. The species
occurs in Southern Arizona, l)ut not, so far as I am aware, in the region
of Fort Whipple. It is also abundant at Cape Saint Lucas, and extends
ninthward into Southern California. The niditication is not peculiar.
The eggs are two, seven-eighths long by two-thirds broad. The syno-
nymy of the species is subjoined.*

* CiiAM-EPELiA PASSEKiXA, (Linnceus) Swainsmi.

Columba passerina, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 285 (Sloaxe, Jam. ii, 305, pi. 261, f\^. 3;
Gates., i, 26 ; Briss. i. 113, pi. 9, fig. 1).— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 7i^7.— Lath., L
Orn. ii, 1790, 611.— Wils., Am. Oru. iv, 1811, 1.5, pi. 46, tig. -.— Wagl., Syst. Av.
Columha, No. 88.— Br., Syn. 1828, 120.— NuTT.,.Mau. i, 1832, 635.— Aud., Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834. 471; v, 1839, 558; pi. 182; Svu. 1839, 192: B. Am. v, 1842, 19, pi.
28:3.— SiiN[)., Ofv. Vet. Akad. Foib. 1869, 586 (Saint Bartholomew).

Cohimha {Goura) imxsvrhia, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 181.

Clicvmept'lia pdat^crbm, Sw., Zool. Jonru. iii, 1827, 361. — Gray, Hand-list, No. 9336.

(.'Ueniepelia paswrina, Sw., Classif. Birds, ii, 1837, 349.

Chanupcha puH^iriua, Bp., List, 1838, 41.

Chamapclia passa-ina, Ghay, 1841. — GossE, B. Jam. 1846, 311. — Bp., Consp. ii, 1854, 77. —
Cau., J. f. O. iv, 1856 (Cuba).— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1857, 205 (Xalapa); 1859, 391
(Oaxaea) ; 1864, 178 (Mexico City) ; Ibis, i, 18.59. 223 (Guatemala). -Bd., B. N.
A. 1858, 606.— Ct)UE.s & Pi:ext., Smiths. Rep. 1861. 414.— Maiich, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1863, 302 (Jamaica).— Coi:es, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 93 (Sontheru Ari-
zona).— BriYAXi', Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866 (Porto Rico). — Lawii., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix,
134 (Costa Rica) ; ix, 207 (Yucatan).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 516.— COUES, Key,
1872, 226.- B. B. «fc R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 389. pi. .58, fig. 6.

Chama'pclia passerina var. paUescvus, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 305. — Coop., B. Cal. i,
1870, 517 (Cape Saint Lucas).

Pijrqilccnas passerinHs, Reich., ColumbariBB.

Pcristcra pmsmna, ScHL., M. P.-B. x, 1873, 134.

Columba mhinta, LiNX., Sy.st. Nat. i, 1766, 285 (Biuss., i, 116, pi. 8, fig. 2). — Gm., Syst.
Nat. 1788, 7r!8.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 612 (ra>imiiii<' Tiirlle, Gen. Syn. iv, 660.)

Chamwpiiia (jranatina ct albivitla, Bp., Cousp. Av. ii, 1854, 77 (Bogota and Carthageua).

Fi/rgitociias albivitta, Reich., Columl)ari{B.

IJab. — Southern (Juited States. North to about 3.5^. Southward through Mexico
and Central America to Northern South America. Several West India Islands.

ORDER (jALLIJN A[i ! GALLINACEOUS BIRDS.

Family MELEAGRIDID^ : Turkeys.

These are the nearest American analogues of the true Pheasants, fam-
ily Phasianida\ indigenons to Asia, and are sometimes i)laced in that
family. But the differences appear sufficient to warrant their family
separation. Their next nearest allies are the Guinea Fowls, of Afri(;a —
family yumidUkc.

MELEAGRIS GALLOPAYO var. AMERICANA, (Bartr.) Cones.

Common Wild Turkey,

a. (jaUaijavo.

Meleagris gaUopavo, luVS'S., Fn. Suec. No. 198 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 268 (based ou the
domestic bird, which is most like this variety. See Nkwt., Zool. Rec. v, 102.
Not of authors generally, the name usually referring to the foregoing feral
variety). — Stepii., Shaw's Gen. Zool. Ix, pt. i, p. luO, pi. 8 (domestic). — Woopii.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1854, 94, in part ; the paragraph ou p. 93 refers to the following
variety.

Mclcagrls mixicana, Gould, P. Z. S. 1856, 61. — Be, B. N. A. 1858, 618 ; U. S. Agric. Rep.
1866, 288.— COUES, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 93.— Elliot, B. N. A. pt. x, pi. 38.— Darw.,
Anim. and PI. Douiest. i, 292.— Coop., B. Cah i, 1870, 523.

Meleagrh gaUopavo var. mexicana, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 410.

b. americana.

Meleagris ajHmcana, Bartr., Trav. 1791, 290.

Milfugrh gaUopavo var. americana, CoUES, Key, 1872, 232.

Meleagris (/(///ojjaro, Wil.s., Index, 1872, vi, p. — . — Bp., Am. Orn. 1825, i, 79, pi. 9; Syn.
1828, 122; Comp. List, 1838, 42.— Axp., Orn. Biog. LSU. i, 1. i)ls. 1 and 6;
V, 5.59; Svu. 1839, 197; B. Am. 1842, v, 42, pis. 2c>7, 288.— Nirr., Man. 1, 1832,
630.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1851, ])l. 26 ; Ic. Av. pi. 289.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 615.—
Maxim., J. f. 6. vi, 1858, 426.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 91.— Catox,
Am. Nat. iii, pp. 28, 30 ; vii, 431.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 342 (origin of
domestic Turkey, &c.) ; iii, 1872, 181 (Kansas).— Sxow, B. Kans. l.'^73. No.
193.— Allen, Mem. J5ost. Soc. i, 18()8, 500 (Iowa). — TitiPPE, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv,
1«72, 240 (Iowa). — Hatch, Pr. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 61 (Southwest Minnesota). —
B. B. <Sc R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 404 ; and of most authors.

Mvhagrix sijlvcHlriH^Yiv.UA.., Nouv. Diet, d'llist. Nat. ix, 447.

(iaUoparo xglrcilris, Le Contk, Pr. A. N. S. ix, 1857, 179.

Mclcagrixf era, \'iK\i.L., Gal. Ois. ii, 1824, 10, pi. 10.— Gray, Cat. GaU. Br. Mus.

Wild Turkvij of authors and others.

lluh. — Of var. americana, the Eastern Province of the United States and portions of
Canatla. Of true gaUapavo, the southern portions of the Middle Province and south-
ward.

Dr. Ilayden does not include the Wihl Turkey in his report, ai)par-
ently not having met with it in the 3Iissouri region. It.-; occurrence,
however, is suthciently attested as far \\\} the Mis.souri Hiver as the
vicinity of YanJcton, if not .somewhat beyond. I found no evidence of
it.s presence in Norfheni Dakota; 1 have ob.served but one ."Miinie.sotiau
reconl. In these lougitu<le8 it becomes abundant further sontli ; both
tlie Kansas authorities above cited witness its common oceuirence in
the tind)ere(l distri(;ts of tinit State, as ]Mr. Trippe does in Southern
Iowa. \}\: Woodhousu states, that " throughout the wooded portions of

392 FAMILY TETKAONID^E THE GROUSE, ETC.

the ludian Territory aud Texas this bird abounds."* The northern Hue
of its distribution nuiy likewise be determined with approximate accu-
racy, though it appears to have contracted of late years. It is scarcely
now found in any part of Minnesota ; but Dr. Head tells nie that some
thirty years ago, at old Fort Atkinson, a few miles west of Prairie du
Chien, it was frequently killed, though its present northern limit can-
not be far from the southern border of Minnesota. Audubon mentioued
its presence in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Vermont; but in these
portions of New England, at least, it appears to be nearly or quite
extinct, t while I never have heard of it from Maine. According to Mr.
W. Eoss King (Sportsman and Naturalist in Canada, p. 135), it was still
met with in various localities in Canada, in 1860-67, and about the same
time Mr. Mcllwraith states that it was "common along the western
frontier" of the same territory. It is not necessary to instance special
regions within the boundary above sketched, its dispersion being gen-
eral, and only subject to restriction by the nature of localities unsuited
to its habits, or where it is exposed to persecution which it cannot with-
stand. Constant interference with what would otherwise be its uatural
distribution, gradual diminution in its numbers in many places and its
final disappearance from others, are iioints, unfortunately, only too well
assured.

Family TETRAONID^ : The Grouse, &c.

The Missouri region, as defined for the purposes of the present work
to include the entire country drained by the great river and its tribu-
taries, affords representatives of all. the North American genera of
Grouse, and, in fact, furnishes us with every North American species
of Grouse, excepting only two kinds of Ptarmigan {Lagopus albus and
L. rupestrla). All these are game birds in strictness. Jn the following
account, therefore, I am at pains to give the sportsman and general
reader a clear and accurate idea of the whole group as represented in
North America. The technicalities are, it is believed, sufficiently i)re-
cise, without being unnecessarily abstruse, to enable him to determine
any Grouse he may procure, and establish in his mind its relationship
to its allies ; while I enlarge upon the biographies of the less known
species, as far as is at present practicable.

In striking contrast to the abundance and variety of Grouse in this
region, may be instanced the poverty of the same country in Partridges,
only one species of which is ascertained, as yet, to inhabit any portiou

* This author's further observatious on the Turkeys of New Mexico probablj' relate
to the var. (juUapavo, as his reuiaiks upon those of the Giki River certainly do. I ascer-
tained the common occurrence of this form in the mountainous portions of Arizona. It
is readily distinguished from the other by its lighter general colors, aud especially by
the pale tips of the rump feathers, as almost invariably seen in the domestic bird. Dr.
\V(^todLouse's note on tlie great size of these birds is corroborated by Lieutenant
Charles liendire, who mentioned to me a gobbler he killed weighing twenty-eight
l)ounds. My correspondent also informed me of an interesting fact — that the males
fre(juently lack spurs. (Sec Am. Nat. vii, 1873, '.ViiS.)

t "As long ago as 18:i*J, Mr. Peabody tells us it had become very rare. At the pres-
ent day (1808) it is giveu by some Massachusetts authorities, Jlud not by others. Mr.
Allen ' can find no authentic instance of its i-ecent capture in this State, although it
has been said to occur wild on Mounts Tom and Holyoke *****.' Mr. Sam-
uels omits the species; Mr. Putnam gives it, but entirely on the authority of the older
writers. It is contained in none of the Maine lists. Mr. Linsley wrote of it in 1843,
'the last Wild Turkey that I have known in Connecticut was taken » * * * about
thirtv years since, on Letoket Mountain, in Northford.' " — (CouKS, Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
l8Gd,' 288.)

SUBFAMILY TETRAONIN^, GROUSE. 393

of the great district under consideration. This is the familiar Eastern
Partridge, " Quail," or " Bob White," as it is variously termed. Xone of
the several elegant and interesting Partridges of the southwest have
been traced even to the southern borders of the Missouri region. We
may allude to them in this connection. First, we have two species of
the genus Lophortijx, L. calif orniciis, and L. yamheli, of California, Ari-
zona, New Mexico, and portions of Texas, with an elegant helmet-like
crest of recurved feathers. Secondly, the Mountain Partridge of Cali-
fornia ( Oreortyx jnctns), with a long, slender, flowing crest. Thirdly, the
Scaled or Blue Partridge {Calllpepla sqttamata), so called from a curious
appearance of the plumage ; and fourthly, the Masseua Partridge [Cyrto-
nyx massena), remarkable for the difference between its sexes in colora-
tion, and the singular harlequin markings of the male. These are fully
noticed beyond.

Tbe family Tetraonidcc, as defined in the Key, p. 232, embraces two
American subfamilies — the Tetraoniruv or true Grouse, aud the Odonto-
phorinw, which include all the American Partridges.

Subfamily Tetraonin^ : Grouse.

The Grouse will be immediately distinguished from the Partridges by
the more or less complete feathering of the legs and nostrils, which, in
the Partridges, are naked and scaly ; by a more or less evident strip of
naked, pimply skin over the eye ; by a row of fringe-like scales on the
side of the toes ; and usually, by the presence on each side of the neck
of a tuft of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers, or a patch of
naked distensible skin, or both of these. I call attention, below, to the
fact that the Sharp-tailed Grouse (Pedioecetes phafiianellus) has fairly
developed air-sacs on the neck, though this has usually been overlooked.

The true Grouse, or Tetraonhuc, are confined to the Northern Hemis-
phere, and reach their highest development as a group, in number and
variety of forms, in North America, our species being singularly diverse
in the details of structure. All the American forms are noticed in these
pages, beyond. The Old World forms are the following : The Great
Capercailzie, or Cock-of-the- Woods {Tetrao urogallufi), which finds its
analogue in our Sage Cock {Ccntrocerciis m'ophasianus)^ though structur-
ally nearer our species of Tetrao; the Black Cock of Europe {Tetrao
tetrix), with curiously curled tail-feathers, which may be considered to
represent our Dusky Grouse [Tetrao ohscurns); the Siberian Tetrao falci-
penniti, strict analogue of our S])ruce Grouse (T. (Yf?/^/r/(';/.s/.s); the Honasa
hetiilma of Europe and Asia, equally near our Kufied Grouse ; and two
or three species of Ptarmigan (L«^oj>m.s), very closely allied to, or identi-
cal with, our own.

Any adult Grouse of our country may be readily referred to its proper
genus by the ibllowing table of characters :

C'KNT!{0(Ki!crs. Tail ('(lualing or exc(H'(liii<j tlio wiiij^ in loTi;j;tli. \vo(ltjp-sli;'i>e(l, of
twenty . still, uarrowly aciiininate fcatluiis; neck with niniicions lirislly lilanunts, ."i
jiatcli of curious scaly tcatlicrs, and a lar;;c naked si)acc. Tarsi fully fealliered; toes
naked. .Size of full j^rown cocks, twol'ect or more in len<j;tli ; tail a loot lon^.

Pr.l>i()i:c;i:TKS. Tail slioiter than the wing, wed<fe-sha])ed, of eighteen narrowed,
slillish feathers, of which the central jtair exceed the rest by an inch or more. No
evidently peculiar feathers on side of neck ; bare space not consi)icuotis. Tarsi fe:ith-
ered to between the roots of the toes.* Markings of under paits lengthwise.

Cfl'iDoMA. Tail much shorterthan thewing. rounded, of eigliteen broail, (hit feuth-
CYti. Suh'sof neck with luflsof a few lengthened, narrowed leathers, like little wings,
l)en«-ath which is a conspicuous distensible naked skin. Tar.^i barely or not f«'athered
to the toes. Markings of under parts crosswise.

* In the arctic variety the feathers of the legs are sometimes so long and thick as to
bide the toes, almost as in the genus LiKjuptta.

394 TETEAO CANADENSIS VAR. FRANKLINI.

BoxASA. Tail about as long as the wiug, rounded, of eighteen broad feathers. Sides
of neck with tnl"ts of very numerous, broad, soft leathers. No evident naked space ou
the neck. Tarsi bare below.

Tktkao. Tail rather shorter than the wing, square, or little rounded, of sixteen to
twenty broad feathers. No peculiar feathers on the neck, nor evident naked spaces.
Tarsi feathered to the toes.

Lagopus. Characters as in Tetrao, but the whole of the toes feathered. The species
turn white in winter.

TETEAO CANADENSIS var. FEANKLINI, (Dougi.) Coues.

Franklin's Spruce Grouse.

a. canadensis proper (Caaada Grouse; Spruce Grouse).

Tetrao canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 274 (based on Edw., UrogaUus maculaius can-
adensis, 118, pi. 118, ^, and 71, pi. 71, 9; Briss., Bonasia fred-hudsonis, i, -p.
201).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 749.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 637.— Fohst., Phil.
Trans. Ixii, 1772, 389.- Sab., Frankl. .Jonru. 683.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist.

Nat. — , , — .— Bp., Syn. 1828, 127 ; Am. Orn. iii, 1830, pi. 21, fig. 1, 9 (not

pi. 20, <y , which is \ai: franldini) ; Am. Phil. Trans, iii, 1830, 391 ; Comp. List,
1838, 44.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 346, pi. 62, 9 .— Nutt., Man. i, 1832,
667.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 437; v, 18:30, .563; pi. 176; Syn. 1839, 203; B.
Am. V, 1842, 83, pi. 294.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 622.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,
226.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 224 (Gloucester, Mass. ; in hcndock woods, Sept.
1851). — Yerr., ibid, iii, 1862, 1.53 (resident near Umbagog Lakes, Me.). — Allen,
ibid, iv, 1864> 85.— McIlavr., ibid, v, 1866. 91.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 287.— Tkippe,
ibid, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota, abundant, breeds). — Boahdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix,
1862, 128 (Calais, Me. ; common, resident, breeds). — Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic.
Acad. 1869, 287 (Alaska).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, p. 27 (repaged).—
Mayx., Guide, 1870, 138 (Massachusetts). — Finscii, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 61
(Alaska).— Coues, Key, 1872, 233.

Canace canadensis, Reich., Svst. Av. 1851, p. xxix. — Bp., Comptes Rondus, xlv, 1857,
428.— Elliot, Pr. A. N. S. 1864, 23 ; Mouog. Tetr. pi. — .-B. B. & E., N. A. B.
iii, 1874, 416, pi. .59, f. 5, 6.

Tetrao canace, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 275 (based on Bonasia canadensis, Briss.. Oru. i,
203, pi. 20, f. 1, 2).

Spotted Grouse, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, 307. — Latil, Syn. iv, 735.

Spruce Partridge, Wood Partridge, Swamj) Partridge, Vulg.

b. franMini.

(?) Tetrao fusca, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. ii, 1815, 317 (based on Small Broini
Pheasa)it,'LKWis & Clarke, Exp. ii, p. 182, probably this species).

Tetrao canadensis, var., Bp., Am. Orn. iii, 1830, plate xx, vtale.

Tetrao franklini, DouGL., Linn. Trans, xvi, 1829, 139 (Mounts Hood, Saint Helen, and
Baker).— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 348, pi. 6, ^ (sources of the Missouri
to those of the Mackenzie).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 623.— Coop. & Sucic, N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 220.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 529 (Rocky and Cascade Mount-
ains).— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1863, 123.

Canace franklini, Elliot, Pr. A. N. S. 1864, 23; Monog. Tctraonid(e, pi. — .

Tetrao canadensis var. franklini, Coues, Key, 1872, 233.

Canace canadensis \sn: franklini, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 419, pi. .59, f. 3.

Hab. — Northern North America east of the Rocky Mountains. South somewhat be-
yond the northern border of the United States. Var. franklini from the Northern
Rocky Mountains of the United States and northward ; also, Cascade Mountains.

lu consequence of its boreal and alpine distribution, the Canada
Grouse is apparently not so well or generally known as our other spe-
cies. The cock-bird may always be recognized by the following char-
acters: Tail of sixteen feathers, rounded, black, with a broad orange-
brown terminal bar. No obviously i)eculiar feathers ou the side of the
ne(;k. Legs feathered to between the toes. The usual naked, colored
strip of skin over the eye. Prevailing color black, with numerous sharp
white bars and spots on the under parts, and ou the upper parts finely
waved with gray or tawny. Length, about 1(3 inches; wing, 7; tail, 5^.
The female is nowhere coutiuuously black, but much variegated witti

TETRAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE. 395

brown, tawny, and white, and is rather less in size than the male : but
she has the orange-brown tail-bar, and is substantially of the same form
as the male.

Yar.franliini only differs in wanting the orange-brown tail band, and
in having the upper tail-coverts, which are plain in true canadeusis, eon-
spicuousiy spotted with white. In this lack of the terminal band on
the tail there is shown an interesting parallelism with the Rocky Mount-
ain var. richardsoni of T. ohscurus.

As already observed, the Canada Grouse is chiefly a boreal bird,
reaching but a little way over our border. It is common in the conifer-
ous forests of Northern ISTew England, but only casually seen as far
south as Massachusetts. In Minnesota, where it finds congenial resorts,
it is abundant; but I never observed it in aSTorthern Dakota, whore the
country is too dry and open. While along the northern boundary, Ijow-
ever, 1 heard of a "Black Chicken," which I suppose was this species,
and there is reason to exi)ect its occurrence on the wooded Pembina and
Turtle Mountains. There is nothing to indicate that it ever comes
further south in this longitude.

Var. franldini is the only form to be properly included among the
birds of the Missouri region, and even this is only found in the mount-
ains, about the sources of the river and some of its tributaries. Dr.
Cooper, who found it abundant in the Rocky and Bitter-root Mount-
ains, also ascertained its occurrence in the Cascade Range, where, he
says, it lives among the spruces and pines, particularly in swampy tracts,
leeding on the buds and leaves of various conifer^e. Dr. Suckley de-
termined its abundance in Saint Mary's Valley of the Rocky Mountains.
It does not appear to have been met with by any of the parties with
which Dr. Ha.vden has been connected.

The eggs of Franklin's Grouse and the Canada Grouse are indistin-
guishable. They are less elongate than tiiose of T. ohscurus^ broader at
the butt, and more ]>ointed — ai)proaching the characteristic pointed
sli;i[)e of I'artridge eggs, and being like those of Ptarmigan in size and
shape. Tbe following measurements of selected examples from a large
series show the size, sliai)e, and range of variation : 1.70 by l.lio; 1.70 by
L20; 1.05 by 1.25; 1.G5 by 1.15. High in the oviduct the ^g,^ is creamy-
white, as I see by some examples in the Saiithsonian stated to have
been cut out of the bird. This color is washed over to a varying degree
of iuteuNity with rich chestnut-brown — generally pale, a "creiuny"-
browu — and is further dotted, spotted, sometimes even splashed and
blotched, with a very dark, hea\y shade of the s;inie color, the mark-
ings being numerous, strong, and bold, of no determinate shape, and
wholly irregularly distributed. These markings are only an intensifi-
cation, in spots, of the ground color, but are very heavy, and, in ct)m-
]);irison with those of other (.iironse, show a decided approach to tlie
ix'cnliarly dark and heavy pattern of Ptarmigan eggs — the nearest ap-
l)roach made among American Grouse.

TETRAO OIJSCURUS, Say.
Dusky (irousc; Bliio Grouse; Pine (Jrouse.

Tvtrao olmniriis. Say, Loiij^'s ExiumI. R. Mts. ii. l^-j:?, M, "iO-J (not of Snaiiixon antl
liirli(ir(lnoii.)—ni:, Syn. IH-JH, U7 ; Am. IMiilos. Trans, iii, l*iO, '.VJl ; Am. Orn.
iii, iSto, p. IH'.I, pi. lH._(?)NriT., Man. i, lH;j;i. (;,;i;.— (.') Ai.i... Orn. Mioj;. iv,
1838, -IKi. pi. :{<)1 ; Svn. lM:il>, -JU;? ; 15. Am. i, If^U, hi», pi. -j'jri.— Woi.nu.. Silf^r.
Rep. lH.-.:{,<Hi (.Santa VV; \. M.).— XkwI!., I'. U. \l. U'cp. vi. \<u, !);{.— Sci.., P.
Z. S. ls->s, 1.— Hi)., 15. N. A. K.s, (J-Jo.— IIkkkm., i'. K. \i. Krp. ix. 1KVJ. pt. vi,
til.— ll.wi... Rip. isf,-j. 17-2.— Cool'., H. Cal. i, IhTii, .VJil.— Ai.i.kx, iWiil. M.C.Z.
iii, 187-J, 181.— JIuLU., I'r. lio.st. Sue. xv, 187::i, 208.- CoUKS, Key, \f*^7•^, 'J:5;{.

396

TETRAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE.

Canace ohscura, Bp., Coniptes Rendus, xlv, 1857, 428. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874,

422; pi. 59, f. 1,2.
Dendragapus ohscurm, Elliot, Pr. A. N. S. 1864, 23 ; Monog. Tetr. pi. — .

Hah. — Eastern spurs and foot-bills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, in elevated
and wooded (especially coniferous) regions, excepting where replaced by var. richardsoni
or var. fulUjinosus (see beyond). South to New Mexico.

List of specimens.

191.58
191.59
19ir)0
19101
19162
19163
19164
19165
19166
18167

257
256

259
258
251
252
253
2.55

Deer Creek, Wy

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

S
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Feb. 1, 1860

Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.

21, 1860
13, 1860
21, 1860
13. 1860
13', 1860
13, 1860
13, 1860
13, 1860

G. H.Trook..

do

do

do

do

F.V.Haydeu.

do

do

do

do

21.00

30.00

9.50

23.00

32.00

10.0 1

21.00

31.00

10.00

21.25

31.50

10.00

21.75

30.00

9.00

20.50

30.50

9.25

20.50

30.50

10.25

19.50

28.75

9.00

18.00

27.00

8.25

19.00

28.50

8.50

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8914-20, Laramie Peak, Wyoming Territory.
Later Expeditions. — 54302, 60833-37, Wyoming; 60464, Bitter Cottonwood Creek.

Dwelling in remote mountaiuous regions not often visited by the
sportsman, the Dusky Grouse is not yet a well-known bird, and it will
be well to indicate its characters. It is very large — larger thau any of
our Grouse, excepting the great Sage Cock, and some specimens are
little inferior in size to an average bird of this species. It is dark col-
ored ; the tail is brownish-black, more or less marked with gray, and
with a broad slate-gray terminal bar (characters not seen in any otlier
species). The back and wings are dark brown, finely waved in zigzag
with slate-gray, mixed with more or less ochrey-brown and some white
on the scapularies. Long feathers of the sides similar to the back ;
other under parts a line bluish-gray or light-slate color (much like the
tail-bar), variegated with white, especially on the lower belly and under
tail-coverts. Cheeks black ; throat sharply speckled with black and
white. Legs feathered to the toes ; the usual warty, colored strip of skin
over the eye. Female much smaller and lighter colored, being more ex-
tensively variegated with tawny and white, but showing the distinctive
slate-gray on the under parts and at the end of the tail. Length, 18 to
24 inches ; wing, 8 to 10 ; tail, 7 to 8 ; extent of wings, about 30.*

The eggs of the Dusky Grouse, though shaped much like those of the
Canada Grouse, are rather more elongate, and, of course, much larger.
Two specimens measure, respectively, 2.05 by 1.45, and 2.00 by 1.50, ex-
hibiting the usual range of variation in shape. They are paler and more
creamy in ground-color than those of T. canadensis usually are, and are
finely speckled all over with chocolate-brown. In most specimens these
markings are mere dots everywhere 5 a pattern that sometimes yields to

* Specimens from Sitka and corresponding regions, wath the slate-bar on the tail, as
in true ohscurus, are very noticeably darker than even var. richardsoni ; and the female
is peculiar in the prevalence of rich rusty and chestnut-brown markiughj, mixed with
black, comparing with the fenuile of the other varieties much as Bonasa var. sahinei
compares with the other forms of the Ruffed Grouse, and being apparently equally enti-
tled to varietal distinction by name.

Mr. Ridgway has lately described this form as a different variety, as follows :

Tetrao ohscurus, Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 219.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst.

iv, 1864, 122 (British Columbia).— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287

(Alaska).— Fixscii, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 61 (Alaska).
Canace ohscurus x-M:fuHginosus, Ridgw.— B. B. &, R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 425 (Oregon to

Sitka).
I have carfii'.ly examined this form, and find it quite as worthy of recoguitiou as the
other varieties of this genus.

TETRAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE. 397

larger spots, though scarcely to such bold splashes as are frequently
seeu in the eggs of canadensis. The rauge of variation is like that seen
in Pedioecetes, but is pushed to wider limits.

A set of eight eggs of var. richardsoni taken by Mr. Trook, June 23,
18G0, on Clarke's Fork at the headwaters of the Missouri, are notably
smaller than any examples of true obscurus eggs which have come under
our notice, measuring only about 1.75 by 1.25 ; they are also paler and
more minutely and sparsely dotted. It is not probable, however, that
these distinctions would hold through a large series. The nest which
contained these eggs w^as built on the ground, beneath a wild-cherry
bush.

For an account of the habits of this large and very presentable game
bird T must refer to other authors, having never yet seen it alive. Uur
principal authorities are Drs. Cooper and Suckley, who, apparently, en-
joyed excellent opportunities of observation. The last named writes as
follows in the work above cited :

"This bird, called generally in Oregon the Blue Grouse, and also
known as the Pine Grouse, Dusky Grouse, &c., I met, for the first time,
when our exploring party reached the main chain of the Eocky j\Iount-
ains, where we found it exceedingly abundant, but not more so than in
the Blue Mountains of Oregon, the Cascade Mountains, and in all the tim-
bered country between the last-mentioned range and the Pacific coast.
In the autumn, about November 15, they generally disappear, and it is
rare, indeed, to see a single individual of the species during the interval
between that period and about March 20 of the following year. Con-
cerning the whereabouts of this bird during winter, there are many
opinions among the settlers. Some maintain that the species is migra-
tory, and that they retire to the South, while others say that they repair
to the tops of the highest evergreen trees, where, in the thickest foliage
of the branches, they pass the cold season in a state of semi-torpor,
rarely or never descending until warm weather comes on. As they sub-
sist well on the leaves of the conifer?e, and can always obtain sufficient
water from the snow and rain-drops on the leaves to supply their neces-
sities, I have but little doubt that this latter is the correct account, or
that, if migratory, they are but partially so. 1 saw one bird of this
species on the ground during a fall of snow in January, 1854, near the
Nisqually River, Washington Territory ; and 1 have been told that a man,
near Olympia, whose eye-sight is excellent, is able any day during winter
to obtain several birds by searching carefully for them in the tops of the
tallest and most thickly-leaved firs. This requires eye-sight of much
greater power than most men possess. Even in the summer, when these
birds are generally lower in the trees, it is very difficult to find them
among the dense branches. They have, in addition to their sombre hues,
the advantiige of their habit of crowding very closely to the limbs, and
of sitting almost immovably for hours.

"The first indication in the spring of their arrival ■? or activity? is
the courting-call of the maU^ This is a prolonged noise, sounding much
like the wfiirr of a rattan-cane whirli'd rapidly through the air. It is
repeated quickly several times, and then stoi)s abruptly for a brief inter-
val. This noise is said to be ])ro(luced by infiating and contracting a
sac on each side of the throat, wliicli is for the most part concealed when
collapsed, and is covered with an orange-yellow, thick, corrugated, un-
feathered skin. These birds, at Fort Steilacoom, are very abundant
throughout the spring and early summer. They are there mostly con-
fined to the forests of lir-tret's '{Ahics doi{gl((.siij. Lat(^ in the season,
after hatching, they may be found generally at midday on the ground

398 - TETRAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE.

iu search of berries, seeds, &c. When alarmed, they almost invnriably
seek safety in the dense foliage of the trees, instinctively appearing to
understand the advantage of thus hiding. In the antumn tliey are more
generally found on the ground feeding on sallal and other berries. One
day, in October, 185G, 1 saw on the Nisqnally plains, among fern and
grass, five of these birds, fall grown and in excellent order. A man
killed the whole five, one by one, with a double-barreled gun, without
an attempt being made by a single individual to tly. This Gronse is a
very fine table bird ; the little dash of pine taste its flesh possesses oidy
adding to its game flavor. I have known males, in June, weighing three
and a half pounds, although they rarely exceed two and three fourths
pounds. By August 1st the young are generally half grown. They are
then easily killed on the wing, and are excellent for the table."

In the same work Dr. Cooper remarks that the Blue Grouse is com-
mon in most of the forests of the Territory, though less so near the
coast, and continues: "As it rarely appears on the open prairie, it
is difficult to find, if, as usual, it alights on a tree. So perfectly mo-
tionless does it sit, that though one may be looking straight at it, he
will ])robably mistake it for a knot or a bunch of leaves. * * * *
During May near the coast, and until August iu the mountains, the low
tooting of this Grouse is heard everywhere, sounding something like the
cooing of a Pigeon, and in the same deep tone as the drumming of a
Euffed Grouse. It has the power of ventriloquism, so that while the
bird may be sitting iu a tree overhead, the sound seems to come from
])laces quite distant. I have not seen the nest or eggs, but in June
flocks of half-grown young are murdered by the Indians near Paget
Sound. In winter they are so rarely seen west of the mountains, that
the people think they must keep entirely in the trees. In October, 1853,
I saw, however, a flock running through the snow, near the Spokane
plains, and one of them was shot; but I have never seen them since
then in the winter."

The same writer has some additional remarks in his later work on the
Birds of California: "This fine game bird is common in Oregon and
Northern California, extending in the Coast Eange nearly to San Fran-
cisco Bay, and in the Sierra Nevada to about latitude 38°. They are
brought to market in winter from the mountains near Napa, and are
said to come down at times into the valleys, but have never been met
with in California south of San Francisco. In the Sierra Nevada, lati-
tude 39°, I found them rather scarce, and in Sei)tember onlj^ above an
elevation of 6,000 feet, but was informed that they went much lower
down in winter, probably about as far as the snows fall, or to about
2,000 feet, in that latitude. I think their range is more dependent on
the prevalence of spruce and other dense coniferous forests than on the
climate, as it is much milder near Napa than at that elevation in the
Sierra Nevada, and toward the north they frequent valleys. I have seen
them near the Columbia Kiver at all seasons, usually inhabiting the
dense forests. They, however, come out on the borders of prairies and
openings when not molested, especially in the early morning. * * * *
Their food consists of various berries, nuts, and seeds, besides grain
around farms. * * * * lu winter they live much on the buds of
trees, even those of the coniferai."

Quotation of Dr. Newberry's notice will add to the interest of the
present article: "The Dusky Grouse, among American species, is only
second in size to the ' Sage Hen' ( T. urophaslamts). The cock is decidedly
the handsomest of all American Grouse, and the flesh is white, and
equal to that of the Eufled Grouse or the American Partridge. This

TETRAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE. 399

bird inhabits the evergreen forests exclusively, and is found not un-
commonly in tbe Sierra Nevada of California, and in the wooded dis-
tricts of the country lying between the Sacramento Valley and the
Columbia. In the Cascade Mountains we found it associated with the
Rufled Grouse, which it resembles in habit more than any other spe-
cies. When on the ground they lie very close, flying up from your feet
as you approach them, and when flushed always take to a tree; while
sitting on a tree, you may fire as many times as is necessary to hit the
bird before you can dislodge it. In the spring the male, seated motion-
less on a branch of i)ine or fir where it issues from the trunk, makes a
boomiug call, which, by a remarkable ventriloquial power, serves rather
to mislead than direct the sportsman, and, unless ex[)erienced in shoot-
ing this kind of Grouse, he will be likely to spend much time, with
nothing to show for it, in a vain search for the bird."

The habits of this species in Colorado may be elucidated by an extract
from Mr. Trippe's manuscripts :

"The 'Gray Grouse,' as this species is universally called, is a rather
common bird throughout the mountains, from the foot-hills up to timber-
line, and, during summer, wanders at times above the woods as high as
the summit of the range. Excepting for a brief period in August and
September, it rarely approaches the vicinity of clearings, frequenting
the dense pine forests, and showing a preference for the tops of rocky
and inaccessible mountains. In its nature, in short, it is the exact
counterpart of the Euffed Grouse, having the same roving, restless dis-
l)Osition; living upon the same diet of buds and berries; frequenting
the same rugged, craggy mountain haunts; and, like that bird, is more
or less solitary in its habits, and constantly moving from place to place
on foot. Its food consists principally of the leaves and berries of vari-
ous species oH UricacecCj which abound in all its haunts. It is also very
fond of grasshoppers and all kinds of insects, and, while the snow lies
deei) upon the ground, lives for the most part ui)on the buds and tender
leaves of the pines. When the grain is cut in the valleys, the Grouse
are frequently to be found, in the stubble-fields and adjacent coverts, in
small flocks of from three or four up to eight or ten. They are tben so
tame as to be easily approached and killed, but later in the season be-
come somewhat wilder, though never very shy. They never gather in
large flocks, like the Tinnated and Sharp-tailed Grouse, more than a
single family being rarely found together. The broods separate as soon
as they are well grown, and, from the middle or close of autumn until
the succeeding ])airing season, the Gray (irousci is usually found alone.
On being suddenly startled, tliis bird takes wing with great rapidity,
sometimes utteiing a loud cackling note, very much like that of the
Prairie Hen on similar occasions, fre(juently alighting on the lower limb
of a tree after flying a little way, and watching the intruder with out-
stretched neck. Sometimes they will fly ui> to the top of a tall i)ine
and renuiin hidden in the thick toliage for a long tin)e; nor will they
move or betray their i»osition, although sticks and stones are thrown
into the tree, or even a shot fired. Late in summer many of them ascend
to the ui)i)er woods to feed upon the nuUtitudes of grasshoppers that
swarm thcr*^ in August and September, in the pursuit ol" which they
wander abo\e timber-line, and may sometimes be met in great nund)ers
among the copses of willows aiul Juniper that lie above the forests.

''Tlie flight of the Giay Grouse is rapid and powerful. Its llesh is
white and teiuler, reseml)ling that ot the Iv'ulVed Grouse. In all re-
spects it seems to fill the same place in the nuiuntaiu fauna of Colora»lo
that is occupied by the latter bird among the mountains of New Eu-

400

CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK.

gland nnd tlio Middle States. Although Allen gives the Euffed Grouse
as an inhabitant of the 'mountains of Colorado,' the most diligent
search failed to discover a trace of it; while all the hunters and trap-
pers with whom I have conversed assured me that it is never found there
at all."

TETRAO OBSCURUS var. RICHARDSONI, (Dougl.) Coues.
Richardson's, or Black-tailed Grouse.

Tetrao richardsom, Dougl., Trans. Linu. Soc. xvi, 141. — Wils., Zool. lUust. pis. 30, 31.—

Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 122.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. v, 1867, 86.—

Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 528.
Dench-agapus richards ni, Elliot, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, 23 ; Monog. Tctr. pi. — .
Tetrao obscurus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 344, pis. 59, GO, evidently this form. (Also

of Jitduhon and Baud, partly. Not oi Say.)
Tetrao obscurus var. richardsoni, Coues, Key, 1872, 233. — Mkrr., Rep. Geol. Surv. Ter.

1872, 698.
Canace obscurus var. richardsoni, B. B. & R., Ni A. B. iii, 1874, 427, pi. 59, f. 4.

Hab. — " Central Rocky Mountains, from South Pass, and northward to Fort Liard,
H.B.T." (Cooper.)

List of specimens.

19168
19169

W. side R. Mts.

do

Yellowstone R .

June 5, 1860
May 31, 1860
July 23, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

do

G.H. Trook..

19.00
19.25
22.50

28.50
27.00
31.50

9.25

Late Expeditions. — 62216-22, T6ton Canon and North Fork, Idaho.

In this slight variety of the common Dusky Grouse the general colors
are darker, and the terminal slate bar on the tail is reduced to a mini-
mum, or wanting altogether. It is clearly the form described and
figured by Swainson and Richardson, as above, who speak of it as in-
habiting the Rocky Mountains from lat. 40° to lat. G7°, and perhaps still
further, and refer it to the true T. ohscnrus of Say. These authors men-
tion one of Mr. Douglas' specimens, in the Edinburgh Museum, as being
younger, but " evidently the same species." Audubon made no distinc-
tion of the two varieties; Baird cites '^ richardsoni" as synonymous,
but noted the above characters of certain specimens. As Dr. Cooper
has remarked, the apparent distribution of the variety is peculiar, it
being embraced to the East, West, and South, by that of the ordinary T.
obscurus.

CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, (Bp.) Sw.

Sage Cock; Cock of the Plains.

Tetrao tiropJiasiamis, Bp., Zool. Journ. iii, 1828, 214 ; App. Svn. U. S. Birds in Ann. Lye.
N. Y. p. 442 ; Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. iii, 1830, 390 ; Am. Orn. iii, 1830, 212, pi. 21,
fig. 2.— Doug., Trans. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, 133, sp. 1.— Wils., Zool. Illust. 1831,
pis. 26, 27.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 666.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 503, pi. 371;
Syn. 1839, 205 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 106, pi. 297.— Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 319.—
Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 95.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 431.

Tetrao (Centroccrcns) urophaslanus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 358, pi. 58.

Cenirocercus %iroj?hasianus, Jard., Nat. Lib. Birds, 140, pi. 17. — Bd., N. N. A. 1858, 624. —
Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wash. Ter. 1860, 222.— IIayd., Rep. 1862, 172.— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 94 (Mojave River, Cal., latitude about 35").— Coop., B,
Cal. i, 1870, 536.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Holdex-Aiken, Pr.
Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 209.— Snow, B. Kans. 1H72, No. 164 (Western Kansas).—
Coues, Key, 1872, 233.— Merr., Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 699.— B. B. &
R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 429, pi. 60, f. 2, 4.

Cocic of the Flains, Lewis & Clarke, ii, 180, sp. 2.

CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK.

401

Hal).— Sage plains of the "West. East to Western Kansas. South to about 35°. West
and north as far as suitable surface extends. Scarcely tc be found on the Missouri.

List of specimens.

19134

19135

19136

19137

19138

49139

19140

19141

19142

19143

19144

19145

19146

19147

19148.

19149

191.50

19151

19152

19153

19154

191.55

19156

19157

175
215

266
217

Powder River. .

Oct. 7, 1859
Dec. 29, 1859
Jan. 12, 1860
Jan. 6, 1860

G.H. Trook-.

do

F.V.Hayden.

do

. . . do .

21.00
22.00
28.50
31.90

35.00
35.00
42.00
41.50

10.50
10.00
12.00
12.50

Deer Creek

Platte Valley..

Deer Creek

do

'>"

do-. .

^

Jan. 5, 1860
Dec. 15, 1859

do

do

do .

42.25
21.75
23.00
31.50

40..50
33.00
34.00
44.50

12.50

10.50

9.75

14.00

205
212
218
150
221
159
286
198
151
219
148
287
213
161
172
152
154
196

do

do

do

do

Jan. 6, 1860
Nov. — , 18.59
Dec. 29, 1859
Nov.— 1859
Apr. 14, 1860
Sept. 5, 1859
Oct. 29, 1859
Jan. 7, 1860
Oct. 27, 1859

do

do

do

do

do

Tullock's Cr. -.

Cheyenne Riv. .

Deer Creek

Cheyenne Riv. .

Deer Creek.. ..
do

Platte River...

5
2

do

F.V.Hayden.

G.H. Trook..
do

F.V.Hayden.

do'

do

J. Stevenson .

F.V.Hayden.

G.H. Trook..

22.50

35.00

10.00

31.00
20.00
29.50
23.00

40.00
33.50
41.50
38.00
42.00

12.00
10.50

11.00
13.00

Jan. 12, 1860
Oct. 11, 1859

29.40
30.00

39.00
43.00

11.50
14.50

Ton ojne River. .
Clear Fork ....
E. F.Tongue R-

9

Sept. 16, 1859
Sept. 17, 1859
Sept. 16, 1859

G.H. Trook..
F.V.Hayden.
G. H. Trook. .

24.00
22.00
20.00

36.50
34.00
33.50

11.50
12.00
10.50

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — No. 5419, fifty miles up the Yellowstone; 8921, 8923,
Cheyenne River.

Later Expeditions.— 604G2, Le Bontd Creek; 60826-32, Wyoming; 61096-9, Henry's
Fork ; 6222:5-5, North Fork and Henry's Lake, Idaho.

The above extensive suite of specimens illustrates this species under
the various conditions of age, sex, and season, from the downy young
to the largest cocks. The measurements given show the variation in
size among adult birds. Some old cocks are of great size — the birds
apparently growing, in some instances, after they have attained normal
dimensions. The lemale, as usual, is smaller than the male, averaging
about one-third less. There is no occasion to describe the bird minutely
in the present connection; its great size and various peculiar features
will prevent mistake respecting it. The full grown cocks average about
2^ feet in length ; the hens rather under 2 feet. The tail equals, or
rather exceeds, the wing in length, and consists of twenty very narrow
acuminate feathers, stilfened and graduated in length from the middle
pair outward. A more remarkable feature of the cock is the immen.se
dilatable air-sac of naked yellow skin on each side of the neck, bordered
by a patch of curiously stiffened, horny feathers, like fish-scales, olten
terminating in bristly lilaments several inches long. The feet are feath-
ered to the toes, as in most of our other Grouse. The most noticeable
color-mark is a broad black area on the under i)arts of the adult,
less e-\tcnsive in the lemale; it contrasts with the white of the breast.
The upper parts are varied with gray, black, brown, and tawny or
whitish. The cocks w»'igh from three to six pounds, according to age
and (-•oiidition ; the hens are correspondingly nnn-h lighter.

The history of this species is generally dated from the account by
Lewis and Clarke, of a "Cock of the IMains" which they fouyd in the
Rocky ."Mountains, about the headwaters of th(> .Alis.souri, and afterward
more almndantly on tlie i)Iains of the Columbia. The lirst teclmiciil de-
scription of the .species was that of I>onai)arte, who, under the name of
Tctrao urvphdtdaiiUN, noticed in various periodicals, and ligured in his
I'd

402 CENTROCERCUS TTROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK

American Oriiitliology, a specimen in tlie Leadbeater colle(;tion. " The
Prince snpposed this to be a female, and, comparing it with the same
sex of the European Cock of the Woods {Tetrao urotjaJlus), proclaimed
it to be as large as the latter, which, however, is not the case. Judging
from the assigned dimensions of 28 to 30 inches in length, his bird was
a cock, although he does not notice the tympanum or modified scaly
leathers of the neck, these, iierhaps, not being evident in his immature
specimen. In 1831 Swainson framed for the species the subgenus Ce7i-
trocen-u.s, and gave a characteristic figure. The bird being abundant,
and of very marked features, it soon became generally well known, and
is noticed by nearly all writers who have visited the regions it inhabits.

Not the least interesting fact in the natural history of the Sage Cock
is its strict confinement to a region of peculiar character. Its dispersion
over our western interior seems to be co-extensive with the treeless,
arid, and almost desert regions where grow the various species of Arte-
misia or wild sage, upon which it chietly feeds, and from which it derives
its name. The largest by far of the gallinaceous birds of this country,
excepting the Turkey alone, and one offering attractions to the sports-
man, it is, nevertheless, of the least consequence of all from an econo-
mic point of view, since the nature of its harsh and bitter food renders
its flesh little acceptable — indeed unpalatable under ordinary circum-
stances.

As far up the Missouri as I have been (to the vicinity of Fort Steven-
son, 150 miles below the mouth of the Yellowstone), I have failed to
note any indication of the bird's presence; while it certainly does not
occur to the northward anywhere east of longitude 103°. It is stated
to be common on the plains of Western Kansas and jSTebraska, as it
doubtless is also in southwestern portions of Dakota, and thence west-
ward, in suitable districts, to California and Oregon, east of the Sierra
Nevada and Cascade Kanges. As above indicated, the point of ascer-
tained southernmost range is the IMojave Eiver, a specimen killed there
having been seen by Dr. Cooper, who also found what he considered to
be addditional evidence of its occurrence. I do not know the line of
northward extension, and it is, apparently, not yet ascertained ; it will
probably be found to run, at some points at least, near the present
boundary of the United States, along the -lOth parallel. Sir John liich-
ardson gives nothing to the point on this score ; and the only indications
I have met with are those given by Drs. Cooper and Suckley. The for-
mer mentions the Spokane plains, in Washington Territory, as a locality
north of which none were seen, "the country being, apparently, too
woody for them. On those ]>lains they were common, for though level,
the surface is dry, sterile, and elevated near 1,000 feet above the sea."
Dr. Suckley writes that they are found "on the sage barrens of the Ya-
kima and Simcoe Valleys, in Washiugton Territory, about latitude 40°
and 47° north." He also speaks of shooting it on the Mdk liiver, Mon-
tana, about 200 miles west of Fort Union, the most northeastern point
at present on record to my knowledge. The same gentleman refers to
their food in the following terms :

"I have dissected these Grouse in situations where there was abun-
dance of grass seeds, wild grain, grasshoppers, and other kinds of food
that a i)erson would imagine would be readily eaten by them, yet I have
failed to obtain a single particle of any other food in their full stomachs
than the leaves of the artemisia. This food must be either highly pre-
ferred, or else be essential to their existence. They seem to have the
faculty of doing for a long time without water, as I have found them
habitually in dry desert situations, during severe droughts, a long dis-

CENTROCEECUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK. 403

tanee from water. The flesh of this bird is rather strong- and bitter,
from the nature of its food, aud it quickly decomposes after death."

Dr. Suckley's account of the diet of these birds is, however, too ex-
clusive. They certainly eat various insects, especially grasshoppers, and
an indiscriminate variety of vegetable substances. Mr. Eidgway iu-
for?ns me of an interesting fact : that the gizzard of the Sage Cock is a
slightly muscular membranous bag, quite different from the strong,
dense '' grist-mill" of ordinary GaUincc. The point has been recorded in
the following terms :

"A peculiarity of this species, which I have not seen noticed, is that
its stomach, instead of being hard and very muscular as in other Galli-
nacea, is soft and membraneous, like that of the birds of prey. This
was first tokl me by hunters in Nevada, and I afterward satislied myself
of the truth of their statement that the Sage Hen "has no gizzard,"
by dissecting a sufficient number of individuals. This bird is never
known to eat gTaiu, but subsists almost entirely upon green leaves of
artemisia and on grasshoppers." — [Am. Nat. viii, 1874.)

The same feature is also noticed by a late writer in Forest and Stream,
in the following article, which I reproduce, somewhat abbreviated :

"A measurement of the picture gives length of bill and head 3 inches,
neck 7, body 14, and tail 10 inches ; total, 34 inches. Its actual weight
in feather was seven pounds, and it was a fair specimen of a full-grown
male bird, the female being about two pounds less. The attitude is
characteristic, half crouching as it steals off when alarmed. The color
is also true to life, black and brown, mottled with white, except the
breast, where white predominates. You will perceive, also, that the legs
are slightly feathered. A remarkable feature of the bird is, that it has
no gizzard ; and in hundreds examined, no seeds, grain, or insects were
ever found in the craM", or rather paunch, which is very large. This lack
of a gizzard indicates it to be a browser, aud not a grain eater. Its food
is principally the artemisia or wild sage, though indications of the leaves
and buds of the grease-wood and various grasses were sometimes found.
1 have never met with it where the wild sage did not abound.

"I notice that some of your corresi)ondents state that it is scarcely
eatable on account of the bitter taste caused by the artemisia. Here is
the remedy : Immediately after killing, draw the bird, thoroughly re-
moving the intestines and their contents, but all other dressing can be
delayed till camp is reached. Treated in this manner it has no disa-
greeable taste. This is what we should expect, when it is recollected
that in all animals the peculiarities of food pass off by secretions
through the natural channels. The milk and butter of a cow feeding
upon wild garlic, cabbage, rag-weed, »S:c., will be tainted with their pe-
culiar qualities, but the flesh is not. So when the bird is dead the oi)era-
tions of the body cease, absorption commences, and the contents of the
intestines begin to aflect the liesh. The power of life to resist absorp-
tion and decay are as wonderful as mysterious. A live tish iu salt water
continues fresh. The rubbing of salt upon a live hog's back would
hardly cure the meat, but when slaughtered, it takes up the salt through
skin and flesh alike. But perhaps too much upon this familiar principle,
unless it serves to redeem this magnificent bii<l from its unluckv reputa-
tion. The flesh is quite dark and rather dry, but when the l)iril is about
two-thirds grown, with the bitter taste i)revented in the manner I have
described, it is not easy for a hungry man to tind fault with it, esi»ecially
iu canq>. I notice also that a corrcspoiuleut says that it does not lie well
before a dog; I have not Ibund it so under favorable circumstances.
When there is reasonable cover, its conduct in that respect is better

404 CENTEOCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK.

than that of tlie Pinuatcd Grouse. But the peculiarities of its habitat
do not give the dog a fair chance to work, or do himself or the game
justice. The artemisia grows only upon barren prairies, from 4,000 to
10,000 feet above the level of the ocean, where the soil is composed of
dry sand, alkaline clay, granite rocks, &c., with little other vegetation
but stunted shrubs, cactus, and an occasional clump of wild grass, where
rains rarely occur, and there is little moisture in the air or upon the
ground. It is a tough, sprawling, crooked evergreen, or rather ever-
gray shrub, from six inches to six feet high, partly deciduous in appear-
ance, much like the garden sage, and when thick, very difficult for man,
horse or dog, to get through.

"The Sage Cock is a good skulker and runner, and not easily flushed
if it can hide. It gets up heavily, like the Wild Turkey, laboring hard
with the wings until a proper height is reached and speed is obtained,
when it sails rapidly away, and, if alarmed, often goes from half a mile
to a mile before dropping.

"The i)acks are smaller than any other variety of Grouse, rarely ex-
ceeding ten. They never alight upon trees, and, indeed, I have never
seen them among timber. They are rarely found east of Fort Laramie
or of the range of Black Hills, which constitutes the first step or shelf
of the Kocky Mouutains going west. The mouutain deserts constitute
their home. I have met them in the Laramie plains, on the upper
waters of the North Platte, on Sweetwater Eiver, on the headwaters of
Green River (the Colorado of the West), on Lewis' Fork of the Colum-
bia, and on Wind Eiver, but nowhere so numerous as on the latter stream
and its tributaries, where scores would be often seen in a mile's ride.

"The Sage Cock is also said to be common north nearly or quite to
the British line, and west to California, but in these observations I have
confined myself to the sections I have personally visited. It would be
safe to presume that they would be found wherever there was a barren
prairie stocked with artemisia.

"I have heard it said that the Sage Cock migrates, but this is not so,
as I have seen them at all seasons of the year on the same ground. In
this respect their habits are the same as other varieties of Grouse, never
moving far from the spot where hatched, unless compelled to do so.
The idea no doubt arises from the fact that they are rarely seen moving
iu the severe weather and terrible storms of this region, their habit
being to lie close in ravines and hollows, and dense thickets of artemisia,
where they can have food and shelter."

Dr. Newberry's account, which I extract almost entire as no less
interesting to the si)ortsman than to the naturalist, will bring this great
"Bustard" vividly to mind:

"Coming into camp at evening, I had been attracted by a white
chalk-like blulf, some two miles to the right of our trail, which I visited
and examined. Near it was a warm spring, which came out of the hill-
^side, and, spreading over the prairie, kept a few acres green and fresh,
strongly contrasting with the universal brown of the landscape. In
this little oasis I found some, to me, new flowers, many reptiles, and a
considerable number of Sharp-tailed Grouse, of which I killed several,
the whole presenting attractions sufliciently strong — as we were to re-
main iu camp one day — to take me over there next morning. I had
filled my plant-case with flowers, had obtained frogs, and snakes, and
chalky infusorial earth enough to load down the boy who accompanied
me, and had enjoyed a fine morning's sport, dropping as uniny Grouse
on the prairies as we could conveniently carry. Following up the little
stream toward the spring on the hill-side, a dry, treeless surface, with

CENTROCEECUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK. 405

patches of 'sage brush" [Artemisia tridentata), I was suddenly startled
by a great flutter and rush, and a dark bird, that appeared to me as
large as a Turkey, rose from the ground near me, and, uttering a hoarse
hek hel; flew off with an irregular, but remarkably wellsustaiued, course.

"I was just then stooping to drink from the little stream, and quite
unprepared for game of any kind, least of all for such a bird, evidently
a Grouse, but so big and black, so far exceeding all reasonable dimen-
sions, that I did not think of shooting him, but stood with open eyes,
and, doubtless, open mouth, eagerly watching his flight to mark him
down. But stop he did not — so long as I could see him, now flapping,
now sailing, he kept on his course till he disappeared behind a hill a
mile away.

" I was, of course, greatly chagrined by his escape, but knowing tliat,
given one Grouse, it is usually not difficult to find another, 1 commenced
looking about for the mate of the one I had lost. My search was not
a long one; almost immediately she rose from under a sage brush with
a noise like a whirl-wind, not to fly a mile before stopping to look
around, as the cock had done, but, by a fortunate shot, falling helpless
to the ground. No deer-stalker ever felt more triumphant enthusiasm
while standing over the prostrate body of a buck, or fisherman when
the silvery sides of a salmon sparkled in his landing-net, than I felt as
I picked up this great, and to me unknown, bird. 1 afterward ranged
the hill-sides for liours, with more or less success, waging a war on these
birds, which I found to be quite abundant, but very strong-winged and
diificult to kill. I repeatedly flushed them not ten yards from me, and,
as they rose, poured my whole charge, rigbt and left, into them, knock-
ing out feathers, perhaps, but not killing the bird, which, in defiance of
ali my hopes and expectations, would carry oti" my shot to such a dis-
tance that I would not follow him, even did I know he would never rise
again. Here, as elsewhere, 1 found these birds confined to the vicinity
of the ' sage bushes,' from under which they usually spring.

" A few days later, on the shores of Wright and Rhett Lakes, we
found them very abundant, and killed all we cared to. A very fine
male which I killed there was passed by nearly the whole party, within
thirty feet, in open ground. 1 noticed him as soon, i)erhaps, as he saw
us, and waited to watch his movements. As the train approached he
sank down on the ground, depressing his h(\id, and lying as motionless
as a stick or root, whicli he greatly resembled. After the party had
passed I moved toward him, when he depressed his head till it rested,
on the ground, and evidently made himself as small as possible. He
did not move till I had approached within fifteen feet of him, when he
arose, and I shot him. He was in line plumage, and Aveighed over five
pounds. We continued to meet with the Sage Hen, whenever we crossed
sage ]»lains, till we reached the Columbia.

''To the westward of the Cascade Kange this bird probably does not
exis*^, as all its habits and prelerences seem to fit it for the occupancy
of the sterile and anhydious region of the central desert. Its llesh i.*
dark and, i)articularly in old birds, highly llavored with worm-wood,
wliicli, to most persons, is no proof of exct'llenee. The young bird, il
l)arboil«'d and stewed, is very good ; but, as a whole, tliis is inferior foi
the tabli^ to any other s])eeies of American Grouse."

In tlie. paper al)ove cited, iNIr. lloicU'ii remarks a habit of this GroUvSe
probably known to lew. " They roost in circles on the ground," ho says;
''I hiive seen a patch of ground, fifteen I'eet in di:imetev, coin]»letely
coxcred with their excrement. 1 tliiiik tlu\v resort to the same place
many niglits in succession, unless disturbeil.'''

406 CENTEOCERCUS UEOPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK.

Some of those babits of the Sage Cock which are peculiar to the pair-
ing season were described by one of the earlier writers, doubtless with
substantial accuracy, and are quoted in the Fauna Boreali-Americana.
"They pair in March and April. Suiall eminences on the banks of
streams are the places usually selected for celebrating the weddings,
the time generally about sunrise. The wings of the male are lowered,
buzzing on the ground; the tail, spivad like a fan, somewhat erect; the
bare, yellow oesophagus inflated to a prodigious size — fully half as large
as his body, and, from its soft, membranous substance, being well con-
tra st<Ml with the scale-like feathers below it on the breast, and the tlexi-
ble, silky feathers ou the neck, which on these occasions stand erect.
In this grotesque form he displays, in the presence of his intended mate,
a variety of attitudes. His love-song is a confused, prating, but not
otfeusively disagreeable, tone — something that we can imitate, but have
difMculty iu expressing — hnrr-Jmrr-hurr-r-r r-lioo, ending in a deep,
hollow tone, not uulike the sound produced by blowing into a large
reed."

Even those who are familiar with the appearance of the "drums" of
the common Pinnated Grouse when fully inflated, may fail, without
actual ins])ection, to form a fair idea of the enormous yellow air-sacs of
the Sage Cock in their condition of greatest distension. Instead of
being regularly hemispherical, like half a small orange, they are im-
meuse, bulging masses of irregular contour, seeming to meet in front,
and singularly distorting the figure of the bird — surmounted with a
Iringe of filaments depending from the mass of erect white feathers, and
ending below iu a solid set of white scaly plumes. Perhaps no bird of
our country presents a more remarkable asjjcct than the Sage Cock
under the circumstances just noted ; while at all times his presence and
bearing are sufficiently striking. The mode of flight is most like that
of the Shari>-tailed Grouse — indeed, what resemblances the Sage Cock
bears to any other of our birds, are closest, in all respects, with this
si)ecies. There is the same complete spread of the wing, when the ends
of the outer quills show spaces between them — the same heavy yet
swift and steady course, accomplished with an alternation of a few en-
ergetic strokes, and a period of sailing with stitfly motionless wings,
until the impulse is spent. A point in which the Sage Grouse differs
Irom the Sharp-tailed, if not also from every other one of our Grouse, is
that it never takes to the trees, its exclusively terrestrial habits being,
indeed, a necessity arising in the nature of the country it inhabits.

The egg of the Sage Fowl may be recognized at a glance by its size
and elongated shape ; it is comparatively narrower and more pointed
than that of any other Grouse of this country, and our specimens,
selected from a great number in the Smithsonian collection, measure,
respectively, 2.25 by 1.50; 2.10 by l.GO; 2.10 by 1.50; 2.05 by 1.50. The
sbell first forms pale grayisli-wliite, with a faint greenish shade, and
subsequently becomes a grayish or greenish-drab by acquiring more or
less of a brown tint ; this is spotted with chocolate-brown, mostly iu
si^ecks and minute dots, pretty evenly and rather thickly distributed,
sometimes very sparsely so nuirked, and occasionally with larger spots
(size of a split pea) tending to a circular shape, with sharp edges. The
same circuhirity may be observed in the case of the smaller markings.

An interesting law affecting egg-coloration may be deduced from
examination of eggs which, like those of all our Grouse and many other
birds, are colorless, or of uniform color at first, yet variously marked
wheu laid. In such cases, probably without exception, the markings

PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 407

are entirely upon tJie surface, and consequently appear of the same color,
only varying in intensity according to tbe depth of the pigment dei)os-
ited. The shell being entirely formed in an npper i)ortion of the oviduct,
where there are no cells for the elaboration of special i)igments, these
various colorations are never obscured by being overlaid with shell sub-
stance ; whereas in those cases where special coloring matter is early
laid down, during the formation of the shell, we have different sets of
spots, some in the shell, others on its surface, the former being those so
often conventionally described as '-lilac," "lavender," &(;., but being in
reality the various browns and reds, like those of the surface, only over-
laid with the white or whitish calcareous substance.

The young Sage Fowl shows features parallel with those of the young
Sharp-tailed, as might be expected from the afiinity of the two. We
find the same sharp, white shaft lines in various places on the upper
parts, and the same brown speckling of the i)lumage of the breast. We
find, at a very early age, indication of the future black abdominal area
in a dark brown patch on the belly.

PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS var. COLUMBIANUS, (Ord,) Cs.

Southern Sharp-tailed Grouse.

a. pliimanellus proper.

Tefr«oj;/i«.s(fl/K7/«s, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, 10th ed. 1758, \W {T. nrogaUits B., phasiancUus,
of 12th ed. p. i27:^).— FoRST., Phik)s. Tr. Ixii, 1772, pp. 394, 495.— G>t., Syst. Nat.
i, 17ftd, 747.— Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 635. — Sai;., App. Frauk. Jouni. p. 680. —
IJp., Am. Oru. iii, 18'28, 37 ; text of ^ from Arctic America, but not the plate.

Tetrao (Caitroarcus) ijIianiaiuUiis, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 361 (relates chiefly to
the preseut, though iucludius the foilowiug variety).

I'ediocaelea plia.sianellus, Elliot, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1«62, 403 (not of Uuited States ■svrit-
crs).— Mui!., Edinb. Journ. 1859.— Ghat, Cnt. B. Br. Mus. v, 1867, 88.— Dall
& Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 (Yukou).

Pedicccch's 2>hasiamHiis, CouKS, Key, 1872, 234.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 434, pi. 69, f. 3.

Fedioca-fru liciiiiicotfii, SuCK., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, p. 361.

Lnn<i-taiUd (irou.ie ( Urof/aUiis mhwr), Edw., iii, 117.

Shurp-luihd Groime, Pexn., Arct. Zool. ii, 306.

b. cohimbianus.

PhmianuH columhiaims, OrtD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 1815, 317 (based on Columbian

Pheasant of Lewis and Clarke, ii, 180).
PedlocaeU's cohimbianns, Elliot, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 403; Monog. Tetr. pi.— Hold.-

AiKKN, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 208.
Pediceccte-s mlinnhidiiu-s, Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 532.
Pediuvdex ])liaf<i(iii<niis var. cohimbianns, CouKS, Key, 1872, 234. — Ali>kx, Bull. M. C. Z.

iii, 1S72, 181.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 436. )>1. 60, f. 1.
Tetrao ])ha-sianellns, Oiii>, (Jnthviii's Geog. 2d Am. ed. isi.'y, 317 ?—Bp., Syu. 1828, 127;

Am. Oru. iii, 1828, 37, pi. 19 (not description of <^ , which was from Arctic

America).— NiriT., Man. i, 1832, 669.— Ai:i)., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 569, pi. 382;

Svn. 1839, 205; B. Am. v, 1842, 110, pi. 298.— Nkwii., P. R. R. Rep. vi, is.57,

94.— Mamm., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 435.— Thippi.:, Pr. E. Inst. 1871, 118 (.Minnesota).
PcdiocaeteH plianianclluH, lii)., B. N. A. 1858, 626.— Coop. & Si;CK., N. H. "Wa.-^h. Tcr. 1860,

223.— Loi;i>, I'r. Roy. Artv. lust, iv, 1864, 123.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— Tkippic,

Pr. 15ost. Soc. XV, 1872, 240.
Prdinrrtrs plmsiaurUtix, Hayd., IJ.")). lJ-'62, 172.— ]Mi:i:i:., R(>p. U- S. G. S. Ter. 1S72, 609.
Tetruo unijili<tKiancllun, Doi'OL., Tr. Liuu. Soc. xvi, 1S29, 136.

TIah. — Of the northern variety, or trne phafiianclhis, the iiidrior of British Aniorica,
east to liiMlsuu's Bay, north and west to I'oit Yukon, south nearly to the I'uitcd States
boundary, wliere it sli:ide.s into var. colnnihianiin. Tiu- latter inhabits the wrsteru por-
tions of Minin-.sola and Iowa, all of Dakota, thence diagonally across Nebraska
and Kansas toCo!ora<lo, thence iu suitable districts across the country to the Sierra
Xevada and Cascade Ranges.

408

PEDIffiCETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS.

List of specimens.

1917:5
19174
19175
19176
19177
19178

195
225
22:5
224
204
220

Roscbnd Creek.

Deer Creek

do

do

do

do

5
5
9

■9"

Sept. 8, 1861
Jan. 5, 18()0
Jan. 1, 1860
Jan. 7, 1860
Dec. 29, 1H59
Jan. 11, 1860

G.H.Trook..
F.V.Hayden.
do

16.50
17.00

25.50
25.00

9.00
8.00

G. H. Trook .
do

19.00

29.00

9.00

F.V.Hayden.

19.00

29.00

9.50

Lienicnant Warren's Expedition. — 5420, Fort Union ; 5421, 5422, month of Vermilion
Eiver; 5442, 5443, Fort Pierre.

Later Expeditious. — 54326, Wyoming; 60463, Le Boutd Creek; 61792-3, Port Neuf
Eiver, Idaho.

Tlie nomeuclatnre of the Sharp-tailed Grouse became somewhat involved when it
was found necessary to distinguish by name the two geographical races which consti-
tute the species. Prior to 1861 there was supposed to be but a single kind, the Tctrao
phasiaveUus of authors. At that time examinatiou of numerous specimens from Arctic
America, and their comparison with the ordinary bird of the United States, showed the
existence of -two forms of Sharp-tailed Grouse, and the northern variety was published
by Dr. Suckley as a new specie's under the name of I'ediocaetes Tcennicottii. The follow-
ing year, however, Mr. Elliot showed that this northern form was really the one upon
which Linmeus originally based the name of Tetrao pliasianelhts, and that it was the
southern one, therefore, that required to be distinguished by a separate name. He
very properly adopted for the latter the term cohitnbianus, after Ord, whose bird was
the " Colninbiau Pheasant" of Lewis and Clarke, unquestionably our common Sharp-
tailed Grouse. Dr. Suckley and Mr. Elliot, alike right in distinguishing the two varie-
ties, went too far in supposing them to be different species ; for, as stated in the " Key,"
p. 2:54, they are simplj' geographical races shading into each other, as I shall point
ont more particularly in this article. To the northern, British American, form
belongs the name Tetrao plmsianeUus of Linnneus, and of those early writers who drew
their inspiration from him, as well as the Pediocatcs phasianetJits of those late writers
whose notices are based upon the same bird. To the southern form, var. colnmhiaiius,
belongs the name Tetrao j)^Kisiaitcllits, or I'edia'cefes phasianelliis, of those wiiters who
refer to the United States bird. Certain .-xuthors, however, obviously include both
forms in their articles; thus Bonaparte, iji the American Ornithology, describes the
male from Arctic America, and figures the female var. coImnhia)i}(s from the United
States ; while Richardson, whose account relates, of course, chielly to the northern
bird, iiichules the .southern in his statement that the species is found down to latitude
41"^ on the Missouri.

But such bibliographical points, the establishing of which is a i)art
of the drudgery the closet naturalist must perform, have little or no
general interest, and we willingly tnrn to a more inviting aspect of our
subject, the proper natural history of the Sharp-tailed Grouse, While
some descriptions of the colors of the bird have been minute even to
tediousness, no one, as it seems to me, has been sufticientiy explicit in
regard to certain points of structure which can only be satisfactorily
ascertained in examining the freshly-killed bird, or respecting the
changes of plumage. If, as I shall presently show, the egg-shell.^ which ex-
ists but a few days, is very differently colored at different periods of its
existence, what variation may we not expect to find in the coloration of
the bird itself, which lives for several years ? We will begin by noting
those differences which, owing to the operation of climatic influences,
subsist between the average bird of Arctic America and that of the
United States prairies. That these two are not distinct species, but
only geographical varieties of the same species, will be as evident to the
sportsman and amateur naturalist from their points of view as it is to
the technical scientist from his.

The northern variety, or true 2)liasiancllus, is much darker* and more
heavily colored than its southern representative, var. columhianns.

* The Cfigs of this northern form differ from those of the southern in a manner analo-
gous to the difference in plumage, averaging decidedly darker and browner drab, some-
times attaining a chocolate-browu color, and showing greater tendency to spotting.

PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS 409

There is mucb less of the buff, tawny, or brownish-yellow variegation,
so conspicuous in the latter. The general colors might be called brown-
ish-black and white in the former, the markings disposed in a pattern
counuon to both varieties, yet the fulvous of var. coJionbianus assuming
a dark brown cast. In the northern bird the angular dark-markings
on the white groniul of the under parts are almost black, and acutely
arrow-head shaped for the most part; in the southern, these markings
are much lighter brown, and, excepting generally the hinder ones, have
a more rounded outline. In the northern bird the throat is white,
speckled with blackish ; in the southernit is tawny, and nearly or quite
unmarked. Now these are the prominent characteristics, as they obtain
in the more strongly marked examples. But it must be remembered
that they are mixed and obscured in every degree in the complete and
gentle intergradation which obtains between the two varieties, ])roving-
them to be but a single species. Along the United States northern
boundary, and rather to the northward, specimens are more or less per-
fectly intermediate between the two extremes above noted. Thore is,
moreover, in both forms, such a difference between the breeding and
the autumnal plumages (the latter being the lighter), as to further
prove the impossibility of specific distinctions being estal)lishe(l. Birds
that I killed in June and July along the northern border of Dakota,
decidedly approached the dark northern form ; their offspring, shot in
the same locality the following September, when they were full grown,
very clearly pertained to the southern. They were all, indeed, much
lighter than the heaviest colored arctic birds ; but the old ones had the
white and speckled instead of buff" throat, and so had the young ones
through the summer; they only assumed the buff throat, and thus dis-
tinctively showed their relationship with the southern form, after the
September moult. Speaking geographically, as well as zoologically, it
is impossible to assign limits to the two forms. All the United States
specimens I have seen, however, are unquestionably var. colunibifoui.'i ;
and we may as well conventionally fix its limit along our present politi-
cal boundary, although the other variety only attains its special char-
acteristics in all their purity considerably further north.

The northern line of distribution of var. coIumbian^s being thus deter-
mined, we have to note its dispersion in other directions. Its eastern
limit offers interesting considerations of a different character; for in
this direction we find the bird to have been affected, not by cliimitic
intluence modifying its physical characters, but by less obscure agencies
operating to gradually restrict its range. These agencies are directly
consequent u])on the advance of civilization, which, very singularly,
pushes the Shari)-taih'<t CJrouse contiuTially westward, and at the same
time carries along with it the Pinnated Grouse. Tliere is abundant
evidence that the Shari)-tailed once ranged much further east than it
does now ; and .so rai)idly is it being driven westward that a de(;ided
change has been affected within the n)emory of those now living. How
far eastward it umy have once ranged is uncertain. We have in the
earlier accounts some vague and evidently not reliable allusions to the
Sharp-tailed (Irouse as an iidiabitant of \'irginia. This may or may not
have been the case, most probably it was an entire mistake; and yet
there is no ^> priori reason against it. The Shari)-tailed is no more
ex<'lusively a prairiebird than the Biiuiated, which we know once
ranged across the whole country, and lingers to this day in certain
isolated localities in the Middle Stati's and even New l-aigland. Under
later and more authentic dates we find the Shaiptailed (iionse men-
tioned by Audubon, in I808, as ''accidental in the northern parts of

410 PEDIOECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS.

Illiuois." This leads to the inference that not long i)revionsly tbe bird
inhabited all suitable prairie land of Michigan,* Minnesota, and Iowa,
intervening between the point indicated and its present habitat. What
this now is 1 am able to show with accuracy, thanks to the kindness of
several friends, who have noted, in Minnesota, a gradual restriction of
the Sliarp-tailed avA corresponding advance of the Pinnated. My friend,
Surgeon J. ¥. Head, United States Army, writes me that General H. H.
Sibley, a keen sportsman and pretty accurate scientific observer, who
lived at the mouth of the Minnesota River long before St. Paul was
settled, states that formerly the Sharp-tailed Grouse was the prevailing,
if not the only, species there, and that it has been replaced by T. cupido
within his own memory. A paper which Dr. Head prepared in 1853,
gave T. cnpido as the Grouse about Fort Kipley, Minnesota, but he lately
told me that this was a mistake, the bird of that vicinity being then the
Sharp-tailed, and the Pinnated being only just now approaching that
locality. For in September, 1873, the Doctor, with some friends, shot a
young but full-grown solitary T. mpido — " so far as I know," he writes,
"■the first instance of its occurrence in this vicinity. The place was
remote from any cultivated ground ; and within a few minutes several
individuals of the Sharp-tailed Grouse were shot." In another commu-
cation kindly offered me, Dr. Head states further: "The Sharp tailed
Grouse is found in great abundance from the Mississippi to the Eed
River of the North j * * * * the Grouse now inhabiting the region
about St. Paul is the T. cupido — a few of the Sharp-tailed are still
found near White Bear Lake, about twelve miles north of this city.
The dividing line between T. cupido and T. pliasianellus runs probably
not more than fifteen or twenty miles nortli of the Falls of St. Anthony,
bending thence to the southwest, or in the direction of Yankton. T.
cupido appears to replace the other as the wheat-fields advance."

The accuracy of this line determined by Dr. Head is verified by other
observations. Its soutliH'es^ trend is confirmed by Mr. Trippe, as above
cited, who believes that the Sharp-tailed scarcely t comes into Iowa 5
and more particularly by my own observations, between Fort Randall
and Yankton. In this stretch of seventy-five miles along tne Missouri
the normal dividing-line runs somewhere — the two species interdigita-
ting, however, to such an extent that it cannot be precisely fixed. How
many Sharp-tailed, if any, are still found about Yankton, I cannot say;
but there the Pinnated is the prevailing form, and so numerous that I
have known them to be trapped and used instead of tame Pigeons in a
shooting-match. Starting up the river they accompany us part of the
day, till suddenly one of the " White-bellies " whirs up from the road-
side, and we are soon fairly among them. At Fort Randall they are
the prevailing species ; so nearly exclusively, that in the course of my
six months' residence there, I never became aware of the occurrence of
the other, excepting in three instances, although officers and others,
beside myself, did a good deal of shooting. The Cupidones are unques-
tionably creeping up the Missouri, just as the Quail have already done,
although they have not, apparently, as yet progressed quite so far; and
with their advance, the Sharp-tailed are probably receding along this
line as elsewhere. There may be some antagonism, or other incompati-
bility, between the two species; but more probably the different con-
ditions of environment, induced by the settling of the country, are the

* Fort William, ou tlie northern shore of Lake Superior, is among the earlier
localities cited.

tBut I am reliably informed of its occurrence, with Ciqndonia, in northwestern por-
tions of Iowa.

PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 411

main cause of the change — what the Pinnated likes best being not to
tbe taste of the other. Just as the Quail is a " home bird," loving the
stubble -field and hay-rick near the owner's house, so the Pinnated pre-
fers to glean over cultivated fields, while the wilder Sharp-tailed clings
to its native heath. The railroad will take the former along and warn
away the latter.

Proceeding now nearly due south, we fiud the line of distribution
(however it may lead to the right or left, according to the nature of
special locality) gives over the greater portion of Nebraska to this
species, and passes nearly through the middle of Kansas to the vicinity
of Fort Hays, where the bird was found by Mr. Allen. This is the
easternmost point in this latitude that I have ascertained, and may
represeut the southernmost limit of distribution, or nearly so — about
38°. From the line above sketched the species reaches across the
entire country, in suitable regions, to the east side of the Sierra Nevada
of California, and of the continuation of the same range into Oregon
and Washington — the Cascades. It does not, apparently, cross this
range into the valleys on the west side; nor has it been found in
California quite so lar south as in Kansas and Colorado — not quite to
latitude 40°. In fact it has only lately been included in the fauna of
that State. Br. Newberry saw it about fifty miles northeast of Fort
Reading, near Canoe Creek, on the prairie near Pitt Eiver, about the
Klamath Lakes, and in the Des Chutes basin to the Dalles. h\ Wash-
ington Territory Dr. Cooper* says it is found only in the low alluvial
prairies of the streams emptyifig into the Columbia east of the Cascade
Mountains ; but this restriction i)robably requires to be removed. He
mentions an interesting fact in contrast of the present bird and the
Bine. Gronse {Tetrao ohscurus): "They shun high grounds and forests
entirely; and within a distance of half a mile I have seen both these
and the Blue Grouse (which avoids open plains altogether) as I passed
from i)rairie to forest." Dr. Suckley noticed the " exceeding abundance"
of the species from the mouth of the Yellowstone to the Cascades,
wherever there is open country and a sufficiency of food. The bird is
probably nowhere more numerous than in the regions where I have had
opportunity of studying it, namely, in the vicinity of Fort Ifandall on
the Missouri, from October to May ; at Fort Pembina, on the Red River,
in June, and at various points along the Souris or Mouse River, Dakota,
during the rest of the year.

We may begin with the egg, and will take it a little earlier in its
history than usual. High up the oviduct, when the shell first forms, it
is of a uniform pale, dull (jrcen color. The first one I ever saw was of
this descrijjtion ; it was brought to me as having been "cut out of a
Prairie Chicken," which I could scarely credit, though I could not help
l)elieving n^y informant; and as the egg had been boiled, I set it down
to this having somehow changed the (;olor. Soon after, however, I
killed a hen off her nest, and found in her a du])licate of the first
specimen. As the egg i)asses down it acquires a deposit of brown pig-
ment, which, mingled with the green, or overlying it, produces the
eliarai^teristie oli\-e or drab tint of the mature egg. AVhen tliis hrowu
is in less <piantity, a pale, dull drab, nearly uniform, results; when iu
excess, the tint is a darker olive, and in most specimens, further deposit
of brown, not lairly mixed with the original green, i)roduces a minutelj'
dotted egg, the dark brown being picked into the shell, as it were, iu
])oints. These markings are rarely, if ever, aggregate<l into spots of
any consideiable size (any larger than a \)\n's head), and are uniformly
distributed; at least 1 have seen no specimens otherwise marked.

412 PEDKECETES PIIASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS.

During incubation tliey usually acquire a variety of scratches or other
abrasions, in -which the i)ale underlying color appears. The eggs are
shaped like those of the connnon hen (though more pointed, and nearer
a perfect oval), and vary as much, in size and shape, as those of the
same breed of domestic fowl commonly do. They are always quite dif-
ferent from those of the Pinnated Grouse. They measure from l.GO to
1.80 inches in length by 1.20 to 1.30 in breadth, averaging about 1.75
by 1.25. (Thirty specimens measured.) The clutch varies greatly, as
usual in the cases of those birds which lay nuiny eggs. The largest
number I ever found in a nest was thirteen, but I suppose a few more
may sometimes be laid. The fewest I have noticed, after incubation
had commenced, showing that no more would have been laid, was five.
In the latitude of Pembina they are laid late in May and through part
of June* — probably a little earlier farther south.

But we have come to speak of the eggs without reference as yet to
the i)relin:iinaries needful for their production. The Grouse revive from
the stolid and apathetic mood in which they pass the winter early in
the spring — often previous to the severe snow-storms and cold that may
prevail in April in part of the regions they inhabit, and the earliest
indication of their renewed activity is their sexual excitement. I shall
never forget the first tiuie their strange booming fell upon mj^ ear — a
new experience to me, though I had for months been familiar with the
birds under the influence of their winter regime. It was on the 1st of
April, and I think that had the birds awakened sooner, the fact would
not have escaped me. It was in the vicinity of Fort Kaiulall. I was
miles away from the fort or any other human habitation, whither I had
gone into lonely bivouac the night before to make sure of securing some
wild fowl at the break of day. Awakened before it was light by the
sonorous cries of the wild fowl making for the reedy lake w'here I had
encamped, 1 arose — there was no need to dress — pushed oft' into the
expanse of reeds in a light canoe I had brought with me, and with my
gun across my knees, sat quietly waiting for light to come. The sense
of loneliness was oppressive in the stillness that preceded morning,
broken only by the quack or plash of the Wild Duck, and the distant
honking of a train of Wild Geese winnowing their sinuous way afar. I
felt desolate — almost lost — and thought how utterly insignificant man
is in comparison with his self-assertion. The grand bluffs of the Mis-
souri, rising past each other interminably, were before me in shadowy
outline, that seemed to change and threaten to roll upon me; all around
stretched the waste of reeds, secret, treacherous, limitless — unmoved,
yet whispering to the water about their roots with a strange trickling.
But the light came on; the distant hills took shape and settled in firm
gray outline against the sky, and a breatli of fresher, purer air, mes-
senger of morning, passed over the lake, dispelling the vapors that
hung reluctant, and causing the reeds to sway in graceful salute to the
coming sun. A Sjjarrow chirped irom her perch with joy ; a Field Lark
rose from her bed in the grass, tuning her limpid pipe to a song of
gladness; and the wild fowl plashed about right heartily, when the
highest hilltop was touched with gold, and another and another, till
the scene was illumined to the very bosom of the lake. The feathered
orchestra sounds never so impressive as when it ushers in the day;

* Says Dr. Sucklcy : "At Fort Dalk-s, on tbolst of April, 1855, a young bird, scarcely
two days old, was brouffht to me. This early incubation would lead us to suspect that
the species, in favorable situations, has two or more broods during the season." But
this is certainly not the case in any localitj* I have observed the birds — they have all
they can do to get one brood off their hands by the end of the summer.

PEDIffiCETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 413

never so fine and complete as wlien familiar voices sing the higher notes
to the strange deep bass of the Grouse ; heard for the first time, as it
was on this occasion, the effect is indescribable. No one could say
whence the sound proceeded, nor how many birds, if more than one, pro-
duced it; the hollow reverberations filled the air, more like the lessen-
ing echoes of some great instrument far away, than the voice of a bird
at hand. I listened to this grand concert, absorbed in the reflections it
stirred within me, no longer alone, but in company 1 love, till the boom-
ing fell less frequently upon my ear, and then ceased — it was broad
day; the various birds were about their homely avocations, and I must
betake myself to practical concerns.

Thus, in no faltering accents of timid expectancy, but in the bold tone
of assured success, the Grouse calls upon his intended mate to forget
the shyness that will no longer serve their purpose ; nor does the invi-
tation lack defiance to a rival who may presume to dispute his rights.
At the rallying cry the birds assemble, in numbers of both sexes, at
some favorable spot, and a singular scene ensues as the courtship pro-
gresses. There is a regular " walk-around," as ludicrous, to the disin-
terested observer, as some of the performances on the comic stage. The
birds run about in a circle, some to the right, others to the left, crossing
each other's path, passing and repassing in stilted attitudes, stopping
to bow and squat in extravagant postures, and resuming their course,
till one would think their heads as well as their hearts were lost. But
this is simply their way, and they amuse themselves in such fashion till
the aftair is settled. The cocks have bristled and swelled, strutted and
fought, till some have proven their claims to first choice, and others have
concluded to take what they can get. Their subsequent history, I am
sorry to state, is neither particularly creditable to themselves nor of
absorbing interest to us. Leaving them to go about their business in
their usual humdrum way, let us look to what now occupies their mates.

A nest will soon be required for her eggs, and the hen has to select
suitable i)remises, though, being an architect of only the humblest
order, she has little building work to do ; and, moreover, not being
fastidious, her choice is made without difliculty. I have found the nests
in such various locations that I can hardly determine what her prefer-
ence is, if, indeed, she have any. I suppose the site depends much upon
circumstances. She will enter a tract overgrown with the low, scrubby
willow bushes, so abundant in our higher latitudes, and settle beneath
one of these; she will ramble along the edge of a wooded stream and
hide in a patch of tall weeds; she will stroll out on the boundless, bare
prairie, and take a tuft of grass at random. But wherever she makes
down her bed she is solicitous to conceal it, not only irom the rude
glances of men, but from the ecpially cruel eye of her many foui -footed
enemies. Her method of concealment is most artful — perfected by its
Avitlessness. With admirable instinct, she will avoid a place tliat ofiers
such chances of concealment as to invite curious search ; her willow
bush is the <lnpli('ate of a thousand others at hand; her tuft of grass
on the prairie is the counter[)art of a million others around ; her nest
will be found by accident oftener than by design. And when, stooping
over a warm nest on the prairie, whence she lias just lluttered in dis-
may, we note how exposed it seems, now -that it is found; we wonder
how the dozen blades of grass that overarch the eggs, or the rank weed
that shadows them, could have hidden the home so efl'ectually that we
nearly trod upon tlie bird Ix'l'ore we saw her. Slie is now but a few yards
oil', in plain view, amid the scrubby prairie herbage, perhaps s(piat-
ting, but more likely moving away with a swaying motion of the head

414 PEDKECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS.

at eacli step. We will not combine murder Mith the robbery we are
about to commit, and let us hope she will be consoled iu time. Litling
up the e^gs carefully, one by one, we find the nest to be merely a few
spears of grass, pressed down and somewhat circularly arranged with,
in ;t11 ])robability, a few feathers that appear to ha\e rather been me-
chanically detached from the mother bird than laid down by design. If
the place is near our northern border, and early iu June, we shall i)rob-
ably Hnd the eggs quiie fresh ; but by the third week of that month
they will be about hatching. At this period should we, for any sufti-
cient reason, destroy the setting bird, we should find her in sad plight —
her plumage, harsh and worn, entirely gone from a large space on her
belly; her iiesh thin and flabby, and her crop containing only a few-
buds of some weed that grows close by her nest, with some grasshop-
pers or other insects.

No bird is a more faitliful mother than this Grouse; no on*^ clings to
her eggs more steadfastly, or guards her young with more sedulous care.
In proof of how close she will set while incubating, let me mention two
instances that came under my observation. One poor bird was actually
trodden upon and killed, and some of her eggs smashed. On another
occasion, I drove a large four-mule ambulance over a nest; the animals
shied as they stepped over it, when the bird fluttered out from between
their legs. Stopping instantly, I discovered the nest just between the
hinder wheels. The Grouse lies hard and close, never relinquishing
hope of escaping observation until the last moment.

The young, as usual among gallinaceous birds, run about almost as
soon as they are hatched; and it is interesting to witness the watchful
solicitude with which they are cherished by the parent when she first
leads them from the nest in quest of food, glancing in every direction,
in her intense anxiety, list harm befall them. She clucks matronly to
bring them to brood uuder her wings, or to call them together to scram-
ble for a choice morsel of food she has found. Should danger threaten, a
different note alarms them; they scatter iu every direction, running, like
little mice, through the grass till each finds a biding place; meanwhile,
she exposes herself to attract attention, till, satisfied of the safety of the
brood, she whirrs away and awaits the time when she may reassemble
her family. In the region where I observed the birds in June and July,
they almost invariably betook themselves to the dense, resistent under-
brush, which extends for some distance outward from the wooded
streams, seeking safety in this all but impenetrable cover, where it was
nearly impossible to catch the young ones, or even to see them, until
they began to top the bushes in their early short flights. The wing and
tail-feathers sprout iu a few days, and are quite well grown before
feathers appear among the down of the body. The first coveys seen
able to rise on Aving were noticed early in July; but by the middle of this
month most of them fly smartly for short distances, being about as large
as Quails. Others, however, may be observed through August, little, if
any, larger than this, showing a wide range of time of hatching, though
scarcely warranting the inference of two broods iu a season.

Eeturning to the newly-hatched chicks, we will note their character-
istics as they ])rogress toward maturity. The down in which they are
clothed when hatched is rather dingy yellow, mottled on the crown, back,
and wings with warm brown and black; it extends to the toes, but leaves
a bare s'trij) along the hind edge of the tarsus; the bill and feet are light
brown. They are about as large as Bantam chickens of the same age, and
very pretty little things, indeed. They are very quick in their movemeuts,
scrambling to squat and hide, on the least alarm, even at this early age.

PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 415

The first feathers — those of the wings — are light brown, with broken
black bars, and strong shaft-lines of pure white, as well as edging of
the same. The tail sprouts next. Then some brown feathers appear on
the crown. Next, two broad strips of white feathers, with circular
brown spots, appear on each side of the breast, coalescing and gradually
extending down the side ; meanwhile the scapular and dorsal feathers
appear, and the feathering finishes with the neck, when the birds are
about one-third grown. With the final disappearance of the down the
birds are in a plumage which differs materially from that of the adults,
and may be thus described: Crown, warm rich brown, variegated with
black. White shaft-lines of the upper plumage i^ersistent, making
sharp, white, lengthwise stripes, which, together with a black area on
each feather, contrast with the fine gray and brown mottling of the
upper parts. Wing-coverts and inner quills somewhat like the back, on
their outer webs at least, but with whitish spots along the edge. Sev-
eral inner tiul-feathers with a sliaft-line of white, and otherwise mottled
blackish and brown. Lower throat and breast with a buffy suffusion,
and with numberless dark brown spots; sides, similar, but the markings
lengthened into streaks. Bill, brown above, light colored below.

This plumage lasts through the greater part of September, and is one
of several distinctive evidences of immaturity. Sometime during this
month a moult occurs, and the perfect plumage of the fall and winter
is gained with its completion. By the time of the moult the birds are
well grown — sometimes full grown — and delicate for table; but it is
hardly fair to shoot them before the change is completed, i hough they
tly well enough, they lack spirit and vigor, drop at a touch of small shot,
and, altogether, try the qualities of the sportsman little more than gun-
ning in a hen-yard would. They should be let alone till they are
stronger, warier, and clothed in the fresh, crisp plumage they are about
to assume, and which, when completed, makes a bird like this:

Nech without obviously peculiar feathers, like those of either of the
Pinnated or Buffed Grouse or Sage Cock, but with a hidden, definitely
circumscribed space on each side of reddish, vascular, and distensible
skin, constituting an undeveloped tympanum, over which lies a lateral
series of sliglitly enlarged feathers. Head lightly crested, tiie longest
feathers of the crown falling on the occiput; a crescentic naked patch
over each eye of numerous orange or chrome-yellow fringe-like i)ro-
cesses, in several parallel curved rows. Bill and wings of an ordinary
gallinaceous character. Feet full-feathered to between the bases of the
toes, with long, hair like plumage reaching to or beyond the end of the
hind claw. Toes above with one row of broad, transverse scutella, a
row on each side of smaller rounded scales, and a conspicuous fringe of
horny processes; heloic, bossed and scabrous. Tail nnxvAi shorter than
the wings, normally of eighteen true rectrices, of which the central pair
are soft, parallel-edged, and square-tip[)ed, projecting an inch or two
beyond the next pair; the rest rapidly graduated, sliflish, and crisp
(making a creaking sound when rubbed together), and, though at first
about straight-edged, soon becoming club shaped (with a constriction
near the apex) by nuitual attrition, ibexes similar, but cock rather
largei- and (uuker than the hen, with more i)rominent supraciliary
l»ai>illa'. Aryu////, 18 or LM) inches; extent, 1*4 to oO ; wing, S to !>; mid-
dle tail-feathers, A to G; shortest tail-feathers (outermost), about 1^;
tarsi, 2 inches ; middle toe and claw, about the same ; culmon of bill,
al)<)ut 5 ; gai)e of bill, I to 1^ ; depth of bill at base, A, or rather less.
Colors : Upper parts closely and pretty evenly variegated with black-
ish-brown, reddish-brown, and grayish-brown, the pattern smallest ou

•

416 PEDIGECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR COLUMBIANUS.

the rump and lower back, where the blackish is mostly in sharp -angled
stars ; the reddish most conspicuons on the upper back, and both the
lighter colors everywhere finely sprinkled with blackish. Wing-coverts
like the upper back, but with numerous conspicuous rounded white
S])0ts, one on the end of each feather. Crown and back of neck nearly
like the back, but in smaller i)atteru, and the markings mostly trans-
verse. An illy-defined wLiite area on each side of the neck, over the
tymi)anum, and slight, whitish stripe behind the eye. Throat, fine light
bufl", usually immaculate, but sometimes finely speckled quite across.
Under parts white, more or less tiuted with buff toward the throat ; the
breast with numerous regular dark-brown U-shaped spots, one on each
feather; similar but smaller, sharper, and fewer such spots thence scat-
tered over most of the under parts, only the middle of the belly being
left unmarked. Long feathers of the sides under the wings matching
the upper wing-coverts nearly ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pure
white, not marked; flanks with bars or U-spots of dark brown. Legs
grayish-white, unmarked. Quills of the wings fuscous ; outer webs of
the secondaries with equidistant, squarish, white or tawny spots, the
secondaries tipped and imperfectly twice or thriced barred with white,
and gradually becoming sprinkled with the varied colors of the back,
so that the innermost of them are almost precisely like the greater
coverts. Four middle tail-feathers variegated, much like the back ;
others white, or grayish-white, on the inner web, the outer web being
mottled; a few under tail-coverts spotted, the rest white; upper tail-
coverts nearly like the rump. Iris, light brown; bill, dark horn-color;
part of under mandible, flesh-colored ; claws, like the bill ; toes on top,
light horn-color, the soles darker.

As already intimated, this rich plumage of the fall and winter differs
a good deal from that of the breeding season. In summer there is
much less of the rusty tinges, the colors being nearly blackish, gray,
and white. The throat is more nearly white and speckled. I have shot
(September) birds moulting in which the old feathers of the throat were
of this character, mixed with new ones of a rich, pure buff. There are
other characters; the bare stripe over the eye is more conspicuous, more
pimply, and more brightly colored. The legs are very much less heavily
clothed ; in fact, scarcely more feathered than those of the Pinnated
Grouse. The tail of this bird is among its peculiarities, and has occa-
sioned comment. The long central pair of feathers appear to belong to
the coverts, as stated in my work, p. 233, from examination of dried
skins alone; but this is not so. They are true tail-feathers, implanted
fairly in line with the others, as any one can satisfy himself on examin-
ation of a fresh-killed bird; the longest coverts belong to a different
set, as shown by their site as well as form. It is not easy to describe
the sha2)e of the tail-feathers, since they are continually changing their
form by wearing away in rubbing against each other. Before the Septem-
ber moult, these feathers in the young-of the-year are rather short and
indeterminate in shape, and they are all shed nearly simultaneously; I
have shot birds without any tail at all. The new ones are generally as
above described, but constantly wear; by June following they often be-
come mere shafts with ragged edges. The decided tympanum that this
species possess has not received sufficient attention. In both sexes
during winter, and in the female at all times, it is not conspicuous, but
daring the breeding season becomes mu(!h enlarged in the cock, and
susceptible of very considerable distension. Thus, it shows plainly in a
poorly-proi)ared dried skin now before me. In investigating the nature
of these air-sacs I was unable, after several trials, to find any direct

PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 417

commuuicatioa with the wiud pipe, and came to the conclusiou that air
was admitted from the lung through an opening simikxr to those by
which air gains access to others of the various air-cells in birds' bodies;
that, therefore, the tympanum is simply an exaggerated cervical cavity,
belonging to the general system of puenmatic cells. On introducing a
blow-pipe into the trachea, I could fully distend the air-sacs, but only
coincidently with the general inflation of the body which ensued.

To return to the habits of this interesting bird. Throughout the
region of the Red, Pembina, and Souris or Mouse liivers, where I
observed the birds during the summer, I found them mostly in the
underbrush along the streams, which they seemed to seek instinctively
as affording the best shelter and protection, as well as plenty of food.
Where they were most abundant 1 fre/juently observed the " scratcb-
ing holes" in the bare earth among the bushes, where they resorted to
dust themselves, and most probably, in the instances of ungrown cov-
eys, to roost. Late in the summer and in September, those who cared
to shoot the tender young found them to lie well to a dog ; in fact, to lie
so close that they were liushed with difliculty without one. No game
birds could be tamer or more readily destroyed. Except when tempo-
rarily scattered by molestation, the coveys kept close together, and only
occasionally left the covert to stray on the adjoining prairie. They
appeared to be feeding chiefly on wild-rose seeds, and those of another
kind of plant equally abundant along the river-bottoms. The majority
of these birds were ungrown up to September, and scarcely any had at
that date begun to assume their new plumage. Up to this time I do
not recollect that I ever saw one alight in a tree ; and they were still,
for the most part, under charge of the parent, as separate families,
rather than as the indiscriminate packs in which they afterward asso-
ciate. With the advance of the month these family associations seemed
to break up, the change of plumage was finished, the birds grew strong
of wing, and able in all respects to look after themselves. No longer
solicitous of shelter, they haunted the innumerable ravines that make
down to the streams, and strolled in company far out on the prairie.
In this region, at least, they showed little wariness all through the
month. 1 could generally walk up to a covey in fair view on the bare
prairie, even to within a few feet, before they would fly, and they sel-
dom went far before re-alighting. Their appearance when not obscured
by the herbage is characteristically peculiar. They seem to stand re-
markably high on their legs, and generally carry their short, pointed
tail somewhat elevated ; the singularity is increased when the long neck
is outstretched, as it generally is when they are on the lookout. On
alighting after being flushed, if not nuich alarmed, they often stand
motionless at full height, but if badly scared, scpiat closely, and are then
diflicult to find if not exactly marked down. If without a dog, one may
pass and rei)ass among them without linding one, unless he happen to
stumble on them ; and often, going away after such want of success,
one may look back to find the heads of the whole lot raised above the
grass, intently regarding his retreat. It is astonishing how closely they
can squat — even laying the head flat upon the grounil, and appearing
scarcely half their natural size. At this season their food ai)])ears to
be chiefly giasshoppers. I have opened lunnbers to And their croj^s
crammed w ith these insects, only varied with a few (lowers, weed-tops,
succulent leaves, and an occasional beetle or spider.

By the fust of October the Shar|)-taile(l (house have mostly finished
the rem^wal of their ])lumagi', are all full grown and strong of wing;
their habits are considerably nuidilied. They grow wary and watchful,
27

418 PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS.

flushing often at long distances to fly clear out of sight, and running
far on the ground. They also begin to alight on trees, a habit, however,
not confirmed until somewhat later, when with the advance of cold
weather and the failure of former supplies of I'ood, they assume the
j'outiue of their winter life. The close coveys of the earlier season are
for the most part broken up, and the birds wander often alone in search
of food. They haunt the interminable ravines along the Missouri, mak-
ing away from the river-bottoms in search of food, but mostly returning
at evening to roost in the trees. Early in the morning they may be
seen leaving their perches in straggling troops, flying high and swiftly
to other feeding grounds ; and again in the evening, if one loiter beneath
the immense cottonwoods where, during the day, scarcely a chicken was
to be seen, he will observe their return, till the trees are almost covered,
and the air resounds with the hoarse Jcuk-kvk-Jclcl: Frequently, in very
cold and especially in falling weather, the Grouse will not leave their
perches during the day, but may be seen at any hour roosting quietly
in the tops of the tallest cottonwoods. They are decidedly not graceful
objects under these circumstances. They look very large, sharply
defined among the bare straggling branches against the gray sky, and
assume ungainly attitudes, particularly when standing erect on their
long legs, with outstretched necks and upturned tails. Their behavior
under these circumstances varies in a manner to me inexplicable. Some-
times a group thus scattered among the tree-tops will permit the closest
apj)roach desired, and more than one may be brought down before the
rest are oft" in alarm ; not seldom one may fire twice or thrice at the
same bird without dislodging it, or kill several without stirring from his
tracks. But ordinarily the chickens' wits serve them to better purpose
than this. As we approach, when just beyond range, the crackling of
the underbrush attracts the attention of one of the l3irds, which before
had been squatting " like a bump on a log" ; he rises on his feet and
twists his neck around to have a look. The rest follow his example.
A moment more, the warning l-ul-kuJc-l- sounds, and the nearest bird
leaves his perch — the cry is taken up by the rest, and the whole are off
to settle again a few hundred yards away, and temj^t renewed pursuit
that is likely to end as unsuccessfully. From the sportsman's standpoint,
the arrangement is wholly unsatisfactory when the birds behave so;
nor when they are tame is it much more attractive ; for, unless a supply
of meat be the only point, dropping chickens from the trees is no more
exciting than robbing a hen-roost. Killed under these circumstances,
the food of the Grouse is readily ascertained ; in the dead of winter it
consists chiefly of the berries of the cedar, and buds of the poplar or
Cottonwood and willow, still closely sealed, awaiting the coming of
spring. 1 have taken from one crop a double-handful of such food,
almost as dry as when swallowed. This diet does not improve the
quality of the flesh ; a chicken at this season is quite a different thing
from one killed earlier in the season. The rating of the Grouse as an
article of food necessarily varies, not only with circumstances, but
according to individual preferences. I myself do not esteem it very
highly. A tender young Grouse, early in the season, is not to be des-
pised, but all such si)ecially-flavored meat is likely to soon become
distasteful, especially if, on one or two occasions, a person has been
forced upon a suri'eit of it. Confined to Grouse for a few days, most
persons, 1 should judge, would find relief in mess-pork.

The mode of flight of this species is not peculiar; it rises with a
startling whirr from the ground, till it attains a certain elevation — its
straight, steady course, performed with great velocity by alternate sail-

CUPIDONIA CUPIDO, PINNATED GROUSE. 419

ing and flapping, are points it shares with it« relatives. The wing-beats
are rapid and energetic, giving it an iiaj^ulse that enables it to sail long
distances, when the wings are held stiffly expanded to their full extent,
somewhat decurved, and with the points of the quill-feathers separated.
The bird's voice is highly characteristic. It is so almost invariably
uttered during flight, at particular moments with reference to the de-
livery of the wing-strokes, that for some time after my first acquaint-
ance with the birds I was in doubt whether the sound were mechanical
or vocal ; nor was the uncertainty removed until I had heard it from
the birds at rest. The ordinary note of alarm is almost invariably
sounded just before the bird takes wing, whether from the ground or
from a tree, and is usually repeated with each succeeding set of wing-
beats, seeming to be jerked out of the bird by its muscular efforts. But
we hear it also when, the bird being at rest, it becomes alarmed, yet not
sufliciently to fly away; and when a bird is passing at full speed, sufli
ciently near, we may clearly distinguish the mechanical whirring sound
of its wings, as well as, sometimes, the creaking rustle of its tail-feath
ers as it turns it^ flight. When roosting at ease among the trees, and
probably at other times, the Grouse have a different set of notes — a
sociable cackling or clucking, with which they entertain each other.

In conversation with Captain Hartley, of the Twenty-second Regiment,
an accomplished sportsman, well acquainted with the waysof onr game
birds, I was informed of an interesting point of diflerence in the habits
of this bird and the Pinnated Grouse. In entering a cultivated field
the latter goes on foot, and may consequently be readily trailed by a '
dog, while the Sharp-tailed flies in, and is only likely to be overhauled
by the dog's winding it, or coming accidentally upon it. The same
gentleman has noted the preference of this species for the skirts of
woods, brush, and broken places generally, in contrast to the entirely
open places which the Pinnated Grouse frequents.

CUPIDONIA CUPIDO, (Linn.) Bd.

Piunated Grouse; Prairie Hen.

a. cupido.

Teirao cupido, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 274 (based on Cates., iii, 1, pi. 1 : Briss. i, 212).—
Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 751— Lath., lud. Oin. ii, 1790, 6:^8.- Wils., Am. Oid. iii,
1811, 104, pi. 27.— Bp., Ohs. Wils. 1825, No. 18:5; Syii. 1828, TJC; Monog.
Tetrao, in Am. riiil. Tnins. iii, 1880, 3U2.— Nutt., Man. i, 18;«, 662.— AUD., Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834, 490; v, 1839, 5.59; pi. 186: Svu. 1839, 204; B. Am. v, 1842, 23, pi.
296.— Em.moxs, Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 4.— Kocit, Wieg. Arcliiv, 1836, 1.59.— Peab.,
Rep. Oiu. Mass. 1839, 355.— Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc. v. 1855, 154 (Long Island).—
LiNsi,., Cat. B. Conn., Am. .lonin. 1843. 264.— DkKay, N. Y. Fauna, 1844,
205.— Pn-N., Pr. ICss. Inst, i, 18.56, 229 (Massaclmsotts).— WooDii., 8itgr. Rep.
18.53, 96 (Arkansas and Eastern Texas).— Maxim., .1. I'. O. vi. 185^^, 439.

Bonam cupido, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 299.— Gray, Cat. (rail. Br. Mas. 1867, 88.

Cupidonia cupido, Bi)., B. N. A. 18.58, 628.— Whp:.vt., Oliio Agile. Rep. 1860, No. 178 (Ohio,
few remaining in northwest portions). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 172 (nj) the Mis.souri
to the Niobrara).— Sam., App. Secy's Rep., Cat. B. Ma.ss. 18(J4, ]). 11 (Martha's
Vineyard and Nanshon). — Ai.len, Car. B. Mass., Pr. Ess. In.st. iv, 1-64, 8.S
(nearly extinct in Ma.ssaehnsetts).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, l>'()(i, 291. —
Coi ES, Pr. Ess. In.st. vi, 1868, 287.— TuitNJ?., B. E. Pa. lHi9. 27 (t\ow vi-ry rare;
few still in Monroe and Northani])ton ("onntirs, Pa., and New .ler.sey Plains). —
AiXEN. Mem. Best. Soe. i, 18(iH, .500 (Western Iowa, abnndaut).— Ai.i.kn, Bnll.
M. C. Z. iii, 1872, Ibl (Mid«lle and Western Kansas).— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873,
9.— Trippk, Pr. Bost. Soe. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).— .Mayn., Guide. 187(), 138
(Massaeiiusetts).— C«)i:es, Key, 1872, 234, tig. 148.— B. B. cV R., N. A. B. iii, 1874,
440. pi. 61, tigs. 1, 7.

Cupidonia amiricana, Rnicfi., Syst. Av. 1850, p. xxix. — Bp., Comptcs Rend, xlv, 1857, 428.

420 BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GROUSE

b ? palUdicinctus.
Cupidonla ciipido var. pallidicinctus, RiDGW. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 446 (Texas).

Hall. — Fertile prairie country of the United States, nearly to eastern foot-hills of the
Rocky Mountains in some latitudes — especially Illinois, Iowa, Missoui'i, eastern half of
Minnesota, Southeastern Dakota, Middle and Eastern Kansas and Nebraska, Arkansas
and Eastern Texas. Var. pallklicinctus from Western Texas. Still lingers iu certain
localities in the Middle States aud New England.

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition.— 'i^^Q-'^l, I3ig Sioux River; 5423, Mouth of Niobrara.

It is well known that formerly the Pinnated Grouse inhabited various
Eastern regions where it has been almost entirely extirpated. The
principal localities where it still lingers are cited above. At present its
centre of abundance is the Upper Mississippi Valley, for a considerable
distance on either side of the river. Our notice of the distribution of
the Sharp-tailed Grouse involved some particulars respecting the west-
ern limits of the present species. I have no reason to believe that it
occurs at all in Northwestern Minnesota or Northern Dakota, where the
other species is so abundant. Its progress upon the Missouri River has
been traced by Dr. Hayden further than by myself — to the Niobrara ;
and this writer adds that it may proceed to the White River. Lower
down, as at Council Bluff's, he sfjeaks of its occurrence "in myriads."
Mr. Allen notes its westward spread from Middle Kansas ; but I have
found no record of its reaching, as yet, either Colorado or Wyoming.
Southward it reaches Texas and Louisiana. I have met with no indica-
tion of its occurrence north of the United States boundary*.

It is unnecessary to renew an account of the habits of this abundant
and well-known game bird. The eggs are usually distinguished from
those of the Sharp-tailed Grouse by being shorter and rounder, as well
as rather smaller, though some of the more elongate samples cannot be
recognized with certainty. Two specimens will show the greater range
of variation in shape — 1.82 by 1.20 ; 1.58 by 1.25. The color is a pecu-
liar, very pale, greenish-gray, usually unmarked, though often with uni-
form, fine, brown dotting. The variation is much as in PecUoeeetes, but
the tendency to spotting is not so strong. Eggs of both these birds
sometimes show a peculiar glaucous cast, something like the "bloom"
on a grape.

BONASA UMBELLUS, (Linn.) Steph.

Ruffecl Grouse.

a. umbeUus proper (Brown Ruifed Grouse, called "Partridge" in the
Northern States, and "Pheasant'' iu the Southern).

Teirao umhelhis, LiNiX., Syst. Nat. i, 17G0, 275 (based on Edw., p. 79, pi. 248, and Bniss.,
p. 214).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 782.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii. 1790, 638.— WiLS.,
Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 40, pi. 49.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 182; Syn. 1828, 136; Am.
Pbilos. Trans, iii, 1830, 389.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 657.— Sabink, App. Frankl.
Journ. 679.— Doughty, Cab. N. H, i, 1830, 13, pi. 2.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A.
ii, 1831, 342?— AiJD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 211; v, 1839, 560; pi. 41; Syn. 1839,
202 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 7-j, pi. 293.— Futn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 215.— Trippe, Pr.
Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota)"; and of earlier authors generally.

Bonasa nnibelliis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 1824, 300.— Bp., Comp. &, Geog. List,
183S, 43 ; Comptes Rendus, xlv, 1857, 428.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 630.— Elliot,
Mouog. Tefraonidw.—McIhyvR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 91 (Canada West).—
Fowler, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 365 (biography).— Allen, Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1868, 501
(Iowa).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 (Nulato, Alaska).— Snow,
. B. Kans. 1873, 9 (very rare).— Trippe, Pr. Bo.st. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).—
CoUES, Key, 1872, 235, fig. 149.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 448, pi. 61, figs.
3. 9 ; and of later authors generally-

Tetrao togalus, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 393.— Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 275.

Huffed Grouse of authors aud others.

BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GROUSE. 421

b. var. umhelloides (Gray Euifed Grouse).

Tetrao uviMloldes, Dougl., Tr. Linn. Soc. xvi, 18-29, 148.

Bonasa umheUiis var. umbelloides, Bd., B. X. A. 1858, 925. — Coues, Key, 1872, 235. — Merr.,
Rep. U. S. Geol. Suiv. Ter. 1872, {599.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iu, 1874, 453, pi. Gl, f. 10.
Bonasa imibellus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 187i, 181 (Rocky Mountains).

c. var. sabinii (Red Ruifed Grouse).

Tetrao sahinii, Dougl., Tr. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, 137.— Sw. «S: Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1331,343,
foot-note.

Bonasa saiuiii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 631.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 224.—
Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst. 1864, 123.— Elliot, Mouog. Tetr. pi. —.—Coop., B. Cal. i,
1870, .540.— D.VLL & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 (Sitka).

Bonasa umbeUus var. sahinei, Coues, Key, 1872, 235.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 454. '

Tetrao umhcUits, Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 94 (Oregon).

Hab. — Of the typical form, the United States to the high central plains, in wooded
districts. Canada, and interior of the fur countries, to Xulato, Alaska (Dall). (But 1
am informed by Mr. Ridgway that the British American — even Canadian — specimens
are all more or less referable to var. umbelloides, being grayer than those of the United
States.) Of var. umbelloides, the Rocky Mountain region. Of var. subiuii, the Pacific
province, from the northern border of California to Sitka.

The Rufi'ed Grouse occurs over only a very limited portion of the
Missouri region, by far the greater part of the country not fulfilling its
requiremeuts, which are those of an exclusively woodland bird. Dr.
Hayden does not mention the species at all, and I never saw it in the
Missouri region. It apparently occurs oul\ toward the mouth of the
river and in the adjacent country. I have seen no Nebraskau record.
In Kansas Mr. Snow says it is "very rare," and it is, no doubt, confined .
to the eastern part of the State, where it probably breeds. It is given
as abundant in Southern Iowa by Mr. Trippe, and occurs in various
parts of Missouri. At the other extreme of the Missouri region it is
represented by var. umbelloides', as noted beyond.

It is somewhat singular that a misapprehension should subsist, even
among well-informed persons, in regard to this species. The confusion
in the minds of some is, doubtless, partly due to the fact that the bird
goes under different names in different parts of the country ; and we
are often asked, is it a Partridge, or is it a Pheasant? to which reply
may be made that it is neither, but a Grouse. " Pheasant" is a name of
a variety of birds of the family Fhasianiclw, indigenous to Southern
Asia, and not .represented iu this country at all. The best known spe-
cies is that one long ago introduced into England, and there thoroughly
naturalized. (The nearest American representative of the Pheasants is
the Wild Turkey, which is sometimes included in the family Phosian-
idcp.) " Partridge" is the name of a group of small gallinaceous birds,
which, like the Phasianida', belong exclusively to the Old World, our
American Partridges, so called, being quite a different set of birds. A
poverty of our language in the matter of names of various Americau
birds has caused them to become known by some term really belonging
only to their (real or supposed) nearest Euroi)ean relatives. It would
simplify matters nui<;h to discard altogether tlie tern)S " Pheasant" and
" Partridge," by which this species is known in, respectively, the North-
ern and Southern States, and call it by its proper name of " Kuffed
Grouse." The bird itself is unuii.stakable ; no other species has the con-
spicuous ruffle of lengthened, broad, sol't, silky feathers on the neck;
and the only other species with any feathery neck-appendages is the
Pinnated (irouse, where the appendages arc like little wings of narrow,
straight, pointetl feathers. The llulfi'd Grouse may he confounded by
some witli the Canachi Grouse, or "Spruce Partridge" {Tetrao eana-
demis); but this has no lengthened feathers on the neck, and is other-

422 BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GROUSE.

Avise entirely differeut. Nor need any one misunderstand the subject
through observing that three kinds of Rnfied Grouse {Bnnasa umbellns)
are here presented. They are Ruffed Grouse, each and all of them, and
he may ignore the A^irieties unless he desires to be very precise. They are
merely geographical races of the same bird, differing a little in color
according to certain climatic influences to which they are respectively
subjected.

The habits of the Eutfed Grouse are i)erfectly well known to those
who have been interested in the matter. The eggs are very character-
istic— cream-colored — from a creamy-white to a rich creamy-brown,
usually immaculate, or scarcely dotted in minute points, but sometimes
with small round spots of pale chocolate, irregularly and sparsely set in
among numerous uniform dots. In shape they are very near those of
Partridges, approaching the pyriform contour, ver^" broad and blunt at
one end and pointed at the other.* They measure about 1.66 inches long
by 1.20 broad.

The •• drumming" of the Ruffed Grouse has always excited interest,
and furnished occasion for various speculations upon the way in which
the peculiar noise is made. It was at first supposed to be a vocal effort,
aud, in fact, the name Bonasa was given on this score ("ftonflSKS,'" a
bull, in allusion to the bellowing). This, of course, is entirely errone-
ous, the sound being produced with the wings. Au account is given by
Mr. Eidgway, in a late number of the "American Sportsman," which I
transcribe entire, as it furnishes a resume of various earlier views of
ornithologists :

" I send you a few facts bearing upon the subject of why does the
Rufl'ed Grouse drum, which I have been able to gather from some of our
best authorities, and supplement them by the opinions of some reliable
S})ortsmen of my acquaintance. As regards my own view^s, 1 have none,
since my opportunities for observing this species in a state of nature
have been very limited, in consequence of its scarcity in the portions of
the country where I have hunted.

"The question of 2vhy the Ruffed Grouse drums is, perhaps, more
easily answered than that of hoiv this sound is produced; and, since the
latter has been very erroneously described by our highest authorities
on ornithology, I impose upon your space by considering both questions
together. Audubon's account of the drumming of the Ruffed Grouse is
as follows :

" 'Early in April the Ruffed Grouse begins to drum immediatelj^ after
dawn, and again toward the close of the day. As the season advances,
the drumming is repeated more frequently at all hours of the day; and
where these birds are abundant, this curious sound is heard from all
parts of the woods in which they reside. The drumming is performed
in the following manner: The male bird, standing erect on a prostrate,
decayed trunk, raises the feathers of its body in the manner of the
Turkey-cock, draws its head toward its tail, erecting the feathers of the
latter at the same time, and raising its ruli' around the neck, suffers its
wings to droop, and struts about on the log. A few moments elapse,
when it draws the whole of its feathers close to the body, and, stretch-
ing itself out, beats its sides with its wings in the manner of the do-
mestic cock, but more loudly, and with such rapidity' of motion, after a
few of the first strokes, as to cause a tremor in the air, not unlike the
rumbling of distant thunder.' (Birds of America, octavo edition, vol.
V, pp. 77 and 78.)

' The egg of oue of our Parriidges {Oreorttjx pictitu) is a perfect miuiature of that
of the Kutfecl Grouse, aud ouly distinguishable from the uumarked speciuieus of the
latter by its smaller size — 1.45 by 1.10

BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GROUSE. 423

" Wilson's account is substantially the same, though he does not say
that the bird heats the body with its wings. We quote his own words: "

"'The druiuniing, as it is called, of the Pheasant is another singu-
larity of this species. This is performed by the male alone. This
drumming is most common in the spring, and is the call of the cocl; to
Ms favorite female. It is produced in the following manner : The bird,
standing on an old, prostrate log, geuerally in a retired and sheltered
situation, coutracts his throat, erects his expanded tail, elevates the
two tufts of feathers on his neck, aud inflates his whole body, some-
thing in the manner of the Turkey-cock, strutting aud w^heeling about
with great stateliness. After a few manoeuvres of this knid, he begins
to strike with his stiffened wings in short and quick strokes, which
become more and more rapid until they run into each other, as has
been alreadj^ described.' (American Ornithology, Wilson and Bona-
parte, vol. ii, pp. 2G6 and 207.)

" Nuttall describes it more in the manner of Audubon, and is more
satisfactory in his conjectures as to ichy this sound is produced. Ac-
cordingly we quote his account in full :

" -In the month of April the Eufled Grouse begins to be recognized
by his peculiar drumming, heard soon after dawn and toward the close
of evening. At length, as the season of pairing approaches, it is heard
louder and more frequent till a later hour of the day, aud commences
again toward the close of the afternoon. This sonorous, crepitating
sound, strongly resembling a low peal of distant thunder, is produced
by the male, who, as a prelimiuary to the operation, stands upright on
a prostrate log, parading with erected tail and ruft. and with drooping
wings, in the manner of the Turkey. Alter swelling out his feathers
and strutting forth for a few moments, at a sudden impulse, like the
motions of a crowing-cock, he draws down his elevated i)lumes, and,
stretching himself forward, loudly beats his sides with his wings with
such accelerating motion, after the first few strokes, as to cause the
tremor described, which may be heard reverberating, in a still morning,
to the distance of from a quarter to a half a mile. This curious signal
is repeated at intervals of six or eight minutes. The same sound is also
heard in autumn as well as in the spring, and is given by the caged bird
as well as the free, being, at times, merely an instinctive expression of
hilarity and vigor. Tlie drumming parade of the male is olten likewise
the signal for a quarrel ; aud when they hapi)en to meet each other in
the vicinity of their usual and stated walks, obstinate battles, like those
of our domestic fowls for the sovereignty of the dung-hill, but too com-
monly succeed.' (Manual of Ornithology, Land Birds, second edition,
pp. DO and 97.)

" Most writers follow Audubon and Nuttall in saying that the drum-
ming is produced by striking the wings aaainst the body; but, from
the accounts given me by reliable sportsmen, there is no doubt that the
above high authorities are in error. Wilson, as will be seen above,
does not say that the wings are struck against the body, though it is
somewhat uncertain whether he meant to say so or not, since the rest of
his tlescri[)tion is, substantially, that of Audubon and Nuttall.

"My esteemed friend, Mr. 11. \V. llenshaw, of Cambridge, Massachu-
setts, has furnished me with what 1 believe to be a reliable account of
the manner in which the drumming is produced. His authorities are
his lather and .Mr. William Brewster, of C^anibridgi' — the latter an ac-
complished si)ortsinan, whose statements 1 can vouch lor myself. -Mr.
Henshaw describes the drumming [)rocess as follows:

" The bird sits crosswise upon the log, resting upon the back of the

424 BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GEOUSE.

tarsi (uot standiug erect, as described by some writers), its tail project-
ing nearly horizontally behind (not erected) and spread; the head is
drawn back, the feathers pressed close to the body. The wings are then
raised and stiffened, and dramming commences by a slow, hard stroke
with both wings, downward and forward ; but they are stopped before
they touch the body. The rapidity of this motion is increased after the
first few beats, when the wings move so fast that only a semi-circular
haze over the bird is visible, this rapid vibration causing the rolling
noise with which the sound terminates. The movements of the wings,
and the rumbling thereby produced, are entirely analogous to those
produced by the Humming-bird when hovering over a flower. This I
believe to be the true description of the maimer of drumming, and, I am
happy to add, that my father, who has often crawled up to within twenty
feet of the bird at such times, corroborates it in every particular.
There are, doubtless, among those who read the 'Sportsman,' many who
have had opportunities to watch the operations of the Ruffed Grouse
when engaged in drumming, and the experience of each one would be
a very acceptable contribution to our knowledge of the habits of this
very interesting species.

" The fact that the drumming of the Euffed Grouse is heard as often
in autumn as in spring, has raised the question of ivhy this sound is pro-
duced. In regard to this, I^uttall is probably correct in saying that it
is often ' an instinctive expression of hilarity and vigor,' as well as the
call-note of the male during the breeding season."

To tl'.is article Mr. J. H. Batty replies in the following terms :

"In No. 21 of the ' Sportsman' I find an article of my friend, Mr. Eidg-
way, 'Why and how does the Ruffed Grouse drum?' I solved the
mystery, to my own satisfaction, some five years ago, when living at
Springfield, Massachusetts. The peculiar noise made by the Ruffed
Grouse is caused by the backs or exterior sides of the wings striking
each other as they are forcibly raised over the back of the bird. I have
seen the Grouse drum, within a few yards of me, a number of times.
On one occasion I was sitting on a log in the woods, by a stone wall,
eating m^ lunch. While thus engaged, a Ruffed Grouse mounted the
wall, about fifty yards from my position, and commenced walking on it
directly toward me. I immediately laid down behind the log on which
I had been sitting, and awaited the approach of the bird. When it had
reached a point opposite me it mounted a large elevated stone on the
top of the wall and commenced drumming, after a series of struttings
backward and forward on the wall, as described by Audubon, Wilson,
and others. When the bird was drumming its back was toward me,
and I had an unobstructed view of it against the sky. The Grouse first
struck its wings together slowly and strongly, then gradually increased
these strokes until the single strokes could not be detected. During
the more rapid beating of the wings the 'semi-circular haze' caused by
the wings was observable, as stated by Mr. Heushaw. The wings of
the Grouse were stiffened and the strokesgiven from the shoulder (if I
may so speak), and the wings did not appear to touch the bird's sides.

" This occurred in October. Later in the season, when going the
round of my mink and muskrat traps, I found a male Ruffed Grouse
caught in one of them by the leg. Tbe bird had evidently been caught
but a short time before my arrival, and, as the trap which held it was a
small and weak one, and the jaws were filled with leaves, the bird's leg
had not been broken. I carried the Grouse home and put it in a large
feed-box^ which was standing in the open air under the shade of an
apple-tree. When returning from a hunting excursion one day, one of

LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN.

425

my neighbors said, 'Your Partridge has been drummiug.' I put an old
stumi) in the box of my captive and it had the desired results, for the
next morning- it was drumu)ing loudly, I observed its motions when
drummiug, through a hole in the box, and I am confident that tue uoise
was caused by the wings coming forcibly in contact with each other.
Let any person take the wings of a dead Grouse in his hands and beat
them quickly together over the bird's back, and they will see at once
that the peculiar sounds made by the Euffed Grouse, and called drum-
ming, is naturally produced. The 'young-of-the-year' of the male
Grouse drum in the autumn more frequently than the adult males, as I
have ascertained by shooting them when in the act. I have found great
difiBculty in stalking the Grouse at their drumming-posts, and have
often failed in my attempts to do it. The male birds fight hard battles
in the spring, and I once caught an old cock by the legs in a snare that
had its head cut and bruised very badly, and portions of its neck almost
destitute of feathers, the elfects of fighting."

I have myself never witnessed the act; but my i)resent view is, that
the noise is made by beating the air simplj^ — not by striking the wings
either together or against the body, or any hard object.

BONAiSA UxMBELLUS var. UMBELLOIDES, (Dougl.) Bd.

Gray Ruffed Grouse.

(For synonymy and habitat of this variety, see preceding article.)

List of specimens.

19170
19171
19172
19374

36
83
69

Gi'osv. Fork .

do

do

Pryor's Forli .

June 2,1860
June 2,1860
June 3,1860
June 19, 1860

F.V. Hayden.

do

do

G. H. Trook..

17.75

21.00

7.25

16.00

21.25

5.00

16.50

20.00

7.00

17.00

23.00

7.00

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.

Later Exjycdilions. — 60823-5, Uintah Mountains ; 62353-7, Idaho and Wyoming.

The preceding article presents the synonymy of this variety in con-
nection with that of the typical nmheUus and of the Pacific Province
var. sablnli. Its varietal character lies chiefly in the i)revaleuce of slate-
gray color ; it is one extreme (of paleness), of which the reddish-brown
var. sdhhiii is the other. This bird has only been noted Irom the Eocky
Mountain region, and occurs about the sources of the Missouri and .some
of its i)rincipal tributaries. Mr. 0. H. Merriam found it in Idaho and
Wyoming, and states that; although not abundant, it was found through-
out the pine forests i'rom Teton Canon to the Yellowstone. As already
noticed, all the British- American Bulled Grouse, excepting those of var.
fiahtnii, are grayer than the ordinary bird of the United States, more or
less nearly a])i)roaching var. tDnheUoidcs. Its habits are, beyond doubt,
substantially the same as those of the common bird.

LAGOPUS LEUCUKUS, Sw.
White-tailed Ptariui^au.

Tctrao (La(fopun) hucurns, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. il, 1831, 356, pi. 63.— Nun'., Man. ii,
1834, 612; 2d ed. 1840, 820.— Ari>., Orii. Hiog. v, 1839, 200, pi. 418.

Lagopua Uucurm, Aui/., Svn. 1839, 208 : L5. Am. v, 1842, 125. pi. 302.— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858,
636.— CoUKS, Pr.' A. N. S. Pliila. 1866, 94 (Canton Bnr^rwyn, N. M., latitude
37").— El.i.ior, Jlon. Ttlrauiiida; pi. — .— Cuor., 1$. Cal. i. lf^70, 542.— Al.l.KX,
Bull. M. C Z. iii, ls72, 164 (uouiinou iu mountains ol" Colorado, above timber-

426 LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN-.

Hue). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209 (Snowy Range of Colorado).— COUES,
Key N. A. B. 1872, 236.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii,'l874, 404, pi. 62, f. 6.

Hah. — Rocky Mountains, from the Arctic Ocean to latitude 37°. Higher uiountains
of Washiugtou Territory and British Columbia.

Ptarmigan may be said to be simply Grouse which turn white in
winter. They are the only members of this family of birds in which
such a remarkable seasonal change of plumage occurs. All the Ptar-
migan are Grouse of boreal or alpine distrilnition, only reaching sea-
level in the higher latitudes, elsewhere confined to mountains. There
are five or six species of the Northern Hemisphere, three of which in-
habit North America. The present species is immediately distinguished
from the rest by having the tail wbite at all seasons, as implied in its
name ; this member, in both our other species, being Avholly black, and
being at least in part black in the species of the Old World. In size,
form, and general aspect, the Ptarmigan come nearest the Spruce Par-
tridge {Tetrao canadensis) ; like this species lacking any peculiar feathers
on the neck ; their most notable characteristic is the dense feathering
of the feet, in adaptation to the boreal regions they inhabit. The feath-
ers reach quite to the claws, and cause the bird's feet to look something
like a rabbit's — a similarity that suggested the technical term Lago^ms,
or "hare-foot." The same thing occurs in the Snowy Owi, to the same
purpose. In winter this Ptarmigan is entirely snow-white ; in summer
the plumage is variegated with ochrey and tawn\ , in finely undulated
l)attern, much of the under j)arts, however, and wrings, remaining white.
It shows little or nothing of the rich brown and chocolate colors that
the other Ptarmigan display.

This is the only Ptarmigan of regular occurrence in the United States
(exclusive of Alaska). Another species, the Willow Ptarmigan {Lago-
pus albus), is occasional in northernmost New England, but in winter
only. Audubon, indeed, gives it from the " Rocky Mountains," but there
is nothing to show that he means that portion of the mountains within
the United States. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is found on the highest
mountains of the main chain, as far south as latitude 37°, and on the
peaks of Washington Territory and British Columbia. Little has V)een
recorded of its habits, which, however, are i)robably not materially dif-
ferent Irom those of its better-known allies. Mr. Aiken, as above quoted,
states that it is said to be common on the Snowy Range of Colorado,
and gives a description of the nest, upon a miner's authority, as com-
posed of leaves and grass, placed on the gnmnd, among bushes on a
side-hill, "Eggs fourteen in number, light bluish-brown, spotted with
dark brown." The following description of the egg, furnished by Mr.
Allen, w ho took it on the Coloradan Mountains, above timber line, where
he found the bird common, is more precise : "The onlj'^ egg of this spe-
cies I have seen, was an imperfect one presented to me at Montgomery,
Colorado Territoiy, by Mr. A. G. Mead, who obtained it a few duys be-
fore on Mount Lincoln. It is thickly sprinkled with small, bright red-
dish brown spots, on a chocolate-colored ground, and measures about 2.00
inches in length by 1.20 inches in diameter. The White-tailed Ptarmi-
gan breeds above timber-line, probably throughout the snow-capped
range of the Rocky Mountains, descending into the timbered valleys in
winter, when many are killed for food by the miners."

The following interesting communication was prepared for this work
by ]\lr. Trippe, from liis observations in Clear Creek County, Colorado :

"The White-tailed Ptarmigan is a very abundant bird on the main
range, living entirely above tunber-line the year round, except duiing
the severest part of winter, when it descends into the timber lor shelter

LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 427

and food, occasionally straggling as low as 10,000 feet. It begins to
change color about the middle of March, when a few specks of blackish-
brown begin to appear in the plumage of the oldest males ; bnt the
change is very slow, and it is late in April before there is much black
visible, and the close of May, or early in June, before the summer plum-
age is perfect. The Ptarmigan builds its nest in the latter part of June,
and commences hatching toward the close of the month or early in July.
The nest — which is almost always placed on or near the summit of a
ridge or spur, many hundred feet above timber-line — is merely a dei^res-
sion in the ground, lined with a few straws and white feathers trom the
mother's breast. The eggs are eight in number, of a light buft brown,
thickly sprinkled with spots of dark chocolate-brown, somewhat thicker
at the larger end. While on her nest, the bird is very tame. Once,
while walking near the summit of the range, I chanced to look down,
and saw a Ptarmigan in the grass, at my very feet ; at the next step I
should have trodden upon her. Seeing that she did not appear fright-
ened, I sat clown gently, stroked her on the back, and tiually, putting
both hands beneath her, raised her gently off the nest and set her down
on the grass, while she scolded and pecked my hands like a setting hen ;
and on being released, merely flew off" a few yards and settled on a rock,
from which she watched me till I had gone away. Late in July I came
across a brood of young ones, apparently not more than four or five days
old. They were striped with broa*d bands of white and blackish-brown,
and looked precisely like little game chickens. The mother flew in my
face and hit me with her wings, using all the little artifices that the
Quail and Partridge know so well how to employ, to draw me away ;
while her brood, seven or eight in number, nimbly ran and hid them-
selves in the dense grass and among the stones. On another excursion
above timber-line, toward the close of August, I found most of the young
ones nearly grown and strong on the wing; but one brood was of the
size of Quails, showing that some birds must begin breeding much later
than others, or that they occasionally raise two broods. These little
ones were colored much like the older birds, having blackish brown
bodies and pure white tails. About the first of September the Ptarmi-
gan begins to change color again ; but, as in the spring, the process is
very gradual, white feathers appearing, one by one, and taking the place
of the daik ones. The white on the lower parts enla'ges first ; then the
white areas on the wing ; and next, white specks appear on the upper
parts, becoming larger and more numerous as the season wears on ; but
so gradual is the change, that a month after it begins there is not much
difference in the plumage ])erceptible, the general aspect being that of
summer. There is much nu)re of the light rufous, however, and the ap-
pearance is lighter and grayer, as though bleached. The dark areas
predominate, however, throughout October ; and, as J have been in-
formed by persons who have killed them throughout the year, it is late
in December or January before they become pure white, some few birds
showing occasional dark spots even throughont the latter month.

" The Ptarmigan feeds n^jon the leaves and stalks ot various ali)ine
plants, being* particularly lond of those of a species of Cassia{i), the
flowers of which 1 have Irequently taken from its crop. It also lives
largely upon insects, and in winter is said to subsist on the lnuls and
leaves ol the [)ines and firs, its flesh is light colored, thongh not as
white as that of the Gray Grouse, to which it is usnally considered
inferior for the table. In localities where it is seldom molested it is
very lanu', and 1 have been inibrnu'd by i)ersons whose word is worthj'
of beliel", tlyit they have frequently killed it with sticks. IJnl when

428 LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN.

persistently persecuted, it soon becomes wild, and leaves the range of
,a sbot-guu with surprising quickness. After hunting several large
flocks for three or four days, they grew so shy that it was difficult to
approach within gunshot, although at first they had been comparatively
tame. Nimble of foot, the Ptarmigan frequently prefers to run away,
on the approach of danger, rather than take wing, running over the
rocks and leaping from point to point with great agility, stopping every
little while to look at the object of aUirm. I have sometimes chased
them half a mile or more, over the rocky, craggy ridges of the main
range, without being able to get within gunshot, or force them to take
wing. The flight of the Ptarmigan is strong, rapid, and at times sus-
tained for a considerable distance, though usually they fly but a few hun-
dred yards before alighting again. It resembles that of the Prairie
Hen, consisting of rapid flappings of the wings, alternating with the
sailing flight of the latter bird. The note is a loud cackle, somewhat
like the Prairie Hen's, yet quite different; and when uttered by a large
flock together, reminds one of the confused murmur and gabble of a
flock of shore-birds about to take wing. It is a gregarious bird, asso-
ciating in flocks throughout the year, except in the breeding season.
The difterent broods gather together as soon as they are nearly grown,
forming large flocks, sometimes of a hundred or more. The colors of
this bird closely resemble those of the^urrounding objects, at all seasons
of the year. In its summer plumage of speckled black and gray, it is
very difficult to detect while sitting motionless among the gray and
lichen-covered rocks. The Ptarmigan is apparently well aware of this;
and often squats and remains quiet while one is walking past, trusting
to its resemblance to the surrounding rocks to escape observation. So
perfect is this resemblance that, sometimes on seeing one alight at a
certain spot and withdrawing my eyes from it a moment, I have been
unable to find it again, although I knew the exact place where it sat,
until a movement on the part of the bird betrayed its position. In
summer the white areas of the plumage are completely hidden while
the bird is squatting, although plainly visible while on the wing; in
winter, the first appearing black si>ecks are concealed beneath the white
feathers; and at this period, as I am informed, is almost indistinguish-
able from the snow. On being pursued, it will dive into the snow and
reappear at a considerable distance."

In further illustration of the history of this species, I reproduce the
following interesting communication from Mr. J. H. Batty, of Dr. Hay-
den's survey. It appeared in "Forest and Stream," of January 29,
1874. That the bird never lays more than four eggs is, however, open
to question.

" The LcKjopus leucurus is the smallest of its genus, and inhabits the
highest ranges of the Eocky JMouiitains. It was first taken by Douglas
and lu'esented to the Zoological Society of London. Since then, speci-
mens of it have been taken by the United States expeditions, and during
the last summer I collected several adults and one .young chick while in
the Sierra Madre Mountains with the United States Geological Survey
under Dr. P. V. llayden. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is the only one
of its family that is found in the Southern Pocky Mountains. During
the summer months they are found in pairs near the snow-banks on the
bare tops of the mountains. Their nests I have seen on several occa-
sions, all of which had been deserted by the young. They are generally
placed in some little cavity among the loose rocks, and are constructed
of dried grasses. The nests are small in proj>ortion to those of the
different species of Grouse, and scantily built. In fact, the-y select just

LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 429

such places for their nest iu the rocks of the mountaius as the [7ria
gri/Ue (Bhick Guillemot) would on the rocky islands of the Atlantic
Ocean. I do not think the Lagopus leiicurus ever has more than three
or four young at a brood, as I have seen pairs of old birds with their
young on several occasions, and at such times have never observed
more than four chicks in a family. It is barely possible that their num-
bers may have been lessened by being devoured by Hawks or by the
cold rains, which may have chilled and killed them. It is a well-known
fact to most naturalists that large numbers of the young Euffed Grouse
often perish from exposure during late springs accompanied by cold
rains. I have several times found them dead and in a dying state,
caused by exposure in the woods near Springfield, Massachusetts. I do
not think that is the case with the young Ptarmigans, however, as they
are hatched late in the season, and last spring was a favorable one for
their propagation. Neither do I think they are destroyed by Hawks,
as there are none where the Ptarmigans breed, with the exception of a
few straggling Sparrow Hawks, which are rarely seen. Therefore I
think the Lagopns leucurKS has but three or four eggs at a sitting, and
but one brood in a season. 1 hey have a continued monlt which lasts
during the summer months, and the variation in then' plumage is so great
that it is almost impossible to find two individuals iu the same plumage.
During the mouths from April to September their plumage is very scant
and ragged ; but when in their fiill winter plumage their feathers are
heavy and comi)act, which gives them a much larger appearance than
.when seen in the summer dress, mottled with brown and grayish-white.
The tail at all times is pure white. They are generally known in Colo-
rado as White and Mountain Quails by the hunters, miners, and ranch-
men. When with their young they will fight the ornithological robber,
flying so near as to hit one with their wings, in their endeavor to pro-
tect their chickens. Both male and female are equally courageous, and
will defend their young. In the summer they are very tame, and when
approached will run among the rocks or in the dwarf willows, a few
yards from the hunter, and scjuat, and will not continue their retreat
until the hunter is upon them. When raised they fly in a straigiit line
for seventy-five or a liundred yards, and alight on some elevated rock,
stretching out the neck its full length to see if they are followed, and if
nothing is seen to excite their susi)icion they walk off from the rocks
and commence to feed as usual. During dee^) snows in the winter the
Ptarmigan descend from the mountains and feed in the edges of the
timber and on the hill-sides. Last winter some were seen as far east as
South Park, Colorado, feeding on the foot-liills. They are gregarious in
winter. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is2G.25 inches in extent, and 14.50
inches long ; eye, hazel ; superciliary membrane, red ; toes, feathered
half their length iu summer, and entirely covered with hair-like leathers
in the winter; claws, blackish, lighter at their tips, long, broail and strong,
rounded above, concave beneath, arched, edges sharp; and in some in-
dividuals the claws are notched on the sides."

NoTK. — The only North Aniciicaii Tcinwuhnv not treated of in the foregoin<T pnges
are two species of Ptarmigan, Hie synonymy of wbicli is given in the aecomiiunyiug
foot-uoto, to complete a view of the subfamily.*

"1. Lagopus ALBUS, (GmcUti), Audubon.

Tetrao albus, G.m.. Syst. Nat. i, 17S8, 7^0. —Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 1)39 {Lagopedt dc la
Bate d'lludnon, BuFF., ii, 270 ; fVliikrartrid(ji;ED\x.,12; if kite Grou8,TKsy.,
Arct. Zool. ii, No. 18;}; Lvth., Gen. Syn. iv, 713).

Lago2)U8 albus, Ain., 8vn. 1H39, 207; H. Am. v, 1842, U-l.— Br., List, 1838, 44.— Nutt.,
Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 810.— Cocks, Pr. A. N. S. 1801, 227 (Labrador).— Vioiac, Pr.

430 ODONTOPHORIN^, AMERICAN PARTRIDGES.

Suhfamily Odontophorinje : American Partridges.

As previously remarked, the Partridges are distiuguisbed from the
Grouse by the nakedness of the feet and nostrils, and other characters.
They average much smaller — the largest of our species is smaller than
the least of our Grouse. The American Partridges have been separated
as a subfamily from those of the Old World, but this division, however
convenient and geographically distinctive, does not appear to rest upon
structural peculiarities of any considerable moment. They are stated
to be peculiar in the presence of a tooth or notch on the edge of the under
mandible, but this character is often obscure and sometimes inappreci-
able. There may be, however, some anatomical diflereuces not yet fully
elaborated. The group is represented by numerous species, some of
great beauty, of Central and South America, and several others which
reach over our southern border. The familiar and well-known Par-
tridge of the Southern States — and Quail of the Northern — is one of the
most attractive game birds of this eouutrj^. The several United States
genera may readily be distinguished, as follows :

Ortyx. Au inconspicuous ciest, scarcely visible except in life. Tail about' two-
tbiids as long as tlie wing. Coloration everywhere variegated. (One species).

Caixipepla. a short, soft, full crest. Tail nearly as long as the wing. Coloration
much the same all over, .showing curious semicircular markings. (One species).

Oreortyx. a long slender arrowy crest, two or three inches long, of two narrowly
linear feathers. Tail two-thirds (rather less)as long as the wing. Parti-colored, but
the coloration chiefly in masses. (One species).

LoPHORTYX. A long, recurved, helmet-like crest, of several imbricated plumes,
enlarged at the extremity. Tail about as long as the wing. Coloration chiefly itf
masses. (Two species).

Cyrtonyx. a short, soft, full crest. Tail scarcely half as long as the wing. Colora-
tion peculiar. (One species).

As all these genera have each but a single species in this country, excepting Lnphor-
tijx, the foregoing is nearly equivalent to a determination of the species.

Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (Maine).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Ii^st. v, 1868, 289 (Northern
New England).— Gray, Cat. Gallhm Br. Mus. 1867, 80.— Dall &. Banx., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 (Alaska).— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 62 (Alaska).—
CoUES. Key, 1872, 235.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 457, pi. 62, f. 1, 2, 3.

Tetrao saUceti, Temm., Man. ii, 471. — Sab., App. Frank. Journ. 681. — Rich., App. Parry's
2d Voy. 347.— AuD., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 528, pi. 191.

Tetrao {Lugoinis) saUceti, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 351.

(?) Tetrao Ugopus, FoRST., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 390.

Tetrao lapponicns, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 751.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 640.

"Telrao rehusak, Temm., Pig. et Gall, iii, 225."

Lagojnts biihaJininis, Nils., Orn. Suec. i, 307.

La'goiym hrachydactyhts, Temm., Man. Orn. iii, 328.— Gould, B. E. pi. 256,
Hah. — Northern North America, into the northernmost States.

2. Lagopus rupestris, {Gmelin), Leach.

Tetrao rupestris, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 751.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 640 {Rod; Grous,
Penx., Arct. Zool. ii. No. 184 ; Lath., Syn. Suppl. 217). — Sab., Suppl. Parry's
1st Voy. p. cxcv.— Rich., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 348. — Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838,
483, pi. 368.

Tetrao {Lagopus) rupestris, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 354, pi. 64.

Lanonus rupestris, Leach, Zool. Misc. ii, 290.— Bp., List, 1838, 44.— A UP., Syn. 1839, 208;
B. Am. V, 1842, 122, pi. 301.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 635.— CouES, Key, 1872, 235.

Attagen rupestris, Reich., Syst: Av. 1851, j). xxix.

Tetrao {Lagopus) muius, Sw. &- Rich., F. 15. A. ii, 1831, 350 (quote Tetrao lagopus, Sab.,
Suppl. Parry's 1st Vov. p. cxcvii; Sab., Frank. Journ. 682; Rich., App.
Parry's 2d Voy. 350).

Tetrao inutus, Axjd., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 196.

Lagopus mutus, Bp., List, 1838, 44.— Gray, Cat. Gall Br. JIus. 1867, 91.

Lagopus mutus var. rupestris, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 462, pi. 62, f. 4, 5.

Lagopus americauus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 207 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 119, pi. 300.

Lagopus islaiidorum, Faber, Prod. Isl. Orn. 6.

Lagopus veiuhardtxi et grooenlandicus, Brehm.
Hah. — Arctic America.

ORTYX VIRGl?vIANA, VIRGINIA PARTRIDGE. 431

OETYX VIRGINIANUS, (Linn.) Bp.

Virginia Partridge, or Quail; Bob Wliite.

a. virginiamis.

Tetrao virgin'ianns, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 277 (based, ou Perdix virf/iniana, Gates., Car.

i, 12, pi. 12 ; Bkiss., Orn. i, 230).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 761.
Perdix virqiniana, Lath., Iiul. Oru. ii, 1790, 650. — WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 21, pi. 47.—

Bp., Syii. 1828, 124 (snbg. OrUjx).—T)oVGU., Cab. Nat. Hist, i, 1830, 37, pi. 4.—

Bp., Jouin. Phila. Acad, iv, 1825, 268, No. 203.— Aud., Oiu. Biog. i, 1831, 388;

V, 1839, 564 ; pi. 76.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 646.
Ortyx virginiamis, Jakd., Nat. Lib. Birds, iv, 101, j)l. 10. — Bp., List, 1838, 43. — Aud.,

Syu. 1839, 199 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 59, pi. 289.— Gould, Mou'^g. Odontopliorina', pi.

1.— WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 94 (Indian Territory and Texas).— Bd., B. N. A.

1858, 640.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173 (Missouri River to White River).— Allen,

Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 352 (critical) ; iii, 1872, 181 (Kansas).— Tkippe, Pr. Ess.

Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota) ; Pr. Best. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).— Snow, B.

Kaus. 1873, 9, No. 197 (Eastern and Middle Kansas).— Coues, Key, 1872, 236.—

B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 468, pi. 63, f. 1, 2 ; aud of authors generally.
Tetrao mnrilatidicus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 277 (based ou Ptrdix novw angliw, Briss.,

1, 229).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 761.
Perdix marihuidica, Latii., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 650.
Tetrao minor, Barth., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 290bis.

Perdix borcalis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. ; Gal. ii, 44, pi. 214.
Ortyx horealis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 1819, 377. — Jard. & Selby. 111.
Perdrix (Ortyx) mexieanus, Less., Tr. 507 (quotes Gm., aud P. E. 149).
(?) Ortyx castaneus, Gould, P. Z. S. x, 182 ; Mouog. Odont. pi. 3 {melanotic f).

b. texanus.

Ortyx texanus, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1853, 1. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 641 ; Mex. Bound.

Snrv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, p. 22, pi. 24.
Ortyx virginiamis var. texantis, Coues, Key, 1872, 237.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 474,

pi. 63, f. 3, 4.

c. floridanus.

Ortyx virginiamis var. floridanus, Coues, Key, 1872, 237.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 522.

d. ciibanensis.

Ortyx cuhancnsis, Gould, Mouog. Odont. \)\. 2. — Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 514.
Ortyx virgiuianm var. cnbanensis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 468.

Hab. —EaHtem United States. North to Massachusetts aud slightly beyond ; Canada
West ; Minnesota. West to high central plains. Up the Missouri to White River
(Hayden). Salt Lake Valley, introduced (Allen). Var. texanus in Texas. Var. Jlori-
danus in Florida, and very similar specimens up the Mississippi A'alley to Southern
lUiqois (liidgway). Introduced in Bahauuis (Bryant) aud Sauta Cruz (Xeivton).

Lientcnant TFarren's Expedition. — 4859, Iowa Point.
« Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

I find no record of the Quails in New England beyond Massachusetts,
and it does not go much further north. In JMinnesota it is abundant
in sout[jern portions of the State, and appears to be si)readiug with
the advance of the settlements, like the Pinnated Grouse. I found no
indication oi' its presence along the Red liiver, or anywhere in Northern
Dakota. Along the Missouri Uiver it is abnndant up to Fort liandall,
where I have enjoyed as fine (^>uail shooting as 1 have found anywhere ;
and, according to Dr. Hayden, it has followed up the course of the river
to the Wliite River. In this region, according to my observation, they
are .strictly confined to the wooded and brushy portions of the river-
bottoms, which form an interrupted series of natural '' preserves." in
every way adai)ted to the shelter of the bird, and the alfording of a su|)ply
of food. Even in this rigorous climate, where the thermometer tails
every winter to LHP or ,'i(P below zero, the birds show no «lisposition to
migrate, nud generally succeed in Itraving such severe eohl, although I
have authentic information of instances iu which a whole covey has

432 PLUMED QUAIL LOPHORTYX GAMBELI.

been found frozen to death, huddled together in the vain attempt to
preserve their warmth. At Fort Eandall, a ])lace where the river flows
nearly due east, I observed that the Quail were all on the north bank,
although the other afforded equally attractive resorts; this may be
accounted for by a suggestion of Captain Hartley's, that they choose
the sunny side of the river, the south side being overshadowed by the
bold bluffs.

Supplementary account of ODONTOPHOIIIN^.

As the Missouri region furnishes but a single species of this interest-
ing group, I will illustrate it further with an account of all the remain-
ing species of the United States, derived chiefly from my observations
in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The distinctive characters of
the genera have already been given.

PLUMED QUAIL.— LoPHOKTYX gambeli,* mitt.

As the principal game bird of Arizona, and in fact the only one found
all over the Territory since the Turkeys and water-fowl are necessarily
of partial distribution, the Plumed Quail claims the special attention of
the sportsman, as well as naturalist, and has charms for both. It is resi-
dent in all parts of the Territory, and always at hand to furnish healthful
and agreeable sport, no less than to contribute a dainty to larders that
are rarely overstocked.

The geographical distribution of this species has been determined
with precision, thanks to the observations of several naturalists besides
myself, who have recorded their experiences in different localities. In
general terms, the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona may be called
its hahitat; but this indication may be given with more exactitude. To
the eastward the bird has been found as far as the Eio Pecos, in Texas,
a region that seems to be its limit in this direction, the Massena replac-
ing it beyond. The Colorado nearly defines it western extension, but
this statement requires the qualification given below. The conditions
of the Quails existence are fulfilled tliroughout the broad region
between the rivers just named; while to the northward enough is now
known of its extension to make it certain that it reaches somewhat
further than the limits Colonel 'McCall assigned in his extremely inter-
esting contribution to Mr. Cassiu's work. This gentleman gives the
hahitat as lying between the 31st and 34th parallels; but I found ft
abundant at Fort "Whipple, a little north of 35°, and think the limit
should not be fixed lower than 30° at least. But its numbers dwindle
as we approach its northern confines, and the broken mountain jiortious
of Northern Arizona appear less suited to its wants than the plains and

* The following is the sj^nouymy of this species :

Lophortyx gambeli, "Nutt."— Game., Pr. A. N. S. i, 1843, 260; Jouru. A. N. S. i, 219.—
McCall, Pr. A. N. S. 1851, 221.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, G45.— Kenn., P. K. R.
Rep. X, 1859, Whipple's Route, Birds, 33.^Heehm., ibid. Parke's Route, Birds,
19.— Bd., Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, 23.— Coues, Ibis, 18C6, 46 (biogra-
phy).—CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 94.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 28.— Coop., B.
Cal. i. 1870, 553. -Coues, Key, 1872, 23t;.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 482, pi.
64, f. 4, 5.

CalUpepla (jamheli, Gould, Mouog. Odont. 1850, pi. 17. — Cass., 111. i, 1853, 45, pi. 9. —
Heerm., I'. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Williamson's Route, Birds, 60.

CaUipepla veniista, Gould, P. Z. S. xiv, 1846, 70.

Lopliortux " calif ornicus," CouES, Ibis, 1865, 165 (error).

PLUMED QUAIL LOPHORTYX GAMBELL 433

deserts further soutli. We may without hesitation fix upou the valleys
of the Gila aud Colorado as its ceutres of abuudauce ; about Fort
Yuma, for example, there were more Quails to the square mile than I
ever saw elsewhere, aud, indeed, I could scarcely see how many more
could well have been accommodated with food and hiding-places. Ihe
numbers dimiuivsh but little up the river to Fort Mojave, but they soon
after decrease. Quail being so abundant at Fort Whipple, I regarded
it as a little singular that I saw none at all in approaching that locality
from the eastward, along the same parallel ; but such was the case.
Numerous observers, however, attest its presence at various points
along the Eio Grande. Southward the Quail passes beyond the United
States, and spreads over contiguous portions of Mexico.

An interesting fact in the distribution of this species is the effect of
the Colorado desert in shutting it off from the fertile portions of Cali-
fornia. This dreary, sterile waste offers a barrier to its westward exten-
sion that is only exceptionally overcome. Although the birds enter the
desert a little way, they rarelj' reach far enough to mix with the repre-
sentative species of California [L. californicus). The strip of country
that mostly assists in their occasional passage westward is along the
Mojave Kiver, a stream arising in the San Bernardino Mountains, and
flowing eastward toward the Colorado, from which it is shut off by a
range of hills, and consequently sinks in the desert at Soda Lake.
Among other birds, the two kinds of Plumed Quail — Gambel's and the
Californian — meet along this comparatively fertile thorougbfare, upou:
neutral ground, as Drs. Heermann and Cooper, as well as myself, have
witnessed. Much further south. Colonel McCall found birds at Alamo
Mucho, forty-four miles west of the Colorado ; but still the desert is
in effect the barrier I have represented, and the two Quails, speaking,
generally, do not meet. One wonders the less at this who has any good,
idea of the Colorado desert, such as may be gained, for example, from
the following passage from Colonel McCalPs article, which remains
associated in my mind with the Plumed Quails with all the freshness
of first impressions. Speaking of the Alamo, where he shot a pair,.
" Here is in truth a desert ! " exclaims the Colonel. " Figure to your-
self, if you can, a portion of this fair earth, where, for some hundreds
of miles, the whole crust seems to have been reduced to ashes by the
action of internal fires ; behold a vast plain of desolation surrounded,,
and at intervals intersected, by abrui)t mountain ranges, which are
little better than gigantic heaps of scoria; imagine this scenery to be
actually glowing under the direct rays of a midsummer sun, and you
may have sonje idea of the prospect that ujcets the eye of the traveler
who looks out upon the desert from the well of the Alamo. You may
perceive in his rear a few stunted cottonwood-trees scattered along the
edge of a channel, in which, apparently, water once was^ but now is
not ; whiki around him, here and there, is a light-leafed mez<]uite, that
stretches forth its slender arms and appears to invito him to a shade
that is but a mockery. Here it was that I first heard the ])laiiitive
voice of this bird as he strove to cheer his mate while occupied in the
tedious task of incubation." And singularly enough, the bird is almost
equally hemmed in by desert to the eastward as well; for according to
the same writer's accounts, "a sandy desert, between the Pecos and
Devil's liiver, is the barrier beyond which tiie species under consider-
ation has not extended its range."

Such a glinq)se of the haunts of the Phuned (^)uail make one wonder
how it ever became a game bird at all; how sportsmen could be able
to make game of it, without being themselves rather made game of!
28

434 PLUMED QUAIL LOPIIORTYX GAMBELI.

But great as are the natural disadvantages of the surroundings, the
bird's attractions are still greater, and partly so from this very fact.
But Arizona is a large place, and one need not always endure desert in
his Quail-shooting. There is a much brighter side to the picture 5 we
Lave just seen only the darkest possible. Perhaps no Territory rivals
Arizona in variety of climate, physical geography, and natural produc-
tions. Between rugged mountains that lift snow capped peaks among
the clouds lie hidden pleasant green valleys, whose fresh verdure con-
trasts with surrounding desolation. Vast primaival forests stretch for
leagues, or are only interrupted by oak and cedar openings. Bright
fringes of cottonwoods and willows mark the devious course of streams,
where walnut and cherry are scattered, and grape-vines cling to them,
and roses bloom beneath leafy boughs. Here is plenty at least, if not
peace. Nothing mars the pleasures of the chase, but the chances of
being chased. Were it not for Indians, we should have here the acme of
Quail-shooting.

Gambel's Quail may be looked for in every kind of cover. Where
they abound it is almost impossible to luiss them, and coveys may
often be seen on exposed sand-heaps, along open roads, or in the cleared
])atclies around settlers' cabins. If they have any aversion, it is for
thick high pine-woods, without any undergrowth ; there they only
casually stray. They are particularly fond of the low, tangled brush
along creeks, the dense groves of young willows that grow in similar
places, and the close set chaparral of hillocks or mountain ravines.
I have often found them, also, among huge granitic boulders and
masses of lava, where there was little or no vegetation, except some
straggling weeds 5 and have flushed them from the dryer knolls in the
midst of a reedy swamp. Along the Gila and Colorado they live in
such brakes as I described in speaking of Abert's Finch ; and they
frequent the grov^es of mezquite and mimosa, that form so conspicuous
a feature of the scenery in those places. These scrubby trees form
dense interlacing copses, only to be penetrated with the utmost dif-
ficulty, but beneath their spreading scrawny branches are open inter-
secting ways, along which the Quail roams at will, enjoying the slight
shade. In the most sterile regions they are apt to come together in
numbers about the few water-holes or moist spots that may be found,
and remain in the vicinity, so that they become almost as good indi-
cation of the presence of water as the Doves themselves. A note-
worthy fact in their history, is their ability to bear, without apparent
inconvenience, great extremes of temperature. They are seemingly at
ease among the burning sands of the desert, where, for months, the
thermouieter daily marks a hundred, and may reach a hundred and
forty, " in the best shade that could be procured," as Colonel McCall
says; and they are equally at home the year round among the mount-
ains, where snow lies on the ground in winter.

The Quail's food is made up of various substances. Like the rest of
its tribe, it is chiefly granivorons, eating seeds of every description ;
but fruits and insects form a large portion of its fare. It devours
insects of such sorts as it can capture, and particularly those kinds
that infest plants. In the fall it gathers cherries and grapes, and other
"fruits" properly speaking, as well as the various berries not usually so
called. It visits patches of i)rickly-pear {Opuntia) to feed upon the soft
juicy "tunas," that are eaten by everything in Arizona, from men and
bears, to beetles. In the spring it shows fondness for the buds of differ-
ent phints, particuhirly mezquite and willow ; birds shot at this time
are Irequently found with sticky bits of the buds about their bills. But

PLUMED QUAIL LOPHORTYX CAMBELL 435

though they thus feed so extensively upon this substance, containing
salicine, I never noticed that the tlesh acquired a bitter taste. There is
as yet little cultivated grain in Arizona; but doubtless some future
historian will have to add our cereals to the bird's list, and speak of
Gambel's Quail as frequenting old corn and wheat-fields, and the neigh-
borhood of hay-ricks, where a large share of its food is to be gleaned.
Like other Gallinw, it swallows quantities of sand and gravel to
facilitate, it is supposed, the trituration in the gizzard of the harder
kinds of food.

I believe that the Quail moults at least twice a year ; but the spring
change is apparently less complete, and certainly more gradual thnn
that of the fall, the birds seeming rather to furbish up a part of their
plumage than to furnish themselves with entirely new attire. By the
latter i^art of summer* the i)lumage is faded and worn with incubation
and the care of the young, and the renewal begins as soon as the latest
brood is reared. The process is a long one, and birds are rarely found
at any season in such poor condition as to be unfit for preservation, nor
are they ever depriv^ed of flight. No crest is occasionally found for a
short time in early autumn ; but new feathers generally sprout before
all the old ones are dropped. I think they are shed from behind for-
ward, so that the front ones are lost the last. Tbe fully-developed crest
is a striking and beautiful ornament, hardly to be surpassed in stylish-
ness and jaunty effect. It averages an inch and a half in length, and
sometimes reaches two inches in the most vigorous males ; in the
females it is rarely over an inch. The male's is glossy jet-black ; the
female's has a brownish cast. The number of feathers composing it is
variable; five or six is usual, but there maybe ten. They all spring
from a single point on the top of the head — just behind the transverse
•white line that crosses the crown from eye to eye. The leathers are
club-shaped, enlarged at the tip, and curling over forward, together
forming a helmet-shaped bundle. The webs are loose; they bend back-
ward from the shaft, so that this forms the front border of the feather.
Each feather is thus folded or imbricated over the next succeeding, and
the whole are packed into a single fascicle in this manner. The crest is
freely movable, and its motions are subject to voluntary control. It is
usually carried erect, but sometimes drops forward, or obliquely over
one eye; and occasionally is allowed to hang backward, though it can-
not be made to lie close over the occiput. The crest sprouts when the
chicks are only a few days old, about the time that the lirst true
leathers appear upon the wings and tail. It then consists of three or
four feathers, forming a short tuft, brown instea<l of black, not club-
shaped, nor recurved, nor imbricated. Even in the adult female, though
the crest has the same general characters as that of the male, it is only
slightly, if at all, recurved, and is always shorter, as we have seen.

The hen may easily be distinguished from the cock by other differ-
ences ; she is smaller, averaging an inch less in length ; she has no pure
black, white, or chestnut about the head, and wants the great black
sj)ot upon the belly. Similar in other respects, there is still a general
dullness and want of tone about all her colors, as well as less .sharpness
of definition of the several differently colored areas. The sexual char-
acters are evident before the birds ;ire half grown. The chicks in the
downy state, a few days old, do not in the least resemble either parent.
They are very prettily marked ; in fa(;t they are more attractive before
they have any feathers than afterward, until mature; just as little

*I speak of obaurvations as made at Furt Wliipplu, uuless tbu cunti-ary is st.^ted.

436 PLTJMED QUAIL^ — LOPHORTYX GAMBELI.

cbildreu aud grown folks are about equally agreeable, wliile half-fledged
people are apt to be more or less ofl^eusive. The bill is brii^^ht-reddish,
with the uuder mandible nearly white; the feet are flesh -colored ; the
head yellowish-white, with a pure brown spot on the nape, and a few
black feathers on the crown, eacU streaked with white; the upper parts
tawny or brownish-gray, mottled and clouded with black, and conspic-
uously streaked with long, narrow, sharply-i)enciled whited-white lines;
the primaries dusky, marbled with lighter and darker colors on the
outer webs; throat whitish; all other under parts with narrow, blended,
transverse bars of black and yellowish-white. The little things, in this
condition, are about 3h inches long, and may be found up to the last of
August, though by this time most of the summer's brood are partly
grown. When the chicks are six or seven inches long the general color
is dull, leaden-gray, becoming ochraceous on the scapulars and wing-
coverts, which are still mottled, as just described ; the chin and belly
are nearly whitish ; the breast still has a few longitudinal white lines,
but is mostly waved across with dark shades of gray ; the flanks become
tinged with brown, and the sides with fulvous, though, as yet, without
distinct white and chestnut stripes; th^ere is a broad white superciliary
line; the crest is brown, half an inch long. Progressing from this stage
to one nearly complete, birds occur, in September, October, and part of
^November, with the bill black and feet dark colored; the crest an inch
long, and beginning to recurve; the white lines about the head of the
young males now apparent ; the sides rusty-brown, with traces of defi-
nite white stripes; black becoming evident on the abdomen; on the
breast, clear plumbeous feathers, mixed with light gray waved ones ;
the upper parts mostly clear plumbeous, but still somewhat waved and
marbled with pale gray.

All Quail are Praxoces, as already explained; and the chicks of this
S])ecies are certainly precocious little things, if we may judge by their
actions when they are disturbed. They run about as soon as they are
hatched, though probably not "with half shell on their backs," as some
one has said. In a few days they become very nimble, and so expert in
hiding that it is difficult either to see or catch them. When the mother
bird is surprised with her young brood, she gives a sharp warning cry,
that is well understood to mean danger, and then generally flies a little
distance to some concealed spot, where she crouches, anxiously watch-
ing. The fledglings, by an instinct that seems strange when we con-
sider how short a time they have had any ideas at all, instantly scatter
in all directions, and squat to hide as soon as they think they have
found a safe place, remaining motionless until the reassuring notes of
the mother call them together again, with an intimation that the alarm
is over. Then they huddle close around her, and she carefully leads
them off to some other spot, where she looks for greater security in the
enjoyment of her hopes and pleasing cares. As long as they require
the ijarent's attention they keep close together, and are averse to fly-
ing. Even after becoming able to use their wings well, they prefer to
run and hide, or squat where they may be, when alarmed. If then
forced up, the young covey flies off, without separating, to a little dis-
tance, often realighting on the lower limbs of trees or in bushes, rather
than on the ground. As they grow older and strong of wing, they fly
further, separate more readily, and more rarely take to trees; and some-
times, before they are fully grown, they are found to have already be-
come wary and difficult of approach. As one draws near where a covey
is feeding, a quick, sharp cry from the bird who first notices the approach
alarms tlie whole, and is quickly repeated by the rest, as they start to

PLUMED QUAIL ^LOPHORTYX CAMBELI. 437

run, betraying- their course by tbe rustling of dried leaves. Let liiiu
step nearer, and tbey rise with a whirr, scattering in every direction.

Newly-hatched birds may be found all summer ; and incubation goes
on from, say, early in May until the middle of August. Is^ot that any
single pair are engaged so long, but that different broods may be hatched
during all this time. The greater number of old birds i)air in Aprii,
and hatch their first brood some time during the following month.
Most of them doubtless raise another. Others appear to defer iucnba-
tion for a month or two, and have but one brood. The first cbicks that
I saw in the summer of 18G5 were hatched in May ; and I fonnd others, •
the same year, only a few days old in August; but by this month almost
all the birds of tbe year were well grown, and by September were in
condition to afford legitimate sport. In October a few are found not
yet ready to be shot ; but the great majority are as large as the parents,
and nearly as strong of wing. The season may, therefore, be said to
begin in October and continue into March, but birds should not be pur-
sued later than the middle of this month. For although few birds, if
any, actually mate before April, it is cruel as well as injudicious to dis-
turb them while they are preparing- to do so. The beginning of the
l)airing season may be known to be at hand when certain peculiar cries,
different from any usnally emitted during the fall and winter, are heard.

These notes are a sign that the coveys are breaking up and mating
about to commence. They are analogous to the "bob-white" of the
Eastern Quail {Orfyx rirginiamis), and are uttered, as with that species,
more particularly in the breeding season. The note is a loud, energetic,
two-syllabled whistle, delivered in a clear, ringing tone. It is difficult to
write down inteUigently, but, once heard, is not likely to be afterward
mistaken, except for one of the cries of the Black-headed Grosbeak. It
sounds, to my ears, something like the forcible i)ronunciation of the
syllables '•'■IdUinh^ JdlUnlc,''^ indefinitely repeated, sometimes with a rising,
sometimes a falling, intonation. The old cocks, if they can be seen so
engaged, are found strutting along some fallen log, or gesticulating from
the top of some broad rock, or stepping with dignified air along a path-
way under the bushes; sometimes even perched in a tree or bush, with-
out other motion than the heaving of the chest. But, wherever they
may be, they have one mind in common ; their only thought, to secure
the admiration and then the favor of birds more modest if not more fair.

A beautiful sight it is to see the enamored birds ])ressing suit with
all the pomp and circumstance of their brilliant courtships. The firm
and stately tread, with body erect and comely shai)e disi)layed to best
advantage; the quivering wings; the motion of the plumes, that wave
like the standard of knights-errant; the fiashing eyes — besj)eak i)roud
consciousness of masculine vigor. The beautiful bird glances defiance
and challenges loudly, eager for a rival; but none disputes, and he may
retire, his rights proven. Only a gentler bird is near, hidden in a leaty
bower, whence she watches, admiring his bearing, fascinated by the
courage she sees displayed, hoping every moment that the next will
bring liim, dreading lest it may. As their eyes meet, she trembles and
would turn to fly, but cannot; his glow again, but with a different light,
even more intense than before. With an exultant cry, he fiies straight
to her, and, like the true knight he is, for just oiu' instant bends till his
breast touches the ground, and is then erect again. He leans toward
her, half-spreads his wing over her, and pleads in uiuler-tone. She
listens, but draws away; she listens, but only stands irresolute; she
listens, and, listening, yields.

438 PLUMED QUAIL LOPHORTYX GAMBELL

Tbcy must prepare for new duties. With deep sense of responsibility
and earnest solicitude, the pair now cast about for a suitable spot for
tlieir home. They search through the tall, rank herbage alongside the
stream, through the willow-copses, among fallen moss-covered logs that
are scattered around the glen, and at length make up their minds.
Little more is needed than to fix upon the spot, for the nest is a simple
affair, the work of a few hours perhaps, scratching a suitable depression
and lining it with a few dried grasses pressed together. Day by day
eggs are laid, till a dozen or more fill the nest. They cannot be distin-
guished irom those of the California Quail. They measure an inch and
a quarter in length by an inch in breadth, and are almost pyramidal iu
shape, the larger end flattish and very broad, the other narrow antl
pointed. The color is a buff or rich creamy, dotted and spotted all over
with bright brown, and splashed here and there with large blotches of
the same. When the female is not pressed to lay, the pair ramble about
together, in close company, until the complement is finished. Then she
gives up all recreation, grown already quite sober and maternal, and
resolutely sets about her long tour of duty. But she is not forgotten
because she can no longer share the idle pleasures of her lord. Mounted
on a stumj) or bush near by, he stands watch, and continually solaces
her with the best music he can make. It is not very harmonious, to be
sure ; iu fact his ditty at such times is a medley of odd notes, sounding
rather lugubrious than hilarious, but it is presumably satisfactory to
the one most concerned. So the long days jiass for two weeks or more,
till feeble cries come from the nest ; the mother dries and cuddles
the curious little things, and the delighted birds, brimful of joy, lead
their family off in search of food.

From the number of eggs sometimes found in a nest, it becomes a
question whether birds, hard pressed, may not occasionally deposit in
nests not their own. We have no positive evidence that it may
occur, but observation has rendered it highly probable that such is the
case with some other birds, as the Eails, and, I think, the Virginia
Quail. However this may be, it is pretty certain that broods of young
sometimes coalesce, at a varying time after hatching. 1 do not remem-
ber to have myself seen a covey of more than twenty 5 but it is cur-
rently reported, upon good authority, that troops numbering as many
as fiity partly-grown birds, and including several old ones, may be met
with. This raises, of course, the question of polygamy, so common in
birds of this order; and something may be said in favor of the view.
The same surmise has been made in the case of L. californicus, but I
believe it remains to be proven. I am bound to observe, that I have
never witnessed anything supporting this view ; had 1 done so, what
has just gone before would not have been written.

In an article communicated some years since to the "Ibis," I used the
following language, which I have since found no reason to modify :

"Compared with the Eastern Quail (0. virghiianns), from the sports-
man's stand-point, Gambel's Plumed Quail is more difficult to kill. Not
that it rises with more startling suddenness, or flies faster, for I noticed
no material difference in these respects. But when a bevy is flushed
and one, or at most two, birds secured, it is exceedingly difficult, and
usually only by chance, that other shots are obtained. For, except under
certain circumstances, they lie very badly ; and when tliey drop, after
being for the first time started, it is usually not to squat and remain hid,
but to run as fast and far as possible ; so that if found at all, it will be
dozens of yards from where they were marked down. This propensity
to run, which is also a great obstacle to their being flushed within proper

VALLEY QUAIL OF CALIFORNIA L. CALIFORNICi:S. 439

distance, is exceedingly troublesome both to the sportsman and his dog;
so much so, that the best trained dogs can often be of little or no serv-
ice. It is true that this habit of running aftbrds many shots on the
ground, and often places the whole bevy directly under fire ; but no true
sportsman would thus ingloriously fill his bag by 'potting' a bevy of
such noble game birds. Like all their tribe, their flight is exceedingly
rapid and vigorous ; but it is always even and direct, so that it only
requires a very quick hand and eye, and the usual intuitive calculation
for cross shots, to kill them readily. Notwithstanding all I have heard
to the contrary, I consider them far from being tough birds, and No. 8
shot is abundantly large enough for them. The fault in most cases, I
presume, is with the shooter rather than the shot. I may add, that
many of the places in which bevies are found would compare unfavor-
ably with the worst Woodcock-brake of the Eastern States, as regards
facilities for obtaining a fair shot. I have had a bevy flushed all around
me, and hardly caught a glimpse of a feather. But these and all other
difficulties should only increase one's ardor, and confer additional value
on the lovely birds when obtained."

Man is, I suppose, the Quail's worst enemy; what the White does with
dog and gun the Eed accomplishes with ingenious snares. The Indians
take great numbers alive in this way, for food or to trade with the
whites along the Colorado ; and they use the crests for a variety of pur-
poses that they consider ornamental. I saw a squaw once who had at
least a hundred of them strung on a piece of rope-yarn for a necklace.
But the birds have other foes : the larger Hawks prey upon them, so
also do the wolves, as 1 had good evidence upon one occasion, when
hunting in a precipitous, rocky place near Fort Whipple. 1 heard a
covey whispering about me as they started to run off in the weeds, and
followed them up to get a shot. They passed around a huge boulder
that projected from the hill-side, and then, to my surprise, suddenly
scattered on wing in every direction, some flying almost in my lace.
At the same instant a wolf leaped up from the grass, where he had been
biding, a few feet off, intending to waylay the covey, and looking very
much disappointed, not to say digusted, at the sudden flight. ^Ve hail
marked the covey together, and were hunting it up from opposite sides,
and neither of us could account for their flushing so unexpectedly ; then
he caught sight of me, and it was a question which of us was most sur-
prised. However, I felt that I owed him a private grudge for getting
in the way of the birds and spoiling my shot; so I fired both barrels iu
quick succession. With nothing but mustard-seed iu my gun, I hardly
expected to more than frighten the beast, but he was so near that he
rolled over quite handsomely, his hind-fjuarters paralyzed with a charge
that took ettect in the small of the back. I kept his skin as a trophy,
and since that time have had unlimited confidence in small shot!

VALLEY QUAIL of CALIFOKNIA.— Lopiiortyx californica,* Bp.

This species is readily distinguished from the last. In idace of the
large black area on the belly, there is a tract of rich golden-brown or

* Telrao valifornicns. Shaw, Nat. Misc. pi. 'M!^.

Ferdix catiforuicus, Latii., IikI. Oni. Suppl. 1801, p. Ixii. — AuD., Oni. Bioj;. v, IKM), 152,

pi. 4i:<.— Hi'., Syn. IS28, 12'> (siib^;. ()rt!/j).—VlVTcnis's Cal. Ma^. ii, 1"?.')7, "JJl.
Ortyx ailifoniini, Stki-ii., Shaw's (ifii. Zool. xi, lf?lll, :!;:'l.— JauI)., Nat. Lil>. iv, KU, jil.

11.— Cuv., R. A. (illiist. o<l.) Ois. pi. (U.— Hi-NNKTT. (ianl. A: Mfii. Z. S. ii, 29,

Ii-?. — .— Aii>.. 8vn. 1K{'.), liU); H. Am. v. 1-4'J, f!7. pi. 'JlMi.
CaUipq)ln cnHfornicn. (Jori.D, JUjiiojr. Odoiit. IS, ])1. l(i. — Rkicii., Syst. Av. l^.'iOj pi. 27. —

NiiWis., 1". R. i;. Ri'p. vi, ld57, U;i.— Ukeu.m., ibid, x, lcjl>,"pt. vi.tiU.

440 MOUNTAIN QUAIL OF CALIFORNIA O. PICTUS,

ora4ige-chestiuit, where the feathers are sharply edged with black. The
forehead is whitish, with black lines, instead of black with whitish
lines; the occiput is smoky-brown, instead of chestnut-brown ; there is
a small white loral stripe ; the vent, flanks and crissum are tawny, with
dark stripes; the long feathers of the sides are like the back, with
sharp, white stripes. In the hen bird the belly is whitish, or tawny,
with black semicircles, as in the cock; while in the hen of gambeli the
same parts are whitish, with lengthwise dark marks.

This species replaces the last in the Pacific coast region, from Wa.sh-
ington Territory southward. It is abundant from the Columbia River
to Cape Saint Lucas, on the plains and in the valleys. In California
they are mostly restricted to the regions west of the Sierra Nevada,
which, with the Great Colorado Desert, form a barrier to their spread
eastward. But they do reach nearly to the Colorado River, following
along the course of the Mojave River to the spot where it sinks in the
desert, there meeting the western extension of the range of L. gambeli.
TJp the mountains it does not appear to reach a higher altitude than
three or four thousand feet, beyond which it is replaced by the Oreortyx
Rictus. In its general habits it is the counterpart of Gambel's Quail.

MOUNTAm QUAIL OF CALIFORNIA.— Oreortyx pictus,* Bd.

This is a magnificent species, mncli the largest and handsomest Quail
of this country. Its distribution is limited and rather peculiar, as it in-
habits almost exclusively the mountain ranges of Oregon and California.
Having never yet seen the bird alive, I can say nothing from personal
observation of its habits. Dr. Cooper furnishes the following account:

"This bird, one of the most beautiful of its family, is common in the
higher ranges of California and Oregon, and I think a few are found
north of the Columbia. South of San Francisco they are unknown near
the coast, unless some birds seen by membo'S of the Survey, in the
Mount Diablo range, at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, were of this
species. In the Sierra Nevada they have been obtained at Fort Tejon,
at about 4,000 feet elevation, and were seen at Cajou Pass, in winter,
about the same elevation, and in latitude 34°. They probably extend
further south in the mountains. At latitude 39° they descend in winter
to about 3,000 feet, and are found lower toward the north, until, in
Oregon, they frequent the borders of the Willamette Valley, but little
above the sea-level. They are not common anywhere within the range
of the gunners who supply the San Francisco market; all those I have
seen there having been brought alive from the Sierra Nevada. They
abound in summer up to 7,000 feet in that range, where I found them
in September, the young not quite full grown and the old birds moult-
ing. In habits and flight they have considerable resemblance to our

Lonhorlyx californica, Bp., List, 1838, 42.— NuTT., Mau. i, 2(1 ed. 1840, 78i).— Bd., B. N. A.
18r>8, C44.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Tcr. 18(i0, 225.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870,
54y.— COUES, Kiiy, 1872, 238.— B. B. & E., N. A B. iii, 1874, 479, pi. G4, figs. 1, 2.

* Ortjjx x>ic1a, DouGL., Tr. Linu. Soc. xvi, 1829, 143.

CalUpepla incta, GouLU, Monoj;. (Jdont. 18.')0, 18, pi. xv.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 93.—

Hekkm., ibid, x, 1859, Williamson's Route, Birds, (51.
Oreortyx j>ic<tt.s, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, (J42.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 225.—

Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 546.— COUES, Key, 1872, 237.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii,

1874, 475, pi. G3, Hg. 5.
(h-tyx plumifera, Gould, P. Z. S. v, 1837, 42.— Aud., Syu. 1839, 200 ; B. Am. v, 1842, G9,

pi. 291. (May represent a slight variety.)
Perdix plumifa-a, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 220, pi. 422.
Lophortyx plumijcra, NUTT., Mau. i, 2d ed, 1840, 791.

BLUE QUAIL CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA. 441

other Quail, but their cries are quite differeut. Their note of alarm is a
rather faint chirp, scarcely warning- the sportsman of their presence be-
fore they fly. They scatter in all directions when flushed, and then
call each other together by a whistle, very much like that of a man call-
ing his dog. According \o Newberry the hen has a cluck, much like
that of the common hen, when calling together her young brood, about
the first of August. The chickens also utter a piping note, scattering
and concealing themselves in the grass. * * * * They do not seem
anywhere to associate in flocks of more than fifteen or twenty, and from
the rugged, shrubby character of the country they inhabit, they are not
easily shot, except in the early morning, when they come out into the
roads and openings to feed. They live on seeds, berries, and insects,
and are very good for the table. As with the other species [L. califor-
nicus), more are taken in traps than with the gun. When hunted in
thick brush they generally run some distance before flying, and then
rise singly, scattering so that only one can usually be killed at a shot.
I have never seen them perch in trees, like the other species."

BLUB QUAIL.— CALLIPEPLA squamata,* (T%.) Gray.

As we have already referred the three Arizouiau Quails to as many
genera, we may briefly notice some of the points of their structure.
That of the Blue Quail is most like Gambel's in bill, wings, tail, and
feet, but entirely different in the crest, which, instead of being helmet-
like, of club-shaped, recurved feathers, is short, soft, and full, and,
though capable of erection in a conspicuous manner, can be laid quite
flat, out of sight. The Blue is also called the Scaled Quail, from the
peculiar appearance of the plumage of the under parts, which is seem-
ingly abnormal in texture or disposition; but this is merely an optical
effect of the singular coloration of the feathers, simulating imbricated
scales or tiles. A corresponding result is said to appear, from the same
cause, in the plumage of the under parts of young Gannets. The Mas-
sena Quail has the crest in general similar to that of the Blue, but diflers
from this species, as well as from Gambel's, in the structure of the wings
and tail. Tliese are both short ; the wing-coverts and tertials are re-
markably enlarged, hiding the primaries when the wing is closed, and
the tail-coverts are so long as to conceal the true tail-feathers, which are
soft and weak. The Massena is of striking and elegant colors, having
sharply contrasted round si)Ots u])on a rich ground, and other peculiari-
ties; both it and Gambel's are singularly, ahuost fantastically, strijjcd
about the head; the Blue is of plainer, though scarcely less-pleasing
tints. Thus each species shows some marked features with one of the
other two, but none of consequence with both ; and each has i)eculiari-
ties of its own not shared by either of the others.

The Blue Quail has another peculiarity, of a different sort; the two
sexes diller but little in ai)pearance. As a general rule the sexual dif-
ferences among gallinaceous birds are very striking — more so, peihai)s,
than in any other group. Contrary to the rule in our own species, the
male is gaudily attired, while the temale is of plain and homely appear-

• Ortijx squamata, Vio., Zool. Journ. 1830, 275.— Ahkkt, Pr. A. N. S. iii, 1847, t'*Jl.

CalUpeiAa xqmimata, Gkay, Gcm. of H. iii, 18-10, 51-1.— (ioci.u, Monoir. (klnnl. l-^.'iO, i>l. 10. —
McC.vrj,, Pr. A. N. S. v, IK51. -i-i-i.— Cass., 111. i, 1-54, 1 •,'!», pi. l'.>.— liP., P. N. A.
1858, t;4().— Cool'., P. Cal. i, lr<70, 5.')C..— Cot Ks. Pr. A. N. S. ls(i«;, 05.- CoUES,
Key, 1872, 238.— P. P. cV U., N. A. P. iii, 1874, 487. pi. iU, lig. 0.

Callipepla n'liriiiia, Wxuu., Isi.s, xxv, 1832, 278.

Telruo crbtaUi, De La Lla\i;, liogistio Triuiostrc, i, 1832, 144.

442 BLUE QUAIL CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA.

ance, as well illustrated by the domestic Cock and Hen, and especially
by the Peafowls. Among Arizonian Gallinw, the Massena differs most
in sexnal distinctions of color, for the female is quite subdued in her
dress, while the male is showy in coloration. The Blue presents the
other extreme, as if, with teuder gallantry, he were unwilling to outshine.

This species is a bird of noticeably terrestrial habits, rarely taking to
trees or bushes unless hard pressed in one of those extremities into
which some people are fond of forcing any birds large enough to be
worth a charge of shot, and wary enough to make it exciting sport to
penetrate their poor bodies with it. It generally trusts to its legs rather
than its wings, though these are not at all deficient in size or strength.
On level ground it glides along with marvellous celerity, and makes
good progress over the most rocky and difficult places. As a conse-
quence it is rather difficult to shoot fairly, thongb it may be "potted"
in great style by one so disposed ; and it will probably require several
generations in training before it can be taught to lie well to a dog. I
am inclined to think, indeed, that the lying of Quail, an essential feature
for the chase in its perfection, is almost as much a result of education
as the "pointing" that the intelligent brute who helps us kill them has
learned. In a i)rimitive and strictly natural condition. Quail, as a gen-
eral rule, rather use their legs to escape j)ursuit than squat and attempt
to hide. That the reverse is the case with the Virginia Quail 1 am j)er-
fectly aware, but this proves nothing to the coutrarj^, and I am inclined
to think its crouching, till almost trodden upon, to be an acquired trick.
This would surely be a i)oor way of escajje from any of its natural
enemies — any carnivorous bird or mammal ; yet they found it to succeed
so well against their chief persecutor, that he has had to call in the
aid of a sharper-sighted, sharper-nosed brute than himself, else he might
stumble over stubble-fields all day without seeing a bird, except by acci-
dent. I presume that Virginia Quail, in the days of Captain Smith and
Pocahontas, were very much in the social status of the Arizonian to-day j
and these certainlj- trust to their legs and wings rather than to the
artifice of thrusting their heads in tussock of grass, and then fancying
they are safe.

Like our other southwestern species, the Blue Quail has a rather re-
stricted range in the United States. The valley of the Eio Grande at
large may be given as its especial habitat ; it is said to be more abun-
dant there than I have found it to be in other regions. Colonel McCall,
with that accuracy for which he has well-deserved name, states that
this valley, "though comparatively narrow, contains a country of great
extent from north to south, and embraces, in its stretch between the
Eocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico, every variety of climate,
from the extreme of cold to that of tropical heat. This entire region, not
even excepting the narrow mountain valleys, covered in winter with
deep snows, is inhabited by the species under consideration. I have
met with it on the Rio Grande and its aftluents from the 25th to the 38th
degree of north latitude — that is to say, from below Monterey, in JMexico,
along the borders of the San Juan Kiver to its junction with the Eio
Grande ; and at difierent points on the latter as high up as the Taos
and other northern branches which gush from the mountain sides. I
have also found it, though less frequently, near the head of the Riado
Creek, which likewise rises in the Eocky Mountains and flows eastward
to the Canadian." I did not meet with the bird near Taos, and we have
no knowledge of its occurrence so far north, except that afforded by
Colonel McCall's observations ; I presume this must be the extreme limit
of its range. The only naturalist of the Eailroad Surveys who appears

MASSENA QUAIL CYRTONYX MASSENA. 443

to have met with it was Br. Heermann, who found it on the San Pedro,
a branch of the Gila, east of Tucson, and thence to Liuipia Springs.
Those of the Mexican Boundary Survey, however, all observed it, and
Dr. Kennerly makes the summary statement, that it was "found every-
where where there was permanent water, from Limpia Creek, Texas, to
San Bernardino, Sonora." Lieutenant Couch records it from "about
sixty leagues west of Matamoras ; not until free from prairie and bottom-
land;" an observation confirmed by Mr. Clarke, who states that it
" does not occur on the grassy prairies near the coast." 1 was rather
surprised to find no Blue Quail about Fort Whipple, since it seemed
that that locality was in their ordinary range ; and probably my ob-
servations, or rather want of observations in this ijarticular, represent
the actual truth, as I was repeatedly assured that none live there. In
Arizona they appear really to be confined to what is called the " lower
country," that is, to the valleys of the Gila and Colorado, in a restricted
sense. On the latter river it must ascend at least as high as Fort Mo-
jave ; and to the eastward, to the country about the Hassayauipa.

The egg of the Blue Quail differs in color from that of the Califor-
nian or Gambel's, though of the same size and shape. A specimen
measures 1.20 by 1.00; it is buffy-white, or with the faintest possible
brownish-yellow tinge, and is very regularly and thickly dotted with
minute specks of light brown. The usual large number are laid for
each setting.

MASSENA QUAIL.— Cyrtonyx massena,* (Less.) Gould.

I found no Massena Quail about Fort Whipple until a few days before
my final departure. A pair were then procured, setting at rest the
doubts I had all along entertained regarding the veracity of reports I
had often received, of the occurrence there of Quail different from Gam-
bel's. But the species must certainly be rare in that region, since I
could not otherwise have overlooked it for so long a time.

This remarkable Quail was described about forty years ago by several
writers, nearly simultaneously. For a long while it was only known as
a IMexican species. It remained for American naturalists and, I may
add, officers of the Army to show its existence in our country, and give
us something definite about its habits. In Colonel McCalFs observa-
tions upon Texan and New Mexican birds, i)ublished in the Philadelphia
Academy's proceedings for 1851, we find the following interesting
account :

"The species was not seen before crossing the San Pedro, but it was
not long before it made its appearance in the waste and rocky region
into which we then entered. And from that time until we reached the
Kio Pecos, a distance of one hundred and forty miles (westwardly by
the route we traveled), it was frequently seen, though I should not say

* Orlyx maHnaid, Lkss., Cent. Zool. 1830, 189. — FiNSCii, Abli. Nat. Bremcu, 1870, 357

(Guadalaxara).
Cyrtotii/x moHHcua, (Jould, Monog. Odotit. 18.'i0, 15, pi. 7. — McCaix, Pr. A. N. S. v, 1851,

i!il.— Cass., 111. i, 1853, 21, pi. 21.— Hkicii., Syat. Av. 1850, pi. 27.— Hi)., 15. N. A.

18.58, (J47 ; Mox. B. Surv. ii, 1850, Birds, 23.— Coi'KS, l>r. Pliila. Aoad. lt*cr,, 05.—

Dkess., Il)is, IKlMi, 20.— OisAY, Cat. (i<iir,ii<i- Br. Miis. It^iu. 71.— Coop., B. Cal.

i, 1S7(), .558.— COUES, Key, 1872, 2:50.— B. B. &, li., N. A. B. iii. 187-1, 402, pi.

(i4, f. 3, (i.
Ortjix nioiilrzHinn; Vie, Zool. Journ. v, lKi(t, 275. — Jaijd. & Skuiv, 111. pi. 126.
0(h>iito]>lii>ni!i wiliiiip-is, \\'m,i„, Isis, xxv, 1832, 270.
Tclroo ijiiltitld, Dk La Li-avk, Kegistro Triuiestre, i, 1832, 145.
"Perdix 2)aKpidUat(t, Licnr."

444 MASSENA QUAIL CYRTONYX MASSENA. ^

it was very common. This region is a desert of great length from north
to sonth, our trail crossing it at nearly right angles. The general face
of the country is level, and consists of either a crumbling argillaceous
limestone, or a coarse, gray sand, producing nothing but a sparse growth
of sand plants. Water is found only at long intervals, and, except at
those points, there is little cover for game, and apparently less food —
the principal growth being Cacti, of which the most common is Cactus
arhorescens ; yet here, among projecting rocks, or on the borders of dry
gullies or in loose scrub, I found the Massena Partridge in all the beauty
of his rich and varied plumage.

"The habits of this species are different from those of any other
species of Partridge that I have met with. They were in coveys of
from eight to twelve individuals, and appeared to be extremely simple
and affectionate in disposition. In feeding they separated but little,
keeping up a social '■'■ clucW'' all the time. They were so gentle as to
evince little or no alarm on the appearance of man, scarcely moving out
of his way as he passed, and only running off or flying a few yards,
when perhaps half their number were laid low by a shot. This inclined
me to think that they might with little difficulty be domesticated,
although I found them here in a barren, boundless waste, and nowhere
near the habitation of man. This trait of gentleness is the very oppo-
site of those manifested by the Scaly Partridge {CalUpepla squamata),
which I always observed to be, though found perchance in grounds as
little frequented as these, remarkably vigilant, shy, and difficult to ap-
proach. The call or signal note of this species is peculiar. I never
saw it after crossing the Pecos."

This account of the gentle and confiding disposition of the Massena
Quail, so at variance with the character of nearly all the other species,
agrees entirely with the representations which were made to me at Fort
Whipple ; and the same trait has also been noticed hy other writers.
Don Pablo de la Llave noticed it in his original account of the birds in
the following terms, which I copy from Mr. Cassiu's translation of his

article: " and in everything it shows an amiabilitj", and, so to

speak, a kindness of character {una hondad de caracter) which is not
found in any other species of this genus, and it is naturally so tame and
domestic as to permit itself to be caught with the hand." So, also, Dr.
Woodhouse, in the following paragraph from Sitgreave's Eeport :

"My attention was first called to this beautiful bird a few miles be-
yond the head of the Rio San Pedro, where we started three of them,
and Major Backus succeeded in procuring a female specimen, which is
DOW in my collection. This was the only time that I observed this bird.
Captain S. G. French, Assistant-Quartermaster United States Army, in-
forms me that in the year 1849, when he first passed over this road, he
met with these birds in a number of localities — at the head of the San
Pedro, Howard's Springs, and also at the Eagle Springs — showing evi-
dently that it has a range over the country lying between the Rio
Grande and San Pedro Rivers. He also stated that he had never met
with it near the settlements, but always among the wild, rocky, and
almost barren hills of this country. They are more sociable and not so
shy as others of the same family. Their food appears to be principally
insects."

To give, as nearly as possible, a complete view of what has been put
on record concerning the habits of the beautiful Massena, I continue
with the following quotations from the notes made by the naturalists of
the Mexican Boundary Survey. It will be noticed that j\Ir. Clark's
account is considerably at variance with those just i)resented ;

MASSENA QUAIL CYRTONYX MASSEXA, 445

''Ouce, ou flusliing a covey of Ortyx texana, my attention was
attracted by a bird wliich remained behind, showing no inclination to
follow the rest. It attempted to hide in the grass, but not to tiy, and
on being shot proved to be a male Mmsena. It occurs in pairs or flocks,
and when flushed it flies further than the Virginia Quail, and does not
lie so close. They may be approached within a few feet, and followed
up, particularly wlieu in pairs, running along before you like so many
domestic fowls. It is quiet as well as retired ; a subdued though sharp
note is the only noise I ever heard it make, and that only when fright-
ened. I have seen it pursued, and all the barrels of a six-shooter flred
at it without giving it alarm, and finally forced to fly only by an attack
of stones and clubs. It was first met in the neighborhood of San An-
tonio, and thence sparsely distributed, as an inhabitant of both prairies
and mountains, as far westward as Sonora. It is a much wilder bird
than the squamata ; less conspicuous, as also less noisy, and never seen
in flocks, living about old camps, as is often the case with the latter.
Its haunts are far removed from the habitation of man, and the indiffer-
ence it sometimes manifests to his presence is due to its ignorance of
his power and attributes. Though distributed over the same country
as the squamata, it is not found in such barren regions as the latter fre-
quently is, preferring those regions most luxuriantly covered with vege-
tation.''—./, ff. Clarl:

" First seen in the CaQou Guapuco, twelve leagues south of Monterey.
Though rather shy, it seemed quite at home in the cultivated fields and
stubbles of the ranches." — D. N. Couch.

•' This bird I have never seen further south in Texas than Turkey
Creek. In this vicinity it was very common, and also at various points
thence to the Eio Grande. In the valley of this river it is very rarely
seen, giving way apparently to the Scaly and Gambel's Partridges.
"West of the river it was very common as far as we traveled, wherever
there was fresh and i)ermanent water. In the valley of the Santa Cruz
Kiver, and among the adjacent hills, it was extremely abundant. In
the mouths of June and July it was observed there, always in pairs,
while in Texas, in the mouths of October and November, it was found
in very large flocks, sometimes of various ages, from the very small
and partly fledged to the full grown bird. When hunted it hides itself
very closely in the grass, and I have often known Mexicah soldiers in
Sonora to kill them with their lances, by striking them either while on
the ground or just as they rise. Some of these men are very expert in
this business, and will kill many in the course of a day's travel." — C. B.
R. Kennerly.

It is not difficult to gain from these accounts a pretty definite idea of
the range of the species in the United States, though we do not know
how far south it i)enetrates in Mexico, which is really its native country.
We have no record of it as yet as a bird of California. To the indica-
tions of its range in Texas and New Mexico, I have only to add, as just
now done, its occurrence in Arizona at Fort Whip]>le, a locality at some
distance from those previously recorded, and further north, as well as
west, liian any belbre known. There it is rare, as stated, nor do 1 think
that the species can be very abundant even in the southern portions of
the Tenitory, unless it be at the southeast corner.

We see tliat none of the fragmentary published accounts are more
than is(»late«l facts of an imiterfect liistory ; yet they do gotxl service as
contributions toward a biograi)hy. The bird is mentioiu'd as an in-
habitant of the most barren, desolate, and unfrequentetl regions, as well
as the vicinity of cultivated ranches j as veiy unusually tame, or quite

446 MASSENA QUAIL CYRTONYX MASSENA.

wild ; as occurring in pairs or in flocks : each account being circumstan-
tial and limited. But this very diversity of statement helps to a knowl-
edge of the bird ; and here, as elsewhere, I cannot refrain from pressing
the importance of the record of any facts whatever, however isolated,
that may be gleaned by personal observation upon the habits and man-
ners of birds, no matter how small and unpromising the field, or how
often it has been gone over before. Any information, so be it that it is
accurate, is better than none ; though still it should be remembered
that ex parte statements are liable to mislead, particularly when used in
generalizations, the inductive not being in natural history, as it is in
the more exact sciences, always a safe method of reasoning.

There are two points in the history of this species to which attention
may profitably be directed. One is the bird's remarkable unsophistica-
tion. Living in what we should consider lonely desolation, but which
is to it a happy home, the bird has not yet learned to throw aside the
gentle, confiding disposition its Maker gave. No contact with the lords
of the universe, guardians of civilization and progress, jobbers in ethics
and aesthetics, has yet begotten in its ingenious nature the wholesome
change that the requirements of self-preservation will some day demand,
and which it will instinctively adopt. Birds that live in populous dis-
tricts have had a lesson to learn of bitter experience, and its fruits have
been instilled through generation after generation, till a second nature
replaces the first, and a shrewd distrust of the whole human race is
instilled. It is a nauseous dose that these Quail, like innocent chil-
dren, have to swallow ; but the medicine acts vigorously and bene-
ficially, heart-longings and soul-breathings, and the like, giving way to
something more substantial and sensible. Some day a fine old Cock
Massena shall say to his family, " timeo Danaos et dona ferentes ; " the
newly-born wisdom shall take well, and become gospel to succeeding
generations, to outlive in the code of Quail ethics the memory of the
^neid in the minds of men.

We are familiar with the structural peculiarities of the Massena Quail,
and it is not likely that these deviations from a common standard are
not reflected in some way in the bird's habits and manners ; but how,
we are still ignorant. Nothing accounting for these peculiarities has
yet been learned; and yet there must be some traits that, for their
proper exhibition, require the special modification that we find. These
individualizing traits ofter an inviting field for investigation. Mr. Cas-
sin has, perhaps, taken the initiative toward such discovery, in an ob-
servation founded upon consideration of the bird's colors. " The circu-
lar spots," he says, "which are numerous on the inferior parts of the
body in this Partridge, appear to indicate as a character an analogy to
the Guinea-fowls, which is further sustained by its habit of uttering its
note continually when in company with its fellows, or when feeding."

Adult male: Bill convex, very stout, the under mandible doubly toothed; legs large
and strong, toes very short, claws long, strong, much curved ; wings moderate, the
tertials iiud coverts highly developed ; tail very short and soft, not reaching beyond
the thick, long coverts ; a short, full crest. Under parts pure velvety black, with a
broad longitudinal band of deep chestnut, the black parts on the sides beautifully
marked with distinct, rounded white spots, several on each feather; upper parts vary-
ing shades of yellowish or tawny white, and most of them with narrow transverse
bars of blackish, changing into spots on the wing-coverts ; primaries dusky, barred
with reddish or yellowish-white; crown variegated with black, brownish, and yellow-
ish; the crest yellowish, nearly white behiud; other parts of the head white, oi- ashy,
fantastically edged and striped wath black ; chin black, separated by a white stripe
from a maxillary black line, this latter by white from a triangular black patch below
the eye; a black stripe from the nostrils over the side of the crown, separated bj'' a
white line from the central black on the forehead. Iris, brown ; bill, deep bluish horu-

MASSENA QUAIL — CYRTONYX MASSENA. 447

color; legs, pale dull bluish. Leugtb, 9i inches; extent, 18; wing, 5; tail, 2; bill,
0.70; tarsus, IJ.

Adidi female: Like the male on the upper parts, but wanting the distinct markings
on the head; colors of the under parts entirely diftereut; the crest less developed;
the size of the whole bird less ; no black about the head ; chin yellowish or tawny
Avhite; whole under parts plain, pale brownish-white, inconspicuously marked with a
few little black sjwts. Bill, light horn-color ; upper mandible with a tinge of reddish,
lower nearly white; iris, brownish-olive; legs and feet, livid bluish-white, with a
yellowish tinge behind. Length, 9 inches ; extent, 17 ; wing, 4| ; tail, 2 ; tarsus, 1.20.

Young, scarceh/ fledged: Bill, reddish-brown above, whitish below ; feet, dull brown-
ish. General plumage of the upper parts light, warm brown, variegated with black,
and very boldly striped with white — each feather having a broad, sharp, white shaft-
line, hannner-headed or transversely enlarged at ajjex, bordered on either side by the
areas that cause the variegation. A few of the inner wing-quills like the back ; the
rest dnsky, with whitish shafts, and interruptedly barred, chiefly on the outer webs,
with light, dull bufty-brown, or whitish. Feathers of under parts white, with a slight
bufty suffusion, boldly marked with innumerable spots of brownish-black, paired on
each feather, quite circular and sharp on the breast, further back widening into trans-
verse bars. The head of the specimen is still in the down, except a feather or two just
sprouted on the vei'tex ; these feathers are like the back ; there is a triangular chest-
nut-brown area on the crown ; the head is otherwise light grayish-brown, fading into
white on the chin and throat, and with a dusky auricular mark. Length of the speci-
men about :5.J inches.

For opportunity of describing this early stage, hitherto unpublished, so far as I know,
and quite new to me, I am indebted to Lieutenant G. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, the
accomplished officer in charge of the Explorations and Surveys west of the 100th
meridian, which are doing so much to develop the resources of the West. I was
kindly shown, by Dr. H. C. Yarrow, the well-known naturalist in charge of the
Natural History Department, several specimens of the species from Arizona, forming
part of the collection made during the season of 1873 by H. W. Henshaw — one of the
largest, best prepared, and most valuable suites of bird-skins ever brought from our
Western Territories.

Note. — The foregoing account of Gall'mce includes all the species known to inhabit
North America, north of Mexico.

GRALLATOPiES:

ORDEE VjllAUUlil Uill^O . WADING BIRDS.

LIMICOL.^:

SUBORDER JLi i in i \J U JJ ilj . SHORE BIRDS.

These two groups, represented by a great variety of forms, are sufificiently defined
for our present purposes in the Key, p. 239. The Umicolcc,, or Shore Birds (as distin-
guished from the other two groujis of the order, Hcrodiones, or the Herons and their
allies, and Alectorides, or the Cranes, Rails, and their allies), comprehend all kinds of
Plover, Snipe, Woodcock, and birds collectively known as " Bay Snipe," as well as
Phalaropes, Avocets, Stilts, Turnstones, and Oyster-catchers.

Family CHARADRIID^ : Plover.

Subfamily Charadriin^ : Tnie Plover.

Besi'des the birds properly so called, several others are loosely designated as Plovers
by unscientific experts in ornithology. The principal of these is the so-called " Upland
Plover," which is a true Tattler of the family ScoJopacidie, its proper name being the
Bartramian Tattler {Actititrus hartramins) — see under this head. Our true Plover may be
recognized by the shortness and stoutness of the bill, as compared with this member
in the Scolojmddw, and especially by having only three toes. The only American excep-
tions to this last statement are the Black-bellied Plover, or Bull-head (Sqiiatarola
helvelica), in which there is a rudimentary hind toe, and the curious Surf Bird of the
Pacific coast {Aphrisa virgata), in which the hind toe is as well developed as is usual in
the Scolopacida; (where perhaps it belongs). The only three-toed American bird of the
family Scolopavidw is the Stilt {Hbnanioinis nigricollis).

SQUATAROLA HELVETK^A, (Linn.) Brehra.
Black-bellied Plover.

Tringa helvetica, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, '250 (based on Vmelhis helveficus of Briss., v,
108, pi. 10, f. 1).-^F0KST., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 412 ; PI. Enlum. 853, 854, 923.

SquataroJa helvetica, Buehm, V. D. 554.— Bp., Conip. List, 1838, 46; K. & B., Wirb.
Eur. 207.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 543; and of most late authors.— Cass., Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1858, 195 (Japan); ihid. 1860, 195 (Carthageua).— Caij., J. f. O. iv,
18.56, 423 (Cuba).— Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Reinii., Ibis, iii,
1861, 9 (Greenland).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 34 (Texas).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 196
(Guatemala).- L\WR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 210 (Yucatan).— Pei.z., Orn. Braz.
iii, 296 (Brazil).— Bd, B. N. A. 1858, 697.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.
1860, 232.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290.— Coues, Key, 1872, 243,
fig. 154.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10, No. 212 (Kansas).— Ghay, Hand-list, iii,
1871, Nos. 9980, 9981.— Sh. & Dkess., B. E. pt. vi, Aug. 1871.

Vanellns helveticus, Vip:ill., Ency. Meth. iii, 1823, 1077.

Charadnus helveticus, Licht., Verzeich. 1823, No. 728.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 298, No. 221.—
NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 26.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 280, pi. 334; Syn. 1839,
221 ; B. Am. v, l8-i2, 199, pi. 315.— KJ-euij., Naum. 1850, 6.

Charadrius {Sqttatarola) helvetica, Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383.

Tringa varia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 252 (based on VaiieUus varius, Briss., v, 103).

Charadrius varius, FiN.s'cii & Hautl., Vog. Ost. Afr. 1871, 644.

Pluvialis varius, Sche., Mus. P.-B., Cursores, 1865, 53.— Deal. & Gerre, O. E. 1867, 127.

Tringa squatarola, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 252 (based on riuvialis chierca of various
authors, and Vanelhis griacus of Binss., v, lUO, pi. 9, f 1).

Pluvialis squatarola, Macgie., Man. N. H. Orn. ii, 4-5; Hist. Br. B. iv, 1852, SQ>.

Charadrius squatarola, Nauae, Yog. Dcutschl. vii, 1834, 265, pi. 178.

VandluH squatarola. Sciil., Ruv. Crit. 1864, 84.

Squatarola ciuerea, Feeming, Br. Anim., 1828, 111.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 34.'

Charadrius h}ipomelanus, Pale., Reise, iii, 1773, 699; Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 138, pi. 59.

Charadrius pardcla. Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 142.

Squatarola grisea, Leach, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1816, 29.— Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, p. 505.

TaueUus grlscus, Jenvn.s, Man. Br. Vert. 181.

CHARADRIUS FULVUS VAR. VIRGINICUS. 449

Vanellus meJaiwgaster, Bechstein, Naturg. Deut. 1809, 356.— Temm., Man. 1815, 345 ; ii,

547.— Sab., App. Frank. .Journ. 684.— Rich., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 352.— Sw. &

Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 370.
Squafarola melcmogaster, Malh., Fu. Orn. Sicil. 1840, 166.
Charadrius ajmcarius, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 41, pi. 57, f. 4.
Squafarola wilsoni. Light., Nomencl. Av. 1854, 95.
Charadrius longirostris, Brehm, J. f. O. 1854, 79.
Squaiarola australis, Bonaparte.
Squafarola rliijnchomega, Bp., Coiu])t. Rend. 1856, 417.
Squaiarola megarhynchus, Bkehm, Vollst. Vogelf. 1855, 284.
Figured.— Sw., Cat. of B. fig. 321 ; Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 542, pi. 145, f. 9.— JJeich., Syst.

Av. pi. IS— Gould, B. E. pi. 290 ; B. Aust. vi, pi. 12.— Naum., Vog. pi. 178.
Black-ieUied, Gi-ay and Swiss Plorer. Beetle-head, Bull-head Plover. Oxeye, and a

variety of other names.
Hal). — Nearly cosmopolitan.

With a close general reserablauce to the Golden Plover, especially
when in fall plumage, this species will be immediately recognized* by
the presence of a small hind toe, no trace of which occurs in any of our
other Plovers. There are also additional characters.

In the United States — in fact in most parts of North America — the
Black-bellied Plover is less abundant than the Golden Plover, and such
is particularly the case in the Missouri region, where 1 never observed
it, and where, so far as I have determined, it is recorded only by one
writer. Although stated by Audubon and others to breed from Virginia
and the Middle States northward, no such instances have come to my
knowledge; and in the United States the species is only known with
certainty to occur now during the migrations. In the extensive journeys
it performs it gives evident preference for coast-lines of travel, being
decidedly more numerous along either of our coasts than in the interior.
Nevertheless Dr. Suckley states that he found it "moderately abundant"
in Minnesota (where it was not observed by Mr. Trippe or myself). Br.
Cooper remarks that it seems to be a resident bird near the mouth of
the Columbia, as he there shot young birds in July; this, however, is
not proof that they were actually bred in the vicinity.

Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian cabinet, collected by E.
MacFaiiaue, esq., on the Arctic coast, east of Anderson Eiver, July 4,
1864, afibrd the following description : Size, 2.10 by 1.40, to 1.90 by
1.40, in a set of four. Color, brownish-drab, or rather dark brownish-
clay color, very thickly marked at and around the larger end, for nearly
half the length of the egg, with irregularly sized and shaped spots and
blotches of brownish-black, and over the rest of the surface thinly
spotted with smaller marks of the same color. The larger markings
around the butt are to a great extent confluent, producing an imperfect
wreath. A very few i)aler shell markings are noted on close scrutiny.
The nest was a depression of the ground on the side of a slight
eminence, lined with a few dried grasses. Another set of four from the
same source average more elongated, the most pointed one being 2.30
long by 1,45 broad; the markings are much moce evenly distributed
over the whole egg, are smaller, and tending to a confused, scratchy
pattern, as well as rather lighter in tone. A third set of four, collected
by Mr. MacFarlane, at Franklin Bay, are intermediate between the
other two in these respects, though most like the lirst described.

CHABADRIUS FULVUS var. VIRGINICUS, (Bork.) Coues.

American (ioUU'ii Plover,
a. fulvus.

Charadrius /ulcus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 687 ; and of anthors.
Plunalis/ulru.'^, Bp., C. li. 1856, 417.— SCIIL., M. P.-B. 1864. 50.

2l>

450 CHARADEIUS FULVUS VAR. VIRGINICUS.

Charadrius 2)hiviaU8, Horsf., Linn. Tr. xiii, 1822, 187.— Peale, U. S. Expl. Ex. 1848, 239.

Charadnus xanthocheUus, Wagl., S. A. 1827.— Gould, B. A. vi, pi. 13.— Cass., Expl. Ex. 325.

PluviuUs xanthochcilns, Bp., C. R. 1856, 417.

Charadrius iaiteusis, Less., Man. li, 1828, 321.

Plui-ialis iaiti'nsis,'Bp., C. R. 1856, 417.

Charadrius virfjimanus, Jard. & Selu., III. ii, p]. 85. — Hartl., Wieg. Arch. 1852, 134.

Charadrius glaucopus, FoKST., Descr. An. ed. Licht. 1844, 176.

Charadrius virginicus, Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. As. Soc. 1849, 262.

Charadrius longipes, "Temim., Mus. Lugdun."

Phivialis loucjipes, Bp., C. R. 1856, 417.

Charadrius auratus orientals, Temm. & Schl., Fn. Japon. pl. 62.

Charadrius auratus, Sciirenck, Eeise Amur, 1860, 410.

b. mrginicus.

Charadrius domimcus, Muller, Syst. Nat. 1776, 116.— Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1864, 241.
Charadrius 2}luvialis,WihS. , Am. Oru. vii, 1813, 71, pl. 59, f. 5. — Sab., Suppl. Pa^T^'s Ist
• Voy. p. cxcix; Frank. Jouru. 683.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 220.— Sw. & Rich., F.

B. A. ii, 1831, 369.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 16.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 623;

not of Linnccus, nor of European writers.
Charadriiis pluvialis var. virgi'nicus, Ridgw., Ann. Lye. s, 1874, 383.
Charadrius virginicus, "Boric, Mus. Berol." — Light., Verzeicbniss, 1823. No. 729. —

Meyen, Nova Acta K. C. L. Acad, xvi, Suppl. 1834, 106, pl. 18.— Newb., P. R.

R. Rep.'vi, 1857, 97.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 690.— Coop. & Sucic, N. H. Wash.

Ter. 1860, 229.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 33 (Texas).- Dall

& Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 289.— Reinh., B. of Greenland, 9, No. 40 {cf.

Comptes Reudus, xliii, p. 1019).— Stev., Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465,

No. 96.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9, No. 207.— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872,

240 ; and of nearly all the late local lists. — (See Hart,, P. Z.S. 1871, 116 ; critical.)
Fluvialis virginicus, Bp., C. R. 1856, 417.
Charadrius marmoratus, Wagl., Syr^t. Av. 1827, No. 42. — AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, .575,

pl. 300 ; Syn. 1839, 222 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 203, pl. 316.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i,

1856, 216.
(?) Charadrius pectoralis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxvii, 1819, 145.
Fluvialis fulvus amerivanus, SCWL., M. P.-B. 1865, Cursores, 53.
Charadrius fulvus var. virginicus, COUES, Key, 1872, 243, fig. 155.

Extralimital quofatious. — Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 432 (Cuba). — Newt., Ibis, i, 1859,
255 (Santa Cruz).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1864, 99 (Sombrero).— Sund., OtV. Vet.
Ak. 1869, 588 (St. Bartholomew).— Finsch, P. Z. S. 1870, 587 (Trinidad).— Scl., Ibis,
1859, 227 (Guatemala).- BuKM., Reise, 501 (La Plata).- Darw., Voy. Beagle, 126. —
Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 567 (Ucayali) ; 1867, 331 (Chili) ; 1869, 598 (Peru).— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 141 (Costa Rica).— Philippi, Cat. 69 (Chili).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 297
(Brazil).— Reinh., Vid. Med. Nat. For. 1870, 34 (Brazil).

Hal). — Var. fulvus, Asia and Pacific regions generally. Prybilov Islands (Elliot).
Var. virginicus, all of North America. Greenland. Accidental in Europe. (Heligoland,
Mus. GiBtk6,Jide Blasius, List B. Eur. 1862, 17.)

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4551, 5425, at and near Saint Pierre ; 5426, Fort
Berthold ; 5427, " Nebraska."

Later Expeditions.— 61100-2, Camp Dawes, on Rock Creek, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Presenting the extensive and somewhat intricate synonymy of the
tyincaX fulvus * I also give the principal relerences to the North Ameri-
can variety. Our Golden Plover is distinct from that of Europe, C.
apricarius ov 2)1 av kills of authors, to both of which it has been referred ;
for, although very similar, it may always be distinguished by the color

*I have at length the pleasure of announcing the true Ch. fulvus as an inhabitant
of North America, a specimen having been lately transmitted to the Smithsonian from
the Prybilov Islands, collected May 2, 1873, on Saint Paul Island, by Mr. H. W. Elliot,
who has so ably elucidated the birds of that group of the Aleutians. Examining this
specimen, I was at once struck with a peculiarity of its general api)earauce, and on
comparing it with Chinese, Japanese, Fiji Island, and other specimens in the National
Museum, I found it to be identical. It is smaller than var. virginicus — length, about
9.50; wing, 6.40; tail, 2.60; tarsus, 1.60; middle too and claw, 1.10; culmen, 0.95.
There is a yellowish suffusion about the head, and especiallj^ along the supraciliary
stripe, hardly to be noticed in the ordinary North An)erican bird in corresponding
plumage. (Cf. Coues, Elliot's Prybilov Lslauds, App. 1873, p. — .)

CHAEADRIUS FULVUS VAR. VIRGINICUS. 451

of the lining of the wings, which is pure white in the European, and
ashy-gray in the American species. It cannot, however, be specifically
separated from the G. ftilvus of Asia, the C. xanthocheilus, longipes, or
taitensis of various Pacific regions — being only varietally distinguishable
by its somewhat superior size and usually a slight disproportion in the
lengths of the tarsi and toes. My view of the relationships of these
several forms is at present substantially the same as that of Prof.
Schlegel.

The Golden Plover migrates through Dakota in large numbers.
While traveling over the prairie between Fort Eandall and Yankton,
early in May, I was delighted to meet with flock after flock of the birds,
in more nearly perfect nuptial attire than I had before seen them any-
where in the United States, the under parts appearing, at a little dis-
tance, perfectly black. I noticed them particularly in the early morn-
ing, feeding at their leisure in scattered parties over the prairie, in com-
pany with Bartramiau Tattlers and Esquimaux Curlew. They were
not at all shy, and numbers might have been procured had I been so
disi)osed. They ran rapidly and lightly in search of food, flew with a
mellow, whistling note, and settled again with a momentary graceful
poise of the upturned wings. Their stay at this season is brief com-
pared with their loitering in the fall, when I again saw them at various
points along the Mouse Eiver and the Missouri, in the vicinity of Fort
Stevenson, where they reappeared late in September. At this season
they coursed over the prairie, often in extensive flocks, feeding on grass-
hoppers, and often frequented the pools, forming part of the varied
company of waders that flocked to the same resorts. Their favorite
associates were the Red-breasted Snipe, with which they mingled on
the most intimate terms. Both of these birds, when not too much
molested, are gentle and unsuspicious — excellent company for each
other, and equally attractive to the sportsman. The earlier arrivals
were not in particularly good condition, after the journey from their
distant breeding places, but food w^as abundant and easily procured, so
that in a short time the birds became exceedingly- fat — some of them
weighing five or six ounces. Being in such excellent order and so easily-
l)rocurable, the savory morsels often varied our hard fare.

The Golden Plover breeds only far northward, and is not ordinarily
seen in the United States in the advanced breeding plumage above
noted. It appears to have no special lines of migration, but passes over
the country at large, sometimes in vast flocks, its autumnal progress
being more leisurely than its advance in the spring. It reaches its
breeding grounds late in May — the Barren Grounds of British America,
and the coasts and islands of the Arctic Ocean. It is found throughout
Alaska, according to Mr. J)all, and is common all along the Yukon.
The same writer states that the nests are made in a hillock of grass, of
the same material, and frequently a lew feathers, the eggs being gener-
ally only two in number; this, however, is not the rule, the eggs being,
as usual in this family, oftenest four in number. They are of the ordi-
nary pyriform sliai)e, pointed at on(^ end and very obtuse at the other.
The following measurcTnents may indicate extremes of variation in
shape— L'.OO by 1.35 ; 1.80 by 1.40. They are distinguished from those
of /kV. /<f'/t"e//c« by their decided average smaller size; and though the
general pattern of coloration is similar, the shade is not (juite the same.
The ground-color is rather a pale, brownish-(day color, than a drab, in
most specimens, although sonu» slmde quite closely inlo the drab of
helvetica. A few si)ecimens in the large series before me have the
ground-color extremely pale grayish-white, nearly dead white. On all

452 ^GIALITIS VOCIFERA, KILLDE^R PLOVER.

the eggs the markings are exceedingly bold, dark and numerous; it is
impossible to describe adequately the endless variations in precise pat-
tern. The average egg is heavily marked about the butt with black-
ish-brown, in large irregular spots and blotches ; while similar smaller
spots are sparsely distributed over the rest of the surface. Sometimes
the markings are much lighter brown, a rich, dark sienna, and they are
sometimes distributed over the whole surface with approximate uniform-
ity, but the decided tendency is to aggregate around the butt in semi-
conHuent masses, or a wreath. Various labels of the collection before
me state that the nest is a mere depression in the ground, lined with a
few dried grasses or leaves.

Some of the birds begin to work southward almost as soon as they
are full grown, though others linger till driven away by the cold.

^GIALITIS YOCIFEEA, (Linn.) Bp.

Killdeer Plover.

Charadrius vocife'rus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 253 (based on Pluvialis vociferus, Gates.,
Car. i, 71, pi. 71 ; P. virgiiiiana torquata, Briss., Orn. v, 68). — Gm., Syst. Nat. i,
1788, p. 685. — Lath., Ind Oiu. ii, 1790, 742. — WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 73, pi.
59, f. 6.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 219.— ViG., Zool. Journ. sii, 448.— Sw. & Rich., F.
B. A. ii, 1831, 368.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 22.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 191 ;
V, 1839, .577, pi. 225 ; Syn. 1839, 222 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 207, pi. 317.— Schl., Mus.
Pays-Bas, 1865, Cursores, 23.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 96.— Newb., P. R. R.
Rep. vi, 1857, 97.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Tkippe, ibid, vi, 1871,
119 ; and of earlier authors generally.

^fiialiiis vociferus, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 45. — Cab., J, f. 0. iv, 1856, 424 (Cuba). —
Bd., B. N, a. 1858, 692.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 393 (Oaxaca).— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859,
227 (Guatemala). — Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Coop. & Suck.,
N. H, Wash. Ter. 1860, 230.— Taylor, Ibis, 1880, 313 (Tigre Island).— Dress.,
Ibia, 1866, 33 (Texas).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 209 (Yucatan).- Hayd., Rep.
1862, 173.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 178 (Mexico) ; 1868, 176 (Islay).— Salv., iUd.
1870, 219 (Veragua).— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. 1868, 501 ; Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 181.— HoLD.-AiKEN, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209.— Trippe, ibid, xv, 1872.
240.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 699.— CoUES,
Key, 1872, 244, tig. 156 ; and of most late writers.

Oxyechus vociferus, Reich., Syst. Av. 1853, p. — .

Charadrius torquatus, IjINN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 255 (based on Pluvialis dominicensis tor-
quata, Briss., v, 70, pi. 6, f. 2).

Charadrius jamaicensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 685 (based on Sloan, 318, pi. 265, f. 3).

Hab. — All of temperate North America, West Indies. Central and South America
in winter. Accidental in Europe. (See Sci^, Ibis, 1862, 275 ; Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 134.)

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4646, White River ; 5428, Yellowstone ; 6591, Cedar
Creek.

Later Expeditions.— 60577-81, Camp Carling, Wyoming ; 60789, Fort Bridger ; 61645,
Salt Lake, Utah ; 62362, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming.

Not noticed by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Abundant throughout the Missouri region, as elsewhere in suitable
localities in North America. The Killdeer is conspicuous among the
few waders that breed at large through the United States, the great
majority of these birds passing further northward for this purpose.
Being, also, one of the most numerous and widely diffused, few birds are
more familiarly known. It must not be inferred, however, from its
general dispersion at various seasons that it is non-migratory. On the
contrary, it performs extensive journeys, reaching even to South Amer-
ica. I think it migrates chiefly by night. As I sit at midnight penning
these pages, in the town of Columbia, South Carolina, in February, I
continually hear their well-known piercing notes, as they pass rapidly
on through the darkness.

The eggs of the Killdeer measure about an inch and a half in length

.EGIALITIS SEMIPALMATA, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. 453

by one and one-eighth in breadth, and are of a creamy clay-color, vari-
ously but usually thickly marked with blackish-brown. The marks are
usually of small size, tendiug to speckles and scratches rather than full
spots, only a few specimens of the large series before me being boldlj-
spotted around and at the butt. The markings tend to aggregate about
the larger end, but are usually quite numerously distributed all over.
The ground-color sometimes tends to a brownish-drab rather than the
color above mentioned.

iEGIALITIS SEMIPALMATA, (Bp.) Cab.
Seniipalmated or Ring PlOTer.

TriHgahiaticula, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 65, pi. 59, f. 3.

CharadriuH hiaticitla, Ord, ed. Wils. vii, 69. — Sab., Fraukl. Journ. 684. — Rich., Parry's

2a Voy. 351.
Charadrius {^gialitis) hiaiicula var. semipalmatus, RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383.
Churadrius semipalmatwi, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 219; Syu. 1828, 296; Aiu. Orn. iv,

1832, 92, pi. 25.— Kaui', Isis, 1825, 1375, pi. 14.— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 23.—

Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 367.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 24.— Aud., Orn. Biog.

iv, 1838, 256 ; v, 579 ; pi. 330 ; Syn. 1839, 224 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 218, pi. 320.—

PUTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Schl., M. P.-B. 1865, Cursores, 30.— Gr.\y,

Hand-list, iii, 1871, 16, No. 10009.
JEgialiiis semipalmalns, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 45.— Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 428.— Bd., B. N.

A. 1858, 694.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 231.— CouES, Pr. Phila.

Acad. 1861, 228.— Couks & Prent.. Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415.— Wheat., Ohio

Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 193.— Verr., Pri Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 22.— Boardm., Pr. Bost.

Soc. ix, 1862, 123. — Dress., Ibis, 1866, 347 (Texas, wintering).— Coues, Pr.

Phila. Ac. 1866, 96.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst.

v, 1866, 92.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 291.— D all &. B.vnx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869,

290.— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 29.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 139.— Allex, Bull.

M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873,

9.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 244.
xEgialem scmipalmatm, Reich., Syst. Av. 1853. — Allex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 ;

Pr. E.SS. In.st. iv, 1864, 77.
Charadrius brevirostris, Maxim., Beitr. iv, 769 (Brazil). — Schomb., Guiana, iii, 750. —

BuHM., Ueb. iii, 359.
'• Charadrius collaris, Light, neo Vieill." (Schlegel.) ^

Extralimital quotations.— C\li., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 428 (Cuba).~BRY., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii,
18.59 (Bahamas).— SuxD., Ofv. Ak. 1869, 588 (St. Bartholomew).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. N.
Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sonibreio) ; ix, 238 (Puna Island). — SCL., Ibis, 1866, 197 (Guate-
mala).—Pelz., Orn. Braz. 297 (Brazil).— Darw., Voy. Beagle, 128 (Galapagos).

Hab. — Continent of North America, breeding chiefly in higher latitudes, wintering
from onr southern border to Brazil.*

The American Semipalmated or Ring Plover — " Ringneck,'' as it is
familiarly called — is at once distinguished from its Earoi)ean congener,
as well as from any species of this country, by the extent of the basal
wcbl)ing of the toes. The web between the middle and outer toe is
farger than in iiny other, while that between the middle and inner (rudi-
mentary in our other species) is as large as that between the outer and
middle toes of the rest. A glance at these two decided webs is suffi-
cient to determine the species.

As noted above, its dis[)ers.ion is more than coextensive with the con-
tinent of North America ; for, in winter, although many individuals pass
that season on our southern coasts, others penetrate far into South
America. Jn the .Middk- States it is chielly a bird of pas.sage, and it is
only known to breed regularly + in higher latitudes. Along the coast of
North Carolina it ap|)ears in great numbers in April, and remains

•Dr. Schlegel cites a specimen from lirazil, typo of the Priuco of Wied's C. brevirostris.
t Tlie bneding of a pair on Miiskrgtl Island, olV the Massivchusutts coaot, iu June,
1866, is noticed by Mr. Samuels, Orn. New Englaml, [>. 420.

/

454 ^GIALITIS SEMIPALMATA, 8EMIPALMATED PLOVER.

through May, after which noue are to be observed until late in August
following, they being engaged to the northward in the duties of repro-
duction. Before their departure from our coasts in the spring, they
assume the perfect breeding dress, with brightly- colored bill, feet, and
eye-lids, and perfect black bars. Keturning in August, in limited num-
bers, the great body come after in September, thronging the beaches in
company with various Sandpipers. In Labrador, where I found them
breeding abundantly, they remained, apparently as plenty as ever, up
to tbe first week in Se[)tember, frequenting both the sea-beaches and
the mud-flats, with Bonaparte's and the Semipalmated Sandpipers, in
scattering troops, eagerly searching for food. Here they were more than
ordinarily gentle and unsuspicious, especially the young ones, wholly
unaccustomed to the presence of man. Subsequently, after persecution
bj" the boys and pot-hunters, to whom they are objects of wanton pur-
suit, they seem to acquire a little wisdom by experience, though they
cannot be regarded as wary under any circumstances. Their call-note
is a mellow whistle, much like that of their allies, yet distinguishable,
In the interior of our country the Plovers are nowhere so numerous,
according to my observations, as they are along the coasts; yet they
migrate in considerable numbers along the main water-courses, and are
of regular occurrence each season, in April and May, September and
October. Such is more particularly the case in the better- watered east-
ern portions of the Missouri region than in the dryer districts westward.
I have, however, met with it on the Colorado River, which penetrates
hundreds of miles into the desert.

The nesting of the Semipalmated Plover is not peculiar, the arrange-
ments being the same as those made by most birds of the family. The
eggs are laid in a depression of the ground, in a grassy or mossy spot,
lined with a few blades of the same substances. The eggs vary in number
from two* to four, the fewer being laid, it would appear, in the higher
latitudes. They are hardly or not distinguishable from Killdoer eggs
excepting by their smaller size, having the same ground-color and tone
of the markiuffs. The* ground ranges from quite olivaceous-drab to
pale clay-color, or even grayish-white, some of these lightest and least

* There are numerous exceptions to the rule of four eggs among the limicoline birds.
Wilson's Plover is another instance, the more unexpected in that the bird breeds in
comparatively low latitudes of the Middle and Southern States, along the coast. In
none of the many nests I found on the sea-shore of North Carolina were there more
than three eggs. Tney otter the following characters : Length, 1.22 to 1.45 ; breadth,
1.00 to 1.05; ground-color, pale olive-drab, more inclining to green in some cases, to
brown in others, but always very pale, thickly marked all over with blackish-brown
in irregular, sharply-dehned spots, small splashes, and line dots. " In some specimens
the markings show a tendency to run into tine lines, and in these are the smallest,
darkest, most numerous [most evenly distributed], and most sharply outlined ; but
ordinarily the distinctive speckled character is maintained. Commonly the markings
are rather larger, and consequently more thickly set, on the larger part of the egg,
where there is also some tendency to run together, though scarcely to form a ring
around the butt ; but in none of the specimens examined was the pointed end free from
spots. Here and there may usually be observed a few pale, obsolete spots, but they
are not conspicuous ; in fact, hardly to be detected without close scrutiny." (CoUES,
Am. Nat. iii, 1869, p. 348.)

Comparing the eggs of all the species of uJHyialUis mentioned in this work, as they
lie before me in large series (excepting those of Jli. niontanus, of which I have only three),
we see that the Kildeer's and Riugneck's are essentially alike, only of diflereut sizes.
Wilson's and the Piping Plover's are approximately similar, both averaging lighter in
ground-color and of fewer markings, but the latter are very appreciably paler and less
marked than the former ; aud the egg of JE. montanm stands somewhat alone, not only
in its dark-olive ground-color and nearly even, hue speckling, but also in in its shape,
which is notably less pyriform thau that of the others, or than that of Plovers in
general.

V

M. MELODA VAR. CIRCUMCINCTA, PIPING PLOVER. 455

marked specimens resembling the egg of JE. meloda. Compared with
Killdeer's eggs, the markings are more detiuite, averaging huger and
bolder, with little of the scratchiness observable in the latter. The
largest Eingneck's egg does not equal the smallest Killdeer's, being only
1.40 by 0.95, and thence running down to 1.20 by 0.90. A few obscure
shell-markings may usually be observed.

^GIALITIS MELODA var. CIRCUMCINCTA, Ridgw.
Piping Plover; Ring PiOTcr.

a. meloda.

Charadriiis hiaticida var., WiLS., Am. Oru. v, 1812, 30, pi. 37, f. 2.

Cluiradrius inelodus, Ord, ed. Wils. vii, 1824, 71.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1832, 74, pi. 24.—
NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 18.— Aud., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835, 154; v, 1839, 578; pi. 220;
B. Am. V, 1842, 223. pi. 321.— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 216.— Scill., M.P.-B.
1865, Citrsores,29.—Gii\Y, Hand-list, 1871, 16, No. 10010.— Fixsch, Abh.Nat.iii,
1872, 62 (Alaska).

Charadrius {jEgialitis) melodus, Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383(Illinois).

jEgialUis melodus. Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 45.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 18.56, 424 (Cuba).— Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 695.— Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— ScL., P. Z. S.
1861, 80 (Jamaica).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173.— Wheat., Ohio Agiic. Rep. 1860,
No. 194.— Veru., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 22 (coast of Maine, breeding).— Boakdm.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 123 (breeds).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, 122.— McIlwr.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 92.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 292.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869,
29.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 39.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355.— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— Coues, Key, 1872, 244.

j^gialetis melodus, Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86.

Charadrius okeni, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827.

b. circumcincta.

Mgialiiis melodus var. circumeinctus, Ridgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 109. — CoUES, Check-
list, App. p. 133, No. 400*.

flfl&.— United States and British Provinces, east of the Rocky Mountains (beyond
which apparently replaced by ^. cantiana). Abundant along the Atlantic coast of
the United State's, breeding north to the St. Lawrence, aud wintering from the Caro-
linas southward. Cuba. Bahamas. Jamaica. Var. circumcincta from the Missouri
region.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 90.i8, 9034-5, 9038-9, Fork of the Platte (types of
var. circumcincta).

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition or the later ones.

As observed sometime since by Mr. Cassin, Dr. Hayden's specimens are in full breed-
ing dress, with the black pectoral band complete, instead of forming, as in most in-
stances, an area on either side of the breast. This is the basis of Mr. Ridgway's new
variety. This condition, aud the date of collection (July 8), warrant the inference
that the species breeds in Nebraska — a surmise not yet coufiriiied, but strengthened by
the general facts of the distribution of the species. For, unlike its near relative (^.
semipatmata), the Piping Plover does not proceed to high latitudes to breed, being
quite unknown in the fur countries, and, indeed, in British America, excepting the
portions immediately bordering the United States. It is content to find its summer
homo in the northern half of the United States, especially along the Atlantic coast
from New Jersey to the St. Lawrence. I tliiuk tiiat though some breed so far .south
as the Carolina.s, the fact escai)ed me during the two years I spent on the coa.st,
at Fort Macon, paying much attention to the ornithology of tlu' locality. There the
Pi|)ing Plovers were chielly migrants, coming aud going with the Semipalniated,
aud were not nearly so abundant. It is noted as a common summer bird of the New
England coast, aud is said to breed in al)un<lance along the shores of Maine. The
nest, which I have not myself oljserved, is stated to be made preferably along the sea-
beach of the main land and adjoining islands, anil to be merely a slight liollow of
the.sand, liueil or not with a few gras.ses or bits of sea-weed. Tliis is somewhat dif-
ferent from the niditieatiou of the Semiiialniated Plover, whicli selects a, mossy or
grassy spot away from tlu^ beach; and entirely like the Wilsoiiiau Plover.

The eggs of the Piping Plover may bo distinguished at a glance from those of the
Ringneck by their light coUu- aud line, spar.so speckling. The ground is clay -color, or
pjilcst possible creamy-brown, marked nearly uuilbrnily all over, but sparsely, with

456 EUDROMIAS MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN PLOVER.

small blackish-brown dots and specks, but no spots of any size nor scratchy lines ; the
largest markings observed scarcely exceed a pin's bead. The dotting is sometimes ex-
tremely fine, mere points, aud with it appear to be always nungled a few obscure
sliell-markings of lilac or lavender. The egg ap]>ears to be about of the same size
(cai)acity) as that of the Ringneck, but is rather less elongate aud pointed. Several
specimens measure : 1.30 by 1.00; 1.25 by 0.95; 1.25 by 1.00; 1.20 by 0.95,* &c.

The following North American species of this genus have not been found in the
Missouri region :

.^GiALiTis WILSONIA, {Ch'd,) Cussin.

Charadriits tvilsoniits, Ord, ed. Wils. ix, 1825, 77, pi. 73, fig. 5.— Bp., Syn. 296.— Nutt.,
Man. ii, 1834, 21.— Aud., O. B. iii. 1835, 73; v, 1839, .577; pi. 284; Syn. 1839,
223 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 214, pi. 319.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 210.- Peab., Rep. Oru.
Mass. 1839, 360 ("Nahant, Aug. 1838").— Linsl., Am. Jouru. Sci. xliv, 1843, 265
(Connecticut). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.56, 224 (quotes I'eahody).

^giaUtes uilsonius, Bp., List, 1838, 45.

Ochthodromus wUsonius, Reich., Syst. Av. 1853, p. xviii. — Allejj, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864,
86 (Massachusetts; quotes Peahodij). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 637.

MgiaVitis ivihonius, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 693. — Sam., Descr. Cat. B. Mass. ii,
("couimou, spring and fall"?).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 34 (Texas). — Lawr., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294 (Long Island).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 291
(Connecticut, ii«s/e^, and (?) Massachusetts, Peahody, Samuels — a mistake?). —
Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869,
28 (New Jersey, rather rare). — Coues, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 337 (biography and
eggs). — AiXEN, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355 (Plorida, winteriug). — Coues, Key,
1872, 244.

Charadrins crasnirosiris, Spix, Av. Bras, ii, 1825, 77, pi. 94 (cf. Pelz., Orn. Bras. 1870, 297).

Hub. — Atlantic and Gulf coasts. United States. North to Long Island and Couuecti-
cut, probably to Massachusetts, but rare beyond New .Jersey. Also on the Pacific side
to California (?). Middle and South America and West Indies (Cuba, Cab., J. f. O. iv,
424 ; Bahamas, Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 18.59 ; Saint Thomas, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad.
1860, 378; Guatemala aud Honduras, Salv., Ibis, 1866, 197; Venezuela, ScL. & Salv.,
P. Z. S. 1868, 169; Brazil, Spix; Pelz., Orn. Bras. 297).

^gialitis cantiana var. nivosa, (Cassin,) Bidgivay.

MgialUh {LencopoUm) nivosa, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 696 (San Francisco, Cal.). —
Coues, Ibis, 1866. 274 (San Pedro, Cal.).— (?) Salv., Ibis, 1866, 196 (Chiapam).—
ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 176 (Islay, Peru).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 1868,
209 (Yucatan).

Charadriits caniianus, Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 64.

jEgialiUs caniianus, Coues, Key, 1872, 245.

JEgialiiis cautiaiius var. nii'osus, RiDGW., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 109. — CouES, Check-list,
App. No. 401.

Hah. — Coast of California, and southward to Peru. East probably to the Rocky
Mountains. Utah, breeding (Ridgwag).

.^GIALITIS BIICRORIIYNCHA, Eidgway.

JEgialiiis microrhynfjius, Eidgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 109 (San Francisco). — CouES,
Check-list, No. 400bis.

Hob. — Coast of California.

EUDROMIAS MONTxVNUS, (Towns.) Haitiug.

MoiiMtiiin Plover.

Charadrius mo)iianus, Towns.. Joiirn. A. N. S. vii, 1837, 192; Narr. 1839, 349. — Aud., Oru.
Biog. iv, 1838, 362, pi. 350 ; Syn. 1839, 223 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 213, pi. 318.

* The eggs of the Snowy Plover {A. nivosa of Cassin) are nmch like those of A. me-
loiia, being of about the same size, and having the same light ground and fine mark-
ings. The markings, however, are more numerous and scratchy, comparing with those
of meloda in this respect, much as the eggs of the Killdeer do with those of the Ringneck.
The coloration is v«'ry nearly as in icihoiiia, though the size is nmch less. Two eggs
measure each 1.20 by 0.90; these were from a set of three taken by Dr. Cooper, May 23,
1862, at San Pedro, Southern Caliibrnia, where, as I found the species in November, it
is probablj- resident. Another egg, in the Smithsonian collection, was procured by Mr.
Hepburn at San Francisco.

EUDEOMIAS MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN PLOVER.

457

j^gialiiis montanus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 093.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1800,
231.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 33 (San Antonio, Texas). -
Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209. -
Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 9, No. 209.

Podasoci/s montanus, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 96.— Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 39.

Charadrius (Podasocys) montanus, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 15, No. 9997.

xEyialitis asiaticus var.* montanus, Coues, Key, 1872, 245.

Eudromias montanus, Hauting. — Coues, Check-list, App. No. 402.

Hah. — Western United States, from the plains of Middle Kansas and Nebraska, and
Western Dakota, to the Pacific. Texas (Dresser). Also, Florida (Maynaid).

List of specimens.

19301
19302
19303

32
92

Otter Creek ...
Smith's Fork ..

"2"

May 29, 1860
July 7,1860

F. V. Haydeu
do

9.00

18.75

6.75

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9043-44, Loup Fork of the Platte.
Later Expeditions. — 59866, Middle Park, Colorado {Stevenson).

Altboujj^b this beautiful and interesting bird is strictly a western
species, still its range is more extensive tlian was formerly supposed,
both in latitude and longitude. No one has found it, so far as I am
aware, north of the United States boundarj-, but it probably penetrates
some little way, at least, into the British possessions, while, on the other
hand, it enters Mexico, and may even, as Mr. Cassin surmises, migrate
into South America in winter. But this is not yet determined. Its
Eastern limit is pretty nearly ascertained. The farthest point recorded
is the vicinity of Fort Hays, near the centre of Kansas, where Mr. Alien
found it "moderately common," and it is known to occur in Nebraska
in a corresponding longitude. Further north, however, its range seems
to trend somewhat westward, for I never saw it in the eastern half of
Dakota, over much of which I have traveled, nor in the northern i)art
east of 1030. We have, nevertheless, a record of its occurrence and
breeding in Southwestern Dakota, in the vicinity of the Black Hills.
From the region thus indicated it may be found, in suitable situations,
to the Pacific coast.

The name of "Mountain Plover" does not appear to be well chosen,
further than as an expression of very general import. Though found
on highly elevated plateaux, it is not a bird of the mountains, but of
the plains. While most other Plovers haunt the vicinity of water, to
which some are almost confined, the present species is not in the least
degree of aquatic habits, but, on the contrary, resorts to plains as dry
and sterile as any of our country — sometimes the grassy prairies, with
Shore Larks and Titlarks, various Ground Sparrows, and the Burrowing
Owl; sometimes sandy deserts, where the sage brush and the "cliamizo,"'
the prickly pear and the Spanish bayonet, grow in full luxuriance. It
approaches the Pacific, but will never be found on the beach itself, with
maritime birds, nor even on the adjoining mud-tlats or marshes, prefer-
ring the firm, grassy fields further back from the water.

*It appears from Mr. Hartiuf^'s recent critical article on Charadrius asiaticus (lh\a,
1870, 201, pi. .')), th.'it I may hav(? too hastily united our montana with that sjiefies — a
counsc in whieii I relied upon Prof. Sehlegel's aniliority, not havin-r the opportiniity of
a direct comparison of specimens. As meiitiom d in the Check-list, the bird .should
probably stand as Eudromias monlanun. (Compare, however, FiNscir, Ibis, l'>72, p. 144.)

I have only recently had an opportunity of examinin<r the species in perfect dress.
Then; is no pectoral band of black, but a Itroad, traiisvei'se, coronal, black bamf vary-
ing width (sometimes occupying half the pilcnm, sometimes a mere line), and another
sharji, bbii'k, loral line separating tiie white foreliea<l and super<'iliary stripe from the
white of tln^ chin and throat. There is a little (x^liraceous edging of the feathers of the
upper parts, and a similar shade Biiffuses the breast.

458 EUDROMIAS MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN PLOVER.

lu the desert region of New Mexico, between the Eio Grande and the
base of the mountains to the westward, I found these Plovers abundant,
late in June, together with the Long-billed Curlews, and i)resuine that
they breed there, although 1 found no nests. The old birds that I shot
were in poor condition and worn plumage. A few were seen in Arizona,
at various seasons, but they did not again occur to me in abundance
until I reached Southern California, in November of the following year.
In the vicinity of Los Angeles I found them in large tlocks on the dry
plain which stretches down to the ocean. They were not difficult of
approach, and 1 had no difficulty in securing as many as I desired. On
being disturbed by too near api)roach, they lower the head, run rapidly
a few steps in a light, easy way, and then stop abruptly', drawing them-
selves up to their full height and looking around with timid yet unsus-
]ncious glances. Their notes are rather i)eculiar, as compared with those
of our other Plovers, and vary a good deal, according to circumstances.
When the birds are feeding at their leisure, and in no way apprehensive
of danger, they utter a low and rather pleasing whistle, though in a
somewhat drawling or rather lisping tone; but the note changes to a
louder and higher one, sometimes sounding harshly. When forced to
fly by persistent annoyance, they rise rapidly with quick wing-beats,
and then proceed with alternate sailing and flapping, during the former
action holding the wings decurved. They generally fly low over the
ground, and soon realight, taking a few mincing steps as they touch the
ground ; they then either squat low, in hopes of hiding, or stand on tip-
toe, as it were, for a better view of what alarmed them.

The Mountain Plover's food consists principally, if not wholly, of in-
sects. I examined the stomachs of a great many with reference to this
matter, finding in them nothing whatever but insects, excepting, as usual,
a little sand or gravel. Grasshoppers, in their season, seem to be the
bird's main reliance, though numerous other insects, as crickets and
beetles, are also eaten; and I suppose that worms and small land-mol-
luscs would not come amiss. In the fall, when food is plenty, the birds
become very fat, tender and juicy, aftbrding excellent eating.

No previous writer upon this bird has said anything of its nest and
eggs, which remained until lately unknown. In the Key I gave a brief
description of the eggs, which I can now make more extended, adding
an item regarding the nest. The two eggs I described were, as I am
informed by Mr. Stevenson, of Dr. Hayden's party, who took them him-
self, only half of the nest-complement, the other two having been acci-
dentally destroyed. They were discovered July 13, 1859, on the !North
Fork of the Platte, about one hundred and twenty miles west of Fort
Kearney, and contained large embryos. They difi'er in size and shape,
though from the same nest, one being more pointed and longer than
the other. The measurements are: 1.50 by 1.10, and 1.40 by 1.10.
The form is notably less pointed than usual in this genus, and alto-
gether the eggs are peculiar. In color they are about alike, olive-drab,
with a decided shade of brown, thickly marked all over, but especially
at the larger end, with blackish, very dark brown, and neutral tint.
All the spots are small — in fact, mere dots and specks — the largest
scarcely exceeding a pin's head. They show no tendency to aggregate
into splashes, and the edges of the markings are sharp. Mr. Stevenson
tells me that the nest was a mere depression in the bare ground, lined
with a few grass-blades. The eggs would probably have hatched in
another week. Another egg, in the Smithsonian, is nearly a duplicate
of these, but rather browner, with rather smaller and more numerous
markings. It is also more pointed; size, 1.48 by 1.12. Mr. Allen

STREPSILAS INTERPRES, TURNSTONE. 459

saw newly-batched young, and others full grown, the 27th and 28th of
July, in South Park, Colorado, showing that the time of laying varies.
Yet the range thus indicated is nothing unusual ; I have observed much
the same thing with regard to the Bartramian Sandpiper and other
species which 1 have bad an opportunity of observing closely.

Mr. Allen communicates the following notes : " The Mountain Plover
{^gialitis montana), though scarcely to be regarded as an abundant
species, occurs with considerable frequency throughout the plains from
Middle and perhaps Eastern Kansas westward. In the breeding sea-
son it is generally seen in isolated pairs, usually in the dryest situations,
and is silent and unsuspicious. Later in the season it occurs occasion-
ally in small parties, composed of one or two broods of young, accom-
panied by their parents. Newly-hatched young were observed at
intervals throughout the month of July. This species was also often
met with in South Park, as well as on the high table-lands that occur
at intervals thence eastward to the plains."

The Turnstone has not, to my knowledge, been found in the Missouri region, but is
reported from Lake Erie and Minnesota. Following is its synonym j' :

Strepsilas INTERPRES, (Linnaus,) lU'ujer.

a. interpres.

Tringa interpres, Linn., Fn. Suec. 63 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 248 (based on Arenaria, Briss.,
V, lli'2 ; Morinellus mariims, Willug., 231, pi. 58 ; M. canadensis, Edw., Av. 141). —
Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 671.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 738.— WiLS., Am. Orn.
viii, 1813, 32, pi. 57, f. 1.

Strepsilas interpres, III., Prod. 1811,263.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 29.— Ste ph., G. Z. xi, 520.—
Bp., Syn. 1828, 299; List, 1838, 46.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 371.— Nutt.,
Man. ii, 1834, 30.— Flem., Br. An. 110.— Naum., V. D. vii, 1834, 303, pi. 160.—
Jenyns, Man. 1835, 182.— Eyt., Cut. Br. B. 43.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur.
1840, 71.— Macgil., Man. ii, 57.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 85.— Aud., Oru. Biog.
iv, 1838, 31, pi. 304 ; Svn. 1839, 227 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 231, pi. 323.— Cass., in
Bd. B. N. a. lfe.58, 701.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 196 (Lake Erie).—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 233.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861
128 (Labrador); 1871, 29 (Carolina).- Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 292 (New
England).— Dall «S: Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290 (Alaska).— Finsch, Abh.
Nat. iii, 1872, 62 (Alaska).— Coues, Key, 1872, 246.— Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 2.56
(Santa Cruz).— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 423 (Cuba).— Swinh., Ibis, 1863, 414
(Formosa). — Dauw., Voy. Beagle, 132 (Peru and Galapagos). — Lawi:., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero).— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 505 (Spitzbergeu). —
Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guatemala).— Hartl., P. Z. S. 1867,831 (Pelew Islands).-
Harting, P. Z. S. 1868, 118(Pelcw Lslands).-PuiLippi,Cat. 33 (Chili).— SuxD.,
Ofv. Vet. Akad. 1869, 588 (St. Bartholomew).— Pelz., Oru. Braz. 1870, 297 (Bra-
zil).— Hatch, Bull. Minnesota Acad, i, 1874, 63 (Minnesota). — Ridgw., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 383 (Lake Michigan).

Cinchts inicrprcs, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 549; List Br. B. 1863, 143.

Tringa morindla, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 176(5, 248 {Morinellus marinns, Cates., i, 72 ; Are-
naria dnerea, Bitiss., V, 137, pi. 11, f 2).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 671.

CincluH morinellus, Gray, List of Gen. of B. 1841, 87.

Tringa Hudson ica, MCll., Syst. Nat. Supi)l. 1776, 114.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, 246.

Morindla collaria, Meyer, Vog. Liv. u. Esthl. 210.

Strepsilas collaria, Temm., Man. 1815, 349; ii, 553.— Brehm. V. D. 558.— Sab., Sujipl. Par-
ry's Ist Voy. p. cc— Sab., Frankl. .lourn. 684.— Rich., Ai>p. Parry's 2d Voy. 352.

Charadrius cincbis, Pall., Zoog. K.-A. ii, If^ll, 148.

Tringa oahurnsis, "Blox., Voy. 251." (Cruij.)

Strcpxilas biireulis et Uttoralis, Brehm, V. D. 558, 560.

Hab. — Sea-coasts of nearly all countries. Less frequent in the interior.

b. mdanoccphalna.
Strepaila8i)iclanocf.phalu8,Yia., Z.J. iv, 1829, .356; Voy. Bloss. 1839, 29.— Gamb., J. A.

N. S. I'a. 2d »er. 1849, 220.— Ca.ss., Baiid's N. a! B. 1«.-)8, 702.— IIekrm., P. R. R.

Rei>. X, 1859, pt. vi, pi. 7.— Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wash. Ter. 1860, 234— D.U.L &

Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290.
Strepailaa interpres var. melanocephalua, Coues, K.ey, 1872, 246.

Hab. — Pacific coast, North America.

460 RECURVIROSTEA AMERICANA, AVOCET.

Family EEOUKVIROSTRID^E: Avocets.

EEOURVIROSTRA AMERICAll^A, Gm.
Avocet.

Recurrirostra americann, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 693. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 787. —
WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 126, pi. 63, f. -2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 280.— Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 375.— Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 75.— Bp., List, 1838, 54.— AuD.,
O. Biog. iv, 1838, 168, pi. 318; Syn. 1839, 252; B. Am. vi, 1843, 24, pi. 353.— Emm.,
Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 5.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 269.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 100
(Indian Teiritory and New Mexico). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 230. — Cab.,
J. f. O. iv, 1856, 422 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 703.— Coop. & Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 234.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 197.— Hayd., Rep.
1862, 173 (Yellowstone). — Vei?r., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (coast of Maine, one
instance). — Boardm., Pr. Best. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (same instance). — ArxEX, Pr.
Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— CouES, Pr.
Pbila. Acad. 1866, 97 (Arizona).- McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 92 (Toronto).—
Dress., Ibis, 1866, 35 (Texas).- Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guatemala).— CouES,
Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina).- Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
292 (New England, rare or accidental). — Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 28 (rather
rare).- Mayn., Guide, 1870, 143.— Stev. ,U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (North
Platte).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 33.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357
(Florida, in winter); iii, 1872, 182 (Great Salt Lake).— Merr.,U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1872, 701 (Great Salt Lake).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209 (Arkansas
River).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10, No. 213.— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 47, No.
10288.— Coues, Key, 1872, 147, fig. 1.59.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385
(Illinois).

Becurvirosfra oceidcnfalis, ViG., Zool. Journ. iv, 1829, 356; Zool. Voy. Blossom, 1839, 28,
pi. 12.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 520.— Gray, Gen. of B. pi. 155.— Bd., Stansbury's
Rep. 1852, 334.— Cass., 111. 1855, 232, pi. 40.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857,
99. (Young.)

American Avosit, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, 502, pi. 21. — Lath., Syn, v. pi. 93.

Hah. — United States and British Provinces. North to the Saskatchewan and Great
Slave Lake. Rare or casual in New England. Breeds throughout. Winters on our
southern border and beyond (to Guatemala).

List of specimens.

19376

Fort Randall. ...... Sept. 12, 1860

G. H.Trook.

Lieutenant Warrenh Expedition. — 5446, Yellowstone River.

Later Expeditions.— 59872-3, Colorado; 60775, North Platte; 61641-2, Great Salt Lake.

The Avocet is irregularly distributed over nearly all of temperate
North America; that is, from rather high latitudes iu British America
to Mexico and the Gulf, aud from one ocean to the other. Neverthe-
less, there are large tracts of country that it scarcely ever visits ; thus,
it is little more than a straggler iu New Bugland, though not rare
southward on the Atlantic coast. It is, perhaps, more abundant than
elsewhere in the interior of the United States, along the Mississippi
Valley, and thence westward, in all suitable localities, to the Rocky
Mountains. Several observers state that they have never met with it
on the Pacific coast; and Dr. Suckley records that a single specimen he
procured iu Washington seemed to be astray, and was unknown to the
settlers. This writer speaks of its abundance in Dakota, and notes the
fact, perhaps not generally known, that it frequented the banks of run-
ning brooks as well as the margins of still pools. These latter, how-
ever, together with swampy places throughout the interior, and marshy
places along the coast, are its favorite resorts. Some have asserted that
it gives preference to salt or brackish waters, as would seem to be iudi-
cated by its abundance at Great Salt Lake, iu Utah, and about the alkaline
waters of Dakota, as just noticed; but it is found to be equally abun-
dant upon fresh lakes and rivers throughout the interior.

In the United States aud northward the Avocet is chiefly a summer

EECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA, AVOCET. 461

visitor, entering our limits from the South in spring, though many winter
along our border. A part of the birds scatter over the United States,
and others go further north, to breed; for they raise their young with
equal facility from the latitude of the Middle States — or even further
south, especially in the West — to that, for instance, of Great Slave Lake.
Their wide distribution in the West, during the breeding season, is evi-
denced, among other things, by the number of localities whence we have
records of the "White-necked Avocet" {B. occidentalifi), which is, in re-
ality, only the young of this species. It was first described by Mr.
Vigors, the distinguished English naturalist, in 1829, and has only
recently been determined to be the same bird in immature plumage.
Mr, Cassin gives a handsome plate of it in his '• Illustrations."

My first acquaintance with Avocets was made on the plains, early in
June, 1864. I found plenty of the birds in some shallow reedy ponds,
near the Arkansas River, in company with several other waders, among
them Wilson's Phalaropes and some Gulls {Chroecocephalus franMini)',
while on the dry ground near by were great numbers of the Burrowing
Owls, living, as usual, in a prairie-dog town. The Avocets were in full
plumage, with the head and neck cinnamon color ; and, from their
actions, I had no doubt they had nests somewhere about the ])onds.
They were quite gentle and familiar, and not at all disturbed by my ap-
proach, displaying a characteristic of theirs during the breeding season,
at least in regions where they are not often molested, and have, there-
fore, not learned a wholesome dread of man. They walked leisurelj'
about, up to the belly in the water, with graceful, deliberate steps,
each of which was accompanied by a swaying of the head and neck, as
usual with birds of similar form. When approached too closely, they
rose lightly from the water, uttering their peculiar cries, flapped leis-
urely to a little distance, and again alighted to pursue their i)eaceful
search for food, forgetting, or at least not heeding, their recent alarm.
As they rose from the water, their singular, long legs were suffered to
dangle for a few moments, but were afterward stretched stiffly back-
ward, as a counterpoise to their long necks 5 and, thus balanced, their
lithe bodies were supported with greatest ease by their ample wings.
When about to realight, they sailed without flapping for a little dis-
tance, just clearing the water, their legs again hanging loosely; as thej'
touched the ground, their long wings were held almost upright for an
instant, then deliberately folded and settled in place with a few slight
motions. Contrary to what I had expected, they showed no sympa-
thetic concern, and, indeed, only moderate alarm, when some of their
number were killed; for I must confess that after learning something of
their ways by observing them alive, I was anxious for a still closer ac-
quaintance, and therefore destroyed several individuals. In one of the
poor liirds I found an cg^ almost ready to be laid, confirming my sup-
position tliat the birds were then in the place where ihey hoped anil
fully intended to rjiise their families. Though there were a great many
of them associating together, those that were already paired kei)t closer
by each other, I thought, than the rest of the tlocics. Some isohited
pairs, that I subsequently observed on a i)ond near Fort Larned, kept
side by side during the whole time that 1 watched them.

Contrary to my expectations I saw no Avocets on the KMo Grande,
thougli the Stilts — birds very closely allied and often Cound with the
Avocets — were plenty. i)n the Colorado, in the fall of ISOo, 1 saw both
kinds Hocking on tlu' sand-bars and hard, dry Hats. This was in Sejv
tember, when all the Avocets that I noticed were white-necked, showing
that they were young birds, either bred in that vicinity or else then on
their south\vard migration from some distant birth-place.

462 HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT.

Avocets and Stilts correspond with each other iu habits as closely as
they do in form. One of the most marked physical differences is found
in the structure of the feet. Avocets have a hind toe, which the Stilts
have not, and their feet are almost completely Avebbed, so that they are
among the best swimmers of the long-legged fraternity. Stilts, on the
contrary, scarcely swim at all, and never except on an emergency.
When the Avocets are wading about, it often happens that they get be-
yond their depth, when, instead of rising on wing, they keep on as if
nothing had happened to take them off their feet. If they are wounded,
they sometimes escape by diving as well as swimming.

It is scarcely necessary to proceed further with the history of a bird
whose general habits are already known through several earlier biogra-
l)hies. Wilson has written an excellent account, upon which Xuttall's
is in a great measure modeled. Audubon's history is specially good ; at
once complete, accurate, and full of interest. Nothing so good as his
model piece of biography, chiefly taken up with an account of a pair of
birds he watched near Vincenues, Indiana, has been written on this
subject.

An egg which I took from the oviduct of an Avocet killed near Fort
Lyons, on the Arkansas, is the shortest and comparatively thickest of
a dozen now before me, measuring only 1,80 by 1.37. It was, however,
perfectly formed and just ready to be laid, as shown by the perfection
of the markings. Other specimens run up to 2.10 in length by 1.44 in
breadth. One of the longest specimens is also the narrowest — 2.10 by
only 1.25. This is one of a set of three taken by Mr. Ridgway at Soda
Lake, near Carson Desert, June 28, 1873. They were deposited in a
depression of the alkaline incrustation of the ground. The ground-
color of this series ranges from a dark olive through a lighter olivaceous-
drab to brownish-drab, and thence to a tine creamy-brown or buff,
nearly as in the Shanghai breed of fowls. The eggs are nearly uni-
formly marked all over with spots of several shades of chocolate-brown,
all on the surface, and others of neutral tint iu the shell. In only one
of the specimens is there any decided tendency to aggregation about
the larger end or confluence of the spots anywhere. The spots are of
small to moderate size and indeterminate shape, none being blotches of
any considerable dimensions. All the markings are sharp. Those of
the buff* eggs are the most numerous and finest, while the spots of the
darkest, olivaceous eggs are the boldest.

The young Avocet has the head and neck white, with an ashy or plumbeous shade,
instead of chestnut or cinnamon-red. In this condition it constitutes the li. occiden-
taJis of authors. Of the adult, the bill is black ; the iris, bright red ; the logs and feet,
clear, i)ale blue, with part of tbe webs flesh-coloi-ed. The plumage is white, changing
to cinnamon or chestnut on the neck and head ; the back, wing-coverts, and primaries
black, contrasting with the white of the scapulars and rump. In size the bird is ex-
tremely variable; perhaps seventeen inches in total length by thirty iu extent repre-
sents average measurements. Contrary to the rule among waders, the female is
smaller than the male.

HIMAN-TOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, Vieill.

Black-Decked Stilt.

a. nigricoUis.

Charadrius mexicanus, Mxjller, Syst. Nat. 1776, 117.— Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1864, 246.
Himantopus mexicanus, Ord, ed. Wils. vii, lti2i, 52.— Maxim., Beitr. iv, 741.— BURM.,

Syst. Ueb. iii, 367.— Wagl., Isis, 1H31, 5-20.- Bp., Comp. List, 183rf, 54.
Charadrius himaniojjus, Lath,, Ind. Orn. ii, 1790,741 (in part; includes the American

species, quoting Arct. Zool. ii. No. 405, &c.).

HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT. 463

Recurvirostra Mviantopus, WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 48, pi. 58, f. 2.

Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. x, 1817, 42 ; Enc. Meth. 340 ;
Gal. Ois. ii, 1834, 85, pi. 229.— Bp., Svu. 1828, 322; List, 1838, 54.— Nutt., Man.
ii, 1834, 8.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 247, pi. 328 ; Svu. 1839, 253 ; B. Am. vi, 1843,
31, pi. 354.— Emm., Cat. B. Mass. 1835,5.— Peab., Eep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 358.— GiR.,
B. L. 1. 1844, 270.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 230.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi,
1857, 99 (California to the Columbia River).— Sall^, P. Z. S. 1857, 237.— ScL.,
Ibis, i, 1859, 228 (Guatemala). — Newt., ibid. 260 (Santa Cruz). — Dkess., ibid.

1866, 33 (Texas) — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857,
206 ; ibid. 1864, 178 (Mexico) ; ibid. 1860, 290 (Ecuador) ; 1866, 567 (Ucayali) ;

1867, 591 (Mexiana) ; 1870, 323 ; 1873, 310, 453 (Peru).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 704.—
Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 193. — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 158 (coast
of Maine, one instance). — Board:\i., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (same instance). —
Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86.— Lawr., Ann. Lj^c. N. Y. viii, 1863-'6G, 295
(Panama and New York). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 91 (Arizona). — Coues,
Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
292 (New England, rare or accidental). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 638 (Mas-
sachusetts).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 18C9, 29 (rather rare, breeding). — Mayn., Guide,
1870, 143.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida, in winter) ; iii, 1872,
172 (Great Salt Lake).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 702 (Great Salt
Lake).— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 48, No. 10294.— Coues, Key, 1872, 247, fig.
160.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. s, 1874, 385 (Illinois).

nypsibatcs )iigricolUs, Cab., Schomburgk's Reise, iii, 758.
Macrotarsus nigricollis, Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 422.

b ? brasiliensis.

Himantopus vielannrus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. x, 181'?, 42 ; Ency. Meth. 340

(from Zancudo, Az., Apunt. iii, 299?).
Himantopus leucurus, Vieill. (Grog.)

Himantopus mexicauus, Hautl., Ind. Azara, 25 (not of authors).
Himantopus nigricollis, Gay (Schiter). — Cass., Gillis's Exp. ii, 196. — Burm.. Rei.se, ii, 502

(La Plata).— Darw., Beagle, 130 (La Plata).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1867,339 (Chili).—

ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 144 (Bueuos Ayres).
Himantopus brasiliensis, Breiim, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 684.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1373,

454 (figures of heads of the two varieties).

Hal). — The typical form from the United States generally, Mexico, part of West In-
dies, Central America, and South America to Peru and Brazil. Var. brasiliensis from
South Brazil, Argentine Republic, and Chili.

Respecting the var. brasiliensis, Mr. J. E. Harting, in a letter to Prof. Baird, which has
been sent to me, states : "The diifereuce in the measurements of the two species is
very striking ; the wing, tibia and tarsus in the southern brasiliensis being all, respect-
ively, about an inch longer than in the northern nigricollis." A point not given in
Messrs. Sclater and S^lvin's paper is, that the disposition of the colors of the u])per
parts also differs, the black of the neck being out oft' from that of the back by a white
interval ; this being. Mr. Harting remarks, a resemblance to the //. lencocejihahis of
Australia and New Zealand. The form may prove to be specifically distinct.

•Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions.

Later ^x/Krfi/ioos.— 61643-4, June 19, 1872, Great Salt Lake, Utah (Merriam).

Some of the vagaries that from time to time have found their way
into jii int, rei)resoiitiug sober opiuions of naturalists who, from the most
superfi(;ial observation of Stilts and Avocets, mi.aht have learned better,
are e.\tremely curious. The slight upward curvature of the Avocet's
bill has served whereon to hang fables and theories too absurd to de-
serve a moment's serious consideration ; and it has been repeatedly
caricatured in illustration.s. The imagination has ahso been stretched
out of all due proportion to treat of the really very long legs of the Stilts,
and drawn upon to support hypothese.s even more feeble and tottering
than the gait which some authors attribute to the bird. It is easy to
see how such notions had their origin. Descriptions and figures were
at first taken from stuffed si)ecimens, awkward preparation of which, or
else the unavoitlable shrinkage of the delicate and vascular bill, resulted
in a false shai)e. It would be hard to find the bill of a live Avocet of
the shape re])resented by Wilson aiul Nuttall ; Audubon's figure is the
most accurate one 1 have seen. The other fallacy, respecting the gait

4G4 HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLLS, BLACK-NECKED STILT.

of the Stilt, probably grew out of some such statement as that of Wil-
sou, which, while perfectly true, has been improperly taken. "As they
frequently alight on the bare marsh," says the author, referring to Stilts,
"they drop their wings, stand with their legs half bent and trembling,
as if unable to sustain the burden of their bodies. In this ridiculous
posture they will sometimes stand for several minutes, uttering a cur-
ring sound, while from the corresponding quiverings of their wings and
long legs they seem to balance themselves with great difficulty." Now
Wilson generally wrote whereof he had seen and knew, and it is safe to
accept his statements for facts, whatever we may think of his opinions.
But a sensational or meretricious writer could easily make a sufficiently-
startling story out of the above, to the effect that the Stilt's legs are not
strong enough to support its body. We may, however, turn a.side from
such stories as these, assured that, sooner or later, like curses and chick-
ens, they will come home to roost with their authors.

Palpable fabrications aside, there are still some questions to be settled,
one of which is respecting the construction of the nests. Wilson says
they are at first slightly built of grasses, and afterward elevated and
strengthened, as the birds lay and set, by the addition of dry twigs and
various other materials; to which statement Audubon takes exception,
and, in fact, is evidently inclined to discredit the whole story. It is
certainly unusual for nests to be worked upon after incubation has com-
menced, and probably those that Wilson describes were not then fitted
for the reception of the eggs. But we know, also, that the stress the
mother bird may be under to deposit an egg may sometimes demand
hasty dropping, even before her nest is as elaborately finished as it would
otherwise have been. The conflicting statements are probably to be re-
conciled in this way. Writers are also largely at variance respecting
the degree of swimming power that these birds possess; doubtless a
result of varying facilities they have enjoyed for forming an opinion.
And in general I think that it may be safely asserted that diiferent cir-
cumstances of observation play as active a part in producing discrepant
statements as all other causes combined. The degree to which many or
most birds differ in habits, according to circumstances, is not sufficiently
recognized. Partial statements, based upon imperfect or insufficient
observation, are usually neither entirely true nor wholly false, bur; be-
come the more fruitful sources of error from the very admixture of
truth that is in them. Error is never so captivating as when truthfully
dressed. The fact in this case is, that the Stilts are wretchedly poor
swimmers, as might have been expected from the coiulitiou of their legs
and absence of webs. As waders they are a great success ; but when
out of their depth, which is rarely, if ever, the case from choice, they
only make shift to keep their heads above water, and progress in the
most helpless and uncertain way. The Avocets, on the contrary, are
fair swimmers.

Though Audubon's statement, that the Stilt is rarely found at any
great distance from the sea-shore, may apply on the Atlantic coast, it is
manifestly correct iu any general application. Thus, Dr. Henry has
taken it at Fort Thorne, New Mexico ; Mr. Xantus at Fort Tejon, Cali-
fornia ; Dr. Newberry at Rhett Lake ; and, not to multiply i)revious
instances, I found it abundant on the Kio Grande near Albu(iuerque, and
again on the Colorado. It occurs, in fact, on most of the lakes and
rivers of the West, hundreds of miles from the ocean. It is also found
occasionally iu some dry localities, where one would hardly expect to
meet with any wader. On the plains it appears to be of unusual occur-
rence, and I am not aware that it proceeds north of the C'nited States.

HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT. 465

Except ill tliis last respect, its range may be said, in general terms, to
be nearly the same as that of the Avocet, with which it often associates.
It breeds wherever found in summer, and is a migratory bird, departing
for the South in autunni, to spend the winter.

While at Los Pinos, New Mexico, late in June, 1864, I had an excel-
lent opportunity of studying the habits of the Stilts. There are large
shallow "lagunas" near this place, whose muddy flats and reedy margins
are well adapted to the Avauts of these birds, as well as other waders,
particularly Avocets, and a few Ducks, chiefly Mallards. The Stilts had
evidently bred there, though I found no nests or very young birds.
They were in flocks of twenty or thirty, keeping closely together. All
those I shot appeared to be in perfect plumage, with greenish-black
backs, this color running in full intensity up the back of the neck, black
bills, crimson eyes, and carmine or lake-red legs. They offered a very
striking and pleasing effect, wheeling in easy flight, the flock appearing
one moment black, the next white, as they showed alternately the upper
and under parts, with the long bright-tinted legs heightening the con-
trast of color. Although not heedless or unduly familiar, they were not
very shy, and I secured as many as I wished without much trouble.
Besides being almost unacquainted with the danger that may lie in
man's approach, they appeared of a gentle, nusnspicious nature, the
more noticeable in contrast with the restlessness and watchfulness of
most waders. Thus I remember to have approached, on one occasion,
within a dozen paces of a large flock, with no other artifice than stoop-
ing a little and walking quietly and slowly. The birds had observed me,
of course, as the grass was only a few inches high and the ground per-
fectly flat, but they stood motionless, looking with more of curiosity
than fear. It was a picturesque group ; still as statues the birds stood
in the water, raised only a little above it, on their firm, though so slen-
der, supports, their trim bodies drawn up to full height, and their large,
soft eyes dilated in wonder. In an instant, however, as if they had but
one mind iu common, a thought occurred, and quick as the thought they
were off. A flash— a report — the leaden pellets followed after; the
thinned ranks kept on, with piteous cries, while the stricken ones
dropped heavily into the water and lay motionless, or fluttered helpless
with broken wings, vainly essaying to dive. I had to wade into the
water to secure the specimens, which, however, was of little consequence,
as I was already wet and muddy to the waist ; picked up the dead ones
from the crimsoned water, and had an exciting chase after the wounded.
It was painful to witness their struggles, and 1 almost wished they could
be restored to the health and pleasure they had enjoyed up to the last
moment. But the mischief was not to be undone, and it was the part
of mercy then to put those still living out of their pain. This I did,
and, resolving to use all my specimens to the best advantage and take
no more innocent lives, I left the Stilts to their peaceful occupations.

The wings of the Stilt are very long and i)ointed, as well as ample in
width ; its flight, in consequence, is firm, vigorous, and swift. When
folded they reach beyond the tip of the tail, and as the under-coverts
reach to the end, the bird tapers olf behind to a fine point. The black
shorter quills and secondaries meet across the back, hiding the white
rump and tail. On the ground, whether walking or wading, the bird
moves gracefully, with measured steps ; the long legs arc much bent at
each step (only at the joint, however!), and planted firmly, perfectly
straight ; except under certain circumstances, as those Wilson narrates,
there is nothing vacillating, feeble or unsteady, either in the attitudes
or movements of the birds. When feeding, the legs are bent backward
30

466 PHALAROPODIDyE PHALAROPES.

with an acute augle at tbe heel-joiut, to briug the body lower ; the latter
is tilted forward and downward over the centre of equilibrium, where
the feet rest, and the long neck and bill reach the rest of the distance
to the ground. Its lood consists of aquatic insects of all sorts, proba-
bly also of the ova or smallest fry of fish, and various kinds of lacus-
trine vegetation ; in seeking it, the Avhole head is frequently immersed
in the water. The eggs api)ear very large for the size of the bird ; they
are pyriform in shape, broad at one end and pointed at the other; four
constitute a nest-full. But both size and shape vary a good deal. Two
specimens I selected as representing the extremes in a large series,
measured, respectively, 1.85 by 1.15, and 1.70 by 1.35; the former being
long and narrow, the latter short and comparatively blunt. The color
is dark ochraceous, or pale brownish-olive, blotched all over with spots
and splashes of brown and blackish-brown, of irregular size and shape.
The exact time required for hatching is not known. Both sexes are
said to incubate ; and the young birds, though able to run about as soon
as hatched, are assiduously cared for by the parents for some time.

Family PHALAROPODIDJE : Phalaropes.

Several wadiug birds, properly so classed, furnish exceptions to the rule that these
birds have but slight powers of swimming, only exercised in an emergency. The
AvGcet is a fair swimmer, the toes being nearly full webbed ; still better swimmers
are the Coots and Phalaropes, birds not very closely allied, yet alike fitted for highly
aquatic life and habitual swimming by the i)resence of broad lobes on the toes. Pha-
laropes are swimming Sandpipers — with the modification of the feet just mentioned,
a thin shank to cut the water, a depressed boat-shaiied body to rest upon it, and thick-
ened duck-like Tinder plumage to prevent wetting of the body. Not one of the waders
surpasses the Phalaropes in ease and variety of movement, grace and elegance of form,
or beauty of color when in perfect plumage. Like other peculiar or somewhat excep-
tional groups of birds, the family is a small one, of not more than three well-ascertained
species, all of which occur in this country; two, if not also three, inhabiting the
Missouri region. I shall bring them all into the present account. Wilson's Phalarope
is indigenous only in America ; the other two are dispersed over the Northern Hemis-
phere. The following is an analysis of the technical characters of the three genera, or
rather subgenera, which the three species may be taken to represent :

Steganopus, VieiUol, 1825 (type F.wilsoni; HolojMdiits, Bp., 1828; {^) Jmhlyrltynchus,
Xntt., 1834, nee Leach, 1814). Bill long, equaling the tarsus, exceeding the head,
extremely slender, terete and acute. Culmen and gonys broad and depressed. Lateral
grooves long and narrow, reaching nearly to tip of bill. Interramal space narrow and
very short, extending only half way to the end of the bill. NostriLs at the extreme
base of the bill. Wings of moderate length. Tail short, deeply, doubly emarginate ;
legs greatly elongated ; tibiie bare for a considerable distance ; tarsus exceeding the
middle toe. Toes long and slender, broadly margined with an even, unscollojied mem-
brane, united but for a brief space Ijasally. Claws moderately long, arched, and acute.

LoBiPES, Cuvier, 1817 (type Tringa liyperhorea, Linn.). Bill generally as in Stegano-
pus, but shorter, basally stouter, and tapering to a very acute, compressed tip; ridge
of culmen and gonys less depressed ; interramal space longer and broader. Wings
long. Tail short, greatly rounded. Legs and feet short ; tibiaj denuded for but a
brief space ; tai'sus not longer than the middle toe. Toes very broadly margined with
a membrane which is scolloped or indented at each phalangeal joint, and united
basally as far as the second joint between the outer and middle toe, and as far as the
first joint between the inner and middle toe. The feet are thus semipalmated. Claws
very small and short.

PiiALAUOPUS, Brmon, 1760 (type Tringa fuUcaria, Linn. ; CrymopMlus, Vieill., 1816).
Bill scarcely longer than the head or tarsus ; very stout for this family ; nuich de-
pressed ; so broad as to be almost spatulate, the tip only moderately acute. Upper
mandible with the ridge broad and flattened, its a])ex arched and decurved, its lateral
grooves wide and shallow. Interramal space broad and very long, extending nearly
to the end of the bill. Nostrils subbasal, at some distance from the root of the bill.
Wings long and jjoiuted. Tail long, rounded, the central rectrices projecting, rather
acuminate. The legs and feet are nuich as in Lohipes, but the semipalmation is of less
extent.

STEGANOPUS WILSONI, WILSON'S PHALAROPE. 467

STEGANOPDS WILSOXI, (Sab.) Coues.
Wilson's Plialarope.

(?) Tringa (jladalis* Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 67.5 (based on Plain Phalarojie of Penx.,
Arct. Zool. ii, 495, No. 41.5, and Lath., Syn. v, 17.3.

(?) Phalaropus fjlaciaJis, Lath., lud. Oru. 1790, 77G (same basis).

(?) Ainbhirlu/iivhitH (jladalis, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 247 (same basis).

Phalaropns loluduH, OiJD, ed. WiLS., Am. Orn. ix, 1825, 72, pi. 73, tip;. 3. (Not of Linvams.)

Phalaropits idhoni, Saij., Ayjp. Frank. Journ. 1823. 691.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
405. pi. 69 (north to the Saskatchewan, latitude 54'^).— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834,
2451— AUD., Oru. Bio<r. iii, 18.35, 400, pi. 254.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, pi. 158.—
Bd.. B. N. a. 1858. 705.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 199— Hayd., Rep.

1862, 174 (Lower Missouri, abundant).- ScL.,P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (city of Mexico, in
breeding plumage). — Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 86 (Massachusetts).—
Dkess., Ibis, 1866, 35 (Texas).— Sal v., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guatemala).— Allex,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 1872, 182 (Great Salt Lake).— Lawh., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii,

1863, 295 (New York) — Schl., Mus. Pays-Bus, Scolojntces, CO.— Stev., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas). —
Pelz., Orn. 313 (Brazil).

Phalaropns {Holopodiiis) idlmni, Bp., Syn. 1828, 342, No. 279 ; A. 0. iv, 1832, 59, pis. 24, 25.
Eolopodias wihoiii, Bp., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 54.— Less., Tr. Oru. 1831, .563.
Lohipcs idhoni, Aud., Syn. 1839, 2411 B. Am. v, 1842, 299, pi. 341.— GiR., B. L. L 1844,

246.— P( TN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.
Phalaropiin (Slcfiaiiopun) wilsoiii, Gkay, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 55, No. 10362.
Steganopm n-ilsoiii, Coues, Ibis, Apr. 1865 ; Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 97 (Colorado River) ;
• Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 186«, 292 (New England, rare or casual).— Allex, Mem. Bost.

Soc. 1, 1868, 501 (Western Iowa).— Coues, Key, 1872, 248, fig. 161 (head).
Phalaropns Jreitatits, Vieill., Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 178, pi. 271.
Phalaropns stenodactylus, Wagl., Oken's Isis, 1831, 523.
Phalarupiis Jiiubriatiis, Temm., Planches Coloriees, v, j)!. 270.
Lohipcs iiicanits, Jard. & Selby, 111. Orn. i, pi. 16.
Stctjanopns tricolor, Vieill.
Lobipcs antarcticus, Less.— (See Frazer, P. Z. S. 1843, 118; Scl., iftiU 1867, 332.— Pelz.,

Novara Rcise, Aves, 132).— Philippi, Cat. 37.

Hah. — United States ami British Provinces, generally. North to the Saskatchewan.
Rare or casual in the Eastern Uuited States. Common in the Mississippi Valley aud
westward. Breeds in Western Uuited States aud in the interior of the fur countries
iu the lower latitudes. Mexico, Central aud South America, in winter.

lAeutenant Wairen's Expedition. — 4876-80, Omaha and Council Blufis ; 5444-5, Medicine
Creek.

Later Expeditions. — 60376, Camp Carling, Wyoming.

Not procured by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Adult in breeding dress: Bill, legs, aud feet, pure black ; crown of head, pale asb,
passing into white along a narrow strip on the nape. A n rrow, distinct, pure ■white
line over the eye. Sides of neck intense purplish-chestnut, or dark wine-red ; ante-
riorly deepening uijon the auriculars iuto velvety black ; i)osteriorly continued, some-
what duller in tint, as a strijjc along each side of the back to the tips of the scapulars.
Other ui>per parts pearly-ash, blanching on the rump aud upper tail-coverts. Wings
l)ale, dull grayish-brown ; the coverts slightly white-tii)ped, the primaries dusky-
brown, their shafts brownish-white, except at tip. Tail marbled with i)early-gray
and white. All the luxler jiarts pure white, but tiie forepart and sides of the breast
washed with pah; chestnut-brown, as if witli a weuk solution of the rich color cm the
neck, and a faint tinge of the same along the sides of the body to the Hanks. The
female is identical with tiie male in coh)r.

Specimens Just fully Hedged are in ai)lumage not generally known, and one of which
I have seen no ade(|Uate description : l$ill, blacki.sh, about 1.10 long; legs, dull yellow
(tarsus. 1.20; middle toe and daw, 1.05). Upper parts, including crown and upper
surface of wings, browuish-black, each feather edged with rusty-brown, very couspicu-

• I do not agree with those authors who unhesitatingly refer the " VInin Phulnropc"
of Pennant and I-atham to 1'. fiilii-arin.t, as I am by no means satisfied it was not a
yoiini/ Wilson's I'haIaro|)e. 'I'jie diagnosis given corres))onds ((uiteas will to the latter
as to the former, and iu one item, namely, " toes bordered with a jiiain or unseolloi)ed
membrane," is api)li(ablo oidy to the latter. I therefore range Jrint/a or I'halaropns
Oladulis here, with a ipiery. It is also (piite possible that .some of the older synonyms
adduced under /'. hj/prrhorcns may really belong to /'. irilnoni ; but they are so uncer-
tain, anil ditVtreut aci-oinits are so involved, that it would probably not be now possible
to detcimine the point, even were it particularly desirable to do so.

468 SNEGANOPUS WILSONI, WILSON'S PHALAEOPE.

ons on the long inner secondaries, and giving a general aspect like that of a Sand-
l)ipcr of the genus Adodronias. Upper tail-coverts pure white. Tail clear ash, edged
and niucli marbled with white, the ash darker at _its line of demarcation from the
white. Line over eye, and whole under parts white, the breast with a faint rusty
tinge, and the sides slightly marbled with gray. Quills dusky, the secondaries white-
edged, and the shafts of the primaries whitish. — This stage is of extremely brief dura-
tion, beginning to give way, almost as soon as the bird is full grown, to the clear uniform
ashy of the upper parts of the fall and winter condition. The change, in some speci-
mens shot early in August, is already very evident, clear ashy feathers being mixed, on
the crov.'n and all the upper parts, with such as .just described. Size of tlie smallest
sijecimen only 8.25 in length by 14.50 in extent ; the wing 4.60.

In full plumage this is the handsomest of the three Phalaropes, as
well as the largest, and one of the most elegant birds of the entire
group of waders. It was apparently first noticed by the gifted natur-
alist to whom it was subsequently dedicated, under the previously
occupied name of P. lohaius. To those familiar with Wilson's writings,
which portray his own character with the same fidelity that the birds
it was his passion to depict are rendered, his name brings sadness to
the mind, and tempts a question of the wisdom of a dispensation that
took him aAvay, while countless useless and hurtful lives were spared.
His friend and admirer, Thomas Nuttall, expresses thoughts that find
an echo in our own hearts : " Hurried to the tomb from amidst his
unfinished and ill requited labors, his favorite Orpheus and Wood-
thrush pour out their melody in vain. The Bluebird, which hastens to
inform us of the return of spring, delights no longer the favorite of their
song. Like his own beautifui and strange bird now before us, his tran-
sient visit, which delighted us, has ended ; but his migration, no longer
to be postponed, has exceeded the bounds of the earth, and spring and
autumn, with their wandering hosts of flitting birds, may still return 5
while he, translated to Elysian groves, will only be remembered in the
thrill of the plaintive Nightingale ! * * *."

Wilson's Phalarope is of very general distribution and common occur-
rence in the United States from the Mississippi Valley westward, but
apparently rare, or even exceptional, in most of the Eastern States. Our
New England and Middle States' records are comparatively few, and
agree in attesting the rarity of the species in those sections. I never
saw^ it in Maryland, Virginia, or either of the Carolinas — all places
where my protracted collecting would doubtless have brought it to my
notice had it been of regular occurrence. Its line of migration appears
to be mainly the Mississippi Valley, and thence to t!:eKocky Mountains,
and in this region it may be called common. It does not go far north
to breed ; in this being strikingly contrasted with the other two. Latitude
540 is stated to be the limit, in the region of the Saskatchewan, while
the greater proportion of individuals nest within our limits — in Dakota,
Minnesota, Iowa, aSTebraska, Idaho, Utah, Kansas, and even Illinois,
from all of which places we have authentic advices. Perfectly dressed
specimens are taken even so far south as Texas. I am under the belief
that I found it breeding along the Arkansas Eiver, between Forts
Larned and Lyons, on some of the manj^ j)ools that dot the prairie.
There were many water birds here, among them Franklin's Gull, the
Black Tern, and the Avocet, the latter certainly breeding. My speci-
mens of the Phalarope were in full plumage, and appeared, by their
actions, to have established themselves for the summer, although I
found no eggs. This was in June. The same month, nine years sub-
sequently, 1 found the Phalaropes breeding on reedy pools, together
with Godwits, Curlew, Black Terns and Coots, and various Ducks,
along that portion of the Eed liiver of the North which separates Min-
nesota from Dakota ; and later, in the beginning of August, I took

LOBIPES HYPERBOREUS, NORTHERN PHALAROPE. 469

newly-Hedged young on the Mouse Eiver, in Dakota, near Turtle
Mountain. These young were specially interesting to me, as showing
a plumage with which I had up to that time been unacquainted. It is
described above. In all such breeding localities, where the birds feel
at home, and have none of the restlessness they show when migrating,
their habits may be studied to the best advantage. I had excellent
0])portunity of seeing how gentle and confiding the birds become when
not molested, and how surprisingly graceful they are, either pacing the
brink of their favorite pool, or swimming buoyantly upon its surface,
1 had no heart to destroy any of the beautiful creatures, mu(;h as I
desired soifce for my cabinet, utter a scene I had witnessed when I had
secured some Avocets. Three Phalaro])es came in great concern and
alighted on the water where a dead Avocet was floating, swimming-
back and forth and almost caressing it with their bill. The Avocet's
mate himself, who was not long in reaching the spot, showed no more
agitation than his little friends and neighbors, the Phalaropes, did ; and
though it was only birds "of a low order of beings" who thus exhibited
sympathy and grief, avIio could look on such a scene unmoved "?

Tlie eggs of Wilson's Phalarope are from 1.20 to 1.35 inches long, by
about O.IK) broad, thus being of an elongate as well as pyriform shape.
The ground ranges frouj a clay color to a brownish-drab ; it is very
heavily overlaid with the markings, sometimes to such extent that the
ground struggles to appear amid the ahnost coutiucus overlying color,
and an eix<v like a Ptarmigan's results. Ordinarily the markings con-
sist of numerous large, heav^y splashes and sizable spots of indetermi-
nate ccfntour, mixed with numberless specks and fine scratches ; occa-
sional eggs are much more lightly and sparsely si)eckled in finer pat-
tern. The color of the markings is a varying shade of dark bistre-
brown, sometimes chocolate. Shell-markings are not ordinarily notice-
able.

LOBIPES HYPERBOREUS, (Linn.) Cuv.

Northern Phahirope.

Trhifja huperborea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 249 (based on Fu. Suec. 179; Edw., 143;
Will., 270; R.vv, 132; Fhalaropus chiercus, Bmss., vi, 15). — Bkvnn., Oni. Bor.
1764, 172.— Fabk., Fd. Groen. 17H0, No. 75.— Gm., Syst. Nat., i, 1788, 675.

PhalarojiiiN hiipo-borens, $ , Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 775 (oxcl. .sy ii. of siipposoci leniale^
r. fitlicarius); Plancli. Enlnni. 766.— Temji., Man. 1815, 457; ii, 1820, 709.—
Sai{., Fiankl. Joniii. 690. — Bi'., Syn- 1828, '.542.— Nutt., Man. ii. Is34, 239.—
All)., Oin. Bioji. iii, 1^35, 118; v, 1839, 595; pi. 215.— Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi,
1857, 98 (Des ChiitL's River, in suunnei). — Bl>., B. N. A. 1858, 706. — ScL. *fc
Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 277 (Guatemala).- Swin., Ibi.s, 1863, 4J5 (Formosa).—
Coop. &. Suck., N. H. Wash. U'er. 1860, 236.— Wiikat., Ohio A<?ric. Rep. 1860,
No. 200.— Verr., I'r. Ess. Inst. iii. 1862, 158 (Maine, possibly bieedinfi).—
(.')B()A1U)M., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 12S(Bay ofFundy).- Lawi:., Ann. Lye.N. Y.
viii, 1866, 295 (New York).— Ali.kn. I'r. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 8() (Massachusetts).—
Mc'lLWK., Pr. Kss. Inst, v, ld(i6, 92 (Ciiiiada West).- Schl., Mus. Pays-Bas, Srolo-
pacrx, .58.— TiiitM!,. B. E. Pa. 1869, 29 (May and September).— Stev., U. S. Geol.
Siirv. Ter. Irt70, 466 (Wyomiufr).

Phalaroj>ii>~ {Lohipm) hypirhoniiti, Gi:ay, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 55, No. 10*361.

Loh'qKS hupd-hoiTiiH, Cuv., Rt^yne Anim. i, 1829, 532.— STEl'll., Gen. Zool. xii, 169, pi. 21.—
Flk.m., Br. An. 100.— BiticiiM, V. D. 676, pi. 35, f. 4.— .Jen., Man. Br. Vert. 214.—
EVT., Cat. Br. B. 4:'..— Macoil., Man. N. II. Orn. ii, 84.— Bi'., Li.st, 1838, 54.—
All)., Syn. 1839. 240; B. Am. v, 1842, 29.5, pl. 340.— Gut., B. L. I. 1S44, 24m.—
CoUKS, Pr. Ess. Insl. vi, lHi8, 292 (migratory alon;; the eoast, perhajis hreed-
inj,^.— I>ALL & Bann.. Tr. Chie. Aead. i, 1869, 290 (Alaska).— Coiks, Key,
1^72. 24H, \\<r. 161 (foot).— RiDcw.. Ann. Lye. N. Y. x. 1S74, 385 (Illinois).

{f)Tnnij(i lohala, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176(;, 249 (ijased on Fn. Suee. No. 179; Tringa
(jrixai, BK1.S.S., ii, 2t>6, pl. 208; Phil. Trans, vol. 1. 2.55. pl. 6; Kuw., pl. 308;
rimlaropuH, Bhi.ss., vi, p. 12).— Brunn., Orn. Bor. 17()4, 51.— MUli.kk, No. 195.—
Faijr., Fn. Groen. 17>(t, No. 75. — G.m.. Syst. Nat. i, 17»'\ 674.

470 LOBIPES HYPERBOREUS, NORTHERN PHALAROPE.

C^) Phalaroims lohalus, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 776.

Trinqa fasca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, G75.

Phaiaropus fuscus, Lath., Intl. Oru. ii, 1790, 776 (Bisiss., vi, 18).

PhaJaroptts rtiJicoUi>f, Pai.l., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 203.

Pludaropus cinerascens, Pall.. Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 204.

Phaiaropus chm-eus, Mey. & Wolf, Tuscb. ii, 417.— Key.s. &, Blas., Wiib. Eur. 73.—

ScHL., Rev. Ciit. 94.— FixscH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 65 (Alaska).
Phaiaropus aiigustirostris, Naum., Vog. Deutsc-bl. viii, 1836, 240, pi. 205.
Phaiaropus au'sfralis, Te^im. & Bi'. (^dilcfjcl.)
Phaiaropus uilUamsii, Simm., Linn. Trans, viii, 264.

Hal). — Nortbern Hemispbere, penetrating to very bigb latitndes to breed, migratory
sometimes into tbe trollies in winter. Generally distributed, but more- particularly
maritime.

Not noticed by Captain Raynolds' or Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.

Later Expeditions.— 59867 , Middle Park, Colorado ; 60796, Big Sandy River, Wyoming.

Specimens of the Northern Phalarope, just from the egg, were lately
procured by Mr. Henry W. Elliott, on St. Paul Island, one of the
Prybilov group, outliers of the Aleutians. They are very pretty little
creatures indeed. The whole head and upper parts are clear, warm,
brownish-yellow, or rich buff, variegated with black ; the uuder parts,
from neck to rump, are white with a slight silvery-gray cast. The black
variegation occupies a triaugular area on the crown (where it is mixed
with buff), forms a long stripe down the back, bounded by a streak over
each hip and a spot on each shoulder, and terminates by a cross-bar on
the rump. The bill is only a third of an inch long, and no larger than
a dressing-pin ; the total length of the bird is about 2| inches. As with
others of the family, the changes of plumage with age, and especially
with season, are very great; but in any condition the species rfiay be
recognized by its small size and scolloped toe-membranes, in compari-
son with P. icUson% and by its slender, subulate bill, as compared with
the broad, flattened one of P. fuUcarius.

In the interior of the United States the Northern Phalarope is no-
where so abundant as Wilson's, and appears to be of less general dis-
persion, though it occurs, sometimes in large flocks, in particular
localities. It is oftener seen flocking along either coast. On the
Atlantic I have not been able to trace it beyond the Middle States,
although it certainly winters along the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Giraud
quotes a letter of Prof. Baird's, dated Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October
10, 1842, in regard to its occurrence in that locality ; and Dr. Turnbull
states that it is "rare; arriving early in May, and again in September;
being more frequent in the autumn." On the coast of New England it
is more abundant and of regular occurrence during the migrations,
some apparently' breeding among the islands in the Bay of Fundy. It
appears to migrate mainly off" the coast, in flocks of considerable size,
and doubtless many of the occasions of its capture along our coast are
the result of storms driving it inshore. On the Pacific side, says Dr.
Cooper, "the Lobefoot passes in spring and fall through Washington
Territory in small flocks, which associate sometimes with the Sand-
pipers, but appear to prefer wetter feeding-grounds, wading in the
shallow creeks at low tide, and even swimming on the ocean, several
miles off shore. In August, 1853, I saw a pair, either of this or the
next species, swimming on a small lake on the summit of the Cascade
Mountains, where they probably had a nest. The young birds appear
near the mouth of the Columbia early in July.-' Dr. Suckley also found
them about Puget Sound in August, becoming quite abundant during
the month, and keeping principally among beds of kelp and floating
patches of sea-weed. Dr. Bannister mentions eggs brought from the
vicinity of Unalaklik, Alaska, and Mr. Dail states that the bird is very

PHALAROPUS FULCARIUS, RED PHALAROPE. 471

common all along the Yukon Eiver, as well as at its mouth. " I
observed it," he continues, "running among stranded blocks of ice on
the muddy beach at oS'ulato, stopping and glancing around every few
steps ; the pure white of the breast more conspicuous by the black mud
over which it passed. Two eggs, in a small, round nest, lined with
grass, were found at Pastolik."

A very large series of eggs of this Phalarope has been received at the
Smithsonian, collected by Messrs. Kennicott and Macfarlane, and
others, in the Anderson and Yukon Eiver regions. They show such a
range of variation in color that it is scarcely possible to describe them
intelligibly. The ground varies from dark greenish-olive or brownish-
olive, through various lighter drab-tints, nearly to a bufty-brown, and
in one instance to a light grayish-drab. The markings are usually very
bold and heavy, consisting of large spots and the still larger splashes
produced by their confluence, mingled with dots and scratches in inter-
minable confusion. The markings are, in general, pretty evenly dis-
tributed, sometimes aggregated about the butt, and in rarer instances
forming a complete, definite circle. In a few instances all the markings
are mere dots. In general, the heaviness and size of the markings
bear some proportion to the intensity of the £';rouud-color. The color
of the markings is dark bistre, chocolate, and sometimes still lighter
browns. The longest and narrowest egg measures 1.30 inches by only
0.75; a short and thick one only 1.10 by 0.82; average, about 1.20 by
0.80. The eggs are three or four, oftenest four, and are laid in June —
more frequently in the latter half of the month — in a depression of the
ground, variously lined with withered vegetation.

PHALAEOPUS rULCAEIUS, (Linn.) Bp.
Red Phalarope.

Tnngafiilicaria,'Liys., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 249 (based ou rimlampm nifiiscens, Biuss., vi

20, and Edw., pi. 142).— Fabu., Fu. Green. 1780, No. 76.— Gm., S. N. i, 1788,676.
Phalaropus hyperboreus, 9 , Lath., Ind. Oni. ii, 171)0, 775 (excl. syu. of supposed male). —

WiLS., Am. Orri. ix, 75, pi. 7:5, f. 4.
Phalarojms fulicariii8,BF., Jonru. I'liila. Acad, iv, 1825, 232; Syu. 1828, 341; List, 1838,

.54.- Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 407.— Nutt., Mau.'ii, 1834, 236.— AuD., Orn.

Biog. iii, 1835, 404, pi. 255; Syu. 1839, 239; B. Am. v, 1842, 291, pi. 339.— Gii!.,

B. L. I. 1844, 24.5.— GuAV, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 586.— Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi,

1857, 98 (off California coast).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 707.— C(K)P. ct Suck., N. H.

Wash. Ter. 1860, 236.— Wheat., Ohio Agiic. Rep. i860, No. 201.— Coues, Pr.

Pbila. Acad. 1861, 228 (Labrador).— Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 86.— Newt.,

Ibis, 1865, 505 (Spilzbergeu).— Lawi!., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Coues,

Pr. Ess. List, vi, 1868, 292 (migratory along tbe coast).— Dall & Baxx., Trans.

Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 291 (Alaska).— Schl., Mns. Pavs-Bas, 1865, Scolo2)aeen, p.

.58.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1867, 165, pi. 15, f. 1 (eg-i).— Ghav,' Hand-list, iii, 1871, 55, No.

103(50.- Coues, Key, 1872, 248.— Ridgw., Auu. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois).
rhahnnpm rn/its, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 205, pi. 63.— Bechst., Naturg. Dent, iv,

381.— BuKH.M, V. D. ♦)78, pi. 35. f. 3.
Crymophilns nif its, Yikiia.., Noiiv. Diet. Nat. d'Hist. viii, 521.
rhaUn-opim phitiirhiinchHS, Temm., Man. 1815, 4.59; ii, 712.— Bl{Kn>r. V. D. 679.— Naum.,

V. O. viii, 183(i, 2.55, jil. 206.— Sah., Greenl. Birds, .536: Suppl. Parry's 1st Voy.

p. cci.— Rich., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 335.— Eijua, Atti Soe. Itai. li-oii, ii, 5S.
Phalaropus nifcscens, Bui.ss., vi, 20.— Keys. A Blas., Wirb. Enr. 73.— Scni.., Rev. Crit. '.|4.
Phalaropus griecas, Lkacu, Cat. Mam, and B. Br, Mus, 34.

Hah. — Essentially tbe same .as tbat of /.. hi/jnrhonns.
This species was not noticed by any of tbe Expeditious,

I introduce this species, although it has not yet been found in the
Missouri region, as one which un«iuestionably occurs at times, and in
order to complete an account of the family. It is more particularly a

472 PHILOHELA MINOR, WOODCOCK.

maritime bird, yet we have accounts of its occurrence in the interior of
the United States. It is mentioned by Mr. AVheaton among the birds
of Ohio, and by Mr. Eidgway among tliose of Illinois.

The nidilication of this species is the same as that of the preceding,
and the eggs are so similar that they cannot be distinguished with cer-
tainty in any given instance. Several specimens are in the collection
from Franklin Bay, on the Arctic coast, east of Anderson River. They
were taken early in July, by Mr. MacFarlane, who states that they are
deposited in a depression of the ground lined with withered leaves.
Their average capacity is greater than those of L. hyperhor&iis. Tiie
longest specimen measures 1.30 by 0.90; the shortest, 1.15 by 0.90;
another, 1.25 by 0.85.

Family SCOLOPAOID^: Snipe, &c.

The great unmber of birds belonging to this family which claim the attention of
the sportsman, the ejiicure, and the amateur ornithologist, renders it especially an
interesting one. Here are classed nearly all the " long-billed fraternity," as these birds
are called, somewhat facetiously, but nevertheless with technical accuracy — the Wood-
cock and the true Snipe, the Sandpipers in all their variety, the Godwits, Curlews and
Willets, the Yellowlegs, and all the numerous birds that pass under the loose name of
"Bay Snipe." They may be distinguished from any kind of Plover by the slenderuess
aud sensitiveness of the bill, as well as, usually, by its length, which for the most part
exceeds the head, and absence of any constriction between the nasal and terminal parts.
It is always furnished with long, deep grooves on both mandibles, and may be either
straight, curved down, or a little recurved. The gape of the mouth is usually very
much contracted. The ScolopacidcH are probably without exception migratory, and
some of them pass to the highest latitudes where birds can live, to breed, nesting
always on the ground, and laying three or four eggs, placed with the small ends to-
gether in a slight nest or on the bare ground. The North American species are numer-
ous, and nearly all occur in the Missouri region. For convenience of reference we
here bring thein together in the several natural groups in which they fall :

A. Woodcock, Wilson's Snipe, and Eedbreasted Snipe.

B. Godwits, of four species, large, with the bill a little turned up.

C. Sandpipers, numerous species, all but one with short, straight bill ; going in

large flocks on the beaches and elsewhere.

D. Tattlers, various species of different sizes, with rather long bill, harder than

in the foregoing, straight or very slightly turned up. Here belong some spe-
cies improperly called "Plover," as tile "Upland Plover," "Yellowshank
Plover," &c., together with Willets, or " Stone Snipe," " Teeter-tails," &c.

E. Curlew, distinguished from all the others by the downward curve of the long

aud slender bill.

PHILOHELA MINOE, (Gm.) Gray.
Americaa Woodcock.

Scolopax minor, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 661.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 714 (based on '^Lit-
tle Woodcock" of Lath., Syn. v, 131, and Penx., Arct. Zool. ii, 4(5:5, No. 365,
pi. 19).— WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 40, pi. 48, f. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 331.— Aud.,
Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 474, pi. 268 ; also of various sporting authorities.

linsiicola minor, Vieill., Anal. 1816 ; Gal. Ois, ii, 1834, 112, pi. 142.— Bp., List, 1838, 52.

EmilcoJa (MicropUra) mi)wr, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 194.

Philohcla wujior, Gp.ay, Gen. of B. 1849.— WooDii., Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 101 (Indian Terri-
tory, rare).— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 709.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 174 (Loup Fork).— Mc-
Ii.WK., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 92 (Hamilton, C. W. ; summer, common). — Allkx,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Western Iowa).— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 227
(West Virginia, breeding). — Sxow% B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas, rare).— Coqes,
Key, 1872, 251, fig. 162; and of most late authors.

Microptcra amerkana, Aud., Syn. 1839, 250 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 15, pi. 352.— GiR., B. L. I.
1844, 266.
^«&.— Eastern United States aud British Provinces. North to Nova Scotia (J «(Zit-

hon) and Canada {Mcllwraiih). Northwest to Forl^ Rice, Dakota (Coues). West to

Kansas (Snow) and Nebraska {Uayden). No extraUmital record.
Lieutenant Warren's Exjmlition.— 9140, Loup Fork of the Platte.
Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

PHILOHELA MINOR, WOODCOCK. 473

The restriction of the range of the Woodcock is a singular circum-
stance in the history of a family of birds noted for their wide dispersion
and extensive migrations. It is only known to inhabit the United States
and iiiimediatelj" adjoining i)ortious of the British possessions, while in
the West its extension is equally limited. To Dr. Hayden's instance of
its occurrence in Nebraska, hitherto the westernmost on record, I am
enabled to add another, which sonjewhat extends the range. While I
was at Fort Randall I was assured by several ofiicers, and particularly
Captain Hartley and Lieutenant Campbell, that a Woodcock had been
shot considerably further up the river, at Fort Eice. It would appear
that the bird is creeping up the river, like the Quail, though it is still
rare. Mr. Trippe did not meet with it anywhere in Minnesota; but
in a list of the game birds found about Saint Paul, kindly furnished by
Dr. A. Heger, United States Army, I tind it included as a summer resi-
dent, and until the end of September. Its time of arrival was not
noticed. Mr. Allen states that it is common in Western Iowa, where,
however, Mr. Trippe did not observe it; and according to Prcf. Snow
it occurs, though rarely, in Kansas, where it breeds. Dr. Wocdhouse
found it rare in the Indian Territory. These references probably fully
exhibit the limit of its western extension. I myself never saw it any-
where in Dakota.

There is no occasion at present to enter into the history of the Wood-
cock, which is well known to tliose who are interested in the subject;
in fact, most competent sportsmen are more familiar with the bird than
some who have written about it appear to be. 1 wish, however, to call
attention to a point of nomenclature, in which some of the best field
naturalists are often at fault. It is a common practice of untechnical
observers to use the term " Scolopax^^ as a designation of various Arner-
ican birds of the family Scolopacida', to no one of which can it be prop-
erly applied in strictness. Tliis terntbelongs to the European Wood-
cock, quite a different bird from ours, and still more different from the
other scolopacine species. Our Woodcock might be called IScolopax
minor, as it used to be, without violent stretching of the significance of
the term; but the name iicolopax had much better be left where it be-
longs— to the European species. Ours differs from that one, beside
l)eing smaller and somewhat differently shaped and colored, in having
the tirst three quills of the wing very narrow and scythe-shaped. This
is a structui'al i)eculiarity, important enough, in connection with some
other points, to warrant our putting the bird in a different genus, and
calling it Philohela minor.

xVccounts sometimes reach us of an extraordinarily big Woodcock
killed in this country — say about a third larger and heavier than the
ordinary bird. It is probable that in every such instance the specimen
was a European Woodcock that had somehow straggled to this country.
The i)oint can always be decided, independently of size, by the above
character of the quill-feathers. The European Woodcock [Scolopax
ri(stivoJa) is i)erfectly authentic as a casual inhabitant of this country,
having l)een found in Newlbundland, Long Island, and New .Jersey.
Dr. Lewis, author of the admirable vohime, "The American Sports-
man,'' speaks of a bird which was undoubtedly of this sort, in the foot-
note on p. 1(>I» of the edition of 1<S(!S; and other unciuestionable instances,
in which the si)ecinn'n was examined by a c()nq)t'tent ornithologist, have
come to our knowledge. (See Lawrence, Ann. Lye. N. Y. 18(](>, LM)L' ; Ikiird,
Amer. Jouin. Sci. xli, l.S(;(l, iT).) The species was (ornially introduced
to our fauna in l.STU, in my late work, where these and otiier ttchnical
points are [)resented. Such occurrences of stragglers from another con-

474 PHILOMELA MINOR, WOODCOCK.

tineut are very interestiug, and should be imblislied without delay by
any one who is fortunate enough to observe theui.

Of all sportsmen who habitually enjoy cock- shooting, know every
trick of the bird's, just where to lind them at any time, and how to
bring them to bag, how many have seen a nest or eggs? Yet the bird
breeds, in greater or less abundance, over nearly all of its range, and
especially in the Middle and Eastern States. One reason doubtless is,
that of course sportsmen are not after Woodcock in the breeding sea-
son ; and another, that, were they so disposed, they might search long
and fruitlessly for the nest, so careful are the birds, in general, to con-
ceal it in the most secluded resorts. It is placed in low, thick, swampy
woods or brakes, on the ground, at the foot of a bush or tussock, or on
some fallen log or decayed stump, and it is formed of a few dried leaves
or a little grass, just enough to keep the eggs from the cold or moist
ground. The Woodcock is an early layer, generally in April, but even,
according to Audubon, in March or February at the South — the period
varying a month or more according to latitude. The eggs may be rec-
ognized by the following description, as they are quite unlike those of
any of their allies, not only the coloration, but also the shape, being
peculiar : Instead of a pointedly pyriform egg, such as most waders
lay, we find a bluntly-rounded form, the diameter being comparatively
great for the length. The shortest and broadest egg of a dozen before
me measures only 1.40 by fully 1.20; a long, narrow specimen is 1.55 by
1.15; an average is about 1.50 by 1.15. This rotund shape corresponds
to the plump figure of the bird, as compared with other slenderer
waders. The groundcolor is a light clay, with more or less of a brown-
ish cast, sojnetimes quite buffy-brown, sometimes merely grayish-white.
The spots are mostly small and not very bold; they consist of numerous
chocolate-brown surface markings, with many other pale, stone-gray
shell spots. The size and intensity of the markings generally corre-
spond with the depth of the ground-color.

As the habits of the Woodcock during the mating season are very
little known, the following account is copied from Audubon as one of
interest: "At this season its curious spiral gyrations, while ascending
or descending along a space of fifty or more yards of height, wiien it
utters a note somewhat resembling the word InvanJc, are performed every
evening and morning for nearly a fortnight. When on the ground, at
this season as well as in autumn, the male not unfrequently repeats this
sound, as if he were calling to others in his neighborhood, and on hear-
ing it answered he immediately flies to meet the other bird, which in the
same manner advances toward him. On observing the Woodcock while
in the act of emitting these notes, you would imagine he exerted him-
self to the utmost to produce them, the head and bill being inclined to-
w-ard the ground, and a strong forward movement of the body taking
place at the moment the hwank reaches your ear. This over, the bird
jerks its half spread tail, then erects itself, and stands as if listening for
a tew moments, when, if the cry is not answered, it repeats it. I
feel pretty confident that, in the spring, the female, attracted by these
sounds, flies to the male ; for on several occasions I observed the bird
that had uttered the call immediately caress the one that had just ar-
rived, and which I knew from its greater size to be a female. I am not,
how^ever, quite certain that this is always the case, for on other occa-
sions I have seen a male fly ofl" and alight near another, when they
would immediately begin to fight, tugging and pushing at each other
with their bills, in the most curious manner imaginable."

The Woodcock is by no means so exclusively an inhabitant of bog

GALLINAGO WILSONI, AMERICAN SNIPE. 475

and brake as those who are not entirely iamiliar with it may suppose.
It frequently visits corn-fields and other cultivated tracts in the vicinity
of swampy grounds, and often betakes itself to the woods, where it
rustles among' the dry leaves, turning them over to search for food. It
is erratic, or rather capricious, in its resorts as well as in its general
movements north and south. A few linger, unless the season be very
severe, in the Middle districts all winter, but they are generally off for the
South with the freezing of the ground. A cold snap will suddenly drive
them away altogether from i)laces where, a few hours before, they had
been found in numbers. The general and regular movement occurs
chietly in March and October. Some reside in the South, but the greater
number pass north, to return again in the fall. None appear to winter,
except casually, beyond our Middle districts.

GALLINAGu WILSONI, (Temm.) Bp.

American Snipe; Wilson's Snipe.

Scolopax galVinafjo, Wir.s., Am. Orn. vi, 181'2, Id, pi. 47, fig. 1.

Scolopax wihoni, Temm., PI. Color, v, Uvr. IxviiL (iu text).— Bp,, Syii. 1828, 330.— Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 401.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 185.— Aud., Oiu. Biog. iii,
1885, 322; v, 1839, 583; pi. 243; Syn. 1839, 248; B. Am. v, 1842, 339; pl. 350.—
GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 261.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota) ; and
of many earlier authors.

GaUbiago icilsoih, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 52.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 310 (Cordova).— Bd.,
* B. N. A. 1858. 710.— Salv., Ibis, 1859 (HontTimvs).- Newt., ihid. 258 (Santa
Cruz).— Tayi.ou, ibid. 18G0, 314.— Dress., iiid. 18o(5, 36.— Caij. J. f. O. iv, 350
(Cuba).- BPvYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).- Coop. & Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 237.— Hayd., Rep. 1882, 174 (Loup Fork and Black Hills).—
ScL., P. Z.S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica) ; 1864, 178 (Mexico) ; 1837, 280 (Mosipiito Coast).—
Sai/v'., ibid. 1870, 219 (Verasjua).— Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 18o2, 128 (Maine,
breeds).— CouES, Pr. Phila.^Acad. 1866, 97 (Arizona).— Dall cNc Banx., Tr. Chic.
Acad, i, 1869, 291 (Alaska).— Allkx, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa) ; Bull.
M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (Utah).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. is, 141 (Costa Rica).— SuxD.,
Ofv. KowiT. Vet. Ak. 587 (St. Bartholomew),— Tisippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872,
240 (Iowa).— AiKEX, ibid. 209 (Colorado, wintering).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Meuh., ibid.lS7-2, 700 (Montana).- Sxow, B. Kaus.
1873, 10.— CocES, Key,l872. 262, lig. 163 ; and of authors.

GalUvaf/o (jaUiuaria var. wihotti, Riixiw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383.

Gallinaiio brehmii, Bp., Obs. Nomen. Wils. 1825, No. 204. (Not of Juiiq).)

ticolopax deiicatula, Oitn, ed. Wils. ix, 1825, 218,

ScoloiHtx drummoiidii, Sw, & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 400.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 190.—
Aui)., Orn. Biog. v, 1639, 319; Syn, 1839, 249; B, Am, vi, 1843, 9.

Gallinago dntmmoiid'i, Bp., List, 1838, 52,

Scolopax dotu/hmi, Sw. & Rich., F, B. A, ii, 1831, 400.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 191.

(?) Scolopux kticurun, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1^31, .501.— Ni'tt., Man. ii, 1834, 617,

(?) Gallinago leucurus, Gray', Genera of Birds, pl, 157,

Hab.—Tho wliole of North America, and southward to South America. Mexico.
West Indies. (?) Accidental in England (Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 143). Breeds from
Northern New England northward.

Livniinunt Warrcn'n J'Jxpiditioii.— 4874, Month of Bighorn River; 9041-42, Black Hills,

Later Expcdilio)i8.—(}lH):i, Fort Sanders, Wyoming; 62370, Fort Ellis, Montana;
61157, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition,

The name of "English" Snipe, of common but erroneons application
to Ihis bird, i.s wholly a nii.snomer, the bir<l being entirely ditVcrent from
that of England, as any one may perceive on com[)ariug the two. It is
another of the deplorai)le instances in which paucity of language has
caused Anu'ri(;an bird.s to be called by the name of tlieir neare.st Euro-
pean relative, real or .supposed — a eircumstanee tending to prouudgate
error and confusion. We shonhl do our best to suppress such wrong
names in every instance, even without such an example as the well-nigh

476 MACEORHAMPHUS GRISEUS, RED-BREASTED SNIPE.

hopeless nnuklle about our Bob White before us. "Jack Snipe" is
another soubriquet of this bird, of no obvious api)lication, indeed, but
not particidarly bad, though the same term is also used to designate
the Pectoral Sandpiper {Actodromas maculata).

Throughout the greater part of the United States the Snipe is found
only during the migrations, and in winter. It breeds, however, in
Northern New England, and may do so along other jiortions of our
northern border, although I have not so determined. Mr. Tripi)e speaks
of its common occurrence in Minnesota, from April to the close of Octo-
ber, but adds that he did not observe it to bieed. In Northern Dakota,
likewise, where I enjoyed excellent Snipe-shooting late in September, I
found nothing to indicate its summer residence there. It is almost ex-
clusively a migrant through the Missouri region, thoagh some probably
winter in the southern portions. Its migrations are ])ushed, at that
season, even to South America, and it also occurs in Mexico, Central
America, and the West Indies, according to numerous extralimital
quotations. The eggs of Wilson's Snipe are moderately pyriform, and
measure about l.CO by 1.12 ; some, however, being so small as 1.50 \>j
1.05. The ground color is a grayish-olive, with more or less brownish
shade in different specimens. The markings are numerous, generally
heavy, and often massed, though, as a rule, distinct; thej' may appear
all over the surface, but are always thickest and largest on the major
half of the Qg^. The color is umber-brown, of varying shade, according
to the depth or quantity of pigment. Witli these surface markings are
associated some paler or obscure shell spots, not ordinarily so noticeable,
however, as in some other species. And over all we find, in occasional
specimens, curious sharp, straggling lines of what appears to be pure
black. The other markings have the ordinary splashed or blotched
character. The nest-complement is three or four. A set of eggs in the
Smithsonian is labeled Oneida County, New York. The nest is a mere
depression in the grass or moss of a boggy meadow ; the down of the
newly-hatched young is mottled with white, ashy, ochrey, and dark
brown.

MACEORHAMPHUS GEISEUS, (Gm.) Leach.

Re(M)i*eHste(l Sniyc; Gray Snipe.

Scolopax (/riaea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 658. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 724 (based on
Brown Snipe, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, 464, No. 3()9; Lath., Svh. v, 154). — Temm.,
Man. ii, 1820, 679.— Flem., Br. An 106.— Jexyns, Man. Brit. Vert. 2U7.— Schi..,
Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 86.

Scolopax (Afacmrhamphus) grisca, Bp., Syn. 1828, 3;W, No. 267. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 181.

MacrorJiamphuH qrisi'us, Leach, Cat. Brit. Mas. 1816, 31. — Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii,
1824, 61.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 40,— Key.s. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 75.— Macgil., Man.
Orn. ii, 100.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 582.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1832, 51, pi. 23,
lig. 3 ; List, 1838, 52.— Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 350 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
712.— Coop. & Stick., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 238 (May, perhaps breedin^r.)—
Salv., Ibis, 1860, 277; 1865, 191 (Guatemala).— Wheat., Ohio A^mc. Rep. 1860,
No. 204.— Reixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 11 (Greenland).— Beas., B. Eur. ed. Newt. 1862,
18 (Eu<;land; quotes Y.vui;., ii, 621). — Boahom., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128
(Maine, sniumer visitant). — Vehk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159 (Maine, coast in
snmnjer).— Aleex, ibid, iv, 1864, 86.— MclLwn., ibid, v, 1866, 92 (rare in .spring;
Hamilton, C. W.). — Coue.s. ibid, v, 1868, 293 (New England, chiefly jriigratory ). —
Lawi:., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 274 (Cuba); 479 (Panama); viii, 1864, 101 (Som-
brero); viii, 1866, 293.— Di!E8s., Ibis, 1866, 36 (Matamoras).— Dale & Baxx.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 291 (Alaska, breeding).— TuKxu., B. E. Pa. 1869, 30
(April and August). — CoiES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina) ; Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1861, 229 (Labrador); 1866, 97 (Arizona); 1871, 30 (North Caro-
lina).—Aeeex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (Utah).— Tihppe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv,
1872, 241 (Iowa). — Mayx., Guide, 1870, 139 (Massachusetts, migratory). — CoUES,

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS, RED-BREASTED SNIPE.

477

Key, 1872, 2')?i, lig. 164.— Snow, B. Kaiis. 1873, 10 (Kansas, migratory).— Pelz.,
Oru. Bras. 313 (Para).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 455.

Limosa (jrisea, Schl., ]Mus. Pays-Bas, Scolop. p. 26.

Scolopax novehoracensh, G:m., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 658. — Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790. 723 (based
on Iled-hreastcd Snipe, Pknn., Arct. Zool. ii, 464, No. 368; Lath., Svu. v, 154). —
WiLS., Am. Oru. vii, 1813, 45, lA. 58. tig. 1.— Sw. &. Rich., F. B. A. ii', 1831, 398.—
AuD., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 288, pi. 399; Svu. 1839, 249; B. Am. vi, 1843, 10, pi.
351.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 263.— Putx., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1656, 218 (Massachusetts).

Totanus novchoraccnms, Sabine, Fraukliu's Jouru. 687.

Limosa scolopacea, Sav, Long's J]xp. Rocky Mountains, ii, 1823, 170.

Macrorhamphus bcolopaceus, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 4. pi. 1 ; Und. vii, 273 (Cuba);
ihid. viii, 1866, 293 ; ibid, ix, 1868, 142 (Costa Rica).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 7)2 —
Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 40.— Coles, Ibis, 1866, 271 (California).— Dale & Banx.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 291 (Alaska, breeding).- Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas).

Scolopax lonyirostris, Bell, Aun. Lye. v, 1852, 3.

Scolopax paiikuUii, Nii^.sox, Oru. Siiec. ii, 106.

^'Scolopax Jcucopha'a et ferrugiueicollis, Vieill." (Gray.)

Tlah. — The whole of Nortli America. Greenland. Mexico. West Indies. Central
America. Much of South America. Brazil (Pelz., Orn. 313) ; Chili (Phil., Cat. 36).
Breeds iu high latitudes. Chiefly migratory in the United States. Winters in the
South, aud beyond, as above. Of frequent casual occurrence iu Europe. (See Haut.,
Br. Birds, 1872, 144; fifteen occurrences in Great Britain recorded, with references.
GorLD, B. Eur. pi. 323).

Licuttnunt Warren'n Expedition. — 4871, Omaha City. (Omitted from Hayden's Report.)

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' or later Expeditions.

This Snipe is about as large as Wilson's, and the bill is exactly as in that species. It
is distinguished by the greater length of the legs, the whole naked portion being 3^ to
4 inches long, of wliich the bare part of the tibia is three-quarters of an inch or more;
by a web between the outer and middle toes ; by 12 instead of Ki tail feathers, and
many points of coloration. Tail and its coverts, Avith lining of wings and axillars,
beautifully barred with black and white or tawny ; shaft of first ]irimary white. In
breeding plumage, brownish-bhuik above, variegated with bay ; reddish-brown below,
variegated with dusky ; a tawny superciliary and dusky loral stripe. At other seasons,
dark gray above, the feathers with dusky centres aud pale gray or whitisli edges;
lower back iiure wliite ; .superciliary line and spot on under eye-lid white ; below, wtite,
the jugulum, fore-brea.st, and sides heavily shaded with gray, leaving chin whitish ; the
flanks aud crissum with waw, dusky spots or bars. Length, 10.25 to 12.50 ; extent,
17..'.0 to 20.25; wing, 5.40 to 6.10; bill, 2.20 to 3.25; whole naked leg, 3.40 to 4.15.
Weight, 2 oz. 7 dr. to 4 oz. 4 dr., according to condition.

The sui)posed species {M. ncolopaeeuii), based on larger size and larger bill, is not even
entitled to rank as a variety. Almost any flock contains a per cent, of such individuals.
The difference in these respects is merely the normal individual variation. The follow-
ing fresh measui'ements of nine individuals, shot out of the same flock, exhibit the ex-
tremes connected by imperceptible gradaticms, aud will convince tho^e most skeptical
of the identity of the two supposed species :

Total length

Extent of wings .

Wing

Whole naked leg.
Bill ..

10.25

17.50

5.40

3.40

2.20

10.50

18.00

5.50

3.40

2.40

11.00

18.50

5.65

3.40

2.50

11.25

19.25

5.80

3.35

2.85

11.50

19.00

5.75

4.00

2.90

11.75

19.50

5.90

4.10

2.90

11. SO

19.75

6.00

4.00

2.95

12.25

20.25

6.10

4.10

3.05

12..50

19.50

.5.85

4.15

3.25

The.se nine specimens are graded according to length of bill, with which it will be
.seen ()ther dinu-nsions grade approximately, though not conesiwnding in every in-
stance. The length of bill varies over an inch, or about .34 per cent, of the mean
length, which is 2.77 inches; tliat is to say, its variation is about one-third of the
whole length. Tiie variation is next greatest iu the length of leg. There is nothing
l)eculiar in this variation. The bill of Ereunetcx pufillit-s, ol' Xiimeiiins lomiiroiitris, and
doubtless of other waders, is (piito as variable.

This species has a very extensive (listributioii in tl:c Western ITemi.s-
pliere, and is one of those most tVe<iuentlv occuiTin.j: as a stra;4;}i'k'i" ii»
the Old World. Its re{?nlar niijirations are of innnen.se extent, and are
l)erfornied witli great exiu-dition. Passinu' the Mi(hlK' districts in April,
the birds wend their way to the far North, where lliey breed, and are
again anion-^ ns before the end of Anj^nist. The Hne nf nii<,'ration .seems
innuaterial; many pass along either coast, while as great numbers tiy

478 MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS, RED-BREASTED SNIPE

over the interior, along our larger water-courses. The spring passage
is performed with greater celerity than the return in the autumn, when
they linger leisurely over suitable feeding grounds all the way along.
Many winter in the southern portions of the Union, though others reach
South America, even Brazil and Chili. I have found them in Novem-
ber in Southern California and the Carolinas, in both of which regions
some {uobably winter. In the si)ring passage many are found in nearly
or quite peifect dress, like the Golden Plovers, but in the fall the gray
plumage is mostly assumed before they reach the United States, the
change doubtless occurring as soon as the duties of incubation are com-
pleted, though traces of the summer vesture, in a few black, bay-edged
feathers of the upper parts, and a slight rufescence of the under plumage,
may frequently be observed until October. The earliest period when J
have seen the birds anywhere in the United States was the first week
in August, in Northern Dakota, and I was led to infer, from the evident
youth of the specimens then secured, that the,y were bred there, or not
far off. We have, however, no more unquestionable instance of the
breeding within our limits. Writers upon Maine birds speak of the spe-
cies as a "summer visitor," and Dr. Suckley, in Washington Territory, re-
fers to a May specimen he supposed to be breeding. So little has hith-
erto been made known of the breeding of the species, that I have the
more pleasure in giving an account. Mr. Dall found it nesting in Alaska,
and the eggs are in the Smithsonian. " I found a nest of this species,"
he says, "on the 3d of June, and on the 6th secured the parent bird with
the eggs. The nest was a simple hollow in the ground, in a grassy
hummock, in the centre of a marshy spot, with scarcely any lining what-
ever— nothing in the shape of a nest to bring away. The female, when
startled from the nest, shufded oif with great rapidity among the grassy
hummocks, making a very difiicult mark to shoot at." Very little has
been recorded of the breeding resorts of the Macrorhamplms, while the
eggs are almost unknown. Several sets are in the Smithsonian Insti-
tution, collected by the indefatigable MacFarlane, at the Anderson
Eiver Fort, and on the Arctic coast, east of that river. Tbey were
taken late in June, at which season they appear to have been fresh, or
nearly so. The labels state that the eggs were placed on a few dried
leaves, in or around a marshy tract. One set contains four eggs, another
three, another only two; but we must presume that four is the regular
nest-complement. The eggs are not peculiar among their allies in any
respect, and probably no description would suffice for their positive
identification. The following measurements indicate the size and shape:
1.75 by 1.15 (unusually long, narrow, and pointed); 1.70 by 1.15; 1.G2
by 1.12 (about an average); 1.08 by 1.10; 1.55 by 1.10 (very short).
The ground-color is the same as in GaUinago, with all its variation,
while the general character of the markings is identical, even to the
occasional occurrence of sharp, black tracery over the ordinary spots
and blotches. One of the eggs has the markings rather chocolate than
umber-brown, and much smaller and more diffuse than they are in any
of the examples of GalUnago which happen to be before me.

On the sand-bars, mu(ld,y flats, and marshy meadows of the North
Carolina coast I found the Gray-backs very common, in flocks, all
through the fall, associated with Godwits, Telltales, and various Sand-
l)ipers. But nowhere have I seen them so abundant as in Dakota
during the fall passage — everywhere on the ponds, and especially in the
saline pools of the alkali region along the Upper Missouri. There the
birds were loitering in great flocks, wading in water so loaded with
alkali that it looked sea-green and blew off a white cloud with the slight-

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS, RED-BREASTED SNIPE. 479

est breeze, while the edges for several yards all around were snow-white
with solid efflorescence. Gazing- onlj^ at the pool, one would fancy him-
self on an ice-bound Arctic region, while the surrounding country was
desolate to match. Around such pools, the water of which was utterly
undrinkable for man or beast, were numerous Ducks and waders, espe-
cially Teal, Plover, and these Snipe, swimming, wading, or dozing in
troops on the banks in the yellow light of autumn, all in excellent order
for the table. They were loaded with fat, though it seemed incredible
that they could thrive in snch bitterly nauseating and purgative waters.

The Red breasted Snipe is a gentle and unsuspicious creature by
nature, most sociably disposed to its own kind, as well as toward its
relatives among the Ducks and waders. In the western regions, where
they are not often molested, no birds are more confiding, though none
more timid. They gather in such close flocks, moreover, that the most
cruel slaughter may be effected with ease by one intent only on filling
his bag. As we approach a pool we see numbers of the gentle birds
\vaiulering along the margin, or wading up to the belly in the shallow
parts, probing here and there as they advance, sticking the bill perpen-
dicularly into the mud to its full length with a quick, dexterous move-
ment, and sometimes even submerging the whole head for a second or
two. All the while they chat with each other in a low, pleasing tone,
entirely oblivious of our dangerous proximity. With the explosion that
too often happens, the next moment some stretch dead or dying along
the strand, others limp or flutter with broken legs or wings, while the
survivors, with a startled weet, take wing. Not, however, to fly to a
place of safety ; in a compact body they skim away, then circle back,
approaching again the fatal spot with a low, w^ayward, gliding motion,
and often realight in the midst of their dead or disabled companions.
No birds fly more compactly, or group together more closely in alight-
ing; it seems as if the timid creatures, aware of their defenceless con-
dition, sought safety, or at least reassurance, in each other's company.
Thus it happens that a whole flock may be secured by successive dis-
charges, if the gunner will seize the times when they stand motionless,
in inute alarm, closely huddled together. In a little "while, however, if
no new appearance disturbs them, they cast off' fear and move about
separately, resuming their busy probing for the various water-bugs,
leeches, worms, and soft molluscs, which form their food, as well as the
seeds of various aquatic plants. When in good order, they are excel-
lent eating.

Being partly web-footed, this Snipe swims tolerably well for a little
distance in an emergen(;y, as when it may get for a moment beyond its
dei)th in wading about, or when it may fall, broken-winged, on tUc water.
On such an occasion as tbis last, I have seen one swim bravely for
twenty or thirty yards, with a curious bobbing motion of the head and
corresponding jerking of the tail, to a hiding place in the rank grass
across the pool. When thus hidden they keep perfectly still, and may
l)e picked up without resistaiu-e, except a weak flutter, and perhaps a
low, i)leading cry for pity on their pain and helplessness. When feed-
ing at their ease, in consciousness of peace and security, few birds are
of more pleasing appearance. Their movements are graceful and their
attitudes often beautifully statuesipie.

480 MICROPALAMA HIMANTOPUS, STILT SANDPIPER.

MICKOPALAMA HIMANTOPUS, (Bp.) Bd.
Stilt Sandpiper.

Triiuia himaiiiopiis; Bp., Ann. Lye, N. Y. ii, 1826, 157.— Les.s., Man. ii, 1828, 284.— Sw. &
Rich., F. E. A. ii, 1831, 380.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1833, 89, pi. 25, f. 3.— AuD., Oru.
Biog-. iv, 1838, 332, pi. 334 ; Syn. 1839, 235 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 271, pi. 334.— GiR.,
B. L. I. 1844, 232.— ScHL., M. P.-B. ScoJopaces, 54.

Tringa (HcmipaJama) himantopus, Bp., Specc. Comp. 1827, 61 ; Syn. 1828, 316.^Nutt., Man.
ii, 1834, 138.

HemipaUma himanlopus, Bp., List, 1S38, 49.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 235, pi. 86, fig. 196.

Totamts hhnantopHS, Lf.mp,., Av. Cuba, 1850, 95.

MicrojmJama himantopus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 726. — S.\LV., Ibis.i, 1859, 229 (Guatemala). —
Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 213 (Ohio).- Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,
174.— Lawr., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294 ; viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero).— Coues,
Pr. E8S. lust. V, 1868, 294.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122 (South Caro-
lina). -SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 290 (Ecuador).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 37 (Texas).-
SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 18G8, 199 (Peru).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31 (New Jer-
sey ; May and Aug.). — Aixex, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 639 (Massaehu setts and New
Hampshire).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Fort Bridger).— Mayx.,
Guide, 1870, 140 (New Hampshire).— Brewst., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 307 (Massa-
chusetts and New Hampshire).— Coues, Key, 1872, 253.— Scr.. & Salv., P. Z.
S. 1873, 309 (Peru).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383 (Illinois).

Ereunetcs himanfopus, Sund., Ofv. Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1869, 587, 602 (St. Bartholo-
mew and Porto Rico).

Micropelama himantopus, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 48, No. 10298.

Triur/a vtultifasciata, Light. {Gray.)

HcmipaJama muUMriata, Gray, G. of B. iii, 1849,578, pi. 156, f. 2. — Pelz., O. Bras, iii, 311.

Triufju doufjiasii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 379, pi. 66.

EriiKja {Hemipalama) douglasii, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 141.

Tringa {Hcmipalama) auduhoni, NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 140.

Hah. — North America generally. Not observed west of the Rocky Mountains. Rare
in the United States. West Indies, Central America, and most of South America.
Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' or Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.
Later Expeditions. — 60790, Fort Bridger, Wyoming {Stevenson).

This is a very remarkable Sandpiper, connecting this group with the true Snipe by
means of Macrorhamplius, with which its relationships are very close. Its jjattern of
coloration and changes of x^hnuage are miich as in M. griseus. The bill is quite snipe-
like, though shorter; the legs are very long, relatively exceeding those of Macrorham-
jyhus, and there are two basal webs to the toes, as in Ereuneies. Full descriptions appear
in my Monograph above cited, and in the Key.

I have never yet seen the Stilt Sandpiper alive, and it appears to be
rather rare in the United States, through which it passes during the
migration, some i^robably wintering toward the South. It occurs both
along the coast and in the interior. Its range is probably much the same
as that of jllacrofhamphus griseus ; like this species, it is extensively dis-
persed over the West Indies, in Central and part of South America
during the winter. It is only known to breed in high latitudes, beyond
our border. Several collectors have lately taken it during the migra-
tion along the New England coast, where, however, like Tringa hairdii,
it appears to be of rare occurrence, as elsewhere on the Atlantic coast.
I placed it in my South Carolina list on Prof. Gibbes' authority. Mr.
Stevensoii procured it at Fort Bridger. It undoubtedly migrates gen-
erall;^ through the Missouri region.

Two sets of eggs, purporting to be of this species, are in the Smith-
sonian ; bat it does not api)ear that the parent was secured, or, at least,
received, and J question the identification, believing the eggs to be
those of Tryngites rufescens. At any rate, if they are not the latter,
they are absolutely identical with them in every respect, as fully de-
scribed further on.

EEEUNETES PUSILLLUS, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. 481

»

EEEUNETES PUSILLUS, (Linu.) Cass.
SemipalniJited Sandpiper,

Tringa pusilla, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1706, 252 (based ou Tringa chiclns domhucensis minor,
Bhiss., V, 222, i»l. 25, f. 2. Not of Aleijcr, uor of Jicdistchi, nor of Wiho»). —
Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 681.— Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 17i)(), 7:^7.— (?) Vieill., Nouv.
Diet. (i'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 452.— Schl., M. P.-B. .Sco/o/>«ces, 55.

Ereunetes piisUhts, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, xiii, 1860. 195 (Cartbagena). — Coues, iUd.
1861, 177, 233.— Coues & Prent., Sniitbs. Eep. 1861. 416.— Board.m., Pr. Bost.
Sec. ix, 1862, 129.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864,
87.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 93.— Coues, ihid. v, 18G8, 294.— Lawji., Ann. Lye.
N. Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero) ; viii, 1866, 294.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Cbic.
Acad, i, 1869, 292.— Sund., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1869, 587, 602 (St. Bartbolomew
and Porto Pico).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 140.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 97;
1871, 31.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,
355; iii, 1872, 182.— Coues, Key, 1872, 254, fig. 165.— Eiixiw., Ann. Lye. N. Y.
X, 1874,. 384.

Ereunetes iwtrifimlm. III., Prod. 1811, 262 (Babia).— Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 724.—
Wheat., Obio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 212.— Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 174.— Turxb., B.
E. Pa. 1^-69, 31.— TiuiTE, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10.

Tringa semtpalmata, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 131, pi. 63, f. 3; Ord's ed. iii, 1829, 132;
Brewer's ed. 1840, 542, fig. 225 ; Syn. 725.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.
xxxiv, 1819, 462.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 381.— Aun., Orn. Biog. v, 1839,
iii, pi. 408 ; Svn. 1839, 236 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 277, pi. 336.— Gik., B. L. I, 1844,
239.— PUTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.—
F1N.SCII, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 65.

Tringa {Hemipahima) bcmipal mata, Bi\, Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 212; Specc. Comp. 1827, 62.

Hnnlpalanui tiv)nipalmata, Lemb., Av. Cuba, 1850, 96.

Tringa {Ilctvropoda) semipalinata, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 136.

Hcteropoda svmipulmata, Bp., List, 1838, 49.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 236, pi. 86, fig.
195.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 580, pi. 156, f. 1.

Ereunetes scmipalmata, Cab., Scbomb. Reisc, iii, 758 ; J. f. O. 1856, 419.— Bp., Comptes
Rendus, xliii, 1856, p. — .

Tringa hrevirostris, Spin, Ax. Bras, ii, 1825, 76, i)l. 93.

rdidnu brissoni, Liif^s., Man. ii, li^28, 277 (" T. pnsiUa L.").

Hcteropoda manri, Bp., List, 1838, 49.— Gundl., J. f. O. 1856, 419 (Cuba).

Ilvmipalama minor, Lemb., Av. Cuba, 1850, 97.

EreuneteH occidentalis, Lawr., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1864, 107 (var. ? Pacific coast).

Quotations additional to tbe above are : Sal v., Ibis, i, 1859, 229 (Guatemala); Newt.^
ihid. 258 (Santa Cruz) ; Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 18.59, p. — (Babamas) ; Scl. & Salv.,.
P. Z. S. 1867, 592 (Amazon); Pelz., Orn. Bras. 311 (Brazil; Marcb and April).

nah.—ThG wbole of Nortb and Central, and most of Soutli America. West Indies.
Lieutenant 11'arren's Expedition. — 1870. liijoux Hills ; 9045, 9047, 9048, Loup Pork.
Not procured by eitber of tbe later Expeditious. (Tbe bird so quoted by Stevenson,.
p. 466, is Tringa minutilla.)

This abuiKlant and well-known little biixl occurs throug;liout the
Missouri region, in suitable places, during the migration, as elsewhere
in the United States.

A very large series of the eggs of Ereunetes shows the variations
probably always observable when great numbers of any limicoline
wader's eggs are examined. Some of them are nearly like the IJiill-
breasted Sandpipei's eugs described beyond, and such api»ears to be the
normal pattern. Others, however, are quite ditl'erent. One variation
affects the groundcolor, which, instead of being day colored (veryi)ale
grayish or greeni.sh-drab), is deci<led]y olivaceous: and in these eggs
the markings are coriespombngly heavy, rather uml)cr-l)rowii than
chocolate. In another decided variety the markings, instead of being
bold blotching, massed at the large end, are exceedingly line dolling,
uniform over the whole egg, drawn like a veil, as it were, over tlie
ground, giving the predominant complexion to the i^\i)i. The following
are several measurements: l.iili by 0.84; 1.24 by O.SS ; l.L'O by 0.85.
The sets, complete, contain three or four eggs; those with one or tv.o

31

482 TRINGA MINUTILLA, LEAST SANDPIPER.

are presumably incomplete. They were mostly collected late in June
and early in July, by Mr. MacFarlane, in the Anderson Kiver region,
the Barren Grounds, and the Arctic coast, at Franklin Bay. Others
are from Hudson's Bay. According to the labels, the nests are, as
usual, a depression of the ground, lined with a few dried grasses or
leaves, and are generally situate in or near marshy tracts.

TRINGA MINUTILLA, Vieill.
Least Sandpiper.

Tringa minutiUa, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. cVHist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 452. — Gray, Gen. of B.
iii, 1849, 579. — Schl., Mus. Pays-Bas, Scolojiaccs, p. 48. — Sharpe & Dresser,
B. Eur, pt. xii, Aug. 1872.— Coues, Key, 1872, 254.— Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872,
65.— SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1873, 456 (Peru).

Actodromus minutUIa.Bp., Comptes Reudus, 1856.

Actodromas minntiUa, Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, 191, 230. — Coues, Pr. Fbila. Acad.
1866, 97 ; ihid. 1871, 30.— Coues, Ibis, 1866, 269.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 122.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 294.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 37 (Texas).—
Coues & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 294. —
Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 77.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356; iii, 1872,
182.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.—
Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Verr., Und. 138.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1867,
165, pi. 15, f. 4 (egg).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).—
Mayn., Guide, 1870, 140.— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Aleutian Islands).—
RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384.

Tringa pusina, Wils. , Am. Orn. v, 1813, 32, pi. 37, f. 4 (not of Linnceus and European
writers).— Ord, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 134.— Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 347, fig. 161.—
Bp., Comp. Spece. 1827, 237 ; Syn. 1828, 319.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
386.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 180, pi. 320 ; Syn. 1839, 237 ; B. Am. v, 1842,
280, pi. 337.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 240.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 100.— Putn.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1850, 217.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.— Hart., Br. Birds,
1872, 143 (European).

Pelidna imsiUa, Bp., List, 1838, 50.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 348.

Tringa tvihoni, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 121.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 721.— Coop. & Suck., N.
H. Wash. Tcr. 1860, 240.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad.xiii, 1860, 196 (Carthagena).—
Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 209.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Trippe,
Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 241.

Aciodrmnns wHsoni, Br., Comptes Rendus, 1856.

\'^.)Tringa campesiris, Liciir., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 74 (may be bairdii or honapartii).

Tringa )ifl?ia, Light., Nomen. Av. 1854, 92.

Tringa georgica, LiCHT. {Gray.)
Extrdlimilal quotations.— Scb., P. Z. S. 1856, 311 (Cordova) ; SCL., Ibis, 1859, 229

{Guatemala) ; Newt., ibid. 258 (Santa Cruz) ; Cab., J. f. O. iv, 422 (Cuba) ; Bry., Pr.

Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas) ; ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 263 (Orizaba); 1861, 80 (Jamaica);

Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 334 (Panama) ; Darw., Voy. Beagle, Birds, 131 (Gala-

l)agos) ; ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 178 (Mexico) ; Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 591 (Amazon) ;

Pelz., Orn. 311 (Brazil).

Hah. — North, Central and South America, and West Indies. Accidental in Europe
(Cornwall, Rood, Zool. 18.j4, 4297 ; Devon, Id., ibid. 1869, 1920 ; /rfe Harting).
Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9046, Loup Fork.
Later Expeditions.— Wl\)2, North Platte.
Not obtaiued by Captain Rayr.olds' Expedition.

Abundant in the Missouri region during the migrations, as every-
where else, in suitable places, tluoughout the United States. Finding
It in July, iu the Eed Eiver region, I am led to believe it may some-
times nest so far south, but of this I am not certain.

This little bird is one of several si)ecies that collectively inhabit all
the world, and resemble each other so closely that naturalists have
difticulty in telling them apart. Perhaps they all sprung from the pair
that Noah kept, but this is doubtful. Difference of species aside, I
should be afraid to say how many millions of the little creatures run
about the sand and mud of this world to-day ; and in thinking of an^*
single one of them, a grain of sand comes to mind. We remember the

TRINGA MINUTILLA, LEAST SANDPIPER. 483

pretty fable of the drop of water that, complaining to the gods of its
utter uselessiiess and insignificance, evaporated into mist, and, distilled
as a dew-drop, fell into the open shell of an oyster, to become a pearl
that flashed in the coronet of kings. Such exaltation of the little bird
as this may never be ; it would be a difficult task, indeed, to select any
one of the species and distinguish it from, still less above, the others.
Yet who knows just how much even a single one of the birds may feel I

Fogs hang low aiul heavy over rock-girdled Labrador. Angry waves,
palled with rage, exhaust themselves to encroach upon the stern shores,
and baffled, sink back howling into the depths. Winds shriek as they
course from crag to crag in mad career, till the humble mosses that
clothe the rocks crouch lower still in fear. Overhead the Sea Gulls
scream as they winnow, and the Murres, all silent, ply eager oars to
escape the blast. What is here to entice the steps of the delicate birds ?
Yet they have come, urged by resistless impulse, and have made a nest
on the ground in some half-sheltered nook. The material was ready
at hand, in the mossy covering of the earth, and little care or thought
was needed to fashion a little bunch into a little home. Four eggs are
laid (they are buffy-yellow, thickly spotted over with brown and drab),
with the points together, that they may take up less room and be more
warmly covered ; there is need of this, such large eggs belonging to so
small a bird. As we draw near the mother sees us, and nestles closer
still over her treasures, quite hiding them in the covering of her breast,
and watches us with timid eyes, all anxiety for the safety of what is
dearer to her than her own life. Her mate stands motionless, but not
unmoved, hard by, not venturing even to chirp the note of encourage-
ment and sympathy she loves to hear. Alas! hope fades and dies out,
leaving only fear; there is no further concealment — we are almost upon
the nest — almost trodden upon she springs up with a piteous cry and
flies a little distance, realighting, almost beside herself with grief; for
she knows only too well what is to be feared at such a time. If there
were hope for her that her nest were undiscovered, she might dis.simulate,
and try to entice us away by those touching deceits that maternal love
inspires. But we are .actually bending over her treasures, and decep-
tion would be in vain ; her grief is too great to be witnessed unmoved,
still less portrayed ; nor can we, deaf to her beseeching, change it into
despair. We have seen and admired the home — there is no excuse for
making it desolate ; we have not so much as touched one of the precious
eggs, and will leave them to her renewed and patient care.

This is one verse in the little Sand-bird's life, with the wolf at the
door of what would seem the perfect security of an humble home. Now
later in the season, when the young birds are grown strong of wing,
family joins family, aiul the gathering goes to the sea-beach. Stretches
of sand, or pebl)ly shingle, or weed-loaded rocks, or muddy flats be-
strewn with wrack, invite, and are visited in turn ; and each yields
abundant sustenance. The unsuspecting birds ramble and play heed-
lessly in the very front of man, unmindful of, because unknowing, <l:in-
ger; they have a sad lesson to learn the coming winter, when they are
tormented without stint, and a ])art of their number slaugiitered in
more civilized countries for mere sport, or for the morsel of food their
bodies may afford. IJlasts fiercer than they ever knew belbie come out
of the north ; autumn is ui)on them, and they nuist not wait. Fl(»eks
rise on wing, and it is not long before the beaches and the marshes of
the Stafes are thronge(l.

lint exeei)t from ourselves, the birds have little to fear. Their
enemies are few, they lead a merry, contented life, and it is no wonder

484 TRINGA BAIRDII, BAIRD's SANDPIPER.

tlicy iocrease and multiply till they become like armies as to numbers.
Besides being' gregarious among themselves, they are sociable with
other birds, and there is hardly a gathering of waders of any sort any
where that the Peep family is not represented in. Gadabouts, perhaps,
they are, but no scandal mongers ; ubiquitous, turning up everyw^here
Avhen least expected, but never looked ill upon ; bustling little busy
bodies, but minding their own business strictly. Besides environing a
continent on three sides at least (and perhaps on the Arctic shores as
well), not a river or lake, not a creek or pond, the banks of which are
not populated at one season or another ; the track of their tiny feet,
imprinted on the sand of the sea-shore and the soil of the inland water,
shows where they have gone. Their numbers swell in no small degree
the great tide of birds that ceaselessly ebbs and flows once a year in the
direction of the polar star; they taken away, a feature of the land
would be lost. Altogether, they become imposing, though singly in-
significant. If we do not know just what part is given out to them in
the grand play of Nature, at least we may be assured they have a part
that is faithfully and well performed.

TRINGA BAIEDII, Coues.

B.iird's Sandpiper.

{?)Tringa melanotos, Vieill. (based on Clwrlito lomo negro of Azara.)

(f ) Tringa pectoraUs, Cass., Gilliss' Exp. ii, 185.5, 195.

Tr'niga schinzii, Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 100 (excl. syn. ; nee Brelim).

Trlnga honapartii, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 722 {partbn; nee Schlegel). — Hayd., Rep,
1862, 174 (error).— Elliot, lutrod. B. N. A. {partim).

Trinqa maculata, Schl., M. P.-B. Scolopaees, 1864, 39 {partim).

Jcto'dromas hairdii, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 194; 1866, 97.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1862, 369
(Mexico).— Ball & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).— Stev., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182
(Colorado).— Bkewst., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 306 (Boston, Mass.).— Snow, B. Kans.
1873, 10.

Tringa hairdii, Scl., P. Z. S. 1867, 332 (Chili).— Sol. & Salv., ibid. 1868, 144 (Conchitas).—
Hakt., Ibis, 1870, 1.52 (Panama, New Granada, and Peru).— Newt., P. Z. S.
1871, 577 (egg).— Andek., B. Daraaralaud, 1872, 308 (Walwich Bay, South
Africa).— Mekk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 700 ( Wyoming).- Coues, Key, 1872,
255.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 455.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. x, 1874, 384 (Illinois).

Tringa {Heteropygia) bairdil, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49, No. 10308.

Eal). — North America, chiefly in the Interior. Rare on the Atlantic coast. Mexico,
Central and South America. Accidental in Africa.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4869, Omaha City; 5442, YelloTvatone River; 5443,
Cedar Creek.

La/erJ?j-ped(ih'ons.— 54327, 61154, Wyoming; 60791, 60793-5, North Platte and Little
Sandy ; 62361, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Erroneously given in Dr. Hayden's Report as " Tringa honapartii,'" upon Mr. Cassin's
identification, who, in 1858, gave these three specimens as bonapariii, together with
two others, Nos. 8800, 8769, of the Smithsonian Register, taken by Dr. Cooper, while
en route from Fort Kearney to Fort Laramie. Dr. Woodhonse's specimens, from Zuni,
New Mexico, as above cited, arc this species, though given as " T. schinzii" in his
report.

It is not a little singular that this perfectly distinct species should ever have been
confounded with T. fuscicolliis, to which it bears only a superficial resemblance. It is
really much nearer both T. maculata and T. minutiUa, between which it stands exactly
intermediate, though readily distinguished from either. Of its characters I have
nothing to add to the perfectly accurate account given in my works above quoted,
and here partly reproduced iu substance. As Dr. Sclater has shown, since the species
has been ascertained to inhabit Central aud South as well as North America, the name
hairdii is quite probably anticipated by at least one other; but this point has not been
determined.

TRINGA BAIEDII, BAIRD's SANDPIPER. 485

Adult $ . — Bill wholly black, sinall and slender, slightly shorter than the head, jnst
as long as the tarsus or as the middle toe and claw, slightly expanded or lancet shaped
at the end, the point acnte ; grooves long, narrow, deep; feathers on side of lowtrr
mandible evidently reaching further than those on npper. Upper parts browui.-^h-
black (deepest on the rnnip and middle npper tail-coverts, and lightest on the neck
behind), each feather bordered and tipped with pale brownish-yellow, the tipping of
the scapnlars broadest and nearly white, their margining broad and brightest in tint,
making several deep scollops toward the shafts of the feathers. Only the onter series
of npper tail-coverts on each side varied with whitish. Middle tail-feathers brownish-
black, the others plain gray, with paler margins. Jngnlnm tinged with light, dnll
yellowish-brown, spotted and streaked with illy-detined blackish markings, as are also
the sides nnder the wings. Throat and the other under parts white, nnmarked. Feet
black, like the bill. Length, 7^: extent, 15J; wing, 4-n;; bill, 0.85; tarsus, and middle
toe and claw, the same. The $ is entirelv similar, but slightly larger. The noiing
have the upper parts wholly light brownish-ash, darker on the rump, and all the
feathers with a dark field, and i)ale or whitish edging ; waves of brownish-black on
the scapulars. Jngnlnm and Itreast sufl'used with dull, light reddish-brown ; the spot-
ting small, sparse, and very indistinct.

2'. fiiscicoUis is a little larger, on an average ; the bill noticeably stouter, flesh-
colored at base below ; the feathers on the sides of the lower mandible do not extend
noticeably beyond those on the upper; the .scapular edging is bright chestnut; the
jugulum is white, or barely perceptibly ashy with numerous narrow, distinct streaks;
and the upper tail-coverts are white. T. hairdii is exactly intermediate in size
between T. maculata and T. minittiUa, and is almost identical with the latter in pattern
of coloration, but the markings ui)on the breast are not thick and heavy, and the edg-
ings of the scapulars not bright chestnut. The species scarcelj" retpxires comparison
■with maculata; the latter is much larger; it dift'ers in the colors and proportions of the
bill; the pattern (plain, un.scolloped) of coloration of the scapular edgings; the abrupt
transition from the color of the crown to that of the hind neck; the heavy pectoral
markings, &c. T. hairdii, like all its allies, is subject toaiiartially melanotic condition
of plumage.

Dr. Hayden's specimens, above enumerated, were the first I saw of this
species; tbey were in autumnal or otlierwi.se imperfect plumage, as were
also Dr. Woodhouse's. Some time afterward a fine and extensive suite,
in breeding plumage, was procured in Arctic America, by Mr. Kenni-
cott and Mr. Ross, in the vicinity of Fort Resolution, Great Slave Lake.
It has since been found in various localities in Alaska, where it also
breeds ; and is very generally dispersed through the interior of North
America, east of the Rocky Mountains. Until recently, we had no
evidence of its occurrence on the Atlantic coast, where it was lately
taken by Mr. Hen.shaw, the specimen being forwarded to me for identi-
fication. The extralimital quotations are numerous and varied, demon-
strating a range in general coincident with that of other small waders
of this (country. Its line of migration .seems to be chietly in the interior,
between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific. Dnring the passage it
is generally distributed over the Missouri region, and is rather common.
It enters the United States as early as August, spri^ading during the
following month, when I have found it at various points in Dakota, in
small flocks, associating with several other small species, such as the
Red-breasted Snipe and Wilson's Phalarope, along the sandy margins
of small streams, and around muddy slouglis. It has a .soft, mellttw
])ipe, like others of its genu.s, and appeared very innocent and confiding.
In its general habits and manners 1 noticed nothing peculiar.

]Mr. Trii)pe informs m<' that dnring the latter ]»ait of August he found
large Hocks of this t<i)ecie.s near the summit of 3h)UMt l^ans, Colorailn,
between 13,000 and 14,000 feet above sea-level, feeding upon grass-
h(>pi»ers.

Tlie v'^in of this species was fir.st descrilx'd by Profe.s.sor Newton from
a <lefectiv(^ specimen, not i)ermitting a eoinpU'te account. The Smith-
sonian has .several liill .sets, of three or four eggs each, all taken by Mr.
MaeFarlane, on the barren grounds of the Anderson liM\'er region, and
QU the Arctic coast, east of that river. Tliey were collected in ISG."), lute

486 TRINGA MACULATA, PECTORAL SANDPIPER.

ill June, and were the first, if not tbe only, specimens which have
reached naturalists. The labels give no items of the uidification, but
this is undoubtedly not peculiar in any respect. The shape and colora-
tion conform to the usual styles of the restricted group Actodromas.
The ground of the egg of hairdii is clay-colored, tending in some cases
to gray, in others to buffy. The spotting is of ricli umber and chocolate
browns of varying shade or deptli, with the usual paler shell-markings,
lu most instances the markings are fine and innumerable, of indefinite
small size and shape, and though thickest and largest at the greater
end, oidy occasionally mass there into great blotches. Some specimens
show a little black tracery over all at the large end. Several specimens
measure as follows : 1.30 by 0.90 inches ; 1.35 by 0.91 ; 1.28 by 0.92.
Some were taken early in July, at which date they contained advanced
embryos.

TRINGA MACULATA, Vieill.

Pectoral Sandpiper; Grass Snipe; Jack Snipe.

Tringamaciilaia, Vieill., N. D. xxxiv, 1819, 465.- Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.
208.— ScHLEG., M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 39.— Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 18.— Tuknb.,
B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Tuippe, Pi-. Bost. Sue. 1872, 241.— Dhess., Ibis, 1866, 36.—
Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10.— Suxd., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 185^, 587 (St. Bartholomew).—
Hart., Br. Birds. 1872, 140.— Coues, Key, 1872, 255.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S.
1873, 455.

Triiiga (Actodromas) maculata, Cass., B. N. A. 720. — Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384.

Tr'niga {LimvociDchdi) mamlala, Gray, Haud-list, iii, 1871, 49, No.' 10303.

PiVidna maculata, Pahz., Cat. Ois. Enr. 18.56, 15.

Actodromas maculata, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 197 aud 230. — Coues & Prent.,
Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415.— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1863, 294.— McIlwk., thid. 1866,
93.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 77.— Verr., ibkl. iii, 1862, 153. — Boardm.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Lawu., Ann Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.— Coop., Pr.
Cal. Acad. 1868.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i. 18t)8, 501.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc.
xii, 1868. 122.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 292.— Mayn., Guide,
1870, 140.— Allen, Ikili. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182.

PeMna pectoralis, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 50 ; Cat. Meth. 1842, 60.— (?) Cass., U. S. Ast.
Exp. ii, 1855, 195 (may be hairdii).

Trivga pectoralis, Hw, Long's i<:xp. R. Mts. i, 1823, 171.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1833, 43, pi.
23; Syn. 1828, 318.— Nun., Man. ii, 1834, HI.— .Jen., Man. 1835, 210.— Yakr.,
Br. Birds, ii, 654 ; iii, 82.--Eyt., Cat. Br. Birds, 41.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur.
77.— Aud., Oru. Bio<i. iii, 1835, 601 ; v, 1839, 582 ; pi. 294 ; Svu. 1839, 232 ; B.
Am. V, 1842, 259, pi. 329.— Macgil., Man. Br. Birds, ii, 1842, 69.— Temm., Man.
iv, 1840, 397 — GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 233.— UeKay, N. Y. Zool, 1844. 242, pi. 85, f.
193.— SCHL, Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 89.— Gray, (ien. of B. iii, 1849, 579.—
Lkmreye, Av. Cuba, 1850, 98.— VVoodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 100.— Meyer, Br.
Birds, V. 1857, 89.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864,
438.— Reinil, Ibis, iii, 1859, 10 (Greeidand).— Sund., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1869, 602
(Porto Rico).

Trittga domiuicensis, l)EGh., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849,232.

(?) " Tringa camjHstris, Light., Verz. 1823, 74." (Gray.)

Among the extralimital quotations are: Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 310 (Cordova); ibid. 1858,
506 (Ecuador) ; ibid. 186(i, 189 (Peru); ibid. 1867, 754 (Hualla.jo); ibid. 1869, 598 (Peru). —
Scl., Ibis, i, 229 (Guatemala).- Newt., Ibis, i, 2.58 (Santa Cruz).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc.
1867, 09 (Bahamas).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 63 (Panama). — Cab., J. f. O. iv, 421
(Ciil)a).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 311 (Brazil). — Gould, B. Eur. pi. 327. — Harting gives six-
teen British instances, witli references.

Hub. — North, Central, and South America. West Indies. Greenland. Europe.
Not obtained by any of the Expeditious.

Under the various names above given, and also under that of " Meadow
Snii)e," the Pectoral Sandpiper is well known to sportsmen and others,
and is frequently sought after, as its somewhat game-like habits of lying
to a dog aud tiu.shing correctly from the grass, like a true Snipe, render
it an attractive object of pursuit ; besitle which, in the fall it becomes
very fat, and it is then excellent eating. Unlike most Sandpipers, it

TRINGA FUSCICOLLIS, BONAPARTE's SANDPIPER. 487

does uot flock, at least to any extent, being oftenest found scattered
singly or in pairs. In the United States it is chiefly, if not wholly, a
bird of passage ; for, though some may winter along our southern border
and others breed along the northern tier of States, such i)robabilities
require to be confirmed. As may be gathered ironi the above quota-
tions, its winter range is very extensive, yet some individuals may be
found in the Middle States as late as November. 1 Ibnnd it in -luly
along the forty-ninth parallel, where it probably breeds, though 1 did
uot ascertain the fact. It occurred sparingly about pools on Turtle
Mountain, in company with T. minutiUa. It is a very abundant biitl
in summer in Ijabrador, where it frequeurs low, muddy flats, laid bare
by the tide, and the salt-marshes adjoining. When they arise from the
grass to alight again at a little distance, they fly in silence or with a
single iu-eet, holding the wings deeply incurved ; but when suddenly
startled and niuch alarmed, they spring quickly, with loud, repeated
cries, and make off' in a zigzag, much like the common Snipe. Some-
times, gaining a considerable elevation, they circle for several minutes
in silence overhead, flying with great velocity, i^erhaps to pitch down
again nearly perpendicularly to the same spot they sprang from. The
southward migration begins in August, and is usually completed by the
following month.

■lr>

TRINGA FUSCICOLLIS, Vieill.

Bonaparte's Sandpiper; Wliite-runiped Sandpiper.

Tringa fuscicolUs, ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 461 (based on Chorlito
pvHtorejo pardo, Azaha, Apnut. iii, 1785, 822 (Paraguay). — Dukss., B. Eur. pt.
XX, Aug. 187:{ (Europe).— (?)T8cnuDi, Fn. Peiu. 1844, 51 (Peru ; uiicurtaiu;
qur)te.s miniitiUa, Vikii.l., and campvfirib, Light.).

Tringa cbidm. var., Sav, Long\s Exp. R. Mts. i, 1823, 172.

T)-inga schiiizii, Bp., Svu. 1828, 249.— Bp., Aui. Orn. iv, 18:«, 69, pi. 24, f. 2.— Nm., Mau.
ii, 1834, 109.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 384.— Ald., Oru. Biog. iii, 1833, 529,
pi. 278.— AUD., Syn. 1839, 236.— AuD., B. Am. v, 1842, 275, pi. 335.— (?)Nai;m.,
Vog. Deutsch. vii, 1834, 4.53.— Eyt., Ann. Mag. N. IT. ii, 53. — Macgil., Man.
Oin. ii, 72.— (iHAV, Gen. of B. iii, 579.— GiH., B. L. I. 1844, 241.— DkKay., Zool.
, N. Y. 1844, 241, pi. 84, f. 191.-Pitn.. Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Reinh., Ibis,
iii, 1861, 10 {Creenlaud). (Not of Birhm.)

Pelidiia schinzii, Bp., List, 1838. 50.— Bp., (Jat. Met. 1842, 60.

Tringa houapartii, SeiiL., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 89.— SciiL., M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 42. —
Cass., B. N. A. 1858, l'Z2, pa.iim (of the specimens there enumerated only one,
No. 3451, is of this speeies; the others belong to T. hu'ndii). (Not of Havo.,
Rep. 1862, which actually rclersto T. hairdii.) — \Viij;AT.,Ohio Agric. Rej). IbtiO. —
Gray, List Br. Birds, 1863, 1(;7.— TriiNii., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Cocks. Key,
1872, 2.55.— ScL. & Rai.v., P. Z. S. 1872, 455 (Panama to Falkland).— Riinav.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1)^74. 384.

Aciodromux {IJvtvropygia) honapurlii, Covv.s, Pr. Phil. Acad. 18()1, 199; ibid. 1861, 232.

Tringa {Ih'tcropggiu) honapurtti, Giiav, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49, No. 10:507.

Actodromus honaparlii, Cocks, Pr. I'liila. Acad. 1871, 30.— Coi'KS, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868,

162.— Cocks, Iliis, Ai)r. 1865, p. —.—Cocks, Am. Nat. v, 1871, 197.— Cocks, Pr.

Ess. Inst. Y, 1H(;^<, 294.— Ai.i.KX. Bull. Jl. C. Z. ii, 1871, 3.-(i.— Ai.i.kn. Pr. Ess.

/ In.st. iv, 1864, 87.— Lawu., Ann. Lye. viii. IfCiO, 294.— Boai.i>:m., Pr. Bo.st. Soc. ix,

1H62, 129.-Vki!i:.,i7)/(/. i;'.9;Pr. K.s^. In.st. iii, 1.-62, l.V.t — MAYN.,c;ui(le. l-^Td. 140.

Tringa vul (I not IIS, lii.AS., Li.st B. Vaiv. 1^^62, 19 (accidcnial in I'.urope). {Xiv ricill.)

ArtDdromus inclaniitos, Bp., R. and M. Z. ix, 1857^ 59 (Europe).

Ptiidna mrlanoton, ])K(;i.AXi)-(jKi!i!K, Ois. Eur. ii, 202. — Bp. Comp. Rend. 1856, 596.

Tringa di)rxaHn, LlcilT., Nomenc. Av. 1854, 92 {Jidc Drcxm-r).

IJiih. — North .\nierica, ca.st of the Rocky Mountains. Not observed in Alaska. Breeds
ill till' far North. Migratcuy through the luited States, in the Eastern Province. Win-
ters in the Southern States, (irei-nland. West Indies (Cuba, Lkmiikvk, Aves, 18.50.
98 ; Cah., .1. f. (J. iv, 421 ; .Jamaica, Sci.., P. Z. S. 1.-61, 80). Central and South .\merica
(Amazon, Scl. cV Sai.v., P. Z. S. 1867, 591 ; Ealklands, ibid. 1860, 3.'^7 ; Buenos Ayrea,

488 TRINGA MARITIMA, PURPLE SANDPIPER.

ibid. 1868, 144 ; Brazil, Pelz., 311). Einope, rarely (Gould, B. E. pi. 330 ; Schl., I. c. ;
Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 231 ; Meyer.. Brit. B. v, 1857, 9(j; Hart., Man. Brit. B. 1872,
142 ; this author enumerate.s fourteeu British iustauces, with the references).
Not obtained by either Expedition.

Dr. Haydeu's quotation of Trmga honaparUi., p. 174 of liis Re]iort, is
erroneous, being based, as stated in the last article, upon Triiuja hairdii.
The claitu of fuscicolUs to a place among tiie Missouri birds rests, there-
fore, upon iny discovery of it in Kansas, where I found it, migrating
northward in flocks. May 22, ISOl, on the Republican Fork of the
Kansas River. As Dr. Richardson cites an example from the Saskatch-
ewan, we may be sure it ranges over the intermediate ground. It is a
very abundant bird along the whole Atlantic coast from Labrador to
Florida, occurring in most of rhe States during the migration only, being
found in Labrador in July, August, and September, and wintering far
southward.

Mr. Dall did not, it appears, meet with it in Alaska, where, however,
I presume it will be at length found. During the migrations it associ-
ates freely with other small allies along the sea-shore and in the muddy
flats back of the beaches. Its general habits are much those of its allies,
though it has some traits of its own, among them a peculiarly low, soft
''ftoee^," and a remarkable familiarity, or, rather, heedlessness. It may
be distinguished, even at a distance, by its white upper tail-coverts,
which show conspicuously when not covered by the folded wings. A
full account of its technical characters, as well as other items, may be
found among my various papers above cited, and Sharpe & Dresser's
great work on the Birds of Europe, in which country, it seems, the
species is of comparatively frequent, although only casual, occurrence.

To judge from the only two sets I have examined, said to be of Bona-
parte's Sandpiper, the egg is altogether peculiar and unmistakable.
But the eggs resemble those of the Sauderling [CaUdris) so very closely
that I fear the identification is not beyond question. The label states
that the female was shot, but it was not received at the Smithsonian
with the other collections of 18G5, made by MacFarlane on the Arctic
coast and Anderson River region. These eggs being somewhat sus-
picious, I will not describe them further than may be iuqjlied in the
remark that they are absolutely indistinguishable from an unquestibu-
able set of Calidris arenaria procured in the same region.

TRINGA MARITIMA, Briiuu.

Purple Sandpiper.

Tringa marlihna, Bi.'tJNX., Orn. Bor. 1764, 54. — G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 678. — Lath., lud.
Orn. ii, 1790, 731.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 471.— Temm.,
Man. ii, 1820, 619.— Les.s., Man. ii, 1828, 283.— Sab., B. Greenl. 532 ; App. Par-
ry's 1st Voy. p. cei.— Rich., Parry's 2d Voy. 354.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii,
1831, 382.-BP., Syn. 1828, 318.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 115.— Naum., Vog. Deuts.
vii, 1834, 467, pi. 188.— Jenyns, Man. 1835. 211.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835,
558, pi. 284 ; Syn. 1839, 233 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 261, pi. 330.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb.
Enr. 1840, 76.— Macgil., Br. Birds, ii, 1842, 67.— ScniNZ, Eur. Fu. i, 1840, 324.—
SciiL., Rev. Ciit. 1844, 88 ; M. P.-B. Scolop. 30.— Gii!., B. L. I. 1844, 236.— De-
K.VY, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 237, pi. 87, f. 98.— Holb., Fn. Groeii. 1846, 39.— Degi..,
Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 222.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 579.— Parz., Cat. Ois. Eur.
1856, 14.— Meyer, Br. Birds, v, 1857, 80.— Nilss., Scand. Fu. ii, 1858, 235.—
Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 11.— Newt., ihhl. 1865, 505.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 344.—
Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri).— PUTN.. Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856,
216.— Wheat., Ohio. Agric. Rep. 18(i0, No. 206.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 30
(rare). — Dai.i. & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, lfc69, 291.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 255. —
FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 65.

TRIXGA ALPINA VAR. AMERICANA, AMERICAN DUNLIN. 489

Tringa (Arquatclla) maritima, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 717.— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49,

No. 10302.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384 (Ulinois).
ArquateUa maritima, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 183.— Boahdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix,

186-2, 128.— Verr., Pr, Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 87.—

CouES, ibid. V, 1868, 293.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.— Mayn.,

Gnide, 1870, 140.
Trinqa {Pelidna) maritima, Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Aleutians).
I'l'Udnu maritima, Bp., List, 1838, 49 ; Cat. Met. 1842, 60 ; Rev. Crit. 1850, 185.
Totanits maritimus, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 146.
(?) Tringa striata, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 248.— Gji., ibid. 1788, 672.— Fab., Fu. Groen.

1789, No. 73.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 733 (Striated Sandpiper, Penn., Arct.

Zool. ii, 1785, 472).— Flem., Brit. An. 110.
Tringa undata, BRt^xx., Oru. Bor. 1764, 55.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 678.— Lath., Ind.

Orn. ii, 1790, 732.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 470.
Tringa nigricans, Mont., Linn. Tr. iv, 1796, 40. — Leach, Cat. 1816, 30.— Brehm, V. D. 652.
Tnjnga arqnalcUa, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 190.

Tringa canadensis, Lath., Ind. Orn. Suppl. 65. — ViEiLL., N. D. d'H. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 45X
(?) Tringa Uncolniensis, Lath., I. Oru. ii, 1790, 734 (Black Sandpiper, Br. Zool. ii, No. 197).
Tringa littorulis, Brehm, Vog. Deutsehl. 652.

Hab. — North America, northerly and chiefly coastwise. South to the Middle States
in winter. Great Lakes. Greenland. Europe. Asia.
Not noticed by the Expeditious.

This species is included in the present work on the strength of its
occurrence in Western Missouri, attested by Dr. P. R. Hoy, as above
cited. Its presence, however, may be regarded exceptional. As its sci-
entific name implies, it is chiefly a coastwise bird, though also occurring
on the larger inland waters. It is said to be common on the shores of
Lake Michigan. It is eminently a boreal bird, breeding very far to the
northward, and only rarely reaching the coast of the Middle States in
winter, beyond which its occurrence is open to question. It is rather
plenty along the New England coast in autumn, winter and spring, when
it frequents chiefly rocky shores covered with sea- weed, rather than the
bare sandy beaches.

The Qgg, of Tringa maritima is of the usual pyriform shape, and
measures about 1.40 by 1.00. The ground is clay color,' shaded witli
olivaceous; the markings are large, numerous and distinct, of rich umber-
brown of different depths and intensity, occurring all over the shell,
but being most numerous as well as largest on the major half With
these spots are associated shell-marUings of pale purplish-gray and light
neutral tint.

TKINGA ALPINA var. AIMERICxVNA, Cass.

American Dunlin ; Black-bellied or Red-breasted Sandpiper.

a. alpina.

Tringa alpina, Lixx., Fn. Snec. 64 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 249 (Cinchis torquatns, Briss., v,
216, pi. 19, i: 2).— Leach, Cat. 1816, 30.— BoiK, Lsi.-^, 1822. 5(il.— Flkm., Br. B.
108.— Nai-.al, V. I), vii, 1834, 427, pi. 186.— Gray, List Br. B, 18o3, 167.

PeUdna alpina, Boie. — Brehm, V. D. (Hil.

Tringa rinclns. Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 251 (Bri.s.s., v, 211, pi. 19, f. 1).— Leach., Cat.
1816, 30.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Kur. 1840, 76.— SCHL.. Rev. Crit. 1844, 89.—
Maccjil., Man. Orn. ii, 70.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 579.

PeUdna rindns, Bl'., List, 1838, 50.

" Tringa ])usilla, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 663," accordinj;; to Grag ; but very dubious.

Tringa rnjiaillis, J'ali... Rcis. iii, 700.

Nitnicnins rariiibiliK, Bkciist., Naturg. Deutsehl. iv, 141.

Tringa variabiliH, Mkyek, Tasch. ii, 397.— Temm., Mau, i, 1815, 395. — Jenyxs, Man.
Br. Vert. 209.

PeUdna variabilis, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 9-<. — Brehm, V. D. 662.

PeUdna nvhinzii, Brehm. (Var.?) Not of American writers.

490 TEINGA CANUTUS, RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER.

b. americana.

Tringa alpina, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 25, pi. 56, f. 2.— OisD, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 126.—

Bkkw., ed. Wils. 1840, 475, %■ 220.— Br., Obs. Wils. 1825; Syii. 1828, 317.— Sw.

& Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 383.— Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 106.— Aud., Orn. Biog.

iii, 1835, 580, pi. 290 ; Syn. 1839, 234 ; B. Aiu. v, 1842, 266, pi. 332.— GiK., B. L.

I. 1844, 228.— NEWii., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856,

217.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 207.
Tringa (Schwuidus) (dpbui var. americana, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 719.
D-inga (i\7iV?««) aJpiua var. americana, RiDGW., Aun. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384.
Tringa aJpina var. americana, CooP. &. Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 239.— Tuijnb., B.

E. Pa. 1869, 30.— CouES, Key, 1872, 2.56, fig. 166.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.
Felulna alpina var. americana, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182. — Dall & Bann., Tr.

Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 291.
Felidna americana, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 188.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862,

159.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 77.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 294.— Boardm., Pr. Best.

Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Lawr., Ann. Lvc. viii, 1866, 294. — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,

1868, 122.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.' 1871, 30.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 140.— Allen,

Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355.
Tringa variabilis, Sab., Suppl. Parry's 1st Voy. p. cc. — Sab., Frankl. Jouru. 686. — Rich.,

Parry's 2d Voy. 353.
Tringa cinclus, Wils., Am Orn. vii, 1813, 39, pi. 57, f. 3.— Ord, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 138.—

Brk.w,, ed. Wils. 1840, 484, fig. 225.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 84, fig. 292.
Felidna cinclus, Bp., List, 1838, 50.
Felidna patifica, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 189 (in text).

Hob. — North America, especially coastwise. Migratory aud wintering in the
United States. Breeding in high latitudes only.
Not noticed by either of the Expeditions.

The Duulin has only beeu observed by Mr. Allen, so far as I am aware,
in the Missouri region, he finding it near Leavenworth. Like the j^re-
ceding and following species, it is especially a coast bird, migrating in
abundance along both our shores in spring aud fall, wlaeu it occurs often
in large flocks. I found them very plentiful along the Carolina coast in
April and May, and in October. Some of them obtain a perfect dress
before leaving in the spring, although they have far to go before
reaching their breeding grounds. These are only in high boreal regions,
as along the Arctic coast and the Yukon River region. The vernal
change begins early in April, during the migration ; in the fall many
retain the summer plumage untiP they reach the Southern States, though
most come in plain gray attire.

TRINGA CANUTUS, Linn.

Red-bi easted Sandpiper ; Robin Snipe ; Knot.

Tringa canutus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 251. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 679. — Lath., Ind.
Orn. ii, 1790, 738.— ButJNN., Orn. Bor., 1764, No. 182.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii,
1811, 197.— ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819.— Temm., Man. Oru.
ii, 1820, 627.— Flem., Brit. An. 109.— Jen., Man., 1835.213.— Eyt., Cat. Br. Buds,
41.— Keys. &, Blas., Wirb. Eur. 76.— Bp., List, 1838, 49.— Schinz, Eur. Fn. i,
1840, .326.— Macgil., Man. Br. Birds, ii, 1842, 67.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii. 1844,
243, pi. 85, fig. 194; pi. 97, fig. 218.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 88.— Gray,
Gen. iii, 1849, 579.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 219.— Bp., Cat. Met. 1842, 61 ; Rev.
Crit. 1850, 185.— Mey., Br. B. v, 1857, 67.— Naum., Vog. pi. 183.— Gould, B. Eur.
pi. 324.— Schl., M. P.-B. Scolop. p. 29.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 715.— Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad., 1861, 180, and 229.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep., 1860, No. 20.5.—
Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.—
Allen, ibid, iv, 1864,86.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 293.— McIlwji., ibid, v, 1866, 93.—
Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 140.— Coues, Pr.
Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 291.— Coues,
Key, 1872, 256. — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas, common). — Ridgw.. Ann.
Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 384 (Illinois).

Tringa cintrea, BRt)NN., Orn. Bor. 1764, 53.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 673.— Lath.. Ind.
Orn. ii, 1790, 733.— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 36, pi. .57, f. 2.— BoiE, Isis, 1822,
560.- -Ord, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 142.— Brew., ed. Wils., 1840, 482, fig. 224 ; Syu.

BLACK-BREASTED SANDPIPER TRINGA PTILOCNEMIS. 491

7-25.— LiCHT., Verz. 1823, 72.— Less., Man. ii, 1828, 283.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A.

ii, 1831, 387.— NuTT., Mau. ii, 1834, 125.
Canutus cinereus, Bkehm, Vog. Deutschl. (555, pi. 34, f. 2.
T)-inga islandka, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17b8, 682. — Lath., Iiul. Orn. ii, 1790, 737. — Bp., Specc.

Comp. 1827, 62 ; Svd. 1828, 350.— AuD., Oiu. Biog. iv, 1838. 130, pi. 315 ; Svn.

1839, 232; B. Ani.\^ 1842,254, pi. 328.— Gih.. B. L. L 1844, 224.— Hold., Fn.

Groeu. 1846, 38.— Nilss., Scand. Fn. ii, 18.58, 252.— Naum., Vog. Deut. vii, 1834,

372, pi. lt!3.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. lost, i, 1856, 216.
Canutus islatidicufi, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 654.

Tvinga uwvia, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 681. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 732.
Triiuja <jr\sm, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 681. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 733.
(?) friuga auaimlis, G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 679. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790,737.
{^Trimja fcrrufi'nita, Brunn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 53. — Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.

xxxiv,'l819, 466.— Meyer, Tascb. ii. 395.
Tnnga rufu, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 43, pi. 57, f. 5.— Ord, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 140.—

Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 487, tig. 227 ; Syn. 725.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 93.
" Tringa calidrh, Linn.. Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 253."
" Tringa utopiensis, MtJLLEK."
" Tringa lomatina, Light."

Hah. — Northern Hemisphere. Australia. New Zealand. South America (Cab.,
Maxim., and Burm.; see Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1873, 456.)
Not obtained by the Expeditions.

This species is introduced oil the authority of Prof. Suow, who states
tbat it is "common" in Kansas. It is also given by Mr. Wlieatou as
occurring: in Ohio, and may not be rare on our larger inland waters,
though, like the two preceding species, it is more particularly maritime.
It occurs along the whole Atlantic coast during the migatious or iu
winter, and is plentii'ul. Its breeding resorts are far beyond our limits.

Note. — As completing an account of the North American Sandpipers, I introduce
the following species, which are not known to occur in the Missouri region:

BLACK-BREASTED SANDPIPER.— TrinCxA ptilocnemis, Cones.

Tringa crassirostris. Dale, Am. Nat. viii, 1873, 635 (St. Paul's Island). — CoUES, App.

Rep. Prybilov Isl. 1873 (not })aged); Check-list, 1874, 85, No. 426?)t8 (same local

ity). (i\'ot of Tenim. and Sclil.)
Tringa ptilocneinis, CouES, op. et lac. tit., 1873 (baeed on same specimens).
" Tringa gracilis, Harting, P. Z. S. Ib74" (in press ; fide Uart. cpist.)

Hah. — Prybilov Islands. (The large suite of specimens brought in by Mr. H. W.
Elliot, the same as formerly ideutilied Avith T. crassirostris by Mr. Harting, are fully
di.scussed in my work above cited, where the species is named T. ptilocneniis.)

COOPER'S SANDPIPER.— Trixga coopkri, Baird.

Tringa cooperi, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 716, pi. 89,^f. 1.
Tringa {A<:lodr(>nt<(s) c<)(>j)eri, CoUES, Key, 1872, 255.
Jdodronias {Jhiiropygia) cooperi, Coles, Pr. A. N. S. 1861, 202.
Tringa {Hcleropygia) cooptri, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49, No. 10309.

Hah. — Long Island. The type specimen remains unique.

CURLEW SANDPIPER.— Tringa .suharquata, (G«M.) Tcmm.

Scolopax Huhar(jnata, Guu>., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xix, 1775, 471, pi. 18. — G.M., Syst. Nat.
i, 17-."^, {)^^S.

'^ yununins ynhurf/nata, IWxiisT., Natiirg. Deutschl. iv, 135." (Not of authors.)

Tringa siihaninata, Tk:mm., Man. i. 1^15, 393; ii, l>^cO, 609. — VlKU.l.., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist.
Nat. xxxiv, 1H19, 454.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, fCiO.- 15i'., i>[H'vc. Comp. l.s-27, (i2.—
Fi.EM., IJr. An. 107.— Jen., Man. Br. Vert. 1.S35, '..08.— EvT., Cat. Br. B. 42.—
Naim., V. D. viii, 1«34, 408. pi. liS5.— Ni:rr., Man. ii, 1834, 104.— Al-i> . Orn. I'.io^.
lt?35, 444; Syn. 1h:',9, 234; H. Am. v, 1842, 269, ]A. 33:5.— Keys. A: Bi.as., Wirb.
Eur. 1H40, 76.— Sciil.NZ, Eur. Fn. i, lf40, 320.— Mac*;!!.., Man. Br. Orn. ii. 1.-12,
71. — Still.., Rev. Crit. Oi.s. Eur. 1844, 88.— GiR., B. L. 1. I-<44, 237.-1)i:Kay. N.
Y. Fn. 1H44, 239, pi. 95, tig. 213.— Cray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 579.— Deui... Orn.
Eui-. ii, l^'49. 225.— Mkyki;, Br. Birds, v, l!^57, 91. — Nii.ssoN, Scantl. Fn. ii, 1858,
239.-SIIIL., M. P.-B. vi, Sroloiiarrs, p. 31.— Ti i:M!.. B. E. Pa. lf^69, 44 (occasion-
ally (shot at Egg llarlior); ami of antiiors generally.

Trinqa {.lii'nilvrlnilns) xuburtpiuta, Bi'., Cat. Met. 1842, 60.— GRAY, List Br. Birds, 169;
Hand-list, iii, 1871, 50, No. 10319.— Codes, Key, 1872, 256.

492 SANDERLING CALIDRIS ARENARIA.

Tr'niqa (EroUa) suharquata, Cass., in Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 718.

Pdulna sitbarqiiata, Cuv., R. A.— Bheiim, V. D. 657.— Bp., List, 1838, 50.

AncijlocheihiH miharquafa, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thiei w. 1829, 50.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad.

1861, 185.— BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine).— Veri:., Pr. Ess. Inst.

iii, 1862, 159 (Maine).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1H66, 294.— Allen, Pr. Ess.

Inst, iv, 1864, 87.— Couks, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 29:i (New England, rare).—

CouES, Pr. Bost. Soe. xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina, ^"rfe Gibbes).
ScoJopax afrivaiiKs, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,6.55.

Nmneniu>i afncanm, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 712 (Cape Curlew, Geu. Syn. v, 126).
JSIumcn'ms 2)ii(ima'.us, Bechst., Naturf^. Dentschl. iv, 148.
Trbifia piliimad, Leach, Cat. 1816, 30. (Not of authors.)
(?) Tibuja ishnidica, Retz., Fn. Suec. 192.
(?) Trinijafi'migiiica, Bid"rNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 180.
JS'itiiH'nii(sfirri({iineti8, Meyer & Wolf, Tasch. Deutschl. V6g. ii, 356.
Ttnpuja fa'lf'Didla, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 188.
rdidna vuicrorhipicha, Bkehm, V. D. 658.
EroUa variegata, Vieill., Anal. 1816, 55 ; Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 409.— Less., Man.

ii, 1828,302.
MroUa varia, Vieill., Gal. Ois. ii, 1834, 89, pi. 231 {^^Erolia variegata).
Scohpax dcfhardUxju, SiEMSSEN. (Ch-ay.)
" FulcincUus cnrtioriHS, Temm."

Other names of this specieS; according to Gray, are : caffra, Forst. ; lovgirostra,
Gkaba ; (/risf «s, Less. ; cMne)isis,Gn.; cHc/nv', Bp. ; subarcnaia, Fi^scH ScHahtl. It is
figured, besides as above, in P. E. 851 ; P. C. 510 ; Gould, B. E. pi. 328 ; B. A. vi, pi. 32.

Hab. — The gi'eater part of the Old World. In America, rare and scarcely more than
a straggler along the Atlantic coast.

SANDERLING.— Calidris ARENARIA, (Linnoius) Illiger.

Tiinga arenaria, Linn., Syst. Nat, 1, 1766, 251.— Schl., Rev, Crit. 1844, 90.— AuD., Orn.
Biog. iii, 1835, 231 ; v, 1839, 582 ; pis. 285, 230 ; Syn. 1839, 237 ; B. Am. v, 1842,
287, pi. 3.38.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. ; IScolopaces, p. 55.— Phil., Cat. 36 (Chili).

Calidris arenaria, III., Prod. 1811, 249.— Leach, Cat, 1816. 28.— Temm., Man. ii, 524.—
Light., Verz. 1823, 72.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 105; Syn. 1828.— Flem., Br. An.
112.— Brehm., V. D, 673.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 366.— Nutt., Man. ii,
1834, 4.— Naum., V. D. vii, 1834, 353, pi. 182.— Jen., Man. 1835, 183.— Eyt., Cat.
Br. B. 42.— Bp., List, 1838, 50; Cot. Met. 1842, 61.— Macgil., Man. Brit. Orn. ii,
1842, 65.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 75.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 243.— Gray, G.
of B. iii, 1849, 581.— Bp., Rev. Crit. 1850, 184.— Cass., U. S. Astrou. Exped. ii, 1855,
194; Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 723; Pr. Phila, Acad. 1860, 195 (Carthageua).— ,
NiLSS., Scaud. Faun, ii, 1858, 255.— Coop. & Suck., N. H, Wash. Ter. 1860, 241.—
Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868,210 (Yucatan).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z, S, 1868, 176
(Peru).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 312 (Brazil).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic, Acad, i,
1869, 292 (Alaska).— FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 65 (Alaska).- Coues, Pr. Phila,
Acad. 1861,181 (critical); ibid. 1871, 31 (North Carolina, wintering); Pr. Ess.
Inst. V. 1868, 293; Key, 1872,257, tig. 167.— Ridgw., Ann, Lye. N. Y. x, 1874,
384 (Illinois) ; and of authors generally.

Charadrius calidris, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 255,— Wils., Am, Orn. vii, 1813, 68, pi. 59. f.
4 ; Ord's ed. iii, 1829, 167 ; Brewer's ed. 1840,503.

Arenaria calidris, Meyer, Tasch. Deutschl. V6g. 68, pi. 59, f, 4, — Degl,, Orn, Eur, ii,
1849, 240,— Lemb,, Av, Cuba, 1850, 100,

Charadrius rubidus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 688.— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 129, pL 58, f.
3 ; Ord's ed. iii, 1829, 170 ; Brewer's ed. 1840, 541.

Arenaria vulgaris, Bechst., Tasch. Deutschl. ii, 462. — TEiMM., Man. Orn. ii, 1815, 334. —
Steph., Gen. Zool. xi,490, pi. 35,

Arenaria (jrisea, Bechst,, Naturg, Deutschl, iv, 368.

Calidris grisea, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl, 674,

Tri/vga Iridaciyla, Pall., Zoog, R,-A. ii, 1811, 198,

Calidris tringoides, Vieill., Gal. Ois. ii, 1834,95, pi. 234.

Calidris amiricana, Bkeiim, Vog. Deutschl, 1831, 695. — Brehm, Naumannia, 1850,68.

Calidris nigellus, Vieill.

Hab. — Sea-coasts of nearly all countries.

LIMOSA FEDOA, (LiiiD.) Old.

Great M.irbled Godwit.

ScoJopax fcdoa, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 244 (based on Fedoa amcricanu, Epw., 137, and
Liniosa uinericana rufa, Briss., v, 287). — G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 663. — Lath.,

LIMOSA FEDOA, GREAT MARBLED GODWIT. 493

Intl. Orn. ii, 1790, 718 {Ammcan Godwit, Arct. Zool. ii, 465, No. 371 ; Lath.,
Syu. V, 142).— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 30, pi. 56, f. 4.

LimicuJa fedoa, Vieill., Aualyse, 1816.

Limosa fecloa, Ord, etl. Wils. vii, 1825, — .— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825; Syn. 1828, 328; List,
1838, 52.— Sab., Fraukl. Jonru. 689.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 395.— Nutt.,
Mau. ii, 1834, 173.— AtJD., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835,287 ; v, 590 ; \A. 238 ; Syn. 1839,
246 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 331, pi. 348.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 259.— Putn., Fr. Ess. lust, i,
1856, 217.— Newis., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 740.—
Heerm., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859. pt. vi, 65.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.
1860, 24.5.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 350 (Cuba).- Scl., Ibis i, 1859, 230 (Belize).—
Leyl., p. Z. S. 18.59, 64 (Hondnras).— Salv., Ibis, 1865, 190 (Guatemala).—
Dress., Ibis, 1866, 39 (Texas).— La WR., Aun. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294 ; ix, 210 (Yu-
catan).—Wheat., Ohio Agiic. Rep. 1860, No.221.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175.— Hoy,
Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouii).- Verr., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 159.— Allen,
ihid. iv, 1864, 87.— MclLWit.,i/»VL v, 1866, 93.— Col'es, ibid, v, 1868, 296.— Trippe,
ihid. vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123.— Turnb.,
B. E. Pa. 1868, 32.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 142.— Coue-s^ Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871,
32.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida, iu winter).- Trippe, Pr. Bost.
Soc. XV, 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Coues, Key, 1872, 257.— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873, 10.—
RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384.

Scolopax marmorata, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 720.

LimUula marmoraia, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.; Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 115, pi. 243.

Limofia americana, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool.

Limosa adspersa, LiCHT.

Eah. — Entire temperate North America ; Central and South America. West ludies.
Breeds in the Missouri and Upper Mississippi regions, and thence to the Saskatchewan.
Winters iu the Southern States and southward.

JActitcnunt Warren's Exptdilmn. — 4884, Kauesville ; 5450, Fort Union.

Not observed by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, uor by the later ones.

Comparatively little has been learned of the breeding resorts and
habits of this Godwit, though it is such a comiuou and generally distri-
buted bird during its migrations and iu winter. Audubon surmises that
ir may breed iu South Carolina and perhaps also in Texas, where, as
Mr. Dresser found it in summer, it probably does. Occurring in abun-
dance along most of the Atlantic coast, it nevertheless appears less
common north of Massachusetts, and has not, it would appear, been
observed much, if any, beyond New England in that longitude. The
centre of its abundance in summer, and its main breeding ground, is,
apparently, the ISTorthern Mississippi and Eastern Missouri regions, and
thence to the Saskatchewan ; for, uidike its relative {L. luuhonica), it
does not proceed very far north to nest. It breeds in Iowa, and in Min-
nesota and Eastern Dakota, where I observed it in June, and where the
eggs have been procured. I lound it on the plains bordering the Red
Kiver, in company with Long-billed Curlews and great numbers of the
I>artramian Sandpipers, nesting, like these species, on the prairie near
the river and about the adjoining pools, but not necessarily by the
water's edge. In its habits at this season it most nearly resembles the
Curlew, and the two species, of much the same size and general appear-
ance, might be readily mistaken at a distance where the difference in
the bill might not be perceived. On intrusion near the nest, the birds
mount in the air with loud, piercing cries, hovering slowly around with
labored flight in evident distress, and approaching sometimes within a
few feet of the observer.

The only i)erfect set of eggs of the Godwit I have seen were taken
June 1, 1871, fifty miles northwest of Saint Taul, ^linnesota; both pa-
rents Wi'rci secured and deposited in the Siiint Paul Academy, where I
examined tln'm ; so that the i«leiitilication is untpiestionaltle. 'flierear«
three eggs iu this set, uu'asuriug li..'{0 by l.GO, L*.L*8 by l.")!}, and L'.25 by
l.<;2. The color is a clear, light olivaceous-drab; the markings are
small and numerous, but not very strongly pronounced — there is nothing
(in this set) of the heavy blotching and marking usually seen in waders'

494 LIMOSA HUDSONICA, HUDSONIAN GOD\YIT.

eggs. The spots are pretty evenly distributed, thongb rather larger in
two instances, and more numerous in the other instance, about the butt
thiin elsewhere. These markings are of various umber brown shades,
with the usual stone-gray shell spots.

LIMOSA HUDSONICA, (Lath.) Sw.

Hudsonian or Black-tailed Godwit.

Scolopax alba et Candida, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 247 (based on Fedoa canadensis, Edv/.,
pi. 139; Limosa Candida, Buiss., v, 21)0; Totanus canadensis, Edw., pi. 139, f. 1;
Totanus candidus, Biuss., v, 207 : whence also Limosa edtcardsii, Sw. «& KiCH.,
F. B. A. ii, 1831, 398).

Scolopax Japponica, var. /?, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788.

Scolopax hudsornca, Lath., Intl. Oru. ii, 1790, 720.

Limosa hiidsonica, Sw. «fc Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831 (Edw., pi. 138).— Nutt., ii, 1834, 175.—
AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 183.5, 426; v, .''>92; pi. 258; Syu. 1839, 247 ; B. A. v, 1842,
33.'), pi. 349.— Bp., List, 1838, 52.-GiH., B. L. 1. 1844, 260.— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust,
i, 1856, 217.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 741.— Sol.. P. Z. S. 1860, 387 (Falklands).—
Cab., J. f. O. iv, 3.50(Caba).— Dakw., Voy. Beagle, Birds, 129 (Chiloe).— Pklz.,
NovaraReise, Vog. 128 (Chiloe).— Phil., Cat. 35 (Chili).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z.
S. 1869, 252 (Venezuela).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 387 (Magellan Straits and Falk-
lands).—Pelz., Oru. Bras. 308 (Brazil).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.
222. — BoAHDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine, niigratorv). — Verr., Pr. Ess.
lust, iii, 1862, 159.— Allen, t&(f7. iv, 1864, 87.— McIWR., ihid.v, 1866, 93.— Coues,
ibid. V, 1868, 296.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123.— Dall & Banx., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 142.—
Coues, Key, 1872, 258.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1873, 456 (South
America). — Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois).

Limosa melannra, Bp., Specchio Comp. 1827, No. 204; not of authors.

Limosa agocephala, Bp., Syn. 1828, 327 ; not of authors.

Limosa australis, Gray, Cat. Br. Mus. 1844, 95. {Sclater.)

Hah, — Northern and Eastern North America. West Indies. South America. Breieds
far northward. Not noted west of the Rocky Mountains. Rare along the Atlantic.
Observed by none of the Expeditions.

This Godwit is much less abundant in the United States than the
preceding, and appears to range chiefly along the Atlantic coast. It is,
however, included by Prof. Snow among the birds of Kansas on Prof.
Baird's authority. I have never seen it alive. Its breeding resorts are
entirely beyond our limits, iu hyperborean regions. A set of four eggs
oi Limosa Imdsonica is in the Smithsonian, from Anderson River, wliere
they were secured by Mr. MacFarlane, June 9. They measure 2.15 to
2.20 in length by about 1.40 in breadth. The ground is a very heavily-
shaded olive-drab, much darker (almost as in a Loon's or Jiiger's Qgg) in
two of the specimens than in the other. In these darker specimens the
markings are almost lost in the general heavy color, merely appearing
a little darker ; they are chiefly evident at the greater end. In the
other the markings, of the same general character, are, however, much
more conspicuous, owing to the lighter ground.

TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS, (Gm.) Temm.
Seniipalmated Tattler; Wlllet; Stone Snipe.

Scolopax scmipalmata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 659.— Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 722 (Arct.

Zool. ii, No. 380, pi. '20, f. 2; Lath., Syu. v, 152).— Wils., Am. Oru. vii, 1813, 27,
, pi. 56, f. 3.

Totanus semipulmatus, Tem.m., Man. Orn. ii, 637.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 206.— Sw. &

Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 388, pi. 67 (north to 56°).- Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835,

510; v, 1839,585; pi. 274; Syu. 18.39,245; B. Am. v, 1842,324, pi. 347.— GiR., B.

L. I. 1844, 254.— WooDH., Sitgr. Re]). 1853, 99 (New Mexico).— Putn., Pr. Ess.

Inst, i, 1856, 217.— IIekum., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 65.— CoUES, Key, 258.
Totanus {Catoptrophonis) scmipalDiatus, Bp., Syu. 1828, 328. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 144.

TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS, WILLET. 495

Catopfroplwrus semipaJmatus, Bp., List, 1838, 51. — Blas., List B. Eur. 18G2, 18 (Sweden).

Gloiiin semipahnafa, Nll.s.sON, Fu. Siiec. 1817.

Hoditin scmipulmata, Kaip, Sk. Eiit. Eur. 1829.

Symphcmia scmipdlmuta, Hai;tl., R. Z. 184r), 342.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.'i8, 729.— Buy., Pr.
Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 351 (Cuba).- ScL., P. Z. S.
1860, 253 (Orizaba).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1^■G0, 195 (Carthageua).— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860. 240.— Wheat., Ohio Aj-ric. Rep. 1860. No. 214.—
CouES & Pi:i-:xT., Sniitlis. Rep. 1861, 416.— Boakum., Pr. 13ost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129
(Maine, breeds). — CoVKS, ibid, xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina, resident). — Vehu.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 1,59. — AiXEX, ibid, iv, 1864, 77 (Massachusetts, perhaps
breeding). — CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 295 (New England, in snninier) — Dhess.,
Ibis, 1866, 37 (Texas).— Sai.v., Ibis, 1866, 178 (Guatemala). — Lawh., Ann. Lye.
N. Y. vii, 272 (Cuba); viii, 1866, 294; ix, 210 (Yucatan).— TunxB., B. E. Pa.
1868, 31 (in summer).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 141.— Allen., Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,
356 (Florida, resident).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 97 (Arizona); 1871,32
(North Carolina, breeding and resident). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1?^73, 10. — Meuh.. U.
S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 700 (Utah and Idaho).— RioGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x,
1874, 384 (Dlinois).

Totanns crassirostrifi, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816, 406.

Sii)nphemia atlniitica, Rakinesque, Journ. Phys. Ixxxviii, 1819,417.

(?) Totanns sptculiferus, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 351.— PlClL, R. and M. Z. iii, 1851, 569,

Hab. — Temperate North America, north to 56'^, but chiefly United States. Breeds
throughout its United States range. Riesideut in the Southern States. Common in
the interior, but more so along the coast. West Indies. Central and South America
(Pelz., Orn. Bras. 309). Accidental in Europe (Gould, B. Eur. pi. 311).

Lieutenant Warren's Exptdition. — 5434, Medicine Creek ; 8998, (no label).

Later Expeditions.— b^r^lO, Colorado ; 61638-9, Salt Lake, Utah ; 62358, N. Fork, Idaho.

Not obtained by Captain Rayiiolds' Expedition.

The Willet is distributed across North America; but, unlike many of
its allies, its northern dispersion is restricted, and it breeds anywhere
in the United States in snitable resorts. 1 have found it wherever I
have been in the United States. There were a few on the Upper Rio
Grande when I crossed' that river in June, 18G4, and during the same
month I saw manj' more westward, in New Mexico, esi)ecially along the
Zuni River, where I am sure they were breeding. Some resided in a
mar.shy tract near Fort Whip])le, in Arizona. Others occurred to me
in June and July in Eastern Dakota. On the North Carolina coast I
found the bird breeding in great numbers in the marshy Hats just back
of the Ix^ach in May and June.

The nest is placed near the water of some secluded pool, or in the
midst of a marsh, whether fresh or salt, in a tussock of grass or rushes.
It is a rude structure, of the simplest materials, raised a little way from
the ground, and with a shallow indentation. The eggs are very vari-
able in all resi)ects. As to size and shape, the following measurements
show the ditt'erences: 1.90 by 1.45; 1.05 by 1.50; 2.00 by 1.50; 2.05 by
* 1.55; 2.12 by 1..50 ; averaging about 2.00 l)y 1.50. They are less point-
edly pyriform than the eggs of the smaller Tattlers and Sandpipers.
The ground is sometimes brownish-olive, or drab, or clay-color ; some-
times, again, (piite butty-brown ; in a few cases greenish or grayish-
white. The si)()tting is bold and distinct, but little massed even at the
grt'ater end, wiiere, though the spots are largest and most mnnerous,
they generally remain distinct. The s[)ots are mostly clean-edged and
sharp, of moderate size, but sometimes <piite tine and scratchy. They
are ol' various umber-brown shades, and acconii»anied with the usual
obsoU'te shell- markings.

Lender ordinary circunislances Willets are notoiiously restless, wary,
and noi.sy birds; but their nature is changed, or, at any rate, held iu
abeyaiK^', during and for a slioit time alter incubation. They cease
their cries, gro'v less unea.sy, become gentle, if still suspicious, and may
geneially be seen stalking (piietlv about the nest. \Vhen Willets are
found in that humor — absent-mintled, as it were, absorbed in retlection

496 TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUa, GREATER YELLOWSHANKS.

upon their enjjfrossinjj duties, and unlikely to observe anything not di-
rectly in front of their bill — it is pretty good evidence that they have a
nest hard by. It is the same with Avocets, and ])robably many other
Maders. During incubation the bird that is "off duty" (both parents
are said to take turns at this) almost always indulges in revery, doubt-
less rose tinted, and becomes in a corresponding degree oblivious to out-
ward things. If then they are not set upon in a manner entirely too
rude and boisterous, the inquiring ornithologist could desire no better
opportunity than he will have to observe their every motion and atti-
tude. But once let them become thoroughly alarmed by too open ap-
proach, particularly if the setting bird be driven from her nest, and the
scene quickly shifts ; there is a great outcry, violent protest and tumult,
where was quietude. Other pairs, nesting near by, join their cries till
the confusion becomes general. But now, again, their actions are not
those they would show at other times ; for, instead of flying off with the
instinct of self-preservation, to put distance betw^een them and danger,
they are held by some fascination to the spot, and hover around, wheel-
ing about, flying in circles a little ways to return again, with unremit-
ting clamor. They may be only too easily destroyed under such circum-
stances, provided the ornithologist can lay aside his scruples and steel
himself against symi)athy.

The half- webbing of the toes renders this species something of a swim-
mer, if necessity arise ; but it only takes to water beyond its depth
under urgent circumstances. In size as well as in plumage it is very
variable ; the length of the legs, particularly, varies in different indi-
viduals to a surprising degree.

TOTANUS MELANOLEUOUS, (Gm.) Vieill.

Greater Telltale ; Greater Tellowshaiiks ; Tattler.

Scolopax melanoleuca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 659. — Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 723.

Totanns melanolencus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816. — Licht., Verz. 1823, No.
750.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 324 ; List, 1838, 51.— Aur>., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 68, pi.
308.— WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 99.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 96.—
Heekm., ihid. x, 18.59, pt. vi, 65.— Coues, Key, 1872, 258.— Finsch, Abh. Nat.
iii, 1872, 63.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384.

Ganibetta melanoleuca, Bp., Comptes llendus, 1856, p. — . — Bd., B. N. A, 1858, 731. —
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 242.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860,
No. 215.— Coues «fc Pkent., Smiths-. Rep. 1861, 416.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 174.—
BoAijDJi., Pr. Best. Soc. ix, 1862, 129.— Vekk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153
(Maine, in summer). — Allen, ihid. iv, 1864, 77. — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 93. —
Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 295.- Coues, Pr. Phiha. Acad. 1861, 234 (Labrador) ; 1866, '
98 (Arizona); 1871, 32 (North Carolina).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 38 (Texas).—
Coues, Pr. Bost. Soe. xii, 1868, 122.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 294; ix,
1868, 141 (Costa Rica).— Tup.nb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Chie.
Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).— Mavn., Guide, 1870. 141.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z.
ii, 1871, 356 (Florida); iii, 1872, 182.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870,
466.— Meru., ihid. 1872, 700 (Wyoming).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871.— Tkippe,
Pr. Bost. Soe. 1872, 241.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10.

Scolopax rocifenis, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 57, pi. .58, f. 5.

lotanuH vocij'eruH, Sau., Frank. Journ. 687.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 389.— Nutt.,
Man. ii, 1834, 148.— AuD., Syu. 1839, 244; B. Am. v, 1842, 316, pi. 345.— GiR.,
B. L. I. 1844, 252.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Trippe, ihid. vi, 1871,
119.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.

Tolanm samsliew,\i¥.iiA.., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816.

Totatius chilcnsis, Philippi.

Extralimital quotations are : Ecuador, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 461 ; Gnaiemala, ScL., Ibis,
i, 1859, 229; Carthaf/ena, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 195; Cuba, Car., J. f. O. iv, 351 ;
Orizaba, ScL., P. Z". S. 1860, 253 ; Jamaica, Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 80 ; La Plata, Bur.m.,
Rciso, 503 ; Chili, Pelz., Novara Reise, 131 ; Phil., Cat. 35 ; Bahamas, Bry., Pr. Bost.

TOTANUS FLAVIPES, LESSER YELLOWSHANKS. 497

Soc. 1867, 69; Bii&nos Ayres, Scl. & S.ulv., P. Z. S. 1868, 144; Peril, Scl. & Salv., P.
Z. S. 1869, 156; Saint Bartholomew, Sund., Ofv. Vet. 1869, 588; Brazil, Pelz., Oru. 3.08.

ffab. — The Western Hemisphere. In the United States, chiefly migratory, and in
winter. Breeds mostly in high latitudes. Ahuudant.

List of specimens.

19305

194

Big Sandy Fork.

Sept. 30, 1860

G. H. Trook.

15.00 I 25.00

8.00

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 4860, Saint Joseph's, Missouri; 5435, Fort Berthold,
Dakota.

Later Ex2}ediiions.— 60362-3 ; 60776-84, 61104-6, 62360, various Wyoming localities.

Occurs wherever tliere is water throughout the Missouri region ; espe-
cially numerous duriug the migratiou, aud in some places one of the
most abundant of all the waders. The eggs I have never seen.

^isb^

TOTANUS FLAVIPES, (Gm.) Vieill.
Lesser Telltale; Lesser Tellowshanfes.

Scolopax flavipes, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 659.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 723.— WiLS.,
Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 55, pi. 58, 4.

Totanus Jlavipes, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816, 400.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 324; List,
1838, 51.— Saij., Frank. Jouru. 688.— Sw. &. EicH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 390.—
NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 152.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 183.5, 573; v, 586 ; pi. 228 ;
Syn. 1839, 243 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 313, pi. 344.— Gut., B. L. 1. 1844, 2.50.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 99.— Mosciil., J. f. O. 1856, 335 (Greenland).- Putn., Pr. Ess.
List, i, .1856, 217. — Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861 (Greenland).— Yarr., Br. Birds, ii,
637 (England).— Newb., P. R. E. Rep. vi, 1857, 98 (California aud Oregon). —
MiLNEi:, Zool. 1858, p. 5958 (England).- Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.— Newt.,
P. Z. S. 1867, 166, pi. 15, f. 5 (egg).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119.—
RoDi), Zool. 1871, 2807 (Euglaud).— CouES, Key, 1872, 259.— Ridgw., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 384.

Gamhetta flavipes, Bp., C. R. 1856.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 732.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 216.— COUES & PrEiST., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416.— Boarpm., Pr. Bost.
Soc. ix, 1862, 129.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153 (Maine, perhaps breed-
ing).— Allen, ihid. iv, 1864. 77. — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 93. — Coues, ibid, v,
1868, 295.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 38 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868,
122.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 32.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 1861,334 (Panama) ;
viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero) ; viii, 1866, 294 (New York) ; ix, 1868, 141 (Costa
Rica) ; ibid: 210 (Yucatan).— TuRNR., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32.— Dall & Baxn., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 141.— Allex, Bull M.
C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 182 (Colorado and Utah).— Stev., U. S.
Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871.— Trippe,
Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.

Totanus natalor etfnscocapillioi, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816.

" lencoj);i(/a, Tll(;er." (Gray.)

Extraliniital quotations are: Oaxaca, ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 393; Guatemala, Scl., Ibis,

1,18.59,229; Sania Cm:, Newt., ibid. 251; Carthaquia, Cass., Pr. Philn. Acad. 1860,

195; Cnba,Q\n., J. f. O. iv, 352; Ecuador, Scl., P. Z. S. 18()0, 290; Brazil, Rkixil,

Viddeusk. Meddcl. 1870, 37 ; La Plata, Buiial, Reiso, 503 ; Bahamati, Bry., I'r. Bost. Soc.

1867, 69; Mrxiana. ScL. A, Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, .592; Buenos Aiires, ibid. 1868, 144 ; Chili,

PiiiL., Cat. 35; Saint Bartholomew, SUNI)., OIV. Vet. Acad. 18()9, 588; Great Britain,

Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 137 ; Peru, Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 310.

Hub. — Westi-rii Hemisphere. Breeds Irom the Northern States northward. Many

winter in the Suutiu^rn States. Accidental in lOurope.

Lieutenant JWirren's Exprditiou. — 4861, Couneil ISiud's (omitted from Haydeu's Report).
Later Kxixditioux. — 59.-(i9, Soda Springs, Colorado ; 60304-9, Bitter Cottonwood aud

La Bout.'- Creels ; t;(l7.s'>, Nortii Platte.

Not ol)lained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Occurs with the i)recediiig, under similar conditions, and in eiiiial
abundance.

This species ajtpears to be more luimcrons and gciu'rally distributed
cast of the Kocivv Mountains tinin on tiie racilic side, where, however,
a doubt of its occiUTence is no longer entertained.
32

498 TOTANUS SOLITARIUS, SOLITARY TATTLER.

The Yellowsbanlv, so for as known, nests only in high latitudes. The
eggs are deposited on the ground, in a little depression, lined with a
few dried leaves or grasses. They are three or four in number, narrowly
and pointedly i)yriform, measuring from 1.58 by 1.18, to 1.78 by 1.15;
the longest eggs not being always also the broadest. The ground is a
clean clay-color, sometimes tending more to bulfy or creamy, sometimes
rather to light iDrown. The marking is bold and heavy, but presents
the customary great diversity, some eggs being very heavily splashed
with blotches conlluent about the larger end, while others have smaller
clean-edged spots all over the surface. The markings are rich umber-
brown, often tending to chocolate, sometimes almost blackish. The
paler shell-markings are usually numerous and noticeable. An occa-
sional " albino" egg is seen, whitish, with scarcely any markings. All
the many eggs examined are from Arctic America.

TOTANUS SOLITAEIUS, (Wils.) And.

Solitary Tattler; Wood Tattler.

Tringa ocliroima var. /3, Lath., IdcI. Orn. ii, 1790, 730.

Tnvfju soliiaria, WiLS., Am. Oru. vii, 1813, 53, pi. 58, f. 3.

Totauus solitariiis, AuD., Syn. 1839, 242; B.Am, v, 1842, 309, pi. 343.— GiR., B. L. L
1844, 256.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Tiuppe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871,
119.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.— Schl., M. P.-B. Scoloj). 1862, p. 73.— Gkay,
Ibis, 1870, 292 ; B. West Scotland, 295.— Haiit., Br. Birds, 1872, 137.— Couks,
Key, 1872, 259.

EliyacoiMlus soUtarins, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858. 733. — Whkat., Ohio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 217.— CouES & Pisent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416.— Hayd., Rep. 1862,
174.— BoARDM., Pr. Best. Soc. ix, 1862, 129.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862,
153.— Ali.en, ibid. W, 1864, 77.— Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 295.— Coues, Pr. Best.
Soc. xii, 1868, 122.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona) ; 1871,32 (North
Carolina).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32 (May to Sept.).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, .38
(Matamoras, summer). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. 1861, 334 (Panama) ; viii, 1866, 294 ;
ix, 1868, 141 (Costa Rica).— Dale & BANN.,Tr. Chic. Acad.i. 1869,292 (Alaska).—
AiXEN, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming;).— Trippf,
Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 241 (lowa).-MAYN., Guide, 1870, 141 ; Pr. Bost. Soc.
1871 (New Hampshire, breeding). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas, rare). —
Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).

Totaniis chlorojms var. solitarius, Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384-

Toiannn Moropiiffms, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist Nat. vi, 1816. 401. — Bp., Obs. Wils.
1825, No. 210 ; Syn. 1828, 325 ; List, 1838, 51.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831.
393.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 521.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 159.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii,
1835, 576 ; v, 583 ; pi. 289.

FJiyacophiluti chJoropygins, Bp., Comptes Rendus, 1856.

Totunua glareoJa, Ord, ed. Wils. vii, 1825, 57.

Toianus macroptcra, Spix, Av. Bras, ii, 1825, 76, 92.

" (?) Toiaiuis caligatiis, Light." (Gray.)

"■ Totauus gntiai}(s,l\AAGv:.R." {Graif.)

Additional qiiotatiom.—C\Ti., J.' f. O. iv, 352 (Cuba).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 80

(Jamaica).— NE^VT., Ibis, i, 1859, 257 (Santa Cruz).— Suxd., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1869, 587

(Saint Bartholomew).— Sol., P. Z. S. 1856, 310 (Cordova) ; 1860, 2.54 (Orizaba); 1864,

178 (city of Mexico); 1867, 592 (Mexiaua).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 461 (Ecuador).— Sci,.,

Ibis, i, 1859, 229 (Guatemala).— Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1866, 199 (Eastern Peru); 1867,

979; 1868, 169 (Venezuela); 1869, 598 (Peru); 1872, 309 (Peru).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 309.

Hab. — Western Hemisphere. Accidental in Europe. North to Alaska. Breeds iu
Northern Ijnited States and northward, if not also throughout most of its United
States range. Abuudaut. Migratory. Winters chielly or altogether beyond our
limits, in Mexico, Central and South America, and West Indies.

Licuictiaut JVarren^s Exindition. — 4866, Omaha ; 5437, Fort Union ; 6992-4, Upper
Missouri.

Later Expeditions. — 60370-3, 60773, Camp Raynolds and Fort Fetterman, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

In most of the United States this is a bird of passage, chiefly observed
in the spring aud fall, but I am satisfied that it breeds, iu suitable

TOTANUS SOLITARIUS, SOLITARY TATTLER. 499

«

places, over a much more extensive area than is generally supposed.
Indeed little has been put on record, or apparently known, respecting
its breeding resorts. Wilson says tbat it breeds on mountains in Penn-
sylvania, and such is undoubtedly the case. In Maryland and Virginia,
and in marly correspondent latitudes in the West, 1 have shot birds in
August so young as to leave no doubt in my mind that they were bred
in the vicinity. Mr. Mayuard makes substantially the same observation
about the Franconia Mountains, in New Hampshire ; and I have found
young birds in July in Northern Dakota, about the pools of Turtle
Mountain. In the Carolinas I only observed it during the migration,
though Professor Gibbes marks it as resident. It seems to be very
retiring and secretive in its habits during the breeding season, which
may, x)erhaps, in part, account for the lack of observations respecting it
at this season. At the same time it is not to be inferred that it is re-
stricted in its northern dispersion, for it occurs on the Yukon, where,
according to Mr. Dall, it arrives early in May. Other writers give it
from various portions of the fur countries.

The only eggs supposed to be of the Solitary Tattler I have seen, are
two in the Smithsonian collection from Cleveland, Ohio (Dr. Kirtland).
The size is 1.50 by 1.05 ; the shape ordinaril}' pyriform. The ground is
clay-colored, without olivaceous or other shade. The markings are
heavy and numerous on the larger half of the egg, smaller and fewer
elsewhere. They are very dark — quite blackish-brown — lacking the
slightest shade of the rich umber or chocolate which most waders sbow
more or less evidently. The shell-spots are similarly of a darker neutral
tint than usual. The identification of these eggs, however, is open to
question : they may be those of the Killdeer.

About Washington, D. C, the Solitary Tattler is very common indeed
at certain seasons. It arrives from the South late in April, and for two
weeks or so is to be found in all suitable situations; then none are to
be seen, except a few' straggling young just at the end of summer, until
late in September; when, after an equally late sojourn, the birds pass
on. In the Carolinas I have seen them nearly a month earlier in the
spring. They difi'er from most of their relatives in their choice of
feeding-grounds, or of places where they usually alight to rest while
migrating; a difference accompanied, I suppose, by a corresponding
modification in diet. Their favorite resorts are the margins of small,
stagnant pools, fringed with rank grass and weeds; the miry, tide-water
ditches that intersect marshes; and the soft, oozy depressions in low
meadows and watery savannas. They frequent, also, the interior of
woods not too thick, and collect there about the rain-puddles, the water
of which is delayed in sinking by the matted layer of decaying leaves that
covers the ground. After heavy rains I have seen them running about
like Grass Plovers, on open, level commons, covered only with short
turf. They also have a fancy, shared by few birds except the Titlarks,
for the pools of licjuid manure usually found in some out of the way
place ui)on the thritty farmer's premises. They lind abundant food in
all these places; acjuatic insects of all sorts, and especially their curious
larvjie, w^orins, grubs, and perha])s the smalk'st sorts of molluscs; with
all these, they also take into their gizzards a quantity of sand and
gravel, to help along the grinding process. With food to l)e had in such
plenty with little labor, the birds become, particularly in the fall,
extremely fat.

They cannot be said with entire propriety to be '' solitary," though
this name is well enough to indicate less social propensities than most
of the waders possess. I generally found from tw o or three to half a

500 TOTANUS SOLITARIUS, SOLITARY TATTLER.

dozen together; frequently only one at a time; occasionally, but not
often, upwards of a score, tliat seemed, however, to be drawn together
by their common tastes in the matter of feeding-grounds, rather than
by any gregarious instinct. They are, moreover, pretty exclusive in
their own set; rather decliniug than encouraging familiarity on the
part of other waders ; though the Peetweets and others sometimes
intrude hoydenish society upon the more sedate and aristocratic mem-
bers of the long-legged circle. They should rightly, however, rather
embrace, than merely endure such company, for they are of easy-going,
contemplative natures, and their sharper-eyed associates often do them
good service in sounding alarms.

These Tattlers indulge on all occasions a propensity for nodding, like
Lord Burleigh or the Chinese mandarins in front of tea shops; and
when they see something they cannot quite make out, seem to reason
with themselves, and finally come to a conclusion in this way ; impress-
ing themselves heavily with a sense of their own logic. They go through
the bowing exercise with a gravity that may quite upset that of a disin-
terested spectator, and yet all through the performance, so ludicrous in
itself, contrive to preserve something of the passive sedateness that
marks all their movements. This bobbing of the head and foreparts is
the correspondent and counterpart of the still more curious actions of
the Spotted Tattlers, or " Tip-nps," as they are aptly called, from this
circumstance ; a queer balancing of the body upon the legs, constituting
an amusement of which these last-named birds are extremely fond. As
often as the Tip-up, or "Teeter-tail," as it is also called, stops in its pur-
suit of insects, the fore part of the body is lowered a little, the head
drawn in, the legs slightly bent, whilst the hinder parts and tail are
alternately hoisted with a peculiar jerk, and drawn down again, with
the regularity of clock-work. The movement is more conspicuous in
the upward than in the downward part of the performance ; as if the
tail were spring-hinged, in constant danger of Hying up, and needing
constant presence of mind to keep it down. It is amusing to see an old
male in the breeding season busy with this operation. Upon some rock
jutting out of the water he stands, swelling with amorous pride and
self-sufficiency, puffing out his plumage till he looks twice as big as
natural, facing about on his narrow pedestal, and bowing with his hinder
parts to all points of the compass. A sensitive and fastidious person
might see something derisive, if not actually' insulting, in this, and feel
as Crusoe may be presumed to have felt when the savages who attacked
his ship in canoes showed the signs of contumaceous scorn that DeFoe
records. But it would not be worth while to feel offended, since this is
only the entirely original and peculiar way the Tip-up has of conducting
his courtships. Ornithologists are not agreed upon the useful puri)ose
subserved in this way, and have as yet failed to account for the extraor-
dinary performance. The Solitary Tattlers, that we have lost sight of
for a moment, are fond of standing motionless in the water when they
have satisfied their hunger, or of wading about, up to their bellies, with
slow, measured steps. If startled at such times, they rise easily and
lightly on wing, fly rather slowly a little distance with dangling legs
and outstretched neck, to soon realight and look about with a dazed
expression. Just as their feet touch the ground, the long, pointed wings
are lifted, till their tips nearly meet above, and are then deliberately
folded. The Esquimaux Curlews and some other birds have the same
habit. The Tattlers are unusually silent birds ; but when suddenly
alarmed, they utter a low and rather pleasing whistle as they fly oft", or
even without moving.

TRINGOIDES MACULAEIUS, SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 501

These birds seem rather delicate of body, aud may be killed with a
touch of shot. I have frequently brought them down, particularly when
they were on wing, with the sides of the body therefore unprotected by
strong feathers, at very long range, aud with shot so fine that it would
not have mutilated a Warbler at half the distance. I think they dift'er
noticeably in this respect from the majority of waders, which require
to be pretty bard hit; the Peetweets, in particular, are rather tough
birds for their size. I^either do they attempt to escape, when wounded,
by diving, at which the last-named is expert under similar circumstances.
At least such has been my experience, which 1 am the more careful to
give, since others have stated just the contrary. I think them gentle
birds, almost like Doves among their kind. They yield captives with-
out a struggle. They show concern aud sympathy for a dead or wounded
comrade. I have seen them gather around to gaze upon one of their
number that had fallen, so tiiken up with whatever their emotions were
that they quite forgot they were in like danger. Though under some
circumstances rather watchful, they sometimes show a curious insou-
ciance that borders on what might be called stupidity, aud is quite a
diflferent thing from the reckless familiarity of such birds, for example,
as the timid yet confiding little Sandpeeps. An illustration may stand
in good stead of further explanation. Once coming up to a fence that
went past a little pool, and peeping through the slats, I saw eight
Tattlers of this species wading about in the shallow water, searching
for food. I pulled trigger on one ; the others set up a simultaneous
outer}', and I expected them, of course, to fiy off, but they presently
quieted down and began feeding again. Without moving from my
place, I fired three times more, killing a single bird at each discharge;
still no effect upon the survivors, except «s before. Then I climbed
over the fence, and stood in full view of the four remaining birds; they
merely flapped to the further side of the pool, and stood still looking at
me, nodding away, as if agreed that the whole thing was very singular.
I stood and deliberately loaded and tired three times more, taking one
bird each time ; and it was only as I was ramming another charge, that
the sole surviving bird concluded to make off", which he did, I will add
in justice to his wits, in a great hurry. The seven birds were all killed
with mustard seed, at from twelve to twenty paces.

TEINGOIDES MxiCULARIUS, (Linn.) Gray.

^ Spotted Sandpiper.

Trimja viacularia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 249 (based on Tringa viaculafa, Edw., ii, 139,
pi. 277, i\<r. 2; Tnrdits aquaticus, BiU!?s., v, 205).— G.M., Syst. Nat. 1788, 672*. —
Lath., Iiul. Orn. ii, 1790, 734 {Spotlcd Siuidp'qjer of Aict. Zool. ii. No. 385; Gen.
Syn. V, 179).— WiLS., Adi. Orn. vii, 1813, 60, pi. 59, fi-r. 1.

TotanuH macitlariiis, Tk.mm., Man. 1815, 422; ii, 1820, 656.- Boik, Isis, 1822. .560.— Fi.v.M.,
Hr. An. 103.— Jknyns, Man. 199.-Eyt., Cat. Bv. B. 44.— Bkehm, V. D. 646.-
Bi'., Ohs. Wife. 1825, No. 211 ; 8vn. 1828, 325.— Nrrr., Man. ii. 1834, 162.— Aid.,
Orn. Bio;,', iv, 183^*, 81, pi. 310; Syn. 1839, 242; B. Am. v, 1842, 303, pi. 342.—
Gii:., B. L. I. 1844, 2.57.— Pnx., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1, 1856, 217.— HoY, Smith's Kep.
1864, 438.— Ti:ii-i'i;, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119.

Actitis viacithtniiH, BuiE, Isis, 1826, 979.— Naum., V. D. viii, 1836, 34, pi. 195.— Dr., List,
1838, 51.— Kkys. &, Bi,A.s., Wirb. Ear. 73.— Sciii.., M. I'.-B. S(olo2)accs. 83.—
FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, iV.',.

Tri'ngoi(h>* maciilnriiiH, (Jijay, (Jen. of B. iii, 1849, .574. — WooDir., Siticr. Rep. 18,53, 99. —
Bi)., B. N. A. 18.5H, 73.5.— Cooi'. & Suck., N. II. Wnsli. T.t.IMIO, 244.— Coik.s,
Pr. Pliila. Ai-ad. 1-^61, 235 (Labrador, l)n-cdin;,0 ; 1-V.(;. 9.-< (Arizona).— Hayd.,
Ri'p. 1862, 174.— nicivss., Ibi.s, l-(;;i. 38 ( IVxas).— I )ai.i, \ Bann.. Tr. Cliir. Arad.
1869, 293 ("Alaska).- May.n-.. Gnide, 1870, 139.— Am.kn, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,
356; iii, 1872, 182 (mountains of Colorado, up to 13,000 I'eut).— Stkv., U. S.

502 ACTITURUS BARTEAMIUS, BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER.

Geol. Siirv. Ter. 1870, 4G6.— Meiju., ihid. 1872, 701.— Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv,
1872, 241.— Aiken, ibid. 210.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10.— Coues, Key, 1872, 260,
iig. 172 ; and of most lote United States writers.

Tnnqolclcn luipohncus var. macnJarius, Ridgw., Anu. Lye. x, 1874, 384.

TnmjUcs vuiciilariiis, SCL. &. Salv., P..Z. S. 1S73, 309 (Peru).

Triiif/a notata, Ir,LiGEi{. {Graij.)

Adit'is itotala et triedi, Bp. ((iraij.)

Olhtr (jiiotafioiis.—SCL., P. Z. S. 18.58, 460 (Ecuador, winter) ; 1860, 254 (Orizaba);

1867, 592 (Mexiana); 1868, 629 (Venezuela) ; Ibis, i, 1859, 230 (Guatemala).— L.vwi:.,

Ann. Lyc. 1861, 334 (Panama); ibid. 1868, 142 (Costa Rica).— Oah., J. f. O. iv, 417

(Cuba).— Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 257 (Santa Cruz).— Bia'.. Pr. Bo.st. Soc. 1866 (Porto Rico).—

SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica).— Taylor, Ibis, 1864, 93 (Trinidad).— SiMx, OIV. Vet.

Ak. 1669, 587 (St. Bartholomew).- Pei.z., Oin. Bras. 309 (Brazil).— Goui.i), B. Eur. pi.

317 (Europe). — Naum., Vog. i)l. 195 (Europe). — Hakt., Br. Bird,s, 139 (Great Britaiu,

numerous instances, with the references).

Ilab. — North America at large. Breeds nearly throughout its North American range.
"Winters in the Southern States and beyond. Central and South America, to Brazil.
West Indies. Casual in Europe. (No Greenland record.)

List of specimens.

19304

26

Wind River . .

May 26, 1860 F.V.Haydeu.

13.50

4.25

Lieutenant Warreri^s Ex2)edition. — 8995, Loup Fork; 5439, Knife River; 5440, mouth
Powder River.

Later Expeditions. — 59868, Middle Park, Colorado; 60374-75, Fort Fettcrman ; 60788,
North Platte; 61160, Wyoming; 62359, Idaho.

Altboagli reaching high latitudes, such as that of the Yukon, this
little species, unlike most of its allies, breeds x\ith equal readiness
almost throughout the country, tind is one of the best known and most
abundant of its tribe. It nests in a field or orchard, generally near
water, laying four creamy or clay-colored eggs, blotched with blackish-
brown and neutral tint. From the Southern States, where it spends the
winter, as it also does much further south, it reaches the Middle dis-
tricts about the loth of April, and is Ibund along the streams and ponds
of the interior, as well as on the coast. jVIany stop to breed all along
the line of migration, while others pass on at least to Labrador. Eggs
may be found all through June and July, according to latitude, and
perhaps in some cases more than one brood may be raised.

According to Mr. Trippe, in the mountains of Colorado this is the
only species of its family that is abundant throughout the summer. It
arrives at Idaho Springs early in May, leaving in September. It pushes
up all the larger streams to an altitude of 8,000 or 0,000 feet, and even,
occasionally, to the shores of the lakes near the timber-line.

ACTITURUS BARTRAMIUS, (Wils.) Bp.

Bartraniiam SaiJ«ls)iper or Tattler; Uphmd Plover.

Tiinga hartramia, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 63, pi. 59, Iig. 2.— Aui)., Syn. 1839, 231 ; B.
Am. v, 1642, 248, pi. 327. — Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 226 (breeding in Penusvlvania
and Illinois).— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Tkippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 119
(Minnesota, abundant).

Triihffa {Ji'nli(ja) bartramia, Nutt., Man. li, 1834, 168.

Totanua bartramius, Temm., Man. ii, 1820, 6.50.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 209; Syn. 1828,
26:^.— Sw. & Rich.. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 391 (Saskatchewan).— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv,
183-^, 24, pi. 303.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).

Actiturus bartramius, Bp., Saggio, 1831 ; List, 1838, 51.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 737.— Wiie.vt.,
Ohio Agric. Rep. No^ 219. — CouE.s & Pi:ext., Smiths. Rep. 18()1, 416 (Washing-
ton, .summer). — IIayij., Rep. 1862, 174.— Boakixm., Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 1862, 129
(Maine, summer). — Vehk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 1.53 (Maine, breeding). —
Allex, ibid, iv, 1864, 78 (Massachusetts, breeding.)— Coues, ilnd. v, 1868, 295
(New England, summer). — McIlwk., ibid, v, 1866, 93 (Canada West, uncom-

ACTITUEUS BARTRAMIUS, BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. 503

mon).— Lawr., Ann. Lye, 1861, 334 (Panama); 186P, 141 (Costa Rica); viii, 1866,
294 (New York\— Scl., Ibis, i, 18r)9, 230 (Guatemala).— Drkss., ihhl 1866, 33
(Texas).— Cab.,' J. f. O. iv, 418 (CiiLa).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Orizaba) ; 1866,
567 (Ucayali River); 1867, 979 (Peru); 1868, 169 (Venezuela); 1869, 598 (Peru).—
Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. lust, iv, 124 (Colville Bay).— Reixii., Yid. Med. Nat. For. ,
1870, 38 (Brazil).— BuRM., Reise, 503 (La Plata).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 123 (South Carolina, in i<,a-atory).— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501
(Iowa).— Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Fort Yukon).— Turxij.,
B. E. Pa. 1869, 32 (April to September).- Mayx., Guide, 1870, 141 (Massachu-
setts, breeding).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas and Colorado). —
Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa, breeding).- Sxow, B. Ivans. 1873, 10
(Kansas, breeding).— Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 137 (Great Britain, four instances).—
CouES, Key, 1872, 260.— Scl. & ISalv., P. Z. S. 1873, 309 (Peru).— RiDGW., Ann.
Lvc. N. Y. X, 1874, 384 (Illinois).

Tringoides^hartraimus, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, — .— ^VooDIL Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 99 (Ar-
kansas).—Pelz., Orn. Bras. 310 (Brazil).

Tririgoides (Bartramia) bartramiiis, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 46, No. 10281.

Acfitis bartramiiis, SciiL., M. P.-B. ScoJo2)aces, 78.

Trhif/a loiujkauda, " Bechst., Viig. Deutscbl.— Naual, Nachtragc, pi. 38."

Jctiiiirus longicaudiifi, Blas., List. B. Eur. ed. Newton, 1862, 18 (Germany and England).

JJartraniiiis loiigicaudiis, Bp., R. and M. Z. 1857.

" Totaiiiis mdanopyg'uis et campcstrinf Vieill., Nouv. Diet."

TotaiiHS rariegatiis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, vi, 1816, 317 ; Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 107, pi. 239.

Bartramia Jaticaitda, Les^s., Traitd d'Orn. 1831, 553.

Hab.— North America. North to the Yukon. Not observed in the United States
west of the Rocky Mountains. Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. Breeds from the Middle
districts northward. Winters in Mexico, West Indies, Central and South America, to
Brazil. Casual in Europe (Sweden, iV)76«oh ; Germany, Naum., V. D. viii, 51 ; Gould,
B. Eur. pi. 313; Great Britain, Reid, Zool. 1852, 3330; Gurxey, iWrf. 3388; More, i&iV/.
1H54, 4254 ; Ballmore, ibid. 186(), 37 ; Cornish Fu. 31 ; Yaisr., Br. Birds, ii, 633 ; Tearle,
111. Lond. News, Jan. 20, 1855, with figure ; Morris, Br. Birds, iv, 296 ; See Hurting, I. c).
Australia (Gould, B. Aust. Snppl. iv, 1867).

Lieutenant Warren's Exi)edilion.—4G2d, Fort Pierre; 4633, Fort Union; 4868, Loup
Fork ; 5432, Medicine Hill, 6988-91, Loup Fork and Platte River.

Not obtained by Captain Rayuolds' or by the later Expeditious.

Bartrain's Tattler, or the "Uplaiul Plover," as it is generally called by
sportsmeu, is a bird of Avide and geucral dispersion in the Western
Hemisphere, while its casual occurrence in Europe is attested, and it is
even stated to have been found in Australia. It iidiabits at diiferent
seasons nearly all of North America, and in winter pushes its migra-
tion even to Central and Soutli America, as well as into the West Indies.
But it has not, to my knowledge, been found in the United States west
of the Kocky Mountains. It occurs in summer as far north as the
Yukon, though thousands of the birds also breed Avithin the limits of
the United States.

On its presence and movements in the East I have made few oli.'^erva-
tions, and know nothing beyond the general items familiar to all sports-
men who, with good reason, consider the Upland IMover, or Grass Plover,
as a prime game bird, wild and diflicult to secure, best hunted from a
carnage, and capital for the table. It is said to breed from the Mid-
dh" districts, as in Illinois and IVnnsylvania, northward. The principal
shooting is done in August and September, as the birds move south-
ward by the end of the latter nu)nth.

In m()st parts of the West, between the Mississippi and the Kocky
]Mountains, this Tattler, cornmoidy known as the "I'rairie Pigeon," is
exceetlingly abundant during the migrations — more so tlian I can sup-
pose it to be in settled portions of th(^ country. In Texa.s, I am told, it
occurs in Hocks "of thousands." In Kansas, during the month of May,
it migrates in great numbers, being scattered over the prairies every-
where, and it is so tame tliat it may be destroyed without tlie slightest
artilice ; 1 have seen it Just esoai)e being caught witli the crack of a
coach-wliip. Passing northward, it enters Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota

504 ACTITURUS BARTEAMIUS, BARTKAMIAN SANDPIPER.

the same moiitli. About the middle of May it reaches the latitude of
Fort Eandall, with great numbers of Golden Plover and Esquimaux
Curlew, llecking- the prairies everywhere. Its breeding habits may be
studied with perfect success in Northern Dakota, where it is the most
abundant of all the waders. We can scarcely cross a piece of prairie,
or travel a mile along the roads anywhere, without seeing it. Its gentle
and unsuspicious ways, its slender and graceful shape, and the beauty
of its markings, are all alike attractive, while the excellence of its tiesh
is another point not less interesting, but less favorable for the bird.
Too man}' are destroyed at this season when they are i)airing, for few
can resist the tempting shots, as the birds step along the road-side or
stand erect in the scanty grass, gazing at the passing vehicle with mis-
placed confidence. By the end of May those that are to breed further
north have passed on, while the remainder have paired and are about to
nest.

As soon as they are mated the pairs keep close company, being rarely
bevond each other's call, and are oftenest seen rambling together through
the grass. At such times they seem very slender, as indeed they are,
overtopping the scanty herbage with their long, thin necks, swaying
continually in graceful motion. Their ordinary note at this, as at other
seasons, is a long-drawn, soft, mellow whistle, of a peculiarly clear, reso-
nant quality; but beside this, they have a note peculiar, 1 believe, to
this period of their lives. This is a very loud, prolonged cry, sounding-
more like the whistling of the wind than a bird's voice 5 the wild sound,
which is strangely mournful, is generally uttered wiien the bird, just
alighted, holds its wings for a moment perpendicularly, before adjusting
them over its back. It is frequently heard in the night, all through the
breeding season, and is, I think, one of the most remarkable outcries I
ever heard. There is yet another note that the Tattler utters, chiefly
when disturbed breeding ; this is a harsh scream, quickly and often
repeated, much like that given by other waders under the same circum-
stances.

In jSiorthern Dakota the eggs are mostly laid by the second week in
June; the time is quite constant; and, so far as 1 kn.ow, only one brood
is raised each year. The nest, like that of other bi/ds breeding on the
open prairie, is hard to find, as there is nothing whatever to guide a
search, and the herbage of the i)rairie, flimsy as it usually is at this
season, is sufficient to hide the variegated eggs which assimilate with
the colors of their surroundings. The nesting is quite similar to that
of the Curlews and Godwits. I have found nests on the open prairie
without landmarks; but, i^erhaps, ofteuer they are placed in the vicinity
of pools and sloughs, or along the edge of a piece of woods — always,
however, in an open spot. The female is a close setter, and will suffer her-
self to be almost trodden upon before she will quit her charge — indeed
nests are oftenest found by the fluttering of the female from under
one's feet. Early in incubation she generally flies to a little distance
and realights, walking leisurely about the grass ; but if the eggs be far
advanced she is more solicitous, and will feign lameness, in hope of
drawing attention from the nest. The male soon joins her, and the pair
hover low of the ground, flying slowly around with incurved wings,
uttering their cries of distress; and as several pairs are usually nesting
within hearing, they, too, become alarmed, and the general clamor is
continued until the intruder withdraws. The scene is much the same
as when the breeding places of the Curlews, Willets, or Godwits are
invaded.

The nest is flimsy — merely a few straws to keep the eggs from the

ACTITURUS BARTEAMIUS, BARTEAMIAX SANDPIPER. 505

ground, in a slight depressioa. The eggs are ordinarily four in num-
ber, as usual among Waders. The numerous specimens I have collected
are somewhat notably constant in characters, both of size and coloration.
In dimensions they range from 1.90 by 1.30 inches, to 1.70 by 1.25,
averaging about 1.75 by 1.28. The ground is pale clay-color, or a very
light drab — sometimes the palest possible creamy-brown — with scarcely
a shade of olivaceous. They are spotted all over, but much more thicldy
at the large-r end, with rather small, sbaip, surface markings of umber-
brown, overlaying a smaller number of purplish gray shell raarkinjis.
However thickly they may be sprinkled, the spots are rarely, if ever,
continent into masses of any size, the largest I have seen not exceeding
the diameter of a pea. These larger blotches are irregular iu contour,
but the smaller ones are mostly rounded.

Young birds are abroad late in June — curious little creatures, timid
and weak, led about by their anxious parents, solicitous for their well-
fare, and ready to engage in the most unequal contests in their behalf.
When half grown, but still in the down, the little creatures have a
curiously clumsy, top-heavy look ; their legs look disproportionately
large, like those of a young colt or calf; and they may be caught with
little difficulty, as they do not run very well. I once happened upon a
brood, perhaps two weeks old, rambling with their mother over the
prairie. She sounded the alarm, to scatter her brood, but not before I
had secured one of them in my hand. I never saw a braver defence
attemj^ted than was made by this strong-hearted though powerless bird,
who, after exhausting her artifices to draw me in pursuit of herself, by
tumbling about as if desperately wounded, and Ijing panting with out-
stretched wiugs on the grass, gave up hope of saving her young in this
way, and then almost attacked me, dashing close up and retreating
again to renew her useless onslaught. She was evidently incited to
unusual courage by the sight of her little oue struggling iu my hand.
At this downy stage the young birds are white below, finely mottled
wifh black, wLiite, and rich brown above; the feet and under mandible
are light colored; the upper mandible is blackish.

Although these Tattlers are generally dispersed over the prairies dur-
ing the summer, yet they aficct particular spots by preleience. Away
from the river valleys, such spots are the numerous depressions of
rolling prairie, often of great extent, which are moist or even watery
at some seasons, and where the vegetation is most luxuriant. Here
they gather almost into colonies. Riding into some such spot in July,
when the young birds are being led about by their parents, some old
bird more watchful than the rest, or nearest to the i)erson approaching,
gives the alarm with a loud outcry, the young scatter and hide, and all
the old birds are soon on wing; hovering in the air, olteii at a great
height, crossing each other's path, and ceaselessly vociferating their
displeasure. I have often seen a dozen or twenty overhead at once, all
fiom a little spot only a few acres in extent. Later in the season, when
all the summer's broods are on wing, they make up into flocks, often of
great extent, and old and young together assume the ordinaiy routine
of their lives. They leave these northern regions early. 1 saw none
after the fore])art of September.

The food of this Tattler is mainly insects, es])ecially grasshoppers, of
which they nuist devour enormous cpiantities in the aggregati'. They
also feed on other small aninud substaiu-es, as well as upon various
berries. I have found them very well coiulitioned even iu the spring,
aud in the fall they grow surprisingly fat. They are a tender and well-

506 TKYNGITES RUFESCENS, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.

flavored bird. Being so delicate, tliey are easily killed, dropping to a
tonch of tbe finest shot.

There is but little difference in the plumage of these birds at any
season, and their size is also quite constant. The sexes are not dis-
tinguishable by any outward marks (though the female averages slightly
larger than the male), and the young closely resemble the parents upon
their first complete feathering. In measuring a great number of fresh
specimens, I found the length to vary only from 11.50 to 12.75 ; the
extent, 21.50 to 23.00; the wing, C.25 to 7.00; the tail is about 3.60; the
tarsus about 1.75; the bill, 1.00 to 1.25, measured along the culmeu.

TRYNGITES EUFESCEKS, (Vieill.) Cab.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.

Trimja riifescens, Vieill., Nouy. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 470 (Louisiana) ; Ency.
Metli. ii, 1823, 1050; Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 105, pi. 238.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 113.—
Bp., List, 1838, 50.— Temm., Man. Orn. iv, 1840, 408.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835,
451, pi. 265 ; Syn. 1839, 235 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 264, pi. 331.— GiK., B. L. I. 1844,
230.— IvEVS. & Blas., Wirb. Eiir. 77.— Jenyns, Man. 214.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B.
41. — Macgil., Man. ii, 68.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 579.— Jard., Br. Birds,
iii, 235. — Yarr., Tr. Linn. Soc. xvi, 109, pi. 11 ; Br. Birds, iii, 60 (European). —
PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217 (autumn, rare).

Actiturus rufescens, Bp. — Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 18 (England and Heligoland).

Trynrjites riifescens, Cab., J. f. O. iv, 418 (Cuba).— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 739.— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wasb. Ter. 1860, 244 (Shoalwater Bay, migratory). — Wheat.,
Obio Agr. Rep. 1860, No. 220. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 78 (migratory,
rare).— Coues, md. v, 1868, 296.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 39 (Texas).— Lawr., Ann.
Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 199 (Ucayali, Eastern
Peru); 1866,567; 1867, 754, 979.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 (South
Carolina, migratory).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32 (autumn, rare). — Dall &
Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Nulato and Sitka; breeding abundantly in
tbe Anderson River region). — May'n., Guide, 1870, 142 (Massachusetts, migra-
tory, rare).— Coues, Key, 1872, 260, fig. 173. — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10 (occa-
sional).—Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 309 (Peru).— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x,
1874, 385 (Illinois).

ActUls rufescens, Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 92 ; M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 79.

Tringoidcs riifescens, Pelz., Orn. Bras. 310 (Brazil, October to April).

Trinrjoldes {Trijnijitcs) rufescens, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 40, No. 10283.

Tringa suhntjicollis, Vieillot. {Gray and SclilegeJ.)

Trinija hrevirostris, Lichtenstein. {Gnu/ aud ISchkgeJ.)

Aciidiints tiwrius, Heerji., Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 179 ; P. R. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, 1859,
20, pi. 6 (Texas).

Hah. — The whole of North America. Migratory in the United States. Rather tin-
common along the eastern coast. Breeds in the interior of the fur countries, and in
Alaska. South America. Montevideo (Darwin, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 130; and as above).
Europe (Gould, B. E. pi. 331; Habting, Br. Birds, 1872, 138; numerous British in-
stances, with references).

[Note. — Examining the types of Tringa pan-irostris, Peale, which has been referred
to T. rufescens, with a query, by Dr. Schlegel, and made a variety of the same by
Bonaparte, I find that not only is it au entirely diiierent bird, specifically, but that it
is scarcely congeneric. Having the extremely small bill of T. rufescens, this organ is
smaller still, slenderer, and withont the peculiar forward outline of the feathers at its
base, whicb characterizes T. rufescens. In the mounted specimens, the wings fall far
short of the end of the tail instead of reaching rather beyond. There is none of the
peculiar mottling of the primaries, which is such a strong feature of T. rufescens; the
tail is barred transversely, and there are other differences in coloration. Should it be
deemed worthy of subgeiieric separtion, it may be called u-Eehmorhijnchus 2>(t>'i''>'ostris.l

Not obtained by any of the Expeditions.

Though usually classed as a Sandpiper in the genus Tringa, mainly, it would seem,
on account of its short, straight bill, this remarkably interestiug little ))ii'd is really
a Tattler, and its nearest relative, among our species, is the Bartramian Tattler,
Aeiiiurus havtramins. Its aspect is peculiar ; no other species very closely resembles it.
The bill is ^•ery short and small, aud appears still more so by the great forward exten-
sion of the feathei's on its base — to the nostrils on the upper mandible, still further on

TRYNGITES EUFESCENS, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 507

the sides of the lower mandible, and all the way iuto the interramal space. In any
plumage it may be recognized by the unique coloration of the primaries, which are
silvery-gray or white on the inner webs, beautifully and curiously mottled with fine,
wavy, black tracery. It has many names, both generic and specific, but appears to
have been first described by the voluminous French ornithologist above cited.

This species I have never yet seen alive. Its habits, as described,
appear to be most like those of the Bartramian, in its preference for
dry fields and plains, where it feeds upon grasshoppers and other in-
sects. In the United States, where it is only known as a migrant, it
appears to be nowhere very abundant, and this is particularly the case
along the Atlantic coast. But great numbers nest in the Anderson
Kiver region, as shown by the large series of eggs in the Smithsonian,
and these must pass through the United States along some line of mi-
gration, where the species may yet be found in abundance. Dr. Cooper
calls it ''common" at Shoalwater Bay, during the migration. Accord-
ing to Mr. Giraud, " the Buff-breasted Sandpiper is not a very common
bird, though its occurrence is by no means unusual. Almot^t every
season a few are observed along the southern shores of Long Island,
and during autumn we occasionally find it in our markets. * * * *
In August, 1811, Mr. Brasher met with a party of five on the shore of
Gowanuus Bay, which number is larger than 1 have seen iu one group.
He informs me that they appeared very gentle, allowing him to advance
within shooting distance without seeming to notice his presence. At
the first discharge of his gun (which procured him three), the surviving
two made a short flight over the water, returning in a few minutes to
the shore, at a short distance from where they had previously taken
wing, which gave him an opportunity of securing the whole number."

Of the very rare and scarcely known eggs of the Buff- breasted Sand-
piper I have examined about a dozen sets in the Smithsonian, all col-
lected by Mr. MacFarlane in the Anderson Biver region and along the
Arctic coast to the eastward. They are very pointedly pyrilorm. The
following measurements indicate the size, shape, and limits of variation:
1.50 by 1.03; 1.48 by 1.10; 1.45 by 1.02; 1.10 by 1.01. The ground is
clay, sometimes with a slight olivaceous or drab shade, otteuer with a
clear grayish cast, of rather pecidiar shade. The markings are ex-
tremely bold and sharp, though not heavier than usual. Taking a speci-
men in which the markings are most distinct, we find heavy blotches
and spots of indeterminate size and shape all over the egg, but largest
and most numerous on the major half of the egg, of rich umber brown,
deeper or lighter according to the quantity of pigment. Nearest these
blotched varieties come the si)lashed ones, in which the markings mass
more heavily about the larger end, and are elsewhere splattered over in
rather small markings. This is the more frequent i)attern; and in some
cases the splashing hides the ground-color at the large end. Other ex-
amples arc spotted with rather narrow markings that seem to radiate
from the large end, becoming largest and thickest around the greatest
diameter of the agg, and being much smaller elsewhere. All the eggs
have the usual neutral or stone-gray shell-nuirkings, and in most of
them there are at the large end a few si)ots or scrawls ot blackish over
all the other markings. According to the labels, the nidilication is not
peculiar, the nest being a slight depression of the ground, lined wilh a
few dried grasses or leaves. The eggs are four in a majority of instances.

508 NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, LONG-BILLED CURLEW.

I^UMENIUS LONGIEOSTKIS, Wils.

Long-billed Curlew.

ScoJojyax avquata var. /J, G'si., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 656.

Numeinus a)qi«itn var. 13, Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 710.

XiirncniiiH loii(/irostrts,'\Yu.s., Am. Oru. viii, 1^14, 24, pi. 64, f. 4. — Bp., Obs. Wils. 182.5,
No. 200; Syu. 1828, 314 ; List, 1838, 49.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 376.—
NuTT., Mail, ii, 1834, 94.— AuD., Orn. Bio^^-. iii, 1835, 240 ; v, 1839, 587 ; i)l. 231 ;
Syn. 1839, 254; B. Am. vi, 1843, 35, pi. 355.— Gir., B. L. I. 1844, 271.— Woodii.,
SitgT. Rep. 1853, 98.- Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 218.— Nkwi;., P. R. R. Rep.
vi, 1857, 99 (California). — Hekrm., ibid, x, 1859, pt. vi, 66 (California). — Bd.,
B. N. A. 1858, 743.— LoKD, Pr. Roy. Arty. lust, iv, 125.— Coop. & Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1860, 245.— Codes, Pr. Pliiia. Acad. 1861, 235.— Bo.\I{DM., Pr. Bost.
Soc. 1862, ix, 129(Maiue, migratory). — Vekk., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 159. — Allex,
ibid, iv, 18{)4, 87.— McIlwu., ibid.\, 1866, 93 (Cauada West, rare).— C()UE.s, ibid.
V, 1868, 296 (New Euglaud).— Tkippe, ibid, ix, 1871, 119 (Minnesota).— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,98 (Arizona).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 (South
Carolina).- Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).- Cab., J. f. O. iv, 349
(Cuba).— SCL.,P. Z.S. 1864, 78 (Mexico).— Dkess, Ibis, 1866,40 (Matamoras).—
Salv., Ibis, 1866, 197 (Guatemala).- Lawu., Aun. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.—
TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32.— Allex, Mem. Bost. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa).- Mayn.,
Guide, 1870, 142.- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida); iii, 1872, 182
(Kau.sas). — CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 32 (Noith Carolina, resident). — Merr.,
U. S. Geol. Surv. 1872, 701 (Utah).— Trippe, Pr. Bo,st. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa,
breeding). — Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1870, 363 (Mazatlan). — CoUES, Key, 1872,
262, fig. 174.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 10.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385
(lUiuois).

Ntimeniuti riifiis, Vieill., Galerie Ois. ii, 1825, 118, pi. 245 (in part).

Xummins occidentalis, Woodh., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 194 ; Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 93, \)\. 6
(Young; Albuquerque, New Mexico).

(?) Nxmevius melanopus, Vieill.

I,?) ^. 6ra6(7(f;)67s, Maxim. (Brazil.) {Gray.)

nab. — United States and British Provinces. Breeds nearly throughout its range,
and resident in the South. South to Mexico. Guatemala (Ho Brazil). Cuba.
Not obtaiued by Captain Rayuolds' Expeditlou.
Later Expeditions. — 59871, Colorado ; 61649, Utah.

The Curlew issues from the egg clothed in whitish down, thickly blotched above
with brownish-black, and with the bill straight, about an inch long. This member
ra})idly grows to a length of three or four inches, and becomes decurved. Up to the
time when the bill is still no longer thau that of A'^. hudsoniciis, it may readily be distin-
guished from that species by the strong rufescence of the under jiarts, nearly clear of
the hastate or sagittate dark markings which occur in X. hudsoniciis ; by its rather
larger size, even at an early age, and the usual evidences of immaturity in the texture
of the plumage. X. occidentalis of Woodhouse is a bird apparently of this sort.

Unlike our other two species of Curlew, the Long-billed is perfectly
at home in most parts of the United States, rearing its young- even
down to our southern border. Its northern range is restricted, appar-
ently, by the region of the Saskatchewan, as intimated by Eichardson,
and the length of the British Provinces adjoining the United States. I
was, however, assured of its occurrence in Labrador, though I did not
see it myself. In o^ew England it appears to be rather uncommon, ac-
cording to all accounts, and I have found no record of its nesting in that
quarter. I found it resident on the North Carolina coast, where it un-
doubtedly breeds. I found it breeding with Godwits and Bartramian
Tattlers on the prairies of Minnesota and Eastern Dakota, and likewise
observed it in June, apparently breeding, in New Mexico, near Fort Win-
gate, just west of the Bio Grande. I procured it at Fort Whipple to-
ward the close of summer. Dr. Woodhouse saw large flocks on the
jirairies of Texas and the Indian Territory. According to the authors
above quoted, it breeds in Kansas and Iowa, as well as about Great Salt
Lake, in Utah.

It is by no means confined to the vicinity of the water, but, on the

NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS, HUDSONIAN CUELEW. 509

contrary, is often seen on extensive dry plains, where it feeds on various
molluscs, insects, and berries, which it deftly secures with its extra-
ordinarily long bill. The leugth and curve of this member, measuring
sometimes eight or niue inches in leugth, gives the bird a singular and
unmistakable appearance, either in flight or when gathering its food.
Its voice is souorous and uot at all musical. Duriug the breediug sea-
son, in particular, its harsh cries of alarm resound when the safety of
its nest or young is threatened. In the fall, when food is plenty, it be-
comes very fat, and ati'ords delicate eating.

Dr. Xewberry found the Curlew (piite abundant in the vicinity of San
Francisco, and throughout the Sacramento Valley during the autumn
and winter, though there were comparatively few in the summer before
tUe rainy season. " In our march," he adds, " through the Sacramento
Valley and northward, we did uot meet with it until we came down into
the plains bordering Pitt lliver, above the upper caiion. Here we found
them in immense numbers, and they formed a valuable addition to our
bill of fare. This prairie is entirely covered with water during the wet
season, as is proven by the myriads of aquatic shells (Pianorbis, Physa,
&c.) scattered over the ground in the grass, and as it does not dry up so
completely as the other valleys, the Curlews apparently pass the sum-
mer there. Around the Klamath Lakes and others of that grouj) the^'
were abundant in August, and we found them associated with the Geese
and other water-birds, which were congregated in countless numbers on
the low lands bordering the Columbia, in October."

The eggs of the Long-billed Curlew are not ofteu so pyriform as among
the smaller waders, being in shape not unlike a hen's eggs. Different
specimens measure : 2.45 by 1.85 ; 2.60 by 1.80 ; 2.65 by 1.80 ; 2.70 by
1.90; 2.80 by 1.90. They are claj^-colored, with more or less olivaceous
in some instances, and in others decidedly buffy shade. The spotting
is generally pretty uniformly distributed and of small pattern, though
in many cases there is lai-ger blotching and even massing about the
great end. The color of the markings is sepia or umber, of different
shades in the buffy-tinged specimens, rather tending to chocolate. The
shell-markings are commonly numerous and evident.

KUMEi!TIUS HUDSOXICUS, Lath.
Hiulsonhiii Curlew.

Scoloimx horcalis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 654 (uot of For ster, 1772). — Wils., Am. Oru. vii,
1813, 22, pi. ;-)(), fig. 1.

NumeninH horcalis, Onu, ed. Wils. 1825. — Buew., ed. Wils. 1840, 473 (excliuling tbo syu-
ouymy which, Avith \nxvt of the account, belongs to true borealiti; description,
with most of the account, is of hudxonknx).

Xumenius hiidmuicun, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, IT'JU, 712 (based on Esquimaux Curlew, Arct.
Zool. ii, Kil, No. 3l)4, pi. ID, and Jliulsoinan CurUir, Lath., .Svu. Siip|»l. vii,24:>). —
JJi'., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 201 ; Syu. 1828, 314 ; List, 1838, 4y.-^Sw. i.^ Kuii., V. Ii. A.
ii, 1831, 377.— NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 97.— AUD., Oin. liiog. iii, 1835, 283 ; v, 5«J, pi.
237; Syu. 1831), 2134; IJ. Am. vi, 1843, 42, pi. 35().— Gn:., \i. L. I. 1841, 272.— Hd.,
Ii. N. A. 18.58, 744.— Tayi.ou, Ibis, ii, 18(i0, 313 (Fonseca 15ay).— Kkinh., Ibis,
iii, 1801, 10 (Greenland).— DiiKSS., ihid. 18015, 40 (Texas).-^SAi,v., ihid. 11)7
(Chiapam. Gnat.).— Whk.vt., Ohio Agric. Kep. 18()0, No. 224.— C()ii;s, Pr. I'hila.
Acad. IHCl, 235 (Labrador).— Uoaudm., Fr. Bost. 8oc. ix, 18(52, 12'.t (Maine, mi-
gratory, rare).— CoUKS, ihid. xii, 181)8, 123 (South Carolina, wintering). — Vkkh.,
I'r. K.ss. Inst, iii, 1HC)2, 1.51»'(Maiue, migratory, not etjunnon). — Ai.i.i'.x, ihid. iv.
18(54, 87 (Massachnset(s, migratory, rare). — Curi:;s, (7'((/. v, 18(58, 21H) (New En-
gland, migratory, rare). — McIlwic, ihid. v, 1^(50, 1)3 (Canada West). — Law i!.,
Aun. Lye. N. Y. viii, lrti4, 101 (Sombrero); 18GG, 2i)4.— Scl,. iV Sai.v., F. Z. S.
18(57, 333 (Chili); 18(58, l7G(I.slav).— Dauw., Voy. Heagle, 129 (("hilo.').— Fkij-..,
NovaraKeiso, 128 (Chiloe).— Fniu, Cat. 34 (Chili).— Truxn., 15. E. Fa. ISdi), 32
(New Jersey, " plentifnl").- Dai.l A: Fa.nn., Tr. Chic, i, 18(31), 21)3 (Alaska).—

510 NUMENIUS BOREALIS, ESQUIMAUX CURLEW.

Mayn., Guide, 1870, 142 (Massacbusctfs, iiiifjratory, rare). — FixsCH, Abb. Nat.
iii, 1870, :]lv; (MazaUau).— Newt., P. Z. S. 1871, 57*, pi. 4. fig. :i (i-,gg).— Alli;x,
Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida, wiuter).— CouES, Key, 1872, 2<32.— Sxow,
B. Kans. 1873. 10.— ScL. «S: Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 45G.— EiDGW., Aun. Lye. N. Y.
X, 1874, 385 (Illinois).

Nnmciiiiis inlermcdiiis, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 100.

Xitmcitiiis riijireiili-w, ViG., Zool. Jourii. iv, 1829, 356 ; Voy. Bloss. 1839, 28.

XumoihiN 2)h(vopus, Cap,., Scbouib. Guiaua, iii, 7.57. — Pelz., Oru. Bras. 308. •

Xiivicniiiti hra^:ilieiifsis, Maxim, et BuRM. (Sclater.)

Hah. — North America. Greeulaud. Central and South America. No West Indian
record. Breeds iu bigb latitudes. •- Migratory tbrougb tbe United States, winteriug in
the Southern States aud tar beyoud.

Not obtained by any of the Expeditions.

The Hudsouian appears to be much less abundant everywhere in the
United States than either of the others, although generally distributed,
and moving over much the same area as the Esquimax Curlew. I found
it sparijigly in Labrador, amid the countless thousands of N. borealis
that throng those shores in August and September. According to all
observers it is rare in ISTew England, but more common on the New Jer-
sey coast. It is included among the birds of Kansas, on Prof. Baird's
authority. The extent of its southern dispersion in winter is as great
as that of N. horealis, and, like the latter, it breeds only in high lati-
tudes. I am not at all familiar with its habits, concerning which very
little has been recorded.

The eggs are always larger than those of N. horcaUs, but cannot be
otherwise distinguished with certainty, for both show the great range
of variation indicated in mv description of the latter. The size is from
2.12 to 2.30 in length, by about l.GO iu width.

NUMENIDS BOEEALIS, (Forst.) Lath.

Esqjiiraaiix Curlew,

Scoloimx lorealis, Forst., Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 411 (not of Wilson).

Xumenius borealis, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790,712. — Bp., Syn. 1828, 314. — Bp., Am. Orn. iv,
118, pi. 26, fig. 3.— Bp., List, 1838, 49.— Sw. &'Eicn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 378, pi.
65.— Nutt., ii, 1834, 101.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 69; v, 1839, .590; pi. 208.—
Aud., Syn. 1839, 255.— Aud., B. Am. vi, 1843, 45, pi. 357.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844,
274. — PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 218 (Massachusetts, migratory, rare). — Bd.,
B. N. a. 1858, 744.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 236 (Labrador, migratory,
abundant). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175 (Upper Missouri, not unconuuon). — Verr.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862,159.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Calais, Me., rare,
migratory). — Aelex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts, rare, spring and
fall ; " occanional in uintir"{[ ?). — Reixu., Ibis, iii, 1861, 10 (Greenland). — Salv.,
ibid. 3.56 (Central America).— Dress., ibid. 1866, 40 (Texas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1867,
333 (Chili).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 294.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
1868, 296 (New England, migratory, not common). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 123 (South Carolina, winter (?).—Turxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33 (May aud
September, rather rare).— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Alaslva).—
Mayx., Guide, 1870, 142 (Massachusetts, migratory, not uncommon). — Newt.,
P. Z. S., 1871, 56, pi. 4, fig. 1 (egg).— Allex, Bull.' M. C. Z. 1871, 356 (Florida,
winter ('?). — Allkx, ihid. iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas, in June).— Coues, Key, 1872,
262.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 456.— Ridgw., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 385 (Illinois).— Dress., B. Eur. pt. xvi, 1873 (Europe).

Numenius hrevirostris, LiciiT., Verz., 1823, 75. — Darw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 129 (Buenos
Ayres).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 308 (Brazil).

Xinncnius viicrorhyvchits, Phil. & Laxdr., Wieg. Arch. 1866, 129 (Chili); Cat. 35.

Hab. — North aud Middle America. Not recorded west of the Rocky Mountains.
Alaska. Breeds within the Artie circle. Migratory through the United States, where
rarely if ever observed to winter, never to breed. Extraordinarily abundant in Lab-
rador in August. Winters in Middle and South America. No West Indian record.
Accidental in Europe (Great Britain, four instances. Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 145).

Licutctiant Jrarrcii^s Erpcdition. — 4881, 5572, Upper Missouri River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones.

The Esquimaux Curlew migrates through the Missouri region, in

NUMENIUS BOREALIS, ESQUIMAUX CURLEW. 511

immense numbers, in May. During the second week of that month 1
saw numerous flocks of fifty to several hundred on the prairies along
the road between Fort Eandall and Yankton. Snow, many feet in depth,
still filled the ravines, where it had accumulated irom the memorable
storm of April 15-17, but the hills and flat prairie were bare, soft, and
oozy, and about springing into the life of the new season. The Cur-
lews were scattered everywhere, dotting the prairie with the Bartramian
Sandpipers and Golden Plovers, in large, loose flocks, which, as they
fed, kept up a continuous, low, piping noise, as if conversing with each
other. Their return in the fall along this line of migration, I have not
remarked ; but my observations in Labrador, in 18G0, were extended.
I quote from my article in the Philadelphia Proceedings, above cited :

" The Curlews associate in flocks of every size, from three to as many
thousand, but they generally fly in so loose and straggling a manner
that it is rare to kill more than half a dozen at a. shot. When they
•wheel, however, in any of their many beautiful evolutions, they close
together in a more compact body, and offer a more favorable opportunity
totbe gunner. Their flight is firm, direct, very swift, when necessary
much protracted, and is performed with regular, rapid beats. They
never sail, except when about to alight, when the wings are much in-
curved downward, in the manner of most waders. As their feet touch
the ground, their long, pointed wings are raised over the back, until
the tips almost touch, and then deliberately folded, much in the man-
ner of the Solitary Sandpiper {Rhyacopliilus soUtarius). Their note is an
often-repeated, soft, mellow, though clear, whistle, which may be easily
imitated. By this means they can readily be decoyed within shot, if
the imitation is good and the gunner is careful to keep concealed. The
smaller the flock the more easily are they allured, and a single indi-
vidual rarely fails to turn his course toward the spot whence the sound
proceeds. When in very extensive flocks, they have a note which, when
uttered by the whole number, I can compare to nothing but the chat-
tering of a flock of Blackbirds. When wounded and taken in hand,
they emit a very loud, harsh scream, like that of a common hen under
similar circumstances, which cry they also utter when i)ursued.

"Their food consists almost entirely of the crow-berry {Empcirum ni-
grum), which grows on all the hill-sides in astonishing profusion. It is
also called the 'bear-berry' and 'curlew-berry.' It is a small berry,
of a deep i)urple color, almost black, growing upon a procumbent, run-
ning kind of heath, the foliage of which has a peculiar moss-like ap-
pearance. This is their prin(;i[)al and favorite food, and the whole
intestine, the vent, the legs, the bill, throat, and even the plumage, are
more or less stained witli the deep purple juice. They are alvso very
fond of a species of small snail that adheres to the rock in immense
(piantities, to procure which they freciuent the land-washes at low tide.
Food being so abundant, and so easily obtained, they beeonie excess-
ively fat. In this condition they are most delicious eating, being tender,
juicy, and finely flavored 5 but, as might be expected, they prove a very
dil'icult Job ibr the taxidermist.

" Allhniigb the Curlews were in such vast numbers, 1 did not find
them so tame as might be expected, and as 1 had been led to suppose
by previous representations. I was never able to walk openly within
shooting distance of a lloclc, though I was told it was often done. The
most siu-cessful method of obtaining them is to take such a i)osition as
they will i)robably fly over in passing from one feeding ground to
another. They may tlien be shot with ease, as they rarely ll.\ high at
such times. The i)ertenacity with which they cling to certain feeding

512 NUMENIUS BOREALIS, ESQUIMAUX CUELEW.

grounds, even when much molested, I saw strikingly illustrated on one
occasion. The tide was rising and about to flood a muddy flat, of per-
haps an acre in extent, where their favorite snails were in great quan-
tities. Although six or eight gunners were stationed upon the spot, and
kept up a continual round of tiring upon the poor birds, tbey continued
to fly distractedly about over our heads, notwithstanding the numbers
that every moment fell. They seemed in terror lest they should lose
their accustomed fare of snails that day. On another occasion, when
the birds had been so harassed for several hours as to deprive them of
all opportunity of feeding, great numbers of them retired to a very
small island, or rather a large pile of rocks, a few hundred yards from
the shore, covered with sea-weed and, of course, with snails. Flock
after flock alighted on it, till it was completely covered with the birds,
which there, in i>erfect safety, obtained their morning meal."

Some of these Curlews may winter on our southern border, but I am
not aware that such is the case. The great extent of their southward
movement at this season into Central and South America may be gath-
ered from the above citations, which attest their presence in Brazil,
Chili, and Buenos Ayres. For their summer resorts we must turn to
the far North, where the species breeds in numbers commensurate with
the hordes that pass regularly through the United States. They occur
on the Yukon River, though they are not yet known to take up a line of
migration along the Pacific side of the Rocky Mountains. (Compare,
however, Heerm., F. R. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, G6.) We learn of extensive
breeding-grounds from the series of eggs transmitted to the Smithso-
nian, by Mr. MacFarlane, from the Arctic coast, east of Anderson River.

This species breeds in great numbers in the Anderson River region,
usually making up its nest-complement of four eggs by the third week
in June. The nest is generally in an open iilain, anii is a mere depression
of the ground, lined with a few dried leaves or grasses. The eggs vary
to the great extent usually witnessed among waders. The ground is
olive-drab, tending either to green, gray, or brown in different instances,
The markings, always large, numerous and bold, are of different depths
of dark chocolate, bistre, and sepia brown, with the ordinary stone-gray
shell spots. They always tend to aggregate at the larger end, or, at
least, are more numerous on the major half of the egg ; though in a few
instances the distribution is nearly uniform. Occasionally the butt end
of the egg is almost completely occupied by confluence of very dark
markings. Eggs vary from 1.90 by 1.40 to 2.12 by 1.33, averaging
about 2.00 by 1.45.

SUBORDER HJliJiUJJiU-NJub I HERONS AND THEIR ALLIES.

Family TANTALIDJE : Ibises, &c.

Ibises inhabit the wanner jjarts of both hemispheres. They are nearly related to
Herons, but ditier in the shape of the bill, sometimes thick and heavy, or even spoon-
shaped, sometimes very long, slender, and decurved, like a Curlew's ; in the more or
less extensive baldness of the head, absence of pectination of the middle claw, and
other characteristics. We have several species, the Wood, Glossy or Bay, White, and
Red Ibis, and the Spoonbill, which also belongs here. The Jabiru of tropical America
{Myctcria amoicana), may be brought under this family, though generally referred to the
Storks (CicoHiirfa). This singular bird was once taken in Texas, though the fact is
known to few, the bird having been but lately introduced to our fauna (Coues, Check-
list. 1874, App. 135, No. i48bis).

Two species of Ibis, the Wood and Bay, are known to occur so near the Missouri
region, that I shall introduce them here, confident that they have a place about the
mouth of the river, though not yet actually detected there.

Subfamily Tantalin^ : Wood Ibises.

TANTALUS LOCULATOE, Liuu.
Wood Ibis.

Tantalus locnlaior,'Lii<N., Syst. Nat. i, 17CC, 240 (Gates., i, 81 ; Briss., v, 335).— Gm.,
Syst. Nat. i, 17H8, 647.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790 ( Wood Ibis, Arct. Zool. ii. No.
360; Geu.Svn. v, 104 ; I'l. Enl.SGB).— Wils., Am.Orn. viii, 1814,39,pl. GO, f. 1.—
Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 197 ; Syn. 1828, 310 ; List, 1838, 48 ; Consp. ii, 1855,
149.— Wage., Isis, 1831, 530.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 82.— Alio., Orn. Biog. iii,
1835, 128, pi. 216; Syn. 1839, 259; B. Am. vi, 1843, 64, pi. 361.— Kekn., Pr.
Phila. Acad, v, 1856, 391 (Southern Illinois).— Gund., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 348
(Cuba).— Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 682.— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 227 (Guatemala).— Scl.,
P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Orizaba) ; ihid. 290 (Ecuador).— Lawk., Ann. Lvc. 1861, 334
(Panama).— Duess., Ibis, 1866, 32 (Texas).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 199 ;
1873, 305 (Ucayali, Peru).— Wheat., Ohio Agiic. Rep. 1860, p. 21 of reprint
(quotes Illinois and Wisconsin). — Coves, Pr. I'hila. Acad. 1866, 96 (Colorado
River up to Fort Mojavc).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 (South Caro-
lina).- Aleex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 360 (Florida).— Peez., Orn. Bras. 305
(Brazil).— K'EEXii., Vid. Med. Nat. Forh. 1870, 23 (Brazil).— Coues, Key, 1872,
262, lig. 175. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois).

Tantalus phimkoUis, Srix, Av. Bras. pi. 85.

" Ibis naiidasnon ; I. nandapoa, Vieill." (Gray tj"- Bp.)

Hah. — South Atlantic and Gulf States, and across in corresponding latitudes to tlie
Colorado River. North to Ohio, Illinois, and the Carolinas (accidentally to IVun-
sylvania, Chester County ; Viucdit Haniard, in letter to I'rof. Jltiiid). Cuba. Mexico.
Central anil South America. La I'lata (Jlunneintcr).

The Woo'.l Ibis is a remarkable and interesting bird. In its general
size, shape and color, it might be likened to a Ciane, being about Ibnr
feet long, and standing still higher when erect; white in color, with
black-tipped wings and bliick tnil. The head is ju'culiar, being entirely
bald in the adnlt bird, and having an enormonsly thick, hciivy bill,
tapering and n little decnrved at the end. In I'^lorida it is soii:etiines
called the " ( Ijinnet "' ; on the Colonido it is known as the \\'ater Turkey.

Mr. Allen found the birds common in the Upper Saint John's, in
Floridii. " Iti ]\Iarch they were undergoing their spring moidt. and were
conse(jUently in poor phimage. According to J)r. Jlryant, who, so far
as I am aware, is tlie fust and only writer who has minutely described
their eggs and breeding habits, incubation is generally commence*! l>y
33

514 TANTALUS LOCULATOR, WOOD IBIS.

the first of April. Dr. Bryant visited two of their breeding' places, one
of Avliicli was between New Smyrna and Enterprise, in a large cypress
swamp on the border of Lake Asbby. He estimated that a thousand
pairs were breeding there. Tliere is a singular discrepancy in the
accounts of authors in respec\ to the habits of this bird. Bartram
mentions it as solitary in its habits, not associating in flocks. Audu-
bon, always tlnding it in large Hocks, calls attention to this remark of
Bartram's as being wholly erroneous. Dr. Bryant fully corroborates
Bartram's account, and censures Audubon for not remembering that
birds vary in their habits at difi'erent times and i)laces. He says he
never saw it in flocks except at its breeding places, and that they
usually went oft" and returned either singly or in pairs. I almost invari-
ably saw them in flocks, both at their feeding grounds and flying in
the air, they varying in number from a dozen to a hundred. While
mor.e or less gregarious at all times, they often doubtless also separate
into pairs, or wander siijgly." My exjierience agrees with JMr. Allen's,
as the following account will show.

While I would not advise the reader to visit such an uncomfortable
place as Fort Yuma, from any great distance, merely to study the hab-
its of this bird, yet, it' he should by any unfortunate chance find him-
self at the ''Botany Bay of America" (as I have heard it called in the
Army), he will have an excellent opportunity of doing so ; for the Water
Turkeys are very common there. Meanwhile, let my experience answer
the purpose.

We will walk abroad, in imagination, this fine September morning.
We leave camp as soon as it is light enough to see, for when the sun is
two or three hours high, we shall be glad enough to return to the shel-
ter of the verandah. Just now it is pleasant and comparatively cool,
for since midnight the thermometer has fallen below 90° ; it was 115°
in the shade yesterday afternoon, and will mark 100°, perhaps, to-day,
at breakfast time, when we return with an Ibis or two. No wonder we
prefer early rising.

The Colorado makes a broad bend around the bluff we stand on, a
promontor}' with a neck of low laud, and the water on either side. The
Ibises will very likely be found in this swampy covert, into which we
descend by a steep, well-worn path, and are at once lost in the bushes.
Certainly, it is hard work to push along ; the bushes are thick and
determined enough to hold us back, even were they such well-disposed
and respectable members of the vegetable kingdom as grow in civilized
countries. But in Arizona, " no bush without a thorn ; '' even the oaks
have prickly leaves. Wide-spreading mimosas stretch out their skinny
arms and clutch us, and the claws of straggling acacias and mezquites
take hold. Lesser shrubs rattle ])rickly seeds around us ; we are con-
fronted with great piles of driftwood, and hedged about with compact
heaps of twigs and rushes, stranded by the last overflow. But Ibrtu-
nately the place is intersected with cattle-paths, along which we can
thread a devious way ; and though no Ibises are yet in sight, plenty of
other birds whistle and chirp encouragement. Coveys of Plumed Quail
are trooping along half-covered ways, clinking in merr;\' concert ; Abert's
Finches rustle in every tangle; in the green willow clumps Orange-
crowned Warblers are disporting, and sipping dew from leafy, scroll-
like cups. Now the path grows soft and oozy — we must take care, and
leap from log to log, or we shall sink up to the knees ; while here and
the^e the shallow, stagnant pools we are searching for appear. It is
to be hoped some Ibises are feeding around them ; let us creep now as
quietly as we can, and, if inclined to curse the twigs that crackle under

TANTALUS LOCULATOE, WOOD IBIS. 515

foot, let us do it in an undertone. We peer now through a thick fringe
of arrow-wood, but only in time to see a flock of Ibises hurrying over
the tops of the copse beyoud, croaking dismally, it seems to us, though
doubtless in exultation. Never mind ! we are used to this sort of thing,
and know that neither pet nor wild birds always do jnst as we would
have them — but what is this ? " Croak, croak, croak ! " right overhead ;
a pair of birds, flapping along from the direction we have come, doubt-
less to join the feasting party they expected to find here. That was a
good shot ! so was that ! An Ibis each time, at forty or fifty yards.
There lie the birds, one quite dead, floating on the slimy pool, the
other winged, with a pellet in his brain, too, perhaps, he tumbles so
wildly over the mud, soiling his snowy plumage. IIow the birds for
half a mile around are croaking! there'll be no more shooting at this
particular spot ; we may as well go home to breakfast. It is eight
o'clock, and already the sun glares fiercely.

We have skinned and put away the dead Ibises, after careful meas-
urements, and noting the colors of the parts that fade in drying. The
usual question arises,, how to worry through with the day, as we loiter,
sweating, half undressed, under the verandah on the shady side of the
house. To go out after birds at noon-day is impossible ; will not some
birds kindly come to us '? Fulfilment we have, even in the expression
of the wish ; there are birds to lend wings to leaden hours even during
the sun's reign of terror at Fort Yuma.. A long white line, dimly seen at
first in the distance, issues out of the gray-green woods. It is a troop
of Wood Ibises, leaving their heated covert for what seems the still
less endurable glare of day, yet reckoning well, for they have before en-
joyed the cooler currents of the upper air, unheated by reflection from
the parched and shrinking sands. They come nearer, rising higher as
they come, till they are directly over head, in the bright blue. Flap-
ping heavily until they had cleared all obstacles, then mounting faster
with strong, regular beats of their broad wings, now they sail in circles
with wide-spread, motionless pinions, supported as if by magic. A
score or more cross each other's paths in interminable spirals, their
snowy bodies tipped at the wing-points with jetty black, clear cut
against the sky ; they become si)ecks in the air, and finally pass from
view.

I am not aware that the Ibises circle about as I have described at
particular hours of the day, but I generally saw them so occupied in the
forenoon. The habit is constant with them, and quite characteristic.
They are often joined by numbers of Turkey Buzzards — birds that have
the same custom. Those familiar with the aerial gyrations of these birds,
when, away from their loathsome feasts, they career high over head,
will have, by adding to the Buzzard's movements the beauty of plumage
that the Ibises possess, a good idea of the pleasing appearance of the
latter. Audubon says that their evolutions are performed wlien diges-
tion is going on, and continued until they again feel the cravings of
hunger. lie has so well described their mode of feeding, that I cannot
do better than quote his i)aragraph. "The Wood Ibis," lie says, "feeds
entirely upon fish and aquatic rei)tiles, of whi^h it destroys an enormous
quantity, in fact more than it eats; for if they have been killing tish for
half an liour, and gorged themselves, they sufler the rest to lie on tlie
Mater untouched, to become food for alligators, Crows, ami \ ultures.
To procure its food, the Wood Ibis walks through shallow, nuuldy lakes,
or bayous, in numbers. As soon as they have discovered a place abound-
ing in fish, they dance, as it were, all through it, until tlie water becomes
thick with the mud stirred from the bottom with their feet. Tbe fishes,

516 TANTALUS LOCULATOR, WOOD IBIS.

on rising to the surface, are instantly struck by the beak of the Ibises,
and on being deprived of life they turn over and so remain. In the
course of ten or fifteen minutes, hundreds of fishes, frogs, young alli-
gators, and water-snakes, cover the surface, and the birds greedily swal-
low them until they are completely gorged, after which they walk to the
nearest margins, place themselves in long rows, with their breasts all
turned toward the sun, in the manner of Pelicans and Vultures, and
thus remain for an hour or so.''

The great abundance of the Wood Ibis on the Colorado, especially
the lower portions of the river, as at Fort Yuma, has not been generally
recognized until of late years. It is probably as numerous there as any-
where in the United States, though I have never seen flocks "composed
of several thousands," such as Audubon speaks of. Oltenest the num-
bers together would fall short of an hundred, and single birds were very
frequently seen flapping overhead or wading in the shallow i)ools. But
they are like all of their great tribe, gregarious birds, spending most of
their time in each other's society. I doubt that any are found on the
Colorado higher than Fort Mojave. They probably occur along the
greater part of the Gila, but how far up I am unable to say. I have
not noticed them in Arizona except on these two rivers. Wherever
found in the Territory they are ijermanent residents, as elsewhere in
most parts of the United States. In the Eastern province they reach
to the Carolinas. They are said to ascend the Mississippi to Ohio; but
the swampy tracts and bayous of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and
Florida, are, with the lagoons of the lower Colorado, their favorite
homes. I do not know of them in California, except as along the river
just named.

The carriage of the Wood Ibis is firm and sedate, almost stately;
each leg is slowly lifted and planted with deliberate precision, before
the other is moved, when the birds walk unsuspicious of danger. I
never saw one run rapidly, since on all the occasions when I bave been
the cause of alarm, the bird took wing directly. It springs powerfully
from the ground, bending low to gather strength, and for a little distance
flaps hurriedly with dangling legs, as if it was much exertion to lilt so
heavy a body. But fairly on wing, clear of all obstacles, the flight is
firm, strong, and direct, performed with continuous moderately rapid
beats of the wing, except when the birds are sailing in circles as above
noted. When proceeding in a straight line the feet are stretched hori-
zontally backward, but the head is not drawn closely in upon the
breast, as is the case with Herons, so that the bird presents what may
be called a top-heavy appearance, increased by the thick large bill.

The eggs of the Wood Ibis are like Heron's, in being nearlj' ellipsoi-
dal, but differ from these, as well as from those of the Bay Ibis, in color,
which is uniform dull white, without markings. The shell is rather
rough to the touch, with a coating of sottish, flaky, calcareous sub-
stance. A specimen that I measured was exactly 2^ inches in length
by li,^ in breadth. Two or three are said to be a nest-complement. Ac-
cording to Audubon the young are entirely dusky-gray, with brownish-
black wings and bill. The head is at first covered, but becomes par-
tially bare after the first moult. Four years are said to be required for
the bird to attain its full i)lumage, though it may breed at two or three
years of age, and is largely white or whitish after the first moult. The
head and upper part of the neck of the adult are wholly bare, and of a
livid bluish color, tinged with yelloAvish on the forehead. The bill is
yellowish ; the legs blue, becoming blackish on the toes, and tinged with
yellow on the webs. The female is considerably smaller than the male.

IBIS FALCINELLUS VAR. ORDII, GLOSSY IBIS. 517

Subfamily Ibidin^ : True Ibises.

IBIS FALCINELLUS var. OKDII (Bp.) Cones.

GIossj or Bay Ibis. O 'M)

Tantalns mexicauus, Ord, Jonin. Phila. Acad, i, 1817, 53 (Xew Jersey).

IbisfakineUus, Bp., Obs. Wils. lc;25, No. 199 ; Am. Orn. iv, 1831, 23, pi. 23, f. 1 ; Syn, 1628,
312.— NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 88.— AuJO., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 608, pi. 387; Svn.
257 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 50, pi 358.— Emm., Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 5.— Peab., Rep.' B.
Mass. 1839, 365.— Linsl., Am. Jonrn. Sci. xliv, 1843, 266 (Connecticut).- Putx.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.56, 230 (Massachnsetts).— Carot. Pr. Bost. Soc. iii, 313, 333,
3.55; iv, 346.— Allex, Bnll. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 361 (Florida).— Hudson, P. Z. S.
1870, 799 (biosrapby).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. X. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois).

IMs falcineUus var. ordii, CoiKS, Key, 1872, 2()3.

lUs'ordii, Bi'., List, 1838, 49.— Bd., B. N. A., 1858, 635.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860,
No. 190 (one or two occasions). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86 (Massacbn-
setts, occasional, irregular). — Law1{., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 292 (New York,
rare). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1868, 290 (Massacbusetts, exceptionally). —
CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina, summer).— Tui:n., B. E. Pa.
1819, 44 (New Jersey, occasional). — Ma yn., Guide, 1870, 145 (Massacbusetts). —
Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 637 (Massachusetts and New Hampshire).

FalcineUus ordii,Bv., Consp. ii, 1855, 159.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 96 (Arizona).
In the present uncertainty attending the discrimination of species, I only quote the

references to the ordinary North American bird.

Hah. — United States, southerly, straying north to Massachusetts and Ohio.

The Glossy Ibis is not fignred in Wilson's Ornithology, and remained
an unknown inhabitant of the United States nj) to the termination of
that author's labors. In 1817 a specimen was taken in J^ew Jersy, and
announced by Mr. Ord under the name of Tantalus mexicanus. Since
that time it has been found at irregular intervals along our coast, chiefl.v
in the Southern and Middle districts, but occasionally as far north as
Massachusetts; where, however, its occurrence must be considered as
accidental. Audubon says that he found it in flocks in Texas, but gives
only a meagre account of its habits. Nuttall's article is mainly an ac-
count of Ibises in general, devoted principally to mention of ancient,
and particularly Egyptian, chronicles and superstitions regarding them.
The United States species was first separated under the name of ordii
by Bonaparte, 1838.

The eggs of Ibises are very different from those of Ilerons. The shell
is heavier, rougher, and more granular, the difference in texture being
very apparent ; and are ovoidal, not ellip.soidal, with considerable dif-
ference in the degree of convexity of the two ends. Those of the Glossy
Ibis measure from 1.90 by 1.45 to 2.10 by 1.50, and are of a dull greenish-
blue color, without markings. The number usually deposited is believed
to be three.

^9-^}

Family ARDEID^: Herons.

Subfamily Ardeinje: True Ilerons.

AEDEA HERODIAS, Linn.
Great Blue Heron.

Ardea hcrodins, Ltnn., Syst. Nat. i, 176(i, 237 (based on Cates., iii. 10, and Bni.ss., v,
416).— Om., Syst. Nat. 1788, 630.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 692 (Ant. Zool. ii,
234 ; r:en. Syn. v, 85).— Wils., Am. Orn. viii. 1814. 2-^, pi. 65. (ig. 5.— Ti:v.m., Man.
11, 1820, .56C).—Bi'..Ob.s. Wils. 182.5, No. 188; Svn. 182-. 304: List, 1838, 47 ; Consp.
ii, 1855, 112.— Sw. &, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831. 373 (Hudson's Bay).— Nirrr., Man.
ii, 1834, 42.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 87 ; v, 599 ; pi. 211 ; Syu. 1839, 265 ; B.

518 AKDEA IIEEODIAS, GREAT BLUE HERON.

Am. vi, 184:^, 12-2. pi. :!H9.— Cii;., 15. L. I. 1^44, 270.— DAinv., Voy. VH\\<r^v. 128
(Galapagos). — Woouii., Silgi-. Rep. 1"^53, 97 (Arkaiisa.s, Texas, and New Mex-
ico).— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst. i. 1856, 218 (Massaclinsctts, suiniiier). — GuNDL., J,
f. 0. iv, 185G. 340 (Cuba, brcetls).— Newjj., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857,97 (Calilbriiia,
coninion).— P>iJ.,B. N. A. 1858, GG8.— Sci.., Ibis, i, 18.51), 2v;0 (Giiateinala).— Nkwt.,
md. 263 (Santa Cm/.). -Buy., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1851) (Balianins).— IIkekm., ]'. R.
R. Re)). X, 18.59, pt. vi, 63 (California).— Cooi'. & Sick., N. II. Wash. Ter. 1.<6U,
228 (Pnget Sound).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173.— Wheat., Oliio Agiic. Rep. 18()0,
No. 185.— Ca.ss., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1860, 196 (Atrato).— Coi'K.s & Pj{i:nt., Smiths.
Rep. 2861, 415 (Washington, summer). -ScL., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Ji.maiea).—
BoAiJDM., Pr. I>ost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine, breeds, connnon). — Vkkr., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 1862, 153 (Maine, breeds). — Allen, ifciY?. iv. 1864,76 (Massachusetts,
breeding).— McIlwk., ibid. 1866, 91 (Canada West).— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 289.—
Lawr., Ann.Lyc.N. Y. viii, 1863 (Panama); viii, 1864, 99 (Sombrero); ix, 1868,
152 (Costa Rica) ; 210 (Yucatan) ; viii, 1866, 292.— Coues. Pr. Bo.st. Soc. xii, 1868,
123 (South Carolina, resident.)— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 95 (Arizona,
breeding) ; 1871, 33 (North Carolina).— SUxXd., OtV. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1869, 589 (St.
Bartholomew). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1865, 501 (Iowa). — Dall & Bann.,
Tr.Chic. Acad. 1869, 283 (Sitka, Alaska).— Turxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 29 (sum-
mer).—Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 358 (Florida); iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas and
' Utah).— Mayn., Guide. 1870, 143 (Massachusetts) ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (New
Hampshire).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).— Coues, Key, 1872,
267.- Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 9.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois).
Ardca hudsonias, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 338 (EDW.,pl. 135; Brlss., v, 407). — Gm., Syst.
Nat. i, 1788, 631.— Latil, I. O. ii, 1790, 693 ( Arct. Zool. ii. No. 342 ; Geu. Syu. v, 86).

Hab. — North America, to Hudson's Bay and Sitka. South to Guatemala and Gala-
pa;^os. West Indies. Breeds throughout its range, and winters in the South.
Lieuienant Warrenh Expedition. — .5454, near Big Sioux River.
Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, uor by the later ones.

jSTo species of Heron has a wider distiibutiou in North America, and
only the Bittern equals it in the extent of its dispersion. It appears to
be more common, however, in the United States than further north, and
is resident south of the Middle districts. Herons, as a group, are rather
southern birds; only these two just named proceed bej^ond the United
States, and most, if not all, are more abundant in the southern ]iortions
of the Union. They are particularly numerous in the South Atlantic
and Gulf States, where they breed by thousands, and in which districts
several species occur that are not found in corresponding latitudes in
the West. On the Pacific side we have no peculiar species, all that
occur there being of wide distribution.

The breeding places of the Great Blue Heron on the Colorado Eiver
ofi'er no su<;h scenes as those of the same bird do in Florida, for in-
stance. There may, indeed, be places along this river overgrown with
low, dense woods, simulating a cypress swamp, where the birds may
resort to breed, along with the Wood Ibises ; but, for the most part, the
Herons that wend their way along the Colorado are only screened by low,
straggling mezquite, that scarcely hides them, or patches of arrow-wood
{Tessaria borealis), that they can overlook. Where the river flows deep-
est and swiftest, cutting its way through bold canons that rise frowning
on either hand like the battlements of giant castles — where the fervid
rays of the sun heat the rocks till they almost crack, and the sand
blisters the feet — there the Herons fix their nests, overhanging the ele-
ment whence they draw subsistence. The face of the cliffs in many
places is covered with singular nests of the Eave Swallow, breeding by
thousands; while on the flat projecting shelves of rock we find, here and
there, the bulky platiorms of twigs and sticks, and i)erhaps see the
sedate bird herself, setting motionless on the nest, hopefully biding her
time, cheered during her long waiting by the joyous troops of the Swal-
lows that flutter incessantly around.

Wherever placed, on tree, bush, or rock, the nest of the Heron is a
large bed of twigs, more or less matted together with grasses and weeds,

ARDEA EGKETTA, GREAT WHITE EGRET. 519

some two feet in diameter and about one-third as bi^li. Two or three
eggs are laid, probably never more ; they measure about 2.50 by 1,50,
and are rather narrowly elliptical, with both ends of about the same
shape ; the color is a pale, dull, greenish-blue, varying in shade in dif-
ferent specimens, but always uniform over the same egg.

I have not observed the breeding of the Heron in the Missouri region,
but have noticed the bird high up the river as late as the end of October.

AEDEA EGRETTA, (Gm.) Gray.

Great White Egret; White Keroii*

Jrdea egretta, GM.,Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 629.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, G94.— WiL.s , Am.
Orn. vii, 1813, 100, pi. (U, f. 4.— Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 47.— Aud., Oru. Biog. iv,
1838,600, pi. 386; Syu. 1839, 26.'); B. Am. vi, 1843, 132, pi. 370.— Wuodh., Sitgr.
Rep. 1853, 97 (Texas and Indian Territory).— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 218
(Massachusetts, very rare). — Tuiinb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 27 (rather rare). — COUES,
Key, 1872, 267.

Eerodias etjnita, Gi:.vv, Gen. of B. iii, 1849.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 666.— AViieat., Ohio
Agric. Rep. 1H60, No. 184 (not very uucommou).— Coi'ES & Pp.ent., Smiths.
Rep. 1861, 415 (Washington, occaBioual).— Aeeen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86
(Boston). — CouES, Und. v, 1868,290 (New England, to Massachusetts). — McIlwe.,
ibid. V. 1866,91 (Hamilton, C. W. ; rare).— Dkess., Ibis, 1836, 31 (Texas).— Lawr.,
Aun. Lye. N. Y. viii, 18ii6, 292 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123
(South Carolina, summer, common). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 95 (Colo-
rado River, common) ; ihld. 1871, 33 (North Carolina, common). — Mayn., Guide,
1870, 143 (Massachusetts, casual). — Jones, Trans. Nova Scotia Inst, ii, 1868,72
(Nova Scotia). — Allen, km. Nat. iii, 1870, 637 (Massachusetts). — Allen, Bull.
M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 358 (Florida, abundant, breeding).- Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 9
(Kansas, one instance). — Hatch, Bull. Minnesota Acad, i, 1874, 62 (Minnesota).

Herod'ias alba var. eyretta, Ridgway, Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois).

Eerodias egretta var. califurnica, Baiud, B. N. A. 1856, 667 (larger).

Ardea leitcc, Illiger. — Lichtensti;in, Verz. 1823, No. 793.

Egretta Icnce, Bonaparte, List, 1838, 47 ; Consp. ii, 1855, 114.

Eerodias Iciiee, Brehm. Hand-buch, 1831, 585.

Ardea alba, Bonaparte, Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 189; Syn. 1828, 304 (not of Linno'us).

Ardea ^' oeeideiitalis," Newr., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 27 (California). (Not of Aitdubon).

ExtralimitaJ quotations. — GrM>L., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 341 (Cuba).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc.
vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— ScL., 1'. Z. S. 1861,80 (Jamaica).— ScL., P. Z. S. 18()0, 253 (Ori-
zaba); 290 (Ecmidor).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 199 (Peru); 1867, 334 (Chili); 1869,
156 (Peru); 1873, 305 (Peru).— Scl., Ibis, 1859, 226 (Central America).— T.vylor, Ibis,
1860, 312 (Tigre Island, Honduras).— L.vwi;., Ann. Lye. viii, 63 (Panama) ; ix, 142 (Costa
Rica).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 300 (resident). — Phil., Cat. 33 (Chili). — Darw., Voy. Beagle,
128 (Mahlonado and Patagonia).

//«/>.— United States, southerly, straggling northward to Nova Scotia (./ojffs), Massa-
chusetts, Canada West, and Minnesota. West Indies; Mexico; Central and S. Anuirica.
Not obtained bj- any of the Expeditions.

The only instance of the occurrence of this species in the Mis.souri
region which has come to my knowledge is that of a specimen taken at
Lawrence, Kansas, August 15, 1872, as stated by Prof. Snow. It must
be, however, of at least occasional occurrence on the Lower i"\Ii.ssouri.

This (ine bird nuiy be immediately recognized by its color — pure white
at all .season.s, with yellow bill and black legs, witli its large size — about
three feet in length. The head is not adorned with a crest, but in the
breeding sea.son the back has a magnificent train drooping beyond the
tail. The Little White lOgref is much smaller, only about two feet long,
and has a recurved ci-est, lengthened breasL-leathers, and a recurvecl
train, in the breeding season. An erroneous impression prevails that
an " I']gret " is soniethiiig dilTerent from a Heron; but all Egrets are
Herons, althougli all Herons are not lOgrets. It is a term applied to
certain Herons, especially white ones, that have long jilumes {(dijirftcn);
but the distinctiou is entirely arbitrary. The liedilish Egret, for iu-

520 HERODIAS EGRETTA, GREAT WHITE EGRET.

stance, and the Louisianan, are not white ; whWe the small Green Heron
has loiifi', flowing doisal plnmes,

Andubon has a paragraph npon this species susceptible of extensive
application, and expressing a favorite idea of mine, strengthened into
conviction by repeated observation. Speaking of finding Egrets much
wilder in early spring than after they had settled to their duties of re-
production, he says : " I have sui)posed this to be caused by the change
of their tliowjlits on such occasions, and am of opinion tliat birds of all
kinds become more careless of themselves. As the strength of their
attachment toward their mates or progeny- increases through the process
of timCj as is the case with the better part of our own species, lovers
and parents perform acts of heroism which individuals having no such
attachment to each other would never dare to contemplate. In these
birds the impulse of affection is so great that, when they have young,
they allow themselves to be approached so as often to fall victims to the
rapacity of man, who, boasting of reason and benevolence, ought at
such a time to respect their devotion." No one unfamiliar with birds'
natures, as exhibited at different seasons of the year, and at varying
ages, can have adequate conception of the opposite traits they display.
Even Doves, those meekest of birds — the emblems of " peace on earth
and good-will" — fight furiously when the furor amantium is on them ;
the wariest birds forget to consider personal danger in defence of their
young; suspicious birds sometimes grow impudently familiar; knowing
birds appear stupid ; dull birds become frisky, and friskj- birds beside
themselves, when in love ; silent birds cry out, and singing birds sing-
all the time.

Another point may be mentioned here. The young^ even of birds by
nature shy and suspicious, require some time to get over their early
verdancy and acquire a wholesome degree of caution. Instincts of this
sort are undoubtedly hereditary, and sufficiently well marked to enable
us to predicate it, in a certain greater or less degree, of all birds; and
circumstances of subsequent experience, moreover, have much control
over its development and exhibition. But, beyond these variations, it
is unquestionable that, other things being equal, young birds are for a
while less wary than their parents, as certainly as in the case of our
own species. The White Egret is an illustration in point. We are
familiar with the difficulty that Audubon records of his exjjerience in
attempting to shoot these birds; and those of us who have tried can
attest the same thing. But such strategy is not always required, late
in the summer and early in the fall, to obtain birds of the year. At
Fort Yuma, where the birds were very common, I had frequent occa-
sion to wonder at their want of shyness in the fall, not to say their ab-
solute stupidity. On one occassion that I remember I came upon a
young bird that was quietly feeding at a little pool. Notwithstanding
that I was on horseback and had come clattering along, the bird, uot
frightened at the noise and sudden appearance, merely drew itself up at
full height to look a moment, and then bent its long neck again to re-
sume its meal, within fifteen steps of me. It was to have been hoped
that it could have lived long enough to learn better. Speaking in gen-
eral terms, and without considering the artificial frame of mind brought
about by man's interference, the shyness of any Heron corresponds ex-
actly to its size; and it is so with many o'her birds, particularly Gulls —
the larger the species, the more wary. The smaller kinds, as the Green
Heron and the Least Bittern, show little concern at being approached.
It would almost seem as if the greater birds were aware how likely to
attract harmful attention their imposing appearance made them, and as
if the little ones trusted to their insignificance for protection. It is only

ARDEA CxVNDIDISSIMA, LITTLE WHITE EGRET. 521

another interpretation of La Fontaine's crowned rats. The gradation
in size among Herons calls up oue other point. Such species as the
Great Blue and the Great White are certainly to be considered of dig-
nified bearing, and their motions have something of grace and beauty as
well. But, though the Green, and the Least, and others have almost
exactly the t-ame form and the same attitudes and movements, they
would never be called dignitied or elegant birds. Analyzing this dilfer-
euce in the way the birds impress us, I cannot see that anything but
size is in question. This is the real secret ; the large Blue Heron is dig-
nified hj its size alone ; the little Green Heron, that copies every
posture and action of the other, oulj" succeeds in being grotesque, if not
actually ridiculous — the more so from the very fact of its imitation.
The parallel that may be drawn is a broad and long one.

The White Egret is rather a delicate bird, preferring warm weather,
and consequently restricted in geographical distribution. In New En-
gland it is only a rare visitor, and is not known to breed. 1 may here
observe that a certain northward migration of some southerly birds at
this season is nowhere more noticeable than among the Herons and their
allies, the migrants consisting chiefly of birds hatched that year, which
unaccountably stray in what seems to us the wrong direction. Massa-
chusetts is the northernmost record of the species in New England. It
is rather decidedly a maritime bird, like its smaller relative {A)(lea
candidisfiinia), and seldom penetrates any distance inland except along
our largest rivers — the Mississippi, Eio Grande, and Colorado. 1 never
saw^ it in the interior of the Carolinas, along the coasts of which I found
it very abundant, and throughout the low, flat, marshy or swampy dis-
tricts. On the Pacific coast it is not recorded north of (California. I
met with it frequently in Southern California near the coast, and on
a few occasions on the Mojave River, not far from Soda Lake, perhaps
rather an .exceptional inland locality, as the desert environing on all
sides but oue must be a great barrier. The Arizonian birds are gathered
chiefly along the Colorado, particularly its lower portions.

ARDEA CANDIDISSIMA, Gm.

little White Egret; Snowy Heron.

Ardeanirea, Jacq., Beitr. 1784.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, C9() {parlim).—I^icnT., Vcrz.
1823, No. 79.''). (Name preoccupied.)

Egretta nirca, Cah. {nee auct.). (Up.)

Anlea catididi-ssima, G.M., Syst. Nat. i. 1788, G33.— Wii.s., Am. Ori). vii, 1^13, l^O, pi. 62.
f. 4.— lU'., Obs. Wils. 182.'), No. 174; Syii. 1828, 30;'.— NliT., Man. ii, 1^34, 49.—,
AUD., Oiii. l!io^'. iii, 183.'), 317 ; v, 1839, fiOl! : pi. 242 ; Svii. 1839, 2(i7 ; 15. Am. vi,
1843, 103, pi. 374.— GiK., 15. L. 1, 1844, 283.— WooDii., Sit.gr. Rep. 1853, 97 (ludiau
Territory and Texas).— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 185(5, 218 (Ma.ssacbusetts, very
ranO.— Hi:ki;m., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, G3 (California).— 1'ki.z., Oni. I5r:is.
3(10 (resident).— COUKS, Key, 2G7.— 8cL. &. Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 305 (E. I'eru).

Egretta ra)nti(lis.vma, I5i'., List, 1838, 47.— (Jossk, 15. .Jam. 1847, 33(5.

UcrodUiH ((iiKlidisnima, Ghav, Gen. of 15. iii, 1849.— Gindi.., .J. f. O. iv, 1856, 342.

Garzctta cuudUlimnui, Ui'., Con.sp. Av. ii, 1K')5, 119.— lii>.. 15. N. A. 1~.')S, (it;5. — Cass., Pr.
Phila. Acad. 18110, 19(5 (Cartlia<;;ena, Darien)-— Wiikat., Oliio Agrie. Reii. l-dO,
No. 1K5 (very rare).— CorKS & Puknt., Smitli.s. Rep. 18G1, 415 (not uncom-
mon).—Ai.i.KX, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1H(!4, 8(5 (Massaeliu.sctts, accidental).— Cori:.s,
ihUl. V, 18fi8, 290.— Dhk.ss., Ibis, ISGC), 31 (Texas).- Sci.. & Sai.v., P. Z. 8. l.-GG,
199 (EaPteru Peru).— C«>i r.s, Pr. I'liila. .\ca(l. ISGC, 95 (Colorado KMv.r, abun-
dant) ; 1871. 31 (North Carolina).— Cori'.s, Pr. Post. Soe. xii, 1>^GS, 123 (South
Carolina).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, IHGG, 292 (New York); ix, IHG8. 142
(Costa Rica); 210 (Yucatan).— .Ionics, Tr. Nova Scotia Inst, ii, IHGs, 72 (Nova
Scotia).— Ai.i.KN. Am. Nat. iii, 1^70, (!:57 (Massachu.setts) ; Hull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,
35G (Florida).— TcHXU., 15. K. Pa. lS(i<j, 07 („„(; iiiieonimon).—MAY.\., Guide,
1870, 143 (MassachusottB).— Snow, 15. Kans. 1873, 9.— Riugw., Auu. Lye. N. Y.
X, 1874, 38G (Illinois).

522 " ARDEA VIRESCENS, GREEN HERON,

Ardea caroJinensis, Ord, ed. Wils. \ii, 1825, 125.

Addiiioual cxfralimital quoiaiioni^. — Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica) ; 1864, 179 (Mexico) ;
1867, :i:54 (Chili).— Scl. «fc Salv., ibid. 1867, 280 (Mosquito Coast).- Scl., Ibis, i, 1859,
226 (Central America). — Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Pelz., Novara Reise,
V6g. 118 (Chili).— PiUL., Cat. 33 (Chili).

Hah. — United States, southerlj'. North regularly to the Middle States, casually to
Massachusetts, and even Nova Scotia {Jones). Kansas (Snow). Mexico. West Indies.
Central and South America to Chili. Breeds throughout its regular United States
range, and resident in the Gulf States and further south.

Obtained by none of the Exj)editions.

Among the American Herons this species is only liable to be confounded with the
young of the Little Blue Heron (A. ccertilea), which is white for a time, and of about
the same size. It is recognized, however, by certain diflerences in the proportions and
color of the bill, legs, and feet ; and it never shows any trace of bluish or ashy, as is
usually the case with the young A. cccrulea.

The iutrodaction of this species into the present connection rests on its occurrence
in Kansas, as recorded by Prof. Suoav, I. c. (Topeka, July 25, 1872). The range of the
last species and of this smaller but equally elegant and showy one, appear to be nearly
or quite coincident, and their habits are much the same.

The Little Blue Herou [A. ccerulea) will probably be found about the
Lower Missouri, but at present 1 have no authority for introducing it here.

AEDEA VIEESCENS, Linn.
Green Herou ; Poke.

Ardea virescens, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 238 (based on Ardea minor, Gates., Car. i, 80 ;
CancropharjHs viridis, Biiiss., v, 486, pi. 38, f 1). — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 635. —
Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 684 {Green Heron, Arct. Zool. ii, 447; Gen. Svn. v,
68).— Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 97, pi. 61, f 1 ; ORD'sed. 102.— Bp., Obs.'Wils.
No. 190.— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 36.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 63.— Aud., Orn.
Biog. iv, 1838, 247, pi. 333 ; Syn. 1839, 264 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 105, pi. 367.— GiR.,
B. L. I. 1844, 284.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 97.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856,
218.— SUND., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1869, 589 (St. Bartholomew).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep.
X, 1859, pt. vi, 63 (California).— Tripre, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Miuue-
sota).— CouES, Key, 1872, 268.

Ardea {Boianrus) vireseens, Bp., Specc. Comp. 1827, No. 180 ; Syn. 1828, 307.

Herodias virescens, BoiE. — Bp., List, 1838, 47.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 340.

Egretta virescens, Sw., 2J Cent. 1838, No. 156.

Agamia virescens, Reich., Icones Avium ; Syst. Av. j)!. 131, figs. 489, 490.

Ocniscus virescens, Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 343 (Cuba).

Butorides virescens, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 128.— Scl., P. Z. S. 18.56, 310 (Cordova). —
Scl. & Salv., ihid. 1867, 250 (Mosquito Coast) ; 1809, 252 (Venezuela).— Salv.,
ibid. 1870, 218 (Veragua).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 676.— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 227
(Guatemala).— Newt., ibid. 261 (Santa Cruz). — Tayl., ibid. 1864, 93 (Trinidad);
171 (Porto Rico). — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Wheat., Ohio
Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 188. — Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415 (summer,
abundant). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine, common, breeds). —
Coues, ibid, xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina).- Scott, ibid. 1872, 227 (Virginia).—
Trippe, ibid. 240 (Iowa). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (Maine). — Allen,
ibid, iv, 1864, 76. — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 91 (Canada West, rare).— Coues, ibid.
vi, 1868, 290.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad, 1866, 95 (Arizona) ; 1871, 33 (North Car-
olina).— L.\WR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 292 ; ix, 1868, 142 (Costa Rica). —
Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 28.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 144.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,
1871, 3.59 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868,
501, 507, 520, 526 (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9.— Ridgw.,
Ann. Lvc. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois).

Ardea ludoi-iciana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 630 (not of lVilson).~'Lxrii., I. 0. ii, 1790,690.

Ardea hmjiiata, Mill., 111. pi. (iO. {Gray.)

Ardea chlorojAera et muculala, BODD. ; P. E. 909, 912. {Gray.)

Hah. — United States gener.ally, breeding throughout, and wintering in the South.
Canada West (J/cJ/a)'<t(7/(). Mexico. West Indies. Central America to Venezuela.
Not noticed by the Expeditions.

Occurs chiefly in the southern and eastern portions of the Missouri
region.

KYCTIARDEA GEISEA VAR. N^VIA, NIGHT HERON. 523

2s"TCTIAEDEA GEISEA var. N^YIA, (Bodd.) Allen.

Asncrican Night Heron.

Botaurus narius, Buiss., Oru. v, 1760, ■IC)2.

Jrdea narlu, Bodd., PlaiuL. Enluiii. Tabl. 1784, pi. 939 (young). {Gray.)

Nyctiardea na'via, Gi;ay, Haml-list, iii, 1671, 33, No. 10175.

Xyctkorox vcrvia, Gi:ay, G. of B. iii, 558.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 30."> (Eastern Pern).

J^'ycfiardca griisea var. luvvia, Ai.len, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182. — COUES, Key, 1872, 269.

^\iicficnra.r }iriscii8, Reinii., Vid. Nat. For. 1870, 25 (Brazil). — Allex, Bull. M. Z. C. ii, 359.

{^) Ardcajamoicevsis, GM.,Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 625. — Lath., lud. Oru. li, 1790, 679 (Ja-
inaica Xlyht Heron of Geu. Syu. v, 54 ; rather J. violaccHs).

Jrdea hoactli, Gyi., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 630. — Lath., luil. Oru. ii, 1790,700 {A. mexicana
crii^iala, Bkiss. v, 218 ; Day Heron of Geu. Syu. v, 100).

Ardea (/ardeiii, G'si., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 645. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 685 (G«?-(7(Hi«H
and Spotted Heron, Geu. Syn. 70, 71 ; Arct. Zool, No. 355).

Xycticorax qardeni, Jai;i)., Notes Wils. Oru. — Bp., C. A. ii, 1855, 141. — Guxdl., J. f. O. iv,
1856, 346.— SCL. P. Z. S. 1860, 387.— Scl. «fc Saev. P. Z. S., 1866, 1S9 (E. Peru).

Nyctiardea (/ardeni, Bd.,B N. A. 1858,678.— Coop, ifc Suck.. N. H. Wash Ter. 1860,223.—
Wheat.; Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 189 (rare).— Coues & Pkext.. S. I. Rep.
1861, 415 (occasional).- BoAiiDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Vep.k., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (Maine, breeding). — Allex, ibid, iv, 1864, 76 (breeding abun-
dantly).—Coles, ibid. V, 1668, 290.— MclLWK., ibid, v, 1866, 92 (common).—
Coues, Pr. Phila, Acad. 1866,95 (Arizona). — Lawu., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
292.— Coles, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina) — Tlti;nb., B. E. Pa.
1869, 28.— Allicx, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 507 (Illinois).— Mayx., Guide, 1870,
144.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 9.

Xycfiardea yrisea var. gardeni, RiDC.w., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois).

Ardea nycticorax, WiLS., Am. Oru. vii, 1813, 101, pi. 6), f. 2 (not of Linnatis). — Bp., Obs.
Wils. 1825, No. 193 ; Svn. 1828, 306.— Aud., Oru. Biog. iii, 1635, 275 ; v, 1839,
600 ; I)]. 236 ; Syu. 1839, 261 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 82, pi. 363.

Ardea maculata, Fihsch, Av. ii, pi. 9.

Ardea di.^cors, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, .54.

Xyciicorax amerieo'iuts, Bp., List, 1838, 48. — TsCH., Fn. Peru, 50.— GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 344.

Hab. — United States and British Provinces. Breeds abundantly in New England.
Winters in the South and beyond. Part of the West Indies. Mexico. Central Amer-
ica. South America (Peru, Taehudi, Sehiter 4'- Salviii; Chili, Darivin ; Bva/W, PeJzeln;
Falkland, Selater). (Compare A. obscitra, Lichtenisteiii.)

Not obtained by the Expeditions.

Observed by ine oii the Eed River of the North, ucar Pembina, Dakota,
iu May. Like the A. herodicDi aud Botaums minor ., this species goes quite
far north — a little beyond the limits of the United States. It breeds iu
suitabh'. places throughout its range, iu colonies, sometimes of great
exteut; and is resident iu the South.

BOTAUEUS MINOE, (Gm.) Boie.
American Bittern.

Botaurnn freti-hudsonis, Biass , Orn. v, 449, pi. 37, f. 1. — Degl., Oru. ii, 309.

Ardea freli-hiidKoiiin, Schleoel, Mus. I'ays-Bas; Ardea; p. 49.

Ardea liiid><oiiia.s, Mehp.., Ersch. Grub. Ency. v. 175.

Ardea .^telhiris var., Foh.st., Phil. Tran.s. Ixii, 1772, 410.

Ardea uteUarin var. 3, Ilotanrun freii-hiidxohi-s, Lath., Iiul. Oru. ii, 1790, 680 (Einv., pi.
13(): Gen. Syn. v, 58; Arct. Zool, ii, 451.)

Ardea uteUarin var. B, minor, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 17^-^, 635.

Anlea minor, Wils., Am. Orn. viii, 1^14. 35. pi. 65, f. 3.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 186.—
All)., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 296, pi. 337.— Newu., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1^57, 96 (Cali-
fornia and Oregon).

Botaurus minor, lUni:, Isis, 1826, 979. — Br., List, 1838,48: Cousp. ii, 1855, 136.— Gi'xdl.,
J. f. (). iv, 1K56, 346 (Cuba).— (Jkav, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 32, No. 111163.— CoUKS,
Key, 1872, 269.

Ardea hnlit/inom. Mont., Orn. Diet. Sui)pl. 1S13.— .Jex.. Man. 191— Leaiii, C.it. 33. —
Tem.al, Man. Orn. iv, :!8I.— 1 i.k^l, Brit. An. 9(i.— Evt., Brit. B. 37. —Keys. &
Blas., Wirb. Eur. 80.— Sai!.. Frankl. Journ. 683.— S\v. & Rich., F. B. -\. ii, 1831,

524 BOTAURUS MINOR, BITTERN.

374.— NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 60.— AuD., Svn. 1839, 263; B. Am. vi, 1843, 94, pi
365.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 28.5.— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 218.— Tiuppe, ibid.
vi, 1871, 119.
Botmirus lcnU(jlnosm, Steph., Shaw's Geu. Zool. xi, 1819, 596. — Macgil., Man. ii, 124. —
Gi?AV, Geu. of B. iii, 557. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 674; Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, pt. ii,
1859, 24 (Matanioras).— Heeuai., P. K. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 63 (California.)—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 228.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860,
No. 187.— CouES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1861, 227 (Labrador) ; 1866, 95 (Arizona) ; 1871,
34 (North Carolina). — Coues «fc Peext., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415 (resident). —
Hayi>., Rep. 1862, 173.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 321 (California).— Boardm.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine, common, breeds). — Coues, ihid.-^u, 1868, 123
(South Carolina, resident). — Mayx., ibid. 1871 (New Hampshire). — Aiken, ibid.
1872, 209 (Colorado).— Tr.iPPE, ibid. 1872, 240 (Iowa, abundant, breeds).— Verr.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153 (Maine, breeds). — Allex, ibid, iv, 1864, 76. — McIlwr.,
ibid. V, 1866, 91 (Canada West, abundant, summer). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 290. —
Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 292. —
Dress., Ibis, 1866, 32 (Texas).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 196 (Guatemala).— Allex,
Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, .501, 507, 520 (Iowa and Illinois).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z.
ii, 1871, 359 (Florida); iii, 1872, 182 (Kausas and Utah).— TuRXB., B. E. Pa.

1869, 28.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 144 (Massachusetts, April to October).— Endi-
COTT, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 169 (best biography). — Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter.

1870, 465 (Wyoming).- Sxow. B. Kans. 1873, 9.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x,
1874, 386 (Illinois).

Butor Icrtfigivosus, Jard., Br. Birds, iii, 147.

Butor americana, Swaixs., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 354.

Jrdea moloko, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xiv, 440.— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 29.

Ardca adtipersa, Light., "Mus. Berol."

Botaurus adspersus, Cab. {Bp.)

Hah. — Entire temperate North America (up to 58° or 60°). Cuba. South to Guate-
mala. Breeds chiefly from the Middle districts northward, ■wintering thence south-
ward. Regularly migratory. Accidental in Europe (Gould, B. Eur. pi. 281. — Thomp.,
Ann. Mag. N. H. xvii, 1846, 91. — Hart., Brit. B. 1872, 150 ; numerous instances).

Lieutenant JVarren's Expedition. — 5455, Vermilion River; 8911, Platte River.

Later Expeditions. — 60774, Sv.-eetwater.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The very great variation in size of this species has not usually been recognized. I
have measured individuals from 23 to 34 inches in length, with an extent of wing from
32 to 43 inches; the wing 9.^ to 13, and other measurements to correspond. The colora-
tion varies interminably; even the characteristic velvety black spot on the side of the
neck is sometimes obsolete.

Audubon has giveu accounts of nearly all our Herons, with which he
was very familiar, in a series of admirable biographies, leaving little to
be desired. He was less fortunate in the case of the Bittern, admitting
that he nev^er bad a good opportunity of observing all its habits. This
beiug the case with "the American Woodsman," it is less singular that
no other writer has completed the history of the species. Latterly,
however, Mr. Endicott has gone far toward supplying the deficieucy, in
his excellent article above cited ; and Mr. Samuels gives some interest-
ing particulars. Every one knows the Bittern by sight, and has a gen-
eral, if vague, idea of its character, but few have become familiar with
its ways. Wilson conveys but little informatiou, and that not entirely
to the point. Eichardson fixes its northern limit at 58°, but has little
more to say. Nuttall's account is chiefly a compilation from these two
sources. Although I am tolerably familiar with the bird, I have never
seen its nest, or found it where 1 could suppose it was breeding.
According to the best accounts, its peculiarities in respect of uidihca-
tion are, that it does not assemble in communities, at auj' rate of large
extent, to breed, and that the nest is usually placed on the ground.
Mr. Samuels says: "It breeds in communities, sometimes as many as a
dozen pairs nesting within the area of a few rods. The nests are placed
on low bushes, or thick tufts of grass, sometimes in low, thickly- wooded
trees ; and are composed of coarse grasses, twigs, and a few leaves. I

BOTAURUS MINOR, BITTERN. 525

know of no other i)lace in New England where these birds breed in such
abundance as in the neighborhood of Eichardsou's Lakes, in Maine-
There, in some of the tangled, boggy, almost impenetrable swamps,
these birds have several heronies, which they have inhabited for years."
It will be observed that this account is directly contradictory of a state-
ment of Audubon's: "Although in a particular place, apparently favor-
able, some dozens of these birds may be fouud to-day, yet, perhaps, on
visiting it to-morrow, you will not find one reuuiining, and districts re-
sorted to one season or year, will be found deserted by them the next."

With these accounts we may compare Mr. Endicott's observations :
"Some speak of finding the Bittern breeding in colonies in trees. Good
observers say so, and I believe them ; but 1 think that all such cases
are owing to accidental circumstances, such as tlie inundation of their
marshes. Certain it is, that 1 have never found them so associated.
'Le butor,' says M. Holandre, 'est tres sauvage, farouche, solitaire.'
One tiger's den to a jungle, one eyry to a mountain, and one pair of
Bitterns to a bog, seems to be the rule. In the place where I have found
them there is retired feeding ground for a thousand ; dense cedar
swamps, extensive enough for as many nests, if they only chose to
congregate, like their sociable cousins, the Herons ; and yet two by
two they live, their next neighbors nobody knows how far away — not
in the same swamp at any rate ; and on the ground, the bare ground,
they lay their four or five eggs, among low laurel, tufts of grass, or, as
in the case of the first nest I ever found, at the foot of a swamp huckle-
berry, from which the callow young, unable yet to stand, tried to drive
me away by repeated tumbling charges, menacing me by clumping their
soft mandibles, and by sending angry hisses from their wide-yawning
yellow throats."

Mr. Endicott remarks very pointedly upon the general uncertainty
that i)ervades ornithological writings respecting the color of the Bit-
tern's eggs, "finding the enumerated authorities determined that the
eggs should have green on them of some shade or other." He calls
them "a dark drab"; Mr. Samuels says "a rich drab, with sometimes
an olive tinge." The color of the several sets before me may be called
a brownish-drab, with a shade of gray. It is a difficult color to name,
and doubtless varies in tint in different specimens ; but it is probably
never anything like the clear, pale greenish of the eggs of ordinary Her-
ons. Specimens measure 1.90 by 1.50, to 2.00 by 1.50; the nest-comple-
ment is three to five.

The "booming of the Bittern" is an expression, alliterative if not
accurate, which generally gets into writings upon this bird. I have
never heard any sound from our species which could be called booming,
bleating, bellowing, or even neigbiug — all of which words, among others,
have btien used to suggest the queer, uncouth voice of the bird. On
this subject 1 will again liave recourse to Mr. Endicott for an extract.
"Mudie speaks as follows of the European Bittern's voice : 'Anon a
burst of savage laughter breaks upon you, gratingly loud, and so un-
wonted and odd that it sounds as if the voices of a bull and a horse
were combined ; the former breaking down his bellow to suit the neigh
of the latter, in mocking you from the sky.' 'When the Bittern booms
and bleats overhead, one certainly feels as if the earth were shaking.
* * * * ChancQV si)iia\iii iiHi'oUows ill The Wife of Bath's Tula:

'And as a bitore bnmbleth in the mire,
She laid hire month into th() water (h)nn,
Bi'wray ino uot, thou water, with they souir,
Quod mIr', to the I tell it, uud uo mo,
Min husbaud hath loug asses eres two.'

526 BOTAURUS MINOR, BITTERX

Anotlier notion was that tbe bill was put inside a reed to increase the
sound ; the truth is, of course, that the bird uses no means to produce
its bellow bnt its own organs of voice. Our own Bittern has no such
roar, but, as irs name in most parts of the country denotes, makes a
noise very much like driving a stake with an axe. It has also a hollow
croak at the moment of alarm." This is exactly true. Tbe curious noise
is spoken of in Audubon as a " hoarse croaking, as if the throat were
filled with water."' Nuttall makes a successful attempt to suggest the
sound by the syllables ^pump-au-gah. But I prefer, on the whole, Mr.
Samuels" rendering. "In the mating season," he says, "and during the
first part of the period of incubation, the male has a peculiar love-note,
that almost exactly resembles the stroke of a mallet on a stake; some-
thing like the syllables cMnl-alnnk-chnnl-j quaulc chunhalun1{-chvnl\ I
have often, when in the forests of Northern Maine, been deceived by
this note into believing that some woodsman or settler was in my neigh-
borhood, and discovered my mistake only after toiling through swamp
and morass for perhaps half a mile," Besides this peculiar call-note,
the bird has another, its ordinary cry, when its breast is not in the least
swelling with the tender passion. This is a single, abrujit, explosive
syllable, soinethiug like qnarJc^ or hank, delivered with a rough, gutteral
intonation. It is always uttered when the bird is surprised while feed-
ing, or when its haunts are invaded. As it lives so much among reeds
and rushes, very often the first intimation one has of its presence is the
energetic utterance of this note, to be followed in an instant by the
heavy form of the bird itself, as it tops the tall weeds. Ordinarily,
however, the Bittern is decidedly a silent bird, as it were mistrusting
its vocal ability; besides, noisiness is not altogether compatible with its
sedate ways and contemplative turn of mind.

We might expect to find in the wind-pipe some ])eculiarity to account
for such vocal efforts. In such instances as those of the Trumpeter
Swan, and Whooping Crane, for instance, the remarkable notes emitted
depend evidently upon the peculiarly convoluted structure of the trachea.
But ordinarily, little connection can be traced between quality of voice
and tracheal structure. The curious cartilaginous or osseous bulbs at
the lower larynx of most Ducks seem to have no influence on the voice.
Who would suspect the marvellous musical ability of a Mocking Bird,
from comparison of its vocal organ with that of a Crow for instance, a
bird which anatomically considered, is truly oscine, for all that its croak
is so harsh. The conformation of the Bittern's windpipe is not remark-
able, according to descriptions ; there is no dilation into a membranous
or gristly tympanum, nor any convolution, nor is the muscular arrange-
ment remarkable. The calibre of the tube is perhaps greater, propor-
tionately, than is usual in Herons, with laterally compressed walls,
narrow rings, and wide spaces, but for all that we can discover by
examination of the organs, the voice of the Bittern is likely to remain
its own secret.

The Bittern is migratory, and its movements are regular. Excepting
the Great Blue Heron, no bird of its tribe in this country is so exten-
sively dispersed. It reaches the Northern States in March, or early in
April, and may pass still further north. I ascertained its occurrence at
lligolet, in Labrador, and it is stated to reach 58° or 00° in the interior.
It has frequently been shot in Europe, though not recorded from Green-
laud. It reaches across our continent. To the south, its movements
extend to Guatemala, although it winters in the Southern States as
well, and also, I am inclined to think, even in the Middle States, as I

BOTAURUS MINOR, BITTERN. 527

have procured it iu January at Wasbiugton. It visits some of tlie West
Indian Islands. In September I found it migratory tbrougb Dakota iu
comparative plenty. It may breed in almost any portion of its range,
but nests preferably toward the North.

The Bittern, as has been said, is essentially " wild, shy, and solitary."
We oftener start one from his lonely vigils in the bog, than lind several,
or even a pair together, excepting in the breeding season. No doubt
Le enjoys life after his own fashion, but his notions of happiness are
peculiar. He prefers solitude, and leads the eccentric life of a recluse,
" forgetting the world, and by the world forgot." To see him at his
ordinary occupation, one might fancy him shouldering some heavy
responsibility, oppressed with a secret, or laboring iu the solution of a
problem of vital consequence. He stands motionless, with his head
drawn in upon his shoulders, and half-closed eyes, in profound medita-
tion, or steps about in a devious way, with an absent-minded air ; for
.greater seclusion, he will even hide in a thick brush-clump for hours
together. Startled iu his retreat whilst his thinking-cap is on, beseems
dazed, like one suddenly aroused from a (\eep sleep ; but as soon as he
collects his wits, remembering uni)leasantly that the outside world
exists, he shows common sense enough to beat a hasty retreat from a
scene of altogether too much action for him. Some such traits have
doubtless led to the belief that he is chiefly a nocturnal bird ; but such
is not the case. He may migrate by night, but so does the Killdeer,
and the Bobolink, and many other birds not in the least nocturnal.
Nor is the Bittern either lazy or stupid, as some may suppose. He is
simply what we call a shady character — one of those non-com uiittal
creatures whom Ave may invest, if we i^lease, with various attributes,
and perhaps consider very deep, without sufficient reason ; the fact
being, th.at we make the mystery about him. There is nothing remark-
able in the fact that he i)refers his own company, and dislikes to be
bored. He lives in the bog, where he finds jilenty to eat that he likes
best, and is satisfied to be simply let alone.

When the Bittern is disturbed at his meditation, he gives a vigorous
spring, croaks at the moment in a manner highly expressive of his dis-
gust, and flies off as fast as he can, though iu rather a loose, lumbering
way. For some distance he flaps heavily with dangling legs and out-
stretched neck ; but when settled on his course he proceeds more
smoothly, with regular measured wing-beats, the head drawn in closely
and the legs stretched straight out behind together, like a rudder. He
is very easily shot on the wing — easily hit, and dropping at a touch
even of fine shot. When winged, he croaks painfully as he drops, and
no sooner does he touch the ground than he gathers himself in defen-
sive attitude to resent aggression as best he can. He fights well, and
Avitli more spirit and determination than he might be expected to show —
like many other quiet inoffensive creatures when quite sure they have
a grievance and are pushed to desi)eration. He has a very ugly way of
pointing his resistance with (]uick thrusts of his si)ear-like bill, capable
of inflicting no slight wound on an incautious hand. But it avails
little ; a ki;Ic from a cowhide boot, or a thump with the butt of a gun,
generally decides the uneipuil CDUtest.

The food of this bird consists of various kinds of small aquatic
animals. In its stomach may be found different mollusccs, crawfish,
ii'ogs, lizards, snmll siiiikes and fishes, as well as insects. Such i)rey is
cai)tured with great address, by spearing, as the bird walks or wades
stealthily along. The thrust of the bill is marvellously quick and skil-

528 ARDETTA EXILIS, LEAST BITTERN.

fill — more action is displayed on such occasions than probably under
any other circumstance. As an article of food itself, the Bittern is not
a success, notwithstanding eminent authority to the contrary. I have
several times seen it brought to table, under favorable culinary circum-
stances ; but in each instance it furnished occasion for a joke at some
one's expense, as little relished, apparently, as the meat itself.

ARDETTA EXILIS, (Gm.) Gray.

Least Bittern.

Ardea eiHis, Gm., Sj'st. Nat. i, 1788, 645. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 683 (based on
Minute Bittern, of Gen. Syn. v, 66). — Wils., Am. Oru. Tiii, 1814, 37, pi. 65, f. 4. —
Wagl., Svst. Av. 1827, Ardea No. 36.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 66.— AuD., Oru.
Biog. iii, 1835, 77 ; v, 1839, 606 ; pi. 210 ; Syn. 1839, 263 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 100,
pi. 366.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 287,— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 210 (Massachu-
setts).— Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 98 (Sacramento Valley, Cal.).

Ardea (Ardeola) exilis, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 191 ; Syn. 1828, 308.

Ardeola exiUs, Bp., List, 1838, 47 ; C. A. ii, 1855, 134.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 343.— HoY,
Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).

Ihdor exilis, Sw., Classif. of Birds, ii, 1837, 354.

Ardetta exilis, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849; Hand-list, iii, 1871,31, No. 10150 (subgenus). —
GUND., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 345 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 673.— Wheat., Ohio
Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 186.^Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica).— CouES & PkKxNT.,
Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415.— Verr., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 158 (Maine, rare).—
Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 76 (Massachusetts, very rare).— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 91
(Canada West, common summer resideut). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 290. — Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1863 (Panama) ; 1866, 292.— Coues. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,
95 (Arizona). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina). — Dress.,
Ibis, 1866, 32 (Texas).— Brv., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866 (Porto Rico).— Salv., Ibis,
1866 196 (Guatemala).— Allex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, .520 (Illinois).— Turxb.,
B. E. Pa. 1869, 28.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 359 (Florida, not comiuon);
iii, 1872, 182 (Eastern Kansas). — Mayx., Guide, 1870, 144 (Massachusetts, very
rare).— Coues, Key, 1872, 270.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 9.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye.
N. Y. s, 1874, 386 (Illinois).

Hah. — United States aud British Provinces. Breeds throughout its United Suites
range, wintering in the South. Cuba. Jamaica. Central America. (?) South America.
Not obtained by any of the Expeditions.

Although very generally distributed, this curious little Heron does
not appear to be anywhere abundant. I have seen it aliv^e but few
times, and am not very familiar with its habits. I have invariably
found it in reedy swamps — just such places as the Eails frequent —
where, when startled, it ilies up in a manner reminding one of a Kail.
Like the Bitteru, it is regularly migratory, passing northward in April,
and returning in September. It is said to reside in the Gulf States,
and to be more numerous there than elsewhere. It does not appear to
gather in communities to breed, like most of the Herons, but is oftenest
found singly, in pairs, or at most, three or four pairs. It is also an
exceiJtion to the general rule among Herons that the sexes are alike in
color. It bears a curious likeness, or rather analogy, in several respects
to the Eails.

The nest I have never seen. According to Audubon, it is " some-
times placed on the ground, amid the rankest grasses, but more fre-
quently it is attached to the stems several inches above it. It is flat,
composed of dried or rotten weeds, and in shape resembles that of the
Louisiana Heron, though this latter employs nothing but sticks. * *
* * In two instances I found the nests of the Least Bittern about
three feet above the ground in a thick cluster of smilax and other briary
plants. In the first, two nests were placed in the same bush, within a
few yards of each other. In the other instances there was only one

ARDETTA EXILIS, LEAST BITTERN. 529

nest of this loird, but several of the Boat-tailed Grakle, and one of the
Green Heron, the occupants of all of which seemed to be on friendly
terms. When startled from the nest, the old birds emit a few notes
resembling the syllable qua, alight a few yards off, and watch all your
movements. If you go toward them, you may sometimes take the
female with the hand, but rarely the male, who generally flies off, or
makes his way through the woods. ***** The food of this
bird consists of snails, slugs, tadpoles, or young frogs and water-lizards.
In several instances, however, I have found small shrews and field-mice
in their stomachs."

The eggs, three to five in number, are elliptical, or equal at both
ends, from l.l'O by 0.90, to 1.25 by 0.95 in size, and white, with the
faintest bluish tint. They look very much like pigeon's eggs^ except in
the equality of the ends

34

kn-

SUBORDEE AL-bC i OxilJJliib ! CRANES, RAILS, &c.

Family GEUID^ : Cranes.

GRUS AMERICANA, (Liun.) Temm.
White or Whooping Crane.

Ardea americana, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1776, 234 (based on Edw., pi. 132; Gates., pi. 75 ;
Bkiss., V, 382).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 621.— Fokst., Phil. Traiif^. Ixii, 1772,
382 (York Fort).— Lath., Ind, Oru. ii, 1790, G75 (Arct. Zool. ii, 442 ; Gen Syn.
V, 42 , Planch. Eulum. 889).— Wils., Am. Oru. viii, 1814,20, pi. 64, f. 3.

Grits americana, Temm., Analyse. — Ord, ed. Wils. viii, 1825.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No.
195; Syn. 182b, — ;, List, 1838, 46; Consp. ii, 1855, 99.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A.
ii, 1831, 372 ("every part of the Fur Conntries").— Nutt., RLin. ii, 1834, .34.—
AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 202, pi. 226; Syn. 1839, 219; B. A. v, 1842, 188, pi.
313.— Buy., Pr. Bost. Soc. iv, 1853, 303 (critical).— Putn., Pr. Ess. last, i, 1856,
229 (Massachusetts, very doubtful ; based on Emmons, Cat. B. Mass. 135; see
COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 289).— Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 654.— Maxim., J. f. O.
vii, 1859, 82 (immature). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 181 (Ohio, 0fci4-
sioual). — Dkess., Ibis, 1866, 30 (Lo%ver Rio Grande).— Coues, Pr. Bo.st. Soc.
xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina in winter, doubtful ; on authority of Prof. Gibben,
probably referring back to Audubon, who did not distinguish between this and
G. canadensis). — Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 43 ("now very rare;" three at Bees-
ley's Point, in 1851). — Tkippe., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota, "quite
common at certain seasons, occasionally breeding"). — Ti;ippe, Pr. Bost. Soc.
XV, 1872,240 (Decatur County, Iowa, "quite a number"). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.
XV, 1872, 209 (Colorado, migratory, occasional). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872,
182 (Kansas). — Snow^, B. Kans. 1873, 9 (rare in migration). — CoUES, Key,
1872, 271.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 (Illinois).

Grtis damator, Bartkam, Trav. in E. Fla. 1791.

Grns strutltio, Waglep., Syst. Av. 1827, Grus No. 6.

Grus hoijanus, Dudley, Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 64. — Hartl., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 336,
427.— (See Stimpson, Mem. Chic. Acad, i, 1868, 129, pi. 19.)

Hah. — Interior of North America. Up the Mississippi Valley, spreading through the
Fur Countries. Texas to Florida, and occasionally up the coast to the Middle States.
Not obtained by any of the Expeditious.

It is unnecessary, at ibis late day, to argue the question of tbe dis-
tinctness of this species and its formerly supposed young, G. canademis.
But a very remarkable anatomical dift'erence between the two species
may be presented, as a structural character of G. americana not gen-
erally recognized, if indeed it be not altogether unknown. In G. cana
densis the trachea is stated to be simple; in G. americana it is remark-
ably convoluted within the sternum, to a degree perhaps not surpassed
by any bird whatever, and certainly equaled by few. This is an instance
of an anatomical peculiarity like that of the Trumpeter Swan {Ci/gmis
buccinator), in comparison with some allied si)ecies, and it appears to ex-
ercise a similar direct influence upon the voice, in each case.

My attention was first directed to this peculiarity by Dr. 11. O. Sweeny,
of Saint Paul, when visiting the Museum of the Academy of Natural
Sciences in that city, where I was shown a beautiful prei)aratiou of
the sternum and trachea, exhibiting the entire course of the windpipe
inside the keel of the bone. The sternal keel is broad and tumid, and
is entirely excavated. The greater part of the excavation is occupied
by the singular duplications of the trachea, to be presently described;
but there are two — an anterior and a posterior — large empty air cells
in the bone, with smooth walls, and two other air cells — one superior

GRUS AMERICANA, WHOOPING CRANE. 531

and one along the edge of the keel — filled with light, bony meshwork.
Excepting these cancellated portions, the whole keel is hollow, and is
occupied by the i'olds of the windpipe, iis follows: Coming down the
throat, the trachea enters the sternal keel at its anterior inferior apex,
and runs along the lower edge of the keel, inside, almost to the very
l)Osterior angle ; curving abruptly upward and forward, at about 45^,
it runs along the top of the keel just under the body of the bone to the
very front, where it appears ; curving next downward, it reenters the
keel just alongside its original entrance, passes about a third way to
the posterior end of the bone, then coils upward with a strong curve^
folding on itself, to reemerge from the bone close alongside its first
entrance ; and thence passes up to the bronchi with a strong curve. In
fewer words, the trachea, entering the apex of the keel, traverses the
whole contour of the keel in a long vertical coil, emerges at the front
upper corner of the keel, enters again at the lower corner of the keel
and makes a smaller vertical coil in the center, emerging again where it
went in. On looking at the object from the front, we see three parallel
vertical coils, side by side ; the middle one is the trachea coming down
from the neck above ; on the left hand is the bulge of the first great
coil ; on the right is the windpipe passing to the lungs after it has made
its second coil inside. Measuring loosely, with a thread laid along the
track of the folds, I find there are abont twenty eight inches of windpipe
coiled away in the breast-bone — certainly over two feet; from upper
larynx to the entrance is about twenty-two inches, and there are about
eight inches more of the tube from its exit from the bone to the forks
of the bronchi ; altogether, ^/f^-e^^/i^ inches. The Whooping Crane has
a windpipe between four and five feet long — quite as long as the bird
itself.

The distribution of the Whooping Crane appears to be somewhat pe-
culiar, as may be gathered from the foregoing indications. It is said to
be found throughout the Fur Countries ; but in the United States its dis-
persion is limited, and there is a difliculty in determining from the
accounts, since several authors have confounded it with the Sandhill
Crane. I find no satisfactory evidence of its occurrence in New England,
and Mr. Lawrence omits it from his New York list. Dr. Turnbull gives
it as now very rare, but remarks that in Wilson's time it bred at Cape
May, New Jersey. It is said to be common in Flori«la, where, however,
Mr. Allen "saw no White Cranes." It occurs in Texas. I have never
seen it alive excepting in Northern Dakota, where I observed it in
August, September, and October, and where, probably, it breeds. Its
princi])al line of migration appears to be the Mississippi Valley at large ;
accounts of its presence all along this, belt, from Texas to Minnesota,
for a considerable breadth, are unanimous and conclusive. Here it
seems to be chiefiy n)igratory, but there is every reason to believe that
it breeds in Minnesota and, as just said, in Dakota, as it also does
further north.

Two eggs of the Whooping Crane are in the Smithsonian from Great
Slave Lake, where they were taken by Mr. J. Lockhart. Though from
the same nest, one is noticeably more elongated than the other, meas-
uring about 3.!>() by !*.<>."), the other being about o.dO only, with the same
width. The shell is much roughened with nuuieious elevations, like
little warts, and is, moreover, punctulate all over. The ground is a
light brownish-drab ; the markings are rather si)arse, except at the
great end; they are large irregular spots of a pale dull chocolate-brown,
with still more obscure or nearly obsolete shell-markings. A (jueried,
but probably correct set of eggs is in the collection Irom Dubu(]ue, lowik

532 GRUS CANADENSIS, SANDHILL CEANE.

This tall and stately white bird, of the most imposiug appearance of
any of this country, I have only seen on the broad prairie, or soaring
on motionless pinion in spiral curves high overhead. Its immense
stature is sometimes singularly exaggerated by that quality of the
prairie air which magnifies distant objects on the horizon, transforming
sometimes a weed into a man, or making a Wild Turkey excite suspicion
of a buffalo. The most fabulous accounts of a Crane's size might read-
ily arise without intentional deception. I liave known a person to mis-
take a Sandhill Crane for one of liis stray mules, and go in search ;
and another enthusiastic teamster once declared that some he saw were
" bigger than his six-mule team." Once, while antelope-shooting on
the prairie, my companion — a good hunter — and myself saw what we
took to be an antelope standing quietly feeding with his broad, white
stern toward us, and only about five hundred yards off. We attempted,
for at least fifteen minutes, to "flag" the creature up to us, waving a
handkerchief on a ramrod in the most approved style. This proving
unavailing, my friend proceed to stalk the game, and crawled on his
belly for about half the distance before the "antelope" unfolded his
broad black-tipped wings and flapi^ed off, revealed at length as a
Whooping Crane.

GEUS CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Temm.

Brown or Sandhill Crane.

Ardea canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176G, 2M (Edw., i, 33; Briss., v, 38.5). — Forst.,
Philos. Traus. Ixii, 1772, 382, 409 (Severu River).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 620.—
Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 675 (Arct. Zool. ii, 443; Geu. Syu. v, 43).

Grus canadensis, Temm., Aual. p. c. — Bp., Syu. 1828, No. 225; Consp. ii, 1855, 98. — Sab.,
Fraukl. Journ. 685.— Rich., Parry's 2d Voy. 353.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,
373.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 38.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. iv, 1853, 303 (critical) ; vii,
1859, p. 14. — WooDH., SitgT. Rep. 1853, 96 (New Mexico and Arizona).— Gundl.,
J. f. O. iv, 1856, 339 (Cnba, breedino).— Nkwij., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 97 (Pacilic
coast).— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 655.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 62 (Cali-
fornia).—Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 84.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasli. Ter. 1860,
227.— Wheat., Oliio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 182.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173 (Ne-
braska).— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Mii<souri). — Dress., Ibis, 1866,
30 (Texas). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 95 (Colorado and Gila Rivers, abun-
dant).—Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa, migratory and breeding). —
Dall & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 289 (Alaska, common, breeding). — Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357 (Florida, abundant).- Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871,
118 (Minnesota, very commou, breeding); Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa,
" vast numbers in migration "). — Aiken, ibid. 209 (Colorado, coujmon in migra-
tion).—Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 702 (Idaho).— Coues, Key, 1872,
271. — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9 (abundant in migrations). — RiDGW., Ann. Lye.
N. Y. X, 1874, 387 (lUiuois).

Ardea canadensis var. /3, Lath., lud. Ol'u. ii, 1790, 676 (Mexico).

Griis mexicana, Muller (Briss., v, 380).

Grus x>ra1ensis, Bartr., Trav. in Florida, 1791, p. — .

Grus fusca, Vieill., Nonv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. vii, 548.

Grus poVwplum, Wagleh, Syst. Av. 1827, Grus No. 7.

Grus americaua, Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 441 (in iiart), pi. 261 ; Syu. 1839, 219 (in
part); B. Am. v, 1842, 188 (in part) ; pi. 314 (supposed young).

Grus fralerculus, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 656 (New Mexico).

Compare (rrus longirosUis, Bp., C. A. ii, 1854, 98 (Fn. Japou. pi. 72.)

//«?>.— United States, from Florida and the Mississippi Valley to the Pacilic, and in-
terior of the Fur Countries. North to the Yukon (Dad) and west coast of Baffin's Bay
(latitude 72^ ; Ibis, ii, 167). Breeds ai)parently nearly throughout its rauge. Cuba.

Lieutenant Warren's Lxjjedition,— 8914, Sand Hills, Nebraska (erroneously given as G.
amerieana in Dr. Haydeu's earlier report).

Later Expeditions. — 62369, North Fork, Idaho.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones.

I find no indication of the occurrence of this species anywhere in the
Eastern or Middle States, nor indeed east of the Mississippi aud its

GRUS CANADENSIS, SANDHILL CRANE. 533

tributaries, excepting iu Florida. There it is aboiulaiit, according to
several observers. I)r. Bryaut refers to its breeding, stating that two
eggs are laid, from early in February until about the middle of April.
1 have met with it in various parts of the West, finding it breeding in
Northern Dakota, quite ])lentifully, on the broad i)rairie. Xewly-liatched
young were secured in July, near Turtle Mountain. Late in Sei)tember
and early iu October numbers of this species and G. americana together
were migrating through the same region; they ap]>eared to journey
chiefly by night. Often, as we lay encamped on the Mouse River, the
stillness of midnight would be broken by the hoarse, rattling croaks of
Cranes coming overhead, the noise finally dying in the distance, to be
succeeded by the shrill ])ipe of numberless waders, the honking of
Geese, and the whistle of the })inious of myriads of wild fowl that shot
past, sounding to sleepy ears like the rushing sound of a far away loco-
motive.

We have accounts of the Sandhill Cranes from the whole extent of
the Mississippi Valley (iu the broad sense of the term), and of their
breeding in Iowa and Minnesota, as well as in Dakota. In Alaska, JNIr.
Dall says, it is a common bird at St. Michael's and around the mouth
of the Yukon, but less so in the interior, as at Kuiato. "The eggs,
obtained June 17, on the Yukon River, are laid in a small dei)ression
on the sandy beach, without any attempt at a nest." He adds that the
fibula is a favorite pipe-stem with the Indians, who, also, are fond of
domesticating the young; the birds eating up vermin and insects, as
well as refuse scraps of food about the settlements. Further south, ou
the Pacific coast, says Dr. Suckley, Sandhill Cranes are very abundant
at Puget Sound, ou the Nisqually plains, in autumn. "They there
commence to airive from the summer breeding grounds about the last
week iu September, from which time until about the 10th of November
thej' are quite plentiful. After this they disappear, probably retiiing
to warmer latitudes during the cold months. In the fall they are found
on all the prairies near Fort Steilacoom, but are not indifferent to choice
of certain spots. These are generally old 'stubble-fields,' or spots of
ground that have been ploughed. They rise heavily and slowly from
the ground on being disturbed, and, flying iu circles, at length acquire
the desired elevation. V\'hen proceeding from one favorite resort to
another, or when migrating, the flight is high, and not unfie(]uently
their approach is heralded, before they are in sight, by theii- incessant,
whooping clamor. While feeding they are generally silent.*' To this
account Di". Cooper adds that the Brown Cranes are common stimmir
residents in Washington Territory, "arriving at the Straits of Fuca in
large flocks, in Ajyril, and there dispersing in pairs over the interior
prairies to build their nests, which are placed amid the tall fern on the
highest and most oi)en ground, where they can see the ai)proa('h of
danger. They frequent, at tliis season, the mountains to the height of
0,000 feet above the sea. The young are often raised from the nest by
the Indians lor food."

"Iu the autumn and winter," Dr. Newberry observes, "it is abundant
on tlie prairies of California, and is always for sale in the markets of
San Francisco, where it is liighly esteemed as an article of food. In
August we frequently saw them about the Klamath Lakes, and early iu
Septend)ei', while in the Cascade Mountains, in Oregon, the Cranes were
a constant leature of the sceiu'ry of the beautiftd Init lonely mountain
meadows in which we eiieamped. A\'e found them al\\a.\s exceedingly
shy and diflicult of approach, but not unfrequently the files of their tail
forms stretching above the prairie grass, or their discordant and far-

534 GRITS CANADENSIS, SANDHILL CRANE.

soniuling screams, suggested the i)resence of the human inhabitants of
the region, whose territory was now, for the first time, invaded by the
white man. The Cranes nest in these alpine meadows, and retreat to
the miUler climate of the valleys of California on the approach of winter.
In Oregon they begin to move southward in October."

Thousands of Sandhill Cranes repair each year to the Colorado Eiver
Valley, llock succeeding tlock along the course of the great stream, from
their arrival in September until their departure the following spring.
Taller than the Wood Ibises or the largest Herons with which they are
associated, the stately birds stand in the foreground of the scenery of
the valley, the water now reliecting the shadow of their broad wings,
then the clear blue sky exhibiting in outline their commanding forms.
Such i)onderous bodies, moving with slowly-beating wings, give a great
idea of momentum from mere weight — of force of motion without swift-
ness ; for they plod along heavily, seeming to need every inch of their
ample wings to su.stain themselves. One would think they must soon
alight fatigued with such exertion, but the raucous cries continue, and
the birds fly on for miles along the tortuous stream, in Indian file, under
some trusty leader, who croaks his hoarse orders, implicitly obeyed.
Each bird keeps his place in the ranks; the advancing column now
rises higher over some suspected spot, now falls along an open, sandy
reach, swaying meanwhile to the right or left. As it passes on, the in-
dividual birds are blended in the hazy distance, till, just before lost to
view, the line becomes like an immense serpent gliding mysteriously
through the air. When about to alight, fearful lest the shadows of the
woods harbor unseen danger, the Cranes pass by the leafy intricacies
where the Ibises and other less suspicious birds feed, and choose a spot
for the advantage it may offer of uninterrupted vision. By nature one
of the most wary and discreet of birds, his exi)erience has taught the
Crane to value this gift and put it to the best use. His vigilance is
rarely relaxed, even when he is feeding where less thoughtful birds
would feel iierfectly secure. After almost every bending of his long
neck to the ground, he rises erect again, and at full length glances
keenly on every side. He may resume his repast, but should so much
as a sjieck he cannot account for ai^pear to view, he stands motion-
less, all attention. Now let the least sound or movement batray an
unwelcome visitor — he bends his muscular thighs, spreads his ample
wings, and springs heavily into the air, croaking dismally in warning to
all his kind within the far-reaching sound of his voice.

The eggs of the Sandhill Crane are of the same general character as
those of G. amcricana, in texture of shell, its color, and markings, but,
to judge from limited comiiarisons, are usually more elongate, if not also
somewhat less capacious— 3.80 by 2.60; 3.90 by 2.G0; 4.10 by 2.40 (long
and narrow) ; 3.65 by 2.10 ; the latter remarkably small, as well as
unusually narrow. Eggs are in the collection from Liverpool Bay, on
the Arctic coast; from Great Slave Lake; from Washington Territory;
Fort Crook, California; Lake Simpson, Utah ; Iowa, Florida, and Cuba,
They cannot be positively distinguished, in any given instance, from
those of G. americana.

Family RALLID/E : Eails.

Subfamily EallinvIi;: True Bails.

The Rails inhabit all temperate couutriefe; they are remarkably distinffuished by the
extreme narrowness or compression of the bodj', which enables them to thread a way
through the closest reeds and rushes of the marshes where they always live. Instead

RALLUS ELEGANS, KING RAIL. 535

of long, fl.it, poiuted, uaiTow wings, with flowing tertials, characteristic of the great
Plover-snipe group, they have short, concave, rounded wiug.s, and their flight is con-
sequently of a different sort. They are neither swift nor vigorous on wing. When
flushed, a matter of some difiiculty, they fly in so feehle and vague a way that it is not
very easy to understand how they make the extensive migrations for which, neverthe-
less, they are noted. The legs, as well as more particularly the feet, are large and
strong ; the thighs extremely muscular ; tliey trust rather to these members than to
their wings in, avoiding pursuit or escaping danger; probably no birds are more ac-
complished pedestrians than they are. There is generally, if not always, a .slight
membrane between the base of tlie toes, but nothing amounting even to semipalma-
tiou ; nevertheless, some of the species swim short distances with ease. While not
exactly gregarious, since they do not go in flocks that ai'e actuated by a common im-
pulse and the iu.stiuct of .socialism, nevertheless they frequent, through community of
tastes and wants, the marslies in immense numbers; where they breed, and where they
appear during the migration, particularly the autumnal, the marshes appear full-
stocked with them. Their cries are loud, dry, and harsh; in the spring time the
marshes resound. They scream piteously when wounded and caught, and fight as well
as they can with their .strong claws. Their food consists of all sorts of aquatic animals
small enough to be swallowed — little crabs, snails, and other small molluscs, grubs,
worms, and insects. They probably all live at times, and in a mea.sure at least, upon
the seeds and tender shoots of aquatic plants. They lay many white or whitish,
nuich-spotted, oval or elliptical eggs, in a rude flat nest, built of sticks, rush-.stalks,
and grasses, upon the ground. The young, of which more than one brood may be an-
mially raised, are generally black in the downy state, whatever the color of the adults.
Thev appear to be of somewhat nocturnal habits, and probably migrate mostly by
uight. The flesh of some of our species is esteemed good eating, and great numbers
are annually destroyed for the table, in the fall, when they are generally very fat.

EALLUS ELEGANS, And.

King Rail; Fresh-water Marsh Hen.

a. elegans.

Rallus crepitans, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, pi. 62, f. 2 (figure, but not the description.
Not of authors).

Eallus eli'f/atis, Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 18.35, 27, pi. 203 ; Syn. 1839, 215 ; B. Am. v, 1842. 160,
pi. 309.— Bp., List, 18b8, 53.— Lixsl., Am. Journ. Sci. xliv, 1843, 267 (Connecti-
cut).—GiR., B. L. I. 1834, 209.— GUXDI-., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 427 (Cuba, breeding) ;
Reperto. i, 360.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 96 (California).— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 746.— Hekrm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 62 (California).— Coop. &,
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 246.— W^heat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 226.—
CouES & PuENT., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Mis-
souri).—Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Coue.s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
296 (Connecticut). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 124 (South Carolina, resident). —
SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1868, 444 (critical).— Tunub., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33.— Allen,
Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357 (Florida.)— Coues, Key, 1872, 273.— Sxow^, B. Kans.
1673, 10 (rare).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 (Illinois).

Aramiis (PardimlliiK) ilcfjans, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 59, No. 10417.

liallm lonyirosiris, ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (error). (Mexico.)

b. ohsoletus.

Ballus elegans var. ohsoletus, Ridgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 111.— Coues, Check-list, App.
1874, 137, No. 466"^ (California).

Hab. — United States, rather southerly. North on the Atlantic coast regularly to the
Middle States, casually to Connecticut ; in the interior to Kan.sas and Mi.ssnuri at least ;
on the Pacific side to Oregon or Washington. Cuba. Mexico. Winters in the South-
ern States.

Not obtained by any of the Expeditions.

The Kiiigf Hail is more limited in dispersion tlian any other one of our
species of the family. The extraliniital quotations are few, and to the
northward its range is likewise restricted. None of tlie later New En-
gland writers mention it except my.self, and I have only the authority
of Mr. liinslcy for its occurrence near Stratford, Comiccticnt. Accord-
ing to Mr. TurnbuU it is "rather scarce" along the New Jersey coast.
In the District of Columbia it is often observed earJy in the fall, wbeu

536 RALLUS VIRGINIANUS, VIRGINIA RAIL

the cominon Sora is so abundant in the marshes bordering; on the Poto-
mac. On the Pacific side it is stated to be common in California as far
as San Francisco, and to reach Humboklt Bay. In the interior it has
only been traced to Kansas and Missouri.

What little has been placed on record respecting its habits does not
indicate anything peculiar. The eggs are precisely like those of B.
crepitans^ of which I have the following account, in substance, in the
American Naturalist, iii, 601: Sizes: 1.80 by 1.10; 1.70 by 1.20; 1. 6G by
1.00; 1.(30 by 1,16; 1.50 by 1.15; 1.50 by 1.05; average about 1.66 by
1.10. Ground-color, from dull white to creamy or pale buff. Markings,
either sparse or plentiful, evenly or very irregularly distributed, vary-
ing from mere dots to large splashes, on the same or different eggs, but
usually largest at or around the great end, where they are apt to be-
come confluent. The markings are reddish-brown of variable shade,
but never pure brown ; with these are always a number of shell spots
of lilac, lavender or pale-purplish.

I am not aware that the Clapper Eail [B. longirostris) has yet been
observed anywhere on the Missouri. It is chiefly confined to salt
marshes, along the coasts, but has been noted also in the interior, as at
Great Salt Lake, and may not improbably be detected in some of the
alkaline portions of the Missouri region. The accompanying foot-note
gives a portion of the synonomy of the species.*

EALLUS VIEGmiANUS, Linn.

Virginia Rail.

Itallus virgimanus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 263 (based on Gates., 70, and Briss., v,
175).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1688, 716.— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 109, pi. 62, f. 1.—
Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 210 ; Syn. 1828, 334 ; List, 1838, 53.— Ntitt., Man. ii,
1834, 205.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 41; v, 1839, 573; pi. 205; Syn. 1839,216; B.
Am. V, 1842, 174, pi. 311.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 208.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853,
101 (Rio Laguna).- GUNDL., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 427 (Cuba) ; Rep. Fis. i, 361.—
Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 96 (California).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859,
pt. vi, 62 (California).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 748.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash.
Ter. 1860, 247.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1860, 277 (Guatemala).— Dp.ess., ibid. 1866, 40
(Texas).— SCL. & Salv., Exot. Orn. i, 196 (diagnosis) ; P. Z. S. 1868, 445.— Schl.,
M. P.-B. Ealli, p. 11.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa).— Hoy, Smiths.
Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona).— Coues,
Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 297 (breeding north to Maine).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 124 (South Carolina).— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416.— Putn.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216 (Massachusett, in summer).- Verr., ibid, iii, 1862, 159
(Maine, breeds).) — Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 78 (Massachusetts, breeding). — Mc-

* Eallus longirostris, Bodd., Tabl. Planch. Enlum. 1784, pi. 489.— Burm., Syst. Ueb. iii,
381 (Bahia).— Newt., Ibis, 1859, 260 (SautaCruz).— GossE, B. Jam. 1847,364. —
L£OT., Ois. Trinidad, 491.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 18G0, 378 (St. Thomas).—
SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 444 (critical).-CoUES, Key, 1872, 273, fig. 178.

Aramvs (Pardiralus) longirostris, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 59, No. 10418.

Eallus crepitans, Gm., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 713.— Wils., Am. Orn. rii, 1813, 112 (not the
plate).— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825 ; Syn. 1828, 334 ; List, 1838, 53.— Nutt.. Man. ii,
1834, 201.— Aui>., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 331, pi. 214; Syn. 1839, 215; B. Am. v,
1842, 165, pi. 310.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 206.— Gundl., J. f. O. 1856, 427 (Cuba) ; .
Rep. Fis. Nat. i, 491.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 747.— Cab., Schomb. Guiana, iii. 76.—
ScL., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).—
Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 296 (Massachusetts).— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.56,
229.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87.— Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc. iii, 326.— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 93 (Canada
West).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124.—
Coues, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 600 (biography).— Ma yn.. Guide, 1870, 145 (Massa-
chusetts).—Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 357 (Florida) ; iii, 1872 (Salt Lake, Utah).

Hab. — Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Brazil. Canada West ^ Mcllwraith).
Great Salt Lake {Allen).

EALLUS VIRGINIANUS, VIRGINIAN RAIL. 537

ILWR., ibid. \, 1866, 92 (Hamiltou, C. W.).— Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 118 (Miune-
sota, breeds).— Lawu., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.-Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869,
33 (not micouiniou).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 145.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1H71,
357 (Florida); iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.xv, 1872, 21U (CoU
orado, breediug).— Coues, Kev, 1872, 273. — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 11. — Ridgw.,
Anu. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 (Illinois).

Aramtts (PardiraUm) vivffmiamis, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 59, No. 10419.

Eallus aquaticus var. (3, Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 755.

Ballus UmicoJa, Vieill., Ency. Meth. 1823, y). 1059.

ilab. — Entire United States and British Provinces. Breeds commonly in New Eng-
land. Winters in the Southern States and beyond. South to Guatemala. Cuba.
Not obtained by the Expeditions.

A night at Soda Lake, the debouchure of that singular river, the Mo-
jave, was one of the strangest, as well as most uncomfortable, I ever
passed. It was late in October, and the full moon threw a pale, uncer-
tain light upon a scene of desolation and of death. On one side stretched
the interminable desert of shifting sand, broken here and there by
clumps of the foul creasote plant, straggling patches of grease-wood
and bitter sage, and scattered, sentinel-like, Spanish bayonet. Along the
road just traversed were strewn bleached skeletons of beasts that had
fallen in their tracks beneath the scorching rays of the sun. At the
foot of some clifls near by lay whitening the heads and horns of the
argali ( Ovis montana), shot by previous travelers. The bare bones looked
of double size and fantastic shape in the uncertain moonlight. Before
us lay a dead-white sea of salty efflorescence, where the lake had evap-
orated or sunk in the sand, leaving its saline matter. It was dry, ex-
cept toward the middle, where dark green masses of Tule reeds, con-
trasting with the snowy whiteness all around, showed that a little water
was left. Our animals, like ourselves, were exhausted ; one poor crea-
ture, cruelly over-tasked, had given birth to a foal, and lay groaning by
the wayside, unable to rise. The water Avas too nauseous to drink, and
hardly answered to cook with. After a poor meal, we lay down with
gloomy thoughts. But sleep was impossible, though wrapped never so
closely, head and all, in our blankets. We contended with a blood-
thirsty swarm of mosquitoes, wafted like a cloud from the stagnant
pools. Every breath of air seemed to vibrate to the continuous hum of
the insects ; it was open onslaught, as w^ell as stealthy attack, with
them, as we huddled around the camp-fire, on the side to which the
smoke was wafted, enveloped in blankets, and impatiently waiting the
day. We were bitten on every exposed point; for days afterward our
hands and faces were sore and swollen, iutlamed by the tiny drops of
poison instilled into each wound.

But even under such circumstances I was gratified by the presence of
feathered friends. At nightfall some Mallard and Teal settled into the
rushes, gabbling curious vespers as they went to rest. A few JMarsh
Wrens had appeared on the edge of the reeds, queerly balancing them-
selves on the thread-like leaves, seesawing to their own quaint music.
Then they were hushed, and as darkness settled down, the dull, heavy
croaking of the frogs played bass to the shrill falsetto of the insects.
Suddenly they too were hushed in turn, frightened, may be, into silence ;
and from the heart of the buUrushes, "cr/A-cr/A-/v7i-A--A--A-," lustily
shouted some wide-awake Kail, to be answered by another and another,
till the reeds resounded. Then all was silent again till the most cou-
rageous irog renewed his ])ipes. The Kail are, ])artially at least, noc-
turnal. During such moonlight nights as this tliey are on the alert,
liatroUing the marshes through the countless covered ways among the
reeds, stopping to cvy "all's well" as they i)ass on, or to answer the
challenge ot a distant watchman. That they feed by night, as well as

538 PORZANA CAROLINA, CAROLINA RAIL.

by day, cannot be doubted. Their habit of skulking and hiding in the
almost inaccessible places they frequent renders them difficult of ob-
servation, and they are usually considered rarer than they really are.
During the spring migration they seem to pass more swiftly and secretly
than in the fall, when, their ranks recruited by the summer's broods,
they become more noticeable. Some, like the Clapper Rail {B. longi-
rosiris), are almost exclusively maritime, and never quit the salt-marshes;
others, as the Fresh-water Marsh Hen {B. elegans of Audubon), of which
the present species is a perfect miniature in size, are generally distrib-
uted in the interior. The Virginia Rail extends across the continent ;
it is strictly a bird of passage, proceeding to and somewhat beyond our
northernmost States, and returning in the fall. At the approach of cold
weather it retires still further southward. Still, numbers breed in vari-
ous latitudes within our limits. 1 have not myself met with the nest
of this species. It is described as a slightly hollowed platform of mat-
ted grass and reeds, placed in a tussock of grass or directly on the
ground, in the interior of secluded bogs and morasses. The eggs, of
which a large number are before me, are eight or ten in number. They
are exactly like those of the Elegant and Clapper Rails, only much
smaller, measuring about 1.25 by 0.95. The groundcolor distinguishes
them from those of the Sora, which, of about the same size and shape,
always show a shade of soiled greenish or olive-drab.

PORZANA CAROLINA, (Linn.) Cab.

Carolina Rail; Sora; "Ortolau."

EaUtis caroUmis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 263.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 715.— Bp., Syn.
1828, No. 272.— Dough., Cab. N. H. i, 1830, 206\ pi. 18.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A.
ii, 1831, 403.— AuD., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835, 251 ; v, 1839, 572; pi. 233.

Eallus {Crex) carolhms, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1H25, No. 230.— Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 209.

Gallinula Carolina, Lath., lud. Ore. ii, 1790, 771 (Edw., 144 ; Briss., v, 541 ; Gates., i,
pi. 70 ; Arct. Zool. ii, 491 ; Gen. Syu. v, 262).— Sab., Frank. Journ. 690.

Ortygometra Carolina, Bp., List, 1838, 53.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 213 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 145, pi.
306.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 371.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 201.- LiSoT., Ois. Trinidad,
493.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 101.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Reinh.,
Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland).

Porzana Carolina, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 749 ; and of all late U. S. writers. — GUNDL., J. f. O.
iv, 1856, 428 (Cuba).— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 230 (Guatemala).— Newt., ibid. 260
(Santa Cruz).— Dress., ibid. 1866, 40 (Texas).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175 (Nio-
brara).—Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1864, 179,
372 (Mexico); 1868, 450 (critical); 1869, 252 (Venezuela); 1870, 219 (Vera-
gua). — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866 (Porto Rico).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 479
(Panama).— SuND., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 587 (St. Bartholomew).— Coues, Key, 273.

AramidcH {Mustelirallas) Carolina, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 61, No. 10431.

Crex Carolina, Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 152 (accidental in Great Britain ; cf. Newt., P. Z.
S. 1865, 196 ; Eyre, Zool. 186.5, 9540 ; Kennedy, B. of Berks and Bucks, 196).

Ballus stolidus, Vieill., Ency. Meth. 1823, p. 1071.

Hab. — Entire temperate North America ; especially abundant along the Atlantic
coast during the migrations. Breeds from the Middle districts northward. Winters
in the Southern States and beyond. South to Venezuela. Various West Indian Islands.
Greenland. Accidental in Europe. v

Lieutenant Warren^s Expedition. — 4875, Yankton Camp.

Later Expeditions. — 61646, Ogden, Utah.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The Sora does not appear to occur anywhere in the Missouri region
in such numbers as it does along the Atlantic coast, probably on ac-
count of lack of the peculiar resorts best suited to its wants. I observed
it migrating southward in September, along the Mouse River, in North-
ern Dakota, but it was not very abundant. It has not been much
noticed in the West, nor by any means throughout that portion of our

PORZANA JAMAICENSIS, LITTLE BLACK EAIL. 539

country. Mr. Allen found it in Utah, about Great Salt Lake, and I in
Arizona. 1 have also taken_it, in the breeding season, in Montana.

The eggs of Forzana Carolina are spotted just like those of the fore-
going Ralli^ but are readily distinguished by their strong drab ground-
color, instead of the white or creamy and pale bufly of the former. They
are rather smaller than those of B. virginia^ms, and perhaps more ob-
tuse, measuring about 1.20 by 0.90.

P0RZA:J^A NOVEBOEACENSIS, (Gm.) Cass.
Little Tellow Kail.

FuUca noveboracensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 701.

Gallitiitla noveboracensis, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 771 (Arct. Zool. ii, 491; G. S. v, 262).

Orti/gometra noveboracensis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. sii, 1824. — Bp., List, 1838, 53. —
AUD., Syn. 1839, 213; B. Am. v, 1842, 152, pi. 307.— Linsl., Am. Journ. Sci. xliv,
1843, 268 (Connecticut).— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 204.— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856,
229 (Massachusetts ; compare Peab., Eep. Orn. Mass. 375 ; Emmons, Cat. 6).

Ballus noveboracensis, Bp., Specc. Comp. 1827, 212 ; Syn. 1828, 335 ; Am. Orn. iv, 1832,
136, pi. 27, f. 2.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 215.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 402
(Hudson's Bay).— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 251, pi. 329.

Coturnieops noveboracensis, Bp., Ann. So. Nat. i, 1854, 46.

Forzana noveboracensis, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 750.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 229.— CouES & Prext., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst,
iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts, rare).- Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 297. — Dress., Ibis,
1866, 40 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina, migra-
tory).—ScL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1868, 457.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 295.—
TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33 (rare).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357 (winter-
ing in Florida, common). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 146 (Massaehusetts, migratory,
rare, perhaps breeding). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 639 (Massachusetts). —
Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 35 (North Carolina).— Coues, Key, 1872, 274.—
Hatch, Bull. Minn. Acad. Sci. 1, 1874, 65 (Minnesota). — RiDGW., Ann. Lye
N. Y. X, 1874, 387 (Illinois).

Aramides (Coturnicops) noveboracensis. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 61, No. 10448.

Perdix hudsonica, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 655.

Ballus ruficoUis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxviii, 556 ; Enc. Meth. 1070 ; Gal.
Ois. ii, 168, pi. 266.

Hab. — Eastern North America. North to Hudson's Bay, but in New England not
observed beyond Massachusetts. Apparently nowhere abundant. Winters in the
Southern States. (No extralimital record).

The Smithsonian has a set of six eggs of P. noveboracensis^ taken May
17, at Winnebago, Illinois. They are the only ones I have seen, and
differ from all those of P. Carolina in the color of the ground, which is
a rich, warm buffy-brown, marked at the great end with a cluster of
reddish-chocolate dots and spots. Size 1.15 by 0.85, to 1.05 by 0.80;
shape as in the foregoing.

POEZANA JAMAICENSIS, (Gm.) Cass.
Little Black Kail.

a. jamaicensis.

Ballus jamaicensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 718. -Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 761 (Brl^s.,
Suppl- 140 ; Emv., pi. 278 ; Browne, Jam. 479 ; Gen. Syn, v, 239). — Aui^., Orn.
Biog. iv, 1838, 359, pi, 349.

Ortygometra jamaicensis, SxEPH., Shaw's Gen. Zool. — Bp., List, 1838, 53. — Acd., Syn,
1839, -Jll ; 15. Am. v, 1842, 157, pi. 3()8.— GossK. B. Jam. 1847, 375.— Bp., Comp'tes
Rcndus, xliii, 599.— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Duenas, Gnat.).

Crecisci ' " ' - -- -■

Fon

540 GALLINULA GALEATA, FLORIDA GALLINULE.

TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33 (breeding in marshes of Cape May County, N. J.)-—
COUKS, Key, 1872, 274.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (Kansas, one specimen,
Allen). — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 (Illinois, summer).

Aramides (Crcciscus) jamaicensis, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 61, No. 10444.

Crex pygma'a, Blackwell, Brewster's Journ. vi, 1832, 77.

Ortygometra cliilensis, Bp., Comptes Reudus, xliii, 599.

Eallus saUnasi, Phil., Wiegen. Arcliiv, 1867, 262.

" Gallinula saUnasi, Phil., Cat. 1869, 38."

b. coturniculus.

Porzana jamaicensis var. coturniculus, Ed., mss. — Ridgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 111. —
CouES, Check-list, 1874, App. p. 137, No. 470^

Hah. — South America to Chili. Central America. West Indies. In North America
to New Jersey and Kansas, rare. Var. coturniculus, Farallone Islands {Gruher, Mus.
Smiths. Inst. ; types of the varietjO-

The introduction into the present connection of the Black Rail, which
appears to be very rare everywhere in North America, rests upon the
authority of Mr. Allen, wiio found a specimen in Kansas. Several of
the rare eggs of the Little Black Bail are in the Smithsonian from New
Jersey. They are altogether difi'erent, again, from those of the Sora, or
the Bed-breasted, being creamy-white, sprinkled all over with iiiie dots
of rich, bright reddish -brown, and with a few spots of some little size
at the great end. They are most like the more finely speckled exam-
ples of the eggs of the large Ealli. Dimensions, 1.05 by 0.80.

Suhfamily FuLiciN^ : Gallinules and Coots.

The birds of this group will be immediately recognized by the presence of a broad,
horny plate (an expansion of the bill), which covers the forehead. In the structure of
the feet the Gallinules are much like ordinary Rails, having little or no marginal fringe
on the toes ; but the Coots are conspicuously lobe-footed, the toes being furnished with
a series of broad, semi-circular flaps.

GALLINULA GALEATA, (Licht.) Bp.

Florida Gullinule«

Crex fjoleata. Light., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 80, No. 826,

Gallinula (jaleata, Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1832, 128 ; List, 1838, 53.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834,
221.— Maxim., Beitr. iv, 1833, 807.— Schomb,, Guiana, iii, 760.— Tscii., Fn. Peru,
302.— BuRM., Syst. Ueb. iii, 389 ; La Plata Reise, ii, 505,— Gay, Fn. Chilen.
437.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 381.— Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 428; Rep. Fis. 362
(Cuba).— Salle, P. Z. S. 18.57, 237 (St. Domingo).— Nbwb., P. R. R. Rep. vi,
1857, 96 (San Francisco),— Bd., B, N. A. 1858, 752.— Heerji., P. R. R. Rep. x,
1859, pt. vi, 61 (California). — Newt., Ibis,i, 1859, 260 (Santa Cruz, breeding). —
Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.
231 (occasional; north to Lake Erie). — Taylor, Ibis, 1860, 314 (Honduras). —
SCL,, P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica) ; 1867, 339 (Chili).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S.
1868, 176 (Islay, Peru) ; ihid. 462 (critical).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guate-
mala).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 93 (Canada West, common). — Lawr,,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 185 (Nicaragua) ; ibid. 295 (New York). — Bry., Pr. Bost.
Soc. xi, 1866, 97 (Porto Rico). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachu-
6etts).— EuLEK, J. f. O. 1867, 419 (Brazil, egg).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
297 (Massachusetts).— CoUES, Pr. Bost. Soc, xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina,
resident).— TuRNB,, B. E. Pa. 1869, 34 (New Jersey, rare, May to Oct.).— Allen,
Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 639 (Massachusetts, breeding), —Ma yn.. Guide, 1870, 146
(Massachusetts, accidental, probably breeds).— Salv., Ibis, 1870. 115 (Costa
Rica).- Relnh., Ved, Med, Nat. For. 1870, 40 (Brazil);—Li5oT., Ois. Trinidad,
503.— Phil., Cat. 39 (Chili).— Pelz., Orn. Bras, 318 (Brazil).— Allen, Bull.
M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 3.57 (Florida, wintering).- Coues, Key, 1872, 275.— Snow, B.
Kans. 1873, 11 (Kansas, Baird). — Hatch, Bull, Minnesota Acad, i, 1874, 63
(Minnesota).

Gallinula cliloropus, Bp., Syn. 182^, 336.— AuD,, Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 330, pi. 224 ; Syn.
1839, 210; B. Am. v, 1842, 132, pi. 304.— Gn:., B. L. L 1844, 197.

Gallinula cliloropus, var. galcata, Harxl. vt Finsch. — KiOGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874,
387 (Illinois).

FULICA AMERICANA, AMERICAN COOT. 541

Hab. — United States, southerly. Resident in the Southern States. Northward to
Massachusetts rarely, to Canada West, Kansas, Minnesota, and San Francisco.
West Indies. Central America. South America to Chili.

Not obtained by the Expeditions.

I have not taken occasion to institute direct comparison of specimens, but believe
that our bird will be found to be merely a variety of the European G. cMoropus, as held
by Drs. Hartlaub and Fiusch, and as indicated in my work above cited.

Included in tbe present connection on the strengtli of its occurrence
in Kansas, as by tlie foregoing authority. Its dispersion in tropical
America is general and very extensive. In the United States it appears
to extend regularly only to the Middle districts, though apparently
breeding occasionally in Massachusetts, and recorded as "common"
about Hamilton, Canada West, as well as occurring in Minnesota. It
winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States.

FULICA AMEEICANA, Gm. J- m-

American Coot ; Mud Hen.

Fulica amcricana, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 704. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 779 {Cinereous
Coot of Gen. Syu. v, 279).— Bp., Obs. Wils. ie2.5, No. 234 ; Syn. 1828, 338 ; List,

1838, 53.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 404.— Sab., Frank. Journ. 690.— Nutt.,
Man. ii, 1834, 229.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 291 ; v, 1839, 568 ; pi. 239 ; Syn.

1839, 212 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 138, pi. 305.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 751.— Coues, Key,
1872, 275 ; and of all late American writers. — Hartl., J. f. 0. i, 1854, extra-h.
87 ; 18.55, 99.— Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 430 (Cuba).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii,
1859 (Balaamas). — Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 304 (Jamaica). — Leot., Ois. Trinidad,
504 (casually).— GUNDL., Rep. Fis. i, 363 (Cuba).— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 230 (Guar
teniala).— Newt., Hid. 260 (Santa Cruz).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 206 ; 1859, 369.—
MooKE, P. Z. S. 1859, 64.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica) ; 1866, 179 (Mexico).—
Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y viii, 1864, 101
CSombrero).— Scl. A: Salt., P. Z. S. 1868, 468, f. 10.— Sund., OlV. Vet. Ak. 1869,
587 (St. Bartholomew).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 219 (Veraj^ua).— Dall & B.vkn.,
Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Alaska).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387
(Illinois).

Fuhca wilsoni, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 236.
Fnlica atra, Wils., Am. Orn. ix, 1825, 61, pi. 73, f. 1.

Hah. — Entire temperate North America. Alaska (Dall). Greenland (Rcinhardf).
Mexico. West Indies. Central America. In South America replaced by an allied
form.

List of specimens.

19377

M'thG.BuUC'k.

9

June 5, 1860

G.H.Trook..

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8906, Upper Missouri ; 8907, Loup Fork of Platte.
Later Expeditions. — 59874-6, Colorado ; 60773, North Platte.

Not only is the Coot extensively and very generally dispersed over
l)forth America, but, unlike most water-birds, its breeding range is
almost etinally wide. It has been observed to nest in various parts of
r>ritish America, in New England, in the Missouri region, along tho
Pacilic coast, and in the Gulf States. There is, nevertheless, a regular
migration in the spring and fall, when, in company with other water-
fowl, most of the Coots pass through on their way to or from tlie rather
nortlierly regions where thej' especially breed, only a few lingering in
suitable i)laces along the route to nest. It ai)pears that. the whole body
of the birds leave the British Provinces and even the northern tier of
States ill tlu' fall to winter in the Southern States and beyond ; some
penetrating into Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America.
• During the migrations, and e.s])ecially that of the fall, the species is
fre(|U<Mitly exposed for sale in our markets, and T have observed the
bird in every i)()rtioii of our country where I have been, at one season

542 FULICA AMERICANA, AMERICAN COOT.

or another. I foimd it breeding aloug the Red River of the North,
about Pembina, in the reedy pools bordering the river, and iu the
prairie sloughs, there as well as elsewhere iu Nortern Montana and
Dakota. Eggs procured at Pembina, June 19th, contained young nearly
ready to hatch; and during the following month I frequently saw newly
hatched young swimming about with their parents. They are very
l)retty and curious little creatnres, covered with sooty-blackish down,
fantastically striped with rich orange-red, and with vermilion bill,
tipped with black. The nidification of the Coot is not the least inter-
esting portion of its history. The mode of nesting is most like that of
the Grebes. The nest is said to be sometimes a floating one, moored to
the stems of reeds, rising and falling with the tide. One author, in
illustration of the insecurity of the bird's home, has related that once
during a storm a nest became detached from its moorings by a rise of the
water, and drifted about, the parent nevertheless remaining at her post
of duty, and safely hatching out her brood during the cruise. This may
or may not have been a strict statement of fact. Among manj^ Coots'
nests I have found, one was built in a clump of reeds where the water was
about knee-deep ; it was a bulky affair, resting securely on a mass of
reedy debris. The nest itself was built of the same materials, heaped up
and little hollowed ; it was about fifteen inches in diameter, and half as
liigh. The reed-stems appeared to have been bitten by the bird into
short pieces 5 there was no special lining. This nest was a floating one,
in the sense that the platform of broken-down reeds upon which it was
built rested on the water ; but it was perfectly secure, raised out of the
wet, and though loosely constructed, could be lifted up intact. It con-
tained eleven eggs nearly ready to hatch. They measured from 1.75 to
2.00 in length, by 1.20 to 1.35 in breadth, exhibiting the usual variation
in contour as well as in absolute size. The shape is much like that ot
an average hen's ^gg — perhaps rather more pointed. The ground is
clear clay-color, uniformly and minutely dotted all over with innumer-
able specks of dark brown ; a few of the bolder markings are of the
size of a pin's head, but the greater number are mere points. But the
eggs are not always so uniformly and finely dotted as those of this set
were ; sometimes the spots being aggregated into blotches of some size,
or tending chiefly to wreath around the larger end. Various other
nests examined contained an average of ten eggs; some were built just
like the one described, while others were on the ground, in compara-
tively dry spots around the margin of the pools, hidden in rank grass;
in all the materials and mode of construction were much the same.

In the southwest, where the Coots are apparent!}" resident, I fre-
quently observed them, and they are probably more abundant than one
might suppose; for, like their allies the Rails, they are naturally much
withdrawn from general observation by their habits, and by the intri-
cate character of their resorts. While steaming along the Colorado
River, in September, Coots frequently appeared for a moment in places
where the banks were fringed with reeds, to croak a note or two at
sight of the boat, and then paddle out of sight again. The most satis-
factory observations I t^ver made upon them was at a point on the Mojave
River, iu California, where the stream became a broken chain of reedy
lagoons, alternating with half-submergetl tracts of oozy marsh, grown
up to short crisp grass. There were great numbers of Ducks here, in
October, along with Hutchins' and Snow Geese, Herons, and a variety
01 small waders. While wading about waist-deep, in default of any
more elegant or less fatiguing method of duck- shooting, I continually
heard the gabbling of the Coots among the rushes, where they wera

FULICA AMEEICANA, AMERICAN COOT. 543

disporting in flocks of a dozen or more, and noisy enough to be quite
troublesome, since I was in urgent need of more desirable game for the
table. But with all their clamor and apparent heedlessness, they were
shy birds, and it was only by stratagem that, after securing all the wild-
fowl I desired, 1 got an opportunity of watching them at my leisure.
Standing motionless just within the edge of a clump of reeds bordering
an open space, and perfectly concealed, 1 could see the birds, after what
appeared to be a council as to the expediency of their i^roposed move,
come out of the rushes on the other side, swimming silently at first and
glancing stealthily around to make sure the coast was clear before com-
mencing their gambols. They swam with ease and gracefully ; the head
now drawn back and held upright over their plump bodies, that floated
lightly and changed their course at a movement of their broad paddles,
now stretched out to full length as the birds hurried about, throwing
oft" the ripples from their half-submerged breasts, crossing and recross-
ing each others path, in wanton sport, or attracted by some delicacy
floating at a little distance. They were as gay and careless a crew as
one could wish to see — yet not altogether given up to sport, for on the
slightest movement on my part, their suspicions were aroused, and off
they scurried into the impenetrable masses of vegetation that effectually
hid them from view and precluded pursuit. I have several times since
met with the birds under somewhat similar circumstances, in ponds near
the sea-coast of Southern California, and in Dakota, always finding
them much the same when not breeding. Though as shy as Ducks, they
have not the wariness and wildness of those birds, to teach them to fly
from danger; but perhaps the nature of the resorts to which they trust
for concealment serves as well for their protection. I do not recollect
when, if ever, I have seen Coots fly up into the air and away. If they
are surprised too far from their retreats to gain them in an instant,
they splatter along just over the w^ater, half-flying — a habit which has
gained for them in some districts the name of " Shufflers" or "Flnster-
ers." They are generally, however, called Mud Hens — a name shared by
some Grebes — as well as Poules-d'ean, White-bills, and other local desig-
nations. As an article of food they may take fair rank, though they
are to be considered, on the whole as inferior to most Ducks.

ORDEE LAM-CjLLixiUb ixiiik^ I ANSERINE BIRDS

Family ANATID^ : Swan, Geese, and Ducks.

Subfamily Oygnin^ : Sican.

CYGXUS BUCCINATOR, Eich.

Trumpeter Sw.iii.

Cygmis huccinafor, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 464 (Hudson's Bay). — Yarrell, Trans. Linn.
Soc. svii, 1834 (anatomy of trachea, &c.). — Wyman, Pr. Bost. Soc. (sternum). —
NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 370.— Bp., List, 1838, 55.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 536;
V, 1839, 114 ; pis. 376, 406 ; Syn. 1839, 274 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 219, pis. 382, 383.—
Eyt., Mouog. Anat. 1838. 100.— Newc, P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857 (California and
Oregon).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 758.— Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 18.59, 162.— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 248.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 234
(to Lake Erie). — Hayd., Rop. 1862, 175 (breeding about the Yellowstone). —
I) ALL & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 294 (breeding on Frazer River and the
Yukon).— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 45 (Chesapeake Bay, casual).— Trippe,
Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, riot common). — Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1872, 703 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 281.— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873, 11
(migratorj'; breeds in Iowa). — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 388 (Illinois).

OJor iuccinator, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1234. — Bp., Comp. Rend, xliii, 1856, p. — .

Cygmis passmorei, Hincks, Pr. Linn, viii, 1864, 1 (Toronto) ; P. Z. S. 1868, 211 (see
Moore, P. Z. S. 1867, 8).

Hal). — Chiefly from the Mississippi Valley, and northward, to the Pacific. Hudson's
Bay. Canada. Casually on the Atlantic coast. Breeds from Iowa and Dakota north-
ward. In winter, south to the Gulf. Said to have occurred in England ; see Hartikg,
Br. Birds, 155.

Lieutenant Warren's ExpeMtion. — 5476, Yellowstone River.

Later Expeditions. — 62367-8, Snake River, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The vocal apparatus of this species is peculiar, causing its remarkably raucous voice.
Richardsou simply states that "a fold of the windpipe enters a protuberance on the
dorsal or interior aspect of the sternum at its upper part, which is wanting in both
Cygnus ferus aud beivickii." Mr. Yarrell, as above, has made the organ the subject of a
more extended article. lu C. amerieanus, according to Audubon, the trachea " reaches
the curve of the furcula, bends a little upward, and enters a cavity formed on the ster-
num, along which it passes to the length of six inches, bends iipon itself horizontally,
returns, passes up between the crui'a of the furcula, bends backward and enters the
thorax." The external distinctions are the (usually) twenty-four-feathered tail of
hucciuator, and wholly black bill rather larger than the head, with the nostrils fairly in
its basal half; in C. amerieanus the tail having usually onlj- twenty feathers, and there
being a yellow si)ot on the bill, which is shorter than the head, with the nostrils at its
middle. The superior size of C. huccinafor is another mark, thougli one not always
reliable. Audubon mentions one nearly ten feet in alar expanse, and weighiug above
thirty-eight pounds.

I have observed the Trumpeter Swan on but few occasions, in Dakota
only, late in September and during the first half of October, when the
birds were migrating southward with great numbers of Canada aud Snow
Geese and various Wild Ducks. Their loud and strange — almost start-
ling— notes were oftenest heard during the night, as the birds passed
overhead ; but I also saw some Swans tlying in the day time near Fort
Stevenson, on the Upper Missouri. According to Dr. Haydeu, the
birds breed in the Yellowstone region, as they also do, according to
other writers, in Minnesota and Iowa. We have other accounts of their
breeding in Alaska ; aud Dr. Richardson, who gives it as the common-

/

CYGNUS AMEEICANUS, AMERICAN SWAN. 545

est species iu the interior of tbe fur countries, states tbat it nests " prin-
cipally within the xerotic Circle." In the fall, the birds proceed along
the whole course of the Mississippi; Audubon states that they make
their appearance on tbe lower waters of the Ohio about the end of Octo-
ber, and tbat they are frequently exposed for sale in the New Orleans
market, being procured on the ponds of the interior, and on the great
lakes leading to the Gulf of Mexico. The record of the bird east of
the Mississippi is not so satisfactory. Mr. Wheaton mentions its occa-
sional presence on Lake Erie ; in Mr. Turnbull's List the species " is
included on the authority of reliable sportsmen who have shot it on
the Chesapeake, as also on Delaware Bay." The so-called G. passmorei
furnishes a Canadian instance.

On the West Coast, according to Dr. Newberry, " the Trumpeter
Swan visits California with its congeners, the Ducks and Geese, in their
annual migrations, but, compared with the myriads of other water birds
which congregate at that season in the bays and rivers of the West, it is
always rare. Before we left the Columbia, early in November, the
Swans had begun to arrive from the north, and frequently, while at Fort
Vancouver, their trumpeting drew our attention to the long converging
lines of these magnificent birds, so large and so snowy white, as they
came from their northern nesting places, and, screaming their delight at
the appearance of the broad expanse of water, perhaps their winter
home, descended into the Columbia."

CYGNUS AMEEICANUS, Sharp.

American or Whistling Swan.

Cygnus musicus, Bp., Syn. 1828, 379, nee auct. — Linsl., Am. Jouru. xliv, 1843, 268.

Ci/'jnus bewiclcii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 465, uec auct.—'NvT'T., Man. ii, 1834, 372.

Ciffjnits ferns, Niitt., Man. ii, 1834, 366, nee auct.

Ci/gnus americanuis, Sharp., Doughty's Cab. N. H. i, 1830, 185, pi. 16; Aiu. Journ. Sci.
xxii, 1831, 83. — Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 157 (Scotland). — Aui)., Orn. Biog. v, 1^39,
133, pi. 411; Syn. 1839, 274; B. Am. vi, 1843, 226. pi. 384.— Gik., B. L. 1. 1844,
298.— Nkwb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.
1860, 248.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 758.— Wheat., Ohio A<,n-ic. Rep. 1860. No. 223.—
COUES & Phknt.. Smiths. Rep. 1861, 417 (Washington, D. C.).— Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Colorado River).— Coues, Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1868, 297 (New
England, rare or irregnlar). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (Sonth Caro-
lina, in winter).— McIiAVi!., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 94 (Canada West, migra-
tory).—Lawh., Ann. Lye. N. V. viii, 1866, 295.— Tuhnh., B. E. Pa. 1869, 34
(frequent on Chesapeake Bay, during the migrations and in winter). — Dali- &.
Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (coumiou, and breeding all along the Yu-
kon).— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 146 (Massachusetts, verv rare, in winter). — Coues.
Key, 1872, 281, tig. 182.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (rare).— Rinc.w., Ann. Lyci
N. Y. X, 1S74, 388 (Illinois),

Olor americanm, Bp., Comptes Rendus, xliii, 1856, p. — .

Hab. — Continent of North America; breeding only in the far North; wintering in
the United States. Accidental in Scotland (Macgil., Hist. Br. B. 682; Man. Br. B. 157;
Haijt., Br. B. 154).

Not noticed by either of the Expeditions.

Excepting Sir John Ki(;hardson's short note of the breeding of this
species within the Arctic Circle, nothing appears to have been definitely
ascertained in the matter until Mr. Dall made his observations in Alaska.
The Swan, he observes, is " common all along the Yukon. Arrives with
the Geese about May 1, but in a contrary direction, coining down instead
of up the Yukon. Breeds iu the great mar.shes near the Yukon mouth.
The eggs, two iu number, vary from pure white to fulvous, as do the
parents on the head and neck, ai)parently without regard to age. The
eggs are usually iu a tussock quite surrounded with water, so that the
35

546 ANSER ALBIFRONS, WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE,

female must sometimes set with her feet in the water. They are usually
laid about May 21 at Nulato, but later at the Yukon mouth. In July
the Swans moult and cannot Hy, and the Indians have great sport
spearing them with bone tridents. They are very shy birds, and usually
shot on the wing or with a bullet. This species, if hung long enough,
is tender, well-flavored, and excellent eating."

This Swan is only seen in the United States during the migrations,
and in winter. It does not proceed much beyond the Middle districts,
being apparently unknown in the Gulf States, although reaching our
southern border on the Pacific side. One of its favorite resorts is Chesa-
peake Bay, where it is comparatively abundant from November, as
attested by its constant exhibition at restaurants of Philadelphia, Bal-
timore and Washington. It appears to come inland from the Korth,
for it is very rare or merely casual in New England, where it has not
been traced, so far as I am aware, beyond Massachusetts. In the Mis-
sissippi Valley it is apparently rare, at least in comparison with the
Trumpeter, but it is much more plentiful along the Pacific coast, where
it winters.

The eggs of the Swau vary in size from about 4^ inches in length by
2f in breadth, down to 4 by 2i, and are nearly ellipsoidal in shape. The
shell is more or less roughened, and is dull, dirty white, with a wholly
indeterminate amount of brownish discoloration. The eggs of the
Trumpeter may average a little larger, but cannot be distinguished.
The largest number I have known of in a nest is five. Numerous speci-
mens are examined from various points in British and Russian America.

The yellow spot on the bill is not constant ; in young birds, especially,
often no trace can be observed. In such cases the species would be dis-
tinguishable from C. buccinator by the smaller size, fewer tail-feathers,
and shorter, differently shaped bill. The proper name of this species
is, most probably, Cygnus columbianus, after Anas colnmhianus of Ord
(Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 1815, 310), based on the Whistling Swan
of Lewis .& Clarke (ii, 192), who correctly distinguish the two species.

Subfamily Anserine ; Geese.
j~^ ^ ANSER ALBIFRONS var. GAMBELI, (Hart.) Coues.

White-fronted Goose; Speckle-belly.

a. albijrons.

Anas dlbifrons, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 509. — Temm., Man- 1815, 529.

Anser alhlfrons, Bechst., Naturg. iv, 898.— Leach, Cat. 181G, 36. — BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.—
Steph., Gen. Zoo], sii, 25. — Brehm, V. D. 843. — Bp., List, 1838, 55. — Jenyns,
Mau. 222.— Keys. & Blas., Wir)). Eur. 1840, 83.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 352,
pi. 289.— Macgil., Mau. ii, 1842, 149.— Sciil., Rev. Ciit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 110.—
Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, 99 (critical).

Anscr enjthroxnis, Fi>E5I., Br. Au. 127. — Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 607.— ScuL., M. P.-B.
ix, Anseres 110. (According to Newtox, this is not enjtkropus of Linnceus,
which is temminckU, ZJoie,. and mimitits, Naiunann.)

^'Anas casarca, Gm."

(?) '^ Anser intermedins, Naum."

(?) " Anser medius, Temm."

(?) " Anser pallidipes, Selys."

b. gambelL

Anser alUfrons, Bp., Syu. 1823, 376.— Sw. & Ricu., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 466 (Mackenzie
River region north of 67°, and Arctic coast, breeding; Hudson's Bay). — Nutt.,
Man. ii, 1834.346.— Aud., Oru. Biog., iii, 183.5, 568, pi. 286; Syn. 1839,272; B. Am.
Ti,.1843, 209, pi. 380.— Giu., B..L. I. 1844, 293.— Henuy, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18.55,

ANSER ALBIFROXS, WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 547

316.— Maxim., J. f. O. %'ii, 18.59, 166.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 68
(California).— H(n', Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. lust,
vi, 1871, 119 (Minuesota, common).

Anser (jambdi, Hakt., R. M. Z. 1852, 7.— Cab., J. f. O. v, 1857, 226 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 761.— Coop. &. Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 249.— Wheat., Ohio Agric.
Rep. 1860, No. 236.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts).— CouES,
Md. \, 1868, 298 (New England, very rare or accidental). — Coues, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1866, 98 (xVrizouu).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Caro-
lina).- Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42 (Texas).— Coues, Ibis, 1866, 269.— Browx, Ibis,
1868, 425.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 294 (Yukon, breeding).—
TURXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 35 (rare).— Baxx., Pr. Plnla. Acad. 1870, 131 (critical).—
Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (two instances).

Anser albifrons var. gambiU, CouES, Key, 1872, 282. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. s, 1874.
388 (Illinois).

Anser eri/throjms, Bd., Stansbnry's Rep. 1852, 321. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 102. —
Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 101.

Anser frontalis, Bd., B. N. A 1858, .562 (New Mexico).— Hexry, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859,
109.— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1863, 94 (Canada.) {Youmj.)

Hah. — Continent of North America; breeding in the far North ;• wintering in the
United States. Cuba. •

Not noticed by the Expeditions.

As Audubon suggests, this bird may, in highest breeding-plumage, be entirely black
below. The amount of black blotching in United States (winter) specimens is ex-
tremely variable ; sometimes there are only a few scattered aud isolated black feathers.
and sometimes the uniformity of the black is only here and there interrupted by a few
gray or whitish feathers. While the species is distinguishable on sight from ail other
North American ones, it is so closely allied to the European A. albifrons as to be only
with ditBcnlty separated in a satisfactory manner. It apparently only differs in the
larger bill ; that of albifrons is said to measure 1} inches along the culmen, aud that of
fjambeli 2 inches ; but I suspect that so great a difference does not always obtain.
Audubon's measurement of our bird's bill is 1|; Baird's are 1.86 and 2.00. Dr. H.
Schlegel gives for the adult European bird 19 to 22 lines (twelfths of an inch), and for
the young 17 to 18. These observations indicate that the ordinary variation in either
ca.sc is as great as the difference supposed to distinguish the two species, aud that,
moreover, the billsof some American specimens are no'longer than those of some Euro-
pean ones. A slight average discrepancy, therefore, is probably all that can fairly be
said to exist.

jMauy thousands of the White-fronted Geese inhabit California during
the winter, at which season they are distributed over the United States at
large, though not in such prodigious numbers in the East and interior
as along the Pacific coast aud slope. It leaves its northern breeding-
grounds generally in September, and accomplishes its migration during
the following month. From the numbers that pass the winter with us
it is to be inferred that its southward extension is generally not much,
if any, beyond our limits. Some remain in California in April, but the
great body depart the month before. None, to our knowledge, breed in
the United States; a statement that also holds good with reference to
all our other species, except the Canadian.

The " Speckle-bellies," as tijey are called in California, associate freely
at all times with both the Snow and Hutchins' Geese, and appear to
have the same general habits, as well as to subsist upon the same kinds
of food. Their Jlcsh i.s ccjually good for the table. As is the case with
the other species, they are often hunted, in regions where they have
become too wild to be otherwi.se successfully ai)proached, by means of
bullocks trained for the purpose. Though they may have learned to
distrust the api)roach of a horse, and to make off with commendable dis-
cretion from what they have found to be a dangerous comi)anion of that
animal, they have not y<'t come to the same view with respect to horned
cattle, and givat numbers are slaughtered annually by taking advantage
of their ignorance. The bullock is taught to feed (piietly along toward
a iloek. the gunner nieanwliilc keeping himself .screened from the birds'
view by the body of the animal until within range. Though 1 have not

548 ANSER HYPERBOREUS, SNOW GOOSE.

myself witnessed tbis method of huuting, I should judge the gunners
killed a great many Geese, since they talk of its "raining geese" after
a double discharge of the tremendous guns they are :n the habit of
using. Man's ingenuity overreaches any bird's sagacity, no doubt, yet
the very fact that the Geese, which would fly from a horse, do not
yet fear an ox, argues for them powers of discrimination that command
our admiration.

The White-fronted Goose is said to leave the United States at the
same time as the Snow, and a little before the Canadian, and to migrate
apart from other kinds. According to Richardson, it breeds in woody
districts north of the GTth parallel, and thence to the Arctic Ocean.
Mr. Dall says it is extremely common on the Yukon, arriving at Nulato
about May C to 10, and breeding all along the river, from Fort Yukon
to the sea, gregariously, laying from six to ten eggs in a depression in
the sand, without any kind of nest or lining. A set of eggs in the Smith-
sonian, selected for description, contains seven ; the accompanying label
states that the nest was lined with down and feathers. There are con-
siderable differences in the seven in respect of size and shape; the
greatest variation was between two that measured respectively 3.30 by
2.10 and 2.90 by 2.10. This constancy of the minor axis, with the varia-
tion of the major, results in a great discrepancy in shape. In general
the eggs are nearly elliptical, one end being scarcely larger than the
other. The shell is perfectly smooth, and dull yellowish in color, with
a shade of greenish, obscurely marked in places with a darker tint, as
if soiled, or with an oily discoloration. Out of a large number examined,
I found none so small as to correspond with Audubon's measurements,
viz: 2f by If; he may have had an egg of another species before him,
but the color is as he says.

As attested by observers along the Pacific coast, the numbers of
White-fronted Geese wintering there are out of all proportion to those
which visit other parts of the United States. They are particularly rare
on the Atlantic coast, where they have not to my knowledge been traced
beyond Massachusetts. In the interior, according to Audubon, they are
often and regularly seen, even reacliing New Orleans. He states that
in Kentucky they generally arrive and depart before the Canada Goose,
along with the Snow Goose, but in separate flocks. I have myself never
recognized them in the Mississippi or Missouri logions, nor seen them
anywhere further eastward.

/ ANSER HYPERBOREUS, Pall.

) Snow Goose; White Brant.

a. liyperhoreus.

Anser luipcrloreus. Pall.. Spic. Zool. viii, 1767, 80, 25, pi. 05; Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 227. —
"ViEiLL., Euc. Meth. 1^23, 112.— Stkph., Gen. Zool. xii, vt. ii, 1^24, :'.3.— Bp.,
Syu. 1828, 376.— Sw. & Ricn., F. B. A. ii, 1^31, 4G7.-NinT:, Man. ii, 1834, 344.—
Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 365.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, .562, ])1. 381 ; Syu. 1839.
273; B. Aui. vi. 1843, 212. pi. 381.— Eyt., Mod. Auaf. 1839, 92.— Tkmm., Man.
iv, 1840, 516.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 213, pi. 284.— Gns., B. L. I. 1844, 297.—
Dekay, N, Y. Zool. 1844, ii, 350.— Sciil., Rev. Ciit. 1844, 109; M. P.-B. viii, 1865.
107.— Gray, Gou. of B. iii, 1849, 401 .— Lemb., Av. Cub. 1850, 111.— Woodil, Sitgr.
Rep. 1853, 101.- PuTX.. Pr. Ess. Inst. i. 185(5. 219 (Massachn.setrs. rare).— Cas.s .
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1856, 11; 1861, 72.— Cab., J. f. O. v, 1857, 225 (Caba).-NEWJ5.,
P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 101 (California).— Heerm., ibid, x, 1859, 68.— Bd., B. N. A.
1858, 760.— Wiij;at„ Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 235.— Coor. & Suck., N. H.
Wash. Ter. 1830, 249.— Rfjnii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greeulaud).— Blak., Ibi.s,
1863, 139.— BOAKDM., Pr, Bost. See. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine, rare).— Ross, Canad.
Nat. vii, Apr, 1862, p. — .— Bree, B. Enr. iv, 1863, 126, pi. — .— Veiik., Pr, Ess,

ANSER HYPERBOREUS, SNOW GOOSE. 549

Inst, iii, 1862, 159 (Maine, winter, rare).— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 87.— McIlwr.,
ihid. V, 1866, 94 (Canada West, frequent).— Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 297.— Tkippe,
ibid, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, conjnion).— SwiXH., P. Z. S. 1863, 323 (China).—
Dress., Ibis, 1860, 41 (Texas).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vlii, 1806, 295.— Coue.s,
Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1^66, 98 (Arizona, common). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii. 1868. 123
(South Carolina).— Bkowx, Ibis, 1868, 425.— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 34 (rather
rare).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 294 (Alaska, breeding).- Baxn.,
Pr. Phil. Acad. 1870, 131.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 147.— Allkx, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 183 (Utah).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa, migratorj-, coin-
mon). — Coues, Key, 1872, 282.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 11. — Ridgw., Am. Nat.
viii, Feb. 1874 (semi-domestic).— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, lb74, 388 (Illinois).

Anas hypa-bonits, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 504.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 837.— Wlls.,
Am. Oru. viii, 1814, 76, pi. 68, f. 3.— Rich., App. Parry's 2nd Voy. 365.— Temm..
Man. 1835, 816.

Chen lujpcrborcus, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563 ; 1826, 981.— Bp., List, 1838, 55 ; Compt. Rend.
Sept. 1856.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Blas., List, 1862, 20 (Europe).— Guxdl.,
Cat. Aves Cuban. 1866, :>87.— Degl.-Gekbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 493.

Cliionochen hyperborea, Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, 9.

Anas iiii-aJis, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 413.

Anser viveus, Briss., Orn. vi, 288. — Brehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 766.

Tadorna nirea, Bkehm, Vtig. Deutschl. 1831, 854.

White Btaiit, Law'SON, Car. 147. — Lewis & Clarke, ii, 58.

Snow Goose, Pexx., Arct. Zool. ii. No. 479. — Lath., Gen. Syn. vi, 445.

b. albatiis.

Anscr albaius, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1856, 41 ; 1861, 73.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 925.—
TuRXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 45 (casual).— Sauxd., P. Z. S. 1872, 519 (Ireland).—
Hai;t., Br. Birds, 1872, 155 (same instance).

Ch^n albatn-s, Elliot, B. Am. ii, pi. 42.

Anser hyptrboreus var. albatus, Coues, Key, 1872, 282.

Hub. — The \Ahole of North America. Breeds in high latitudes, migrating and winter-
ing in the United States; abundant in the interior and along the Pacific coast, rare on
tile Atlantic. Greenland, transient. Cuba. Rare or casual in Europe (Naum., Y. D.
xi, 221, pi. 2^4 ; Gould, B. Eur. pi. 346).

On the question of the relationships of the lesser Snow Goose, var. albatus, there is
little to be noted beyond the fact of smaller size on an average. The variety appears
to bear much the same relationship to hyperboreus that Branta hntchinsii does to cana-
dt'nsis. Measurements of a i>air lately taken in Wexford, Ireland, as given by Mr.
Howard Saunders : 2| to 3 for tarsus, and 2 to 2^ for bill.

Dispensed oYer all of North America, the Snow Goose is uowhere a
periiianent resident; its migrations are extensive, and pertbrmed with
the utmost regularity; the maximum variation, depending upon the
advance or retardation of the season — less strictly speaking, upon the
weather — is slight. It is never seen in the United States in summer,
for it returns to high latitudes to breed. Along the Atlautic coast, and
indeed through the whole Eastern Province, it may be called rare, at
least in cour^arison with its great abundance in various parts of the
West. Those found in Texas, and anywhere about the Gulf of Mexico,
undoubtedly migrate inland, following the course of the larger rivers;
while tho.se that pass along the Atlantic seaboard generally hug the
coast, and are hardly to be met with beyond maritime districts. In
Arizona, this Goose is abundant in the winter; it arrives at the Colorado
Basin in October, with liordes of other water-fowl, and remains until
spring opens. Some disi)erse over all the permanent waters of the
Territory, but these are few in nundjer compared with the assemblages
on the ('(»l()r;!do. Thus I saw some, and took one, in October, on the San
Francisco IMxer, not lar from Fort \\'liip])le; on the .Mojave Kiver, in
Crtlifoiiiia, the same month ol the following year, I met with great
numbers, in some reedy lagoons. Though they could not have been
much molested there, tliey were shy, ami none would liavc bc<'n pro-
cured were it not that the nature ol the locality otVcrcd good o[)portuni-
ties of unseen api)roach. On the Pacific coast itself, particularly that

550 ANSER HYPERBOREUS, SNOW GOOSE.

of Califoruia, the birds are probably more abundant, in winter, tban
anywhere else. Upon their arrival in Octobei-, they are genenilly lean
and poorly flavored, doubtless with the fatigue of a long journey ; but
they find abundance of suitable food, and soon recuperate. At San
Pedro, in Southern California, in November, I saw them every day, and
in all sorts of situations — some on the grassy plain, others among the
reeds of a little stream or the marshy borders of the bay, otliers on the
bare mudflats or the beach itself. Being much harassed, they had
grown exceedingly wary, and were suspicious of an a];)proach nearer
than several hundred yardi^. Yet with all their sagacity and watchful-
ness— traits for which their tribe has been celebrated ever since the
original and classic flock saved liome, as it is said — they are sometimes
outwitted by very shallow stratagem — the same that I mentioned in
speaking of the Speckle-bellies. It is strange, too, that the noise and
general appearance of a carriage should not be enough to frighten them,
but such is the case. I have driven in a buggy, along the open bea<;h,
directly into a flock of Snow Geese, that stood staring agape, " grin-
ning" the while, till they were almost under the horse's hoofs: the laziest
flock of tame Geese that were ever almost run over in a country by-road
were in no less hurry to get out of the way. Advantage is often taken
of this ignorance to shoot them from a buggy ; and, though they have
not yet learned that anything is to lie dreaded when the rattling affair
approaches, yet no doubt experience will prove a good teacher, and its
acquirements be transmitted until they become inherent. A wild Goose
of any species is a good example of wariness in birds, as distinguished
from timidity. A timid bird is frightened at any unusual or unex[)ected
appearance, particularly if it be accompanied by noise; while a wary
one only flies from what it has learned to distrust or fear, through its
acquired perceptions or inherited instincts. Audubon has a paragraph
to the point, and one also showing that birds can and do communicate
to each other their individual experiences.

"When the young Snow Geese first arrive in Kentucky, about Hen-
derson, for instance, they are unsuspicious, and therefore easily pro-
cured. In a half-dry, half-wet pond, running across a large tract of
land, on the other side of the river, in the State of Indiana, and which
was once my property, I was in the habit of shooting six or seven in a
day. This, however, rendered the rest so wild, that the cunning of any
'Ked-skin' might have been exercised without success upon them ; and
I was sorry to find that they had the power of communicating their
sense of danger to the other flocks that arrived. On varying my opera-
tions, however, and persevering for some time, I found that even the
wildest of them suffered ; for havjng taken it into my head to catch them
in huge traps, I tried this method, and several were procured before the
rest had learned to seize the bait in a judicious manner."

Dr. Heermann's notice of this species gives an idea of the immense
numbers of the birds in some localities, besides relating a novel method
of hunting them. He says they "often cover so densely with their
masses the plains in the vicinity ol' the marshes, as to give the ground
the appearance of being clothed in snow. Easily approached on horse-
back, the natives sometimes near them in this manner, then suddenly
putting spurs to their animals, gallop into the flock, striking to the right
and left, with short clubs, and trampling them beneath their horses' feet.
I have known a native to i)rocure seventeen birds in a single charge of
this kind, through a flock covering several acres."

In Alaska, Mr. Ball states, the Snow Goose is common in the spring,
arriving about May 9th, flying ui) the river from the south, and leaving

ANSER HYPERBOREUS, SNOW GOOSE. 551

iTSually by the eud of tbe montli. " They do not breed in the vicinity of
the Yukon, nor do they return in the fall by the way they came; they
only stop to feed and rest on the marshes, during- the dusky twilight of
the night, and are oft" again with the early light of an arctic spring,"
Sir John Eichardson, in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, after noting the
abundance of the birds, continues: "The eggs, of a yellowish-white
color, and regularly ovate form, are a little larger than those of an
Eider Duck, their length being three inches, and their greatest breadth
two. The young fly in August, and by the middle of September all
have departed to the southward. The Snow Goose ieeds on rushes,
insects, and in autumn on berries, particularly those of the Umpetrum
nUjrnm. When well fed it is a very excellent bird, far superior to the
Canada Goose in juiciness and flavor. It is said the young do not attain
their full plumage before their fourth jear, aud until that period they
appear to keep in separate flocks. They are numerous at Albany Fort,
in the southern part of Hudson's Bay, where the old birds are rarely
seen ; and on the other hand, the old birds in their migrations visit
York Factory in great abundance, but are seldom accompanied by the
young. The Snow Geese make their appearance in spring a few days
later than the Canada Geese, and pass in large flocks both through the
interior and on the coast." Examples of the eggs in the Smithsonian
agree exactly with the above description, but show the usual variation
in size, some being noticeably less than three inches in length by over
two in breadth.

In the Territory of Dakota I have observed the movements of the
Geese during both seasons. They reach the southern i^ortions of the
Territory, as the vicinity of Fort Eandall, for example, very early iu
April, or ev.en during the latter part of March, but may fee observed
during the greater part of the former month. On the 1st of April I saw
many in flocks on a reedy lake near Eandall, and they were still flying
uj) to the 20th of that month. Higher up on the Missouri, in the vicinity
of Fort Stevenson, and also in the neighborhood of Fort Wadsworth, I
again saw numerous flocks during the first half of October, frequenting
the saline pools which occupy much of that portion of the Territory.
In this region they are universally known as VYhite Brant. I can say
nothing from personal observation of the bird's movements aloug the
Atlantic coast. According to Dr. TurnbuU they are rather rare in New
Jersey, arriving in November, aud again late in Februar}-.

I was lately shown, by Mr. Eidgway, a fine specimen of the Snow
Goose, which had voluntarily become semi-domesticated. He has given
the following account in the Naturalist: "On the Cth of October, 1S73,
I shot at Mount Carmel, Illinois, a fine adult male Ansev JiybcrhorcKs,
which had been living with a flock of tame Geese for nearly a year.
The bird had been crippled in the wing the preceding fall, but the
wound, which was merely in the muscles, soon healed, and it escaped
by flight. It flew about half a mile, aud, observing a flock of tame
Geese upon the grassy 'commons' between the town and the river,
alighted among them. It continued to stay with them, going Jiomc
with the flock regularly every evening, to be fed and inclosed in the
barn-yard. My attention was attracted to this bird by its owner, ]\Ir.
Thomas Iloskinson, from whom I got the above I'acts, and who kindly
told me that if 1 would shoot the bird he was willing to have it sacrificed
to science. Accordingly, I rei)aire<l to the 'commons,' and Ibund the
flock at a locality designated. Alter some little seaich the 'White
Brant' was discovered, being distinguished by its black (luill-featliers,
rather smaller size, shorter neck, black instead of bluish eyes, and the

552 ANSER HYPERBOREUS, SNOW GOOSE.

black space aloug the commissures of the bill. When unmolested this
bird was as unmindful of a person as the tame Geese, and it required
chase to make it endeavor to escape, which it always did by rising
easily from the ground, and flying to the river — sometimes half a mile
distant. The specimen was in fine plumage and excellent condition,
and made a very clean, perfect specimen, when prepared. It measured
as follows: Length, 27 inches; extent, 57; wing, 17; culmen, 2.25; tar-
sus, 2; middle toe, 1.75. Its weight was 5J lbs. Bill deep flesh-color, the
upper mandible with a salmon-colored tinge, and the lower with a rosy-
pink flush; the terminal unguis nearly white; the commissures inclose
an elongate oval space of deep black ; iris very dark brown ; eyelids
greenish- white; tarsi and toes purple-lake, the soles of the feet diiigj'
I^aples-yellow. A remarkable feature of this specimen is that one or
two of the primaries are entirely pure white, while most of the remain-
ing ones have longitudinal spaces, of greater or less extent, on the inner
webs. The question arises, whether this is merely a case of partial albin-
ism, or a change produced by the modified condition of its food and
mode of life."

"The bill of this bird," says Wilson, "is singularly curious. The
edges of the upper and lower gibbosities hav^e each twenty-three
indentations, or strong teeth, on each side; the inside, or concavity of
the upper mandible, has also seven lateral rows of strong projecting
teeth, and the tongue, which is horny at the extremity, is armed on
each side with thirteen long and sharp, bony teeth, placed like those of
a saw, with their points directed backward ; the tongue, turned up and
viewed on its lower side, looks very much like a human finger with its
nail. This conformation of the mandibles, exposing two rows of strong
teeth, has probably given rise to the epithet ' Laughing,' bestowed on
one of its varieties, though it might, with as much propriety, be named
the 'Grinning Goose.'" ISfo one familiar with the appearance of the
Snow Goose will fail to recognize the ai)tness of the suggestion with
which Wilson concludes his truthful, if not quite technically accurate,
description, conveying an idea of the bird's queer physiognomy. Ihe
design and use of the conspicuous corneous lamellte (common to other
Geese, but remarkably developed in this one) are evident, when we
know the bird's food and its manner of procuring it. It feeds upon
reeds, grasses, and other herbs, which it forcibly pulls up by the roots,
or twitches in two. The shape and singular armature of the bill admir-
ably adapt it for seizing and retaining firm hold of yielding plant-stems.
The bird's " horrible smile," then, so far from being a sign of vapid antl
inane character, is at once the mark and the means of the praiseworthy
industry by which it gains an honest livelihood.

Various kinds of ordinary grass form a large part of this bird's food,
at least during their winter residence in the United States. They
gather it precisely as tame Geese are wont to do. Flocks alight upon a
meadow or plain, and pass over the ground in broken array, cropping to
either side as they go, with the peculiar tweak of the bill and quick jerk
of the neck familiar to all who have watched the barn-yard birds when
similarly engaged. The short, turfy grasses appear to be highly relished ;
and this explains the frequent presence of the birds in fields at a dis-
tance from water. They also eat the bulbous roots and soft succulent
culms of aquatic plants, and in securing these the tooth-like processes
of the bill are brought into special service. Wilson again says that,
when thus feeding upon reeds, " they tear them up like hogs;" a ques-
tionable comparison, however, for the birds pull up the plants instead
of pushing or "rooting" them up. The Geese, I think, also feed largely

BRANTA CANADENSIS, WILD GOOSE, 553

upon aquatic insects, small molluscs, and marine invertebrates of vari-
ous kinds; for tbey are often observed on mud-flats and rocky places by
tbe sea-side, wbere tbere is no vegetation wbatever ; and it is probable
that when they pass over meadows they do not si)are tbe grasshoppers.
Audubon relates, that in Louisiana be has often seen tbe Geese feeding
in wheat-fields, where tbey plucked up the young i)lants entire.

ANSER ROSSII, Bd.

Horned Wavy; Ross' Goose.

Horned JVavii of Hearne.

Anser rossi, Bo., Mss.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 7:5.— CouES, Key, 1872, 282.

Exantheinops rossi, Elliott, B. N. A. pt. ix, pi. 44.

Hah. — Arctic America. South to San Francisco in winter.

This curious little Chen, in whicb a long-lost species is perfectly recog-
nized, is an inhabitant chiefly of Arctic America, but, like the Snow
Goose, is now known to migrate into the United States in winter. It
has been taken at San Francisco. Witb exactly tbe coloration and form
of A. liyperhoreus., it is immediately recognized by its small size, being
no larger than a Mallard, less exposure of the teetli of the bill, corruga-
tion of the base of the bill, and the nearly Gtraigbt instead of strongly
convex outline of the feathers at the sides.

ABSEE CCERULESCENS, (Linn.) Vieill.
Blue Goose.

Anas caritlescens, JLiixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 193.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 513. — Lath.,

Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 836.
Aiiscr cocrnlcsccns, Vieill., Ency. Metb. i, 1823, 115. — Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 18.56, 42;

1861, 73.— Bree, B. Eur. iv, 1863, 132.— Coues, Key, 1872, 282.— Ridgw., Ann.
• Lye. N. y. X, 1874, 388 (Illinois).
Anser hyperhoreus, jnv. of some authors.

Hab. — North America generally.

This proves to be a perfectly distinct species from A. Uyperhoreus, tbe
young of which, bowever inucb resembling it, is quite difl'erent. In
adult plumage it bears a curious superficial resemblance to Philacte
canafjlca, the distribution of the colors being much the same. Speci-
mens are in tbe Smithsonian from Chicago, and various localities iu
North America, where its distribution is apparently general.

BRANTA CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Gray.
Canada Goose; Coniinoii Wild Goose.

a. canadensis.

Ana8 canadinitis,! ASS., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 198.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 514.— Forst.,
Phil. Trans, l.xii, 1772, 414.— Lath., Ind. Oru. 'ii, 1790, 838.— WiL.s., Am. Oru.
viii, 1814, .52, pi. 67, f. 4; and of all earlier authors.

Anser canadensis, Vikill., Nouv. Diet, d'lli.st. Nat. ; Euey. Meth. i, 1823, 114.— Flem., Brit.
An. 128.— Keys. &. Blas., Wiib. Eur. 82.— Bi'.', Svu. 1828, 377; List, 1838, 55.—
Sw. A: Kicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 468.— Nlirr., Man.'ii. 1834, 349.— Am., Oru. Bios;,
iii, 1835, 1 ; v, 1839, 607 ; pi. 201 ; Syn. lH:i9, 270 : B. Am. vi, 1S13, 17s, ).l. 376.—
Evr., Mou. Anat. 183^.— DkIvav, N' V. Zool. ii, 1844, 34^.- (io.ssK, B. .lam. li^47,
408.— Gii:., B. L. I. 1844, 289.— Bn., Stausbury's Kep. 18.52, 321.— Maxim., J. f.
O. vii, 18.59, 164.— ScHL., M. P.-B. ix, 186.5, Jnsers, 105.

Cygnus canadensis, SiEl'ii., Shaw's (Jen. Zool. xii, 1824, 19. — Evt., Cat. Br. Birds, 65. —
Jen., Man. 18;}.5, 227.

^'6

4-

554 BRANTA CANADENSIS, WILD GOOSE.

Bernicla canadensis, BoiE, Isis, 1826, 921.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 608. — Woodii.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 102.— Br., Corupt. Reud. Sept. 1856.— Newj$., P. R. R. Rep.
vi, 1857, 100.— Hkekm., ihid. x, 1859, pt. vi, 66.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash.
Ter. 1860,250.— MUH., Etliu. New Phil. Joiun. 1859, 225.— COUKS, Pr. A. N. S. 1 861,
238 ; 1866, 62.— Ross, Caiiad. Nat. 1862.— IIavd., Rep. 1862, 175 (some breeding
on the Yellowstone). — Verh., Pr. Ess. Insr. iii, 1862, 153. — Boaiujm., Pr. Bost.
Soc. iv, 1862, 139.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 9.— Reinii., Vid. Med. f. 1864, 1865, 246
(Disco, Greenland). — Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missonri). — Dhess., Ibis,
1866, 42.— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 298.— Brow.v, Ibis, 1868, 425.— Dale
& BaxNN., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295 (Alaska).— CouEs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871,
35 (North Carolina, probably breeding). — Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv\ Ter. 1870,
466 (Wyoming).— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873^ 11 ; and of most late anthors.

Brania canudiusis, Gkay. — Bann., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 131. — CouES, Key, 283, tig. 185".

Bernida {LeucobJepharon) canadensis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, pp. xlix, 764.

Brania (Leucohlejfharon) canadensis, Ghay, Hand-list, iii, 1871,76, No. 10578.

" Cijgnopsis canadensis, Brandt." {Gray.)

Anser parripes, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1852, 138 (Vera Cruz).

Bernicla harnstoni, Ross, Canad. Nat. vii, Apr. 1862.

b. leucopareia.

Anser canadensis, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 230.

Anscr lencopareius. Brandt, Bull. Sc. Acad. St. Peters, i, 1836, 37 (Aleutians); Descr. et

Ic. Av. 1836, 13, pi. 2.
Bernicla leucopareia, Cass", 111. 272, pi. 45. — Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295.
Bernicla {Leucohlepharon) leueoixireia, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, pj). xlix, 765.
Brania {Leucohlepharon) leucopareia. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 187], 76, No. 10580.
Brania canadensis var. leucopareia, CoUES, Key, 1872, 284, fig. 185^.
Bernicla uccidentalis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 766, in text.

Bernicla canadensis var. occidenialis, Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295.
(?) Bernicla leucohvma, Mui:., Edinb. Phil. Journ. Apr. 1859, 226, pi. 4, f. 1.

c. ImtcMnsii.

Anas 'bernicla var. h, Ricil, App. Parry's 2d Voy. 368.

Anser hutchiusii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 470. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 362. — AuD.,
Oru. Biog. iii, 1835, 226, pi. 277; Syu. 1839, 271 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 198, pi. 377.—
Bp., List. 1838, 55.— LiNSL., Am. Journ. xliv, 1843, 249 (Connecticut).- GiR., B.
L. I. 1844, 292.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 219 (Massachusetts).

Bernicla huichinsii, WooDir., Sitgr. Rep. 1823, 102 (California).— Newb., P. R. R. Rep.
vi, 1857, 101 (Calilbrnia). — Heerm., ihid. x, 1859, pt. vi, 67 (California).— Coop.
& Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 251.— Mur., Edinb. Phil. Journ. xi, 1859, 228,
pi. 4, fig. 2. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts, rare). — CouES,
ibid. V, 1868, 298.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 298.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 45
(occasional).— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295 (Alaska).— Snow, B.
Kans. 1873, 11.

Bernicla {Lcucohlepluirou) huicMnsii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, pp. xlix, 766.

Branta (Leucohlepharon) hnicliinsii, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 76, No. 10579.

Brania hufchinsii, Bann., Pr. Ph.ila. Acad. 1870, 131.

Brania canadensis \ar. hufchinsii, Coues, Key, 1872, 284.

Anser (Branta) canadensis var. /(H/c/(in.sii, Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 388 (Illinois).

Hah. — The whole of North America, breeding in the United States, as well as
further north. Accidental in Europe (see above quotations). Var. huichinsii with
nearly coincident range ; especially abundant on the west coast in winter. Var. leuco-
pareia from the northwest coast.

lAcuienant JVarren^s Expedition. — 5471, Yellowstone River.

Lafer Expeditions. — 00000-0, Sweetwater River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

Both Hutcbius' and the Common Wild Goose I have found migrating
through Dakota, iu April and October, in considerable numbers, and
Dr. Hayden states that the latter breeds on the Yellowstone. That it
occasionally nests at large through the United States is abundantly' at-
tested. While in North Carolina I had reason to believe that it did so
in the vic'nity of Fort Macon, as stated iu my article above quoted.
But the most interesting information of its breeding that I have to
offer is that it nests in various parts of the Upper Missouri and Yel-
lowstone regions, in trees. This fact of arboreal niditication is proba-
bly little known, and might even be doubted by some ; but, although

BRANTA CANADENSIS, WILD GOOSE. 555

I Lave not myself seeu the uests in trees, I am perfectly satisfied of the
reliability of the aecounts furnished me by various persons, among
whom I need only mention Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Hayden's party.
While I was in Montana I found the circumstance to be a matter of
common information among residents of that Territory, who expressed
surprise that it was not more generally known. The birds are stated
to build in the heavy timber along the larger streams, and to transport
the young to the water in their bills. This corresponds with the habit
of the Wood Duck ; while the exceptional mode of nesting is paralleled
in tlie case of the Herring Gull, which, according to Audubon, has been
found breeding in communities in trees, though, as is well known, it
ordinarily nests on the ground.

While ascending the Missouri in June, 1874, I saw broods of young
geese on several occasions, apparently two or three weeks old, swim-
ming in the river near the bank. Later in the same season, albng the
northern border of Montana, many geese were observed breeding in
small lakes. At one of these, several dozen were killed with clubs by
some members of the Survey. The old birds being then in moult, were
consequently unable to tly, while the young were also still deprived of
tbe powel^ of flight. At this point one of the birds furnished an in-
stance of voluntary semi-domestication much like that narrated by Mr.
Ridgway in the case of the tame Snow Goose ; it entered camp, as if to
escape the sad destruction that was carried on, became perfectly tame,
and at last accounts was being carried along by the party as a pet.

Hutchins' Goose has not, to my knowledge, been known to nest within
our limits. A set of four eggs before me, collected on the Arctic coast
oast of Anderson Kiver, July 4, 1803, are larger than as described by
previous writers, measuring 3.40 by 2.25; they are almost perfectly
ellii»s()idal, an<!, while ai)pearing to have been originally white, are now
tinged with dirty-yellowish, as if soiled or discolored. Mr. Dall states
that in Alaska, where it is the most common of all the Geese, breeding
at Saint Michael's and Pastolik, as M^ell as all along the Yukon, it lays
six or eight eggs on the beaches, like A. (lamhdi, with which species it
arrives in the spring, departing about the end of October. Along our
Atlantic coast this variety a[)pears to be rare, and not to proceed further
than the Middle districts; but its great resemblance to the common
variety may cause it to be overlooked in a measure. But, as Audubon
suriinsed, its regular occurrence has been established. " 1 had occasion
to allude," he continues, "to a small species, called by the gunners of
Maine the Winter or Flight Goose, which they describe<l to me as re-
sembling the large (jommon kind in almost every particular except its
size." Both ]\Ir. Lawrence and ^Mr. Turnbull include it in their lists, as
do various New England writers. We must, however, visit the regions
west of the KocUy ^Mountains to find the Hutchins' Goose plentiful in
its favorite winter residencies, and observe it undei- the most favorable
circumstances. On river, lake and marsh, and particularly along the
sea coast, it is found in vnst numbers, being i)robably the most iibuiuhnit
representative of its family. It enters the United States early in Oc-
tober, or sometimes a little earlier, according to the weather, and in the
course of that month becomes dispersed over all its winter feeding-
grounds. It is generally in ]»o()r condition on its arrival, after the severe
journey, iierhaps extending from the uttermost Arctic land; but it tinds
abundance of food, and is soon in high fiesh again. During the rainy
season ill Ciililbrnia the plains and valleys, before brown and dry, be-
come clothed in rich verdure, and the nourishing grasses alVord susten-
ance to incredible luimbers of these and other Geese. Three kinds, the

556 BRANTA BERNICLA, BRANT GOOSE

Snow, the White-fronted, and the present species, have almost precisely
the same liabits and the same food during their stay with us, and asso-
ciate so intimately together that many, if not most, of the flocks con-
tain representatives of all three. At least, after considerable study of
the Geese in Arizona and Southern California, I have been unable to
recognize any notable differences in choice of feeding grounds.

The following extract on Hutchins' Goose, from Dr. Heermann's Keport,
will be found interesting: "While huntiug during a space of two months
in the Suisun Valley I observed them, with other species of Geese, at
dawn, high in the air, winging their way toward the prairies and hiily
slopes, where the tender young wild oats and grapes offer a temi)ting
pasturage. Their early tiight lasted abont two hours, and as far as the
eye conld reach the sky was spotted with flock after flock, closely fol-
lowing in each other's wake, till it seemed as though all the Geese of
California had given rendezvous at this particnliir point. Between 10
and 11 o'clock they would leave the prairies, first in small squads, then
in large masses, settling in the marshes and collecting around the ponds
and sloughs thickly edged with heavy reeds. Here, swimming in the
water, bathing and pluming themselves, they keep ui) a continual but
not unmusical clatter. This proves the most propitions time of the day
for the hunter, who, under cover of the tall reeds and guided by their
continaal cackling, approaches closely enough to deal havoc among
them. Discharging one load as they sit on the w^ater and another as
they rise, I have thus seen tw enty-three Geese gathered from two shots,
while many more, wounded and maimed, fluttered away and were lost.
About 1 o'clock they leave the marshes and return to feed on the prai-
ries, flying low, and affording the sportsman again an opportunity to
stop their career. In the afternoon, about 5 o'clock, they finally leave
the prairies, and, rising high up in the air, wend their w^ay to the roost-
ing places whence they came in the morning. These were often at a
great distance, as I have followed them in their evening flight until they
were lost to view. Many, however, roost in the marshes. Our boat,
sailing one night down the sloughs leading to Suisun Bay, having come
among them, the noise they made as they rose in advance of us, emit-
their cry of alarm (their disordered masses being so serried that we
could hear their pinions strike each other as they flew), impressed us
with the idea that w^e must have disturbed thousands. Such are the
habits of the Geese during the winter. Tow^ard spring they separate
into smaller flocks, and gradually disappear from the country, some few
only remaining, probably crippled and unable to follow the more vigor-
ous in their northern migration."

BRANTA BERNICLA, (Linn.) Scop.

Brant tioose; Black Brant.

a. hernicla.

Jnas fcerHicZfl, Linn.. Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 198.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 513.— Lath., Ind.

Orn. ii, 1790, 844.— Wii.s., Ara. Orn. viii, 1814, pi. 72, f. 1.— Tkmm., Mau. 181.'),

531 ; ii, 1835, 824.— Less., Man. ii, 1828, 408.
Brnnta hernicla, Scop., Bemerk. Natnrg. 1770, 73. — Gray, Hand-li.st, iii, 1871. 76, No.

10575.— Banx., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1870, 131.— Coues, Key, 1872, 284, f. 184".
Anser hcniicla, III., Prod. 1811, 277.— Vieill., Euc. Moth, i, 1823, 121.— Bp., Syii. 1828,

378.— Sw. & Ricn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 469.- Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 359.— Temm..

Mau. iv, 1840, 522.— Aud., Oru. Bios- v, 1839, 24, 610, pi. 391 ; Syu. 1839, 272 ;

B. Am. vi, 1843, 203, pi. 379.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 365.— Sklys-L., Fu. Belj^.

i, 1842, 139.— Gil!., B. L. I. 1844, 293.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 351.— Schl.,

Rev. Crit. 1844, 100; M. P.-B. vii, 1865, 105.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 404.—

PUTN., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 185(5, 219.

BRANTA BERNICLA, BRANT GOOSE. 557

Anser brenta, Talu, Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 229.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Flem.. Br. An.
127.— Keys. & Blas., Wiib. Eur. 1840, 83.— Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 323 (Chiua).

Bernicia hrenta, Stepii., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. li, 1824, 46.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 62; Mou. Anai.
1838, 85.— Bp., List, 1838, 56; C. R. Sept. 1856.— Guay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 607;
Cat. Br. B. 1863, 184.— Reich., Sy-st. Av. 1852, ix, — — Woodh., Sitor. Rep. 1853,
102.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 767.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland).- Ro.ss,
Canad. Nat. vii, Apr. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1862, 153.— Blak., Ibis, 1862,
145.— Malmg., J. f. O. 1865, 209 (Spitsbergen).- Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42 (Texas).-
Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 489.— Coues, Pr. E.ss. Inst, vi, 1868, 298; Pr.
Pliila. Acad. 1871, 36 (Nortli Carolina).

Amer /o»Y///rt/rt, Fkisch, V6g. Deutschl. ii, pi. l.'MJ.— Bkehm, Eur. V()g. 1823,777.— NiLSS.,
Orn. Suec. 117.— Jen., Man. 1835, 224.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 391, pi. 292.

Bvrnicla iorqiiafu, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Brehm, V. D. 851.

Bernicia mdanoims, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 151.

Bernidu fjlaucofjasicr, viicropus, plafyurus, coUaris, Brehm., V. D. 849-851.

b. nigrieans.

Anser nigricans, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. iv, 184G, 171, pi. — .

Bernicia nigricann, Cass., 111. 1853, 52, pi. 10.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 767.— Coop. & SrCK.,
N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 252.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 296 (Long
island).— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 425.— U all & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295
. (Ala-ska).- TcRNii., B. E. Pa. 1849, 46 (rare).

Branta nigricans, Bann., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1870, 131.

Branta bernicia var. nigricans, Coues, Key, 1872, 284, fig. 184''.

Hab. — Europe. North America ; rare or casual on the Pacific. Var. nigricans, rare
or casual on the Atlantic.
Not obtained bj- the Expeditions.

While ascendiug the Mi.ssouri in October, 1872, I observed vast num-
bers of the Common Brant in tiocks on the banks and mud-bars of the
river. It is generally dispersed over the continent, but chiefly in its
eastern portions, where var. niffvicans is i are. The hitter almost entirely
rephu;es the common form on the Pacific side.

In the paper by Messrs. Dall and Bannister, above quoted, the fol-
lownig passages relating- to the Black Brant occur : "This Goose arrives
in immense tiocks, in the spring, along the sea-coast, but is rarely seen
on the Yukon. I killed one, May 29, 18G8, at Xulato, which was said
to be a very rare visitor. They pass Fort Yukon in the spring, as they
do at Saint Michael's, being present but a few days, and breeding on
the shores of the Arctic Ocean. I was informed at Fort Yukon that it
is not seen there in the fall. Unlike the White Geese, they return to
Norton Sound in small numbers in the fall. * * * * ^£\^q f^i^v tlm^-
appear at Norton Sound in the fall are the last Geese excepting the
caiuKjica. A few of this species were killed at Saint Michael's the season
I was there; it was said to be altogether less abundant that spring than
ordinarily. It arrives there about the 12th of May, almost the last of
all the migratory birds. They were ob.served in the fall of 18(55 (Sep-
tember 23), on their return. Usually the Black Brant is said to come in
immense tiocks, and to aftord more profitable sport for a few days than
all the other si)ecies put together. The flight of the main body ot these
migratory birds seems to \\w, to be along the western edge of Saint ]\Ii
chael's Island, touching Stewart's Island, and then directly northward,
across the ojh'U sea, to Golownin Sound. 1 saw no such large Hocks
jiassing the fort as 1 saw down the canal Hying toward Cape Stephens."
According to J)r. Suckley these Brant are e.xtremely abundant about
the Straits of Fuca in winter, preferring the vicinity of the coast, and
subsisting by choice upon sedge-grass growing near .-alt water. On the
Atlantic- coast I ha\e noticed the common variety as I.ir as the Carolinas.

Tho following Anaerinw of North America have not been found ::i the Missouri region :

558 PHILACTE CANAGTCA, EMPEROR GOOSE.

Bhanta leucopsis (Boie). Barnacle Goose.

(?) "Anas ei'iithrnpus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 513.— Degl., Oin. Eur. ii, 1849, 402."

Bcriiicla cnjtliropHS, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 49.

AnuH Intcopsis, Tkmm., Man. 1815, .531 : i', 1835. 823.

Anser Icucopsin, Bechst., Tasch. ii, 1810, 557 ;' Nature;, iv, 921.— Bp., Syn. 1828,377.—

Nltt., Man. Oin. ii, 1834, 3.55.— Jen., Man. 1835, 224.— Keys. & Blas., Wirl).

Eur. 1840, 83.— Nauai., V. D. xi, 1842, 378, pi. 291.— Schl., Rev. Grit. 1844, 109.—

Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 18.35, 609, ^1. 296 ; Syn. 1839,271; B. A. vi, 200, pi. 378.
Bernida Jencoims, Boie, Isis^, 1822, 5G3. — Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Tbierw. 18^:9, 25. — Bhehm,

V. D. 847.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 18—, 62.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 150.-Gkav, G. of

B. iii, 1849, 607; List Br. B. 1863, lti4.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 768.— Reinh., Ibis,

iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland).
Brarita IvKcojmn, Bann., Pr. Pbila. AcacL 1870, 131. — Gkay, Hand-list, iii, 1871, , Ni».

— .— CouES, Key, 1872, 283.
Ansa- beniida, Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Flem., Br. An. 127. — Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 230.

Huh. — ^Europe. Very rare or casual in North America (Hudson's Bay, Bd., Am. Nat.
ii, 49; North Carolina, Lawp.., ibid, v, 1871, 10).

Philacte canagica, Bann. Emperor Goose.

Anas canagica, Sevast., N. Act. Petrop. xiii, 1800, 346, pi. 10.

Anser canagicus. Bkaxdt, Bull. Acad. Sc. St. Petersh. i, 1836, 37 ; Descr. An. i, 1836, 7,

pi. 1.— Schl., M.P.B. viii, 1865, 113.— Finsch, Abh.Nat. iii, 1872, 66.
Bernida canagica, Gpay, G. of B. iii, 1849, 607. — Degl.-Gei:be, O. E. 1867, 492.
Chloephaga canaqica, Bp., C. R. xlii, Sept. 1856.— Brx, B. N. A. 1858, 768.— Elliot, B. N.

A. pi. 45.— Dall & Baxx., Ti'. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 296.
Philacte canagica, Bann., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 131.— Coues, Key, 1873, 283, f. 183.—

CoUES, in Elliott's Prybilov Islands, App. j). — .

Hah. — Northwest coast of America.
Dendrocygna autumnalis (Linn.) Eyton.

Anas auimnnalis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 176. — Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 537. — Lath.,
lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 852.— Vieill,, E. M. 1823, 140.— Light., Verz. 1823, 84.—
Steph., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 99.— Buim., Th. Bras, iii, 185G, 436.

Devdronessa autumnaUs, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 282.

Dendroci/tjiia aKtiimvalui, Eyt., Mou. Anat. 1838.— Gray, Cat. Br. M. 1844, 131: G. of B.
iii, 1849, 612 -GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 398.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1851, 117.—
Bd., Stansbnrv's Rep. 1852, 334 ; B. N. A. 1858, 770; 1860, pi. 63, f. 2; Mex. B.
Surv. 1859, ii, pt. ii, 28, pi. 25 (TexasV— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 648.— Scl.. P.
Z. S. 1858, 360 (Honduras) ; 1864, 299 (Guatemala).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1864,
372; 1866, 200 (Peru).— C vss., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860,197 (Darien).— Taylor,
Ibis, 1864, 172 (Porto Rico); 1860, 315 (Honduras).— Dresser, Ibis, 1866,42
(Texas).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 63 (Panama) ; ix, 1889, 143 (Costa
Rica).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 320 (Brazil).— Coues, Key, 1872, 284.

Hah. — Central and South America. Southwestern United States. West Indies.
Dendrocygna fulva (Gm.) Burm.

'^ Fendopc mexicana, Brlss."

Anas fulva, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 530. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 883.— Vieill., Nonv.
Diet. d'Hi'st. Nat. v, 1816, 127 ; E. M. 1823, 137.— Steph., G. Z. xii, 1819, 204.—
Wage., Isis, 1831, 532.— Burm., Thier. Bras, iii, 1856, 435.

Fnligida fulva, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 204.

Dendronesha fulva, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 281.

Dendrocygna fulva, Burm, R ise La Plata, 515. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 770 (California). —
Pelz., Orn. Bras. 319.— Xantus. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 192 (Fort Tejon).—
Dress., Ibis, 1866,42 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1886, 98 (Arizona).—
Moore, Am. Nat. — , (New Orleans, Louisiana). — Schl., M. P.-B. Ansercs p. 87.

Anas virgata, Maxim., Beit. Nat. Bras, iv, 918 ; Reise Bras, i, 322.

''Anas- sinuata, Light., Mus. Berol."

"Anas hicolor, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v, 136."

"Anas collavis, Merre^.i.''

Hah. — Central and South America. North to Arizona and California.
The following species of Dendrocygna may yet be detected in North America:
Dendrocy'GNa arborea {Linn.) Sw.

Anas arhorea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 176.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 540. — Lath., Ind.

Orn. ii, 1790, 8.52.— Vieill., E. M. 1823, 141.— Steph., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 98.—

Burm, Thier. Bras, iii, 18.56, 438.
Dendronessa arhorea, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 282.

ANAS BOSCH AS, MALLARD. 559

Dendroeijqna ariorea, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 365.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 110.— GossE,
B. Jam. 1847, 395.— Gray, G. of B. iii, 1849, 612.— Keicii., Svst. Av. 1852, 10.—
Bd., Stausbuiy's Eep. 1852, 334.— Br., Compt. Rend, xlii, 1852, 648.— Bhy., Pr.
Bost. Soc. viii, 1859; 1867, 70 (Bahamas).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1864, 300 (Jamaica).—
Newt., Ibis, 1859, 366 (Santa Cruz).— Schl., M. P.-B. viii, 1865, Anserc8 84.—
GuNDL., Av. Cab. 1866, 387.

Dendkocygna viduata (Linn.) Eyt.

Anas viduata, Linn., S.yst. Nat, i, 1766, 205.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 536.— Lath. lud.

Oru. ii, 1790, 858.— Stei'II., G. Z. xii, pt.ii, 1824, 102.— Maxim., Beit. Bras, iv,

1833, 921.— BujJM., Thier. Bras iii, 1856, 434.
Dendrocyc/na viduata, Eyt., Mou. Avat. 1838, 109. — Tsch., Fn. Pern. 54. — Ghay, G. of B.

iii, 1849, 612.— Lawr., Ann. Lyc.N. Y. vii, May, 1860, 274 (Cuba).— SCL. P. Z.

S. 1864, 299 (Guiana, Brazil,' «&c.).—Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1865, 200.— Schl..

M. P.-B. viii, 1865, Ansercs 90.— Gundl., Av. Cub. 1866, 388.— Pelz., Orn. Bras.

319.— Reinh., Vid. Meddel. 1870, 21 (Brazil).

The following is the synonymy of the Musk Duck, domesticated in this country :
Hyonetta moschata, (Linn.) Siind.

Anas moschata, Linn., Fn. Suec. 41; Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 199. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
515.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790,846.- ViEiLE.,Ency.Meth. 1823,129; Nouv.Dict.
d'Hiat. Nat. v, 1816, 129.— Light., Verz. 1823, 84.— Maxim., Naturg. Bras, iv,
1833,910.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 421.— Schl., M. P.-B. viii, 186.5, 73.

Anas (Moschalus) moschata, Less., Mau. Orn. ii, 1828, 416.

Anas (Gymnaflins) monchata, Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 403.

livavta moschata, Scop., Bemerk. Naturg. 1770, 74.

Cairina moschata. Fle.m., Br. Anim. 1828, 122.— Jen., Mau. 1835, 230.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B.
65 ; Monog. Auat. 1838, p. —.—Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— Go.sse, B.
Jam. 1847, 408.— Gray, Geu. of B. iii, 1849, 618 ; Cat. Br. B. 1863, 198.— Reich,
Syst. Av. 1852, IO.-Burm., Th. Bras, iii, 1856, 440.— Bp., Compt. Rend, xlii,
1856, 649.— SCL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 232 (Central America).- Tayl., Ibis,
1860, 315 (Honduras).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1864, 373 ; 1865, 200 (Ucayali).—
Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. April, 1863.— Pelz., Oru. Bras. 320 (Brazil).— Eelxil,
Yiddensk. Meddel. Forh. 1870, 21 (Brazil).

Hyonetta moschata, 8v:st>., Meth. Av. Nat. Disp. Tent. 1873, 146.

Cairina sylvestris, Steph., Geu. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 79.

For synonymy of hybrids of this species with A. boschas, see that species. A descrip-
tion of the usual hybrid condition is given by Coues, Forest and Stream, Feb. 19, 1874.

Subfamily xVnatin^ : River Ducks.

A:N^AS boschas, Llmi.

Mallard.

l)t. ii, 1824, 84.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 383; List, 1838, 56.— Brehm, Y. D. 1831, rt62.—
Wagl., Isis, 1831, 531.— Tem.m.. Man. ii, 1835, 855; iv, 1840, 531.— Eyt.. Moti.
Amit. 1838, i>. — .— ViG., Zool. Beech. Voy. 1839, 30.— Aui)., Oru. Biog. iii. 1835.
164, pi. 221 ; Syu. 1839, 276 ; B. Aui. vi, 1843, 236, pi. 385.— Keys. & Blas.,
Wirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— Macgil., Mau. ii, 1842, 165.— Sely.s-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842,
140.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1812, 575, pi. 300.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 135 ; G. of
B. iii, 1849, 615 ; List Br. B. l!^(i3, 193.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1S44, 347.— Gut.,
B. L.I. 1844, 299.— SciiL., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 113; y\. P.-B. 186.5,40.—
G. SSE, B. Jaui. 1847, 40H.-DEGL., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 425.— Cass., U. 8. Expl.
Ex. 1858, :<40.— Rkicil, Syst. Av. 18.52, 10.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 774.-W<)()i)H.,

p. Z. S. 1863, 324.— Ji:ri)., B. India, iii, lSii4, 79H.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. Apr.
1863.— GiNDL., .\v. Cuban. 18611, 388.— DKciL.-CJREHK, Oru. I.ur. l-<67, 506.—
Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ten 1870, 466.— Mkrk., ibid. Ic72, 70.!.— Cm is. K.\ ,
1872, 285; and of authors generally.

560

ANAS OBSCURA, DUSKY DUCK.

Anas adunca, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 206.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1783, 538.— Jen., Man.

234.— Donovan, Br. Birds, is, pi. 218.
Anas domcstica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 538.

Anas {Boschas) domcstica, Sw. & Eicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 442.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 378.
Anas curvirosira, Pall. (Gray.)
Anas frei/cineli, Bp. {(rray.)

Anas /era, Bki88. — Lkacu, Cat. M. aiul B. Br. Mus. 1816, 39.
Anas archiboschas, suhboschas, conboschas, Brehm, V. D. 862, 864, 865.

Among liybrids, proven or presumed, of the Mallard -witli other Ducks, are the fol-
lowing:

Anas i)ur2}nrcoiiridis, Schinz. {Muscovy ?)
Anas wi«J!i»ift,Go.ssE, B. Jam. 1847, 399. {Muscovy?)
Anas bicolor, Donovan, Br. Birds, ix, pi. 212. {Muscovy?)
Anasbreweri,AvD.,Ovn. Biog. iv, 1838, 302, pi. 3^S {{"glocitans"); Syn. 1839,277; B.

Am. vi, 1843, 252, pi. 387. {Gcuhmllf or CanvasbacM)
Anas audnboni, Bp., List, 1838, 56 (" bimaculata"). (Same as bretveri.)
Fuliyula viola, Bell, Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 219. {Muscovy 1)
Anas iopareia, Phil., Arch. Naturg. i, 1860, 25 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 531. {Muscovy.)

Hob. — Nearly cosmopolitan, and nearly everywhere domesticated. Wild throughout
the whole of North America, breeding sparingly throughout the United States, as well
as further north. Very rare and scarcely found in New England beyond Massachu-
setts, where apparently' replaced bv the Duskv Duck. Greenland (Reinh., Ibis, iii,
1861, 13). Cuba (Cab. J. f. 0. v, 1857, 229). Bahamas (Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1859).
Panama (Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. %'iii, 63).

List of specimens.

19306
19507
19308

289
288
169

Deer Creek

.... do

Rosebud.. .

$
9
$

Apr. 13, 1860
Apr. 13, 1860
Sept. 15, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

....do ..'

G. H. Trook..

20.00

37.25

10.75

15.50

33.25

9.25

21.25

34.90

11.50

Lienienant Warren^ s Expedition. — No. 9691, Upper Missouri.

Later Expeditions.— 59877 , Colorado; 60853-7, Sweetwater and North Platte; 61107-7,
Bass Creek and Green River; 62464-5, North Fork, Idaho.

Abundant throughout the Missouri region, in suitable situations,
especially during the migrations. Many breed in various i)laces, and
during the fall movement Mallards are conspicuous among the hordes
of wild fowl that throng the waters of this part of the continent.

ANAS OBSCURA, Gmelin.
Dusky Duck; Black Duck.

a. ohscura.

Anas ohscura, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 541.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, S71.~AViLS., Am.
Orn. viii, 1814, 141, pi. 72, f. 5; Ord's ed. viii, 155.— Vieill.,Nouv. Diet, v, 1816,
131 ; Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 146.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 104.— Bp., Obs. Wils.
182.'>, No. 260 ; Syn. 1828, 234 ; List, 1838, 56 ; C. R. 1856, 649.— NuTT., Man. ii,
183 ;, 392.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 135 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 615.— AUD.,
Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 15, pi. 302; Syn. 1839, 276 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 244, pi. 386.-
Eyt., Mou. Auat. 1838, 140.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 301.— DeK.vy, N. Y. Zool. ii,
184 i, 344.— C.VB., J. f. O. V, 1857, 229 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1.^58, 775.— Purx.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 219. — Verk., ibid, iii, 1862, 154 (Maine, breeding). — Allen,
ibid, iv, 1864, 78 (Massachusetts, breeds). — McIlwk., ibid, v, 1866, 94 (Canada
West).— COUES, ibid. V, 1868, 298.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 241.—
COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 238 (Labrador, breeding). — CoUES & Prent.,
Smiths. Rep. 1861, 417 (winter).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine,
resident).— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 146.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1815, 41.— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 296.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42 (Texas).— Coues, Pr.
Boot. Soc. xii, 1868, 724 (South Carolina, winter). — Allen. Mem. Bost. Soc. i,
1868, 502 (Iowa, in summer).- Turnjj., B. E. Pa, 1869, 35.— Mavn., Guide, 1870,
147 (Mass;;chusetts, breeding); Pr, Bost. Soc. 1871, — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii,
1871, 363 (Florida).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 36 (North Carolina).—
Coues, Key, 1872, 285.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (Kansas).

DAFILA ACUTA, PINTAIL. 561

b, fulvigula.

Anas obscura vat. fulvigula, RiDGW., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, p. — . — CouES, Check -list, App.
p.—.

i7a&.— Easteru North America, especially along the Atlantic coast, from Labrador to
Texas. Iowa and Kansas. Cuba. Var.^?/7i'i<7MZa, re&ideufc in Florida.

The Dusky Duck is peculiar auioug; our species for its partial distri-
bution, beiug confined to the Eastern Province. It was not noticed by
either of the Expeditions, and probably only reaches the border of
the Missouri region. Its occurrence in Iowa and Kansas is sufficiently
attested. I never saw it, to my knowledge, in Dakota. In 1800 I found
it abundant in Labrador, where it was breeding, in pools back of the
coast, though occasionally seen also on the islands where the Eiders
were nesting. It moults there in July, when the young aie able to take
care of themselves, and is for a time unable to fly owing to loss of the
quills. It also breeds plentifully in New England, especially in Maine,
being there, as in Labrador, one of the most abundant and character-
istic Ducks during the summer. I have traced it along the Atlantic
coast as far as the Carolinas •, it is found still further, in Florida and
Texas, as well as, according to Cabanis, in Cuba; and, during the winter,
is one of the common market ducks of our Atlantic cities. The north-
ward migration appears to be incomplete, many individuals nesting on
our Southern coasts; Audubon states that it breeds in Texas "and
throughout the United States." The eggs, of which eight or ten are
laid, are not distinguishable from those of the Mallard, being pale, dirty
yellowish-drab, averaging about 2^ inches in length by 1^ in breadth.
The nest is quite compactly and carelully built of weeds and grass, with
a slight hollow lined with the parent's feathers.

DAFILA ACUTA, (Linn.)
Pintail; Sprigtail.

Anas acuta, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1700, -iOS.— Gii., Syst. Nat. 1788, 258.— L.vtii., Ind. Oru.
ii, 1790, 8(J4.— Temm., Man. 1815, 540.— Boie, Isis, 1822, 5G4.— Light., Vorz.
1823, 84.— Less., Man. ii, 1828, 417.— Flem., Br. An. 124.— Bueh.v, Y. D. 1o31,
866.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 531.— .Jen., Man. 232.— Temm., Man. ii, 1835, 838; iv, "
1840, 532.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Ear. 85.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 638, pi. 301.—
Degl., Orn. Eur. ii. 1849, 428.— Sciii.., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 115: M. P.-B. 1865,
37.— Seeys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 142.— \Vii.s., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, pi. (]8, i. 3.—
Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 258; Svn. 1828, 363; List, 1838, 56.— NuiT., Man. ii,
1834, 386.— AuD., Orn. Bio<r. iii, 1835, 214; v, 1839, 615; pi. 227; Syn. 1839,
279; B. A. vi, 1843, 266, pi. 3'JO.— ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 3l.-Gn!., B.
L. I. 1844, 310.-DeKay,N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 341.— Lemb., Av. Cub. 1850, 113.—
FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 66.— Sw., P. Z. S. 1863, 324.

Trachelonetta acuta, Kaip, Natur. Syst. 1829, 115.

riiamnnurus anituH, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1235.

Uajila acuta, Bi'., List, 1-38, .56.— Gkay, List. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 134; G. of B. iii, 1849,
(;i5; List Br. B. 1863, 192.— Gos.se, B. .Jam. 1847, 402.— Reich., Syst. Av.
]85-.^, X.— Cass, Orn. U. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, 431.— Bd.. Stanbury's Rep. 1852,
323.— WooDli., Sitfjr. Rep. 1853, 103 (New Mexico aud California). —Newu., P;
R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 102 (California and Oregon).— Cau., J. f. O. v, 1857, 229
(Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,776.— Scl., I bi.s, i, 1859,231 (Honduras).— Heekm.,
P. R. R. Rip. X, 1859, pt.vi,69(Califoruia).— Mri;.. Edinb.N. I'hil. .lourn. 1.S59,.
229.— Cooi'. & Si:cK., N. U. Wash. Ter. 18(10, 252 (Oic-ron and Washin-rton).—
Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, jilate (58 (hybrid with Mallard).— IIavd., llv\). 1--62, 175
(Nebraska).— Ross, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862. — Ji:ui)., B. India, 1864, 803.—
GiNDi.., Av. Cub. If(i6, 388.— CorEs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 9H (Arizona).—
Lawi{., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 163 (Panama) : ix, 18()9, 14 (Costa Kica).—
Dkess., Ibis, 18i;2, 42 (Texas).— CoiES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 298.— Veiju., Pc.
Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.— Dai.i. & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 297 (Alaska,
breeding).— DiCGL.-GKlU3E, Orn. Eur. 1867, 515. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,

36

562 DAFILA ACUTA, PINTAIL,

1872, 183 (Utnh).— Aiken, Pr. Post. Soc. xv, 1872, 210 (Colorado).— Trippe,
ibid. 241 (Iowa).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Mekr.,
ibid. 1872, 703 (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 286, fig. 186.— Snow, B. Kans.

1873, 11 ; and of authors generally."
Querqncdula acuta, Seijjy, Brit. Orn. ii, 311.
Anas ahmdica, Sparrmann, Mus. Carls, iii, pi. 60.
Afias sparrmamvi. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790. 876.

Anas caudacuta, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 280.— Leach, Cat. M. & B. Br. Mus. 1816, 38.
Dafila caudacuta, Steph., Sliaw's Geu. Zool. xii, 1824, 127, pi. 49. — Jard., Br. Birds, iv,

120.— Eyt., Mon. Anaiida-, 1838, 113.
Daphila caudacuta, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 367.
Anas {Dafila) caudacuta, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 441.
Qucrrjucd'ula caudacuta, Macgill., Man. Oru. ii, 1842, 170.

AiHis lonrjicanda, Briss., Orn. vi, 366, pi. 34, f. 1, 2.— Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 868.
Anas caudata, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 869.
Dafila acuta var. awericana, Bp., Coiupt. Rend, xlii, 1856.

Hab. — North America and Europe. Breeds chiefly in high latitudes. In winter
south to Panama. Cuba.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8910, "Nebraska."

Later Expeditions. — 61109, Rock Creek, Wyoming. 62366, Shoshone Lake, Wyoming.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.

The Pintail is emphatically a "river" Duck, being far more abundant
on the pools and streams of the interior than along either coast. It is
one of the earlier arrivals in the United States, passing our northern
boundary early in September, with the Teal, and becoming generally
distributed during the lollowing month. It is one of the most elegant
and graceful of our Ducks, either on the land or water, walking and
swiming with the long pointed tail elevated, and the thin sinuous neck
swaying in all directions. It is shy and vigilant, but owing to its habit
of clustering close in groups about the margins of pools where the reeds
or brush-wood favor approach, it is sometimes slaughtered in numbers
with ease ; and if the gununer be ready with another barrel, additional
birds may usually be procured, as they tly off in a compact flock.

Few Ducks exceed the Pintail in extent and regularity of migration.
In the spring it withdraws altogether from most parts of the United
States to high latitudes to breed, and in winter pushes its migration
even to Panama. While its general habits when with us are well
known, little has been ascertained respecting its breeding in this
^country ; and I have therefore greater pleasure in being able to attest
its nesting within our limits. Although I have not recognized it in the
Missouri region proper during the breeding season, yet 1 found it to be
one of the commonest of the various ducks that nest in the country
drained by the Milk Eiver and its tributaries, throughout most of the
northern i:)arts of Montana. In traveling through that country in July,
I found it on all the prairie pools aud alkaline lakes. At this date the
young were just beginning to fly, in most instances, while the old birds
were lor the most part deprived of flight by moulting of the quills.
Many of the former were killed with sticks, or captured by hand, and
afforded welcome variation of our hard fare. On invasion of the grassy
or reedy pools where the ducks were, they generally crawled shyly out
upon the prairie around, and there squatted to hide ; so that we pro-
cured more from the dry grass surrounding than in the pools them-
selves. I have sometimes stumbled thus u])on several together, crouch-
ing as close as possible, and caught them all in my hands.

The following note from Mr. Dall continues this subject: "Extremely
cou)mon in all parts of the Yukon, and on the marshes near the sea
coast. In the early spring, arriving about May 1 at Nulato, it is grega-
rious; but as soon as it commences to breed, about May 20, or later,
they are generally found solitary or in pairs. Their nest is usually

CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS, GAD WALL. 5 Go .

in the sedf?e, lined with dry grass, and, in the absence of both parents,
is covered with dry leaves and feathers. * * * * They lay from
six to ten, or even twelve eggs, and as soon as the yonug are hatched,
they withdraw from the river to the small creeks and rivulets, where
they remain nntil the ducklings are fully able to fly, when all repair to
the great marshes, where, on the roots of the horsetail {Equisetum),
they grow so fat that frequently they cannot raise themselves above
the water."

A nest-complement of seven eggs, from the Yukon, now in the Smith-
sonian, furnishes the following characters: size, 2.10 by 1.50, to 2.30 by
1.55; shape, rather elongate ellipsoidal; color, uniform dull grayish-
olive, without any buff or creamy shade.

Hybrids of this species with the Mallard are of comparatively fre-
quent occuirence; and in at least one instance (that recorded by Prof.
A. Newton, as above cited) these have proved fertile inter se. Those
that I have examined show unmistakably the characters of both parents
in about equal proportions.

CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS, (Linn.) Gray.

GadWiill; Gray Duck.

Jnas sirepera, Linn , Syst. Nat. i, 1776, 200.— Gm.. Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 520.— Lath., Itid.
Oru. ii, 1790, 849.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 120, pi. 71.— Temm., Mau. 1815,
539 ; ii, 1835, 837 ; iv, 1840, 532.— Boie, Isis, 1832, 564.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No.
2.57 ; Syn. 1828,383.— Steph., Gen. Zool.xii, 1824, 103.-Flem, Br. Au. 1828, 124.—
Brehm, Vog. Dent.scb. 1831, 870.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 383.— Aud. Orn. Biog.
Iv, 1838, 353, pi. 348 ; Syn. 1839, 378; B. Am. vi, 1843, 2.54, pi. 388.- Naum., V(".g.
Dentsch. xi, 1842, 659, pi. 302.— Keys. & Blas.. Wirb.Eur. 1840, 85.— Sely.s-L ,
Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 141.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 304.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844,
343.— SciiL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 115; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 48.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii,
1849, 430.— Newp.., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 102.— SwiN., P. Z. S. 18G3, 124 ; aud of
most earlier authors.

Anas (ChanUodus) strepmt; Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 440.— Jen., Man. 1835, 231.—
Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 360.

ChauHodus sirepera, Sw., Journ. Roy. Inst, ii, 19.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 60.

Eliiwrhi/nchus sircpira, Eyt., Mouog. Anat. 1838, 137.

ChaulelmmiiK sirejjcrus, Ghay, 1838 ; List B. Br. Mns. 1844, 139; List of Gen. of B. 1S40,
74 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 617 ; List Br. B. 1863, 196.— Bp., List, 1838, 56.— Gosse,
B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, 10.— Woodh., Sitg. Rep. 1853, 104.
Bi)., B. N. A. 18T)8, 782.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 256.— Hekicm.,
P. R. R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 69.— Gundl., Av. Cub. 1866, 389.— Jeiid, B. India,
iii, 1864, 892.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 99 (Arizona).— Degjl.-Gerue, Orn.
Eur. ii, 1867, 516.— Dress., Ibis, 1886, 43 (Texas).- Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic.
Acad, i, 1869, 298.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872. 704 (Idaho).- ArxEN,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Colorado).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872,240
(Colorado).— CouES, Key, 1872, 286.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 11 ; aud of authors
generally.

Qiterqiieditla Htreptra, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 169.

Anax titrepera amcricamt, Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 169.

ChaulcUiNmnii amtricuua, Bp. (dray.)

AiKix citicrea et subidata, S. (}. Gmelin. (Grai/.)

Allan kekiisehha, Cm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 531.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 877.

Aiiax mail, Hodgson. {Cray.)

AiHiH capensis, Swainson. {Gray.)

TIah. — North America generally. Europe. Asia. Africa. Generally distributed in

this country.

Not obtained by Captain Kaynolds' or Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.
Jjalcr ExpiditioiiH. — 62363, Idaho.

The Oadwall breeds in various parts of the United States, and does
not appear to proceed to the extreme Noitli like some other species,
Mr. Dall nicntion.s a lUitish Columbian s})eciiiuMi, with merely the prob-
ability that th(^ species reaches as far as Sitka. Audubon notes the
breeding in Texas, and in the Middle States and New England, while I

564 MARECA AMERICANA, WIDGEON.

liave sepu eggs from Sacramento, California. These are of the usual
sUape, of a nniforiu creamy-buff color, and measure a trifle over 2 inches
iu length by about 1.50 in breadth.

I found Gad walls quite common in September, in Northern Dakota,
with Mallard, Teal, and Widgeon ; some doubtless had bred iu the
vicinity, as the species certainly does in Montana, along the Milk Kiver
and its tributaries. I found unfledged young late in August.

MARECA AMERICANA, (Gm.) Steph.
American Widgeon; Baldp.ate.

Anas amcricana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 526. — Lath., Ind. Orii. ii, 1790, 861. — WiLS.,
Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 86, pi. 69, f. 1.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 182.5, No. 259 ; Syn. 1828,
384.— NuTT., Mau. ii, 1834, 389.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 337, pi. 345; Syn.
1839, 279; B. Am. vi, 1843, 259, pi. 389.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 306.— Sciil., Rev.
Grit. 114; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 45.— Finsch, Abli. Nat. iii, 1872, 66 (Alaska).—
DeIvav, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 345.

Mareca americana, Steph., Shaw's Geu. Zool. xii, 1824, 135. — Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii,
1831, 445.— Sw., Classif. of B. ii, 1837, 366.— Bp., List, 1838, 56 ; C. R. xlii, 1856,
650.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 116.— Thomp., Ann. Mag. N. H. 1845, 310.— Gray,
Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 613 ; Cat. Br. B. 1863, 192.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Bd.,
Stausbury's Rep. 1852, 322.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 102.— Cab., J. f. O. v,
1857, 227 (Cuba).— NEWJ5., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 102.— Heerm., ibid, x, 1859,
pt. vi, 68.— Bd. B. N. A. 1858, 783 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, p. 27.— Cass.,
U. S. N. Astr. Exp. 1858, 432.— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 231 (Guatemala).— McR.,
Ediub. N. Philos. Jouru. 1859, 229.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860,
256.— Ross, Canad. Nat. April, 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.—
Ha YD., Rep. 1862, 176.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 147.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43 (Texas).—
Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Gund., Av. Cub. 1866, 388.— CouES. Pr. Phila. Acad.
1866, 99 (Arizona).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299.— Dale & Bann., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298 (Yukon).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466
(Wyoming).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Utah).— Coues, Kev. 1872,
286.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11.— Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 159 (Great Britain,
several instances).

Mareca penelope, b, Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 21.

Hal). — North America. Soutli to Guatemala. Breeds in various parts of the United
States. Cuba. Accidental in Europe. (Dkgl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 514.)
Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition.
Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5453, Bijoux Hills.
Later Expeditions. — 61110, Pass Creek, Wyoming.

The Widgeon breeds in abundance in Northern Dakota and Montana
along the banks of the streams and pools. Some such i)laces which I
visited, the resort of many pairs of various Ducks during the breeding
season, and of innumerable flocks during the migrations, resemble the
duck-yard of a farm, iu the quantities of moulted feathers and amount of
ordure scattered everywhere. I was surprised to find young Widgeons,
still unable to fly, even as late as the middle of September, at a time
when all the other Ducks observed were well on the wiug. Although
this bird passes far north, many nest in various parts of the United
States. Audubon notices its breeding in Texas, and others in the Mid-
dle States, about the Great Lakes, and in Oregon. Mr. Dall found it
nesting along the Yukon, with the Pintail.

The Widgeon's eggs are eight to twelve in number, about 2 inches
long by 1^ broad, of a dull, pale buif color.

Obs. — The European Widgeon {Mareca penelope) is said to have occurred in Wisconsin
{Eiintlein), and in Illinois ; its casual presence in the Missouri region is to be antici-
pated. Following is its synonymy :

Mareca penelope, (Linn.) Selby.

Anas penelope, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 202.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 527.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. ii. 1790, 86U.— Pall.. Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 251.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Boie,
Isis, 1822, 564.— YiEiLL., Enc. Meth. 1823, 141.— Light., Verz. 1823, 84.— Brehm,

QUERQUEDULA CAROLIXENSIS, GREEX-AVINGED TEAL. 565

Eur. Yog. 18?3, 798.— Flem., Br. An. 124.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 874.— Temm.,
Man. ii, 1835, 840 ; iv, 1840, 532.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 84.— Naim..

land).— SwiNH., P. Z. S. 1863, 324.— Wright, Ibis, 1804, 155.

Mareca pcnelope, Selby, Br. Orn. ii, 324. — Jen., Man. 1835, 236. — Bp., List, 1838, 56 ;
C. R. xlii, 1856, 650.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 174.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844,
133; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 614 ; List Br. B. 1863, 191.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1«52,
ix.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 784.-S\viNn., Ibis, 1861, 345.— Jerd., B. Ind. iii, 1864,
804.— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 512.— Coues, Pr. Ess, Inst, v, 1868, 299
(New England).— Coues, Key, 1872, 268.

Anas Tcayolka, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 527.— Brehm, V. D. 872.

Mareca fistularis, Steph., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 131, pi. 50.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 118.

Anas fiatularis, Brehm, Y. D. 874.

QUEEQUEDULA CAKOLTXEXSIS, (Gm.) Steph.

Green-winged Teal.

Anas crecca, var., Forst., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 383, 419.

Anas (Boschas) crecca, var.. Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 443. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 400.

Anus crecca, Wii.s., Am. Orn. viii, Ir'U. 101, pi. 60, f. 1.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 263;
Syu. 1828, 386.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 218 ; v, 1839, 616, pi. 228.

Anas carolincnsis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 533. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 874.— Arn.,
Syn. 1839, 281 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 281, pi. 392.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 314.— DeKay,
N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 340.— Lemr., Av. Cub. 1850, 114.— Reinh., Yid. Med. 1>5;J,
(1854) 84; Ibis, iii, 1861, 13 (Greenland).— Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 172.—
Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota).

Querqiiedula carolinensis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 128. — Eyt., Mon. Anat.
1838.— Bp., List, 1838, 57 ; C. R. 1856, 650.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, l:;7 ;
Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 616. — Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 322. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep.
1853, 103.— Cass., U. S. N. Astr. Exp. 18.58, 342.— Newc, P. R. R. Rep. vN 1-.-.7,
102.— Heerm., ibid. x. 1859, pt. vi, 69.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 237, 369 ; l^m, 254.—
SCL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 18.59, 231.— Coues, Key, 1872, 287.

Nettion carolinensis, Bd.. B. N. A. 18.58, 777; Mex. B. Surv. ii, pt. ii. Birds, 26.— CooP. .V
Suck., N. H. \Yash. Ter. 1860, 2.^4.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1861, 208 (Labra-
dor).—Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175.— Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, 65 (Honduras).- Cab.,
J. f. O. V, 1857, 229 (Cuba).— Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 9 ; 1863,
146.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).- Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 254
(Orizaba).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43
(Texas).— GuNDL., Cat. Av. Cub. 1866, 389.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Dall &.
Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 297 (Alaska, breeding).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas and
Utah).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Aiken, ibid. 210 (Colo-
rado ; and of late American writers generally.

Anas americana, Yieill., Euc. Meth. 1823, 155.

QnerriHcdiila americana, MuR., Edinb. New Philos. Journ. v, 1859, 230.

" A «a.s sijlratica, Yieill. ?" ( (rrai/.)

Hab. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Mexico. Cuba. South to Hon-
duras. Breeds from the northern border of the United States northward.

Lisl of specimens.

19314

19315

159

19316

142

19317

190

Rosebud.
do .

Deer Creek

Sept. 10, 1860
Oct. 20, 1860
do

G. H. Trook..
Dr. Hines. .. .
F.Y. Hayden.
do

14.00

27.00

14..50

24.00

13.00

23.00

16.50

25.00

7..50

6.(10 !
8.00 !

Lieutenant Warren's Exjy^ition. — 5461, Blackfoot Country; 5462, Big Bend, Missotiri
River.

Later Ex2)ediiions.—:y987ii-80, 60842-^50, various Wyoming localities ; 61112-15, Green
River.

The Greon-wingod Teal enters the IMissonri region from the north
in Angiist, among the earlie.st arrivals of the water-fowl, and soon
becomes cxtrcincly almiidant over all tht' ])ools and watcr-conrses. It
may bret.'d in Northern Dakota, but 1 have not satisfied myself of the

!}66 QUERQUEDULA DISCORS, BLUE-WINGED TEAL.

fact ; and I am still uncertain whether some eggs of Teal taken along
the Milk Elver, in Montana, were of this or the succeeding species.
According to Mr. Dall it breeds in Alaska, about the 20th of May.
The eggs are about eight in number, of a pale, dull, greenish color,
measuring from 1.75 to 1.90 in length, by 1.20 to 1.30 in breadth. The
nest is built on the ground, of grass and weeds, lined with feathers.

Note. — The European Green-wiuged Teal, which occurs as a straggler to this couu-
try, has the following synonymy :

QUERQUEDULA CUECCA, {Lbin.) Stcj)ll.

Antw crecia, LiNN., Fn. Suae. 45.

Jvas crecca, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 204.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 532.— Lath., lud.

Orn. ii, 1790, 872.— Pall., Zoog. K.-A. ii, 1811, 263.- Temm., Man. 1815, 547.—

BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564.— LiCHT., Verz. 1823, 84.— Flem., Br. An. 182H, 125.—

Brehm, V. D. 1831, 884.— Jen., Man. 1835, 23^).— Temm., Man. ii, 183.5, 846 ;

iv, 1840, 539.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— Selys-L., Fu. Belg. i,

1842, 142.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 701, pi. 304.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844,113;

M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 52.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 438.— Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863,

324 (China).- Jkhd., B. Iiid. ill, 1864, »06.
QuerqueduJa crecca, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zooh sii, pt. ii, 1824, 146. — E\'t., Mon. Anat.

1838.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 167.— Gray, Cat. Br. Mus.

1844, 137 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 616 ; List Br. B. 1863, 194.— Reich., Syst. Av.

1852, ix. — Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 521.— Coues, Key, 1872, 287.
Nettion crecca, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Tli. 1)S29, 95.— Bi)., B. N. A. 1858, 778. —Coues, Pr.

Phila. Acad. 1861, 238 (Labrador).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 298.
Querquedida subcrecca et creccoidcs, Brehm, V. D. 885, 886.

QUERQUEDULA DISCORS, (Linn.) Steph.

Blue-winged Teal.

Anas discors, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 205 (quotes Querq. nmer. rariefjata, Gates., 100;
Bitiss., vi, 452, and Querq. amer. fiisca, Gates.. 99, and Querq. rir(iiniai)a,Biuss.,
Yi, 455).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, .535.— Lath.', lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 854.— WiLS.,
Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 74, pi. 68, f. 4.— Vieill., Euc. Metb. 1823, 156.— Bp., Obs.
Wils. 1825, No. 262 ; Syu. 1828, 385.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 531.— Aud., Orn. Biog.
iv, 1838, 111, pi. 313 ; S^ n. 1839, 282 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 287, pi. 393.— GiR., B. L.
I. 1844, 315.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 339.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871,
119 (Minnesota).- Schl., M. P.B. viii, 1865, 50.

Anas (Bvschas) discors, Hw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 444.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 397.

QuerqueduJa discors, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 149.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus.
1844, 138.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 779 ; Mex. B. Surv. 1859, 26.— Cac, ,T. f. O. v,
1857, 228 (Cuba).— Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, 64 (Honduras).— ScL., ihid. 393
(Oaxaca) ; I860, 83 (Ecuador) ; 1860, 254 (Orizaba) ; 1861, 82 (Jamaica).— ScL.,
&. Salv., ibid. 1869, 252 (Venezuela).— ScL. &. Saly., Ibis, i, 1859, 231 (Guate-
mala).—Tayl., ibid. 1860, 315 (Tigre Island).— Blak., ibid, iv, 1862, 9 ; v, 1863,
146.— Dress., )7;(V7. 1866, 43 (Texas, breeding).— Ross., Canad. Nat. April,
1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Baha-
mas).—Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1864, 102 (Sombrero); 1869, 143 (Costa Rica).—
SuND., Ofv. Vid. Med. 1869, 591 (St. Bartholomew).— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn.
Eur. 1867, 520.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic.
Acad, i, 1869, 297 (Alaska, breeding).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Coop. «feSucK.,
N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 254.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas^-
Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 210 (Colorado).— Trippe, ibid. 241 (Iowa).—
Coues, Key, 1872, 287.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11.

Cyanoptcrus discors, Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847,
101.— Bl.\s., B. Eur. 1862, 21 (Frauce).

Pterocyariea discors, Bp., Comptes Reudus, xlii. 18.56, 6.50.— Cray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849,
617.— WooDii., Sitgr., Rep. 1853, 103.— Newr., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 103? (Cali-
fornia and Oregon ; may rather refer to Q. cuanoptera).

Eah. — North America, chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains. To the Pacific coast in
Alaska. AVest Indies. Mexico. Central aud South America to Ecuador. Accidental
in Europe (Frauce, Revue Zool. 1857, 62). ,

QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, CINNAMON TEAL.

667

List of specimens

•

19313
19378

189

Rosebud

Bigboru

9

Sept. 9, 18B0.
June 5, 1860-

G. H. Trook..
do

1 14.50 -24.00

7.50 i

Lieutenant Wan-en's Expedition.— M6A, Vermilion River; 5465, Iowa River.
Not obtained by the later Expeditions.

This Teal is very abundant in the Missouri region dnring the migra-
tions, and doubtless also breeds tliere, as it does in various parts of the
Uuited States, as well as farther north. It is the species most fre-
quently noticed by extraliniital writers, as occurring iu tropical Amer-
ica, though it also winters in the Southern States. It is one of the few
Ducks apparently not equally abundant on both sides of the continent,
and, in fact, its presence on the Pacific coast, south of Alaska, is still
questionable. Dr. Newberry can hardly be right in stating that it is
couunon thronghout California and Oregon, having probably confounded
it with the next species.

The eggs are of the same size and shape as those of the Green-winged
Teal, but rather lightej- colored. A nest, believed to be of this species,
containing eight eggs with advanced embryos was found on the Milk
River early in July ; it was built on dry prairie many yards from the
nearest water, of dried grasses and weeds, carefully finished with the
i)arents' down.

QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, (Vieill.) Cassin.

€innamoii Teal; Red-breasted Teal.

Anas n/ovoDtcra, YmihJ.., Nouv. Diet. d'H.N. v, 1816, 104.— Sciil., M. P.-B. viii, 1865. 51.

Qiterqiicdiil'a cijanoptn-a, Cass., U. S. N. Astr. Exp. ii, 1855, •i.M; 111. 18.55, 82, pi. 15
(Utali, California, Louisiana, Chili).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, 104; 1859, 237.—
Bd., B. N. a. 1858, p. 7s0 (Rocky Mountains to Pacific) ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, pt.
ii, 1859, Birds, p. 26 (Texas).— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Whipple's Route,
Birds, p. 35 (Arizona and California).- Heekm., ihid. Williamson's Route,
Birds, p. 69 (New Mexico and California).- Coop. & SiiCK., ihid. xii, l^-eO, p.
255 (Oregon).— AiuJoTT, Ibis, 1861, 161.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 62
(Arizona).— 8ci,., P. Z. S. 1860, 389 (Falklands) ; 1867, 335 (Chili).— Sci.. &
S.viA'., (6/fZ. 1869, 160 (Buenos Avres).— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1869, 189.— BuitM.,
Rci.se, 577 (La Plata).— Stev.,"U. S. Gcol. Surv. Tcr. 1870, 466 (Wyoniin-r).—
]\lKiti{., ibid. 1872, 703 (Idaho, breeding;)-— Atk ex, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, IfT^J, 210
(Colorado).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Utah).— Col'es, Key, lf<72,288.

Anas rajjlcsU, KiSG, Zool. Journ. iv, 182H, p. 87 ; Suppl. pi. 29 (Magellan Straits).—
Cass., Journ. A. N. S. Phila. iv, 1848, p. 195 (Louisiana).

Ci/anoptera rafflcsi, Evt., Mon. Anat. 1838.

r'lirocyanca nifflrxii, Bd., Stansliury's Rep. 1852, p. 322 (Great Salt Lake).

rterocyaiica ca'rnleat<i,{'']ACUT").—iUi\Y, Cen. Birds, iii, 1849. p. (;i7.— Lawil. Ann.
Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. v, 18.52, p. 220.— Woodii., Sitgr. K'ep- 1853, j). 103 (, Texas,
New Mexico, Ciilifornia).- Bi'., C. R. 1856, 650.-NK\\ni., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57,
p. 103 (Southern California).- PniL., Cat. 1869. 42 (Chili).

Qmrqucdnla caritlcaia, BiaixiEs, P. Z. S. l^-'42, 118.— GlSAV, Cat. B. Br. Mu.s. i, 1844, 13K—
Gav, Fn. Chilen. i, 1847, 452.— Gould, P. Z. S. 18.59, 96.
/7f//>.— South America, westerly. In Nortli America, from the Rocky Mountains to

the Pacific, north to the Ct)lunibia. Loui.Niaiui. Florida .'.':' {.Muyuanl).

List of specimens.

19310
19311
19312

5

9

F. V. Havden
do'

13.50

(5..50

5

Popoagio Cr'k .

May 22, 18«)0

G. 11. Trook..

14.50

22.75

0.50

1

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warit-ii's Kxpcdition.

jMtir /:jpnlilif>iis.—(\0^:\f^-\l, Sweet Water and Platte Rivers; 61648-9, Utah.

It has not often occurred that an abundant bird of North America

568 QUEEQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, CINNAMON TEAL.

has been first made generally known from the extreme point of South
America, and for a long time recognized only as an inhabitant of tliat
continent. Yet this species furnishes such a case, having been early
named by King Anas raffiesi, from a specimen taken in the Straits of
Magellan. It is, moreover, a singular fact, that it was first discovered
in the United States in a locality where it is of very unusual and
probably only accidental occurrence. It has not, to my knowledge, been
found in Louisiana since its discovery in that State, at Opelousas, in
1849. Mr. Cassin notices this occurrence, in the journal cited above,
as that of a bird new to our fauna, and subsequently makes tbe ibllow-
ing remarks in his " Illustrations," &c. : " In a communication tons,
accompanying one of the first specimens obtained by him [Dr. E. Pi-
late], and intended for the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, that
gentleman mentions having occasionally seen it in company with other
species of ducks, but regards its appearance as unusual in Louisiana."
Our next notice, after Mr. Cassin's original one, is Prof. Baird's, of 1852,
also above cited. This author observes : " This beautiful species is now
for the second time x)resented as an inhabitant of North Ameripoa. * *
It appears to be a common bird in Utah." The same year it is also
given by Mr. Lawrence ; the following one, Dr. Woodhouse recorded it
as " very abundant throughout Western Texas, New Mexico and Cali-
fornia." In 1855, Mr. Cassin, in the work just mentioned, describes and
figures the species, alluding to previous discoveries, and to the occur-
rence of the bird in Chili, as shown by the collections of the United
States Astronomical Expedition. By this time, it had become known
as a bird of Western North America at large, numerous fragmentary
accounts having been given by the naturalists attached to the various
Pacific Eailroad Surveys, who observed it iu many different localities.
Among these, Dr. Suckley's is of special interest. "I myself," he says,
alluding to its previously noticed occurrences, ''have carried its recorded
habitat as far north as the Columbia Eiver, where, at Fort Dalles, I
obtained several specimens. Fort Dalles is situated about latitude 40°
45' north. I presume this forms the northernmost limit of the species,
excepting, perhaps, a narrow point of the same general geographic re-
gion which, crossing the Columbia, extends north of Fort Dalles about
100 miles. This is the culmination northwards of the great wedge-
shaped northern prolongation of the Southern iauna, occuring in the
arid interior of Oregon and Washington Territories. Near Fort Dalles
this Teal seems to be an annual summer resident, where it breeds on
the lagoons of the Columbia, and near the small lakes and pond-holes
in the basaltic trap of the vicinity."

The Cinnamon Teal was found breeding in Idaho by Mr. Merriam,
who took a set of nine eggs, containing large embryos, on the 29th of
June, on Marsh Creek. The nest was in swamp grass, and lined with
down. The eggs of this bird are strictly oval in shape, one end being-
much smaller than the other — more so than is usual in this family.
They are creamy-white or pale buff, not shaded perceptibly with the
grayish or olive-drab so commonly observable in Ducks' eggs. Two
specimens, selected as extremes, measured 1.75 by 1.30 and 1.90 by 1.35,
respectively ; the set to which they belonged, now in the Smithsonian,
was taken at Fort Crook, California, by j\lr. J. Feilner. I do not think
that the bird breeds in Arizona; at least, I have not been able to deter-
mine satisi'actorily that it does so, as it always appeared to me to come
in the fall, iu September and October, with other species of wild-fowl,
and to leave in the spring with theuj. But its movements are not yet
clearly defined, especially' since we have to take into consideration those

QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, CINNAMON TEAL. 569

of the South American representatives of the species. It has not yet
been determined whether these are coincident in migration or not; but
the supposition that they are so is the more improbable one. It is also
a question whether the species was indigenous to both or only one of
the divisions of the hemisphere ; and if the latter, which one," and at
what time did the migration into the other occur. Some may incline
to the opinion that it was originally a bird of South America that only
recently extended into our country, arguing from the extreme improba-
bility of so conspicuous a bird as it now is remaining so long utidiscov-
ered. It being tlrst detected in Louisiana, where it is now scarcely or
not at all to be found, strengthens the belief that the Louisiana birds
were among the first to apper in the country, at a time before the spe-
cies determined for itself the habitat that it subsequently found best
suited to its new conditions.

There appears to be nothing in the habits of this Teal noticeably
different from those of its well-known ally, the Blue-winged, and
probably little need be said on this score. But I never think of the
bird without recalling scenes in which it was a prominent figure. I
have in mind a picture of the headwaters of the Rio Verde, in Novem-
ber, just before winter had fairly set in, although frosts had already
touched the foliage and dressed evei'y tree and bush in gorgeous colors.
The atmosphere showed a faint yellow haze, and was heavy with odors —
souvenirs of departing flowers. The sap of the trees coursed sluggishly,
no longer lending elastic vigor to the limbs, that now cracked and broke
when forced apart ; the leaves loosened their hold, for want of the same
mysterious tie, and fell in showers where the Quail rustled over their
withering forms. Woodpeckers rattled with exultation against the re-
sounding bark, and seemed to know of the greater store for them now in
the nerveless, drowsy trees, that resisted the chisel less stoutly than when
they were full of juicy life. Ground squirrels worked hard, gathering
the last seeds and nuts to increase their winter's store, and cold blooded
reptiles dragged their stiffening joints to bask in sunny spots, and
stimulate the slow current of circulation, before they should withdraw
and sink into torpor. Wild fowl came flocking from their northern
breeding places — among them thousands of Teal, hurtling overhead and
plashing in the waters they were to enliven and adorn all winter.

The upper parts of both forks of the Verde are filled with beavers,
that have dammed the streams at short intervals, and transformed
them, in some places, into a succession of pools, where the Teal swim in
still water. Other wild fowl join them, such as Mallards, Pintails, and
Green -wings, disporting together. The approach to tlie oixmi waters is
dithcult in most places, from the rank growths, first of shrubbery, and
next of reeds, that fringe the open banks ; in other places, where the
stream narrows in precipitous gorges, from the almost inaccessible
rocks. But these ditficulties oven^ome, it is a pleasant sight to see the
birds before us — perl aps within a few pac»^s, if we have very carcfnlly
crawled through the rushes to the verge — fjincying themselves perfectly
secure. Some m;iy be (juietly i)addling in and out of the sedge on the
other side, (hiintily picking up the lloating seeds that were shaken down
when the wind rusthul through, stretching up to gather those still hang-
ing, or to i)iek of little creatures from the seared stalks. Perhaps a
flock is Uoaling idly in midstream, some asleep, with the head resting
close on the back and the bill buried in the plumage. Some others swim
vigorously along, with breasts deeply immersed, tasting the water as
they go, straining it through their bills, to net minute insects, and gab-
bling to each other their sense of i)erfecl enjoyment. But let them

570 . SPATULA CLYPEATA, SHOVELLER.

appear never so careless, they are quick to catch the sound of couiiug
danger aud take alarm ; they are alert in an instant; the next incau-
tious movement, or snapping of a twig, startles them ; a chorus of
quacks, a splashing of feet, a whistling of wings, and the whole com-
pany is off. He is a good sportsman who stops them then, for the
stream twists about, the reeds confuse, and the birds are out of sight
almost as soon as seen.

Much as elsewhere, 1 presume, the Duck hunter has to keep his wits
about him, and be ready to act at very short notice ; but there is double
uecessitT on the Verde. The only passages along the stream are Indian
trails, here always war paths. In retaliation for real or fancied wrongs —
or partly, at least, from inherent disposition — these savages spend most
of their time in wandering about, in hopes of plunder and murder; this,
too, against each other, so long as the tribes are not leagued in comnion
cause against a common enemy. On the day I have in mind more par-
ticularly, we passed a spot where lay the bodies of several Apaches ;
from the arrows still sticking in them we judged, afterwards, that they
had been killed by a stray band of Navajos. But this was not what we
thought most about at the time ; we were only four together, and this
was close by the jjlace w-e designed to spend the day in hunting and
fishing. Contemplation of the decaying Indians was not calculated to
raise our spirits ; for though, of course, we knew the danger beforehand,
and meant to take our chances, it was not pleasant to have the thing
brought up in such a way. We kept on through the caiion a little more
cautiously, talked a little more seriously, and concluded to look for
game in places where there was the least likelihood of an ambuscade.
1 confess that the day's sport was rather too highly spiced to be alto-
gether enjoyable, and suspect that others shared my uncomfortable con-
viction of foolhardiness. However, the day passed without further in-
timation of danger ; game was plenty, and the shooting good. Out of
the woods, and with a good bag, we were disposed, and could better
aftbrd, to laugh at each other's fears.

SPATULA CLYPEATA, (Linn.) Boie.
Shoveller; Spoonbill Duck.

Anas chjpcatn, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 200. — Scopoli, Beuierk. Natur;?. 1770, 63. — Gm.,
Svst. Nat. i, 1788, .518.— Lath , lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 856.— III., Protl. 1811, 276.—
Pall., Zoog. ii, 1811, 282.— Vieill., Euc. Metb. 1823, 150.— Bheiim., Eur. Vog.
1823, 788.— Light., Verz. 1823, 84.— Wils., Am. Oni. viii, 1814, 65, pi. 67, f. 7.—
Temm., Man. Orn. 1815, .544.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 255; Svn. 1828,382.—
Wagl., Isis, 1831, 531.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 439.— Nutt., Man. ii,
1834, 375.— Jen., Mau. 1835, 230.— Temm., Mau. ii, 1835, 842 ; iv, 1840, 540.—
Sw., Classif. B. ii. 1837, 367.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 241, pi. 327; Syu. 283;
B. Am. vi, 1843, 293, pi. 394.— Naum., Vog. Dcutschl. xi, 1842, 747, pi. 306.— Giii.,
B. L. 1. 1844, 317.— Di:kay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 342.— Schl.. Rev. Grit. 1844, 115;
Mus. Pays-Bas, 1865, 33.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 423.— Lemij., Av. Cnb.
1850, 115.— SwiNH., P. Z. S. 1863, 324.— Wright, Ibis, 1864, 155; and of earlier
authors generally.

Spatula di/peata, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564 ; 1826, 980.— Gray., List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 1.39 ;
Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 618; List Br. B. 1863, 197.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,
104.— Cass., Orn. U. S. N. Astr. Exp. 343.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 781 ; Mex. B.
Surv. 1859, 27.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 69.— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 231
(Guatemala).— Cai5., ,J. f O. v, 228 (Cuba).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 82 (.Jamaica).—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Tcr. 1860, 255.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Lawk.,
Ann. Lye. 1860, 28.— Swinil, Ibis, 1863, 434.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 9; 1863, 146.—
Ross, Cauad. Nat. 1862.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 99 (Arizona).— CouES,
Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299.— Veku., ibid, iii, 1862, 158.— Dall «fc B.vnn., Tr. Chic.
Acad, i, 1869. 297 (Alaska).— Jekd., B. India, iii, 1864, 796.— Gundl.. Cat. Av.
Cub. 1866, 389.— Degl.-Gekije, Orn. Eur. 1867, 503.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.

AIX SPONSA, SUMMER DUCK.

571

Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Utah).— CouES,
Key, 1872, 288. — Snow, B. Kaiis. 1873, 11 ; uud of most late writers.

Spathulea dijpeata, Flem., Br. Aiiim. 1828, 123.

Bhynchuspia chjpeata, LEACri. — Steph., Geu. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 115, pi. 48. — Bp., List,
1838, 57 ; Comp. Reud. 1856.— ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 31.— Selys-L.,
Fu. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 172.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 408.—
Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 01 ; Mon. Auat. 1838, 134.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 85.—
Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 103.— MuR., Ediub. New Phil. Jouru. 1859, 229,

Anas rubeiis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 419. — Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 857.

(1) Anas incjciccDia, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 857.

Clypeaia macrorhijiichii.s, platyrhynchus, hrackyrkynclms, po'snarina, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl.
876, 877, 878, 879.

Hah. — North America. Europe. Asia. Australia. In this country throughout the
coutiiieut, breeding from Texas to Alaska, and wintering abundantly from the Middle
districts southward to Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, and Jamaica. Replaced in South
America by a nearly allied species, A. platalea, Vieillot.

List of specimens.

17309

]

G. H.Trook..

20 00

34.50

10.00

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — No. 5452, Ayoway River.
Later Expeditions.— Wtih\-2, Sweetwater; 61111, Green River.

1 Lave found the Shoveller to be abundaut in season in all parts of
the West, and determined its breeding in Northern Dakota, where I
ibund young still unable to fly in August, on the Mouse Eiver; and in
Montana, along the Milk River and its tributaries, where the bird is
common through the summer. The eggs have not, so far as I know,
been described from American specimens. They measure on an aver-
age 2.10 in length, by 1.50 in breadth; the shape is as usual in the
family; the color a uniform dull, pale, greenish-gray, sometimes with a
faint bluish tinge. These eggs were taken on the Yukon; the nest com-
l)lement was eight. Others from the region last mentioned are entirely
similar.

AIX SPONSA, (Linn.) Boie.
Summer Duck; Wood Duck.

Anas sponsa, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 207. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 539. — Lath., Ind,
Orn. ii, 1790, b76.^WiL.s., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 97, pi. 70, f. 3. — ViEn.L., Eucy.
Meth. IvZo, 1;>0.— LiciiT., Verz. 1823, 85.— Steph., (Jen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824,
9u.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 2()1.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 394.— Aud., Orn. Biog.
iii, 1835, .52; v, 1839, 618; pi. -^06; Syn. 1839, 280; B. Am. vi, 1843, 271, pi. 391.--
ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 30.— Gn:., B. L. I. 1H44, 312.— Keys. & Blas.,
Wirb. Eur. 84.— DeKav, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 338.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849,
44U.— Max., J, f. Orn. vii, 18.59, 170, pi. 2, f. 1. 2 (anatomical).

Aixsponm, Bon:, Isi.s, 1826, 329.— Eyt., Mon. Auat. 1838, 120 (".i;«").— Bp., List, 1838,
57; Comp. Rend. 1856.— Guay, (Jen. of B. iii, 1849, 614; Cat. Br. 15. 1803, 196.—
Gosse, H. Jam. 1847, 408.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 102.— Cab., J. f. (). v, 220
(Cuba).— Newu,, p. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 102.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858. 785. — Heehm.,
P. R. R. Rej). x, 18.'9, pt. vi, 68.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 256.—
Vkuk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Cocks, ihid, 1^<68, 299.— Havd,, Rep. 1S62,
176.— Gc.NDL., Cat. Av. Cub. 1866, 389.— Dhkss., Ibis, 866, 43.— Caius, llaml-
bueii, i, lH(;,-<, 352. — CocEs, Key, 1872, 288; and of most hito writers.

Dcndroiicssa i^jiDiisa, ISw. &. Rich.,J'\ Ii. A. ii, 1831, 446.

Lamjironcssft xi>iiii>i((, W'agl., Isis, it*32, 282.

Cosinoiiexad -yioiind, RicicH., Syst. xVv. 1852, x,

JTafo.— Noitli America, ospeeially United States, breeding throughout in suitable
places, and wintering chiclly in the suiitli. Cuba.

Liviiteiiuiil Warrvii'n K.i])iilHiuii. — 5456, 54(iO, Vermilion River; 5457, Heart River; 5458,
Nisbiialitia ; 5459, loway River.

Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' or the later Expeditions.

Tlie beautiful Wood Duck breeds more generally throughout the

572 AIX SPONSA, WOOD DUCK.

United States than any other, and is further notable for furnishing a
conspicuous exception to the general rule t?hat Ducks nest on the
ground ; for it breeds in trees. The following account of Audubon's of
the nidification of the species, its most interesting peculiarity, leaves
little to be desired :

"The Wood Duck breeds in the Middle States about the beginning
of April, in Massachusetts a month later, and in Nova Scotia, or on our
northern lakes, seldom before the first days of June. In Louisiana and
Kentucky, where 1 have had better opportunities of studying their
habits in this respect, they generally pair about the first of March,
sometimes a fortnight earlier. I never knew one of these birds to form
a nest on the ground, or on the branches of a tree. They appear at all
times to prefer the liollow, broken portion of some large branch, the
hole of our large Woodpecker {Plciis ijrincipaUs), or the deserted retreat
of the fox squirrel; and I^have frequently been surprised to see them
go in and out of a hole of any one of these, when their bodies while on
wing seenjed to be nearly half as large again as the aperture within
which they had deposited their eggs. Once only I found a nest (with
ten eggs) in the fissure of a rock, on the Kentucky River, a few miles
below Frankfort. Generally, however, the holes to which they betake
themselves are either over deep swamps, above cane-brakes, or on
broken branches of high sycamores, seldom more than forty or fifty
feet from the water. They are much attached to their breeding-places,
and for three successive years I found a pair near Henderson, in Ken-
tucky, with the eggs, in the beginning of April, in the abandoned nest
of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The eggs, which are from six to fifteen,
according to the age of the bird, are placed on dry plants, feathers, and
a scanty portion of down, which I believe is mostly plucked from the
breast of the female. They are perfectly smooth, nearly elliptical, of a
light color, between buff and pale green, two inches in length by one
and a half in diameter.

"No sooner has the female completed her set of eggs than she is
abandoned by her mate, who now joins others, which form themselves
into considerable flocks, and thus remain apart till the young are able
to fly, when old and young of both sexes come together, and so remain
until the commencement of the next breeding season. In all the nests
I have examined I have been rather surprised to find a quantity of
feathers belonging to birds of other species, even those of the domestic
fowls, and particularly those of the Wild Goose and Wild Turkey. X>n
coming on a nest with eggs when the bird was absent in search of :Kod,
I have always found the eggs covered over with feathers and down,
although quite out of sight, in the depth of a Woodpecker's or squirrel's
hole. On the contrary, when the nest was placed on the broken branch
of a tree, it could easily be observed from the ground, on account of the
feathers, dead sticks, and withered grasses about it. If the nest is
placed immediately over the water, the young, the moment they are
hatched, scramble to the mouth of the hole, launch into the air with
their little wings and feet spread out, and drop into their favorite
element; but whenever their birth-place is some distance from it, the
mother carries th<Mn to it one by one in her bill, holding them so as not
to injure their yet tender frame. On several occasions, however, when
the hole was thirty, forty, or more yards from a bayou or other piece of
water, I observed that the mother suflered the young to fall on the
grasses and diied leaves beneath the tree, and afterward led them
directly to the nearest edge of the next ])ool or creek. At this early
age, the young answer to their jwrents' call with a mellow pee, pee, pee-e,

FULIGULA MARILA, SCAUP BUCK. 573

often and rapidly repeated. The call of the mother at such times is low,
soft, and prolonged, resembling the syllables pe-ee, pe-ee. Tlie watch-
note of the male, which resembles hoe-eek, is never uttered by the female;
indeed, the male himself seldom uses it, unless alarmed by some uncom-
mon sound, or the sight of a distant enemy, or when intent on calling
passing birds of his own species."

Stihfamily Fuligulin^: Sea Bucks.

FULIGULA MARILA, (Linn.) Steph.
Greater Scaup Duck; Big Black-head; Blue-bill; Broad-bill; Shuffler*

Anas marUa, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 196.— Gm., i, 1788, 599.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790,
85;}.- Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 248.— Temm., Man. Orn. 1815, 562.— Leach,
Cat. 1815, 39.— ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816, 127 ; Enc. Meth. i, 1823,
152.— Light., Veiz. 1823, 85.— Temm., Man. ii, 1835, 865; iv, 840, 545.— Schl.,
Eev. Crit. 1844, 120.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 84, pi. 311.— IWils., Am. Orn.
viii, 1814, 84, pi. 69, f. 3 (may rather be the next species).

Fuligula marila, Steph., Gen Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 198.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 392: List, 1838,
58.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,453 (includes affinis).—^UTT., Man. ii, 1834,
437 (includes rt^«;s).— Jen., Man. 18.35,243.— Eyt.,Mou. Anat. 1838, 1.56.— ViG.,
Zool. Beech. Voy. 1839, —.—Keys. & Blas., Wirb.Eur. 1640,87.— SELYS-L.,Fn.
Belg. 1842, 145.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 188.— Aud., B. Am. vii, 1843, 355, pi.
498 (not of vi, 1843, 316, pi. 397, nor of his earlier works).— Gm., B. L. I. 1844,
321.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 323.— Gray, List B. Br. Mns. 1844, 143; Gen.
of B. iii, 1849, 621 ; List Br. B. 1863, 199.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 453.— Cass.,
Orn. U. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, 343.— Swinh., Ibis, 1860, 67 ; 1863, 324.— Reinh.,
Ibis, iii, 1861, 13.— Jerd., B. India, iii, 1864, 814.— Schl., Mns. P.-B. viii, 1865,
26.— Degl.-Gekbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 536.— Coues, Key, 1872, 289.

Kyroca marila, Flem., Br. Anim. 122.

Ayfhya marUa, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564.— Brehm, V. D. 912.— Bp., List B. Eur. 1842.

FuUx marila, 13d., B. N. A. 1858, 791. — Bky'., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Coop.
&L Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 258.— Ross, Cauad. Nat. 1862.— Blak., Ibis,

1863, 147.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Dall & Bann., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas and
Utah).— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 11.

Anas frevata, Sparhm., Mus. Carls. 1786, pi. 38.

Marila frenata, Bp., Comptes Rendu.s, xlii, 1856.

Fuliyida gesnvri, Eyt., Cat. Br. Birds, 58. — Jard., Br. Birds, iv, 138, pi. 5.

Hab. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Europe. Asia.
Not obtained by the Expeditions.

I frequently saw Black heads in Dakota and Montana, especially
during the migrations, but whether this species was with the succeeding
was not determined. It is abundant in summer in Alaska, where ]\[r.
Dall procured eggs, early in June, at the mouth of the Yukon. The nest
was " very rude, a mere excavation with a few sticks about it."

FULIGULA AFFINIS, Eyton.
Lesser Scaup Duck; little Black-head; Blue-bill; Broad-bill.

"Anas marila, For.st., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, No. 44."

FM^(/«/rt »Jrtn7«, Ann., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 226; v, 1839, 614; pl. 229; Syn. 1839, 286 ;

B. Am. vi, 1843, 316, pl. 397.
Fiilitjula ajfinin, Eyt., Monog. Anat. 1838, 157.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, p. — .— TURNB., B.

B. E. Pa. 1869, 36.-C()rKS, Key, 1872, 289.
Marila affinix, Bp., Comi)tes liondus, xlii, 18.56.
Fulij; affinis, IJd., B. N. A. IH.'.H, 791.— Sci>., Il)is, i, 18.59, 231 (Guatemala).- Lawr., Ann.

Lye, ix, 1869, 143 (Costa Rica) ; 210( Yucatan).— Drkss., Ibis. 186(i, 43 (Texas).—

Salv., p. Z. S. 1870, 219 (Veragua).— Newt., ibid. 1867, 167 (egg).— Dall &

Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298 (Yukon, breeding).— Whkat.. Ohio Agric.

Rep. 1860, No. 250.— Couks & Pi:ent., Smiths. lv'ei». IHOl, 417.— Boakdm.. Pr.

Bost. Soc. iv. 1862, 129.— Veur., I'r. Ess. Inst, iii, lHr.2, 159.— Alli:x, ibid, iv,

1864, 88.— CoUES, ibid, v, 1868, 299.— McIi.wk., ibid, v, 1866, —.—Coues, Pr.

'574 FULIGULA COLLARIS, RING-NECKED DUCK.

Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 129.— Alt.en, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 363 (inchules the pre-
ceilintr). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 148. — Coue.s, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1871, 37.— Aikkx,
Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 210.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 11.

Ftdigula muriloidcs, V1G..Z00I. Voj'. Blossom, 1839, 31.

Fuligida minor, GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 323.— Beix, Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1842, 141.

Hah. — The whole of North America, and south to Guatemala iu winter. Breeds iu
high latitudes and southward at least to the United States border. Part of the West
Indies.

Not obtained by the Expeditions.

Authors are at variance concerning the relationship of tbe bird to the
preceding, and the question is not yet settled. For myself, I am rather
inclined to keep the two apart, notwithstanding their very close resem-
blance, and admitting the probability that intermediate examples may
be Ibund. There appears to be something different in their range, the
F. offinis being the more southerly. Not that it does not, in the breed-
ing season, reach as high latitudes as the other, but that its autumnal
movement is pushed to the West Indies and Central America, where
the true F. marila is not recorded as occurring. It is improbable that
two varieties, if they be really such, should jjreserve this difference.
Good observers have also noted some differences in habits and resorts,
and gunners, practically very familiar with both birds, recognize a dis-
tinction. The Lesser Black head seems to be more generally distributed
iu the interior of the United States than the other, and probably most
of the "Scaups" from such regions are of this kind. All of the
numerous Scaups that I found breeding along the Upper Missouri and
Milk River appeared to be of this species, as were the several specimens
examined. In some places they seemed more abundant than any other
species, and they were the principal representatives of the FuliguUme,
the Buffle-head itself not excepted.

FULIGULA COLLARIS, (Donov.) Bp.

Ring-necked Duck.

Anas collaris, Donov., Br. Birds, vi, pi. 147 (England).

FulUjula coUaris, Bp., List Eur. Birds, 1842.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 142; Gen. of
B. iii, 1849, 621 ; List Br. B. 1863, 199.— Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 21 (Eugland ;
quotes De Selys, Mem. Liege, iv, 9). — Sciii.., M. P. B. viii, 1865, 26. — Degl.-
Gekbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 535.— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 36.— Coues, Key, 1872, 289.

Fulix collaris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 792; Mex. Bound. Surv. 1859, Birds, 27.— Bry., Pr.
Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Ross, Cauad. Nat. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst.
iii, 1862, 153.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 299.— Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 277 (Guatemala).—
Dress., ibid. 1866, 43 (Texas).— Blak., ibid. 1863, 148.— Buowx, ibid. 1868, 426.—
GuNDL., Av. Cub. 1866, 390.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Aikex, Pr.
Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 210 (Colorado). — Trippe, ibid. 241 (Iowa). — Sxow, B. Kans.
1873, 11 ; and of most United States writers.

Marila coUaris, Bp., Comptes Reudus, 1856, 651.

Anas fiili<j Ilia, Wils., Am. Orn. viii, 1H14, 66, pi. 67, f. 5 (not oi Linnasus). — Temm., Man.
ii, 1835, 873 ; iv, 1840, 549.

Anas (Fidigula) rufitorques, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 381.

Anas rvfitonjucs, Ord, ed. Wils. viii, 1825, 61. — SciiL., Rev, Crit. 1844, 119.

Fidigula riijitorqiies, Bp., Syn. 1828, 393; List, 1838, 58.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii,
1831, 454.— NuTT., Man. ii, 18,34, 439.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 183.5, 259, pi. 234 ;
Syn. 1839, 287 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 320, pi. 398.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 158.— GiR.,
B. L. I. 1844, 324.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 325.— Go.sse, B. Jam. 1847, 408.—
Lemh., Av. Cub. 1850, 117.— Cass., Orn. U. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, 343.— Maxim.,
J. f. O. 1859, 176.

Hah. — The whole of North America, breeding far north, wintering in the LTnited
States and beyond. South to Guatemala. Cuba. Jamaica, Accidental iu Europe.
Not obtained by cither of the earlier Expeditions.
Later Exjjeditions. — 61116, Green Klv.r, Wyoming.

FULIGULA VALLISNERIA, CANVAS-BACK DUCK. 575

FULIGULA FERmA var. AMERICANA, (Eyt.) Ooues.
American Pochard; Red-head.

Anasferina, WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 110, pi. 70, f. 6.— Dough., Cab. N. H. ii, 1832.

40. (Not of European writers.)
Anas {FalUjnla) ferina, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 270.
FuUgula tetina, Bp., Syu. 1828, 392.— Sw. &, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 452.— Nutt., Man.

ii, 1834, 434.— AuD.. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 198; pi. 322; Syn. 1839, 287 ; B. Am. vi,

1843, 311, pi. 396.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 320.
Xi/roca fcr'uia, AVoODii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 104.
Aythya ferina var. amerkana, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183.
FnJigula ftrina var. atneiicana, CouES, Key, 1872, 289.

Aiithija crjjthroccphala, Bp., List, 1838, 58.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 103.
Xijroca irijthroccphala, Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 70.
Fnlifjula amerkana, Eyt., Monog. Auat. 1838, 155. — GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847. — TuUNB., B.

E. Pa. 1869, 36.— Maxlm., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 175.
Nyroca amerkana, Gkay, Geu. of B. iii, 1849.
Aythya amerkana, Bp., Comptes Rendus, 1856. — Bn., B. N. A. 1858, 793 ; and of most late

United States writers.

Rah. — Whole of North America, but more particularly Eastern North America.
Breeds in the Fur Countries. Bahamas {Bryant).

List of specimens. ■

19218

35

Otter Creek

.... Mar. 27, 1860

F.V.Hayden.

20.00

31.50

7.50

Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition, nor by the later ones.

FULIGULA YALLISNERIA, (Wils.) Steph.
CanTas-back Duck,

Anas vallisneria, Wils., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 103, pi. 7, f. 3.— •Dough., Cab. N. H. ii,
1832, 36, pi. 4.

FuUgula raUisneria, Steph., Shaw's Geu. Zool. xii. pt. ii, 1824, 196. — Bp., Syn. 1828,
392.— Sw. & Rich, F. B. A. ii, 1831, 451.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 430.— EvT., Mon.
Anat. 1838.- Aui).. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 1 ; pi. 3(11 ; Svn. 1839,285 ; B. Am. vi, 1843,
299, pi. 39.5.— GiK.,' B. L. I. 1844, 318.— DeKay, N. V. Zool. ii, 1844, 321.— Schl.,
M. P.-B. viii, 1865,25.— Tui;nb. B. E. Pa. 1869, 36.— CouES, Key, 1872, 290.

Aythya raUisneria, BoiE, Isis, 1826, 980.— Bp., List, 1838, 58 : Compt. Rend. 1856, 651.—
Newb., P. R. R. Rep., vi, 1857, 103.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 794.— Coop. & Suck.,
N. H. W\ash. Ter. 1860, 258.— Ross, Canad. Nat. Apr. 186*2.— Blak., Ibis, 1802,
10; 1863, 148.— Dhess., Ibis, 1866, 43 (Texas).— Salv., ibid. 1866, 198 (Guate-
mala).—Bp.owx, Ibis, 1868, 42:i.— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acafi. i, 1869,298
(Alaska).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 210.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 11 ; and
of most late writers.

Nyroca vallisneria, Gkay, List B. Br. Mus. 1844,43; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 621.— Woodh.,
Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 104.— Heeum., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 70.

Aristonetta vallisneria, Bn., B. N. A. 1868, 793 (in text).

Anas valUsneriana, Sabine, App. Frankl. Jour. 699.

Nab. — The whole of North America. Breeds from the Northern States northward.
Winters from the Middle States southward to Guatemala.
Not procured by the Expeditions.

Some persons experience difficulty in discriminating between the
Canvas-back and Redhead, but there is no occasion lor this, at least
in the case of nudes. In the Red-head, the whole head is clear chest-
nut-red, with coppery or bronzy retiections, aiul the bill is clear pale
grayish- blue, with a dark tip. In the Canvas-back, nearly all the head
is obscured with blackish-brown, and the bill is <lusky thioufihout.
There is also a marked dillerence in the shape of the head and bill ; in
the Red-head, the head is pufly and globose, sloping abruptly down to
the base of the bill; in the Canvas-back, the head is longer and nar-
rower, and slopes gradually down to the bill, which rises high on the

676 BUCEPHALA CLANGULA, GOLDEN-EYE.

forehead. These distnictions of form hokl with the females, though
less evident in that sex. In the Cauvas-back, moreover, the back has
much more light thau dark color, instead of an equal amount or less,
the fine black lines being very narrow and mostly broken up into minute
dots.

The Canvas-back does not appear to nest anywhere in the Eastern
States, but does so in the West. I found younglings, unable to fly, in
July, on Turtle Mountains, latitude 49°, and others attest its breeding
in the Rocky Mountains even further south, and in Upper California.
Dr. Newberry states : " During the summer we found them more numer-
ous than any other Ducks in the lakes and streams of the Cascade
Mountains. In those solitudes they nest and rear their young, as we
frequently saw broods there, though the period of incubation had
passed." The breeding range extends from these regions very far
North; Mr. Dall found Canvas-backs breeding in abundance on the
Yukon. In most of the Missouri region, the Canvas-back is not so com-
mon as the Eed-head ; still it is found throughout, in suitable ijlaces.

BUCEPHALA CLANGULA, (Linn.) Coues.
Golden-eye; Whistle-wing; Garrot.

Atlas dangula, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201.— Scop., Bemerk. 1770, 64.— Forst., Phil.
Trans. Ixii, 1772, 365, 417.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 523.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii,
1790, 867.— III., Prod. 1811, 276.— WiLS., Am. Oni. viii, 1814, 62, pi. 67, f. 6.—
Temm., Man. 1815, 566.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hjst Nat.
V, 1816, 117; Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 138.— Dough., Cab. N. H. i, 1830, 110, pi. 10.—
Temm., Man. ii, 1835, 870; iv, 1840, 555.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 162, pi. 316.—
SCHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 118 ; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 20.— Swinh., Ibis, 1863, 324.

CJangula dangula, Boii^ Isis, 1822, 564.

Glaucion dangula, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 53.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. 1840, i^.

Fuligula dangula, Bp., Syu. 1828, 393.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 441.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv,
1838, 318, pi. 342; Syu. 1839, 292; B. A. vi, 1843, 362, pi. 406 (includes island-
tea).— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 334.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 443.— Maxlm., J. f. O.
vii, 1859, 178.— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 86.— FmscH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 66.

Bucephala dangula, Coues, Key, 1872, 290.

Anas glaucion, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 525.— Lath., Ind.
Oru. ii, 1790,868.

Clangula glaucion, Bp., List, 1838, 58. — Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 140; Gen. of B. iii,
1849, 622 ; List Br. B. 1863, 202 ; Hand-list, No. — .

Anas peregrin^, S. G. Gmelln. (Ch-ai/.)

Anas hyemalis. Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii,'l811, 270.

Clangula vulgaris, Flem., Br. An. 120.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 456.— Sw., Classif.
B. ii, 1837, 369.— Eyt., Mou. Auat. 1838.

Clangula chrysophthalmus, Stepii., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 182, pi. 56. — Jen., Man. 1835,
246.— Macgil., Man. Oru. ii, 1842, 183.

Clangula americana, B]\, List, 1838, 58 ; Compt. Rend. 1856. — Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838. —
Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 622.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.

Bucephala americana, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 796.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860,
259.— Ross, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 153.— Coues,
ibid. V, 1868, 200.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 10 ; 1863, 148.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.

Clangula leucomdas, peregrina, glaucion, Brehm, V. D. 927, 929, 929.

Hob. — All of North America. Cuba. Europe.
Not obtained by auy of the Expeditions.

I have not myself observed the Golden-eye in any portion of the Mis-
souri region, nor was it brought in by any of the Expeditions; and we
may conclude that it is rare in this part of the country, where its little
congener, the B. albeola, is very common. This Duck is only known to
breed far to the North. Mr. Dall records its early arrival on the Yukon
in the beginning of May ; it is common there, and the eggs were ob-
tained from the JPastolik Marshes.

BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, BUFFLE-HEAD. 577

BL^CEPHALA ISLANDICA, (Gm.) Bd.
Barrow's Golden-eye; Rocky Mountain Carrot.

Anas islandica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 541. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 871. — Vieill.,

Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v, 1816, 121 ; Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 133.— Naum., V. D.

xii, 1842, 186, pi. 317.
Clangula islandica, Bp., List B. Eur. 1842 ; Compt. Rend. 1856, 651. — Gray, List B. Br.

Mus. 1844, 145; Geu. of B. iii, 1849, 622.— Reinh., Ibis,iii, 1861,14 (Greenlaud,

breeding). — Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1807, 544.
Bucepltala islandica, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 796.— Elliot, Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, Jan. 1862

(critical) ; B. N. A. ii, pi. 46. — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine). —

Blak, Ibis, 1863, 148.— Coct:s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 300 (New England).— Dall

& Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 298 (Sitka and the Yukon).— Coues, Key, 290.
Fuligithi islandica, Sciil., M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 121. — FixscH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872 (Alaska).
Clangula banovii, Sw. & Ricii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 456, pi. 70.— Sw., An. in Meuag. 1838,

271.— Bp., List. 1838, 58.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 165.
Fuligula barwvii,'NvTT., Man. ii, 1834, 444.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 1842, 146.— Degl., Orn.

Eur. ii, 1849, 446.— Preyer, Reise, 1862, 409.— Bree, B. Eur. iv, 1863, 164.
Clangula scapnlaris , Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 931.
Fuligula clangula, var., Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 105, pi. 403 ; Syn. 1839, 292 (in part);

B. A. vii, 1843, .362 (in part ; describes the species as supposed summer plumage

of B. clangula).

Rai. — North America, northerly ; south to New York and Utah. Greenland. Ice-
land. Europe (Gould, B. E. pi. 380 ; Naum., pi. 317). Probably breeds in the Rocky
Mountains of the United States.

Not procured by the Expeditions.

Barrow's Goldeu-eye, upon which some doubt has been cast by my-
self, amoug others, appears, uevertheless, to be a valid species; the
differences pointed out in the Key, and in other works above cited, being
apparently constant as well as appreciable, and there being, moreover,,
certain anatomical peculiarities in the form of the skull, of which I have
only lately become aware. Originally described in 1788, and subse-
quently renamed and figured in 1831, the species was ignored by Audu-
bon, who mistook it for the summer plumage of the common Golden-
eye. It is the most northerly species of the genus, having apparently
a circumpolar distribution, breeding only (?)iu high latitudes, and pene-
trating but a limited distance south in winter. Its claim to a place in.
the present connection rests upon its occurrence in the Rocky Moun-
tains, and as far south as Utah, where it was lately procured by Mr. H..
W. Henshaw. On the Eastern Coast it occurs as far south, in winter,,
as New York.

BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, (Linn.) Bd.
Bufile-hcad ; Butter-ball; Dipper; Spirit Duck.

Anas alhcola, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 199.-Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383, 410.—
Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 517.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 179U, 866.— Wils., Am. Orn.
viii, 1814, 51, pi. 62, f. 2, 3.— ScHL., Rev. Grit. 1S44, 119.

Fuligula alhcola, Bp., Syn. 1828, 394.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1831, 445.— Arn., Orn. Biog. iv,
1K5M, «>17 ; pi. 2-25 ; Syu. 1839, 293 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 369, pi. 408.— Gii:., B. L. I.
1S44, 33.5— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 329.— Scm,., M. Pays-Bas, viii. 1865, 22.

Clangula alhcola, Stkpii., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 1«4.— BoiE, Isls, 1836, 9H0. — Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 458.— J kx., Man. 1835, 246.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. l^3H, l(i4.—
Bp.,Li.st, 1838, 58.— Vk;., Zool. J{ee(!i. Voy. 1.-^39, 32.— Gray, List B. Wv. Mus.
1K44, 144 ; Gen. of 15. iii. 1M49, 622 ; List Hr.' 15. lf^63, 2(»3.— 15n., Stansburv's Ifep.
1852, 324.— Nkwh., P. K. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— MriiU., Ed. N. Phil..l(.urn. 18.59,
230.— IlKKHM.. P. Ii. K. R..p. X, 18.59, pt. vi, 70.— Reinu., Ibis, 1-61. 14.— Dkcl.-
Gkkiu:, Orn. Eur. ii, 18(i7, .545.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1871, 57 (««gg).— Hart., Man.
Br. liinls, lir<72, Kil (Gn;at Hntain).

Buccphala alhcola, Bi>., ]J. N. A. 18.5H, 797.— Coop. »S- SucK., N. H. Wa.sh. Ter. 1860,
2.59.— DiiEss., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas).— CoiKS.Pr. Pliila. Ac. 1866. 99 (Arizona).—
Dall A: Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298 (Alaska, brcediui;).— Stev., U. S.
37

578 HISTEIONICUS TORQUATUS, HARLEQUIN DUCK.

Gecl. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Aiken, Pr. Bost, Soc. xv, 1872, 210
(Colorado).— CoUES, Kej', 1872, 290.— Snow, B. Kaua. 1873, 11 ; autl of most
late writers.
Anas Imccplialn, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 200 ( $ ).— Gm., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 521.
Anas rustica, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201 ( 5 ).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 524.

Hab. — North America. Mexico. Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. v, 230). Greenlaud. Accidental
in England (Hart., I. c, several instances).
Not procured by the earlier Expeditions.
Later Expeditions. — 61118, Fort Sanders, Wyoming.

I have reason to believe that this Duck, not hitherto reported as
breeding- in the United States, nests in Northern Dakota, as it certainly
do^s in the same latitude in Montana, along Milk Eiver and its tribu-
taries. I found very young birds, in July, about Turtle Mountain, on
the boundary line, but they were all able to fly, and may have been
hatched a little further north. In the autumn, winter, and spring, the
species is very abundant on the waters of the Missouri, much as else-
where in suitable places throughout the United States. Some indi-
viduals reach Mexico and Cuba; further south than this I have no
records.

The Buffle-head is not often seen in the United States, except from fall
to spring; as it usually retires to high latitudes to breed, as along the
X'ukon and elsewhere in boreal America, its nidification is consequently
not generally known. A set of fourteen eggs taken, the accompanying
label states, from a feathery nest in a dead poplar, some distance from
the ground, furnishes the following description : Shape, perfectly ellip-
soidal ; size, slightly over 2 inches in length by 1^ in breadth ; color, a
peculiar tint, just between rich creamy-white and grayish-olive, unva-
ried by markings. Other eggs are described as being about If long by
1^ broad, and buff-colored.

HISTEIONICUS TOEQUATUS, (Linu.) Bp.
Harlequin Duck.

Anas Mstrionica. Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 204.— Fohst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 38.3,
419.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, .5:M.— Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 849.— Brunn., Orn.
Bor. 1764, 84.— Pall., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 273.— WiLS., Am. Oru. viii, 1814. 139,
pi. 72, f. 4.— Temm., Man. 1815, 574 ; ii, 1835, 878 ; iv, 1840, 549.— Naum., V. D.
xil, 1844, 199, pi. 318.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 119.— SwiNii., Ibis, 1863, 324.

J)ias (Fiilifiiila) histrioiiica, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 277.

FitJi(jiiIa {Clmujula) histrionim, Bp., Syn. 1828, 394.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 448.

FuUgula histrionica, AuD., Orn. Biog. lii, 1835, 612 ; v, 1839, 617 ; Syn. 1839, 294 ; B. Am.
vi, 1843, 374, pi. 409.— Sklys-L., Fu. Belg. 1842, 147.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii,
1844, 331.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 336.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 451.— Scul., M.
Pays-Bas, viii, 1865, 23.

Cosmoncssaliistriouica, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Th. 1829, 40.

Clmujula luslrionim, Boie, Isis, 1022, 564. — Stepil, Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 180, pi. .57. —
Flem., Br. Auim. 120.— Jen., Man. Br. Vert. 246.— Sw. «fc Rich., F. B. A. ii,
1831, 459.— Eyt., Mou. Auat. 1838, 163.— Macgil., Man. ii, 184.— Gray. Gen. of
B. iii, 1869, 622.— Bp., List, 1838, 58.— Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 14 (Greenland).

Eareldahisfrionka, Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 87.— Bp., List Eur. Birds, 1842.—
FiNSCii, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 67 (Alaska).

PhjJaconetia hisfrioiriva, Brandt, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, vi, 1849, 9.

Bueepliala (Histrioniens) Itisitiouica, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 87, No. 10700.

Ilistrionicus iorqiuttiis, Bp., Comptes Rendus, xliii, 18.56. — Bd., B. N. A. 18.58,798. — CoOP.
& Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 260.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 256.—
Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.— Dall &■ Bann.,
Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 298 (Yukon, breeding).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862,
130 (breeding, rarely, in Bay of Fuudy). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, ]808, 300
(New England).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 297.— Turnb., B. E. Pa.
1868, 46 (very rare).— Coues, Key, 1872, 291.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874,
390 (Lake Michigan). — Coues, Am. Nat. 1874 (breeding in Rocky Mountains
of the United States).

Anas minuta, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 204 ( $ ).

HARELDA GLACIALIS, CAMPTOL.EMUS LABRADORIUS. 579

Hob. — North America, northerly and chiefly coastwise. South in winter to the Mid-
dle States and California. Rocky Mountains of the United States, hreeding.

List of specimens.

19320
19321

9

7

Mount. Stream .
do

9

May 31, 1860
May 31, 1860

F. V. Hayden
do

17.50
25.50

25.50
25..50

7.50
7.50

This species is included on the strength of the above-named speci-
mens ; it is doubtless of rare occurrence, being chiefly a maritime and
more northerly bird. In the female was found an egg nearly ready for
extrusion. It breeds in the Northern Eocky Mountains of the United
States. In August, 1874, I found broods, still unable to fly, swimming
in the clear streams which empty into Chief Mountain Lake.

Several of the maritime and boreal species have occurred on tlie Great Lakes, and
may be hereafter added to the Missouri region. These, with the other Fidigulinw of
North America, are as follows :

Hakelda glaciaxis, {Linnceus) Leach.

Anas glacialis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 203.— Forst., Linn. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 418.— Gm.,
Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 529.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 864.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii,
1811, 276.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 93, 96, pi. 70.— Vieill., Enc. Metb. i, ls23,
129.— Light., Verz. i, 1823, 85.— Temm., Man. i, 1815, 558 ; ii, 1835, 860 ; iv, 1840,
553.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 210, pi. 319.— Schl.. Rev. Grit. 1844, 117.

Anas (Fidif/ula) glacialis, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 275.

Clungulu glacialis, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 569.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 121.— Brehm, Y. D. 9.37.

Platypus glacialis, Bkehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 840.

Pagonetta glacialis, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 66.

Marelda glacialis, "Leach."— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 175, pi. 58.— Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 460.— Jen., Man. 1835, 247.— Eyt., Mon. 1838, 162.— Sw.,
Classif. B. ii, 1837, 369.— Bp., List, 1838, 59.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1844,
87.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 145; Gen. of B. iii, 1849,622; List Br. B.
1863, 203.— Reich., Syst. Av. viii, 1852.— Bp., Comp. Rend. 1856.— Newb., P. R.
R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 800.— Murr., Edinb. N. Phil. Journ.
1859, 230.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 201.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1831,
14.— Ross, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Boardm.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 139.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 149.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 515.—
Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 549.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 206.— Carus,
Hand-buch Zool. i, 1868, 352.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Dall & Bann., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 67.— Coues, Key, 1872,
291. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. x, 1874, 390 (Lake Michigan).

Fuligula {Clangula') glacialis, Bp., Syn. 1828, 395.

FnVuinla (Harelda) glacialis, Nutt., Man. ii, 453. — Brandt, M. Ac. St. Petersb. vi, 1849, 8.

Fuliguhi glacialis, Aui)., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 403, pi. 312; Syn. 1839, 295; B. Am. vi,
1843, 379, pi. 410.— Selys-L., Fu. Belg. i, 1842, 14S.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844,
328.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 337.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 447.— Schl., Mus.
Pays-Bas, viii, 1865, 23.

Crymoncssa glacialis, Macgii>., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 186.

-:1 lias hycmaiis, Linn., Fn. Succ. 44.— Scop., Bemerk. 1770, 66. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 529.

Claugida hiemalis, liUEini, ViJg. Deutschl. 933.

Anas mirlonia, Bodd. (Gray.)

Anas IcHcoccphalus, Bechst. (dray.)

Anas hnicliyrhynchus, Bkseke. (Gray.)

Clangula J'abcri, megauros, musica, brachyrhynchas, Brehsi, V. D. 935, 936, 937, 9.38.

Hab. — Northern Hemisphere. Chiefly maritime. Also ou the Great Lakes.
Camptol.emus LABRADORIUS, {Gmclin) Gray.

Anas labradora, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 587.— L.vth., Ind. Orn, ii, 1790, 8.")0.— Wils.. Am.

Orn. viii, 1814, 91, pi. 69.— Vieill., N. D. v, 1816, 132 ; Enc. Mctli. i, 1823, 132.
Anas (Fiilignla) labradora. Bp., Obs. Wils. 183.5, No. 276.
Fuligula lahnidora, Bi'., Syn. l!-2s. 391.— Nitt., Man. ii, 18.34, 428.— AuD., Orn. Bio;--, iv,

IK^H, 271, pi. 332 ; Syn. 1839. 2HS ; H. Am. vi, 1843, 329, i»l. 4(M).— DkKay, X. Y.

Zool. ii, l.-^4J, 3J().-(iiK., B. L. I. l.<44. 387.— SciiL., Mu«. P.-Bas, viii, 1865, 19.
lUijinchdKjiis liihnidtira, SiKi'il., (Jen. Zool. xii, i)t. ii, l.'^21, 121.
Kamiilorlniuchiin lahradoriiis, Eyt., Monog. ln'.i^i, 151. — Br., List, 18lW, 58.
Caniptolinnns labradorius, Gray, List Gen. of 15. lf^40; Li.st B. Br. Mus. 1844, 141 ; Gen.

of B. iii, 1849, 623.— Ri:icn., Syst. Av. Ic52, 8.— Br., Conipt. Krnd. Sept. l-.o^'t,

580 SOMATERIA STELLERI, STELLER's DUCK.

651.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, BO.-^.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. Phil. 1861, 239.— Verr., Pr.
Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.— COUES, ibid, v, 1868, 200.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 37
(rare). — Coues, Key, 1872, 291.
Hah. — Northeastern coast of North America, rarely south to New Jersey.

SOMATERIA STELLERI, (Pall.) Juid.

Anas steUeri, Pall., Spic. Zool. vi, 1765, 35, pi. 5 ; Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 208.— Gm., Syst.

Nat. i, 1788, 518.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 116.— Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 324 (China).
ClanquJa stcUeri, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564.— Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 183.
Fiilifiiila (Chuigula) ateUcrl, Bp., Syn. 1828, 394.
Fiiligiiht {Macropus) stcUeri, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 451.
FuJ'Kjnla (Polysticfa) stelhri, Brandt, Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. vi, 1849, 7.
Fnliqulu atdleri, Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1869, 469.
Fohjstida stcUeri, Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 58 ; Mou. Anat. 1838, 150.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 801.—

Ball & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. i. 1869, 299.
Eniconeita steUeri, Gray, List Gen. of B. 1840, 95 ; Geu. of B. iii, 1849, 624; List Br. B.

1863, 204.— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 553,
Hemconetta steUeri, AG., Ind. Univ. 1846, 178.
Earelda steUa-i, Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 87.
Somateria steUeri, Jard., Br. B. iv, 173.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, 400 (eggs).— Dress., B.

Eur. pt. — , pi. — .— CouES, Key, 1872, 291 ; Elliott's Prybilov Islands, App.— .
Anas disj)ar, Sparrm., Mus. Carls. 1786, pis. 7, 8. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 535, — Lath,,

Ind, Orn, ii, 1790, 866,— Vieill., Enc, Meth, i, 1823, 145,— Temm,, Man. iv, 1840,

547.— Naum,, V. D. xii, 1844, 240, pi. 320.
FuUguJa disx)ar, Steph., Geu. Zool. xii, pt, ii, 1824, 206,— Jen,, Man. 1835, 243,— Aud,,

Orn. Biog, v, 1839, 253, pi, 430 ; Syn, 1839, 293 ; B. Am, vi, 1843, 368, pi. 407.—

DeKay, N, Y. Zool, ii, 1844, 334.— Schl., Mus, Pavs-Bas, viii, 1865, 15.
SteUerla dispar, Bp,, List, 1838, 57 ; Compt, Rend, Sept. 1856, 650,
Anas occidita, Shaw, Nat, Misc. pi. 34, — Vieill,, Enc, Meth, i, 182S, 130.
(?) J«rts lerimjii, Gm., Syst, Nat, i, 1788, 508,

Ha]). — Arctic and high northern coasts of both hemispheres.

Somateria fischeri, (Brandt) Coues.

Fulhjula {Lampronetta) fischeri, Brandt, Mem. Ac. St. Peter, vi, 1849, 6, 10, 14, pi. 1, f. 1-4.
Lamproiietta fischeri, Bd., B. N. A, 1858, 803, — Elliot, B. N. A, pt. v, pi. 47.— Dall &

Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 299.
Arctonetta fischeri, Gray, P. Z. S. 1855, 212, pi. 108.
Somateria fischeri, Coues, Key, 1872, 292.

Hah. — Northwest coast.
SoAiATERiA JioLLissiMA var.(f) DRESSERi, Shurpe.
a.(f) moUissima.

Anas moUissima, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 198.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 514.— Lath., Ind.

Orn. ii, 1790, 845,— Light,, Verz, 1823, 85.— Vleill,, Nonv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v,

1816, 112.— Temm,, Mau, 1815, 549 ; ii, 1835, 848 ; iv, 1840, 541,— Naum,, V. D.

xii, 1844, 252, pis. 321, 322.— SciiL,, Ois. Eur. Rev. Crit. 1844, 116,
Somateria moUissima, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564, — Steph,, Gen, Zool, xii, pt. ii, 1824, 224, pi.

60.— Jen., Man. 1835, 227.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 368.— Bp„ List, 1838,57;

Comptes Rend. 1856.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 177.— ^Gray', Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844,

141 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 624 ; List Br. B. 1863, 205.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1852,

viii.— (?)Malmg., J. f. O. 1865, 214.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 515.— Degl.-Gerbe,

Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 555 ; aud of authors generally.
Anser moUissimus, Vieill., Eucy, Meth, i, 1823, 119.
Platypus moUissimiis, Brehji, Eur, Vog. 1823, 809,
Fuligula moUissima, Selys-L,, Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 463.—

Schl., Mus. P,-B, viii, 1865, 14,
Anas cuthhcrti, Pall., Zoog, R.-A, ii, 1811, 235,
Somateria st. cnthherti, Eyt,, Cat, Br, B, 58 ; Mon. Anat, 1838, 149,
Anser lanugiiiosns, Leach, Cat, 1816, 37, {Gray.)
{'>.) Somateria thiUensis, Malmg,, Kongl. Vet. Ak. Ofv. 1864, 380; J. f. O. 1865, 396(Spitz-

bergcn).
Somateria danica, norwcgica, plat}iuros,faroensis,mcqanros,islandica, horealis, leisleri, 2}la)n-
frons, Brehm, V. D. 890, 891, 892, 693, 894, 895, 896, 897.

b,(?) dreaseri.

Anas 7noUissima,Wii.S., Am, Oru. viii, 1814, 122, pi, 71.

Anas (FuUyula) moUissima, Bp,, Obs. Wils, 1825, No, 244.

FuUgula (Somateria) moUissima, Bp., Syn. 1828, 388. — Nutt., Man.ii, 1834,407. — Br.vndt,

Mem, Acad, St, Petersb, vi, 1849, 5.
FuUgula moUissima, Aud,, Oru. Biog, iii, 1835. 344 ; v, 1839, 611 ; pi. 246 ; Syn. 1839, 291 ;

B. Am. vi, 1843, 349, pi. 405.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 332.— GiR., B. L. 1, 331,

SOMATEKIA SPECTABILIS, KING EIDER. 581

Somateria mollissima, Bp., List, 1838, 57. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 809.— Reix., Ibis, iii, 14. —
CoTiES,Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,239.— Buy., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861, GG.-B<)Ai;Dif.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 1862, 139.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.- Cones, ibid.
V, 1868, 200.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150.— LA^YK., Auu. Lvc. X. Y. viii, 1866, 297.—
TuRNH., B. E. Pa. 1869, 46 (New Jersey).— Coui-.s, Key, 1872, 293.

Somateria dresseri, Sharpe, Ann. Mag. N. H. July, 1871, p. — , tigs. 1,2,
Hab. — Atlantic and Arctic coasts.

Somateria v-nigra, Gray.

Somateria v-niyra, Gray, P. Z. S. 1855, 212, pi. 107.— Bp., Comptes Rend. 1856, 650.— Bd..
B. N. A. 1858, «10.— MuH., Edinb. N. Phil. Jouru. 1859, 229.— Ross, Canadian
Nat. Apr. 1862.— Blak., Ibis, 1H63, 150.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 48.— D all & Bann.,
Tr, Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 300.— CouES, Key, 1872, 293.

Hab. — Northwest coast. Great Slave Lake.
Somateria spectabilis, (Linn.) Boie.

Anas spectabilis, Linn., Fn. Snec. 39 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 195.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788,
507.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 845.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 236.— Vieill.,
Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 125.— Temm., Man. ii, lb35, 851 ; iv, 1840, 541.— Naum., V.
D. xii, 1844, 285, pi, 322, f. 1 ; pi. 323.— Schl., Rev. Grit. Gis. Eur. 1844, 115.—
SwiNH., P. Z. S. 1863, 324 (China).

Somateria spectabilis, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564; 1826, 980.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824,
229.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 447.— Jen., Man. 1835, 2:?8.— Sw.. Classif.
B. ii, 1837, 368.— Eyt., Mou. Auat. 1838, 148.— Bp., List, 1838, 57 ; Conipt. Rend.
1856.— Key.s. & BLA.S., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 86.— Macoil., Mau. ii, lr?42. 178.—
Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 141 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1H49, 624; List Br. B. 1H63,
206.— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 810.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1881, 14.— Verr,, Pr. Ess. Ii;sr.
iii, 1862, 159.— BoARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 140.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150.—
Newt., Ibis, 1865, 516 (Spitzbergen). — Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 557. —
Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 201.— Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1866, 298.—
Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 301.— TuRNii., B. E. Pa. 1869, 46 (New
Jersey, in severe winters).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 259 (Lake
Erie!)— Harting, P. Z. S. 1871, 118 (figs, of heads).— Coues, Key, 1872, 293.

Platypus spectahiUs, Brehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 809.

Fuligula (Somateria) spectabilis, Bp., Syu. 1828, 389. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 414. — Brandt,
Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. vi, 1849, 5.

Fuligula spectabilis, Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 523, pi. 276 ; Svn. 1839, 291 ; B. Am. vi,
1843, 347, pi. 404.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844,
334.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 333.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 13.— Degl., Orn.
Eur. ii, 1849, 466.

Hab. — Northern North America and Europe. Chiefly coastwise. South to New Jer-
sey, In the interior to Lake Erie.

CEDEMIA AMERICANA, ( Wils.) SlO.

Anas niyra, WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 1.35, pi. 72 (not of Linnwus).

Anas (FnHtjida) nigra, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 267.

Fuligula {(')idemia) niyra, Bp., Syu. 1828, 390.

(Edemia nigra vav. amtricana, Uidcay., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 390 (Lake Michigan).

Videmia americana. Sav. cfc Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 450 —Bp., List, 1838,53; Conipt. Rend.
Sept. 1856, 650.— Gray, Li.st B. Br. Mus. 1844, 140 : Gen. of B, iii, 1849, 625.—
Newr., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Bu., B. N. A, 1858, 807.— MuR., Edinb.
N. Phil. Journ. 18.59, 231.— Coop. &. Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 263.— Vei{R.,
Pr. Es.s. Inst, iii, 1«62, 159.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 149.— ?Swl\h., P. Z. 8. 1-63,
324.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 201 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125 ; I'r. Phila.
Acad. 1871, 27.— TuRNB. B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— Lawr., Ann. Lye, N. Y. viii, 18()6,
297.— Brown, Ibis, 18t)8, 426.— Fln.sch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872,68,— Coues, Key, 293.

Fnliyula {Oidemia) amtricana,lsvTr., Man. ii, 1834, 422.

Mclanitta americana, Evt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 144.

Fuligula anuri<ana,AVD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 117, pi. 408; Syu. 1b39, 290; B. Am. vi,
1843, 343, pi. 4U3.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 336.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 330.—
ScHL., Mu.s. P.-B. viii, 1865, 19.

Uab. — North America, both coasts, aud larger inland waters.
CEdemia fusca, (varf),
a.(f) fusca.

Anas fusca, Jass., Fn. Suec. 30; Syat. Nat. i, 1766, 196.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 507.—
L.vTU., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 848.— Tl•:M^L, .Man, 1815, 552.— SCHL., Rev. Crit. 1844,
117.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1K14, V2:\, j.l. 313.

Mclanilta fusca, lioui, Isis, 1822, 564.— Bicehm, V. D. 905,

582 (EDEMIA PERSPICILLATA, SURF DUCK.

OiJf/n Jrt/M,9Cffl,FLEM., Phil, of Zool. ii, 1823, 260.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 216.—
Flem., Br. Au. 1828, 119.— Jen., Man. 1835, 239.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— Eyt.,
Cat. Br. B. 58.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Enr. 1840, 86.— Maggie., Man. ii, 1842,
180.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 625 ; List Br. B. 1863, 206.

Anas fiiligiuosa, Bkciist., Natur;^. iv, 962, pi. 36.

Anas c«»-?)o, Pall., Zbog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 244.

MeJaniifa Jiornschuchii, megapus, platyrhynchus, Brehm, V. D. 904, 906, 907.

L.(?) velvetina.

Anas fusca, W11.S., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 137, pi. 72.

Anas (FuUgula) fiisca, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 266.

FaUgida {didmiia) fitsca, Bp., Syn. 1828, 390.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 419.

Oidemiafitsca, Sw. & Rich., ii, 1831, 449.— Turnb.. B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— Coxjes, Key. 294.

Fidigitla fusca, Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 454, pi. 247 ; Syn. 1639, 280; B. Am. vi, 1843,

332, pi. 401.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, — .— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 328.
Fidignla himacvJata, Herbert, Field Sports, 2d ed. ii, 1848, 366, fig. — (immatnre).
Oidemia (Pelionetta) bimaculata, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 808.

Oidemia velvetina, Cass., Pr. Phiia. Acad, v, 1850. 126.— Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 68.
Mdanetta velvetina, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 805.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasb. Ter. 1860,

262.— CoUES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, 239.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.

258 (Lake Erie). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153. — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc.

ix, 1862, 130.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 297.— Coues, Pr. Ess. lust, v,

1868, 200.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125.— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad.

1869, 300.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 390 (Lake Michigan).
Oidemia deglandii, Bp., Rev. Crit. Degland, 1850, 108 ; Compt. Rend. 1854.
Melanetta deglandii, Bp., Compt. Rend. Sept. 1856.

Hal). — Europe and America, chiefly maritime, but also on the inland waters. The
assigned characters of the American bird are very slight, certainly not warranting spe-
cific distinction, and scarcely aff'ording grounds for varietal recognition.

(Edemia PERSPICILLATA, {Linn.) Stepli.

a. perspicillata.

Anas perspicillata, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201. — Foest., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 417. —

Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 524.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 847.— Wils., Am. Orn.

viii, 1814, 49, pi. 67.— Temm., Man. Orn. ii, 1835, 853; iv, 1840, 542.— Vieill.,

Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 138.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 140, pi. 314.— Schl., Rev. Crit.

Ois. Eur. 1844, 117.

Anas {Fuligiila) perspicillata, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 265.

Anas {Macrorhamplius) perspicillata, Less., Man. ii, 1828, 414.

Fuligiila {Oidemia) perspicillata, Bp., Syn. 1828, 389. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 416.

Melanitta pei-spicillata, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564.— Eyt., Mon. Auat. 1838, 146.

Platypns perspidllatus, Brehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 823.

Oidemia perspicillata, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 219. — Flem., Br. An. 1828,
119.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 449.— Jen., Man, 1835, 240.— Sw., Classif.
B. ii, 1837, 368.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 86.—
Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 181.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 141 ; Gen. of B. iii,
1849, 625 ; List Br. B. 1863, 207.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Newb., P. R. R.
Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Cass., Orn. U. S. Expl. Exp. 1858, 344.— Murr., Edinb. N.
Phil. Journ. 1859, 230.— Reinh., Ibis, 1861, 14.— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867,
563.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1867, 167 (egg).— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 27.— Hart., Br. B. 1872, 162 (Great Britain, many in-
stances).— Coues, Key, 1872, 294.

Pelionetta perspicillata, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 107. — Reich., Syst. Av. 1852,
X.— Bp., Compt. Rend. Sept. 1856.— Bd., B. N. A. 185S, 606.— Coop. & Suck.,N.
H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 262.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 239 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v,
1868, 200; Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125.— Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Verr., Pr.
Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 1.53.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 130.— Blak., Ibis,
1863, 149.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 297.- Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.—
Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 300.

Fuligula perspicillata, Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 161, pi. 317 ; Syn. 1839, 289 ; B. Am. vi,
1843, 337, pi. 402.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844,
335.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 329.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 474.

b. trowhridgei.

Pelionetta trowbridgii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 806.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. — .
(Edemia perspicillata var. trowhridgei, Coues, Key, 1872, 295.

Hal). — North America, coastwise. Jamaica. Europe, rare: Gould, B. Eur. pi. 377 ;
RoDD, Zool. 1865, p. 9794. Var. trowhridgei on the coast of California.

ERISMATURA RUBIDA, RUDDY DUCK. 553

ERISMATURA EUBIDA, (Wils.) Bp.
Ruddy Dnck.

Anas ruUda, Wils., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 128, 130, pi. 71, f. 5, 6,— Sab., FraDkl. Journ. 700.

Anas (Fuligula) rniida, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 268.

Fuligula (Oxyura) ruhida, Bp., Syn. 1828, 390.

Fuligula {Giimnura) ruhida, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 426.

Fuligula ruhkla, S\v. &, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 455.— Add., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 326 ; pi.
343 ; Syo. 1839, 288 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 324, pi. 399.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 326.—
DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 327.— Lemb., Av. Cub. 1850, 118.

Cerconectes ruhida, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 282.

Erismatura ruhida, Bp., List, 1838, 59; Compt, Reiicl. Sept. 1856, 652. — Eyt., Mon. Anat.
1838, 171.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 146 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 627.— Bd., B.
N. A. 1858, 811.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 393 (Oaxaca); Ibis, i, 1859, 232 (Guate-
mala, breeding). — Heerm., P. R, R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 70 (California). — Ross,
Canad. Nat. 1862.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 150.— Verr., Pr.
Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 201.— Guxdl., Av. Cuba, 1866,
390.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Coues, Key, 1872, 295 ; Am. Nat.
viii, 1874, p. — .

Biziura ruhida, Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 11. — Giebel, Nomeucl. Av. i, 1872, p. — .

Anas jamaicensis, Ord, ed. Wils. viii, 1825, 138.

Erismatura "dominica"* (err.), Holden, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 210.

Hah. — North America at large. South to Guatemala, where found breeding at Du-
euas. Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. v, 1857, 230).
Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5472, Mouth of the Platte.
Later Expeditions. — 60862, Pacific Creek, Wyoming.

This species occurs throughout the Missouri regiou in suitable situa-
tions, during the migrations, and also breeds within such limits. I
found it nesting in numbers in the pools about Turtle Mountain, Da-
kota, where the young were swimming in July. It was also observed
during the breeding season in Montana, along the Milk Eiver and its
northern tributaries.

Subfamily Merging: Mergansers.

MERGUS MERGANSER, Linn.

Merganser; Goosander; Sheldrake; Fishing Duck.

Mergus merganser, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 208.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, .544. — Lath.,
Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 828.— Wils., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 68, pi. 68.— Temm., Man.
1820, 575.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 248; Syn. 1828, 397.— Doughty, Cab. N.
H. i, 1830, 109, pi. 10.— Flem., Br. An. 128.— .Jen., Man. 249.— Sw. & Rich., F.
B. a. ii, 1831. 461.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 460.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 261,
pi. 331 ; Syn.' 1839, 297 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 387, pi. 411.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 339.—
Naum., V.'D. xii, 1844, 356, pi. 326.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 121.— Max., J. f. O. vii,
1859, 241.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183.— Coues, Key, 1872, 296; and of
authors generally.

* The synonymy of E. dominica is as follows:

Anas dominica, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 201.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 521.— Lath., Ind.

Oru. ii, 1790, 874.— Vieiix., Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 157.— M.vxlm., Naturg. Bras.

iv, pt. ii, 1833, 938.— BuRM., Th. Bras, iii, 1856, 439.
Fuligula dominica, Stv.vu., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 203.
Erismatura dominica. Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838,—. — Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 146; Gen.

of B. iii, 1849, 627.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 18.56, ().52.— Cab., J. f. O. v, 1857, 2.U.—

Newt., Ibis, 18.59, 367.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 254.— Gundl., Av. Cuba, 1866, 391.—

Reinh., Vid. Med. 1870, 20.— Coues, Key, 1872, 295.
Biziura dominica, Schl., Mns. P.-B. viii, 1865, 9.
Anas spinosa, Gm., Syst. 'Nut. i, 1788, 522.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 874.— BuKM., Th.

Bras, iii, 185(!, 440.
Cerconectes npinon(i, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 282.
Erismalnra spiuom, GossK, B. .Jam. 1847, 404.
Erismatura orlggoidcs, iiossv:, B. .Jam. 1847, 407.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 652.

Hub. — West Indies aud South America. Accidental in North America. (Lake Cham-
plain, Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 375, and Wisconsin, ibid, xiv, 154, aud Am. Nat. v, 441.)

584

MERGUS SEERATOli, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.

Mergus castor, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 209.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 545.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. ii, 1790, 829.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 88.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 629.

Merganser- castor. Bi\, Coiup. List, 1838, 59. — Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 194.

Merganser castor var. amerkunus, Bp., Compt. Rend, xliii, 1856.

Me)-ganser raii, Leach, Syst. Cat. M. and B. Br. Mus. 36.

Merganser gulo, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 161, pi. .53. — Leach, I. c.

Mergus americamis, Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1853, 187.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 813.— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 263.— Ha yd.. Rep. 1862, 176.— Dkess., Ibis, 1866,
44 (Texas).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. 1873
(Aleutians). — Dall &. Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 3Ul (Alaska).— Finsch,
Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 70.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 ; and of many late United
States writers.

Hab, — North America. Europe. Asia.

List of specimens.

19322
19323
19324
19325
19326
19327

293

156
177
170
171

Deer Creek

do

Powder River..

do

do

do

2

May 3, 1860
May 18, 1860
May 19, 1860
May 18, 1860
Sept. 19, 1860
Sept. 19, 1860

G.H.Trook..

do

do

do

....do

do

26.00
26.50
25.50
22.00
26.00

36.00
37.00
35.50
36.00
36.00

11.00
11.50
10.00

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — No. 5473, Yellowstone River.
Later Expeditions. — 60858-60, Fort Bridget and Sweetwater.

MERGUS SERRATOE, Linn.

Red-breasted Merganser; Fishing Duclf.

Mergus serrator, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 208.— Gm., Syst. Nat. 1788, 546.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. ii, 1790, 829.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 287.— III., Prod. 1811, 278.—
WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 81, pi. 69.— Temm., Man. 1815, 579; ii, 1835, 884;
iv, 1840, 556.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564.— Licht., Verz. 1823, 85.— Brehm, Eur. Vog.
1823, 855.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 249 ; Syn. 1828, 397.— Flem., Br. An. 1828,
129.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 462.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 463.— Jen., Man.
1835, 249.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 175.— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 92, pi. 401 ;
Syn. 1839, 298; B. Am. vi, 1843, 395, pi. 412.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840,
88.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 147.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 194.— Naum., V.
D. xii, 1844, 333, pi. 325.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 147 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849,
629 ; List Br. B. 1863, 209.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844,319.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844,
342.— SCHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 121 ; Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 3.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii,
1849, 480.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, ix.— Bp., Compt. Rend. Sept. 1856.— Newb.,
P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 814.— MuRR., Edinb. N. Journ.

1859, 231.— Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 242.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter.

1860, 264.— SwiNH., Ibis, ii, 1860, 67 : iii, 1861, 344 ; v, 1863, 434 ; P. Z. S. 1863,
323.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 14.— Co'uES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 241 ; Pr. Bost.
Soc. xii, 1868, 125 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 201 ; Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 27; Key,
1872, 296.— Ross, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.—
Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 140.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150.— Wright, Ibis,
1864, 1.56.— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, .570.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad.
1869, 201.— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 72.— Snow,
B. Kans. 1873, 11.

Merganser serrator, Vieill., Eucy. Meth. i, 1823, 102.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 165

("sm-ate").- Bp., List, 1838, 59.
Mergus niger, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 546.
Mergus cristatus, Bp.unn., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 95.
Mergus leucomelas, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 947.

Hah. — Northern hemisphere.

MERGUS CUCULLATUS, Linn.

Hooded Merganser,

Mergus cucullatus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 207.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 544.— Lath.,
Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 830.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 251 ; Syn. 1828, 397.— Sw. &
Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 463.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 465.— Jen., Man. 1835, 249.—

MEEGUS CUCULLATUS, HOODED MERGANSER. 585

AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 246, pi. 233; Syn. 1839, 299; B. Am. vi, 1843, 402, pi.
413.— Eyt., Mou. Aimt. 1838, 177.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 88.— Tejim.,
MaD. IT, 1840, 557.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 147; Geu. ofB. iii, 1849,629;
List Br. B. 1863, 209.— ScHi.., Rev. Crit. 1844, 121 : Mns. P.-B. viii, 186.5, 5.—
DkKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 320.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 341.— Degl., Oni. Eur. ii,
1849, 483.— Newb., P R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Cass., U. S. Expl. Exp. 1858,
345.— MuRR., Ediub. N. Phil. Journ. 1859,231.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 237.— Degl.-
Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 572.— CouES, Key, 1872, 296.

Mergansei- cucullafiis, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 168. — Bp., List, 1838, 59. —
Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 196.

Loijliodytes cucuUatus, Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, ix. — Bp., Comptes Reud. xliii, 1856. —
Be, B. N. A. 1858, 816.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 369.— Coop. &. Suck., N. H. AYash.
Ter. 1860, 265.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Verr., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 159.—
Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 201.— Gundl., Av. Cuba, 1866, 391.— Dress., Ibis, 1866,
. 144.— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 202.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.
Ter. 1870, 466.— SNOWy B. Kans. 1873, 12.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183;
and of many writers.

Hah. — The whole of North America, Europe : for occurrences, see authors above
quoted. Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. v, 18.57, 231).
Lieutenant Wan'en's Expedition. — 5475, Yellowstone River.
Later Expeditions. — 60861, Green River.

The Hooded Merganser is the most abundant one of the three in the
Missouri region. M. serrator is the rarest ; I have not myself met with
it. 31. cucuUatus breeds in jS^orthern Dakota, and also on the Upper
Missouri and Milk Elvers.

OEDER biljuAjNUrUUlJu! TOTIPALMATE BIRDS.

Family PELECANID^: Pelicans.

PELECANUS TRACHYRHYNCHUS, Lath.
White Pelican.

Pelecanus erythrorhyn chits, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 571.— Donnd., Beytr. Orn. ii, 850. —
BOMN., Eucy. Meth. 1791, 44.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. livr. iv, 35.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,
868.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 265.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep.
1860, No. 278 (rare).— Elliot, P. Z. S. 1869, 588 (monographic).— Coues, Ibis,
1866, 271 (coast of California). — Dhess., Ibis, 1866, 45 (Texas, in winter, com-
mon).—Coues, Pr. Phihi. Acad. 1866, 100 (Arizona).— Boardm., Pr. Best. Soc.
is, 1862, 130 (Calais, Maine, accidental).— Veru., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 160
(same). — Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 89 (same). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 302 (same). —
McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 95 (Canada West, two instances). — Allen, Bull. M. C.
Z. ii, 1871, 364 (Florida, winter, common, and said to breed) j iii, 1872, 183
(Utah).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125 (South Carolina).- Turnb., B. E.
Pa. 1869, 46 (rare).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 298 (New York).—
Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Gllman, Am. Nat. iv, 1871, 758
(Lake Huron).— ?Mayn., Guide, 1870, 149 (Nantucket).— Clarke, Am. Nat. v,
1871, 252 (Lake Michigan).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11.— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N.
Y. X, 1874, 390 (Illinois).

Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 884 (based on Rowih-billed Pelican of
Gen. Syn. vi, 586).— Steph., Shaw's G. Z. xiii, 1825, 117.— Light., Abb Akad.
Berl. 1838, pi. 3, f. 5.— Bp.,List, 1838,60.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 309.— Scl.,
P. Z. S. 1808, 269; Ibis, i, 1859, 233 (Western Central America).— Newb., P. R.
R. Rep. vi, 1857, 109.— Heerm., ibid, x, 1859, pt. vi, 72.— Maxim., J. f. O. vii,
1859, 259.— Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 324.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 105.—
Coues, Key, 1872, 300.

CyrtopeUcanus trachyrhynchus, Reigh. — Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 163.

Pelecanus onocrotalus var., FoRST., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772.

Pelecanus onocrotalus, Bp., Syn. 1828, 400.— Sw. & Righ., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 472 (north to
61°).— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 471. (Not of European writers.)

Pelecanus amtricanus, Aui)., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 88, pi. 311 ; Syn. 1839, 309; B. Am. vii,
1844, 20, pi. 422. — Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, common, mi-
gratory).

"Pelecanus brachydactylus, Light.?"

(?) Pelecanus occipitalis, Ridgw., "American Sportsman," iv, 1874, 297 (Nevada).

Hob. — North America, up to lat. 61° at least. Rare or casual in the Middle States
and New England. Abundant in the interior, especially west of the Mississippi. Texas
and Florida. South to Central America.

The geographical distribution of the White Pelican may be clearly
traced from the above quotations. Its occurrence in New England at
the present time is wholly fortuitous, though it has been observed in
Maine and Massachusetts. But Mr. Allen's record of a flock at Nan-
tucket {Am. Nat. iii, 640) is erroneous, as he subsequently pointed out
[ibid, iv, 68), P. fiiscus having been mistaken for it. It is of scarcely
oftener occurrence in the Middle States and most portions east of the
Mississippi, but is said to be common in Florida. In the West I have
found it in many localities — on the Red River of the North and some of
its affluents, on the Colorado of the West, and on the coast of Southern
California. It formerly bred in immense numbers about Great Salt
Lake, where it has decreased in abundance of late. Mr. Ridgway tells
me of vast bands now nesting about Pyramid Lake in Nevada, where
he took over a hundred eggs from as many nests ; these were merely a

GRACULUS DILOPHUS, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. 587

heap of earth scraped up to the height of a few inches. He has also
shown that the curious horny comb or crest of the bill, being deciduous,
is regularly shed in a manner somewhat analogous to the casting of
deers' horns. The breeding range of the species is very extensive, ap-
parently determined less by latitude than by the occurrence of suitable
l)laces anywhere within the general range of the species. I have not
noted any breeding resorts within the Missouri region, though doubtless
there are such. The large numbers of Pelicans I observed, however, in
I^orthern Dakota, at various times in the summer, leads me to presume
that they nest in that region, especially about the Lake Eiver, a short
expansive affluent of the Mouse Eiver, more like a great prairie slough
than an ordinary river. In May, 1873, 1 took a female on the Eed Eiver,
near Pembina; the specimen was in very poor flesh, with worn, harsh
l^lumage, which was attributable to a disease of the pouch. On the in-
side of this organ were fastened in clusters great numbers of a louse-
like parasite, which produced an induration, ulceration, and, finally,
perforation of the membrane in several places, so that the bird must
have had difficulty in feeding. The intestines were loaded with some
kind of ascarides. In the stomach were found about fifty crawfish
(Astucus).

Family PHALACROCOEACID^ : Cormorants.

GEACULUS DILOPHUS, (Sw.) Gray.
Double-crested Cormorant; Shag,

a. dilophus.

Pelecanun (Cario) dilojiTius, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 473.

Carbo ditopJi an, Gamh., Jouru. Phila. Acad, i, 1849, 227.

Phalacrocorax dihuihua, 'Nvtt., Man. ii, 1834, 483. — Bp., List, 1838, 60.— At'D., Orn. Biog.
iii, 183.5, 420 ; v, 1839, 629 ; pi. 257 ; Svn. 1839, 302 ; B. A. vi. 1844, 423, pi. 416.—
Gn?., B. L. I. 1844, 344.— Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 324 (Great Salt Lake).—
PuTX., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 221.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861, 71 (Gulf of
Saiut Lawrence, breecliu}^). — Tukxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38 (wiuter, rare).

GracuJus dilophus, Gray, Gen. of 15. iii, 1849, — . — Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 172; Compt.
Rend. 1856, 766.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 877 ; Pr. Phila. Acad. Nov. 1859 (Cape
Saiut Lucas).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 267.— Coues, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1861, 241 (Labrador); 1866, 100 (California); 1871, 38 (North Carolina,
common in winter). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 130 (Maiue, in winter). —
Coues, ibid, xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina, iu winter). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst,
iv, 1864, 89 (New Enjrland coast, iu winter).— Veiu:., ibid, iii, 1862, 160 (the
same). — CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 302 (the same). — La\vi{., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
298.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 302 (Alaska).— Allkn, Bull. M. C.
Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Great Salt Lake). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (migratory). —
CouES, Key, 1872, 303.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 390 (Illiuois).

Phalacrocorax Jhridanus, Maxiaf., J. f. 0. vii, 1859, 260 (Missouri).

Graculun Jloridanus, McIlwk., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 95 (Canada,).

b. floridanus.

Phalacrocorax 1lorid(niuH,kvv>.,Ovr\. Biog. iii, 1835, 387; v, 1839, 632; pi. 251 ; Sj'U. 1839,

303; B. Am. vi, 1843, 430, pi. 417.
GracuhiH floridannx, Bi'., Cousj). Av. ii, 18.")5, 172; Compt. Rend. Ixii, 1856, 766.— Lawr.,

B. N. A. lH.-,8, 879.— Bp.v., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859.— ScnL., Mus. I'.-B. livr. iv,

1H63, 23 (in part; inchidfs mcricanus and " towiiscndii ")—Ai.i.KS, Bull. M. C. Z.

ii, 1871, 365.— CoUEs, I'r. I'liila. Acad. 1871, 38(uorth to North Carolina).
GracuhiH dilophun, (Jrav, (Jen. of Ii. iii (in i)art).
GrnculuH dilophus var. floridauut, CoUES, Key, 1872, 303. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x,

1874, 390 (Illinois).
Phalacrocorax bra»ilicuiiiD, Bp., Comp. List, 1838,60. (Whether of authors? If fouud

588 GRACULUS MEXICANUS, MEXICAN CORMORANT.

not specifically distinct from dilophus, the name will take priority for this species.
Schlegel uuites the two.)

Hub. — North America at large, in the interior as well as coastwise. Var. floridanus
from the South Atlantic and Gulf States, ranging north to the Ohio {Audubon) and to
North Carolina (C'oucs).

This is the only species of Cormorant known to range generally
throughout the interior. Most of the several species attributed to North
America occur on the Pacific coast alone, G. carbo being the Atlantic-
coast species, and G. mexicanus being from the Gulf and someways up
the Mississippi Valley.

I am credibly informed of breeding places of this species on the Mis-
souri, where, however, I never recognized the bird myself, though I saw
it on the Eed liiver of the North in May. It was first described by
Bwainsou from the Saskatchewan, and it ranges southward through the
Missouri~region. It has been found to breed in Labrador and the Gulf
of Saint Lawrence, whence it migrates southward in the fall, wintering
along the coast from Maine to the Carolinas. Its occurrence at Great
Salt Lake and various points on the Pacific coast, from Sitka to Cape
Saint Lucas, has been noted.

GEACULUS MEXICANUS, (Brandt) Bp.
Mexican Cormorant.

Carbo mexicanus, Brandt, Bull. Sc. Acad. St. Petersb. iii, 1837, 56.

Gracuhis mexicanus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 173. — Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 879.— Sxow, B.

Kaus. 1873, 12 (specimen near Lawrence, Kansas, April, 1872. — CouES, Key, 203.
Graculus "Jloridanus et" mexicanus, SCHi.., Mus. P.-B. livr. iv, 18G3, 24 (excl. syn. '^town-

sendii, AuD.")
" Carbo graculus, ex parte,TEMU." (Schlegel.)
" Phalacrocorax lacustris, Gundl., Mss." {Lawrence.)
" Phalacrocorax resplendens {ad.), et totvnsendii (juv.), Lemb., Aves de Cuba."

Hab. — Southern United States and southward. Up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois
(Eidgway) and Kansas {Sno%v). Texas. New Mexico {Henry). Matamoras (Dresser,
Ibis, 1866, 45). Honduras ( T«^Zor, Ibis, 1860, 315). Cuba (Lawrence, Gundlach, Lembeye).

In my present judgment, this species is entirely distinct from G. diloplms, though
nearly allied. Dr. Schlegel is certainly wrong in identifying it with the P. floridanus of
Audubon, and in citing as synonymous P. townsendii ; the latter belongs to penicillaUis.

The claim of this species to a place in the present work rests upon
the announcement of its occurrence in Kansas, by Prof. Snow, as above.

Of the five remaining families of North American birds {Procellariidce.,
Laridce, CoIymhidcB, Podicipidw, Alcidw), the first and fifth are marine,
and have no representatives in the Missouri region. They will, there-
fore, not be considered in this volume, my material on Procellariidw and
Alcidce being reserved for elaboration in another connection. The other
three families will here be treated monographically, to include all the
known North American species, biographical items of those found in the
Missouri region being added, in correspondence with the general plan
of this work.

MONOGRAPH OF THE NORTH AMERICAN

Several years have passed since the writer began to pay special attention to this
interesting and difficult group. He has already published, in the Proceedings of the
Philadelphia Academy of 1862-'63, revisions of the North Aruerican forms of the prin-
cipal subfamilies, preliminary to the present more complete work. This memoir has
lain in Mss. since 1864, being retouched from time to time, as additional material
ofi'ered. Final revision has been made within the present year, bringing the subject
up to date. Since the earlier papers were published, my views of what constitutes a
species hxve been modified, while a few mistakes in those articles have been corrected ;
but I find comparatively little to alter. The article on Larldcv. in the " Key to North
American Birds" (1872), expresses very nearly my present views, though one or two
hasty stefjs in that portion of the work require to be retraced.

Containing the richest collection of American LarUhe in the world, the Smithsonian
Museum otiers great facilities for this study — facilities of which the liberality of the
jjolicy of the Institution has permitted me to fully avail myself. I have al.'iO examined
the specimens in other of our large public collections, while many have been furnished
me from private sources. For favors of this kind I am particularly indebted to my
friend Mr. Lawrence. I have aimed to make the present article strong enough to bear
the term " monograph." It embraces all the species known to occur in North America.
These are treated in full, with frequent reference to estralimital allies, As will be ob-
served, extensive synonymical lists have been prepared, embracing, it is believed, nearly
all the names which have been proposed, with many additional references for geo-
graphical distribution, &c. Most of the quotations have been personally made or ver-
ified ; in cases in which this was impracticable, the authority is generally added. No
one need be reminded how difficult it is to get such lists of thousands of figures printed
correctly, there being, of course, no guiding context for the compositor. I can only
hcpe that, as elsewhere in this volume, references to dates, volumes, pages, and plates,
will be found geuerallj' correct. Most points of synonymy are freelv discussed, with-
out the slightest personal bias. The matter of geographical distributiou receives
special attention. Seasonal changes of plumage, and those dependent on age — great
in this family, and frequently perplexing — as well as individual variations in size and
coloration, are given in full, so far as I am acquainted with them. The chief anatom-
ical peculiarities of the subfamilies and leading genera are presented from original
dissections.

A beautiful series of colored illustrations of the head, wing, and other characteristic
parts, prepared for this memoir by a competent artist, will be presented in the con-
cluding volume of Prof. Baird's work, now publishing, it being impracticable to print
them here.

It is unnecessary to advert to various classifications of the ZarMne birds which have
been proposed and received more or less support. Authors differ even as to the limita-
tious of the group, while no two are entirely in accord as to its subdivisions. Prof.
Huxley unites the Laridcv and ProceUariidw with the Alcidiv, &c., in a group Cecomor-
pha\ Respecting the Laridw alone, most authors make them a family with either two
or four subfamilies. The genera which have been proj)osed are altogether too many.
There are but four leading genera, corresponding to the four subfamilies; and but
few others need or even permit recognition. I subdivided too much in my earlier
papers, and now throw most of the so-called genera under Larus and Sterna respect-
ively.

Disclaiming any desire to institute comparisons between this and other memoirs on
the subject, a few leading ones may be noticed. One of the earliest special papers of
any considerable merit, is Macgillivray's, in the Wernerian Society's :Memoirs; it is
very good, as far as it goes. The same cannot be said of certain later articles. Brudi
and Bonaparte, it is believed, have been signally unsuccessful in handling these birds.
Bruch's work if l>*').\ reipiiied in l!-."j."> altogether too many changes to leave much to
be said in its favor; while his later paper itself might be very harshly criticized. The
character of Bonaparte's general work just before his death, wliicli oeeurred while the
article on l.nriihr was printing in th(< "Conspectus," is too well known to re(|uir(> com-
ment. Prof Schlegel's articles in the '• Museum Pays-Bas" are much more satisfactory,
though some sjiecies are rejected which he might have retained had he. seen them. MV.
Lawrence's contribution to Prof. Baird's work of 1858 is an important advance from

590 LARID^ GULLS, ETC.

the Audvibonian period, as far as the North American species are concerned. Dr. Bla-
sius's review of the family (J. f. O. 186r)-'66) is a very important coutributiou, as is
also Messrs. Sclater and Salviu's paper, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society
of 1871, on the Neotropical forms.

Determination of species in this family is difficult. Without reference to the abstract
questions involved of the nature of species, it is practically impo^ssible to re<-oguize or
define a considerable number of species which authors holding such views as Bruch and
Bonaparte do, have sought to maintain. The same laws of variation under latitude, cli-
mate, and other physical influences which hive been proven elsewhere, hold here, re-
quiring recognition of various geographical races, rather than species, many forms
being found to grade into each other. Further difficulty arises in the circumstance
that while the sexes, as a rule if not without exception, of Laridw are alike, the indi-
vidual differences in size and ])lumage, according to age and season, are at a high rate,
requiring large allowances. Characters must be decided to furnish grounds for species
in this £<roup ; and, although very nice distinctions frequently subsist (among Ster-
tihice particularly), it must be confessed that every large collection contains doubtful
specimens. The shade of the "gull-blue" of the mantle of most species of this fiimily
varies within wide limits, according to age and wear of the feathers, season, locality,
and even as a j)urely fortuitous circumstance. The pattern of the primaries when
marked, as is usual, with black and white in certain areas, is only approximately con-
stant for the same age of individual feathers ; for the rest, it is subject to nearly contin-
uous progressive changes with age and " wear" of the quills. In their progress toward
maturity, young Laridoi are usually subject to a series of changes affecting the color
of the plumage and of the bill and feet very materially, as well as the stature. There
are also, among the Jaegers, special states of plumage. The moult appears to be always
double, vernal and autumnal ; from this result the seasonal changes which are over
and above the others referred to ; these are almost always strongly pronounced. The
moulting of the wing-quills is always gradually successive, almost feather by feather,
so that the birds are at no time deprived of flight. The change may be advantage-
ously studied in the Terns, from the heavily-silvered fresh quill to the worn dusky-
brown one. The ichite areas on the quills of Gulls and Terns appear to have less vital-
ity than those parts which are loaded with pigment, for we frequently find the quills
■worn away according to the pattern of their markings. Some rules of change in
plumage are these : Young birds have their own livery ; at first darker than that of
the adults, or at least mottled with dark colors ; there may be several different stages.
Sexes are alike. Winter and summer vestures are different ; black on the head, and
rosy on the under parts, are greatly restricted or wanting in winter; even a black body
may be changed to light. In white-headed species, dusky variegation of the head and
neck occurs. Ordinarily more than a year is consumed in the progress to maturity ;
such is particularly the case with the larger Gulls and Jaegers.

Anatomical characters are very constant throughout the family. The osteology is
almost the same throughout, excejiting the skull of liliynchops ; minor skeletal features
are given under several heads beyond. Other peculiarities are nearly confined to de-
tails of the digestive system. Of the pterylosis it may be observed, after Nitzsch, that
the general character is perfectly scolopacine ; that the tracts and spaces are narrowed
in Stermnff, and somewhat peculiar in Lestridinw, there approaching the ProceUariid(e.
It is a curious rule (subject, however, to exceptions) that three of the four subfamilies
are distinguished by shape of tail — cuneate in Lestridiva, square in Larince, forked in
Sternhuv and Ilhyncliop'ma',.

The bibliography of the family is extensive and involved, though perhaps not un-
usually so, and certainly not more so than would be expected in a group where it is
difficult to discriminate the species even upon examination of specimens, let alone
descriptions. I have done my best in this matter, following the law of priority in the
selection of names, excepting only when earlier ones woujd, if used, supersede those
Linna'us, and taking this author at 1758.

More or fewer (in some cases scores) of specimens of all the North American Laridw
have been personally examined, excepting these : Ehodostetliia rosea and Xema fiirvatnm.
The available material includes a large proportion of types, among them those of Audu-
bon, Eichardson, Peale, Gambel, Cassiu, Lawrence, Baird.

Family LAEID^.

Cn. Natatores longipennes, naribus perviis, latcralihus, halluce lihro.

The preceding brief diagnosis distinguishes the Laridw from other families of the
yatatores. Anseres and Pygopodes differ in their short wings, &c. ; the Sfeganopodig,
which are longipennine, are separated by their totipalmated feet ; while the Frocella-
riifla; the associates of Laridw under Lonijipennes, are recognized by the jieculiarities

LARIDtE GULLS, ETC. 591"

of the nostrils, beside some anatomical features. The family, thus separated from other
Xatatores, may be fully defined as follows :

Bill of moderate length, entire, or furnished with a cere, the upper mandible longer
than, as long as, or shorter than the under; the culmen convex; the commissure very
large, the cutting edges without lamellae, the symphysis of the inferior mandibular
rami complete for a considerable distance, an eminence being formed at their junction.
No gular sac. Feathers usually extending further on the sides of the upper mandible
than on the culmen, and further between the rami than on the sides of the under
mandible.

JS^ostrils linear or oval ; direct, pervious, lateral, opening on the basal half of the bill.

Ei/es of moderate size, placed about over the angle of the mouth.

Wings long, broad, strong, pointed, with little or no concavitj'. Primaries A^ery long,
more or less acute, the first longest, the rest rapidly graduated. Secondaries numerous,
short, broad, with rounded or excised tips. Tertials of moderate length, straight,
rather stiff.

Lef/s placed well forward on the abdomen, more or less perfectly ambulatorial.
Thighs entirely covered and concealed.

Tibia' projecting; feathered above; a considerable portion below naked, covered with
more or less dense, sometimes reticulated, skin.

Tarsi of moderate length or rather short; compressed; rather slender; anteriorly
transversely scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate.

Anteror toes of moderate length, the middle usually about equal to the tarsus ; the
outer shorter than the middle, intermediate between it and the inner; scutellate supe-
riorly ; all of normal number of segments (3, 4, 5).

Hallux present ; very small, short, elevated above the plane of the other toes ; en-
tirely free and disconnected ; of the normal number of segments, (2) — except in liissa.

Webs broad and full, extending to the claws ; their surfaces finely reticulated, their
edges usually more or less incised, sometimes rounded.

Claws fully developed, compressed, curved, more or less acute, the edge of the middle
dilated, but not serrated.

Tail very variable. Body generally rather full, and sometimes slender. Neck rather
long. Head of moderate size. Flitmdge soft, close, thick; its colors simple — white,
black, brown, or pearl-blue predominating ; bright tints hardly found, excei)t ou the
bill or feet, or as a temporary condition ; the sexes alike in color, but the plumage
varying greatly with age and season. Eggs generally three, light-colored, with numer-
ous heavy dark blotches. Nidification normally terrestrial ; reproduction altrical ;
young ptilopiedic.

Palate Avith a median and two lateral ridges, papillate. Nasal aperture long, linear,
its edges papillate. Opening of Eustacliiun tube conspicuous. Tongue fully formed,
lleshy, apicallj' more or less corneous and bifurcate, posteriorly bipartite, papillate.
Mouth capacious.

(Esophagus capacious, muscular, very distensible, but stn;»ight, without permanent
dilatations, its mucous membrane longitudinally plicate. I'rorentriculns directly con-
tinuous with (esophagus, saccular; its glands simple follicles, forming a complete zo)ie.
Gigerinm nearly directly continuous with the proventriculus ; moderately muscular, its
cuticular lining dense, hard, rugose. Xo fully-formed pyloric valves. Duodenal fold
of ordinary character. Intestines of moderate length and calibre. Colon very short.
C'tt'ca coli always present, but extremely variable in length. A capacious globular
cloaca. A more or less perfectly developed urinary bursa.

Lobes of liver unequal, connected loosely superiorly. No lobulus spigeJii. Pancreas
well developed. Hepatic and pancreatic ducts opening usually close together, at the
termination of the duodenal fold. Gall-bladder and spleen usually if not always pres-
ent ; the latter small, elongated.

Kidneys more or less completely divided into lobules, especially in Sterninn: Open-
ings of ureters and vasa defereutia upon minute papiihe, side by side, on the fold of
mucous membrane sejiarating the two portions of the cloaca. No intromitteut male
organ.

Opening of the glottis rather large, linear, its edges papillate. Superior larynx with
a median longitudinal internal crest. Tiachca straight, sini])le, without folds or dilata-
tions; llattcned above, cylindrical and smnller in calibre below; its rings cartilagi-
nous, numerous, closely apposed ; each varying in widtii from right to left successively.
Inferior larynx small and simple. Jlronciti of moderate and aliout ecpial length; an-
teriorly witli numerous rings, of unvarying width; posteriorly cut iri-ly membr.iuous.

General osteology closely corres|iondent with ithat t)f PygojnnUs. No basiptery-
goid8(?), nor accessory ossicles in the elbow, nor tibial apophysis; no long bones llat-
tencd as in Sphenisci.

The above characters define a natural group of birds found in every part of the
world. Kegarding the value of the gioup, however, and of its suVxlivisions. authors
are greatly at variance. It has usually hei'U held to be of fauiilv rank, and to com-
prise four subfamilies, with numerous genera. Again, it has been divided into two

592 OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^.

groups, Lari and Sternm; the former comprising Lcstris and Larus ; the latter, Sterna
and Bhyvchopi<. Yet, once more, some recent ornithologists have judged that the
Jaegers, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers each represent a distinct family. Not to mention
other classifications of the group, I am in favor of the first of these modes of subdi-
vision. The value of the characters which separate the Laridcv from the I'rocellariidce
is the same as of those distinguishing other families of Nalatores ; the line dividing
them is trenchant ; and there are no aberrant forms in either.*

The four subfamilies of the Laridw, while equally well defined, have yet genera
upon their confines which serve to connect them with each other and with other
families. Witness the cered bill of Utercorarins, by which it approaches the FroceUariidce,
hut is in nearly every other particular essentially a Gull. Such subgenera fis Xema and
Creagrus among Lariiuv change the Larine very gradually to the Sternine form, meet-
ing, on the confines of the latter subfamily, such a subgenus as the thick-billed, short-
tailed GelocheUdon, to render the transition still less abrupt. And the lihyncJiopinw are
in every respect true Terns, except in the feature of the unique bill. Examination of
the internal as well as the external characters of the four subfamilies {Lestridincc, La-
rhuv, Sierninw, and BhyvcJwpitia') demonstrates that the first and second and the third
and fourth are more nearly related to each other than are the second and third.

With these brief remarks upon the family in question, I proceed to give a detailed
account of its osteology, the .skeletons of the four subfamilies being so similar that I
have thought it best to consider them collectively, indicating subfamily discrepancies.
The splanchnology of the four differs more extensively ; and I have, therefore, consid-
ered the viscera of each under the head of its typical species, except as regards those
of the RhiiHchopina, which are so similar to those of the Sterninw that I have omitted
them altogether. Other minor points of splanchnic details I have presented when
considering the more marked species. I had hoped to have given the myology of the
family in detail, but want of time and space forbade.

OSTEOLOGY,

Crania. — The skull of the Ehynchopincc differs in so many and so essential respects
from that of the other three subfamilies that it has been deemed advisable to describe
it separately. The others may be most conveniently described together, in connection
with the general osteology of the family, any differences of importance being, as is the
case with the rest of the skeleton, pointed out. The skulls selected for description are
those of Stercorarius pomatorhhnis, Larus argeviatus, and Sterna Mriotdo, each being con-
sidered as typical of its respective subfamily. In this case I use ordinary anatomical
terms, for the most part, without reference to any theory of the composition of the skull.

The general shape of the skull, as in by far the majority of Aivs, is that of an elon-
gated pyramid with a tetragonal base. Its greatest length is from the occipital pro-
tuberance to the apex of the intermaxillary bone ; its greatest depth from the middle
of the parietal anchylosis directly downward to the base of the sphenoid ; its greatest
width is from one tympano-zygomatic articulation to the other. This pyramid is
shortest and broadest in Slercorarius, narrowest and most elongated in Sfenta,

On the base of the pyramid the superior curved line of the occiput is well marked ;
the perpendicular spiue less developed ; the surrounding surfaces of bone are only
slightly depressed. The foramen magnum is rather large, and of a nearly circular shape.
The occipital condyle is small, but stands out as a prominent very convex hemisphere.
There are well developed "mastoid" processes.

The temporal fossa on either side of the superior aspect of the skull is not very
deep, indicating a rather small aggregate of temporal and masseter muscles. It is
incompletely divisible into two portions — a posterior, which stretches toward the
median line just anterior to the occipital ridge; and an anterior, which constitutes the
depi-ession just behind the posterior orbital processes. This division is most marked
in Larus, and is hartTly apparent in Stercorarius. lu neither of the subfamilies do these
Ibsste approach very near to the median line, and there is thus left a much more ex-
tensive, elevated, smooth portion on the vertex than exists in other natatorial genera,
as Puffin US, Colymhus, «fec., where the broad and deep fosste are only separated bv a
narrow ridge. The vertex is marked by a smooth longitudinal depression denoting
the bi-parietal suture. The anterior and posterior orbital processes are well developed,
the former especially, which project directly outward and backward, with no down-
ward obliquity. The posterior ones incline at a considerable angle downward. The out-
line of the orbital ridge included between them diifers in each subfamily, owing to the
difference in the shape and position of the "nasal" glands. In Larus these glands are
almost wholly contained, except just at their anterior termination, in very deep, well-
marked foss», so that they project but little over the real bony margin of the orbit.
In Sterna, on the contrary, the concavity of the outline of the orbital ridges is very
great, the skull being exceedingly narrow at that point, and therefore the glands

* Audubon has, indeed, included the Jaegers among the Procellariidw, on the strength
of their unentire bill. The error of such a procedure, however, needs no comment.

OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^. 593

•

lie rather in grooves along the edges of the orbital ridges than in true fossae, and con-
sequently project so as to form more of the roof of the orbit than is aftbrded by its
bony pariet<es. Sfercorarius is intermediate between tlie two, but much nearest to Larus.
In all three of the subfamilies, however, the internal or convex borders of tliese supra-
orbital fossaj meet on the median line, where they are merely separated by a longitud-
inal ridge ; and the fossa? are so deficient anteriorly that the ducts of the glands do
not pass through a foramen in the roof of the orbit as in some genera of brachypterous
Haiatores, but pass directly beneath the anterior orbital processes.

The iorehead is rather broad and flat, with a slight concavity both longitudinally
and transversely. It is bounded posteriorly by the broad and prominent anterior or-
l>ital processes ; anteriorly by the fronto-maxillary suture. This sutui-e is only very
moderately moveable (very different in this respect from that of lihijiichops), and is
somewhat concave from the projecting bacliward of the articuhxtion of the nasal bones
behind that of the intermaxillary. In the most adult slvulls the nasal bones may be
distinctly traced, lying on either side of and closely apposed to the intermaxillary Ijone
at its base, running forward for a short distance, and then becoming perfectly anchy-
losed with the latter. Just external to the nasal bones, on either side, is the "nasal
process of the superior maxillary," running upward and backward from the superior
maxillary, to join the frontal bone at its edge just anterior to the orbital process. This
bone, which forms the posterior boundary of the anterior nasal fossae, is usually called
the "maxillary or descending ramus of the nasal bone;" and such is its true character,
as appears even in such a neaily allied genus as Puffiuus. But here this bone seems
quite disconnected with the nasal bone proper, and at the same time to be completely
consolidated with the superior maxillary. The separation is well marked in the three
subfamilies, especially in Sterna.

The chief difference in the intermaxillary bones of the three subfamilies is, that in
LavUtw aud Lent rid iiKC the apex is decurved at a considerable angle over the apex of
the inferior maxilla ; while in Stcrnhur there is no such deiiection. The coalescence of
the two mandibular with the superior mesial process is also here more extended than
in the other subfamilies, and consequently the bony margin of the nasal aperture is of
less extent. In all, the mesial process is thin and depressed, flat beneath, trans-
versely convex above, rising gradually to the fronto-maxillary suture ; and there is
but a slight angle between the planes of the frontal and intermaxillary bone, very
ditierent from what obtains in Iihipirhojjs. This mesial process always retains more or
less distinctly nsarked the longitudinal line denoting its original separation into two
halves. The mandibular processes, as usual, are weaker and slenderer than the mesial,
though not greatly so ; they diverge from it, and from each other, at a very slight angle.
They are horizontal and quite straight, and lie nearly in a direct line with the zygo-
matic bones.

The orljits, as usual among the Xatatores, are large and irregularly shaped, being de-
ficient as to their bonj' parietes. Beside the difference in their i-oofs, already detailed,
each of the subfamilies varies as to the character of the ethmoidal plate which forms
the inter-orbital septum. In Lams* this plate is perfect, aud the two orbits are com-
pletely separated by bone. In Stcrcorariii.'i the moderate-sized oval foramen exists in
the centre of the i)late, while in Sterna there can hardly bo said to be a bony septum
at all, Ijeyond a slight backward projection of the ethuioidal plate from the middle of
the anterior walls of the orbit. The septum between the orbits and the interior of the
cranium is also exceedingly defective in Sterna, all the anterior nerves escaping hy one
largo oriftce, which extends from the roof to the lloor of the cavity. There is seen,
however, an indication of the more complete foramina which exi.st iu the other sub-
families, in processes which project inward from the edges of this large orilice. They
do not, however, meet each other, nor yet meet the process of tli<^ etlinioidal plate
which extends backward. Even the olfactory nerves have not distinct foramina of
egress, but escape by the common orifice. In all the subfamilies the course of the ol-
factory nerve is indicated by a distinct deep groove along the roof of the orbit. In
the skulls of Lariin aud St<r<<)rariiiN before me, the foramen, or rather canal, which con-
duets this nerves lioni the orbit into the nasal passages, is large ami conspicuous; in
Sterna it is nuich more contracted. The anterior parietes of the orbits, which separate
them from thi^ nasal jiassages, is very deficient below, but superiorly it is more com-
plete, and there pierced by two foramina; one, just described, for the olfai-tory nerve;
the other for the duct of the nasal gland. The extremity of this bt)ny .septum is acute,
and extends downward nearly to the; level of the zygonui in Lams and iu Sterna ; iu
Stereararinn it is nnich shorter ami more obtuse.

The skull presents on its inferior aspect the shape of :ni almost perfect isosceles tri-
angle. The base of this triangle is a little wider iu the Lest ridi no- ihun iu the other
two subl;iniili<-s, iu eoiise(iMeiiee of the greater divergenee of the mandibular processes
of the iiilerniaxillary lione, aud, beyond them, of the malar bones. Tiuse last form, as
usual, with the thin flat rami of the inferior mandible the lateral boundaries of tlua

"Skulls may vary in this respect. I describe the three subfamilies from the samples
I have before me.

38

594 OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^.

aspect of the skull. AIod"- the mediau line the stout, broad edge of the conjoined
bfifses of the occipital and sphenoid, and further on of the sphenoid and ethmoid, ex-
tend about as far as opposite the fronto-maxillary suture ; there they terminate in a
small acutely-pointed process.

The palate bones are rather widely separated anteriorly ; but posteriorly, by an in-
crease of their width, they ai'e brought into close apposition, and nearly meet together
over the ridge of the sphenoid. They are exceedingly thin and delicate ; their external
borders straight ; their posterior extremity more or less abruptly rounded or truncated,
bearing at its internal angle the usual small projecting process for the pterygoid artic-
ulation. They are completely auchylosed with the superior maxillary, so that all traces
• of their union are lost. They vary slightly in shape and in comparative length, in the
different subfamilies, but not to any notable degree. The inferior surface in all of them
is more or less concave in a transverse direction, from the curving downward of the
margins.

The internal or mesial edge of the palate bone has joined to it, along its anterior
moiety, the vomer. This is small and light, projecting forward from between the di-
vergence of the palatals, on the median line, to divide the nasal passages into two.
This bone is bifid for about its third, when the two sides become firmly united, present-
ing interiorly a sharp, narrow edge ; superiorly a broader margin, which is deeply
grooved for nearly its whole length, to enable it to ride over the ridge of the etlmioid.
The bone is thiu and delicate throughout, terminating anteriorly in an extremely at-
tenuated apex.

The malar bones, or "zygomatic arches," are long and slender, having a considerable
outward convexity. They are thin and compressed throughout their length, except just
where they fuse with the superior maxillary, when they become perpendicularly de-
pressed instead of laterally compressed, so that they may yield by their elasticity to an
upward motion of the facial bones.

The mahxr process of the os jiedicellatum is elongated and well developed, carrying
the head of the zygoma far outward and downward. The articulation is of the ordi-
nary character. The orbital process of the tympanic bone is moderately long, and
compressed and broad, and with a wide, truncated, somewhat nodulated, extremity.
The body of the bone is short and thiu, being compressed in a lateral direction, but,
like the orbital and malar processes, its other processes are all largely developed and
quite strong. Its articulation with the os temporale proper is by two very convex,
rounded eminences on either side of the articulating head of the bone, separated by a
deep notch, which is deprived of a smooth articulating surface. The proper articula-
tion of the pterygoid bone is merelj' a very small prominent convex condyle, which is
received into a corresponding cavity in the head of the pterygoid bone. The head of
the latter, however, is rather wide, and is in apposiion with the edge of the pedicel-
latum for a greater extent than is apparent on a slight inspection. In consequence
of the development of the malar and pterygoid eminences of the pedicellatum, the ar-
ticulating surface for the inferior maxilla is much elongated transversely, and very
narrow autero-posteriorly. Its surface, as usual, is irregular.

The pterygoid bones are of moderate length, nearly straight, their superior borders
thin and sharp ; their anterior extremities slightly curved, and with something of a
groove to play along the edge of the basilar process of the sphenoid. Their articula-
tion with the palate bone« is of the ordinary character.

Lack of basipterygoids may prove a diagnostic feature of Larklcc as compared with
Procdlariidcv ; for they are certainly present in many of the Cecomorpliw, contrary to
the original definition of that group. A late writer has shown that they occur per-
haps throughout FroceUariida', and has proposed upon this basis to separate the latter
tinder the name of Fcctriomorjyha:

The superior maxillary bones are small and inconspicuous. They are so wedged
between the intermaxillary, malar, and palatal, that, if we except that process
which perhaps belongs to them, which forms the posterior boundary to the nasal aper-
ture, they are only apparent internal and superior to the palatal bones, where they
form on either side a broad, thin concavo-convex dilation, the concavity of which pre-
sents outward and downward. The inferior curled margins of this, their dilation, may
be seen on the inferior aspect of the skull, just within and between the palatals, on
either side of the vomer, commencing about opposite its extremity.

Tlie inferior maxillary bone retains at all ages, as usual amoug Katatores, very evi-
dent traces of the original elements of which it was composed. The suture by which
the symphyseal elements are united to the supposed conjoined angular and supra-an-
gular is specially noticeable, and the spleuial element may be distinctly traced on the
iusi .e of the ramus of the jaw. This splenial element is very short (especially in
Sh'nvmriiiH), and has but little of a forward obliiiuity. The union of the other pieces
of the jaw is complete in adult life. The rami are united at the symphysis for an ex-
ceedingly short distance in Larus and Stercorarius, more extensively in Sterna. The
corouoid" process is moderately arched, but the convexity is very gradual, and has no
sharp apex. The angle on the lower margin of the jaw, just at the gomphosal suture,
is pretty prominent. The outline of the tomial edge of the rami is nearly straight to

OSTEOLOGY OF LARIDJE.

595

the tip, where it is considerably decnrvcd, in Larus and Stercorarius ; in Sterna no such
deflection exists. The articulating surface has, as usual, an internal deep concavity,
and an external more shallow portion, both being bounded posteriorly by a raised
border. The internal process of the articulating surface is well developed and rather
acute ; and from the external edges of the articulation there proceeds downward aud
forward on the edge of the jaw a raised line, for muscular attachmeots, most conspicu-
ous in Larus. The surface of bone just posterior to the articulation, for the attachment
of the digastricus, is of a triangular shape, and its face presents backward and down-
ward instead of backward and upward, as in some other natatorial genera.

The tomial edges of the inferior maxilla are thiu, sharp, and erect ; while those of
the mandibular processes of the intermaxillary are broad and flat, without sharp" edges.

$ Table shoiving the comparative proportions, and relative si:es of the skulls of the four sub-
families of Laridw.

32 2

1

a

bC .

O!

'S-S

6

o

Dimensions.

«3
o o

a
g

a -t

5S

CO o

3

.a

Length from apex of intermaxillarv to occipital protub. ..

*3.60

5.00

2.85

5.10

Length from apex of intermaxillary to fronto-max. suture.

2.00

2.70

1.50

3.20

Length from apex of intermaxillary to occipital condyle..

3.2.5

4.55

2.50

4.75

Length from apex of intermaxillary to end of x>alatals

2.55

3.55

2.00

4.10

Length from apex of intermaxillary to end of malar

3.00

4.35

2.40

4.65

Length from apex of intermaxillary to i^ost-orbital proc's.

2.95

4.20

2.35

4.50

Length from apex of intermaxillary to ante-orbital proc's .

2.20

3.25

1.75

3.85

Length of malar bones

1.25
1.05

0.48

1.85
1.15
0.79

1.00
0.55
0.34

1..55

0.70
0.56

Lencth of vomer . . ,. ....

Leujrth of pterygoid bones

Tjen<Ttli of ossa nodicellatai f n'reatest^ . -

0.55

0.78

0.34

0.66

Width of sknll across tymnauo-zygomatic articulation ...

1.45

1.95

0.90

1.50

Width of skull across mastoid processes

0.75

0.95

0.55

0.75

Width of skull across nost-orbital nrocesses

1.40

1.70

0.85

1.10!

Width of skull across ante-orbital processes

1.00

1.20

0.68

1.10!

Width of sknll across frouto-maxillary suture

0.40
0.31

0.58
0.58

0.25
0.20

0.60
0.58

Width of skull across 7iarrowest point of orbital roof

From ante to post-orbital processes

0.80

1.00

0.68

0,78

Length of nasal aperture

1.45

1.90

0.80

Diameter of foramen magnum (antero-post. ). .

0.22

0.30

0.20

rireii test ji'idtb of both n:ilatals .

0.60
0.50

0.70
0.85

0.30
0.74

0.70
2.25!

Leu'i'th of symphysis of rami of intermaxillary

Lcn "■tb of fossa for nasal crland . ....

0.85
3.00

1.00
4.35

0.60
2.40

0..-)0!
4.60

TiOntfth of infp.rior Tnn.xilli), ('tntfil^

Depth of inferior maxilla (greatest)

tO.45

0.70

0.22

0.55

Length of symphysis of inferior maxilla

0.28

0.45

0.58

2.90!

Width of articulating surface of inferior maxilla

0.(53

0.48

0.20

0..55

* Inches and hundredths.

t The greatest depth in Lariiue, Lestridinai, and Sternina; is opposite the coronoid pro-
cess. In Bhijnchopinev the depth just anterior to the symphysis exceeds this, the depth
at the coronoid process being only 0.45.

Spinal column. — The number of vertebra) throughout the four subfamilies is nearly
constant, varying at most by one or two vertebra^, if at all. The Sterninw appear to
have one less vertebra in the sacrum, i. e., eleven nistcad of twelve; but this is the
only dilferencc that I have been able to discover. The following table exhibits tlie num-
ber of vertebraj belonging to the difl'erent spinal regiotis in three of the four groups:

Species.

Stercorarius pomatorhinus.

Larus argcntatus

Sterna hirnndo

ei

.

o

eS

>

XI

O 1

O

« 1

14

B i

14

8 !

14

8

C5
«

a

CO

1'^

I o
O

12 8

8
11 i 8

o

42
42
41

596 OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^.

The above table differs from tbose giveu by Owen, ToclcVs Cyclop. Anat. and Phys.,
Art. Aves, and by Eyton, Osteol. Avium. Prof. Owen's tiguies are : " Catarractes," V.i —
9—13—8; "Gh/«," 18—8—11—8; " Tm(," 14— 8— 10— 8. Mr. Eyton gives: Larua ridi-
iundus, 14 — 7 — 12 — 7; Sterna arciica, 13 — G — 12 — 6; Bhyncliops vujra, 13 — 6 — 12 — 8. It
is' to be expected that discrepant statements should occur in the enumeration of the
sacral vertebrai, as the coniijosition of that most complex of all bones is difficult to
interpret. In the other instances we may presume that there is actually a variation
■with the species in number of vertebrae of the several regions. I give the numbers as
determined by myself in the specimens of the three siiecies above mentioned, adding
the formuliB of Owen and Eyton for comparison.

The xieculiarities of the several regions, and of the different vertebra*, composing
them, may be briefly noticed :

Cekyical vertebk.e. — The atJas is little more than a simple ring, its foramen slightly
flattened interiorly. Its "body " is merely a slight projection on the inferior edge of its
circumfereuce ; bearing, cephalad, a perfectly circular facet for articulation with the
occipital condyle; and caudad, and upon its superior margiu, a deep longitudinal
channel, so deep as almost to amount to a canal for the reception and retention of the
axial odontoid process. Superiorly on each side are indications of transverse pro-
cesses; iuferiorly there is the rudiment of a " ventral spine."

Axis. — This is of a somewhat peculiar shape. The spiuous and transverse processes,
both of which are quite well developed, seem to lie considerably posterior to the
body of the vertebra, in cousequeuce of an obliquity backward of the neural arch
from the centrum. The ventral spine is well developed, thin, with an anteriorly con-
vex, j)osteriorly concave margin; oblique in direction, projecting backward as well as
downward. The body of the vertebra proper consists of little more than a base for
the support of the odontoid process, which latter is acute, well developed, semicylin-
drical, its surface toward the spinal canal being flattened. The transverse articulating
facets are small, subcircular, slightlj' concave, situated beneath the processes, at their
bases. The other articulation is elongated, compressed, vertically concave, hori-
zontally convex. The motion between the atlas and the third vertebra is very free in
a vertical direction, less so in a horizontal, while rotation is greatly restricted.

The third and fourth vertebra somewhat resemble the axis in having a broad, thin,
longitudinal lamina of bone extending between the anterior and posterior articular
lirocesses. They are also very short and broad. The other vertebra} all differ some-
what, but the difference is so gradual that they may most conveniently be described
collectively. The lowest or dorsad vertebrre are the largest and broadest, but com-
paratively the shortest. Their posterior articular processes are short and slightly
divaricating; as we proceed nj) the neck they become longer, more attenuated, and
more widely diverging. This attenuation is greatest on about the fifth vertebra.
The transverse processes are very wide below, and extend directly outward from the
median line. Further up the neck they are less promineut, and have also an anterior
obliquity. This process on the last vertebra does not form a canal for the passage of
the artery; the canal commences on the twelfth, as a simple foramen, becoming nar-
rower in diameter, but at the same time more and more lengthened aiid canal-like, up
to the atlas.

Superior spinous processes, or the "neural spines," are well developed on the first
five vertebra?, but they diminish in size from the third to the sixth, when they become
quite obsolete, and do not reappear. Inferior or ventral sjiiuous processes are found
very well develoj)ed on the first four vertebra}, being largest on the atlas; they then
entirely disappear, and are not found again until about the eleventh vertebra, where
they are slightly elevated, longitudinal, vertical lamelLo}. Styloid processes are found
throughout the whole length of this portion of the spine, except the atlas and axis,
and, usually, the last vertebra. They commence on the third vertebra, elongate on
each successively to the sixth or seventh, where they are longest and thinnest, meas-
uring two-thirds the length of the body of the vertebra. They then regularly grow
shorter and more obtuse till they are hardly perceptible on the thirteenth and quite
obsolete on the fourteenth or last cervical.

Air is admitted into the vertebne by numerous foramina on the sides of the bodies,
about the roots of the transverse processes and in the canal for the artery.

There is the ordinary difference in the calibre of the spinal canal in the centre and
at the extremities of each vertebra. The planes of the articular surface are, as usual,
so disposed as to produce, in the most natural position of the head and neck, the ordi-
nary sigmoid flexure. When the neck is extended there is on the dorsal surface a
large diamond-shaped space between each vertebra and the next covered in only by
ligamentous tissue.

l>oi:sAL YEKTEBi^E. — If WO regard the presence of a rib as characteristic of the ver-
tebra; of this region of the spiue, we shall have eight as the total number of dorsal
vertebra}. But the two last of these are perfectly consolidated with and continuous
wilh Uie first sacral; and their transverse and spiuous processes also have a lateral
ai;d superior anchylosis with the iliac bones. At the same time there is a perfect artic-

OSTEOLOGY OF LARID.E. 597

ulation between these two last vertebra and the one jast before them, producing a
somewhat moveable joiut, never so firmly consolidated as are the other dorsal vertebrie
■with each other. But for the fact that they ai-e- costiferous, therefore, the two last
vertebras might be considered as a portion of the sacrum.

On the first dorsal there commence abruptly prominent snbrectangular spinous
processes, Avhich are a distinguishing feature of this portion of the column. These
processes of any two contiguous vertebra- are in contact for their whole extent, and
more er less completely consolidated. Scleroskeletal tendons extend backward from
the posterior apices of each of them. The transverse processes are all broad, thin, flat,
horizontal, stretching outward and a little backward, strengthened by a prop, which
proceeds from the sides of the bodies of the vertebrte to the apices of these jirocesses.
Their apices bear the ordinary facet for the articulation of the rib, and from each there
stretches backward an osseous tendon.

The bodies of the vertebra; are not so deep vertically nor so compressed as usual.
Anteriorly, indeed, they are wider than dtep; their free ventral surface broad and
roughened, either with or without tubercles, as far as the fourth, for the attachment
of the longus colli. The other posterior vertebn^ are thinner, being especially com-
pressed at their centres.

Although the vertebrai of this region cannot be said to be anchylosed, except i>er-
haps in very old birds, yet they enjoy but very little motion npou each other, par-
ticularly the more central ones. The first is usually moveable to a degree, while some
little motion is permitted between the sixth and seventh.

Sacral vertebrae. — It is difficult to ascertain the number of vertebrae in the sac-
rum, but, as well as can be made out, the iSterniiKP have one less than the other sub-
families. The elements of the sacrum are completely consolidated into one piece,
together Avith the last two dorsal ; so that it is only by counting the number of trans-
verse processes which stretch outward to abut against the innominate bones that
their number can be estimated. The body of the sacrum is thickest in the middle,
tapering somewhat toward both extremities; the tapering, however, of the anterior
extremity is only apparent, since it makes up hy increased depth for decreased width.
The body is decidedly curved, giving a notable degree of antero-posterior concavity to
the dorsum of the pelvis. Anteriorly the iliac bones unite on the median line, and the
united spinous processes of the sacrum are completely anchylosed with them as well
as the transverse. About the middle of the sacrum the elevated longitudinal ridge
formed by the united spinous processes disappears, and the median line of the bone is
smooth and fiat. There ai'e no signs of inferior or ventral spinous processes on any
part of the length of the sacrum. The transverse processes of the first three vertebr;e
are conspicuous, and project directly outward to be consolidated with the middle of
the under surfa'ce of the ilia; the next three are short and inconspicuous, very little
more than ridges on the body of the sacrum. The seventh pair, however, suddenly
become the longest of all, running far outward, reaching even quite to the margins of
the acetabula, and they are strengthened by a thin vertical plate of bone, which
stretches down from them to the dorsum of the ilia. The succeeding transverse pro-
cesses are well developed, projecting obli(iuely outward and backward to join the
margin of the ischia.

Coccygeal VEUTEinM:. — The coccyx has constantly eight segments. These are
chiefly noticeable for the length and Avidth of thuir transverse processes. In Stercora-
riiis they are larger than elsewhen-, being all of nearly the same length, whereas in
other genera the anterior ones are more or less shortened, and do not reach their full
development until the fourth or fifth vertebra. These processes become very small on
the sixth, aiul are obsolete on the seventh. Superior spines are present, moderately
well developed, but short. Ventral spines are wanting on the first three, but quite
largely developed on the last five vertebne. They are much the largest in Siercorariits,
and bifid at their cxtreniity.

The pygostyle is large, of an irregularly trihedral shape ; its superior margin convex,
its inferior a little concave; its base thickened for articulation with the seventh. Its
two superior angles are thin and rounded ; the inferior is prolonged into a thick, stout
nodulated apex.

Kins. — The ribs are eight in number. Of these all are articulated with the spine,
there being ]H)ue disconiujcted with it, as in some other genera of XatatonH. Six have
a sternal attachment as well as a spinal, while five possess retrocedent processes. The
first is an exceedingly slender elongated spiculum of Ixuie, tapering to a very acute
apex, whi<'h is free. It extends to about oi>posite the process on the second rib. The
next live ribs have both vertebral and sternal portions niovably articulated. Of these
the former are greatly the longest, and elongate rapidly wilii each successive rib. The
sternal portions are very much sliorter, but also lengthen rajudly from before b.ieic-
ward. The splints which stretch backward and inward between one rib and another
are well di-veloped. In the unexpanded thorax (hey reach quite across two intercostal
spaces. The " sacral ribs" are very long and extremely slender. Tlin first articulates

598 OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^.

with tlie sternum; the last one does not, althougli it Las a sternal rib attached to it.
Neitlier of them shows traces of posterior ol)li(nie processes.

Steknuji. — The sicrninn varies more in th(' difl'erent subfamilies than any other por-
tion of the slieleton except the skull. It will, therefore, be necessary to institute com-
j)arisons bet\\een the four types, although a general description may still be made for
either of the groups. I describe it held upside down.

The body of the bone is pretty regularly rectangular, and about twice as long as
broad across the middle. In Les1ridi>t(€.aud Stcrniua' the lateral borders are nearly
straight or but slightly concave, while in LaritKv the outline is very concaA'e from the
protrusion of the costal processes. This unich greater develoinuent of the costal pro-
cesses in LaviiH gives a greater breadth anteriorly, and detracts from the more perfectly
rectangular shape which obtains in the other subfamilies. Just i)osterior to the costal
processes are the six articulating facets for the sternnl ribs. These are simply linear
perpendicular eminences, separated by curved sulci from each other. They extend
but little more than half the length of the sternum, the remaining portion of the bor-
der being thin and plain.

The anterior border is verj^ convex, running forward a considerable distance from
the costal processes, having on the median line a large semicircular, well-developed
mauubrial process. The outer half of this border is thin, corresponding with the costal
processes; the inner very thick, and deeply grooved to form the coracoid facets. These
facets are of a shape somewhat peculiar, as they curl downward and inward toward
each other, to meet on the median line beneath the manubrium, which consequently
overhangs them. In the middle of their course they are very shallow, but again, at
their outer extremitj', become sulci by means of a short, stout process of bone which
overhangs them.

The posterior border differs in the Lestridhwj from the other subfamilies. It has but
a single long, slender incurved process, forming Avith the xiphoid cartilage a single
deep oval excavation. In the other subfamilies the outer process is not so long and
slender, it projecting but little if any beyond the extremity of the xiphoid; and there
is, in addition, a second small, short, slender process midway between the external one
and the xiphoid, which divides the single membranous space of the Lcsiridlnw into two
small spaces, each of a more or less oval shape.

The dorsum of the sternum is strongly vaulted, both transversely and longitud-
inally. The amount of convexity both ways is greatest in Lestridiiuv, .least in Sierniuai.
In Lfsirtdina; also, the convexity is very much the greatest anteriorly, while in the
other subfamilies the whole dorsum is more equally vaulted. The most noticeable
feature of the dorsum is the prominent ridge which extends from the osseous prt)jec-
tion at the extremity of the coracoid facets obliquely backward and inward to meet
the keel near its posterior extremity. This ridge limits the attachment of the j^ec-
toralls medlus muscle to the sternum. It is proportionally shortest in the Lesh'idincs.

The keel is remarkably well developed, rising high above the dorsum. Its height is
equal to half the average width of the bone. Its ridge is very convex, and does not
lose itself in the dorsum until it has quite reached the end of the bone. Its anterior
border curves forward with a strong, wide, and deeply concave margin, being termi-
nated by a well developed and greatly projecting though not very acute apex.

The xiphoid process is broad, rounded, and flattened in Lcstridina', and extends a
little way beyond the subsidence of the keel. In Larina', it is narrow and more acute,
and the keel is continued to its very tip, while in Slernhiw it is so compressed as to ap-
pear simply like the termination of the keel, slightly broadened.

The pneumatic foramina are very numerous. They are situated along the whole
length of the median line of the inner surface; at the base of the anterior border of
the keel ; in the sulci between the costal facets, &c.

The coracoids are of moderate length and stoutness. The sliaft of the bone centrally
is snbcyiindrical, but at either extremity is greatly expanded in various directions.
The basal articulating surface, besides being deeply concave, is twisted upon itself in
a jiecnliar manner to adapt it to the shape of the sternal facet. The inner margin of
the bone is tliick and rounded, the outer thin and sharp, and expanded into a well
marked rounded process. The head of the bone presents a large irregular expansion,
generally convex in its outer aspect, but made exceedingly thin by a deep concavity
or excavation on its inner side. A ijrominent process at the inner and inferior border
of the liead supports the tip of the furculum. Between this projection and the pro-
cess which supports the head of the scapula is a deep groove, which extends some dis-
tance along the shaft. It is nearly bridged over and converted into a canal by an
overlianging projection of the scapular process. A dense ligament completes that por-
tion of the canal which wants osseous parietes, and through it plays the tendon of the
pectoralis medius.

On the outer aspect of the head of tlie bone is the depression which contriljutes to
form tlie glenoid fossa. Neither it, however, nor the scapula itself, jjresent any peculi-
arities worthy of special notice.

The clavicles have, as usual, a scajjular as well as a coracoid articulation. The former

-»

OSTEOLOGY OF LAEID^. 599

is, however, merely the apiiositiou of the extrenip tip of the bone with the inuer side
of the head of the scapula. There is a well developed tubercle aud articulating facet
for the head of the coracoid. The bones are not connected except ligauicutously with
the steruuui. They unite at about the same angle, and have much the same amount
of longitudinal curvature in all the subfamilies. Tbe symphysis is perhaps a little
broader and stronger in the Lcsfridina' tliau in the others. Tliere is a well developed
projecting process at the symphysis, most marked in the fSteniinw. The boues curve
greatly downward and backwarcl toward the sternum, and theu approach each other
with a still greater amount of inclination ; so that while the angle the shafts of the
bone make with each other is small, the real angle of the union of the two is very
obtuse. This gives the bones the requisite amount of power in preventing the ap-
proximation of the heads of the coracoids.

Humerus. — This bone presents several interesting features. The superior or anterior
crest is short but very higli ; it rises abruptly from the shaft, and from the upper ex-
tremity of the head ot' the bone, with perfectly plane, smooth sides The inferior or pos-
terior crest, on the other hand, is broadly convex both longitudinally and ti-ansversely on
its outer aspect ; its longitudinal convexity gives the head of the bone nearly all of its
obliquity -uitli reference to the axis of the shaft. It arches over the posterior aspect
of the end of the shaft, this vaulting being formed by a deep excavation or concavity
on its posterior aspect. This excavation is complete aud open in Lavina', and Sterninai,
aud is divided in two by a prominent longitudinal ridge; while in the Lcstridince the
excavation is partially closed in by a plane prolongation of the shaft, which leaves
only a rather small oval foramen to open into the excavation. The apex of the crest
has a considerable prolongation backward, separated from the articular head by a deep
notch. Its convex snri'ace is marked near the head of the bone by two deep grooves,
one parallel with, the other perpendicular to, the axis of the shaft. The articular head
of the lione is narrowly oval, but very convex, its long axis lying between the extrem-
ities of the two crests. A prominent ridge of bone arises from the shaft, and runs up
between the two crests to the head. The greater part of the expansion about the head
of the bone is rough, for the attachment of ligaments and tendons.

The most notable feature of the lower extremity of the bone is the presence on its
outer edge, just above the radial tubercle, of a prominent, well developed, acute "sty-
loid " process. This projects directly from the side of the bone, aud at right angles
with it. It serves for the origin of the ttmdon of the extensor carpi radial'is longior.
On the opposite side of the bone, just above the ulnar tubercle, there is a slight promi-
nence, but nothing deserving the name of a process. I have observed none of tile sup-
plementary boues latelj- described by Prof. Eeinhardt as occurring in a majority of the
Froccllariida; and do not think any such exist.

Tlie elongation and obliquity of the radial facet are well marked, but preseut nothing
unusual in shape or size, as is the case with the rounded ulnar tubercle. There is a
very large and deep ccronoid fossa on the anterior aspect of the boue just above the
condyles, most extensive in the Larhia; shallowest in the Lestrldinw. There is no
olecranoid depression, but in place of it the extremity of the bone posteriorly i)re-
sents a deep longitudinal groove on the ulnar side, which conducts tlu3 extensor tendou.
This groove is bounded internally by a well developed ulnar condyle ; externally by
a slight ridge, which separates it from a narrow, shallow groove that runs over the
radidS side of the extremity of the bone.

BoNK.s Of THE I'oitEAKM. — TIic ulua is considerably longer than the humerus, and
very stout and strong. It is considerably curved on its axis, tlie convexity inescnting
backward. Its posttsrior aspect is marked with two or three rows of sliglit roughened
eminences, denoting tlie attachment of feathers. The head is large and stout, its artic-
ulating facets juescnting forward. The inuer of these is a perfectly circular cu[)-shaped
depression, the anterior margin of which forms what there is of a corouoid process,
while a considerable projection ])osteriorly to it constitutes the olecranon. Just beside
this fact't there is on the ra<lial side; of the head of the bone the smooth concavo-convex
depression, wliich forms, togetlier witli tlie Iiead of the radius, the elongated ohlii|UO
iacet foi- articulation with tlie radial tubercle of the humerus. Tlie distal extremity
i>t' tlie bone ])reseiits tlie usual curved siirtaci; on its radial asj)ect, over which the ex-
jianded and delleeted extremity of tiu' radius is api)lie(I. IJelow and posterior to tliis
is an elongated, smooth, longitudinally convex aud transversely concave trochlea."
surface.

Th<! radius is, as usual, very .slender and cylindrical. Its head is rather oval than
round, Imt its facet is nearly circular. Its distal extremity is laterally exi)anded and
ilellected, tooveilie tlie extremity of the ulua. It is marked witli a slight longitudinal
gi'oove along wliieli plays the tendon of the extensor.

The radio-eari)al lioiu^ is lonqjaiat i\ fly very small, being niiieh less th;in the ''pisi-
form." It isot'an indescribably irregular form. It has three smooth articulating sur-
faces; u deep, oval transverse one for the radius ; a very small, shallow one beside it
for ttie ulna ; and on the oj»posito side a larger, somewhat crescentic, coucavo-couvex

600 OSTEOLOGY OF LAEID^.

one for the head of the metaciirpus. Its superior non-articular surface is grooved for
the passage of the extensor tendon.

The uhiar qarpal or so-called pisiform hone is very large. The notch on its metacarpal
aspect is exceedingly broad and deep ; so much so that the bone is saddled, as it were,
on the inner ridge of the metacari)al articulating surl'ace, along which it rides freely.
The inner prong of the bifurcation is greatly elongated ; the outer is shorter and
stouter ; and it is by the extremity of this that the bone chiefly articulates with
the metacarpus. The ulnar articulating surface is merely a slight oval depression.
The apex of the bone is tolerably acute, and rough for the attachment of tendons.

The composition and movements of the wrist-joint, as Avell as those of the elbow,
afford an interesting study; but as there is nothing in them peculiiU' to the group
under consideration, I pass them over with the foregoing brief description.

The metacarpal segment of the arm is about half the length of the autibrachium.
The two piincipal bones of which it is composed arc. entirely separate, except at their
extremities, where they are firmly consolidated. Of those the radial one is much the
largest, the ulnar being merely a delicate cylindrical shaft, somewhat broadened and
flattened toward its proximal extremity. The main shaft of the bone is rather flat-
tened than cylindrical. The superior edge of the proximal extremity bears a short but
unusually prominent and well-developed crest, with a tuberculated apex, for the at-
tachment of the extensor tendon. Its distal extremity is abruptly truncated, for
the articulation of the pollex. Just at its base, on the inner or under aspect of the
bone, is a small osseous projection, either for the attachment of a tendon or the confin-
ing of some that go to the digits. The articnlatiug face of the bone is very long, ex-
tending from the superior border over the head, and some distance along the inferior
aspect. It is tran.sversely deeply concave, having raised borders, the inner and most
prominent of which is received in the bifurcation of the " pisiform" bone.

The pollex is simply a small, slender, straight, compressed spiculum of bone, movea-
bly articulated with, and projecting directly from, the truncated extremity of the
metacarpal crest. The "ulnar finger" in like manner projects from the extremity of
the ulnar segment of the metacarpus, being closely bound to the under surface of the
fiist phalanx of the radial finger.

The radial finger, or the proper continuation of the limb, consists of two ])hiilanges
only, each rather more than half as long as the metacarpus. The first of these some-
what resembles the metacarpus, in being wide, thin, and compressed, and partially di-
vided into two longitudinal parallel segments. The distal is simply a straight, slender,
tajiering and acutely-pointed siiiculum, articulating with the preceding by a somewhat
enlarged head.

OssA INKOMINATA. — The jjelvis has, for a natatorial family, considerable depth and
concavity. Anteriorly it is flat, its parietes very deficient ; but posteriorly the large
ischia project downward and backward, forming extensive and solid walls ; while me-
dially there is a subrectangular deep fossa formed by the vaulting of the innominate
bones for tlie reception of the renal organs.

The ilia are rather small and thin bones projecting as far forward as the seventh
dorsal vertebra. The dorsum is slightly concave in every directiou ; the venter is
about flat; the external margins deeply concave; the anterior broadly convex ; the
internal meetiug and being anchylosed with its fellow and with the superior sacral
spines over the median line. It receives the transverse processes of the sacrum against
its inferior surface and inner margin. Toward the posterior border, and opposite the
acetabulum, the bone spreads out and becomes much arched and expanded, to form
with a similar enlargement on the anterior portion of the ischia, the chief part of the
concavity proper of the p: Ivis, that wh'ch contaius the kidneys.

The ischia stretch downward, backward, and outward, as broad, thin planes, flat, ex-
cept at the commencement near the acetabulum, where they are vaulted. The proper
" tuber ischii " is mex'ely a small projection on the posterior margin of the bones ; what
is properly the "ascending ramus" continues directly onward and forms the real ex-
tremity of the bone, which is remarkably elongated and tapering. The ischiadic notch
is, as usual, converted into a foramen, in this case very large, subcircular, situated just
posterior to the acetabulum.

The pubis is merely a long, thin, flexible, nearly straight spiculum of bone, a little
curved inward, and dilated at its floating extremity. It commences at the acetabu-
lum, which, as usual, it contributes to form, and runs backward, outward, and down-
ward, lying parallel to the anterior edge of the ischium and abutting against, but
being quite disconnected with its extremity. Thus the obturator foramen is converted
into an exceediugly loug, deep, narrow notch, resulting from the concavity of the border
of the ischium being applied against the straight edge of the pubis. Perhaps, how-
ever, the real obturator is to be found iu a small oval or subcircular dilatation at the
apex of the notch, which is wider than the notch itself, partly shut oft' from it by lig-
aments, and, with its edges, thickened and smooth.

The acetabulum is situated at the confluence of the three pelvic bones, just at the
middle of the inferior border. As usual, it is a simple ring, entirely deficient internally,

OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^. 601

witl] smooth, thickened, elevated edges, and a prominent overhanging articulating facet
on its supeio-xjosterior border, for the trochanter major of the femur to rest upon.

Femur. — This bone is exceediuglv short, but quite straight (differing greatly in this
respect from I'uffinus), and only moderately stout. The shaft is nearly cylindrical, in-
clining above slightly inward toward the median line of the body, its lower extremity
presenting somewhat backward. Superiorly the bone expands into a large, thick, stout
trochanter, much elevated, and with a well-marked margin, which rises high above,
curves toward and slightly overhangs the head of the bone. From the inner side of this
trochanter the head projects directlj' inward ; there is no cor«striction of the ''neck,"
except To a very slight degree below ; above, the articular hearl of the bone is directly
continuous with a smooth concavo-convex space between it and the crest of the troch-
anter. The shape of the articulating surface is such that it perujits the head to siidc
but slightly into the acetabular ring, the chief weight of the bird being borne by the
superior aspect of the trochanteric prominence, which is accurately coaptated to tho
overhanging abutment which projects from the superior margin of the acetabulum.
The fossa for the ligamentum teres is directly on the superior aspect of the head. The
whole outer aspect of the trochanter is rough for tendinous and ligamentous attach-
ments.

The femoral condyles differ markedly in size and shai^e. The outer is the longest,
and very much the largest. The two are widely separated by a deep groove, which
runs up a considerable distance on the anterior face of the bone, and on the posterior
is continuous with the popliteal depression. The outer projects much the furthest out-
ward, downward, and especially backward. Its face, posteriorly, is divided by a longi-
tudinal groove. This groove receives the autero-posteriorly elongated head of the
fibula, forming the chief part of the femoro-tibular articulation ; while the ridge which
bounds the groove internally dips down into the space between the heads of the fibula
and tibia. The inner condyle has a broad, flat, oval face, which is applied directly to
the plane liead of the tibia.

TLe two tibial crests are peculiar in shape and situation. The anterior of these is
short, but very high, rising as a thin, vertical lamina to quite an apex ; being trian-
gular, and nearly as high as long at the base. It is exceedingly thin, its sides perfectly
plane and vertical. The other crest is at right angles with the first ; looking directly
outward instead of forward, and having its side instead of base applied to the bone.
Its base is nearly identical with the base of the first, but is at right angles with it.
The superior margins of these crests unite at their termination, and both rise above
the level of the head of the bone. The lateral crest being transverse to tho line of
motion in the joint, forms a protecting wall or face in front of the joint, between the
margins of which, and the head of the bone proper, there is a gentle and rc-^gulnr con-
cavity. The inner edge of the true head of the bone is directly' continuous with tho
base of the anterior crest ; but between the outer edge and the extremity of the lateral
crest there is a deep notch.

The head of the fibula is on the same plane with, and at the inner edge of, the head
of the tibia. It is narrowly oval, almost crescentic, its long axis antero-posterior. It
is only ligamentously connected with the tibia ; below, after a short space, it becomes
more or less completely anchylosed ; becomes again detached from the tibia, to finally
disappear a littlo below tlje middle of the bone.

The tibial condyles, as usual, project further forward than backward. They are
much of the same size and shape, and on the same plane; the inner, however, is less
stout and projects more, both inward and forward. Posteriorly the condyles subside
into two acute ridges, having between them a smooth, laterally concave surface, over
which pass the extensor tendons. Above and between the two condyles on the anterior
surface of the bone, there is the ordinary fossa, parti illy converted by a bridge of bono
into a canal for th(i confinement of the tendon of tiic extensor digitorum.

The metatarsus is modera'ely long, contained 14 times in the tibia-. Its shaft is com-
pressed into a pretty regular (|uadrilateral shape, the lateral sides, however, remaining
a little convex. The tendons that go to the toes are mostly aggregated upon the ante-
rior anil posterior aspects of the bone. Above, the bono expands into a large, irregu-
lar head, widened laterally for the reception of the two condyles, and posteriorly by
a short, high crest, into which is inserted the gastrocnemial tendon. This crest has also
several longitudinal grooves, deep and distinct, which conduct tendons to the toes.
The facets for tlu! reception of the tibial condyles are merely two small subeircnlar de-
pressions near thi^ edge of the bone, not difiVring much from each other in size or shape.
They an' separated by a proujiuent process on tlH> edge of the l)oiie antcrioily on tho
median line. The end of the hone is, as usual, divided into three heads, separated by
narrow but very deep sulci. Of these heads the middle is the largest, and directly iii
the liiu' of the bone ; the outer is placed a little higher n\>, but nearly in the sanu' plane.
The inner, however, beside being much higher uj), is i>laced far around toward the pos-
terior aspect of the bone. The articular faces of these heads present in a high degree
of perfection the peculiar shape by which extension of the toes at the same time
abducts them, and vice vcrsd.

602 LESTRIDINJ2 JAEGERS.

The four toes have all the normal number of segments: 2, 3, 4, 5. They present
nothing of special interest, beiug of the ordinary size and shape. The hallux, and its
accessory metatarsal bone, may, however, be here described. It does not differ appre-
ciably throughout the family, except in the genus liissa of Larbuv, for the characters
of which, see under the head of the geuus.

Were it not for analogy, the on melutarscde accessormm might be considered as a pha-
langeal rather than metatarsal segment. It is nearly or quite as long as the first true
phalangeal bone. It is obliquely llattened, and somewhat twisted upon itself, tapering
to a thin, rather acute, apex. Its distal extremity is broadened and oval, bearing a
slightly convex articulating surface, which is coaptated with that of the first phalanx.
There is no eminence or depression of any consequence for its attachuieut with the
metatarsus ; it is oidy loosely connected by ligaments, and enjoys all the freedom of
motion which the hallux itself possess. Its essentially metata/sal character is nev-
ertheless demonstrated by its irregular and i^eculiar shape ; by the formation of its two
extremities ; and by the want of a proper articulation (capsulated and with a synovial
membrane) with the metatarsus.

This bone in the Lcstridina' differs from that of the other subfamilies in being shorter,
stouter, with a broader metatarsal extremity, and having a constrictiou about its
middle.

The proximal phalangeal segment is a very short, stout, straight bone, irregularly
cylindrical, with slightly enlarged extremities. These have subcircular articulating
facets, the proximal concave, the distal convex. The distal segment is merely a mi-
nute, irregularly shaped, osseous nodule, 8uj)portiug the claw.

SuhfamiJy Lestridin^.

DiAG. Larid^ rostro cerd instructo, rectricibits inediis elongatis, unguilnis vaUdissimis.

CiT. Tip of the upper mandible overhanging that of the lower. Covering of upper
mandible not continuous, the basal half being furnished with a corneous cere, beneath
the edges of which the nostrils open. Culmen at first about straight, then rapidly con-
vex. Connnissure slightly sinuate, declinato-couvex on the termiual portion. Gouys
short, aboiit straight. Rami widely divaricating, their outline about straight. Erai-
nentia symphysis well marked. Nostrils lateral, pervious, somewhat club-shaped, being
widest at their distal extremity. Wings long, strong, pointed ; the primaries broad
and rigid, more or less rounded at the tips. Tail square, or nearly so, the central feath-
ers projecting to a greater or less distance beyond the others ; either rounded at their
lijjs, or attenuated and filiform. Legs decidedly ambulatorial, placed well forward,
supjjortiug the body in a horizontal posture. Tibia; denuded of feathers on tho lower
third. Tarsi rather stout, anteriorly transversely reticulated, posteriorly and laterally
reticulated, the plates more or less elevated and acutely pointed. Proportions of toes,
and their segments, as in other Larida: Webs broad and full, their margins rounded,
not excised. Claws large, strong, curved and acute. Of moderate and large size. The
bodj' full, the general organization strong and powerful. The changes of plumage in
most of the species, with age and season, very great.

The anatomical characters of this subfamily are fully given under one of its most
common and typical species, the Stercorarim i)omatorhinus.

§. Analytical tahle of the suhgenera and species of Xorth American Lestridince.

I. Staturamaximus, et forma, robustissimus; pedibirs et rostro validis ;
tarso medio digito cum nugue breviore ; cauda brevi, rectricibus
mediis latis, vix ultra ca^teras porrectis Buphagus.

a. Rostri longit. 2.00 poll, et ultra ; altitudo 0.75 ; ab oris angulo

ad apicem 3.00 B. skua.

II. Statura minores, et forma graciliores ; pedibus et rostro gracili-
oribus ; tarso medio digito cum ungue non breviore ; cauda elon-
gata, rectricibus mediis valde ultra c;eteras porrectis Stercorarius,

a. Tarsis postice asperrimis ; rectricibus mediis latis in apices

i^xsas, flexibilibus, cajteris 4 pollices longioribus S. pomatorhinus.

b. Tarsis postici- subasperis ; rectricibus mediis acuminatis, ri-

gidis, cajteris 4 pollices longioribus S. }}arasiiicu8,

c. Tarsis postice subasperis ; rectricibus mediis lougissimis,

flexibilibus, citteris 8 ad 10 pollices longioribus iS. iuffoni.

LESTRIDIN^ JAEGERS. 603

Suhgcnus BuPHAGUS, {Moeh.) Coues.

= Buphagiis* Moeh., Gen. Av. 1752, No. 71 ; typus Larus catarractes, Linn. — Coues, Rev.

Lestridiim, in Pr. A. N. S. Phila. May 1863, p. 120.
<; Stercorarius, " Briss. ; " ViEiix., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 153 ; typus idem, (Sed

nou verus Stercorarius, Briss. ; cnjns typus Larus jnirasiticus, Liuu.). — Gkay,

Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 6r>l.— Degl., Oru. Eur. 1849, ii, 287.— Bp., Cousp. Av. 1850,

206.— Laavr., Baird's Birds N. A. 1858, 838.
•< Catharacta, Brunx., Orn. Bor. 1764, 32 ; typus Catharacta skua, Brtinu.
< Cataracta, Br., Comp. List, 1838, 63.
<^Larus (partira), Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766. — Gmel., Syst. Nat. 1788. — Lath., lud. Orn.

1790 — Mey. & Wolf, Tascb. 1810.
<] Catarractes, Palt„, Zooo-. Rosso-As. ii, 1811, 308 ; typus C. skua. — Steph., Sbaw's Gen.

Zool. xiii, 1825, 214.
K^Lestris, "III.;" Temm, Man. Orn. 1820-'40 ; typus L. caiarracics (Sed uon verus

Lestrls, 111. ; cujus tvpus L. parasitica, Liun.). — Faber, Pr. Isl. Orn. 1822. —

Less., Trait6 d'Ornith. 1831.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. i, 1840, 239 ; et auct. al.
:^ Megalesiris, Bp., Cousp. Av. ii, 1856, p. 206 ; typus Larus catarractes, Linu.

Gen, char. Bill sborter tbau tbe middle toe witbout tbe claw ; exceedingly robust;
width at base about equal to tbe beigbt, wblcb is a tbird of tbe leugtb of culmen.
Striai and sulci numerous and well marked, Encroacbmeut of featbers ou bill moder-
ate, and nearly tbe same on botb mandibles. Occiput scarcely crested. Wings only
moderately long for tbis subfamily ; tbe primaries very broad, and rounded at tbeir
tips. Tail very sbort, broad, nearly even, tbe featbers truncated ; central pair project-
ing but little, and broad to tbeir very tips, wbicb are also truncated. Feet large
aud stout ; tarsi sborter tbau tbe middle toe and claw. Size large ; form robust and
heavy; general organization very powerful. Colors mucb tbe same over tbe whole
body ; not subject to any very remarkable changes with age, sex, or season.

The essential characters lie iu the large size and strong form, exceedingly robust
bill and feet, tbe middle toe of which latter is longer than the tarsus ; and in the very
short truncated tail, the broad central rectrices of which project but slightly beyond
tbe tips of tbe others, A discrepancy between it and Stercorarius is found in the changes
of plumage to which it is subject. These are slight, being chiefly of intensity, and have
little in common with the widely varying stages for wbicb the species of Stercorarius
are noted. Its species when adult are of nearly uuiform colors, presenting no indica-
tions of the trenchant lines of division of light and dark areas which are found in
Stercorarius. North America contains a single representative of the genus, B. skua,
referred by most authors to Stercorarius.

Tbe synonyms of this subgenus require to be considered at length and with care, to
avoid confounding them with those of the succeeding, with which they always have beeu
to a greater or less degree mingled. The lirst distinctive appellation of tbe genus iu ques-
tion appears to be Buphaejus, Moeh, 1752. This is unquestionably based upon tbe Larus
catarractes of Linnaeus, aud the diagnosis of the genus (vide infra t) is as delinite and
pertinent as jjcrbaps any one throughout Moehring's work. This being th-e case, it is
a little slugnlar that the name has not conui into general employ, along with such gen-
era as I'hilomachus, CoUyrio, Tro<ion, &c., which have, by Gray, Baird, Cassin, Bryant,
aud other authors, been accorde<l that precedence to which their early date entitles
them. The rule generally acknowledged by authors, which would cause tbe adoption
of tbe genera of Moehring and other pre-Linn;ean writers, jirovided they art; ideutiiieil
and do not conflict with Linna'us' titles, does not appear to have been adhered to iu
this instance. But if we are to be guided by the law of 2)rioriti/, and are to accord jus-
tice to a i>re-Linna'an writer, we cannot avoid the adoption of Moehring's name ; since
there is no Linna-an appellation with which it conflicts, as the latter author ranged all
the Jaegers known to liim un<ler Larus. Moehring's not being a binomalist, or rather
his not dealing at all with species, can have no weiglit in the question of the adoption

* In the synonymy of this article I use tbe convenient signs introduced by Strick-
land to indicate tbe relative value of the various geueiic names (luoted. Being not iu
general use, they will re(|uire expl.ination. 'J'he sign of eiiuaiity signifies that tbo
Avord before which it stands was originally employed in the same sense as here meant;
thus, liupliiKjus and Megalcstris are based upon the sanu* ^'P^ sis Buphagus of the pres-
ent jiajxr, an<l are therefore eoe(Huil with it. The sign <^ indicates that tht» name be-
fore which it staiuls was origiiiHlly used in a more extended sense than is here meant,
and wuist conscfiucntly be restricted to l)ecoiue comi)letely synonymous 'I'bus, <\jth-
aracld of Biuunieh, iiieliided, Ijcsides ('. skua, ponuirinus aud parasiticus. The >iign ]>
is tile converse of the last.

t Moeliriiiii, driKra arium, r/.52, page 66, No. 71. " liostrum postice rectum, nienibrana
callo.sa a«l nares usipie tiictum, versus apicein inciirvuui, lateribus compressis. Femora
extra abdouieu, Digiti autici tresmembrana intermedia toti coba-routes, posticus liber,"

604 BUPHAGUS SKUA, THE SKUA.

of his genera. Guided by these considerations, in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia
Academy, as above, I revived the name BuplnKjus, and gave it that precedence over
other appellations to which it is entitled.

" Stc7xvrariit,'i, Briss., 17G0,"' is the name which has lately been most frequently em-
ployed for this subgenus. But this is clearly an error ; for the type of Stereorarius, as is
evident by P.iisson's elaborate description, is the Lams jJaraniticus of Linna'us, and not
the catarrhactes. Regarding this latter species, it is surprising that Brissou should
have been so far at fault in his estimation of its affinities as to scjiarate it from its con-
geners, and range it with the true Gulls under the name of LarusfascuH. If Htcreorarius
is to be used at all, it must be for the group of which jxnYfs/ffVvf.s is typical.

Catharaeia of Briiuuich (17(54) has as its type catarrhactoi, though all the other species
known to that autlior are included in it. But this name, besides being antedated by
Buphagits, is also anticipated by Catarractes of Moehring, a name applied to a pygojjo-
dous genus, of which Uria troile is the type, and which has been accepted and employed
by late writers, as Cassin, Bryant, and others. This is in effect the same word as Briin-
nich's Caiharacta, both having the same root, viz, Kara and i)/yvv/ji, whence KarapixiKrt/r,
"a robber or despoiler." Briinnich's spelling of the word might perhaps lead ns to
suppose it derived from' KaOaiixj, "to cleanse or purify ;" but this is evidently not the
case — the latinizatiou of the word formed from the latter root giving us cathartes, Illi-
ger's genus of American Vultures. Therefore, unless we allow a varying orthography
of the same word to stand for two different gen(;ra, Briinnich's name must be super-
seded. Besides the above spelling we also find cataracfa, cataracfes, caiarracta, catarr-
liarfa, and catarrh act es. The last is the proi)er orthography, as is evident from the
etymology of the word.

Lestris nf Illiger ( 1811) is based upon jiarasitica, and, although used subsequently by
many authors for the present subgenus, has really no connection with it.

Megalcstri'i, Bonaparte (1H56), is based upon the catarrhactes, and is strictly its only
synonym. The choice is therefore between Megalestris and Buphatjas. Of these I pre-
fer the latter, which I shall continue to use as heretofore.

BUPHAGUS SKUA, (Biuim.) Coues.

Tlie Skua.

a. slcua.

Catarracfa aldrorandi, Will., Orn. 265.

Slcua hojcri, Ray, Syn. Av. 128.

Lariisfiisciis, Bmss'., Orn. vi, 1760, 165.— Scop., Bemerk. Nat. 1770, 90.

Caiarracta fusca. Leach, Syst. Cat. 1816, 40.

Larus varins sire skua, Bkiss., Orn. vi, 1760, 167 (juv.).

Laras catarractes, Sciiaeff., Mns. Orn. 1779, 63, pi. 39,

Catharaeia sl.na, BniJNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, 33.

Caiarracta slua, Rktz., Fn. Suec. 1800, 161.— Bp., Cat. Meth. Ucc. 79; Rev. Crit. 1850, 202.

Catarractes sinia. Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 309. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 215.

Cataractes skica, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 255.

Cataracia skua, Bp.,List, 183H, 63.

Lestris skua, BiiKiui, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 716.

Buphagus skua, CocES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1863, 125 ; Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1868, 305.

Stereorarius {Buphagus) skua, Coues, Key, 1872, 309.

Cataractes vulgaris, Flem., Brit. Aniiu. — , 137.

Larus catarractes, Linx., 8vst. Nat. i, 1766, 226 (based on Will., Ray & Briss., supra;

Edw., 149, &c.).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 603.— Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, 1790, 818.
Lestris catarractes, III., Prod. 1811, 272.— Temm., Man. 1815, 511 ; ii, 1820, 792 ; iv, 1840,

494.— Fai{., Prod. Isl. Orn. 1822, 102.— Boie, Isis, 18<!2, 562.— Jen., Man. 1835,

280.— Eyt.. Cat. Br. B. 51.— Bp., Svu. 1828, No. 304.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 312.—

Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 239.— Naujl, V. D. x, 1640, 470, pi. 270.— Schl.,

Rev. Crit. 1844, 84.
Lestris eatharactes, Bkeilm, Naturg. Eur. Vcig. 1823, 739.
Lestris eatharractes, Schinz, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 387.
Lestris eatarrhaetes, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 64.
Stereorarius catarrhactes, VH'IILL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 1817, 154; Fn. Frang. 1838,

385.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 6.52; Cat. Br. B. 1863, 227.— Degl., Orn. Eur.

ii, 1849, 289.— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 384.
Stereorarius catarractes, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 20G ; Tabl. Longip. Compt. Rend. xlii.

770.— Lawr., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 838.— Sciil., M. P.-B. iv, 1863, 45.— Elliot,

B. N. A. ii, pi. 56.
Stereorarius cataractes, Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 1842, 155.
Stcrcorius eatharactes, Des Muks, Traitd Ool. 1860, 551.

BUPHAGUS SKUA, THE SKUA. 605

Stercorarius pomarinus, Vieill., Gal. Ois. ii, 1834, 220, nee Auct.
Larus Iceeask, Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 818.

b. antarcticiis.*

Lestris caiarracfes, Quoy et Gaim., Voy. Uran. Ois. 38.

Stercorarius catarractes, Sciil., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 45.

Lestris antarcticm, Less., Tr. Oru. 1H31, 60t).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, .390.— Abbott, Ibis,

1861, 16;').— Scl. &. Salv., Ibis, 1869. 284 ; P. Z. S. 1871, 579.— Phil. & Laxdb.,

Cat. Av. Chili, 47.— Hutton, B. N. Z. 1871, 39.
Stercorarius aufurcticus,Bv., Cousp. ii, 1856, 207. — Pelz., Oru. Novara, 150.
Buphagm u)ilarcticits. Coves, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1863, 127.

DiACi. B. maximus, rohustissimns, tarso hreriore digitis mediis cum ungue; rectricibus mediis
latis vix ultra cwteras porrectis. Bostri loiigit. 2^ poU. Aug.

Hah. — Seas and sea-coasts nf tbe Northern Hemisphere, chiefly iu tho more arctic
regions. Var. autarcticus, Sonthern seas.

Adult, breeding plumage. — Bill about as long as or a little shorter than the head, shorter
than The tarsus, rcbust, somewhat broader than high at the base, compressed from the
middle, its sides bulging : culraen broad, flattened, very slightly concave, or nearly
Straight on the ceral portion, the concavity increased by the great convexity of the
unguis, which rises higher than tbe ceral portiou ; unguis smooth, broad, rounded,
so decurvcd that the apex overhangs the tip of the lower mandible nearly perpendic-
ularly. Outline of rami and gouys l)oth slightly concave, the former very long. Emi-
ueutia symphysis well marked. Divarication of rami very slight. Tomia of u])per
mandible sinuate, at first ascending, then deflected, then again gradually ascending
to beyond the nostrils, where it curves sharply downward. Ceral longer than the
ungual portion of the bill, its anterior extremity i)rojecting further on the sides than
on the culnjeu, so that a <^-sliape(l recess is formed; its inferior edge curving gradu-
ally upward from the base, to give passage to the nostrils ; provided at the base with
several striic. Nostrils lateral, pervious, somewhat club-shaped, broadest anteriorly;
a sulcus on the unguis leads into them from before. Several oblique stritc on the
inferior maxilla. Feathers extend on the sides of the superior maudible iu a rather
acute angle, leaving a deep recess on the culmen; retreating on the sides of the bill
6o nearly parallel with the tomia as to leave the edges of tbe superior maudible ex-
posed nearly to the angle of the mouth. Their exteut on the lower madible is less, but
is broader, and x\ith a rounded extremity. Between the rami the feathers reach two-
thirds the way to tbe symphysis, the remainder being uaked integumeut. Eye of
moderate dimensions, placed directly over the angle of the mouth. Wings rather short
for the subfamily; the primaries regularly graduated, very broad, with rounded apices ;
rachis stiff and strong ; secondaries short, broad, flexible, with broad rounded tips,
formed entirely by the inner web. Tertials in the folded wing ending about 3^ inches
from apex of first primary. Tail short, broad, strong, even, or nearly so ; tbe feathers
rather l)road, with square, almost truncated extremities. Centi'al pair much the same
iu shape as tlie lateral ; of e(iual breadth, projecting one or two inches. Superior and
inferior tectrices very long and thick, the latter reaching- quite to the end of the tail.
Feet large and strong ; the tarsi as long as the middle toe without the claw. Tibiio
nude for nearly an inch. That part of the tibia which is bare, the tibio-tarsal articu-
lation all around, and the sides and posterior aspects of the tarsus, and both surfaces
of the webs, covered with small, irregular polyhedral plates : these plates largest and
most regular (being hexagonal) on the sides of the tarsus; very small and numerous
ou the webs ; elevated, rough, and conical on the joints and inner snrfaci^s of the toes.
Anteriorly the tarsus and toes are covered with imbricated aiutella, regular and
transver.se on the toes, but with exceedingly oblicjuc edges on the tarsus, ou the upper
third of which they bifurcate into two rows. Toes very long; middle longest ; outer
but little less; inner only two-thirds the middle; hallux exceedingly abbreviated.
Claws all large, strong, nnicli arched, very acute, the middle one dilated on its inner
edge, but not serrated. Membranes long, broad, full, unincised. Dorsal feathers broad,
roiuuUd, rigid, closely imbricated, not very thick. Interiorly the ])lumage is exceed-
ingly long, thick, conqyact, almost mollipilose. Latero-nnchal feathers elongated,
rigid, witli long disconnected iibrilhe. Above blackish-brown, 7nore or less variegated
with chestnut uTul AvhitisJi; each feather being dark-colored, with a spot of chestnut
towanl its extremity, which in turn fades into whitish along the shaft toward the tip
of each feather. Ou the latero-nnchal region and across the throat the chestnut light-
ens into a decided reddisli-ytdlow, the white being as a well-delined, narrow, longitud-
inal streak on each feather. The crown, post-ocular, and mental region have but littlo
whitish. luferiorly the plnmag(! is of a blended fusco-rufous, ligiiler than on the
dorsum, with a peculiar indefinite plumbeous shade. The wings and tail are black-

* The only discrepancy I find, in oxamiuatiou of several from Southern seas, ia tbo
shorter, stouter, and mori^ obtuse bill.

606 BUPHAGUS SKUA, THE SKUA.

isli ; tlieir rhacliifles white, except toward the apices ; tbe remiges and rectrices white
for some distance from the bases. This white on the tail is concealed by the long tail-
coverts, bnt appears on the outer primaries as a conspicuous spot. The bill and claws
are blackish horn ; the feet pure black. Bill, from base to tip, 2.10; to end of cere,
1.20 ; gape, 3.00 ; height at base, 0.75; width a little less; rami, 1.60 ; gonys, 0.50; wing,
16.00 ; tail, 6.00 ; tarsus, 2.70 ; middle toe and claw, 3.10.

YoiDuj-of-tlie-year (Spec. No. 22266, Mus. S. I. from Iceland, shot September 1, 1839). —
The size is much less than that of the adults; the bill every way weaker and .slen-
derer ; the cere illy developed ; strije are not yet apparent, and its ridges and aiigles all
want sharpness of detinition ; the gonys is extremely short. Wings exceedingly short
and rounded, the quills having very different proportional length from those of the
adults ; the second being longest, the third next and but little shorter ; the hrst about
equal to the fourth. The inner or longest secondaries reach, when the wing is folded,
to within an inch or so of the tip of the longest primary. The central retrices are, if
anything, a little shorter than the next. The colors generally are as in the adult, but
everywhere duller and more blended, having few or no white spots ; and though the
reddish spots are numerous and occupy a large space on each feather, yet in color they
are very dark and dull. These dull reddish spots are especially numerous along the
edge of the forearm and on the least and lesser coverts. On the under parts the colors
are lighter, duller, and still more blended than above. The prevailing tint is a light,
dull rufous, most marked on the abdomen ; but there and elsewhere more or less ob-
scured with an ashy or plumbeous hue. The primaries, secondaries, and tertials,
together with the rectrices, are dull brownish-black; their shafts yellowish-white,
darker terminally. At the bases of the primaries there exists the ordinary large white
space, but it is more restricted than in the adults, and so much hidden by the bastard
quills that it is hardly apparent on the outside of the wing, though very conspicuous
on the inferior surface. The legs and feet are parti-colored — brownish-black, varie-
gated with yellowish. Bill, along culmen, 1.75; along gape, 2.75; height at base, 0.50 ;
length of gonys, 0.35 ; tarsus, 2.60 : middle toe and claw the same. Wing, from the
flexure, 12.25. Tail, 5.75.

This species requires comparison with no other of North America. B. anfarcUcus,
from the sea-coasts of the Southern Hemisphere, differs somev.hat in the shape of the
bill. This is shorter, deeper, and more obtuse at the tip.

Although this species is burthened with an extensive synonymy, yet in consequence
of its marked character the list is pretty definite. It is one of the very oldest species,
being well known to pre-Linuean writers. It is well described by both Brisson and
Briinnich, the foruier considering it as a Gull, the latter making it the type of his
genus Catharaeta. The Lams Jieeask of Latham is stated to be 22 inches, with a bill of
3 inches, and its habitat is given as " Hudson's Bay." There is no one of the Lestridinoc
inhabiting North America but the present which is of such large dimensions. The
plate which Vieillot (Galerie des Oiseaux) gives of his Stercorarius pomarinus shows con-
spicuously the large white alar spot, which is diagnostic of the present species. Vieill-
lot had previously recognized the characters of the species with precision.

Subgenus Stercorarius, BHss.

= Stei'corariits, Briss., Orn. v, 1760, 149. (Type Lams lyaraaiiicus, Linn.). — CouES, Pr.

Phila. Acad. 1863, 128 ; and of many authors.
'C.Catlxaracia, BrxJnx.. Orn. Bor. 1764, 32.

<^Lams, p. Lixx., Syst. Nat. 1766. Also of Gm., Lath., Meyer,
=:Lestris, III., Prod. 1811, 272. (Type L. parasiticus, Linn.). And of most authors.
=:Pra'datrix, Vieill., Anal. 1816, 62.
=Labbus, Raf., 1816.
> Coprotheres, Reich., 1850.

Gex. Char. — Bill equal to middle toe without the claw, moderately robust, the height
at base more than a third the length of the culmen ; stri;e and sulci few and slightly
marked. Encroachment of feathers on bill very great, especially on the upper mandi-
ble, where it greatly exceeds that on the lower, and is of a different outline from that
of Buphagits. Occiput decidedly subcrested. Wings exceedingly long, the primaries
narrow, tapering, with quite acute tips. Tail long; the lateral feathers more or less
graduated ; the central pair considerably, sometimes excessively, elongated, tapering,
and acuminate. Feet rather slender, the tarsi equal to or slightly longer than the
middle toe and claw. Size moderate or small. Form less robnsr, general organization
much less powerful than in Buphagus. Nearly bicolor when adult ; passing through vari-
ous states of plumage before arriving at maturity.

The preceding paragraph expresses the chief diagnostic features of this subgenus.
A comparison ■s^'ith Bupliagus has already been instituted, and an analytical table of
its species given on a preceding page. It only remains to notice its bibliographj'.

STERCORARIUS POMATORHINUS, POMARINE JAEGER. 607

The first distinctive name was proposed by Brisson in 1760. This has as type the
S. parasitica, and may include all the species of the subfamily excepting Buphayus skua.
I accept and employ it exactly as it was constituted by its author. Lestris, Illiger
(1811); Pr(Edatrix,\ itiiWot (1816); ia&&«s, Rafinesqne (1816); and Coprotherts, Reicheu-
bach (1850), are all based upon species of the subgenus as here restricted, and are there-
fore synonymous with, and must be superseded by, Stercorarius. Catharracia, Briin-
nich, has already been treated of. By Liunajus, Gmelin, and Latham the species were
arranged under Larus, which thus becomes a partial synonym.

STERCOEARIUS POMATOEHDs^US, (Temm.) Yieill.
The Pomarine Jaeger,

stercorarius siriatus, Briss., Oru. vi, 1760, 152, pi. 13, f. 2 (juv.).

Lestris siriatus, Eytox, Cat. Br. B. 1836, 51.

Larus parasiticus, Meyer, Tasch. Deutsch. ii, 1810, 490 ; not of authors.

(?) Larus crepidatus, Gjr., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 602.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 819 (juv.).

Lestris pomarinus, Temm., Man. 1815, 514 ; ii, 1820, 793 ; iv, 1840, 495. — Faber, Prod. Isl.
Oru. 1822, 104.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 562.— Brehm, Eur. Vog, 1823,. 741.— Bp., Syn.
1828, Xo. 305 ; List, 1838, 63.— Less., Man. ii, 1828, 388.— Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur.
Thierw. 1829, 64.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 429.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834,
315.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 396; Syn. 1839, 332; B. Am. vii, 1844, 186, pi.
451.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. E.ur. 1840, 240.— ScniNZ, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 388.—
Naum., V. D. X, 1840, 470, pi. 270.— Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 80 ; Rev. Crit. 18.50,
202.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 84 ; Mus. Pays-Bas, iv, 1865, 47.— DeKay, N. Y.
Zool. ii, 1844, 316, pi. 133, f. 292.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, — .— Tiiomp.. Nat. Hist.
Irel. iii, 1851, 392. — Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 1853, 240.— Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856,
207.— Des Murs, Traits d'Ool. 1860, .551.— Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 23 (subge-
nus Coj>rof7ie?-es).— Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, 401 (eggs).

Stercorarius pomarinus, Vieiel., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. sxxii, 1819, 158; Fn. Frang.
1828, 387.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 1842, 155.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 291.—
Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 652 ; List Br. B. 1863, 227.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858,
838.— Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 16.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861. 243 ; ibid. 1863,
129.— Boardm., Pr. Best. Soc. ix, 1862, 130.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 180'., 160.—
Aleen, ibid, iv, 1864, 90.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 305.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 47.

Cataractcs jfomarinus, Steph., G. Z. xiii, 1826, 216, pi. 24. — Macgil., JMan. ii, 1842, 256.

Coprotheres jMinarinus, Reich., Syst. Av. 1850, 52. — Bp., Comp. Rend, xlii, 1856, 770. —
Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 384.

Stercorarius pomatorhinus, Newt., Ibis, 1865, 509. — Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 18G6,
298.— Coles, Key, 1872, 309.— Coues, Elliot:s Prybilov Islands, 1874, p. — .

Catarractes parasita var. camtschatica. Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 312.

Lestris sphariuros, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 718.

DiAG. S. tarsis postich aspeirimis ; rcctricibus mediis laiis in apices i^jsas, ultra cocltras 4
polUcea pori-ectis.

Hob. — Seas and sea-coasts of Europe, Asia, and America. Interior of North America.

Adult, breeding plumage (No. 23215, Smithsonian Museum). — Bill shorter than the
head, or three-fourths the tarsus, about two and one-half times its own height at the
ba.se ; width about the same as the height ; horn-colored, growing blaclv at the tip. Feet
black. Tail soiuewhat less than half the win<;. First primary but little surpassjiig
the second. Occiput subcrested. Feathers of the neck rather rigid and acuminai'e,
their librilkc di.sconuected. Caudal feathers, including the central, broad quite to theit
tips, which are truncated, the rhat'his i)rojecting as a small mucro. The central pair
project about 3 inches ; are broad to near tlie tip, where they form an angle of 4.)-
witli thr rliacliis. Their lilirilia^ exceedingly long (2.| inches), while those of the lateral
feathers are only If. Tail slightly graduated. Inferior tectriees reach within A inch
of end of tail. Tibiie bare for J of an inch, scutelhite for A iucii. Tarsi very rough ;
anteriorly covered with a singicj row of scutella, exeei)t toward the tiliio-tarsal articu-
lation, wliere these scutella gradually degenerate into snuill, irregular polygonal plates,
with which the whole of th(>, rest of the tarsus is reticulated. Tlu-se j)lates are larges-t
on the sides of the tarsus externally; on the heel-joint, and posterior aspect of the
tarsus generally, they become raised into small conical pyramids, acutely pciuted. Tho
scutella of the anterior poition of tlii^ tarsus is contiimous witii tlie superior surface of
the toes, wliih' tlie polygonal reticulation occupies Imtli surfaces of tin; wcNs, and tho
inferior surface of the toes. Hallux extremely short, its nail stout, conical at the base,
acute, little curved. Anterior claws all very strong and sharp; inner most so ; the
middle expanded on its inferior edge, not serrated. Webs broad, full, uuiuciaed, their
free margins a little convex.

608 STERCORARIUS POMATORHINUS, POMARINE JAEGER.

The "cere" has a straight, smooth, convex culmen ; its inferior border curves gently
upward to give passage to the nostrils. The union of the two lateral halves leaves a
■well-marked acutely-angular recess over the culmen. There is a well-marked lateral
longitudinal groove, denoting the union of that part of the cere which is attached to
tte culmen, with that part which depends over the nasal fossal. Curve of nail regu-
lar, gradual. Commissure straight to the nostrils, then gradually declinato-convex.
Rami of both mandibles divaricate at a considerable angle, making the base of the bill
very broad. Emiuentia symphysis slightly marked ; commissure long, gouys short, a
little concave, gape wide. Outline of feathers on the bill much as in the Larina, but
supero-laterally they do not run so far forward, nor with so acute an angle. Nostrils
placed far forward, lateral, linear, direct, pervious, their opening a little club-shaped.
Bill horn, deepening into black ; feet black. Pileum and occipital crest brownish-
black ; this color extending much below the eyes, and occupying the feathers on the
ramus of the inferior maxilla. Acuminate feathers of the neck light yellow. Back,
wings, tail, upper wing-coverts, under tail-coverts as far as the flanks, deep blackish-
brown. Under parts, from chin to abdomen, and neck all round (except the acuminate
feathers), pure white. (A state of plumage not often met with. The var. "C" of
Temminck.)

Nearly adult. — Generally as in the preceding, but with a row of brown spots across
the breast ; the sides under the wings transversely barred with white and brown; the
purity of the dark color of the abdomen interrupted by some touches of white. The
legs wholly black, and the tail feathers projecting as much as in the fully adult. (A very
common state of plumage, described by most authors as fully adult. Temminck's
var. " B.")

Intermediate stage. — The band of dark spots across the breast has widened and enlarged,
so that the whole breast appears brown, mottled with white ; the sides under the wings
are conspicuously barred with white and brown ; the white of the under parts is con-
tinued down over the abdomen to the under tail-coverts ; the jiure brown of these parts
which obtains in the adult, now only appearing as transverse bars among the white.
The upj)er tail-coverts and some of the wing-coverts are barred with white. The bases
of the primaries are interiorly white. The centrail tail feathers now only project an
inch. The tarsi are quite changed in color ; they are now irregularly blotched with
chrome-yellow — the hind toe and nail being of this color. (A very common stage, cor-
responding to var. "A" of Temminck.)

Dusky stage. — The bird is very nearly unicoJor ; blackish-brown all over ; this color
deepening into quite black on the pileum ; lightening into fuliginous brown on the ab-
domen, v.itli a slight gilding of the black on the sides of the neck. The whitish bases
of the i)rimaries exist. The feet are in the chromo- variegated condition. The central
tail feathers scarcely project half an inch. (Var. "D" of Temminck.)

Yotmg-of-the-year. — Bill much smaller and weaker than in the adult, light colored to
beyond the nostrils, when it becomes brownish-black. Feet and toes mostly bright
yellow, the terminal ])ortions of the latter black. The whole body is everywhere trans-
versely waved with dull rufous. On the head, neck, and under parts, this rufous forms
the predominating color ; and the bands are exceedingly numerous, of about the
same width as the intervening dark color. On the flanks and under tail-coverts the
bars become wider, and almost white in color. On the back and wing-coverts the
brownish-black is the predominating color ; and if any rufous is jiresent, it is merely
as a narrow edging to the feathers. The under wing-coverts have irregularly-angular
transverse waves of brownish-black and white. The remiges and rectrices are brown-
ish-black, darker at their tips ; fading into whitish toward the bases of the inner vanes.
On the nead and neck the light rufous decidedly predominates, and seems indistinctly
but thickly nebulated with dusky ; this dusky forming a conspicuous spot just at the
anterior canthus of the eye. (In this plumage the bird is the Stercorarius striatus of
Brisson, and probably the Larus crepidatus of Gmelin and Latham.)

The above stages are gradual, and merge into each other, so that one can without
difficulty be traced into another. As a brief exposition of the mode in which the
change irom the young bird, in the variegated state of plumage and with particolored
feet, it may be stated that the light and dark colors, at first everywhere intermingled,
gradually grow more and more distinct, being separated by lines becoming more and.
more trenchant, until the two colors occupy entirely different regions of the body, and
are wholly separated from each other. The feet gradually lose their yellow blotches
and become black.

If we examine Temminick's Manual of 1840, page 491, we fin'i that he presents four
"varieties" of this species. Comparison of his diagnosis of these supposed varieties
with the four stages of plumage characterized above, it will be seen that they corre-
spond. The adult plumage above described is his variety " C," of which he correctly
says, that it is not very olten met with. Our "nearly adult" is his variety "B;" our
third intermediate stage is about his variety "A;" while the fusco-uni color state corre-
sponds to his " D." He early maintained the opinion that this dusky stage is entirely
iudei^endent of sex j but he subsequently gives as his mature opinion that the white-

STERCORARIUS POMATOEHINUS, POMAEIXE JAEGER. 609

■bellied birds are males, the others females. This view is combatted by most ornithol-
ogists; aud some eveu of those who admit that the ditfereuce in color is a sexual
jieculiarity, say that it is the males and not the females that are dusky all over. This
diversity of opinion I consider as strong evidence that sex does not determine the plum-
age. I think that the four "varieties" which Temminck characterises are really the
progressive stages of the same individual — stages which every Jaeger must pass through
or attain to in arriving at maturity. The birds which are in the unicolor state, so dif-
fereut from that of the adults, all have weaker bills, less elongated central rectrices,
particolored tarsi, and are generally smaller and less robust than the adults, all of which
points indicate immaturity. As regards the other conditions, the fact of our being
able to trace one directly from another, seems to me proof that they are not permanent
during the life of any single individual. (See continuation of the discussion of this
question under head of S. parasiticus.)

Anatomical characters. — The mouth is capacious. It is quite narrow at the tip of the
bill, but by the rapid divergence of the rami of the maudibles, quickly becomes very
broad. The palate is not arched nor vaulted at all, but quite Hat; but the integu-
ment, and membranes forming the floor of the mouth are very loose, aud capable of
considerable distension. The membrane at the angle of the mouth is loose aud full ;
aud a longitudinal elevation of it on the lower mandible is received into a correspond-
ing depression in the upi)er. ,

The ijalate is quite soft and easily movable. On it there is a central very prominent
longitudinal ridge, which commences at the very apex of the bill. There it is exceed-
ingly narrow, but it widens and becomes less promiuent as ir goes backward. About
half way to the nasal aperture there are a few reversed ])apilke. Somewhat less than
an inch and a half from the tip of the bill this ridge bifurcates, being longitudinally
divided by the slit forming the opening of the uares. The edges of this slit, accurately
coaptated, are about three-fourths of an inch long, and beset with reversed acute pa-
pilhe, which are especially large at the posterior extremity of the sides of the slit. By
the approximation of these straight edges the nasal aperture can be perfectly closed ;
but posterior to where they terminate, the nares remain permanentlj' open.

On either side of this central ridge is another, qnite high and prominent, which,
however, subsides an inch from the tip of the bill. Posteriorly this ridge also is beset
with fine reversed setae. The space between this and the median ridge is quite smooth
aud flat for some distance further back, where it is terminated by a single fringe of
long, slender papilhii.

The membrane of the floor of the mouth is loose, flaccid, and, in the undistended
state, longitudinally wrinkled. The tongue is stout; tapers but little, and is fleshy
quite to the tip itself, which is scarcely at all horny, but bifid. The dorsum of the
tongue is longitudinally channelled for its entire length ; its sharp sides rising up from
the longitudinal central depression. The base is square and terminated by a fringe of
papillae pointing outward and backward. The tip is quite deeply notched, the base
emarginate, with a lateral projecting papillated cornu on either side.

About half an inch behind the base of the tongue the rima glottidis is found. As
usual, it is a simple slit ; about half an inch long in this species. The elevation over
the larynx, in the centre of which the glottis opens, is on its posterior half, thickly be-
set with stout, rapidly tapering, conical papilla;.

The basi-hyal clement of the hyoid bone is about a third of an inch long ; flattened,
subrectaugular, tapering anteriorly to an obtuse, nodulated, deflected extremity, which
supports the glosso-hyals. It articulates moveably with the glosso- and apo-hyals, im-
moveably with the uro-hyal'. The glosso-hyal elements are chiefly cartilaginous ; they
lie side liy side imbedded in the substance of the tongue, being articulated with the
basi-hyal by their under surfaces, so that tlnnr posterior extremities project backward
beyond their articulation, as two prominent cornua, which support the posterior ex-
tremity of the tongue. The uro-hyal is consolidated with the basi-hyal. It is osseous
for about a fourth of an inch, when it becomes cartilaginous and tapers gradually to a
very acute apex.

The apo-hyals are about one and a third inches long. They are nearly straight, en-
tirely osseous, cylindrical, e njoying free motion at their basi-liyal articulation. From
their (jxtrcniities the cerato-hyals, chiefly cartilaginous, curve upward and outward for
about an inch.

The amphagus measures about ten inches from the glottis to the cardiac orifice of tho
gizzanl. It is very capacicuis, and capable of being exceedingly dilated. In tho uu-
distended state tho lining mucous membrane is thrown up into numerous very prom-
iuent hmgitudinal riiga% which of course disappear upon dilatation. These ruga> are
perfectly straight in the lower three-fourtiis of tlu^ ( aiial, but toward \\w fauces they
become wavy and zigzag. Tlio contractih^ jtower of tlie tube is very great, .as is evi-
denced by tiie thickness of tlie planes of uinsrular fibrrs by winch it is enveloped.
These liltres are both longitudinal and circufar, and increase in volume toward the pro-
vent riculus.

The normal diameter of the canal seems to vary but slightlv throughout its whole

39

610 STERCORARIUS POMATORHINUS, POMARINE JAEGER.

extent. At the proventricnhis it is somewhat enlarged, but the dilatation is by no
means very marked, and there is no change in the direction of the tube. The belt of
gastric glands in the proven tricul us is about an inch in uniform breadth, and forms a
complete iniinterrupted zone. The line of demarcation between it and the simple mu-
cous membrane of the a3sophagus is very distinct and quite straight. The color is quite
different, being of a slaty tinge, while that of the a'sophagus is rather reddish ; and it
has a peculiar soft velvety feel. The openings of the gastric tubules may be readily
seen with the naked eye, scattered thickly and evenly over the whole surface. On
making an incision into the proventricular walls, the follicles themselves are plainly
disceruably lying imbedded in the tissue side by side. As well as can be made out with
an ordinary magnifying glass, they seem to be simple, straight, cylindrical tubes, of a
nearly uniform diameter, commencing by a free, rounded, closed extremity ; and pro-
ceeding directly to open on the surface of the gastric mucous membraue. Their length
is but little less than the thickness of the proventricular parietes. The zone of glands
is directly continuous with the lining membrane of the gizzard.

The gizzard is situated behind and somewhat posterior to the left lobe of the liver,
lying far back in the abdomen, opposite the space between the last rib and the ramus
of the pubis. It is a regular flattened oval in shape, one and three quarters of an inch
long h\ one and a quarter wide, and three quarters thick. It continues in a direct line
from the proventriculus. The central tendons are of rather small extent, most of the
parietes being muscular ; but the bulk of the muscular fibre seems small, when we
reflect that fishes, &c., are swallowed almost entire, and that consequently the bones
require trituration. The thickest part of the muscular walla of the gizzard in its uncon-
tracted state, is only about a fourth of an inch.

The cuticular lining of the gizzard is thrown up into ruga? and folds, which, on the
sides, are tolerably regularly arranged longitudinally ; but at the bottom of the cul-de-
sac, and about the cardiac and pyloric orifice, are irregularly reticulated. This mem-
cbrane is of a dark or reddisb color, and very strong and tough ; but it is of uniform
■width, presenting little or no thickening opposite the bellies of the lateral muscles. It
terminates abruptly at the two orifices of the gizzard by a .«imple free extremity.

There is hardly any constriction of the proventriculus at the commencement of the
_ gizzard, so that the cardiac orifice is nearly as large as the proventriculus itself. The
pyloric orifice, on the contrary, is quite small. There does not api^ear to be any valve
protecting it, other than the puckering of the membrane surrounding it.

The intestinal canal is between twenty-eight and thirty inches in length, from the
pylorus to the anus. The duodenal fold begins almost immediately from the pylorus,
curliug around the right side of the gigerium to get behind and below it, and not as-
cending very high; it is about two inches and a half in length, as usual containing
in its concavity the pancreas. Just beyond the termination of the fold are the open-
ings for the hepatic and pancreatic ducts, in very close proximity to each other.

The cwca are present and well developed, being quite long, when we consider the pisci-
vorous character of the bii-d. They arise about two and a half inches from the anus,
and measure two and three quarter inches in total length. They are throughout ap-
posed to the intestine ; they increase in calibre from their origin to the extremities, which
are free and club-shaped. The large intestine is thus very short and straight, and doej
not differ materially in size from the other portion of the intestines. The rectum ter-
minates in a large globular cloaca.

The spleen is a small, narrow, elongated organ, about half an inch in length, of a
slightly elliptical shape, rounded extremities, and of a light, dull-reddish color. Its
situation in the specimens examined was, as nearly as could be determined, behind and
to tlie'right of the proventriculus, between it and the corresponding hepatic lobe.

The liver is of moderate size, consisting of two unequal lobes ; of these the right one
is much larger than the left, measuring two and a quarter inches in length, while the
other is less than two inches. Both are of about the same width, measuring nearly an
inch, and are of an irregularly triangular shape on a transverse section. The right is
more elongated, with sharper edges and thinner extremities than the left. They are
quite separated fjom each other except superiorly, where rather a thin but broad band
of glandular substance stretches between and unites them. There is no indication of
a third posterior lobe — a "lobulus Spigelii." I have failed in detecting a gall-bladder.
The two lobes lie in close api^osition, excei)t abo.e, where they divaricate for the re-
ception of the apex of the heart.

The kidneys commence opposite to the interspace between the penultimate and the
antepenultimate ribs, immediately below the termination of the lungs, and extend to
the end of the sacrum. They are, as usual, accurately moulded to the bony depress-
ions and elevations in their course, their anterior surfaces being more smooth and
rounded. They are divided into only two pretty distinct and nearly disconnected por-
tions. The sui)erior of these is much the larger and is broader, with more decidedly
convex borders.

The cloaca is very capacious and of a nearly globular shape, inclining somewhat to
the conoidal from the stretching up of its fundus to join the rectum. The division

STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGER. 611

into the large anterior cavity, the cloaca proper, and the posterior dilatation is un-
usually well marked by a very prominent projecting ridge or fold of mucous mem-
brane. Just anterior to this ridge, ou either side, open the ureters, and in the male,
in close proximity to them, the orifices of the vasa deferentia. The papillte denotiuf
the terminations of these tubes, as well as the orifices themselves, are exceedingly
minute and require careful search for their discovery. The posteritw dilatation of the
cloacal parietes leads through a very narrow canal — a fourth of an inch or There-
about iu length — into a well- developed bursa. This pouch is quite capacious, measur-
ing nearly a third of an inch in length by a fourth in breadth. It is of a flattened
oval shape, with a rounded free extremity, and in situ lies pretty closely opposed to the
posterior wall of the cloaca.

The superior larynx is small and very simple in structure, being, as usual, merely a
flattened conical cavity formed by the plane thyroid cartilage inferiorly, supporting'at
its auterior extremity the arytenoid cartilages which form the rima glottidis ou the
superior aspect of the larynx. This aperture is commauded by the ordinary con-
strictor and dilator muscles.

The trachea measures five inches in length from the superior to the inferior larynx.
It is, as usual, flattened antero-posteriorly. The compression is more marked near the
anterior extremity ; the tube becomes more rouuded and narrower toward the lower
larynx. It is composed of about ninety rings. But few of these riugs are of uniform
width for the whole of their circumference. They are mostly broader at one point
than at another, the narrow part of one being opposite a correspondingly broadened
portion of the one next succeeding, so that the inequalities of any two rings mutuallv
correct each other. Along each side of the trachea a quite distinct baud of muscular
fibres runs the whole length of the tube.

The cartilage composing the lower larynx is much firmer and denser than that of the
upper. The rings of which this portion of the air passage was origiually composed
are on its posterior aspect still distinctly traceable, but anteriorly the marks of sepa-
ration are quite lost, and the surface of the larynx is quite smooth. The shape of the
larynx is that of a truncated ijyramid, with a subtriangular base, whose posterior plane
has a concave indentation, and whose anterior edge has become obsolete. Above, the
o]5ening of the larynx is a simple flattened oval, similar iu shape to the trachea. Re-
low it is divided in two by a cartilaginous trabeculum, which is thrown across fmui
the posterior side to the anterior apex of the base of the pyramid. The shape of this
septum is such that it forms of the lower aperture of the larynx two oval openings —
the commencements of the two bronchi.

The bronchi consist of about twenty half rings, their posterior parietes being en-
tirely membranous. These riugs are slender and of uniform width, the meiubraue
connecting them, and completing the canal posteriorly, being delicate and elastic.
They are of about e([ual length.

Synonymy. — The account of Stercorarius striatus is one of the earliest aud an accurate
description of this species. The Larus crepulatuH of Gmelin aud Latham is in all prob-
ability based upon the young ; and, if so, lias of course priority over pomatorhinus. But
the description is short, unsatisfactory, and not diagnostic; while, being based upon
an immature state of plumage, which the Pomarine Jaeger shares with parasiticus, I do
not think it advisable to sui)ersede a long and well-known name. The Slcrcor<(rius
vrepidatus of Vieillot is, however, the true imrasiticits, as is also the Lcstris cnpidata of
Deglaud, and of Schinz; but the Lcstris crcpidata of Brelun refers to -S'. buffoui. ( Vide
synonyms of these two species.) The only instance I have found of the application of
the nnuw j)arasiiicus to this 8i)ecies is that of Meyer and Wolf. The rest of tlie synon-
ymy does not reixuire special notice. For a discussion of Catharacta cvpphus of Jiriiu-
uicb see remarks under S. buffoni.

STERCOEAKIUS rARASITICUS, {Brilnv.)

Parasitic Jaejjer.

Lams parasitiem, LiXN., Fn. Suec. 55 ; Syst. Nat. i, 176G, 226.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17-6,
f.Ol.— Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 819.

Catharaila parasitica, 15i:unn., Oni. IJor. 17()4, '.V7.

Cataracta parasitica, Kktz., Fn. Siu-c. 1800, l«iO.

Cutarractes parasiticus, Flk.m., IJr. An. 138.

Leatria parasitica, Ii.i.., Prod. 1811, 27:?.— Tkmm., Man. ii, 1820, 79(> (includes next spe-
cies).—Faukk, i'rod. Isl. Orn. 1822, 10.') (both si>ecies?).— J5<>ii;, Isis, l.-'22. .">C)2.—
Bkeiim, Eur. Viig. 182:5, 744.— Kai.I', Sk. Knt. Eur. Thierw. Is-J<i, 47.— Lkss.,
Tr. Oru. 18:n, «il(i.— Sciiixz., Eur. Fu. i, 1S4(I, :5'J0.— Xaim., V. I), x. IslO. .'.10,
l)ls. 272, 27:{.— Bi'., Consp. ii, 1,^5(1,208; Conq.t. Kend. xlii, 18ot), 770.— Blas.,
.F. f O. 18().'>. :{H4.

Leatria parasitica var. coprvtiurea, Br., Consp. Av. ii, 18o(J, 209.

/

G12 STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGER.

Stercorarins narasiticns, Sch^ff., Mus. Orn. 1779, 62, pi. 37 (/«sc?(s).— Selys-L., Fn. Belw.

1842, 155.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 653 ; List Br. B. 1863, 228.— Lawr., B.

N. A. 1858, 839: Anu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861,

243 ; ma. 1863, 132 ; Pr.^Ess. lust, v, 1868, 305 ; Key, 1872, 309 ; Elliot's Prybi-

lov Is. 1874.— Malm., J. f. 0. 1865, 205.— Newt., Ibis, 1665, 570.— Schl., Mus.

P.-B. iv, 1«63, 47.— Dall «& Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 303.— Tuknb., B. E.

Pa. 1869, 47.
Catharacia coprotheres, Brunn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 38.
Le^tris coprotheres, Des Murs, Tr. Ool. 1860, 551.
Catarractes parasita, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 310.
Lestris parasHa, Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 95.— Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 80; Rev.

Crit. 1850, 202.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 85.— Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 1853, 241.
Cataracfa cepplms, Leach., Syst. Cat. 1816, 39.
Stercorarins cepplms, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 211, pi. 23.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii,

1831, 432.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 295. (Not of authors.)
Stercorarins crepidatus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1819, 155. (Nee Gm., Lath. ?)
Lestris crejmlafa, Temm., Man. 1815, 515.— Degl., Mem. Soc. Roy. Lille, 1838, 108.—

SCHiNZ, Eur. Fn. 1840. 390. (Juv.).
Lestris richarclsoni, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 433, pi. 73.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 319.—

Bp., List, 1838, 63.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, .51.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 503 ;

Syu. 1839, 332 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 190, pi. 452.— Temm., Man. iv, 1840, 499.—

ScHiNZ, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 392.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 367.— Thomps., Nat. Hist.

Ireland, iii, 1851, 394.
Cataractes richardsonii, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 257.

Stercorarins richardsoni, Covks, Rev. Lestrid. Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1863, 135.
Lestris boji, schleepii, benickii, Brehm, V. D. 719, 720, 723.
(?) Lestris hardyi, spinicauda, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 210. (Blasitis puts these under huffoni.)

Diag. St, rectridbus viediis rigidis, acuminatis, ultra cceteras ^-pollices porr-ectis ; tarsis sub-

asperis.

Eab. — North Atlantic Ocean, and sea-coasts of Europe and America. Interior of
Arctic America.

Adult, breeding plnma fie (No. 16802, Mus. Smithson.). — Bill much shorter than the head
or tarsus; as high as broad at the base; basally rounded, compressed from nostrils to
tip ; rather robust, the sides converging from base to apes. Culmeu broad, flattened,
scarcely appreciably convex to the unguis, which rises slightly above the level of the
cere, is moderately convex, tip uot very strongly deflexed. Rami very long; gonjs
very short ; both somewhat concave in outline. Eminentia symi)hysis small but well
marked. Tomia of superior mandible at first ascending and a little concave; then
descending and a lit'le convex ; again, very decidedly concave as it decurves toward
the tip. Cere without oblique striaj ; with a straight longitudinal sulcus on each side
of the culmen. Feathers extending far forward on superior mandible, with a curved
free outline, so broad that the feathers of the sides meet over the culmen. Feathers on
inferior mandible also project considerably, almost filling the triangular sulcus on the
side as well as the angular space between the rami. Middle of eye just over angle of
mouth. Wings moderately long, stroug, pointed ; first primary much the longest ; rest
regularly and rapidly graduated ; all rather narrow and tapering to an acute apex,
soiuewhat rigid and falcate. Secondaries short and inconspicuous ; broad, the tips of
the outer ones nearly square, of the inner obliquely incised, the apex being formed by
the inner web alone. Tertials long, soft, flexible. Tail moderately long, contained
not quite two and a half times in the wing; very slightly rounded, the graduation
being only half an inch. Feathers moderately broad quite to their tips, which are
truncated. The central pair project three to four inches. They begin to taper about
four inches from their apices, and regularly converge to a very acute tip. Upper tail
coverts moderately long ; the inferior still longer, but neither as long as in sliia. Feet
rather short and quite slender ; tarsi as long as the middle toe and claw. Tibia naked
half an inch above the joint. The tcutellation aud reticulation is the same as that
already described, but the nails are weaker and less arched, though fully as acute. A
decided occipital crest and a calotte. Nuchal region with the feathers acuminate and
rigid, with loosened fibrilhe. Pileum, occipital crest, aud whole upper j)arts deep
brownish-black, with a somewhat slaty tinge, and a slight but appreciable metallic
shade ; this color deepening iuto quite black on the wings and tail. Rhachides of
primaries and rectrices whitish, except at thoir tips ; the inner vanes albescent baso-
iuterually. Chin, throat, sides of head, neck all round, and under parts to the vent,
pure white ; the feathers of the latero-nuchal region rigid, acuminate, with discon-
nected tibrillaj, light yellow. Under tail coverts like the upper parts, but somewhat
of a fuliginous tint ; the line of demarcation from the white of the abdomen very
trenchant.

Nearly mature (No. 20144). — Size aud form of the adult. Pileum and latero-nuchal

STERCORAEIUS PARASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGER. 613

region, and whole upper parts, as in the adnlt. The under parts white (as in the
adult), but clouded everywhere with dusky patches, most marked across the breast, on
the sides, the flanks, and under tail coverts, and leaving the middle of the belly and
throat nearly pure. Varying degrees of this dusky nnbilatiou approach in some ispeci-
mens nearly to the uniform dusky below characterized ; in others fade almost into the
pure white of the adult, connecting the two ages perfectly. The tarsi of the most
dusky specimens have small yellow blotches ; the others not.

Dusky stafje (No. 20362). — With the size and proportions of the adult. Wholly deep
dusky; darker and more plumbeous superiorly; lighter, and with a fuliginous tinge,
inferiorly; the pileum quite black; the latero-uuchal region yellow; the remiges and
rectrice^ quite black ; feet black.

Immature (No. 18652). — Size and general proportions nearly those of the adult. Bill
and cere perfectly formed ; feet mostly black, but with some yellow blotches. The
upper parts are unadulterated with any rufous bars ; the deep brownish-black pileum
has appeared, and the sides of the neck have obtained their yellow shade, which con-
trasts conspicuously with the fuliginous back-ground. Evidences of immaturity,
however, are found on the under parts, where the dark color is mixed with the illy-
defined transverse bars of ochraceous. Rufous is also found at the bend of the wing
and on the under wing and tail coverts. The primaries are still whitish at the out-
side, as are also the rectrices. The central rectrices project 2^ inches, and have the
tapering form of those of the adults.

Yomujer (No. 2754). — The juvenility of the specimen is attested by its small size,
delicate bill and feet, little projection of the central rectrices, general molliisilose con-
dition of plumage, &c. The rufous of the veiy young bird, instead of giving way
everywhere to dusky, yields to this color only on the upper jiaits and crown ; on the
sides of the head, neck, and the Avhole under parts, whitish beiug the predominating
color ; the continuity of this last beiug interrupted by indistinctly marked dusky bars.
The yellow of the sides of the neck has not yet ai)peared. There is the same white
space on the bases of the wings and tail that exists on the very young. The central tail
feathers only project about 2% inches.

Young-of-ihe-year in Angusi. — Size considerably less than that of the adult, form every
way more delicate. Wings more than an inch shorter; bill and feet much slenderer
and weaker. Bill in some specimens light bluish-horn ; in others greenish-olive, the
terminal portion brownish-black. Tarsi and greater part of the toes yellow. The
bird is everywhere rayed and barred with rufous and brownish-black. On the head
and neck the rufous has a very light ochraceous tinge, and is by far the predominating
color, dark only appearing as a delicate line along the shaft of each feather. There is
an aggregation of the l)rown into a spot at the anterior canthus of the eye. Proceed-
ing down the ueck to the back, the longitudinal lines become larger, and gradually
spread wider and wider, until between the shoulders they occupy the whole of each
feather, except a narrow border of rufous, which latter is of a detqier tiut than on the
head. Passing down the throat to the breast, the rufous becomes decidedly lighter —
almost whitish — while the brown, which on the throat exists ouly as a light longitud-
inal line, changes on each feather to transverse bars of about equal width with the
light rufous bars with which it alternates. This i)attein i)revails over the whole under
I^arts, the transverse bands being broadest on the Ihmks and under tail and wing
coverts, narrowest in the middle of the belly. The primaries are brownish-black, nar-
rowly tipped with rufous, tlierr shafts yellowish, their inner webs fading basally into
wliite. The tail lias the same coloration as the wings. The central feathers project
about three-fourths of an inch.

In tliis .species we can favorably study the changes of plumage which are character-
istic of all the species. I am enabled by the extensive series at my command to trace
the various stages of the present sjiecies.

Beginning witii the stage last described, that of the young-of-the-year, we find it
characterized essentially by the presence of rufaux or orltracrous, disposed chielly in
trdunnrnc bars, or spots, or waves, which alternate with similarly shaped dusky or
brownish-black markings. The birds are iiincli smaller than the adults, the bill and
feet more delicate. As ihe bird grows older the bill and feet become .stouter, the cere
better developed, and the rufous everywhere grows first lighter and then more re-
stricted, giving way ti> an encroachment of the blackish. This increase of the darker
color is parliculaily rapid on the upper parts, which become uniformly dusky before
the under parts ilo. When this has taken place tlu' lurd is in the plumage of No. Ic652.
The tarsi and feet are still mostly yellow; there is still the white space at the bases of
the primaries; the central rectrices still have only a partial development. By the
tinie the rufous mentioned in No. 18652 as existing on the alar coverts, under parts,
&c., liJis entirely di.sappeared, the bird has become half-grown, ami is now in tliat
peculiar state of plumage charaeteiized in the description of No. 2t):<(;2. This is a defi-
nite stage. But .someYew specimens in the collection do not .seem to pas.s througli tliia
dusky eiioeh in arriving at maturity. The rufous yields to black only on the upper
parts; on the under parts the blackish bars us well as the rufous ouos become changed

614 STERCORAEIUS PARASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGER.

to \\bite ; so that the bird tends at once to assume the bicolor plumage of the adults
wirhdut jjoiug thiou'-h the dusky-unicolor sta^fe. This is one of the perplexing facts
we euconutcr iu studying the question. We liud that the very immature plumage of
the young birds in August can be traced through one series directly into the Insco-
Tinicolor stage ; through another into a state which seems to pass directly into that of
the normally-colored, fully adult bird. Various explanations have been offered to ac-
count for the dusky stage of plumage. Some authors consider it as a sexual feature,
regarding it as the normal adult plumage of one sex (according to some the male ; to>
others the female!) Others look upon it as a seasonal feature, attained at a certaiu
time iu each year, and regularly recurring each successive season. Still others, again,
consider it as a distinct variety, accidental and irregular according to some, permanent
according to others. With regard to the question of the sexual nature of this state, I
think the evidence is decidedly against such a belief. The very fact that those authors
who contend for this opinion difier as to which sex — some affirming that they found
testicles and others that they saw ovaries in the dusky birds they dissected — seems to
me conclusive evidence that the state of plumago in question is common to both sexes.
I cannot admit the hypothesis that this state constitutes a permanent or accidental
variety. I do not think it possible that normally-colored adult birds can have young
which attain at once this dusky state and retain it during their lives; still less that
they can transmit their abnormal characters to their offspring, as would be neces-
sary to constitute a permanent variety. The supposition that it is a purely accidental
variety — i. e., that certain individuals, without any cause, by a freak of nature as it
were, become thus colored and remain so for their whole lives — seems still less worthy
of credence. Examples of this condition of plumage are tbo numerous, and bear alto-
gether too definite relations with certain other stages, not to be brought about by and
dependent upon some definite law. The preceding suppositions being untenable, I
think there can be no reasonable doubt as to the true character of the stage of plum-
age in question, from the amount of evidence which we have tending to prove it de-
I)endent upon age and season. I do not hesitate, therefore, to express the decided
opinion that this imicolor state is a transient, immature stage of plumage, i)erfectly
normal, and universal, or nearly so, independently of sex, which every Jiiger — or at
least the great majority of individuals — passes through iu its progress toward ma-
turity, after leaving the plumage it first assumed, and before it arrives at the plumage
which is indicative of maturity. The only question is, exactly what age this plumage
is indicative of, and whether, after once having attained to this fully mature condilrion,
the adults do or do not return to this uuicolor state at certain season of each year.
My opinion is, that it supervenes, ordinarily at least, directly upon the disappearance of
the rufous, which is characteristic of the very young bird, and therefore is probably as-
sumed after the first moult and retained until the second. I do not think it proiable
that the adults which have passed through this state ever return to it ; for, as remarked
under head of S. jmmatorhinns, we nearly always find these uuicolor birds possessed of
of smaller, weaker bills, and slenderer, generally particolored, feet; all of which char-
acters are invariably indicative of the immature bird.

Synoinj^nij. — It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to say whether the names and descrip-
tions of authors before 1800 really refer to this species or to the hnffoni. It is most
probable, however, that the former is really the species meant, both because it is the
most abundant and well known, and because Eetzius, in his edition of the Fn. Suec.
(in which work the species is definitely settled by giving the exact length of the cen-
tral rectrices*), cites as synonymous nearly all the names and descriptions in question.
He errs, however, in adducing S. longicaudatus, Brisson, which is the huffoni. Catha-
racta parasitica of Briinnich and the Larus parasiticus of Linujeus, Gmelin, and Latham
in all probability really refer to this species, and it is from the former of these authors
that the specific name is accepted. But Larus parasiticus of Latham (1790) may have
been based upon the long tailed species, for the reason that the length of his bird is
given as 21 inches — a dimension never attained by parasiticus. The synonyms of the
two species are indiscriminately cited.

The Catharacta coprotheres of Briiunich is this species in its fusco-nnicolor stage. On
its very first introduction, in 1764, Briinnich himself doubts its validity as a species,
and says of it: "An precedenti — parasiticus — sexu vel specie divej'sa" ? Yet down to the
present time it has always been held by some authors as distinct. Thus, in 1856, Bona-
]>arte gives a variety {coprotheres), and still later, in 1860, Des Murs presents a species
( Lestris coprotheres).

An early, detailed, and unmistakable description of this species is that of Brisson, in
1760, who gives an accurate account of it under the mononomial appellation sterco-
rarius. The species serves as the type of his genus.

The Strrcorarius crejndatus of Vieillot (ut supra) is based upon this species, although
his specific name is taken from Gmelin and Latham, who probably based their de-
scriptions of crepidatus upon the young poinatorhinus. So, also, the Lestris crepidata of

* Fu. Suec. p. 180 : " Rectrices 6, 6 (i. e., the central pair) ca>teris 4 poll, longiores."

STERCORARIUS BUFFOXI, LONG-TAILED JAEGER. 615

Degland (1838), and, following his authority, Schinz (1840) are both .synonyms of the
young of the present species, according to Deglaud's subsequent admission.

The name cepphus has been applied to this species by very few writers, the principal
of which I have given in the synonymy. Those writers who use this name for the
present species apply to the long-tailed species either j)ar«S(7(ca, or loinjicauduta, or hiif-
foui. For the discussion of the names of those authors who thus interchange cepplius
and parasiticus, see remarks under head of buffoni.

The Lestris parasitica of Temmiuck (1820) is a mixture of the present species and the
long-tailed one, as is shown by his list of authorities cited as well as by his descrip-
tion. This error Temminck soon afterward became aware of, and in subsequent editions
corrected by contradistinguishing the two species. The same combination probably
exists in Faber's description of his Lestris parasiticus, •

In 1863 I indorsed the validity of S. richardsoui as different from parasiticus, but not
without hesitation, and I am now of opinion that it is inseparable. It is, it is true,
larger in all its parts, and the specimens I have examined have a longer and appar-
ently more rounded tail than usual, with broader rectrices; but with increased knowl-
edge of the range of individual variability in this genus, I scarcely think the name
tenable even as that of a variety.

The name has been quite generally employed, especially by American writers, for the
true parasiticus (to which it belongs, but is of course antedated). How this came about
is readilj' explained. The two species of Jiigers — the Connuon and the Long-tailed—
were generally confounded by authors (except Brisson) down to a comparatively re-
cent date, or at least the two names ^^parasiticus" and ^'cepphus," were used indiscrim-
inately for either species by those even who recognized two. Thus, in 1820, Temmiuck,
then perhaps the best authority on the subject, gives but a single species, under the
name of ^' parasiticus, Briinnich," which, according to his description and synonymy, is
a combination of both. He soon after, however, became aware of his error, and
acknowledges it in le;40, saying that"comme notre article du Stercoraire parasita on
labbe, renferme * * * ]es synonymes de deux esp^ces destin(;tes * * * jj ggj
necessaire de refaire en totality toutes les indications," &c. But in the mean time
Swainsou's richardsoui had been described and figured, and Temminck, looking for a
name under which to present the Common Jiiger (for he considered the name '•para-
sitica" as referring to the Long-tailed species), adopted Swainson's appellation for it.
His example has been followed by Audubon and other American as well as by some
European writers.

STERCORARIUS BUFFOI^I, (Boie) Cones.

BuSTon's or the long-tailed Jaeger*

Stercorariiis longicaudatus, Bkiss., Orn. vi, 1760, 155. — Vielll., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.

xxxii, 1819, l.")7.— Dkgl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1«49, 298.— Selys-L., Fu. Belg. 1842,

156.— SCHL., ilns. P.-B. iv, 1863, 49.
Lestris longicaudatus, Tuomps., N. H. Irel. iii, 1851, 399.
Cataractcs lonyccauda, }iLs.CGiJ.., Man. ii, 1842, 258.
Stercorarius longicauda, ^Kwr., Ibis, 18G5, .571.
(1) Catharacta cejjphus, Bhuxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, 3G.
Lestris cepphus, Kky.s. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 240.— Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 80;

Rev. Crit. 1850, 202; Cousp. ii, 1856, 209.— Des Muks, Tr. Ool. 1860,551.— Blas.,

J. f 0. 1&65. 3d4. •

Stercorarius cej)phus,Gu\Y, Geu. of B. iii, 1849, 653; List Br. B. 1863, 229.— Lawr., B.

N. A. 185f<, 840.— COUE.S, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861. 243.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863,

49.— BoAKDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Veku., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, lb62, liiO.—

Ali.en, ibid, iv, 1864, 90.
(1) Larm jHirasiticus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 819. Uncertain.
Cataractcs parasitica, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 310.— Maccml., Br. B. v, — .
Lestris parasitica, Tkmm., Man. Orn. iv, 1840, .502.— Lesson, Man. ii, 1823, 388 —Sw. &.

Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1S31, 430.— Nurr , Man. ii. 1834, —.—Jen., Man. 1K55, 2d3.—

EvT., Cat. lH3(i, 52.— Aui>., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 470; Syn. 1839, 333 ; B. Am. vii,

l'^44, 192, pi. 4.52.-GIH., B. L. I. 1844, 364.
Lestris huffoui, Boie, " in Meyer's Tasch. iii, ISUI, '>12 ;" Isis, 1822, 562.— Br., Svn. 1828.

No. 306; List, 1838,63.— K A LI', 8k. Ent. Eur. Thicrw. 18-J9, 47.— Less.! Tr.Orn.

1831, (ilC.-SciiiNZ, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 391.— Sciii.., R.v. Crit. 1844, 13"..— DeKav,

N; Y. Zoo), ii, 1844, 315, pi. 133, f 291.— Midi.., Sib. lieise, ii, 1853. 241.
Stercorarius huffoui. Coles, Pr. J'hila. Acad. Ih;:'.. 136; l*r. Ess. Inst. v. iN'.s, :{(i.-); Rev,

lh72, 309 ; Prybilov Isl. 1-^74, — . --MAL.%ni., .1. f. O. 186.5, 206.— Lawk., Ann. Lye.

N. V. viii, 1-66, 299.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 18(;9, 304.
Lestris cnpidatu, Bkeiim, Eur. Vog. 1823, 747; V. 1). 724.— Naim.. V. I), x. .534, pi. 274.
L«/*/((s/<«WH*,l)EGL., Mem. Acad. \{o\. Lille, lH38.—ScniN/., Eur, Fu. 1840,392. {I'ouiig.,
"Lestris brachyrhyuchus, microrhgnchus, Bkeii.m."

616 STERCOKARIUS BUFFONI, LONG-TAILED JAEGER.

DiAG. S. rectvicibus mediis ultra cccteras 8 ad 10 poll, porrectis.

Hah. — Coasts of North America and Europe, chiefly in higher latitudes. Interior of
Arctic America.

Adult, breeding plumage. — Bill shorter than the head, less than the middle toe without
the claw ; stout, compressed, higher than broad at the base, its sides regularly con-
verging. Ceral poriiou of culnieu broad, flat, depressed, slightly concave in outline;
ungual portion very decidedly declinato-convex to the greatly overhanging tip ; nar-
rower than the ceral. Toniia of superior mandible sinuate ; at iirst concave and ascend-
ing ; then convex and descending ; again very concave as they decurve toward the
deflected tip, just iiosterior to \j'hich there is an imperfect notch. Tomia of inferior
maxilla nearly straight to the tip, where they are decurved. Gonys very short, slightly
concave in outline. Emiuentia symj)hysis acute, but not very large ; rami very long
as compared with the gonys, but absolutely rather short, from the encroachment of the
feathers. Cere very short, being scarcely if at all longer than the unguis ; its lower bor-
der curviug upward to give passage to the nostrils. The encroachment of the feathers
on the bill is greater than that of any other species ; on the upper mandible they ex-
tend within half an inch of the distal end of the cere, having a broad, rounded termi-
nation, the feathers of the two sides meeting on and coveriug the culmen some distauce
from its real base. The feathers on the sides of the lower mandible extend nearly as
far as on the upper, and those between the ran i quite to the sympliysis. Wings ex-
ceedingly long ; first primary much the longest ; rest rapidly graduated ; all rather
narrow, tapering, falcate, actually pointed, their rhachides stift' and strong. Second-
aries short and inconspicuous ; rather broad ; their apices as in the other species.
Tertials moderately long, very straight, flexible, rounded at their extremities, the
edges of their vanes convoluted. Tail very long ; longer, both absolutely and rela-
tively, than in any other North American species, being half as long as the wings;
graduated, the lateral feather beiug three-fourths of an inch shorter than the next to
central pair ; all the feathers moderately broad, converging somewhat to their rather
broad, rounded tips. Central rectrices extremely lengthened, exceeding the wings;
projecting 8 to 10 inches beyond the tips of the lateral ones. They are extremely rigid
at the base, being there much stifler than the other feathers, but gradually become
flexible, and at length filamentous in character, but preserve great elasticity through-
out. They are about the same as the other feathers at their bases ; thence taper uni-
formly to their exceedingly acute tips. Their edges are sinuate Superior tectrices
moderately long ; the inferior reaching nearly to the tips of the rectrices. Feet quite
slender ; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Tibise bare of feathers for three-
fourths of an inch. The reticulation of the feet is identical with that alreadj' des-
cribed under other species. The scutella of the anterior face of the tarsus, however,
show a tendencj' to degenerate into minute plates near the tibio-tarsal joint. Propor-
tions of the toes as in other species, but the claws are comparatively small and weak,
and but moderately curved and acute.

Occiput decidedly subcrested. The latero-nuchal region has its feathers length-
ened, with disconnected fibrillaj, but they are hardly acuminate or rigid. The plum-
age about the bill is short, thick, and compact ; that of the upper parts is soft and
flexible, only moderately imbricated and compact ; that of the under parts is long, soft,
and very thick.

Bill dusky, its nail almost black. Tarsi deep leaden-blue ; tibia% phalanges, interdig-
ital membranes, and claws black. Occiput subcrested, more decidedly than in any other
species, forming a calotte of brownish-black, which color extends downward on the
cheeks, the feathers before and below the eye and on the sides of the bill being of this
color. Neck all round, but especially the sides of the head and the peculiarly-formed
feathers on the latero-nuchal region, light straw-yellow. Whole upper parts, with
upper wing and tail coverts, deep slate, which, on the primaries, secondaries, lateral
tail feathers, and distal half of central pair, deepens into a lustrous brownish-black.
Under surface of wings and tail deeper slate than the black, but not so deep as the
upper surfaces. Chin, throat, and upper breast white, gradually becoming obscured
with dusky-plumbeous, which deepens posteriorly, so that the abdomen and under tail
coverts are nearlj^ as dark as the back. Rhachides of first two or three i>rimaries pure
white, deepening into brownish-black at their tips ; of the other primaries, and of the
tail feathers (including the central pair), brown, except just at the base, blackening
terminally. Under surfaces of all the rhachides are white for nearly their whole length.

Diine)ibions. — Length of culmen, 1.15 inches; gape, 1.70; cere, 0.60; unguis about the
same; gonys, 0.30; from feathers on sides of bill to tip, 0.90 ; wing, 12.50 ; tail, 6.25;
central pair, 14.00 to 16.00 ; the projection, 8.00 to 10.00 inches ; tibiie bare, 0.75 ; tarsus,
l.GO ; middle toe without claw, 1.40.

The changes of plumage of this species being exactly like those of S. parasiticus, it
is unnecessary to repeat them.

Synongmii. — As already renuirked, while speaking of S. parasiticiis, it is exceedingly
difficult to determine to which of the two species of Jiiger the names "jjar«iitio«s" and

STERCORARIUS BUFFONI, LONG-TAILED JAEGER. 617

" ceppJius" really refer. This difficulty results partly fioui the brevity and vague char-
acter of the diagnoses given, and partly from the fact that the two species were really
confounded (except by Brisson) until a comparatively recent date. From this it re-
sults that many of the older names and citations may without difficulty be referred to
either species. This has beeu done; some authors considering Briiuuich's or Linmeus'
"parasiticus " to refer to the Long-tailed, and others thinking that it was based upon
the common species, until the identification of this name has become almost a matter
of choice, or rather of tacit understanding. A glance at tlie synonyms of the two spe-
cies will show that authors are about equally divided on this point. Before the intro-
duction of " riehardsoiii'^ by Swainson, the Common .Jiiger usually received the appel-
lation of parasiticus, bat after the adoption of Swaiuson's name for this species by
Temminck and others, the name parasiticus was for some years almost universally
applied to the Long-tailed Jiiger. Within the last few years, however, the name has
again reverted to the common species, and Buffon's Jiiger has usually been called
^^ cepphus.^^ This identification of Brliunich's name is sanctioned by Gray, Bonaparte,
and other writers. The following are my reasons for rather referring it to the young
pomarinus :

It is apparent, from almost every sentence of Briinnich's description of cepphus, that
he had in view a young bird of the year, in the state in which it is transversely waved
with rufous and dusky, &c. The only point to determine is, what species it is the
young of. Regarding its size, Briinuich compares it with his Catharacta skua, saying
that it is much suialler than that species, and the size of parasitica. The youug-of-the-
year oi pomatorhinus is more nearly the size of the adult parasiticus than is the young of
the Long-tailed Jiiger. The account of the colors, proportions, »5Lc., which follows,
agrees precisely with those of the jouug pomatorhiuus ; and when we remember that at
that time the diiferences between the Common and Buflbu's Jiiger were not appreciated,
it seems by no means certain that Briinnich had the latter in view in drawing up his
description. He would in that case have doubtless compured it with the parasiticus.
Moreover, authors who wrote but shortly after Briinnich's time, considered his cepplnis
to be the 2)omatorhimus ; thus, e. g., Latham places it as a synonym of that species. I by
no means insist upon its reference to j)o«i«to*7(a«Hs, but merely wish to show that it very
possibly belongs there, and that it is altogether too indefinite to be employed in either
connection. ,

The name longicaudatus of Brisson (1760) is the very first bne accompanied by a suf-
ficiently definite description to enable the species to be identified. As Brisson is no au-
thority for sjiecies, the name buffoni, proposed by Boie, is the first tenable specific
designation.

I have already given my reasons for referring the LarUs parasiticus, Latham, to this
species, rather than to the jyarasiticus of Briinnich.

The Lestris hssoui of Degland (18:^8) is, according to that author's own admission,
based upon the youg huffoiii. This same innnature plumage of this species has served
as the basis of Lestris crepidata of Brehm (1823).

Suhfamily LAKiNiE.

DiAG. Laridcc rostro integro, maxilloc 8upericr:3 apice aduncd, inferiorem exccdente.

Ch. Bill entire ; the apex of the upper mandible overhanging the tip of the lower.
Genei'al shajje of the bill as in Lestridincv. Eminentia symphysis always prominent.
Rami of inferior mandil>h- divaricating at an acute angle. Submental space partially
feathered. Feathers of lorehead extending further on the sides than on the cuhiien of
upper mandible. Nostrils direct, linear-oval, somewhat club-shaped, pervious, situated
on the side of the upper mandible near its base. Wings long, strong, and acutely
pointed, the first primary usually longest. Tail usually sqiutre. or very slightly emar-
giuate; sometimes forked; in Ixhodostclhia cuneate. Legs aniliulatorial, of moderate
length, placed far forward. Tibi;e denuded for a grealir or less sjjace below ; moder-
ately stout, anteriorly sciitellate, posteriorly smoothly rclieulate. Toes as in the other
subfamilies. Websmodcrattdy full, always more or less ( niarginate. Hind toe always
fully develope<l, except in lUssa. Of very variable sizr, liom the largest of the family
to nearly the smallest, riuuiage full and thick, especially beneath ; varying in color
greatly with age and season, hardly, if at all, with sex. Sexes of nearly ecpial size,
female usually a little the largest.

Anatomical characters. — For these see the account of the anatomy of L. argcntatus
{Hmillisoiiiaiius), a typical species well illustrating the internal structure of the w.holo
subfamily.

The numerous species of this cosmopolitan group have been unwarrantably subdi-
vided into a large nnnilicr of genera, so-called by modt-ru systematists. It may not bo
possil)le, even were it judgeil expedient, to detinc these genera as siuh ; for with tho
exception of the cnneate-tailed lihodostcthia, and X\w fork-tailed Xcina, no characters
are observed leyoud tho.se of pat tcru of coloration, by which the groups can be trench-

618 SUBFAMILY LAEIN^, GULLS.

autly separated, as the species are all variously interrelated.* Among the North Amer-
ican forma we may distinguish three genera, one of them with several sections, as
follows :

Analytical table of the North American genera and aeeiions of Larince.

I. Tail square Larus.

A. Head never hooded ; under parts never rosy-tinted; Size me-

dium and large ; bill stout.
a. Hallux well developed, with perfect claw.

1. Adult white, with a colored mantle Larus.

2. Adult dark, with white head Blasipus.

3. Adult entirely white Pagophila.

h. Hallux usually defective Rissa.

B. Head in summer hooded, and under parts rosy-tinted ; size

medium and small ; l>ill slender Chroecoceplialus.

II. Tail wedge-shaped ; neck collared ; small Rhodostethia.

III. Tail forked ; small; hooded aiul collared Xema.

large ; hooded, not collared Creagrus.

Suhgemis Larus, Linn.

<^ Lams, Linn., Syst. Nat. 173.5-1766 ; et auct.
< Gavia, Mokhr., Gen. Av. 1752.

> Lenciis, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 86. (i. marinm.)

> Laroidcs, Brehm, 1830. — Bp., Cousp. ii, 1850, 217. {L. argeniatus.)
"^ Plautus, Reich., 1853. (L. argcntatus.)

5> Glancns, BiiUCH, J. f. O. 1853, 101. {L. glaucus.)

'y- Dominicanus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 100. (i. marinus.)

> Laroides, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 281. (i. glaucus.)

> Garina, Bp., Consp. Av. 1856, 222. {L. audouini.)
^ L'eucus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 215. (L. glaucus.)

5> Clupeilarus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 220. {L. fuscus.)
;> Gabianus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 212. (i. pacificus.)

Gen. char. Bill shorter than the head or tarsus, large, strong, more or less robust,
usually very stout, deep at the base, higher than broad, compressed throughout, the
apex not very acute and never much attenuated or decurved. Culmen about straight
to beyond the nostrils, then convex, the amount of curvature increasing toward, the
end, varying in different species. Commissure slightly sinuate at its extreme base,
then about straight to near the end, where it is more or less arcuato-declinate. Emi-
nentia symphysis always large, prominent, and well defined, rather obtuse, seldom
acute. Nostrils placed rather far forward in a well-defined uasal fossa, lateral, longi-
tudinal, pervious, rather broader anteriorly than posteriorly. Feathers of forehead
extending considerably farther on the sides of the upper mandible than on its culmen,
but falling considerably short of the nostrils. Wings when folded reaching beyond the
tail, the remiges strong, not very acute, first longest, second but little shorter, rest rap-
idly graduated. Tail of moderate length, always even, never forked nor rounded.
Legs rather slender, of moderate length ; tibiae bare for a considerable distance above
the joint, the naked part smooth. Tarsi about equal to or a little longer than the mid-
dle toe and claw, varying l)ut slightly in proportions among the different species; anteri-
orly scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate. Hallux fully developed and always
present. Anterior claws stoat, strong, little curved, rather obtuse, the inner edge of
the middle one dilated. Webs full and broad, scarcely iucised.

Of very large or medium size, never very small. Robust and powerful. Comprising
the largest species of the subfamily and those typical of it. White, with a darker
mantle, without a hood ; the head and neck in winter streaked with dusky.

The preceding paragraphs express the essential characters of the subgenus Larus, as it
is here accepted. I take as my type of the section the old Linuiean L. canus, and con-
sider as congeneric with that species all the true Gulls which are white, with yellow-
ish bills, witli a darker mantle, without hoods, and with the head and neck streaked,
with dusky in winter, and which have squarely truncated tails and perfectly developed.

* The character of defective hallux, supposed to distinguish Rissa, does not always
hold ; for in a North Pacific form, not specifically distinguishable from R. tridactyla, the
hind toe is jierfectly formed. Pagoplula has stout, roughisli tarsi. The species of
"Hooded Gulls" {Chrcecocephahis, &c.) are generally small and delicate slender-billed
species; but one, at least, is among the largest of the Gulls, while from the slender,
tern-iiko form of the bill, seen in C. miuutus and jyhiladelpkia, the transition is gradual
and unbroken to species with a very stout hooked bill.

SUBFAMILY LARIN^, GULLS. 619

halluces. It will be seen that the definition excludes all the Xemce, which seem to form
a very natural section by themselves, and, among the Larcce proper, excludes liissa,
with its usually imperfect hallux ; Pagophila, with its entirely white color and some
peculiarities of form ; and the whole group of dark colored, usually red-billed. Gulls,
comprising Leucopluius, Blasiims, Adelarus, &c.

The old genus, Larus, has been, to an entirely unwarrantable extent, subdivided by
some late sj^stematists. There being scarcely a)iy appreciable difl'erences of form amon?T
most of the Ixtri, these authors have based generic characters upon the color of tlie
mantle and j^ri^Mirics. But between two extremes of color, e. g. L. iHarivus and glaticits
(from slaty black to the lightest of pearly or whitish blue), there is found every shade,
and such features as these should not be made grounds for generic divisions. If it
be admitted that the "genera" of Lari tyinci are quite arbitrary, ^established to facili-
tate the determination and recollection of species, somewhat after the fashion of an
index, in which subjects are arranged after some fixed and previously agreed upon
order of sequence, their usefulness cannot be questioned, but I do not think that they
are natural genera.

We find among the Lari three, perhaps four, groups, the species of each of which are
more closely allied among themselves than are those of the dittereut groups. They
may be thus arranged and defined :

A. " JVhite-winged Gulls." — Of large size, inhabiting exclusively the higher latitudes
of the Northern Hemisphere ; with exceedingly light-bluish, sometimes almost white,
mantles, and white or bluish primaries, without any black on them ; light yellow biils ;
flesh-colored legs. This group constitntes the genus Glaucns of Bruch (1853) ; Laroides
of Bruch (1855) ; Leucus of Bonaparte (1856). All the well-accredited species are rep-
resented in North America. They are three in number — glaucus, leucopterus, and qlau-
cescens.

B. '^ Blacl -hacked Gulls." — Of the very largest and medium size, cosmopolitan ; with
slaty-black mantles ; primaries crossed with black ; yellowish bills, flesh-colored legs.
They again are of two types — a larger, embracing the most powerful known Gulls {ma-
rinus, &c.), upon which is founded Bruch's genus Dominicanus ; and a smaller, com-
prising L. fitscus and its representative species from various parts of the world, serving
as the type of Bonaparte's genus Clupeilarus.

C. '^Herring Gulls." — Of rather large and medium size, cosmopolite; the quite numer-
ous species all having the bill yellowish, with a spot of red at the emiuentia; the legs
flesh-colored ; the mautle some shade of blue ; the primaries crossed with black. Upon
the type of this section is based Laroides of Brehm. The type is the European Her-
ring Gull — argentaftis of Briinnich ; intimately allied species or varieties are, smith-
sonianus, Coims ; michahellesii, Bruch; occidentalis, Aadnhou ; (?)6on'a/is, Brandt. Cali-
fornicus. Lawrence, is exactly intermediate betweeu this and the succeeding section.

D. " Mew Gulls." — Of medium and small size, inhabiting the Northern Hemisphere ;
greenish-yellow bill, not very robust ; bluish mantles ; prinuiries crossed with black ;
legs greeuish-yellow, instead of flesh-color. Typical Larus of Linna>us, comprising
dclawareusis, Ord ; canus, Linnieus ; hrachyrhynchus, Eichardsou ; aud other representa-
tive species and varieties.

The North American species may be tabulated as follows :

Analysis oj the North American Lari,

A. Large and robust: mantle whitish or pale-pearly ; no black on

primaries at any age.

a. Mautle very pale; prinuiries the same, fading insensi-
bly into white far from the tips.

1. Larger: length, about l>0 inches; wing, 18.00 or

more; bill and tarsus, each, about 3.00 GLAucus.

2. Smaller: length, about 2A inches; wing, 17 or

less ; bill, about 2 ; tarsus, 2.25 leucopterus.

h. Mantle light blue ; primaries the same, with definite

white tips GLAUCESCEXS.

B. Very large: mantle slatj'-blackish ; prinjaries crossed with

black ; size of the first M,VRLNUS.

C. Large: mantle some shade of blue, darker than in A, lighter

than in B; ])rimaries crossed with black; feet flesh-colored.

1. Mantle grayish-bhie; bill moderately ro-

bust ,. AiJGKNTATiTS var. smithsouianus.

2. Mantlt! slaty-blue; bill very robust.. ai!(;kntatus var. occidentalis.

D. Medium aud small : i)rimari<'s crossed with black; feet dark;

webs yellow.

1. Tarsus obviously longer tluiu tlie luiddlo toe
and claw ; bill of adult greenish-yellow, ern-
circli'd with a black band; first primary
usually with a sub-a]>ieal white spot ;
length, about 18—20 iuchcs 1)i:l.vwakensis.

620 LARUS GLAUCUS, GLAUCOUS, GULX.

1^ Tarsus little if any longer than middle toe
and claw ; bill with a red spot, but an im-
pei'fect black band, if any; first primary
usually with the end broadly white; length,
about "20 — 22 inches delawahexsis var. californicus.

2. Tarsus little if any longer than the middle
toe and claw ; bill slender, without a black
band or red spot ; size, very small; length, ■
16 or — inches canus var. irachyrhynchus.

LARUS GLAUCUS, Briiun.
Glaucous Gull; Burgomaster.

Zarus glaucus, Brunn., Oru. Bor. 1764, 44.— Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 757.— Temm., Man. ii,

1820, 757.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 562.— Steph., Geu. Zool. xiii, 1826, 189.— Flem., Br.

Anim. 1828, 139,— Bp., Svn. 1828, 361 ; List, 1838, 03.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii,

1831, 416.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 306.— Jen., Man. 1835, 279.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B.

1836, 53.— Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 733.— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 59, pi. 396; Syn.

1839, 329 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 170, pi. 449.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 350, pi. 264.—

Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 96.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842. 247.— GiR., B. L.

I. 1844, 363.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 125.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654; List

Br. B. 1863, 230.— Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 1853, 241.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 842.—

Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 16.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. 1861, 243 ; 1862, 294 ; Pr. Ess.

Inst. V, 1868, 306; Key, 1872, 311.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 509.— Schl., Mus. P.-B.

iv, 1863, Lari, 4.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Dai>l & Bann., Tr.

Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 304. — Elliot, introd. B. N. A. fig. — . — Radde, Reiseu, ii,

1863, 382 (Siberia).— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 381.
Leucus glaums, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 86.— Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 215 ;

Compt. Rend, xlii, 1856, 770.
Plautus glaucus, Reicil, Syst. Av. pi. 47, figs. 316-17-18.
Laroides glaucus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 281.

Zarus glacialis, Benicken.— Macgil., Mem. Wern. Soc. v, 1824, 270.— Brehm, V. D. 732.
Glaucus glacialis, Bruch, J. f. 1853, 101, pi. 2, f. 14 (Schlegel says this ^^leucopterus).
Zaroiiles glacialis, Buuch, J. f. O. 1855, 282.
" Larus giganteus, Benicken."

Zarus consul, BoiE, " Wied. Zool. Mag. i, 757.-'— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 735.
Glaucus consul, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101.
Zarus islandicus, Edmonston, Mem. Wei-n. Soc. iv, 1822, pp. 176, 182 ; not of Edmon-

STON, ibid. 1823, which = leucopterus.
Zarus hutchinsii, Rich., F. B. Am. ii, 1831, 419.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 290.—

CouES, ibid. 294.— LAwai., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst.

V, 306.~Elliot, B. N. a. ii, pi. 53.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 304.
(l)Zeucus arcUcus, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 216.
" Zarus leucerftes, Schleep."
" Zarus Icuconotus, Auct." — (Bp.) (But what authors?)

DiAG. Z.pallio albido aut dilute perlaceo, primariis similibus versus apices scnsim nee statim,
albis, staturd inter maximos. Long. 30 poll., rostr. et tars. 3 + jjo/L

Hab. — Northern and Arctic Seas, circumpolar ; south in winter on the Atlantic coast
of North America to Long Island.

Adult summer plumage. — Very large, nearly or quite equaling i. marmus. Bill large
and strong ; very wide, but not so deep at the angle nor so much arched toward the
termination of the culmeu as in marinus. Bill about as long as the middle toe and
clav?. Second primary nearly equaling the first. Bill chrome-yellow, with a tinge of
olivaceous, the tip diaphanous, the sides of the symphyseal eminence with a small spot
of vermilion. Mautle very light pearl-blue (or bluish-wliite). Primaries a shade
lighter than back, fading insensibly into pure white a considerable distance from their
tips. Shafts of primaries straw-yellow. Legs and feet pale flesh-color. Otherwise
vrholly white.

Adult in winter. — The head and neck are streaked with pale brownish -gray.

¥oung-of-the-year.^-^' Streaked longitudinally on the neck with pale wood-brown ;
the upper plumage barred transversely with ashy-gray aud grayish-yellow ; the tail
irregularly spotted. The shafts of the primaries white, and the spots on the webs
much paler tliau iu the young of Z. marinus and argentatus. Tlio bill horn-colored at
the base ; brownish-black at the tip. Feet flesh-colored." — [i?k/i.]

Dimensions of adult. — Length, 30 inches ; extent of wings, 62 ; wing from carpus,

LARUS GLAUCUS, GLAUCOUS GULL. 621

18.50 ; bill along culmen, 2.75 to 3.00 ; along rictus, 3.75 ; depth opposite nostrils, 0.80 ;
at angle, 0.85 ; tarsns, 3.00 ; middle toe and claw, 2.75.

One of the largest and most powerful of the subfamily, nearly equaling in these
respects the L. marinus. Tbe combination of the large size and the extremely light
colors render it perfectly easy to distinguish it at a glance. The well-delined, rounded,
white apical spots of the primaries of (jlaucesccns at once separate that species. The
differences of leucopteru8^ as shown by the dimensions, may be seen by comparing the
measurements given.

All authors are agreed as to the great variation in size which this species presents.
Sabine found one to measure 32 by 65 inches, with a tarsus 3.50 and a bill upward of
4 inches long. The dimensions given are, it is believed, about the average.

Note. — "■ Larus hutchinsii." — lu earlier papers I recognized this as a species distinct
from L. glaucus, basing characters as follows:

Adult {TV]) — Entire plumage pure white; shafts of primaries straw-yellow. Bill
flesh-colored, blackish on the terminal third. Feet flesh-colored.

Young. — Head, neck, and upper parts white, mottled with light reddish-brown, ap-
pearing on the back as irregular patches, and on the rump as more or less regular
transver.se bars. Under parts nearly uniform, very pale reddish-brown ; the under tail
coverts barred with white. Wings and tail pure white, with yellow shafts.

Dbnensions. — Length, 27.50; extent, 60.00; wing, 17.75; bill along culmen, 2.40; along
gape, 3.20 ; height at nostrils, 0.70 ; tarsus, 3.40 ; middle toe and claw, 3..50.

The particular coloration of the bill, however, is against the supposition that the
bird is adult, as this coloration is the ordinary style in young birds of this group. I
am now disinclined to allow that the bird is anything more than some stage of L. glau-
cus, although it is difiicult to account for the absence of any shade of pearly-blue on the
mantle. In the foregoing synonymy I assign it to glaitcus, with this explanation; and
in further elucidation of the question I present the following remarks, just as I find
them in my Mss. prepared in 1863:

" Under the above name, and by the foregoing description, I wish to indicate a form
of Gull as larse, or almost as large, as glaucus, differing from this species mainly in
being pure white all over, and in having a differently colored bill. It looks, indeed,
like an albino glaucus ; but, as other species of Gulls are equally liable to albinism, we
should not find so many albinos of glaucus to so few, if any, of other species. Glaucus,
as is well known, grows lighter with age, bat is never wholly pure white; at least I
have seen none such, nor have I found descriptions of such a condition. And, more-
over, the bill of an old glaucus is never of the color of what I call hutchinsii. In this
respect the bird is like young glaucus, leucopierus, &c. This fact excites suspicion that
the bird may be an immature, if not an abnormal, ///awcHS ; yet I have no more au-
thority for saying so than for denying that it is so. I do not know that I clearly recog-
nize, or could .separate, specimens of young hutchinsii (supposing it to be distinct) from
young glaucus, but the adults are not to be mistaken for each other.

" I revived this overlooked species in the ' Proceedings,' as above. We have now
several specimens in the Smithsonian, from widely separated localities. One of them
was taken in winter in New York State. Other specimens are in Captain Rodgers'
collections, from the North Pacific, where the bird is represented to be common. These
are iioticeil l)y Mr. Ca.s.'-in, as above quoted. There is a New England specimen in the
Museum of the Peabody Academy, at Salem, Massachusetts, mentioned by me, as
above, in the I-^sex Institute Proceedings. In selecting a name fV)r this bird I have
been perplexed, rather from not knowing which one to chooser than from any dearth of
names. Ornithologists differ as to the .synonymy. Bonaparte (Consp. Av.) calls it
' arcticus, Macgill.' and puts ' argcntatus, Sabine,' as a .synonym. Both of these au-
thors speak of their subjects as having a notable amount of blue on the back — the
latter writer especially, dwelling on this character ('back pure pearl-gray, with a good
deal of blue,' &c.) Their descrijitions, beyond question, refer to leucopierus, as, indeed,
one of them (Macgillivray) snlxsequently afliiined. Sabine gives (Mem. B. Greenland,
Trans. Linn. Soc. xii, 1818), under head of L. glaucus, a full and accurate description
of hutchinsii, which he considers as a variety of glaucus, ' caused by sickness or a
scarcity of supply of food. I have not been able to examine tlio original notice of L.
glacialis, I'xnicken ;' but Brucli, who adopts that name, sj)eaks of tlie gull-blue of the
ujiper |)arts. The name is therefore not to be u.sed in this connection. Bonaparte
gives as a synonym ' Icuconoius, A net.', though what authors lie refers to I have not
been able to deterniine. This name wouUl seem to belong liere. I do not know
whether or not it antedates hutchinsii, ])roposed in 1831, for a liird that can bo no other
tlian the one now under discussion. Bonaparte's Con.spectus Gaviarnm differs much
from bis Conspectus Avium with regard to ♦/iiis species. In the latter he admits it a.s
valid, assigning specific characters iind synonymy. In the former he discards it, and
scatters the synonymy iudiscriiiiinately among several species."

622 LAEUS LEUCOPTERUS, WHITE-WINGED GULL.

LARUS LEUCOPTERUS, Faber.

White-winged Gull.

Larus argentatus, Sabine, Linn. Trans, xii, 1818, 546. Not of authors.

Larus arqentatus, var., Tkmm., Man. ii, 764.

Lams hucopterus, Faber, Prod. Isl. Oru. 1822, 91.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 361; List, 1838,63.—
Sw. & Rich., F. B. Am. ii, 1831, 418.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 305.— AuD., Orn.
Biog. iii, 1835, 553, pi. 282 ; Syn. 1839, 327 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, — , pi. — .— Eyt.,
Cat. Br. B. 1836, 53.— Temm., Man. iv, 1840, 467.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 367, pi.
265.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 96.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842,247.— Schl.,
Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 125.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654 ; List Br. B. 1863,
230.— Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 1853, 242.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 843; Ann. Lye. N.
Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 294 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
306 ; Key, 1872, 311.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. s, 1874, 393 (Ohio, Wheaton).—
Vekr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 160.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 90.— Dall & B.vnn.,
Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 304.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. ix, 1863, Lari, 5.— Blas., J. f. O.
1865, 382.

Plautus leucopiertis, Reich.

Glaums leucopterus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 217.

Laroides leticopterus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 281.— Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 745.

Larus arcticus, Macgil., Mem. Wern. Soc. v, 268.

tarus (jlaucoides, " Temm.''— Boie, Isis, 1822, 562.— Temm., Man. iv, 1840, 469.

Laroides glaucoides, Brkhm, V. D. 744.

Laru^ islandicus, Edmonst., Mem. Wern. Soc. iv, 1823, 503 ; not of Edmonst., 1822.—
Flem., Br. An. 1828, 139.— Jen., Man. 1835, 279.

Laroides minor, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 736, pi. 37, f. 2.

Laroides subleucopterus, Brehm, V. D. 746.

Dlag. L. glaiico omnino similis, sed minor. Long. Mpedalis ; rostr. 2.00 jyoll., tars. 2.25.
Hah. — With the preceding.

Adult in summer.— BWX rather small, the symphyseal eminence very largelj"^ devel-
oped; the depth at the angle but little more than at the nostrils. First primary
longest. Tarsus not longer than the middle toe and claw. Bill greenish-yellow,
chrome along the tomia and toward the extremity ; the tip diaphanous ; the vermilion
spot on the lower mandible rather small. Mantle and wings light pearl-blue, this color
toward the tips of the primaries, secondaries, and tertials fading insensibly into white.
Bases of the primaries the same color as the body of the feather ; without well-defined,
rounded white apices, their rhachides straw-yellow. Legs and feet flesh-colored.

Adult in winter. — As in summer, but the head and neck narrowly streaked with
dusky-gray.

Young. — "Pale, dusky cinereous, with a few slightly darker spots; the primaries
somewhat darker at their tips." — IBj}.']

Dimensions.— Length, 24 inches; wing, 16.75; bill along culmen, 1.80; along rictus,
2.80 ; depth at angle, 0.65 ; tarsus, 2.25 ; middle toe and claw the same.

This species is a perfect counterpart of L.glaucus : but, although quite identical in
colors, may be readily distinguished by its greatly inferior size. IBeside this there are
some differences of proportion. The specimens before me have disproportionally weaker
bills than has the adult glaucus; the tarsus is not longer than the middle toe and claw,
and the first primary is decidedly longest. The rather larger size, darker primaries,
and their tliew tvell-defincd, round, ajjieal spots readily distinguish the glaucescens.

There is a remarkable discrepancy in the statements of authors concerning the di-
mensions of this species. Thus, Bonaparte gives 20 inches, while Richardson says 26!
The specimens before me average about 24 inches, as above given.

The discussion of the synonyms "argentatus, Sabine," and " arcticus, Macgill." is pre-
sented under the head of L. hutchinsii. Macgillivray's name is certainly a synonym of
leucoptcrus, Faber, as he himself subsequently admits; notwithstanding which, Bona-
parte, in his Conspectus, adopts it for what I call hutchinsii, upon what grounds does
not appear. Teraminck at first considered this species as a variety of the common
Herring Gull {L. argentatus). He subsequently, however, became convinced of his
error and named it L. glaucoides — an appropriate title, but antedated. In 1823 Ed-
monston (op. cit) applies the name islandicus to this species, only a year after he had so
named the L. glaucus.

LARUS GLAUCESCENS, Licht.
Glaucoiis-M inged Gull.

Larus glaucescens, Light.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 842.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad, 1862,
295; Key, 1872, 311.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 270.— Elliot, B.

LARUS GLAUCESCENS, GLAUCOUS-WINGrD GULL. 623

r"

N. A. lutrod. fig. of primaries (with labels of tbis and the accompanyinfi figure
transposed). — Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 304. — Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii,
1872, 83.

Glaucus (jlauccscens, Brucii, J. f. O. 1853, 101.

Laroides glancescens, Bhuch, J. f. O. 1855, 281.

Leitcus glaucescens, Bp., Cousp. Av. ii, 185G, 216 ; Couipt. Rend, xlii, 1856, 770.

Larus glaiicopterus, " Kittlitz."

Glaucus gJdiicojjterus, Bhoch, J. f. O. 1853, 101.

Laroides chalcopterus, BiiuCH, J. f. O. 1855, 282.

Leticus chalcoptentti, Bp., Cousp. Av. i', 1856, 216 ; Com])t. Rend, xlii, 1856, 770.

Larus chalco])terus, Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 843. — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 295.

DiAO. L. pallio ca^nleO'perlaceo fere ut in L. argentato, priviarUs dorso concoloribus, apici-
bus statim nee sensim albis.

(The shade of the mantle is idmost exactly as in argenlatus, and the primaries are
pictured exactly as in that species, the black of argenlatus beiug replaced by a pearly-
blue like the mantle.)

Sp. Ch. — Bill long and rather weak, the upi^er mandible acute and projecting con-
siderably beyond tip of the under, the convexity near the end comparatively slight ;
angle pretty well defined, the outline between it and the tip about straight. First
primary longest ; the tarsus rather longer than the middle toe and claw.

Adult iu summer. — Bill light yellow, an orange spot at the angle of the lower mandi-
ble, and a dusky one just above. Mandible pearl-blue, much the same shade as in
(D-geutatus. Primaries scarcely darker than the back, all with well-defined, rounded
apical spots of white. First, the base not appreciably lighter than the body of the
feather, with a well-defined white spot on both webs near the end, sepai-ated from the
white tip by a transverse band of the color of the body of the feather ; second, third,
and fourth, basal portions notably lighter than the terminal, fading into pure white at
their juncture with the latter, without spots except at the apex; fifth, sixth, basal i)or-
tions the color of the back, fading into white near the end, separated from the white
apices by a band, narrowest on the sixth, of the color of the outer primaries. Inner
primaries like the secondaries, with plain broadly white ends. Feet light liesh-color.

Adult ht winter. — Head, neck, and breast thickly iiebulated with light grayish-dusky,
the throat mostly immaculate.

Approaching ma(urit)/. — Bill dark-colored, yellowish along the culmen and gonys.
Wings and tail light grayish-ashy, the former Avithout sharply-defined white tips or
spots. Under parts generally marked with dusky, the wing coverts marked with
dusky and white. Feathers of the back narrowly edged with gray.

lutermediate. — Bill flesh-colored, the terminal portion black. Wings and tail darker
than in the jireceding, especially on the outer webs of the former. Everywhere dusky-
gray, more or less mottled with white, the gull-blue of the upper parts appearing as
mottling of greater or less extent.

Young-of-the-gear. — Bill black. Everywhere deep grayish-dusky, somewhat mottled
with whitish; the feathers of the back, wings, and upper tail coverts edged, tipped,
and crossed witli n»«re or less regular ti'ansverse bars of grayish-white.

Nestling, nearly Jledged. — Dark gray; under parts, wings, and tail transversely waved
with rufous ; under parts nearly pure dark ashy-gray ; l)ill and feet black.

Nestling, unjhdgtd. — Bill and feet black; head and neck dull whitish, irregularly
spotted w'v\\ blackish; upper parts spotted with grayish-black and grayish-white;
under [)arts more uniform gray, the abdomen fading into white.

Dimensions. — Length, about 27 inches; wing, 16.75; bill above, 2.25; gape, 3.25;
height at angle, 0.70 ; tarsus, 2.60 ; middle toe and claw, 2.50.

Hub. — Pacific coast of North America.

The present is a well characterized species. The nu)st striking peculiarity of form
is in the bill, in the very slight comparative convexity of the culmen near the end, the
tip being slender and acute and projecting considcralily over the tip of the lower man-
dible. This form of bill is recognizable even in the young-of-the-year, in wliicli the
bill is every way ninch mualler than in the adult. The color of the upper parts is
much that of L. argiutatns. The terminal spots of the ])riniaries are ay well defined us
in the s])e(ieM with black |uiniaries, and are much and regularly rounded. The shafts of
the (piill- feathers are nuich the color of the webs. The dusky of the young birds is very
light, and, except iu the early stages, is much mottled with grayish-white. The upper
parts soon became very light-colored by the broad whitish margins of the feathers.
The primarit's early acquire notably lighter tips, but do not ()btaiu the well-<letined
white terininiil ai)e.\es, nor the spot on the first primaries, till maturity. The prima-
ries of the youngest birds have a shade of silvery-gray, which is quite peculiar, and very
dilfereut from the color of those i)arts in the young of (Iu- Gulls with black jiriuiaiies.

Larux glauveneeuH may be considered a well-estaldislied species. .\s already noted,
it is when adult almost exactly like au argenlatus with tho black of the primaries re-

624 LARUS MAEINUS, BLACK- BACKED GULL.

placed by a pearly gray-blue shade like that of the mantle. Yonng birds in all stages
are paler and grayer than the corresponding stages of ar(/en1atiis. Agreeing with JeAi-
copterus in respect of size, (jlauctscens may be immediately known by the pattern of the
j)rimaries; the pearly-bine color continning imdiminished in intensity to the tips of
the feathers, instead of fading gradually into white as in glaucns and Jeucopterus.

I have never seen a specimen purpoi'ting to be " chalcoj^ ferns," which Mr. Lawrence
admitted in 1858. As described, it is "exactly like leucoptcrus, except on the primaries,
which are ashy-gray, with rounded white apical spots" — which is precisely the char-
acter of f/Iaucescens. The young are said to be " dark gray, as in glaucopteruH^' (of Kitt-
Wxz, ^ (jiancescens, Licht.) There is not the slightest likelihood that it is anything
more than <jlauctsctiis, probably In somewhat immature condition.

LARUS MARmUS, Liau.

Great Black-backed Gull.

Lams marinns, LixN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 225.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 598.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. ii, 1790, 813.— Temm., Man, 1815, 490.— Boie, Isis, 1822, 562.— Steph., Gen.
Zool. xiii, 1826, 186.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 140.— Bp., Syn. 1828, — ; List, 18.38,
63.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 308.— Brehm., V. D. 1831,' 731.— Jen., Man, 1835,
278.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 53.-AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 305; v, 1839, 636; pi. 241 ;
Svn. 1839, 329; B. Am. vii, 1844, 172, pi. 450.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 439, pis.
268, 269.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842,
244.— Gu?., B. L. L 1844, 361.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 124; Mus. P.-B. ix, 1863,
Lari, p. —.—Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654 ; List Br. B. 1863, 231.— Lawr., B,
N. A. 1858, 844 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Buy., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861,
72.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 244 ; ibid. 1862, 295; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
306 ; Key, 1872, 312.— BoARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Veer., Pr. Ess.
Inst, iii, 1862, 160.— Aelen, ibid, iv, 1864, 90.— Sharpe & Dress., B. Eur. pt.
XV, Dec. 1872. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. x, 391 (Lake Michigan, Velie); and of authors.

Leuciis marinns, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 86.

Dominicatnis marinns, Bruch., J. f. 0.1853,100; 1855, 280. — Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856,
213; Conipt. Rend, xlii, 1856, 770.

Lams Jiifier, Briss., Oru. vi, 1760, 1.58.

Larus nmrns, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 225.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 598.— Lath., Ind.
Orn. ii, 1790, 814.

Lams albns, MtJLL., Syst. Nat. Suppl. 1776, 108.

Lams macnlatus, Bodd., Tabl. P. E. 1783, 16.

Lams wiflj-miffs, Leach, Cat. 1816, 40. — Brehm, V. D. 1831, 728.

Lams mulleri etfabricii, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 729, 730.

DiAG. L. staturd maximus, palHo scMstaceo-nigro. Long. 30.00 ^?o?7.

Hab. — American and European coasts of the Atlantic. South in winter to Long
Island (to Florida, And.). Great Lakes and the Mississippi (And.).

Adnlf, breeding plumage. — Size very large ; general form strong, compact, aud power-
ful. Bill very stout, deep at the angle, rather short for its height; culmen toward the
end exceedingly convex, so much so as to make a tangent to it at the point where the
tip of the lower mandible touches it perpendicular to the commissure. Symphyseal
eminence very large aud prominent ; tarsus but little if any longer than the middle
toe and claw, compressed, rather slender for the size of the bird. Interdigital mem-
branes broad, scarcely emarginate. Bill bright chrome, the tip of both mandibles
diaphanous. A large bright vermilion spot occupies nearly the terminal half of the
lower mandible and encroaches a little on the upper. Edges of jaws bright vermilion.
Palate and tongue pale orange-red. Eyelids vermilion. Iris pale lemon-yellow. Legs
and feet pale flesh-color. Mantle intense slate-color, nearly black, with a purplish re-
flection. The secondaries and tertials broadly tipped with white, the line of demarca-
tion distinct. Primaries: Jirsi, black, scarcely lighter at its base, its tip white for 2^
inches, its shaft white inferiorly, and sni>8riorly along the white portion of tbe feather ;
second, like the first, but its base lighter, the white tip less exteusive, and interrupted
by a narrow bar of black on one or both webs ; third, fourth, ffth, broadly tipped with
white, their bases of a lighter shade of slate than the second, and fading into white at
the junction with the bioud black subterminal band.

Adult in winter. — As in summer, but the head and neck streaked with dusky.

Yonng-of-the-ijcar. — As large as the adult ; the bill as large, but not so strong, nor the
eminence so well developed ; wliolly blade. Upper parts wholly dusky chocolate-
brown, mottled with whitish and 1 ght rufous, the latter on the back and wing.s, the
feathers being tipped and the wing coverts deeply indented with this color. Under
parts mottled with white or rufbus-white and dusky, the throat mostly immaculate.

LARUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 625

Primaries and tail deep brownish-black, the former tipped, subterminally barred, and
its outer feather mottled, with whitish.

iJimerisions.—'Lenth, 30.00 inches ; extent, 65.00 ; wiug from the carpus, 18.50 ; bill
above, 2.50 ; rictus, 3..50 ; height at nostril, 0.85 ; at angle, 0.95; tarsus, 3.00; middle
toe and claw slightly less.

The very large size of this bird and its dark colors at once separate it from any other
of North America, and render comparisons nuuecessary.

I cannot uuderstand the following statement of Audubon (B. Am. vii, p. 178) : "The
most remarkable circumstance relative to these birds is, that they either associate with
another species, giving rise to a hybrid breed, or that when very old they lose the dark
color of the back, which is then of the same tint as that of L. argciifafus, or even
lighter." It is ditticult to understand how Audubon could have entertained such an
opinion. That the marinits should accidentally hybridize with argcutatiis or glauciis is
not impossible, though improbable ; but to suppose that it regularly does so. or that
it " grows gray " with the advancing years, seems unreasonable. Audubon's state-
ment that the Lurim argentatus {smithaonianus) is not found on the Labrador coast, is
equally erroueous.

Botli Bonaparte and Bruch give several species of Dominicanus, all more or less closely
allied with tiie present. The species found in North America is the true marinus of
Linmeus, whatever may be said of the relationships of the others.

For so long known a species the present has remarkably few synonyms, owing to the
many distinctive characters presented by it. Kfcvius of Gnjelin, and also probably
macuJaiiis of Boddiert, are based upon the immature bird. MacuJatus of Briiunich,
however, caunot be this species, since it is said to be of the same size as L, canus. As
usual, several nominal species have been instituted by Brehm.

LAEUS AEGENTATUS, Biiinn.

Herring Gull.

a. argentatus.

Lzrus cinereus. Briss., Orn. vi, 1760, 160, pi. 14.

Larus argentatus, BKtJNX., Orn. Bor. 1764, 44.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,600.— Tejoi., Man.
1820, 764 ; iv, 1840, 470.— Boie, Isis, 1822, 562.— Wolf & Mkv., Zusiit. Tasch.
1822, 195.— Stkpii., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 191.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 140.— Jen.,
Man. 1835, 276.— Eyt., Cat. 18H6, 52.— Bi'., List, 1838, 63.— Keys. & Bl.\.s., Wirb.
Eur. i, 1840, 96.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, -246.- Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 124.—
Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 306.— Gu.w, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654 ; List Br. B. 1863
232.— Haktl., Syst. Orn. W. Afr. 1857, 251.— Sche., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, 16
(includes the other varieties). — Bocage, Joru. Sc. Lisbon, 1868, 149, 330. —
Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 380 (unites leucophieus, michahellesii, and cavlnnuanft). —
Dress., B. Eur. pt. — , pi. — .

Laroidcs argetitatits, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 740. — Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 282. — Bp., Cousp. ii,
1856, 218 ; Naum. 1854, 212.

Glancus argentatus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101.

Lams fiiscus, Penx., Brit. Zool. ii, 1768, 131. — Xec Auctt. — MoNT., Orn. Diet. 1802.

Goeland d mantean gris, Buff., Hist. Nat. Ois. viii, 1781, 406, pi. 32.— P. E. 253.

Larus marinus, var. /3., Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 814.

LaruH glaucus, Retz., Fn. Suec. i, 1800, 1.56.— Wolf & Mey., Tasch. ii, 1810, 471. —
Benick., Ann. Wett. Ges. Nat. iii, 1812, 138.— Temm., Man. 1815, 493 (partly).—
Kec AuciT.

Larus argentcns, Bhehm, Beit. Vogc-lk. iii, 1822, 781, 799.

LarohUs argcnteus, Brehm, V. 1). 1831, 741.

Larus argentatoidcs, Brehm, Beit. Vogelk. 1822, 791, 799 (partly).

Laroidcs argentatoidcs, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 742.

Larun argentatoides.TuoMVs., 1*. Z. S. 1835, 83 (Ireland).

Laroidcs major, liREH.M, V. D. 1831, 738.

Laroidcs argentaceus, Breilm, V. D. 1831, 742. — Br., Cousp. ii, 1856, 218.

b. smithsoniamis.

Larus argcntaioides, Brehm, Beitr. Viigelk. 1822, 791, 799 (in part; "Gornianv and
America.")— (?)Bi'., Syn. 1828,360, No. 299 (may be dvtan-arcnsis).—C)k\\.&.
Ricit., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 417 (may V)e caUfornicus).—iicuisy., Eur. Fn. i, 1840, li80
("North America"). — I5i'., Rev.' Zool. 1H.")5, 16 ("North America").

Glaucus argentatoidcs, Bisucn, J. f O. 1H53, lOl ("North America").

Laroidcs argentatoidcs, Br., Naum. 18.54, 212 ("North America"); Consp. ii, 1856, 218.—
Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 282 ("North America").

40

626 LARUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL.

Larus argeniatns, Bp., Syn. 1828, 360, No. 300.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 304.— AuD., Orn.
■i5i()<i. iii, \b^.^:^, .588 ; v, 183U, 638 ; pi. — ; Syn. 183<J, 3-J8 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 1(33,
pi. 44».— DkKay, N. y Zool. ii, 1844, 306, pi. 122, f. 270 ; pi. 129, lig. 284 ; pi.
130, fig. 286.— GiH., B. L. 1. 1844,— .—Cab., J. f. O.v, 236 (Cuba).— Lawi; , B. N.
A. 1858, 844 ; Auu. Lye. vii, 275. — Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 17 (Greenland, rare). —
CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18(U. 245.— Buy., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861, 72.— Wheat.,
Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 266.— Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Verr.,
Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 154.— Tui;NH., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.— Dall & Bann., Tr.
Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 305.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 576.— Coues, Key, 1872, 312.

(?) Larus americanus, Briie.m, V. D. 1831, 743 (= argentatoidcs, Bi:.).

(?) Larus affiuh, Reinii., Vid. Med. 1853, 78 ; J. f. O. 1854, 433 ; Ibis, iii, 17 (Greenland).

Larus smithsoiiianus, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 296. — Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep.
1861, 418.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864,80.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
299.— Coues, Pr. E.ss. Inst, v, 1868, 306.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Aead. 1871, 39.—
GUNDL., Rep. Fn. Nat. i, 391 (Cuba).

Larus argentatus var. smithsonianus, CouES, Check-list, 1874, 103, No. 547''. — Ridgw.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

c, occidentalis. '

Larus occidentaUs, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 320; Syn. 1839, 328; B. Am. vii, 1844, 161.—
Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 845.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 73.— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 271.— Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 52.— Coues, Pr. A. N.
S. 1862, 296.— ScHL., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 15.— (f ) Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863,
326 (China).— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 379.

Glaucus occidentaUs, BiiucH, J. f. O. 1853, 101,

Laroides occidentalis, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 282. — Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 219.

Larus argentatus var. occidentalis, Coues, Key, 1872, 312. •

d. borealis.

Larus boi'ealis, Brandt. — Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 305. — Bd., ibid. 324.

Laroides borealis, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 219.

(1) Larus cachinnans, PALL.,Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 318.

(1) Larus argentatus, Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 242. — Radde, Reisen, ii, 1863, 383.

(f) Larus argentatus var. cachinnans, Schrenk, Re.se, i, 504.

e (?). leucoplucus.

Larus argentatus, Bp., le. Fn. Ital. Ucc. 1832-41, p. — .— Cara, Omit. Sard. 1842, 172
(Sardinia).— Costa, Fn. Napoli, Ucc. 1857, 73.— Heugl., Svst. Uebers. 1855,
69.— ScHL., JIus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 17 (partim).— Blas', J. f. O. 1865, 380
(partim). — Hume, Lahore to Yarkand, 1873, 299; Stray Feathers, 1873, 270
(Kashmir and Scinde).
Laroides argentatus, Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 79 (partim).
Larus cachinnans, '-Pall." — Muhle, Orn. Griech. 1842, 143 (Greece; nee Pall.) — Meves,

Ofv. K. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1871, 786 (Cholmogory).
Glaucus leucoi)hwus, ("Light.") — Brucii., J. f. O. 1853, 101 (Red Sea).
Larus leucophaius, 'Liciw., Noni. Av. Mus. Berol. 1853, 99 (Arabia; descr. nulla). — Bp.,
R. M. Z. 1855, 16.— Salvad., Cat. Ucc. Sardegna, 1864, 129. — Finsch «fe Hautl.,
Vog. Ost.-Afr. 1870, 818.— Dress., B. Eur. pt. — , pi. — .
Laroides leucophanis, Bp., Naum. 1854, 212; C. Rend, xlii, 1856, 644 ; Consp. ii, 1856,219.
Glaucus michahellesii, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101.
Larus michahellesii, Bp., R. M. Z. J 855, 16.

Laroides michahellesii, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1855, 282. — Bp., Compt. Rend, xlii, 1856, 644 ; Consp.
ii, 1856, 219.
Note. — The foregoing synonymy includes the several races of this species I con-
sider it necessary to adopt. 1 bring L. leucophccus into this connection with some hesi-
tation, but I do not observe any ascribed characters which may not be accounted for
upon a supposition of merely varietal distinction. As, however, I have had no oppor-
tunity of studying this supposed species satisfactorily, my present view must be
regarded as tentative. Most of its synonymy is adapted from Mr. Dresser's work, as
prepared by Lord Walden. Without further reference to this form or to typical argen-
tatus of Europe, I proceed to consider the North American representative :

Var. SMITHSONIANUS, Coues.

DiAG. L. argentato vera simillimus, sed major, alls cauddque longiorihus, rostro pedibusque
validioribus, remiqe primo swpius macula alba subapicali, 7'ariii8 late albo-terminato. T^ong.
25,.00 2)oll. ala, 18.00; rostr. 2.25; tars. 2.50.

Hab. — North America, generally ; especially along the Atlantic coast. Cuba to La-
brador; breeding from New England northward. Alsj in the interior, and occasion-
ally on the Pacific coast.

LAEUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 627

Adult. — Bill ratber less than tlie tarsus, shorter than the head ; robust, its height at
the angle slightly more than at the base. Culujen nearly straight at the nostrils ; then
rapidly convex to the stout, deflected, overhanging apex. Outline of rami sli<>htlv
concave ; gonys about straight ; eminence at symphysis large and i^rominent. but its
apex not very acute. Wings long-pointed ; the first primary always longest. Tail
even. Feet of moderate size ; tarsi compressed, anteriorly scutellate, laterally and
posteriorly reticulate. Membranes full and broad, scarcely incised. Claws obtuse,
but little arched ; the inner edge of the middle oue dilated, but not serrated.

Breeding plumaijc. — Bill bright chrome, its tip diaphanous; a vermilion spot at the
angle, with sometimes a small black one just anterior to it. Legs and feet jiale flesh-
color; the claws blackish. Mantle typical "gull-blue," much lighter than in occi-
denialis ; lighter than in hrachyrlnjnchus ; of much the same shade as in delaicarensis or
glaucescens ; darker than in glaitcits or leucoptcrus. The bases of the prinuiries are the
same as the back, or very slightly lighter, not so light, nor of so great extent (being
exceedingly short on the first primary), nor so broad at the end, as in caJifornicus. On
the first primary this light basal portion is very short, hardly reaching within six or
seven inches of the tip of the primary. It is not lighter at its junction with the black,
nor does it extend further on the central portion than ou the edge of the feather. On
the second, third, and fourth piimaries the bluish of the basal portions of the feather
extends about the same distance on each (within four inches of the tip of the second),
and runs up further on the centres of the feathers than on their edges, aud grov.s
nearly white at its junction with the black portion of the leathers. First primary
with a suha])ical white spot near its tip ; small, rounded, not much over an inch in diaui-
eter ; generally not longeron the outer vane than on the inner; sometimes wanting
on the former ; in oldest birds this spot enlargiug to coalesce with the white tip of the
feather, but such state rarely observed ; second primary usually without a subapical
spot, or if one is present it is very small. All the primaries with small rounded white
apices, and black from these apical sj^ots to their bluish-white bases; this baud of
black growing narrower from the first toward the seventh, where it is a mere point.

Winter plumage — The head aiul neck are streaked with dusky. The bill is less
brightly colored. Otherwise as in summer.

Immature. — Thejeathers of the back have gray margins, and the upper wing coverts
are mottled with duskj^ gray- An imperfect subierminal bar of dusky on the tail.

Young of first uinter.- Head, ne<k, aud whole under parts more or less thickly mot-
tled with dusky, as are the wing-coverts, secondaries, and tertials. The gull-bhie of
the upper j)arts appears in irregular patches, mixed with gray. Remiges and rectrices
brownish-black, with very narrow whitish tips, the former wanting both apical aud
subapical white spots. Bill flesh-color, its terminal third black. Feet dull flesh-color.
Younger. — Entirely a deep dull brownish; the throat lightly streaked aud the rump
transversely barred with whitish ; the feathers of the back with yellowish or grayish-
white edges ; wings aud tail black; bill black; legs and feet dusky flesh-color.

Dimensions of adult. — Length, 24 to 25 inches ; extent, .'34 to 58 ; wing, 17.25 to 18.00 ;
bill along culmen, 2.40 ; height at nostril, 0.75 ; at angle, 0.80 ; tarsus, 2.75 ; middle toe
and claw the same. Female a little and young considerably less than the above.

Other variations. — These are very considerable as regards size aud proi)ortions. The
bill along the culmen varies from 2.55 to 2.20 inches, being, however, iu adult birds,
generally very near the former measurement. The tarsus will vary more than a fourth
of an inch — from 2.75, its usual length, to about 2.40. The ditference iu the length of
the wings is slight for so large a Gull, only about an inch. The younger the bird the
smaller it is, the weaker and shorter its bill, aud the slenderer its feet. Very old biixls
sometimes become almost abnormally big, as is the case with L. glaucus and others.

Between the time of leaving the nest and of assuming the comjilete plumage of the
adult bird the changes are very great. While the unilurui dusky of the body is turn-
ing to pure white and clear blue, and while the black tail is whitening and the black
primaries are assuming their peculiar characteristic markings, the variations iu degree
anrf <;x/en< of all the colors are endless. It is hardly possible to cliaracterize any dofi-
uito stages, as they glide insensibly into each other. But iu adult birds, which have
attained their second or third summer, the colors of the whole l)ody aud the markings
of the i)rimaries are so constant that, taken in connection with the size, form, and
other particulars, they adonl fair varietal characters. I do not mean to assert that
there is no variation iu theses points, but that adult birds generally preserve a certain
definite i)attern of coloration of the primaries.

In tliis species this "pattern" may be summed up, briefly, as: The presence of a
black band on the first seven i)rimarics, which takes in nearly tlie whole of the first,
and rapiilly narrows until on tlie seventh it is a mere spot; bluish biiaes to all the
l)rimaiiis, of a width iiiver.-ely as that of the black portion; small white apical spots
ou all the primarii's ;*■ and a large rounihul subapical white spot on the first (rar*<ly
becoming confluent with the white apical spot), witii or without a smaller one on the
second.

• These may be absent, being worn oft" from very old feathers, jast before the tuoiilt.

628 LARUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL.

The characters aftbrdcd by the markings of the primaries — and especially of their
bases — have been usually disregarded or lightly passed over by some in the preparation
of diagnoses. Others, n)yself probably included, have inclined to lay too much stress
upon these features, which are to be found varying to a great degree in ditfereut exam-
ples of the same species, as a consequence of immaturity. Birds of this family may be
of full size, possessing powers of re})roduction, before they have attained the ultimate,
and then unvarying, picture of the prinuiries. Take a case susceptible of demonstra-
tion. Mr. Lawrence describes californicits as having the white apical space on the first
primary crossed by a black snbtermiual bar. So it is in his type-specimen now lying
before me. But this expression does not characterize the adult of the species. If his
type had lived longer the subtermiual bar would have broken in two, become iiist a
spot and then a mere scollop on each web, and tiually disappeared, leaving the broad
white apical space on the first primary, which is characteristic of the species, as at-
tested by a multitude of specimens taken in the highest stage of spring plumage.

It must also be borne in mind that the expression " immature" may also be applied
to the primaries themselves as well as to the age of the bird. For it is most probable
that at each successive moult, after the bird itself is fully adult, the new primaries,
when they first sprout, have a pictiira somewhat different from that finally attained
when they are of full length; but the perfect feather has practically characteristics
often distinctive of species.

Mr. Audubon always maintained an opinion of the continual variability of the pri-
maries : " From the examination of individuals of this species [" aryentafus "] it would
appear that little reliance can be placed on the markings of the quills as affording a
specific character" (B. N. Amer. vii, p. 169). Let us examine the facts he adduces in
support of his views. He continues: " Four undoubted specimens of Lams argentatus
now before me have a white spot, varying in length from one to two inches and includ-
ing both webs, near the end of the first quill. One has no spot on the second quill.
Another has a spot on both webs of the second quill of one wing, and a smaller spot
on part of the inner web of the same quill of the other wing. The third has a very
small spot on part of the inner web of the same quill of both wings. The fourth has
a large circular spot on the inner web of that quill of both wings." Although these
paragraphs seem to indicate material discrepancies, yet such is not really the case.
The white subapical spot on the first primary existed in all his specimens, only varying
somewhat in size; and the same is the case with the spot on the second primary, which
so often makes its appearance with increasing age, though in jierhai^s the majority of
specimens it is wanting. In all his specimens the differences were only in the minor
details of a certain pattern which was not departed from.

In examining the Herring Gulls contained in all the large collections of the Eastern
United States I have met with two specimens — one in the Cambridge Museum, and the
other in Mr. Lawrence's private cabinet — which present the distinctive characters of
the European bird. They are smaller than the average of smUhsoiimnus, and have the
apex of the first primary broadly white. Prof. Baird's opinion on these specimens, in
which I coincide, is that they are probably stragglers from Europe. The fact that
these specimens could be distinguished under circumstances so prone to cause doubt
and confusion renders them quite the reverse of counter- arguments to the separation
of the two varieties.

It was with some hesitation that I separated, some years since, the American from
the European Herring Gull, fully anticipating the adverse criticism which such a pro-
cedure would call forth. A recent and more thorough reexamination of the whole
subject confirms my general conclusions, though I by no means insist upon or even
admit specific distinction. Provided the specimens before me exhibit typically the
characters of the European bird, which there is no reason to doubt, certain slight dif-
ferences do exist almost throughout extensive series compared. These points are the
following :

First. The American bird arerages larger in all its dimensions than the European.
The difference in length of wing of the two averages from one to two inches. The
feet, including both tarsus and toes, are about half an inch longer and proportionally
stouter. The bill, especially, is longer and stouter, particularly at the base.

Second. There is generally preserved, in adult birds, a somewhat different pattern of
coloration of the primaries. In that of Europe the first primary has a white terminal
space* two inches long; the second primary a large, rounded, subtermiual white spot,
usually occupying both vanes. The first primary of the American bird usually has a
rounded white subapical spot on the first primary (much like that on the second
primary of the European), almo'^t always separated from the white apex; and if a spot
is present ou the second j rimary, it is small. By these features together, the Ameri-
can bird may usually be recognized as a variety, which should not be wholly ignored.

There is another consideratiou to be taken in connection with the points already

* This is i>recisely as in callftyrnicns ; and, as in the latter species, the feather when
imperfect has a narrow, transverse, subterminal bar of black, w^hich gradually resolves
into two spots or scollops, and finally disappears.

LARUS ARGENT ATUS, HERRING GULL. 623

detailed heigbteninjij the probability of the varietal distinction of L. sm'ithsonianus.
The Herring Gulls of both continents differ from snch species as (jlancus, hiicoptenis,
&c., in not being truly boreal birds. They migrate northward only to breed, and re-
turn south as soon as the duties of incubation are accomplished. The American spe-
cies, at least, rarely i)asses beyond Labrador, and is more abundant in its southern
than its northern portions. It is well known that the nearer to either pole is the
habitat of a species the more likely it is to range indiscriminately on both hemis-
pheres; and, conversely, the more tropical a species the more likely it is, cacteris i)ari-
hiis, to be specifically distinct from its transoceanic representative. We can see here a
reason why smithsoniamts may be somewhat dift'erent, while L. ylaucus, leucopteriis, and
P. ehurnea are identical. This fact is adduced merely to show why we may expect to
find the differences which do exist in var. smithsonianus and are absent in {/laucus ;
though, at the same time, I separate the variety u]nin its physical characters alone,
irrespective of any preconceived theory of geographical distribution.

Synonymy. — Laroidcn argentaloides, Brehm, appears to include both the European and
American bird. His amerkanns indicates a bird snialler and less robust than European
avfjentatus, and may be consequently inapplicable here. It corresponds more nearly
with ^^ californtcns." The argintatoides of Bonaparte's Synopsis, represented as commoa
along the Atlantic coast, may really lefer to delcnvarensts. L. affinis of Reinhardt, of
Greenland, I have not been able to identify.

Anatomical charactirs. — The month, in capacity, is intermediate between that of iSfe?'-
corarius and of Sterna ; the angle of divergence of the mandibular rami being less than
in the former, but greater than in the latter. The palate is quite flat both transversely
and longitudinally, being not at all vaulted and scarcely concave, except toward the
tip of the bill, where it curves downward with a considerable degree of convexity.
The palate is soft and vascular to within about an inch of the tip, where it becomes
corneous and divided by five or six longitudinal stria». At the commencement of the
more vascular ])art of the palate there begins a median elevation, quite broad and
without a central ridge, which continues back for more than two inches. This is
everywhere beset with stout, reversed papilhe, the largest of which are along the me-
dian line. The central elevation is bifurcated for nearly its posterior half, to form the
opening of the posterior nares, the edges of which fissure are thickly papillate, as are
the posterior extremities of the elevation itself. This median longitudinal prominence
is separated on each side by a deep sulcus from a lateral ridge. This lateral ridge an-
teriorlj' sinks insensibly into the common level of the palate ; posteriorly it rises up
very broad and thick, and, together with its extremity, is papillate. Just external to
these ridges are the deep depressions in which the tomia of the lower mandible are
received.

Posterior to that portion of the jialate just described, there is a large, vaulted, sub-
triangular space, extending quite to the extremity of the palate. This space is
bounded anteriorly by the termination of the central median elevation already de-
scribed ; laterally hy the continuation backward of the lateral ridges ; more posteriorly,
where the sides of the triangle come together to form the apex, by a very perfect
fringe formed by a single thick-set row of slender, acute papilla-, placed obliquely,
their posterior extremities divaricating, their anterior meeting on the median line.
The place thus inclosed is quite smooth, being free from sulci or ruga', and presents the
orifice of the Eustachian tube. It is fissured along the median line by the posterior
continuation of the nasal aperture. The edges of the fissure cannot be accurately co-
aptated, as can that portion of it more anterior, the portion of the ])osterior nares con-
sequently remaining always more or less patent. The edges of the opening terminate
each in a soft papilla. On separating them, the vomer is seen nearly for its whole
length, dividing the na.sal aperture into a right and left. Posterior to the termination
of tlie nasal fissure is the usual median, longitudinally oval foramen, the o]iening of
the Eustachian tube ; measuring in this species a full fi)urth of an inch. All around
this central smooth portion the mucous membrane of the mouth is thrown up into
more or less irregular rugie, mostly longitudinal, and continuous with the ordinary
a'sopliageal folds.

Tlu^ floor of the mouth is of a very regularly triangular shape, the sides being
scarcely at all concave. The rising up of the tomia of the mandible on either side gives
it a very considerable depth and almost per]»endicular sides, especially anteriorly. The
muscular and other layers coin]M)sing the lloor, are very distensible and elastic. The
mucous m<nii)raiie, in its undilatcd condition, is everywhere thrown up into rugie,
chiefly longitudinal, except just over the larynx. The muscular layers are well
marked, but jiresent nothing peculiar either in shape or distribution. The tongue is
just two inches long. It is stout and fleshy almost to the tip, wiiich is obtuse, flat-
tened, sliglitly bifid. Its (husiim is longitudinally channeled ; its under surface trans-
ver.s«'ly convex ; its posterior extremity i>rolongcd into two slwut, ol)tuse c»)rnua, whiidi
are tliii'kly p.-ipillate. The trianguljir, smooth emiufuce which is boine upon the sur-
face of Ilir larynx, measures al>i>nt an inch in extent l»y half as much in breadth. The
opening of the glottis divides it longitudinally for its whole length. The rima is quite

630 LARUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL.

emootli, except jnst at its termination, where the mucous membrane is prolonged into
long, acute papilla', ; aud from this, as a centre, extends on cither side a triantfular bed
of large, acute, reversed papilhe, stretching quite to the borders of the laryngeal
elevation.

The oesophagus is, as in all the family, very capacious, and capable of great distension.
In its undilated state its mucous membrane is thrown up into exceedingly prominent
longitudinal stria;, nearly all of which run the whole length of the tube. The muscu-
lar layers, both circular and longitudinal, are also extremely thick and powerful.
The o?sophagus itself is quite straight and of pretty uniform calibre. At the proven-
tricnlus it dilates a little, and at the same time bulges a little to the left. The gizzard,
also, is not in a direct line with the oesophagus, but its greatest convexity inclines con-
siderably to the right.

Just at the proventri cuius the straight longitudinal oesophageal folds become convo-
luted (in the undilated state of the organ), and then gradually lose themselves in the
irregular eminences of the soft, very vascular, proveutricular mucous membrane. This
portion of the tube is, when contracted, divided into six or eight large prominent folds,
divided by deep narrow sulci, corresponding to similar elevations and depressions in
the cuticular lining of the gigerium. The solvent glands form a perfect uninterrupted
zone, quite around the tube, which has a wt 11-defined and straight termination in the
ordinary oesophageal mucous membrane. The sensible differences of this portion of
the canal are the absence of longitudinal rug£e, the substitution for them of irregular
eminences and depressions, its grayer color, soft velvety feel, greater vascularity and
thickness, and the i)resence of minute puncta, which are scattered thickly over its en-
tire surface — the mouths of the solvent ^jjlands. In cutting into the walls of the pro-
ventriculus these glands may be seen with an ordinary lens, or even with the naked
eye, as simple follicles, with a somewhat bulging outline, proceeding straight from their
blind extremities to their opening in the mucous membrane. They lie sitle by side im-
bedded in the tissue of the walls of the proventriculus, and are of a length but little
less than the thickness of the parietes itself.

The gigerium, in situ, is far back in the abdomen, its middle about opposite the last
rib and to the left side, lying nearly apposed to the abdominal parietes. It is in shape
a somewhat irregular and liattened ovoid ; its walls comparatively thicker and more
powerful than in the other subfamilies. The musculi laterales, at their thickest i>ortions,
measure a thirol of an inch or more in thickness. If we consider the gizzard as extend-
ing upward as far as the cuticular lining extends, i. e., to where the zone of gastric
glands begins, it is divisible into two portions : a lower, with strong, thick, mnscular
walls, and very convex outline; and an upper, narrower, more constincted portion,
with much thinner and less powerfully contractile parietes. The hard cuticle lines
both these portions nninterrnptedly, extending quite to the glandular zone. It pre-
sents the ordinary rugte and convolutious.

The duodenal fold is rather short, scarcely two inches in length. After forming this
fold, the intestine proceeds in a pretty straight course to make a second fold, longer
than the first, and quite disconnected with it. After that the intestine forms a mass of
closely aggregated convolutions. Between six and seven inches from the ca^ca the in-
testine returns toward the duodenum, near the gizzard, and forms a definite fold, much
of the same character as, and closely api>osed to, the first duodenal fold, with which it
is connected for the greater part of its course. There are only slight convolutions be-
tween this last fold and the cceca, beyond which the intestine proceeds in a nearly
straight course to the cloaca.

The intestines measure, from the pylorus to the anus, a little over forty inches.
There is but little difference in calibre throughout their length until we reach the cloaca;
the duodenum being, however, if anything, a little the largest. A little beyond the
ttrniinatiou of the duoderal fold, just four and a half inches from the pylorus, the he-
patic duct opens ; one inch further down the cystic duct is received by the intestine;
auol just half way between the two is the orifice of the pancreatic duct. These three
ducts, which convey the hepatic and pancreatic secretious into the intestine, opeu
nearly on a line with each other on the mesenteric edge of the iutestine.

The ca'ca resemble those of Ster)ihia', and difter greatly from those of Lestridlna;.
They arise within an inch and a quarter of the large globular cloaca, and are very
short, measuring only about a fourth of an inch in total length.

The "large" intestine is very short and perfectly straight. Its calibre is a little
greater than that of the ileum just anterior to the cfeca, but it is not as large in cir-
cumference as is the duodenum. It differs from the other portious of the intestine in
the thickness of its muscular walls, the increased amount of muscular tissue being
quite appreciable to the eye.

After but a little more than an inch of length the colon terminates in the cloana.
This is exceetlingly capacious and distensible, measuring, when fully inflated, an inch
and three (juarters in length by one and a half in breadth. It is of a nearlj' globular
sha).>e ; its superior portion, however, being soniewliat conical aud tapering where it
contracts into the rectum. It is very slightly and incompletely divided into two ua-

LARUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 631

equal portions by a crescentic fold or reduplication of mncous membrane. The anterior
or internal of this is the cloaca proper, and is greatly the largest ; the posterior or ex-
ternal forms the "bursa Fabricii," and consists merely of a bnlging or unequal dilatiou
of that portion of the cloacal parietes that is beyond the curved fold of mucous mem-
brane already mentioned. Just beside this fold, about a fourth of an inch on either
side of the median line, on the posterior aspect of the cloaca, are two small papillae,
placed side by side and in close contact. On the summits of these papilhe terminate
the ureters and vasa deferentia, the excretory ducts of the sexual and urinary organs.

The pancreas occupies the whole length of the concavity of the duodenal fold. It is
therefore of an elongated shape, and is somewhat triangular on a cross-section. The
rounded free extremity of the gland is rather larger than the other end, the whole
organ being somewhat club-shaped. Its long slender duct opens into the duodenum
between the hepatic and cystic ducts. The two lobes of the liver are of very unequal
sizv^, the right being much the largest. It measures about three inches in length, while
the left is only a little over two. Their internal or apposing surfaces are flat, and in
contact for the greater part of their length, only separating above to admit the apex of
th" heart between them. They are both somewhat of a triangular shape on a cross-
section ; rising up high, and thick in the middle ; tapering toward both extremities;
the right being the most elongated and attenuated. They are somewhat loosely con-
nected by a thin, flat band of hepatic substance. The surface of both presents several
eminences and depressions, produced by the impact of neighboring organs and parts.

The hepatic duct proceeds from the middle of the under surface of the left lobe, near
the commissure ; has a length of about two inches, and opens into the duodenum, as
already described. •

The gall-bladder lies in a depression on the under surface of the right lobe, and is
well developed. It is of an ovoid shape, tapering toward its proximal extremity ;
more obtuse at its distal. The cyst-hepatic duct is very short, opening directly into the
base of the bladder. The cysti.c duct arises about midway between the two extremi-
ties of the bladder, on its posterior aspect. It is larger, but shorter than the hepatic
duct, and opens into the duodenum an inch further down.

The kidneys measure about two and a fourth inches in total length, but are of very
varying breadth at different points along their extent. They are irregularly divided
into several lobes, which are not, howevei", of regular shape, and closely adapted to
each other, aa in Sterna ; nor do they ax)pear to be constant as to their mode of subdi-
vision. The upper lobe of each is the largest, and has the most convex outline. The
next is very narrow, serving as a connection between the anterior and posterior ex-
tremities, and is sometimes almost divided into two. The i)osterior lobe is nearly rect-
angular in shape ; about twice as long as broad ; and has a deep, longitudinal sulcus
upon its surface, in which is received the ureter.

Tlie sexual organs lie superimposed upon the superior lobes of the kidneys, closely
bound down to them. Their eft'erent ducts run along in close apposition with the
ureters, and terminate in the cloaca side by side with the oritices of the tirinarj- ducts,
as has been already describetl.

The superior larynx is composed of four principal elements : A thyroid cartilage, two
arytenoid, and a cricoid, the latter divided into three separate portions. The thyroid
is much the largest of these, forming all of the anterior or inferior i)ortion of the organ.
It is of a tapering, subconical form, with an ovoid truncated extretnity, and an obtuse
tip. Its lateral edges curl over upward, especially posteriorly, where it supports the
cricoid, forming all of the cartilaginous lateral parietes which the larynx posses.ses.
Its inft'rior surface is nuirked with a longitudinal groove; its internal with a well-de-
veloped eminence, situate ou the median line, not distantly reseml)ling the crista galli
of the human ethmoid bone. Anteriorly the thyroid extends forward as a ujere flat
lamina, with scarcely any convexity. The posterior portions of the thyroi 1 support
the two lateral elements of the cricoid. These are quite broad at their base; curl over
toward the median line ; growing narrower as they approach each other, till they com-
plete the circle of the larynx posteriorly by uniting with the central azygoid clement.
This is a small, irregular, cartilaginous noduli-, situate on the median line, having, pos-
teriorly, two surfaces for the rcctiption of the lateral cricoid elements ; more anteriorly
two others for the articulation of the two arytenoid cartilages. These latter are of
denser consistency than the rest of the larynx, being sometimes almost oSseotis. 'I'iiey
are four-tenth.s of an inch long. Their l)ase presents ou their inner surfaces the facet
for the articulation with the azygos element of the cricoid. They are so twisted or
curled u](on their own axes, that their lateral edges, at lirst horizontal, are atlerward
perpendicular, rising above the level of the rest of the larynx, and lying parallel to
each other, thus forming tin; rima gloltidis. These several cartllagRions pieces ot' the
larynx are all connected by a delicate, clastic, libro-cellular tissue. The motion which
they possess is limited almost «'ntirely to thiMipening and shntfiug of the arytenoid
cartilages, eflected by the nuiscles attached to them ; tin; motion being chiefly at the
aryteno-cricoid articulation. These proper muscles of the larynx are the tliyro-ary-

632 LARUS ARGENTATUS, HERRING GULL,

tenoid or dilatores glottidis, and .the constrictores glottidis, Laving the ordinary form and
disposition.

Tlio larynx thus comi)osod is a liattened, tapering organ, sitnato between the apo-
hyals, near the base of the hyoid, supported by the uro-hyal, which runs along its infe-
rior surface. It measures seven-tenths of an iuch in length by about half an inch iu
breadth at its widest part iwsteriorly. It is connected with surrounding parts by con-
densed cellular tissue ; by the prolongation into it of the mucous membrane of the
mouth, and by various muscles.

The trachea measures nine inches in length. It is not of uniform width throughout,
but superiorly it is broad and liattened, having much the shape of a transverse section
of the larynx; while as it proceeds downward it becomes snuiller and almost perfectly
cylindrical. The rings arc there also much denser and more resisting, so that the tube
is much less compressible below than above. The tracheal rings are about one hun-
dred and forty in number. As usual, they are alternately broader from right to left;
the increased width on the right of one ring being compensated for by the narrowness
of the next, at the same point of its circumference.

The sterno-trachcal muscles arise from the sternum, just above the steruo-coracoid ar-
ticulation ; reach the trachea an inch or so above the inferior larynx, and run as narrow,
flattened bands, one on each side of the windpipe, quite to the tbyroid cartilage; being
then continued on to the hyoid bone, forming the thyro-hyoids. These muscular bamls
are well developed. Snuill fibrous offsets proceed from the supra-clavicnlar fascia to
the trachea at its termination, and, with others from the intra-clavicular air-cell, pro-
ceeding to the posterior part of the lower hu\vnx, aid to hold the parts in situ.

The lower larj^nx does not differ in .any essential points from that of Slercorarius,
already described iu sufficient detail. The bronchial half rings are twenty-four in
number. They are all of equal width at all points of their circumference, and thin and
delicate, except the first one, which is larger and stouter, and bears to the lower larynx
much the relation that the cricoid does to the upper.

My earlier experiences with this Gull were along the coast of Labra-
dor, in 1860 ; it is there the most abundant representative of its family,
spending the summer and breeding plentifully on the mossy islands, and
retiring southward in September. On approaching one of the breeding-
grounds where, from a distance, numerous birds could be observed
sitting on their nests, or walking leisurely about, we soon gave an
alarm, when all would rise ou wing, with loud screams, and circle high
over head. The nests were found scattered irregularly over the ground,
with little choice as to situation, except that the birds seemed to rather
prefer moss-covered rocky places, and dry, bare spots ; the grassy ])atches
being generally api)ropriated by Eider Ducks. The numbers of Ducks
and Gulls on any island were usually complementary, there being more
of the latter than of the former on the bare islands, and conversely.
The Gulls' nests were large and bulky, composed of dry grass, moss, and
lichens, gathered into a heap, with a slight cavity, as if merely result-
ing from the weight of the birds. The eggs, in all the instances that
came under my observation, were three in number; iu other respects
they showed the great variation customary in this family. They aver-
aged about 2.80 in length by about 1.00 iu width. Some were light
bluish or greenish, others deep brownish-olive ; while the dark markings
were of every size and shape, very irregularly distributed. Early in
July eggs were found in every stage of developauMit, though in most
instances the embryos were advanced. At the same time many newly-
hatched birds were caught skulking beneath stones or scrambling over
the luxuriant moss. These downy nestlings are curious objects, like
soiled carded wool, variegated with angular, dusky markings. On
being caught they would squeal loudly, and tight with spirit. Placed
on water they swam easily, and seemed quite at home. Thej' fed freely
from the tirst on fish and pork scraps.

Terrestrial uidification is the rule with this species, as it is throughout
the family ; yet there are authentic accounts — as that given by Audu-
bon— of their nesting in colonies in trees. During the summer, in Lab-
rador, the principal food appears to be the lance-tish {Mallotus villosus)^

LARUS AEGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 633

which schools in myriads along the coast, affording the fishermen almost
tlieir only bait for cod. The breeding range is chiefly from New En-
gland to Labrador. Birds occasionally reach Greenland, yet Labrador
is the regular terminus. When the fall migration occurs they are spread
along our whole Atlantic coast, but principally from New England to
the Carolinas, where many winter. I observa^d them constantly at Fort
Macon, North Carolina, from September through May. In winter they
are very abundant, being, in fact, the characteristic and only common bird
of the family. There is little falling off in their numbers during March ;
most wend their way north early in April, when the Terns and Hooded
Gulls make their appearance, but some linger through May. In the
fall some arrive in September, but they are not i)lentiful until the latter
l)art of October. Being here rarely molested, they get quite tame, often
mixing with the domestic Geese around the fort, and sometimes permit-
ting an approach within a few feet, though in general they show an ap-
preciation of the limits of gunshot range. Most of the mature birds
gain their nuptial livery before leaving. They are nearly silent during
the wiuter, except when quarreling over their food ; ijut they grow
noisy in Ai)ril, at the approach of the breediiig season, and before they
finally depart the air fairly resounds with their harsh cries.

A great part of their food at this season consisted of the refuse from
the fort ; they were always hovering over the spot where the garbage
was thrown, contending for the booty with Turkey-buzzards and Fish
Crows. At ebb-tide they frequently strung along the beach, at the
water's edge, gathering various animal and vegetable substances
stranded by the receding waves. A favorite resort was the large sand
spots and muddy flats of the harbor, where they gathered soft molluscs,
ascidians, and other matters. They seemed particularly fond of a kind
of bivalve there, the Ci/tharea fjigantea. Holding the shell under their
feet, as a Hawk would its quarrj', they hammered with the beak until
the shell was broken in, and feasted on the contents. They managed
the Pectens (P. dislocatus) in the same manner, but the quahogs were
too much for them. I once found remains of a marsh hare in the
stomach of one of these Gulls.

In the interior, I have found this species on the Upper Missouri, and
we have authentic advices of its occurrence in several of the States, par-
ticularly those in the region of the Great Lakes. I have also seen speci-
mens from the Pacific coast.

Var. occiDENTALis, (Aucl.) Cones.

DiAG. L. argoitato similis, aed paUio valde olscuriore {intensd plumbco) et rosiro brevi, alli-
ore, robustiiiHimo.

IIah.—l\\c\\\c coast of Nortb Aiiierit-i (and Asia?)

]5ill large, very stout and dcej) ; tlio *»nlnien convt-x at tliu end ; tho i.nf^lo stronjily
developed, inakinii tile under out line doubly concave. Feet larj^e and stout ; tho tarsus
equal to tlie middle toe and claw.

Adult, Hiimmn- jiliim(((ii: — Bill brifflit elininie-yellow ; a vermilion spot, uioro or less
extensive, at the an-rle. Mantle dark hluish-Asli, almost slate-color; the tips of the
secondaries and tertials white; the line of demarcat ion distinct, rriniaries: lirst
three black throufihont tlu-ir exposed jiorlions, the outi-r w liitf for some distanci' at
the tip (1.7.") inches), cro.ssed near the end with an irrej^ular blaek bar, the shafts en-
tirely black ; second, without a white spot, but its tip, aiul the tips of all the otliers,
white. Lof^s and feet llesb-color.

Apinoarlihiij mtitiirilji.— \h ill the precodiufj, but the upper parts rather li«;hter, and
the tail with an im])rrfect subtermin.d bar.

IiihriiKdialf. — WiU innch as in tUv adiiil. Wliilr of tlir lieatl. neck, and under jiarts,
more or less mottled w ith dusky : "^Nill-hlnc" o| the upper parts iippeariuj; in irre;;ular
patches; most of the lialbers tipped with li;;ht K'»y- I'riniaries and tail nuiforni
deep blackish-browu, with scureuly liyhtcr tips, tho foriuur without spots.

634 LARUS CALIFORNICUS, CALIFORNIAN GULL.

Tonng-of-the-year. — Bill entirely black, rather Bborter than in the adnlts, but at tbe
eaiue time with great comparative depth at the angle. Everywhere a deep black-
ish-brown, mottled with grayish-white, the feathers of the upper parts being tipped
and edged with that color. Kuuip and upper tail-coverts barred with whitish and
dusky. Wings and tail as in the preceding.

ll'intcr pliDUdf/e. — This species seems to form an exception to the rule which obtains
60 extensively among large Gulls, since iu winter the head and neck behind are not,
ordinarily at'least, streaked with dusky. I do not mean to assert that such a plumage
is never acquired; but many hundred individuals which I have observed, nuder ]>ecu-
liarly fiivorable circumstances, at this season, all had the head and neck immaculately
white, as in summer. The fact was brought more prominently into my notice frota
the fact that these Gulls were usually seen in company with three other species, every
individual of which latter were, as usual, streaked on the head and neck.

Dimensions. — Length, 24 inches ; extent, 55 ; wing, 15.50 ; l)ill above, 2.30 : along
gape, 3.10 ; height at nostril, 0.75 ; width, 0.40 ; height at angle, 0.85 ; tarsus, and mid-
dle toe and claw, 2.75.

This is a strongly-marked variety. Its most striking peculiarity of form lies in the
rather short and remarkably robust bill, the depth at the angle being very great. It
is about the size of m-geniatus, but, in addition to the stout bill, may be distinguished
from that species by its very dark upper parts (a slate, approaching that of marinus in
intensity), and the black, or nearly black, bases of the three tirst primaries. The sjie-
cies hardly requires comparison with calijomiciis ; its superior size, very robust bill,
dark mantle and bases of the primaries, and restricted character of the subterminal
spots, readily distinguish it. With one specimen, however (No. 22020, a bird of the
year), we are in a little doubt. In size and general very dark colors it agrees with
epecimens of undoubted occldentalis ; but the bill is small, perhaps less than the aver-
age of adult californicus, and with comparatively little depth at the angle. Although
the young occidenialis has the dejith of bill at the angle, conqtared with that at the
nostrils, fully as great as in the adult, yet it is according to analogy with the feature
presented by most Gulls, that the bill should be smaller every way iu the young ; and
we therefore do not consider the discrepancy as irreconcilable to the species.

The specimens before us do not seem to indicate so great a diversity' in size as exists
among some large Gulls. The difference in the length of the longest and shortest
wings amounts to scarcely an inch. The bill, however, varies greatly in size and pro-
portions. The character of the changes of plumage is much that of argentattis, but the
two birds may be distinguished by their bills. Without an undoubted young californi-
cus, we cannot institute a comparison ; but the differences will doubtless be those of
smaller size, much weaker bill, and, probably, lighter colors generally.

Bruch is greatly in error in saying that this species is "not larger than L. zonorhyn-
chiis." We see little grounds for the assertion of Bonaparte, that it is "intermediate
between Laroidts argentatoides and Larus zonorlujnchus." Bonaparte's diagnosis is oth-
erwise very accurate.

I have quoted with a query, as synonyms of this 8i>ecies, the names of the large,
dark Asiatic bird, considered as distinct by Bonaparte, but which Schlegel unhesitat-
ingly assigns here. I have never had an opportunity of examining a specimen from that
locality; but judging from descriptions, the bird is exceedingly closely related to, if
not identical with, the present.

LARUS CALIFORNICUS, Lawr.

Califoriiian Gull.

(J) Larus argentatoides, Bp., Syn. 1828, 360.— Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 417.

Larus californicus, Laavk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1854, 79 ; B. N. A. 1858, 846.— Bp., Compt.

liendus, 185(), 770.— CooP. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. Ia60, 273.— Coues, Pr.

A. N. S. 1862, 300.
Laroides californicus, Bp., Consj). Av. ii, 1856, 226.
Larus dcluwarensis var. californicus, Coles, Key, 1872, 313.

DiAG. Larus pedibus fusco-oUvaceis, rernige privio lato spatto apicali albo.

Hah.— Pac\6.c coast of North America. California. Interior of Arctic America, on
the great lakes and rivers.

Note. — Believing that I may have been hasty in reducing this supposed species, iu
the Key, to a variety of delawarcnsis, I shall here treat it as distinct, at the s<!me time
urging the i>robabiliV that it will be found to intergrade completely with that species.

Bill moderately stout and strong, the angle well developed : varying considerably in
size, largtn- than in delawarensis, sometia'cs nearly equaling that of artjentatus iu size.
Tarsus equal to or slightly longer than the middle toe and claw.

LARUS CALIFORNICUS, CALIFORNIAN GULL. 635

Adult, summer plumage. — Bill chrome-yellow, tinged with greenish; a vermilion spot
on lower mandible at angle ; a black spot just above, forming, with a very small black
gjiot on the upper mandible, an imperfect transverse band. Feet dusky bluish-green,
the webs lighter. Mantle pearl-blue, much as in hrdthiirhi/nchufi, lighter than in cauus
(Liun ), perhaps slightly darker than in arfjeutatus. Primaries : bases of all light
bluish-white, internally almost white, es}>ecially on the outer, and of great extent on
all ; first with a white space at the end for about two inches, rather further on the
outer than inner web, the shaft white along the white portion of the feather; second
with a white spot near the end on the whole of the inner and most of the outer web,
divided by the black shaft ; tips of all white ; black forming merely a narrow subterm-
inal band on the sixth. Tips of inner primaries white, as are also the tips of the sec-
ondaries and tertials, the line of demarcation between the white and the blue of the
mantle pretty distinct.

Adult, breeduKj plumage. — Eyelids bright saffron-yellow. Upper mandible bright
chrome, the greater part of the lower vermilion, the rest chrome. Gape of mouth dtvp
crimson.

Adult, icinter ])lumage.— BUI dully colored. Head and neck behind streaked and mot-
tled with dusky.

Nearlfi inature. — As in the preceding. Tail with an imperfect subterminal black bar.
Some of the feathers of the upper i)arts edged with gray. White space at end of first
primary crossed by a transverse black bar ; no s])ot on second primary.

Young. — Bill yellowish flesh-color, black on the terminal half. Head, neck, rump,
■wing-coverts, tertials and secondaiies, mottled with dusky. Primaries and tail nni-
fo. ndy brownish-black, scarcely lighter at the tips. Back as in the adults, but the
feathers with grayish edges.

Dimensions. — Length, i20 inches; wing, 1.5 to 16; bill, 1.00 to 1.90; depth at emi-
nentia symphysis, 0..')(i ; tarsus, 2 to 2.'25 ; middle toe and claw, about the same.

A very full series of this species in the collection, embracing specimens in every stage
of plumage, except that of the young-of-the-year, enables us to give full diagnoses of
the different ages, and to present its variations. The latter, as regards size, and es^
pecially the size and shape of the bill, arc very gn at, equaling, if not exceeding, those of
any other s])ecies. In the smallest si)ecimen beibi-e me the wing, bill, and ta- sus, meas-
ure, respectively, I4.2ij, 1.05, and 2.1.') ; in the largest, 10.7.5, 2.20, and 2.00, making the
difference in these i)arts 2.50, 0..55, and 0.40 inches, respectively. Yet with these varia-
tions it is not difficult to recognize the species. The bill is larger than in ddauartnsis
or variety Bruchii, and has seldom or never the ])erfect black band near the tip; the
upper parts are darker than in either, and the character of the primaries is quite dif-
ferent, in the lo >g, white space on the first, instead of a white subterminal spot. From
0 cidviitnlis it may always be known by its much less robust and deep bill, with lighter
ui)i)er parts, and the light bases of the primaries. Though usuaMy considerably smaller,
Avith a smaller, weaker bill than in argtutaluf, mature birds from high latitudes son e-
times approach or nearly ecjual the latter in size, and on<^ specimen belbre us has
actually a larger bill than in one nnd()nl)ted argentatus. But the <hirker upper ]»arts of
c lifiirnicus, and the very differed t character of the primaries, both basally ami termiu-
ally, separate the two without difficulty.

The first ]irimary of this species, though white for about two inches in mature birds,
has, j)erhaps nsnally, a narrow, irregular, black band across one or both wi'l>s, near the
end, dividing tlie white into a subterminal spot and broad tip. The shaft is .ihvays
white along the white i)ortion of tin; fi-ather. 'I'he spot on tlii^ .second primary some-
times extends only on th(! iinier webs; tiie shaft is always wholly black. The shafts
of all the primaries an^ white at the white tips. The orange eyelids and crimson gape
are retained oidy for a short time during the breeding season. In winter the head and
neck are streaked with dusky.

The type-s|)e(imeu of caUJornicus, kindly fnrni.shed for examination by Mr. Lawrence,
is moulting, and some of the itrimaiies are not fully grown out. The wliiti- ai)ieal
sjtaee on the first jirimary is crossed by a narrow, transverse, black bar. A large series
of skins, however, demonstr 'tes that the bhiek bar is soon n solved into two ^pots, or
indentations, on the edges of the feather, and then (piite <lisap]>ears, leaving the pri-
mary purely and uninterrni)tedly white at its tip for about two inches.

Syiionipny. — I incline to the opinion that culiJ'oruHUs is not the first designation of
this species, believing that nrgcutiitoidts of Kiehardson (IH'51) was based upon it. Very
numerous s])ecimens of a (iull from the intericu- ot Arctic America are donl)tless of the
sjiecies which h'iehardson calls argrnlaloidrs. Their sizi- is souu'what greati-r than tlyit
of lypical exami.les fiom C'alifi)rnia. though no more so than might be expected tVoiu
their more northern haiiitat ; and they are a shade lighter in the color of the man lo,
but othei wise so entirely similar to (((liforuicus proper that fhe\ were unhesit.itiiii; y
referred to the latter species by both Prof. I?aird and myself, ihe only real discrep-
ancy to be reconciled in Kiehardson's description is the statement that the legs are
"llesh-colo-ed," those of the lrn<' ralifornicus being of a dusky olivaceous, with clirome-
yellow webs, much as in delauannsis. In this respect, as well as in a less powerful

636 LARUS DELAWARENSIS. RING-BILLED GULL.

organization, weaker bill, &c., it shows an evident approach to the "Mew-Gnlls"
(delawarensis, canuii, &c.), niHl apparently connects the latter gronp with larger Herring-
Gulls with flesh-colored feet. But the liability to error in giving the colors of the fi-et,
&c., of water birds, is very great; l\Ir. Lawrence himself (B. N. A. p. 840) stating that
the legs are " Hesh-colored," although their tint was correctly given by hiiu when
introducing the species.

For a more extensive discussion of the point, I refer to my paper in the Philadelphia
Academy "Proceedings." While it is probable that Richardson's name refers to the
species described by Mr. Lawrence, I by no means insist upon this identification, nor
would wish to supersede the name caJlfornicus.

Comparison of L. califoniiciis iiilh the Euroi)ean L. ar«/cntatus. — The terminal markings
of the primaries of the two are identical, and in size the species are not very dissimilar.
The color of the feet is strikingly diverse (dusky greenish in califonticm ; tlesh-cclored
in anjeiitaius) ; and the picture of the bases of the primaries very different, as follows :
In valifoniicKS the bluish color is very light in tint, in fact almost white ternjinally ;
extends very far along the feathers (especially on the first quill), its edge ijarallel with
the rhachis for nearly its whole length, and then it turns suddenly off at an acute
angle, running up nearly as far on the edge as in the centre of the inner vane of the
feather. In argentaius the color is but little, if any, lighter than the mantle; it ex-
tends along the feather with an outline oblique to the shaft ; runs up much further in
the centre of the inner web than along its edge, along which latter the black descends
a little way as a narrow marginal line. In californicns the line of demarcation of the
two colors is much more trenchantly marked than it is in argentatus.

LARUS DELAWARENSIS, Ord.

Ring-billed Gull.

Larus delaumrensis, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. ii, 1815, 319. — Lawr., B. N. A. 1858,
846; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash Ter. 1860,
273 —Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 267.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 186L,
246; 1862, 302.— Coues, Smiths. Rep. 1861, 418.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862,
160.— Boardm., Pr. Bosit. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p.
22.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 80.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126.—
TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 39.— Coues, Key,
1872, 313.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 38 (Illinois).

Larus canus, Bp., Syn. 1828, 259. Not of authors.

Larus zonorhynchus, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 421.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 300.— AuD., Orn.
Biog. iii, 1835, 98 ; v, 1839, 638 ; pi. 212 ; Syn. 1839, 327 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 152, pi.

, 446.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 360.— Bp., Comptes Rendus, 1856, 771 ; Consp. Av. ii,

1856, 224.— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 380.

Larus zonorhjjuchns var. bruchii, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 224.

Larus zonorhijnclms var. mexicaiius, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 224.

Glaucus zonorhynchus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 102.

Gaviua zonorhyndia, Bp., Naum. iv, 1854, 202.— BiJUCH, J. f. O. 1855, 282.

Gavina brnchii, Bp., Naum. iv, 1854, 202.— Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 283.

DiAO. L. rostra nigrocincto, palKo coeruleo-perlaceo, remige primo spatio subapicali albo, tarso
dlgito medio longiore.

jjab. — North America generally; throughout the interior as well as coastwise. Cuba
(Cab., J. f. O. V, 236).

Adult in summer.— JiUl rather stout, as long as the middle toe and claw ; the upper
mandible considerably convex at the end ; under mandible much thickened at the
angle, which is prominent ; the outline from base to angle, and from angle to tip, both
concave. Middle toe and claw scarcely more than three-fourths the tarsus. Bill
greenish-yellow, at tip chrome, encircled at the angle with a broad band of black.
Legs and feet dusky bluish-green. Mantle light pearl-blue, fading into white at the
ends of the secondaries and tertials, the line of demarcation indistinct. Primaries:
first black, the basal portion of the inner web very light bluish-white, almost pure,
with a spot of white about 1.25 inches long near the end, of equal extent on both webs,
divided by the black shaft ; second with a small white spot on the inner web, an(l the
inner web whitish at base for a longer distance ; the whitish of the bases of the prima-
ries regularly increases inward and the black decreases, until on the sixth it is merely
a transverse bar. Apex of first primary black, of others white, the spot being very
minute ou the second, and gradually increasing; seventh and innermost prmiaries
without any black, like the secondaries.

Adult in winter.— As in summer, but the head and neck behind spotted (not streaked
nor nebulated) with dusky.

Young, first iti«^er.— Upper parts irregularly mottled with dusky brown and the pearl-

LARUS DELAWARENSIS, RING-BILLED GULL. 637

blue of the adults, the wiDjf coverts being almost entirely dusky, with lighter maro-ins
to the feathers. Head, neck, and under parts, mottled with white and dusky. Prima-
ries uniformly black; secondaries with a patch of brownish-black near the ends;
tertials wholly brownish-black, narrowly tipped with whitish. Tail wi^h a broad,
subterminal band of black, narrowly tipped with ^\hi^e. Terminal half of bill black,
the extreme tip yellowish.

Tounri-of-the-yem- hi Juf/ust. — Everywhere mottled thickly with brownish-black, on
the upper parts the feathers with yellowish-white edges, the pearl-blue of the adults
scarcely apparent, except on the wing-coverts. Terminal two-thirds of bill with the
tip black, the rest light flesh-color. Other parts as in the preceding.

DjjncHs/oHs.— Length, 19.75; extent, 48.50; wing, 14.75; bill above, 1.70; gape, 2.30 ;
height at nostril, 0.45 ; at angle, 0.50 ; tarsus, 2.05 ; middle toe, 1.80.

The (itiaiomical characters of this species do not differ iu any notable degree from
those of L. smi'hsonianiis, already fully described.

Altliough of about the same size as L. cauus, this species may readily be distinguished
from it. It is rather larger ; the bill, somewhat longer, is much more robust, the angle
much more strongly developed, and are both mandibles crossed by a well-defined bar near
the angle, wanting in carius. The upper parts are very decidedly lighter, being a very
light pale blue, instead of darker bluish-gray. The characters of the primaries are
quite different. In dclaivarerisis the bases of the primaries are very light bluish-white,
on the first almost pure white, and extending to within three inches of the tip of the
second. In canus the light bases of the feathers are very much more restricted, the
difference especially conspicuous on the second primary, the color of the bases bluish-
gray, scarcely lighter than the back. The subterminal spots on the first and second
primaries in delawarevsis are small, divided by the black shaft, and not longer on the
outer than on the inner vane, while in vanus the spots are nearly twice as large ; that
on the first longer on the outer than on the inner vane, and not divided by the black
shaft. Canus has, moreover, a spot ou the third primaij^ wanting in delawartnsis.

The relationshij) of this species to the L. hraclujrhijnclius of Richardson will be found
discussed under the head of the latter. There is no other North American Gull with
which the present requires comparison.

This species, iu common with others of the genus, varies very considerably in size.
The difference in the length of wing and tarsus of the largest and smallest specimen
before us amounts to a full inch iu the former, and 0.35 of an inch in the latter. The
longest tarsus measures 2.25, the shortest 1.90. The difference in the bills is consider-
able. The smallest specimen before me is an adult female from Laramie River ; the
largest a yoiing bird of the year from Labrador. Both Bonaparte and Bruch present a
species or variety in their monographs, distinguished from zonorhijnchus by its larger
size, more robust bill, &c. An adult winter specimen before me, from Nebraska, dif-
fers in these and some other respects from the ordinary standard. The bill is every way
larger and stouter, the culmeu terminally more convex, the emiuentia symphysis
perhaps less strongly developed. The head and neck are streaked rather than spotted
with tlusky, and the first primary has a more decidedly white apex. The chord of the
culmeu measures 1.75 ; height of bill at nostrils, 0.53 ; at emineutia symphysis, hardlj-
greater. The wing is 15.25 inches from the cardial joint. The feet are not larger nor
stouter than average of delawareiisis. A second specimen, from the interior of Arctic
America, a little surpasses these measurements, being so large that it would be taken
at first sight for califomicus, but for the ring around the bill and the different pattern
of the primaries. Without feeling assured that these specimens constitute even a de-
cided variety, I present the above considerations to show how greatly the species may
vary in size, and to indicate exactly iu what consists this species or variety of the
authors quoted.

Althougli the present is a marked and well-characterized species, there has been con-
siderable c(»nfusion resj)ecting it, occasioned by its being confounded by some authors
with the European canus, and by others, and the greater majt)rity, with the canus of
Ricliardson, which is the succeeding species. It may therefore be well to trace its his-
tory from the beginning.

In lhl5 a "Tootii-liillcd Gull" (L. delawarensis) is characterized by Ord, in Guthrie's
Geograi)hy. as al)()ve. This, as Mr. Lawrence has shown, can bt^ no other than the
present bird. " His account of the nu'asurements and coloration agrees precisely with
the adult L. zonorhjiiicluis, the only character to reeoncih' is tiie toothed bill. Tliis I
consider as a possible malformation, or i)robabiy an accidental tootliing, caused by its
being worn in some particular mode of feeding." — (Lawi{.) In an adult and very old
bird before us, the culmeu along its entire length is jagged and irregularly serrate.
This same feature along the eommissun^ would iiroduce jirecisi-ly the "Tooth-billed
Gull" of Ord. Moreover, this nialfbrniation actually t-xists along the commissure of
a Lams ocridcntalix, now before us, thus i)ro\iiig that tlie character is entirely acci-
dental an<l not confined to a single species, and fully eontirming the position assumed
by Lawicnee. Pt luirannsis being undoubtedly, therelore, the present sp<'cies, is the
first distinctive appellution, and must take priority over the more usual nume of zono-
rhynclius Richardson.

Go8 LAKUS CANUS VAR. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, MEW GULL.

Bonaparte, in liis Synopsis, presents the species under tbe name of " L. canus Linnanis."
The descrijjtion is tiiat of au immature bird, in which tbe primaries have not yet at-
tained their white tips. Tbe measurement, "tarsus a little more than two inches,"
excludes the hrmhyrhptehufi Richardson, to which the description nii<rht otherwise ap])ly.

The species was dehnitely characterized by Richardson in 18:51, under tbe name
zoriorliyiichufi, and separated from the hrachijrhiirichus of that author. This name was in
almost universal employ, until Mr. Lawrence showed that it had not rightfnl priority.
But authors have greatly en-ed in assigning as synonyms of this species canus aud
hrachi/rlniiichui: of Richardson, the former being the adult and tbe latter the young of
a very different species. Neither is this species the "i. ecmus from North America of
authors," as stated by Bonaparte, which citation is only referable to the succeeding
species. A fuller elucidatiou of these names will be fouud under head oi L-hrachyrhtinchus.

The Eiug-billed Gull is more generally distributed throwghout the
interior than the Herring Gull, occurring on the larger waters of the
Missouri region, and elsewhere. It migrates through the interior, up
the Mississippi, as well as along the coast. Prof. Snow does not give it
in his Kansas List, but in my copy received from him I find a penciled
note of its occurrence at Lawrence in April, 1873. This was the Gull
I ofteuest observed in Northern Dakota ; I fouud it in large numbers in
September, on Lake Eiver, a tributary of the Soiiris: and again in Sep-
tember of the following year on tbe Upper Missouri, in company with
Herring Gulls. They were mostly young birds, apparently hatched not
far off. Along the Atlantic coast I have traced the bird from Labrador
to the Carolinas, finding it numerous in the former locality in summer,
with Herrings and Black-backs. It winters abundantly on the coast of
the Middle States ; 1 saw it constantly during two winters over the har-
bor of Baltimore, where it flies among the shipping v^'ith Bonaparte's
Gull and several kinds of Terns.

LARUS CANUS var. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, (Rich.) Coues.

American Mew Gall.

a. canus.

Larus canus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 224. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 596.— Lath., lad.
Orn. ii, 1790, 815.— Temm., Man. 1815, 499.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 40.— Boie, Isis,
1822, 563.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 198.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 140.— Jen.,
Man. 1835, 275.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 52.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Enr. 1840, 96.—
Naum., V. D. X, 1840, 301, pi. 261.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 248.— Schl., Rev.
Crit. 1844, 125.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 223.— Sciil., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p.
23.— Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 233.— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 380.— Sharpe & Dress.,
B. Eur. pt. xvii, Apr. 1873.

Laroides canus, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 751.

Gavina cana et Glaucus canus, Bruch.

Larus cinereus, Scop., Ann. Hist. Nat. i, 1768, 80.

Larus hybernus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 596 (Gavia hyierna, Briss., Orn. 1760, 189, pi. 16,
f. 2).— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 223.

Larus cyanorhynchus, Mey. & Wolf, Tasch. ii, 1810, 480.

"Larus cyanopus, Bechst."

Larus jn-ocellosus {partim), Bechst., Orn. Tasch. 1802, 373 ; Naturg. Deut. iv, 647.

Laroides jyroceUosus, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 750.

Laroides canescens, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 753.

b. niveus.

Larus niveus, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 320, pi. 76.— Bp., Consp. ii, 18.56, 224.

Larus canus var. major, Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 1853, 243, pi. 24, f. 4. — Schl., Mua. P.-B. iv,

1863, Lari, p. 26.
Larus heinci, Homeyer, Naura. 1853, 129.
" Gavina hcinii, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 283 (partim)."
Larus canus, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 223 (partim). — SciiR., Reise, 511.
La^'ufi kamtschatkensis, Bp., R. and M. Z. vii, 1855, 16.
Qavina citrirostris, Bruch, {partim).

LARUS CANUS VAR. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, MEW GULL. 639

c. hracliyrhynclms.

Larus camis, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 420 (adult) ; not of authors. — Nutt., Man.

ii, 1834, 300.
Larus brachyrlnjnchus, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 421 (juvenile). — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 301. —

CouES, Pr. A. N. S. 1862, 302.- Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 53.— Dall & Bann., Tr.

Chic. Acad. 1869, 305.— Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 84.
Larus can us var. brachyrhynchus, CouES, Key, 1872, 313.
Larus sucklei/i, Lawu., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1854*, 264 ; B. N. A. 1858, 847 (young).— Coop. &,

Suck., N- H. Wash. Ter. I860, 274.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 27.—

Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 381.
Bissa septentrionalis, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1854 ; B. N. A. 1858, 854. — Coop. Sl Suck.,

N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 277.

Note. — The foregoing synonymy is based upon the consideration that there are three
recognizahle varieties, but not species, of the eanus group : 1. The typical European
bird. 2. The larger and perhaps otherwise distiugui.shed bird of Asia, L. can us major
of Middendorff and Schlegel (see Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 330). 3. The North American
bird, of which the adult as caiitts, and the young as braehyrhyneliHS, were described by
Richardson, and subsequently as liissa septentrionalis (adult) and L. suckleyi (juvenile)
by Lawrence. We have here only to do with the latter.

Var. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, [Mcli.) Coues.

DiAG. L. cano (Enropa;) similis ; minor, rostro hreviore, culmine magis convexo, pallia dilu-
tiore, tarso vix lonyiore quam digitnm medium cum ungue.

Hah. — Interior of Arctic America, and Pacific coast generally. Not authenticated as
occurring on the Atlantic coast.

Sp. ch. Bill small, somewhat stout for its length, much shorter than the head or
tarsu.s. Upper mandible straight to the end of the nostriis, moderately convex to the,
tip, rather more so than in eanus. Angle of lower mandible pretty well developed,
comparatively more so than in eanus; the lower outliue considerably concave posterior
to it, somewhat so before it. Commissure about straight to near the tip. Tarsus and
middle toe and claw about equal, the former but little if any longer than the latter.

Adult in summer. — Bill bluish-green, its terminal third bright yellow. Legs and feet
dusky bluish-green, the webs yellowish. Mantle light grayish-blue or dark pearl-blue,
a shade lighter than in eanus, much darker than in delawarensis. Prinuiries : the bluish-
gray bases rather lighter than in eanus, much darker than in dehncarensis, but fading
into nearly pure white on all but the first at the juncture with the black portion ; these
bluish-gray bases of the feathers extend toward the ends much further than in eanus,
as far as in delawarensis, and, as in that species, on the second, third, and fourth, extend
furth' r along the central portions of the inner weh than at the edges, so that they are
bordered for some distance with the black of the terminal portions of the feathers.
The black takes in the outer web of the first primary and nearly the whole of the inter,
but rapidly becomes narrower, till it is merely a subtenninal transverse bar on the
sixth. The seventh has freiiuently a spot of black on one or both webs. First, with a
large white siK)t near the end two inches long, longer on the; outer than on the inner
web, not divided by the black shaft, the tip of the feather black ; second, with a sim-
ilar spot, but smaller, not longer on the outer than on, the inner web, and divided by
the black shaft ; the extreme apex white, as are the apices of all the other primaries
except the first.

Adult, high breeding plumage. — Eyelids, ocular region, and gape of mouth, bright
orange-yellow, which color extends over the tip and cutting edges of the bill. The
green of the bill with a peculiar hoary glaucesceiice. Legs and leet bluish-green, the
webs bright gamboge-yellow. Otherwise as in tlie preceding stage.

Adult in winter. — The head and neck all round, with the upper part of the breast,
mottled with dusky.

A]>)>r()aehing maturity. — Head and neck faintly mottled. Primaries brownish-black,
without decided white tips ; the spots on tlit; first and second restricted. Tertials with
a dusky spot on each web near the end. Tail with a more or less perfect subtenninal
band.

i'oung, first idnter. — Bill, basally, ll(>sh-color ; black on the terminal half. Legs and
feet light yellowisli. Head, neck, rnnip, and whole under parts, mottled irregularly
with dusky. Back a.s in the adult, but the feathers with grayi.sh edgings. Wing-
coverts, secondaries, and tertials, «lusky ; darkest on t\w latter ; all with light edgings.
Priinarit's nnitbnn l)rowniHh-bla(k, witliont white spots, tips, or lighter bases. Tail
almost entirely brownish-black, with a narrow bitrder of white.

Young in .tugust. — Bill and legs as in the i)receding. Everywhere whitish-grav ; the
■white of the under i)arts ajtpearing as mottling, and the blue of the upper \tarts as
irregular patches. Otherwise as in the j'receding.

iJimensions. — Length, 17.50; extent, 42; wing, 13.75; bill above, 1.40; gape, 2 ; width

G40 LARIJS CANUS VAR. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, MEW GULL.

at nostrils, 0.25 ; height, 0.35 ; height at angle, 0.35 ; tarsus, and niitldle toe and
claw, 1.80.

The variations in size presented by this species, though considerable, are not greater
than those of others of the genus. The ditierence in tlie lengths of the wing, tarsus,
and bill, of the largest and smallest specimens before me, amounts to, respectively, 1.80,
0.30, and 0.'20 inches. There is a considerable ditierence also in general size, which,
however, is not always accompanied with corresponding discrepancies in length of bill
and feet, small birds having sometimes longer bills and tarsi than thost^ which surpass
them in total length ; the indefinite character of these variations showing pretty con-
clusively that they are those of a single species. As might be expected, adult birds,
as a general rule, are larger, with longer and stouter bills than the young. As will be
seen in the diagnosis, during the breeding season the bill, mouth, eyelids, and feet, be-
come very highly colored, although the bright tints are retained for only a short time.
There may also be sometimes detected a faint rosy blush on the under parts during
this season. In adult birds the markings of the primaries are very coustautly pre-
served. The relative proportions of the tarsus and toes vary a little, but the former
never greatly exceeds the latter in length, as is always the case with canus and
sonorhyiichus.

I have before me the type-specimen of Richardson's Larus iraoliyrhynchus — the
original of his description in, the Faun. Bor. Am. — "a female, killed on the 23d of May,
1820, at Great Bear Lake." "Some brown markings on the tertials, primary coverts,
and bastard wing, with an imperfect subterminal bar on the tail, point it out as a
young bird, most probably commencing its second spring." The specimen in question
is labeled in a handwriting unknown to me, " J , May 23, 1826, Great B ar Lake," and
corresponds in every detail with Richardson's description, so there can be no doubt of
its identity. This author, in drawing up his diagnosis of the species from a young
bird, fell into the error of saying "remigibus apice concoloribus," whereas in the adult
the primaries are as broadly white tipped as in other species. In this type-specimeu
the bill is very small, bearing perhaps less than the average even of young birds, but
in other specimens before me it is quite as short.

This is the North American representative of the European canns, but is varietally
distinct in the following features : The tarsus little if any longer than the middle toe
and claw, instead of being a fourth longer. The bill is shorter and smaller in all its
proportions, with a rather more convex ..culmen and less developed eminentia. The
bluish bases of the primaries are much lighter, fading nearly into white at their junc-
tion with the black portion ; extend for a greater distance along the feathers, and run
up further in the centre than along the edge of the inner vane. The average size of
the bird is less, and the color of the mantle rather lighter.

The difterences between this species and delawarensis, the only other American species
which it at all resembles, are so palpable that a detailed comparison is scarcely necessary.

Si/iwnymy. — Much confusion prevails in the synonymy of this species, for which there
is really no occasion, as it is perha^is the most thoroughly marked of all our North
American species. Most authors present it as a synonym of zonorhi/uchiis (dclaivarensis) ;
and in addition several nominal species must be referred to it. The ditliculty doubtless
originated in the reference by some of Larus canus "Linn." of Richardson to the true
European canus, and by others to the zonorhynchus Richardson. Brachyrhyuchus Rich-
ardson being founded upon an immature bird naturally excited suspicion as to its
validity, heightened by the fact that Richardson himself expresses doubts of its dis-
tinction from his canus.

The pi'oper location of Larus niveus Pallas is a point upon which authors widely
differ. Bonaparte considers it as a valid species. Cassin queries it as a synonym of
occ(VZewffl7(s Audubon. Bruch, and following him Lawrence, consider it as a Rissa, iden-
tifying it with brachyrhyncha^ Gould (not of Richardson). I see nothing in Pallas'
description or plate which renders its reference to the large Asiatic form of canus inad-
missible. The plate, it is true, shows no subterminal spots on the primaries, but this
is contradicted by the text, which says that the bird is in this respect " entirely like
the preceding," which is L. cachinnans Pallas, a species the description of whoso pri-
maries shows it to be not essentially diverse from hrachyrhynchus Richardson. The
measurements given are those of an adult brachyrhynchus. The doubt involved appears
to be this. Pallas' bird is from Kamtschatka, and is doubtless the species described by
Middendorff as L. canus major (Siberische Reise, Birds, p. 213). The question then
really hinges upon the identity or distinction of the Asiatic and American bird. The
former, according to Middendorfif, is larger than canus, and has a bigger bill, while the
American bird is as much smaller and weaker billed. But it appears that there is in
Siberia, &c., a distinct variety, larger than the standard European canus, just as there
is in North America one smaller than the latter. In view of these considerations there
seems to be no doubt that niveus Pallas is the larger form, which I recognize as L. canus
var. nivetis.

*For discussion of this view see below, under head of Eissa brachyrhyncha.

LARUS HEERMANNI, WHITE-HEADED GULL. 641

Bonaparte, in his Conspectns, places bis own Gav'ma or Larnn kamtsrhatlensis as a
synonym of nivens Pallas, and also quotes with a query the (iavina cilrlrosiris Bruch, a
species founded upon Larus cUrirontris Schimper. Bruch says that caniischatlensis is an
" undoubted synonym" of his [Brucb's] cifrirontris. Upon the authority, then, of these
writers, their species are reduced to the nivens Pallas.

In 1h31 Richardson gives as species of North American " Mew Gulls," canns "Linn.,"
and zonorliynchus and hrachyrhynchus Richardson. The error here is in givinjj; eanus as
identical with that of Europe, and in separating hrachyrhynchus from it ; a mistake
magnified by nearly all authors, considering all three names as referring to a single
species, zonorhynelins. Canus of Nuttall's Manual (1834) is the same as that of Rich-
ardson ; canns of Bonaparte's Synopsis (18'28) is the delawarensis.

Examination of the type-specimens of Lams suckleyi and lilasa septentrionalis of Tua^r-
rence, and comparison of them with the type of L. hrachyrhynchus Richardson, shows
all three to be identical. Most of the specimens of ^' suckleyi" nre inmiature, and agree
in the minutest particnlars with Richardson's type. The type of Eissa septentrionalis
is quite mature, and agrees entirely with the large series of skins from the interior of
Arctic America, representing what Richardson called "canns." In this connection it is
due to Mr. Lawrence to state that at the time of the founding of his species he had
not Richardson's type to guide him ; and as '^hrachyrhynchus Rich." had always been
•luoted (though erroneously) as the young zonorhynchus, he was obliged to take for
granted existing opinions on the subject.

It is probable that the species sometimes reaches the Missouri region,
but I have never seen it there, nor indeed anywliere, alive.

Siibgenm Blasipus, Bp.

= Larus, Cass., 111. 1853, 28. {L. heermanni.)

— Blasipus, Bp., Mss.— Bruch, J. f. 0. 18.")3, 108 (see Bp., R. Z. 1855, 21 ; Scl. «fc Salv.,

P. Z. S. 1871, 573).— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 211 (type B. heermanni).— Lxyvn., B. N.

A. 1858, 848.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 204.
= ddelarvs^ Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 106 ; 18.55, 278.
= Leucophwns, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 231 (type scoreshyi, Trail).

Bill shorter than head or tarsus, rather slender, moderately compressed, the tip
rather acute ; its color red in x^art in the adult. Folded wings reaching beyond the
tail. Tail of moderate length, even, slightly emarginate in the young. Feet rather
large. Tarsus equal to the middle toe and claw. General colors dark ; tail mostly
blackish.

This section scarcely differs in form from Larus proper, and is only worth recognition
as a convenient means of grouping certain species which differ from ordinary Lari in
the pattern of coloration, being mostly dark colored, with black or largely dark tail,
and not showing the usual "mantle" contrasted with pure white.

Bonaparte's Conspectus recognizes three species of Blasipus as restricted : heermanni
(type), bridf/esi (modestus Tschndi), and crassirostris. He, however, has another " genus"
Leucophous, in which he places scoreshyi Traill (hannatorhynclats King), fuliginosus Gould,
and helcheri Vigors. The first two of those I have never seen ; the first is said to be
peculiar in the depth of its bill ; helcheri has a bill mnch stouter than that of heermanni^

LARUS (BLASIPUS) HEERMAN:N^I, Cass.

Heermaiiirs White-headed Gull.

Larus heermanni, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 187; 111. 1853, 28, pi. 5 (adult and

juvenile).— Hkkrm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 74.
Larus {lilasipus) heermanni, ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 574, cum fig,
Blasipus heermanni, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 211 ; Comitt. Rend. 1856, 770.— Lawh., B.

N. A. 1858, 848.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18(;0, 275.— Couk.-^, Pr. Phila.

Acad. 1862, 304 ; Ibis, 1864, 388.— Salv., t7>iV?. 1866, 198.
.Idelarus heirmanni, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 107 ; 1855, 279.
Larus helcheri, ScHL., Mus. P.-B. Lari, p. 9,partim. (Unites several specie.*!.)
Larus (Blasipus) helcheri, Couics, Key, 1872, 314, excl. syn. fuliginosus Gonld. (Xcc Vig.)

DlACr. Jdullus jilumheo-schisiaceus suhius dilutior, capitc sensim alho, caudd iota nigricanie,
alho-icrminatd, teciricihns superiorihus alhivantihus ; remi(iihus caudd concolorihus, prima-
riis interiorihus sccondariistjuc albo-ierniinalis, rosiro ]dvrumque ruhro, jirdihui ruhro-
nigricantihus. Long. tot. sesquiped. ; al. 14 poll. ; caud. 5 ; rostri culm. 1.75 ; tars. 2.25.
Junior : sat similis, sed obscurior, capite fusro-varirgato, rosiro rix incarnato, apicc nigro.
Jtivenis : minor ; corporc toto cum capite fuUginnso, plus minusvr alhido variigato, remigi-
bus et reciricibus rix albo-terminatis, rosiro magna vr parte nigro.
Hah. — Pacific const of North America, British Columbia to Panama.
Adult, breeding jjlumage. — Bill bright verniilion rod, black for its terminal third, some-
times wholly red ; a rod ring around eye. Head white ; this color grndually merging
41

642 LARUS HEEEMANNI, WHITE-HEADED GULL.

OH the neck into plumbeous ash, which extends over the whole under parts, being
liiihter on the abdomen and under tail-coverts than elsewhere. The bade is deep
plumbeous slate, lighter on the rump. Upper tail-coverts clear ashy. Upper surfaces
of wings like the back ; the primaries black ; the tips of all, except the two or three
outer ones, narrowl5^ white. Tail black, narrowly tipped with white. Legs and feet
reddish' black,

Youncj-of-lhe-iicar. — Smaller than the adult. Bill and feet brownish-black. Entire
plumage deep sooty or fuliginous blackish ; all the feathers, but especially those of
the back and upper wing-coverts, edged with grayish-white. Primaries and seconda-
ries black, as in the adults, with only traces of white tips on the former. Tail black,
very narrowly tipped with dull white.

Immature. — Considerably larger than the above-described adult, the length being
from 18 to 21 inches. Bill as in the adult. Head all round, and the throat, mottled
with brownish-black and dull white, the latter color predominating on the forehead
and throat. Upper tail-coverts lighter than in the adult, and the white tips of the tail-
feathers broader; otherwise generally as in the adult, but with all the colors rather
deeper.

i/imeHs/o*;.?.— "Length, about 17.50; wing, 13.50; tail, 5.50." (No. 58797, Isabella
Island, adult) : Length of akin, 18..50 ; wing, 14 ; tail, 5.75 ; bill along culmen, 1.80 ;
along gape, 2.40 ; depth at base, 0..55; at angle, about the same ; tarsus, 2.20 ; middle
toe and claw, a little less. (No. 30848, Guatemala, young) : Wing, 12.25 ; tail, 4.75 ; bill
along culmen, 1.60 ; depth at base, 0..50 ; at angle, 0.45"; tarsus, 1.90. Length of some
skins up to about 20 inches.

This species varies materially in size, though not beyond the usual limits in this
family. The figures above given are near the extremes I have observed. At first the
bird is, a nearly uniform smoky-brown all over, with blackish quills and tail-feathers,
usually varied with whitish edgings of the feathers of the upper parts, particularly
those of the scapulars and wing-coverts. The bill is pale, with a dark tip. This stage
gives way to a slaty plumage, paler below, with the ends of the secondaries and the
upper tai'l-coverts growing more and more pale ashy, the tail acquiring a whitish tip,
the head mottled with fuscous or whitish, and the bill reddening. With the clearing
of all these colors, the head grows pure white, gradually shading into the slaty-ash of
the fore-parts. The feet appear to be always blackish. The first and final stages are
excellently well represented in JVIr. Cassin's plate, above cited.

This species seems to me to be thoroughly established. Soon after its original de-
scription Mr. Lawrence noted some similarity of its characters to the description of Lams
hdcha-ijWigors, and likewise of Lams fnUginosus, Gould, suggesting a probable identity.
Prof. Schlegel went further, unhesitatingly uniting the three, an error that I unfortu-
nately adopted in the "Key," being at that time without the means of satisfying
myself. l,atterly Messrs. Sclater and Salvin have unraveled the synonymy of these
and some .allied species, showing that they are perfectly distinct. I have lately gone
over the:Smithsonian series, in company with Mr. Salvin, finding the specimens, as far
as they go, to verify all the points given in the paper just referred to. L. fidigiuosus, said
to be only •from the Galapagos, I have not seen ; the specimens before me are of mo-
dest iis, heemniinii, and l)elch(ri. The latter are labeled by Mr. Cassin " L. fiili{iinosus
Gould," and are those referred to in his Ornithology of the United .States Exploring
Expedition, ,1858, p. 378, under such name. An older label on each of the same speci-
mens says ^'ha-matorhynchus King/' apparently Mr. Peale's original identihcatiou ;
whereas Mr. Salvin points out to me that the birds are neither /«7)r/iHc>g«s nor hwmaior-
hytichus (:=«eores&)/t Traill), but are belclieri Vigors. This wrong labeling, which I had
no reason to suspect, was what threw me off the scent altogether. Granting these
specimens to be heJchcri, they are altogether different from heermanm, as fclainied by
Messrs. Sclater and Salvin. They are much larger ; the bill and feet, in particular, are
very much larger and stouter ; the mantle, instead of being slaty-gray, is of a blackish-
slate, much as .in L. dominicanus. Most of the under parts, and the upper tail-coverts
and ends of the secondaries, are ashy white. The tail, instead of being black, whit.e-
tipped, may bebetter described as white, with a broad, black subtermimil bar— indeed
the outer web of the outer feather is entirely white ; the black bar on the inter web
of this feather is only about an -inch broad, aud on the middle feathers is only about
half as broad as the tail is long. The bird is not a" white-headed" Gull at all, having
a dark hood like the mantle. I also verify the curious restriction of the frontal autise,
as figured by the authors just mentioned. Wing, 14.25 ; tail, 5.50 ; bill along culmen,
2 ; its depth at. angle, 0.70 ; the angle well defined, the tip obtuse, the Avhole bill very
stout ; depth at base, about the same as at angle ; tarsus, 2.40. The bill in its present
state is light colored, with a dark subterminal zone, and the tarsi are rather light, but
the bird has been dried many years (described from No. 15r)9'3 Callao, Peru). No. 15092,
from the sam-e locality, is altogether similar. No. .15.513, from Orange Bay, Terra del
Fuego, is a very young bird, in the smoky-brown state of plumage, like that of Aeer-
mainii, but very .extensively varied with whitish on the upper parts ; and although so
young, the tail is already whitening at the base. These three specimens are the basis
of " hceniaforhyncims Peale, 1848, wc l\ing,",aud of "fuliginosns Cassin, 1858, nee Gould.**

LARUS HEERMANNI, WHITE-HEADED GULL. 643

As just stated, I have not seen the tTnefuJirihiosus Gonld from tlie Galapagos. Sclater
and Salvin describe the adult as "nearly uniform cinereous, with a well-marked black-
ish hood ; the wing-primaries black; the tail cinereous, like the body, with the upper
coverts grayish-white and the under coverts still paler ; the legs and feet black ; the
bill black, with the point of the upper mandible reddish." These features are strongly
at variance with those of heennaiDH or belcheri. The young ftdigiiiosiis is stated to be
"uniform brown, A-ery similar to the corresponding stage of L. hcennaniii, but immedi-
ately recognizable by its much stouter bill."

Nor have I seen the L. scoreshyi (=z hwmaforh iiDchus Kiug), from Chilce and southward,
which the authors mentioned place iu a different genus Leiicojjhwtis, on account of the
singular short, stout, obtuse and curiously wrinkled bill. It is stated to have a brown
hood, when young, like L. helcheri, but to lose this when old. I should not be surprised
if L. helchtri tiually lost this hood, and in fact I consider the indicatious to be that way ;
but this would not invalidate its specific characters.

A lifth species of this group is the L. modcsttis of Tschudi (=bricl(jcsi Eraser), from
Peru and Chili. Of this I have before me a good example. No. 31977, from Cbili, the
basis of Mr. Cassin's notice in Gillis's U. S. Astrou. Exped. p. 205. This is a "white-
headed" Gull, with a general superficial resemblance to heermanni, though perfectly
distinct, as it also is, according to Sclater and Salvin, who examined the type of
" hridgesi," from Z. ftdiguwsus. The head is white, shading into the clear, light plumbe-
ous of the whole body (much lighter than in heermanni), and nearly uniform above and
below. The tail and its coverts are like the body, with a rather narrow and not sharply-
marked subterminal black bar. The primaries are black, with the iuuermost whitish
tipped, and the secondaries are broadly white tipped. The bill aud feet are wholly
reddish-black. The bill is different iu sbape from that of any of the species here dis-
cussed, being much compressed, very slender, less deep at angle than at base, with an
attenualed, decurved, and acute tip, bringing the point dowu to the level of the gony-
deal angle. This is very peculiar, and reuiinds oue of the shape in Choccocephahis atri-
cilla or Iiissatrhkictyla. Wing, 13 ; tail, 5 ; tarsus, 1.95; middle toe and claw, decidedly
less ; bill along culmeu, 1.75 ; depth at base, 0.50 ; at angle, 0.40.

The following determinations, it will be observed, of the five species discussed, are
substantially the same as those of Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, P. Z. S. 1871, 573 et scq.

1. L. MODESTUS, Tschudi, Wieg. Arch. 1843, 389; En. Peru. 306, pi. 35.— Z. hridgesi, Eras.,

P. Z. S. 1845, 16 ; Zool. Typ. pi. 69; Cass., U. S. Naval Exp. 205.— Blasipiis iridgesi,
Bp., R. Z. 1855, 21 ; Consp. ii, 212.

Hab.—Fevu; Chili.

2. L. i-ULiGixosus, Gould, Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii, 141 ; Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 323 ;

1871, 573 (not of Cassin, 1858). — Leucophwusfuliginosus, Bp. , Consp. ii, 232 ; Comptes
Rendus, 1856, 771. — " Adelarus neptunus, Bp."

Hab. — Galapagos. •

3. L. iiKEinrANNi, Cassin, as above.

Hah. — Pacific coast of America to British Columbia. Panama.

4. L. HELCHERI, Vigors, Zool. Jouru. iv, 1829, 358; Beechey's Voy. 39; Scl. «fc Salv.,

P. Z. S. 1867, 991 ; 1871, 575 (not of CouES, Key, 1872, which =hevrmanni) ; Schleg.,
Mus. P.-B., Lari, p. 9 {partim; excl. syn. heermanni et fuliginosus). — Adelarus
belcheri, BiJUCH, J. f. 0. 1853, 107 ; 1855, 279. — Leucopha'us helcheri, Bp., Consp. ii,
232 ; Comptes Rendus, 1856, 771 ((piotes Bp., Rev. Zool. 18.55, 20 ; Naum., 1854,

17). — Larus '^hwrnatorhi/nchus, KiNi;," Peale, U. S. Exi)1. Exped. 1848, {nee

King; teslibus speec. ipsis). — Larus ^'fuliginosus, GovJ.v," Cass., V. S. Expl. Exped.
1858, 378) nee GovJA) ; teslibus spetc. ipsis). — Larus frobeeni, Pii. & Landb., Wieg.
Arch. 1861, 292 ; Cat. Av. Chil. 48 {fide S. &. S.).
Hab. — Peru to Straits of Magellan.

5. L. SCORES15VI, Traill Mem. Wern. Soc. iv, 1823, 514 ; Pelz., Orn. Nov. Exp. 151 ;

AuiJorr, Ibis, 18()1, 165 ; Scl., P. Z. S. l'^60, :\dl.—Leucophaus seonsbii, Blas., J. f. O.
1865, 378; Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 579.— Larus ha-matorhiinchus, King, Zool.
Journ. iv, 1828, 10.*;; Jakd. & Selisv, 111. Orn. pi. 106; Dahw., Voy. Beagle, iii,
142 (not of Peale, 1848, which =^f/c/ifi). — Leucophaus hamatorhynehus, Buucn,
.J. f. O. 1853, 108 ; 1855, 287.

Hab. — Chike. I'atagouia. Falklands.

tSiihycnus Kiss A, Leach.

<^Larus, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1758. {(irag.)

= Garia, I'lOiE, Isis, 1822, 563.

= Iiissa, Leach, Stephen's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, IHO {Larus rissa, BkOnn).

= Cheimonea, Kaiip, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thicirw. 1829, 84 (samo type).

=z Puloeondora, Reichknuach. {Up.)

Gen. char. Of medium size. Bill rather short, stout, aud littlo compressed at the

644 LARUS TRIDACTYLUS, KITTIWAKE GULL.

base, shorter than the head, equal to middle toe without the claw, longer than the
tarsus ; the tip decurved and attenuated ; the convexity ofcidmen vegidar and gradual
from base to tip; goiiys coufave, in coiise<iuence of the great deflexion of the apex of
lower mandible ; outline of rami slightly concave ; emiu(nitia symphysis well marked
and acute, but not large. Wings very long, pointed, reaching beyond the tail ; tin; pri-
maries pointed, first longest. Tail moderately long, even ; slightly emarginate in the
young. Legs stout and short. Tarsus shorter than middle toe alone; anterior toes all
long, and united by broad, full webs with uniucised margins. Hallux rudimentary,
or not well formed, the ungual phalanx being generiilly obsolete.

Anatomical characters. — Generally as in Lams, except those of the hallux.

A small genus, differing from Lams in few particulars : the attenuated, decurved
shape of the bill and concave gonys ; the short tarsi ; the pattern of coloration of the
long, pointed wings; the full, rounded iuterdigital membranes; and especially the
rudimentary character of the hallux of the typical species, readily distinguish it from
Larus. The markings of the in'imary qtiills are different. The changes of pluniage of
the young, and the winter vesture, are also characteiistic.

In Lams tridactylus the two bones composing the hallux are very small, both together
forming merely a knob on the metatarsus. The accessory metatarsal is a small, flat
bone, scarcely longer than wide, with a rounded, thin, proximal extremity, lying in
apposition, but loosely connected with the side of the metatarsus, and freely movable,
being held only ligamentously. Its distal extremity is somewhat enlarged, and has a
convex facet for articulation with the phalangeal segment. The latter is a short, ir-
regularly-cylindrical ossicle, movahly articulated by a circular, concave facet, with the
accessory metatarsal. It tapers somewhat to a rather acute, free, distal extremity, over
which the metatarsal skin is stretched. The ungual phalanx is obsolete in most in-
stances, yet we occasionally find it bearing a well-fornied claw.

There are but two species of this group satisfactorily determined. One is the common
bird of the North Atlantic, which has a varietal representative in the North Pacific;
the other is a very distinct species, confined to the last-mentioned I'egion. They may
be thus tabulated:

1. Feet dark; bill clouded with olivaceous. Bill, about 1.50 long;

Aving, 12.00.

a. Hallux rudimentary, without a claw-bearing terminal pha-
lanx ... TRIDACTYLrS.

h. Hallux better formed, bearing a claw var. lotzebiii.

2. Feet coral red (drying yellow) ; bill clear yellow. Bill, about 1.20;

wing, 13.00 BREVIROSTRIS.

It may be proper here to remark upon the bibliography of the species collectively, a
point much needing of critical consideration. The syn-onymy of B. tridactyla is definite
enough ; we have only to do with the two northwest liissw.

A great mistake of authoi's, I hope I have been able to prove, is in considering the
Lams niveus of Pallas as a Eissa, and deducing therefrom a lUssa tiivea to antedate and
take the place of JUssa brachyrhyncha or Brandt's i?. hrevirosiris. Then from the fact
of the characters and relationships of these two very distinct northwestern species not
being clearly understood, different authors have indiscrimi-ately adduced the syno-
nyms of both speciee for eitlier of them, others often giving liie synonyms of Kolzebui
for what, according to their description, is the brevirostrls, and vice rersd. Quite re-
cently the subject has been further complicated by the introduction of a Bissa septen-
trionalis, which is no Bissa, but a true Lams, and nothing more nor less than the lesser
American Mew-Gull, the adult of which was described by Richardson in 1831 as /^. canus,
and the young as L. brachyrhynchns.

The whole matter may thus be sunnned up : There are on the northwest coast of
North America two forms of Rissa (neither of which is L. niveus Pallas). The first of
these is the representative of B. tridactyla, the puoper name of which is (probably)
Koizcbui. The other is a very different species, with a short, bright yellow bill, coral-
red or orange-yellow feet ; described by Brandt as L. brevirostris, and by Gould as Larus
brachyrliynchus.

This is the gist of my views on the subject. The matter is more fully discussed under
the heads of the two species.

LAEUS (EISSA) TEIDACTYLUS, Linu.

The Common Kittiwakc.

Larus rissa, BrCnx., Orn. Bor. 1764, 42.— Linx., Svst. Nat. i, 17G6, 224.— Gm.. Syst. Nat.

i, 1788, 594.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 40 — Flem., Br. An. 1828, 141.
Laroides rissa, Breiim, V. D. 18:51, 755, pi. 37, f. 3.
Larus riga, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 594.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 619.

LARUS TRIDACTYLUS, KITTIWAKE GULL (345

Larus trldactyhis, Linn., Fu. Suec. 55 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 224.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
.595.— Lath.. lud. Orn. ii, 790, BIH.— Ektz., Fn. Suec. IdfJO, 154.— Nilss., Fn.
Siiec. ii, 174— SCH.EFI-., Mns. Oin. 1779, G4.— Mey. & Wolf, Tascb. Dents, ii,
1810, 486.— TEAt.M., Man. 1815, 502 ; ii, 1820, 774.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxi, 1818.
503 ; Fn. Franr. 39.— Fabeh. Prod. Isl. Oin. 1820, — .— Buehm, Eur. Vof--. 1823.
705.— Bp., Svn, 1828. 359.— S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 423.— Nltt., Man. ii,
1834, 298.— JfEX., Man. 1835, 274.— Aud.. Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 186, pi. 224 ; Syn.
1839. 326; B. A. vii, 1844. 146, pi. 444.— ScHixz, Enr. Fn. 1840, 385.— Nau.m., V.
D. X. 1840, 322. pi. 262.— Key.s. &. Blas., Wiib. Enr. 1840, 95.— Schl., Rev. Crit.
1844, 126.— DeKay, N. Y. Fauna, ii, 1844, 313.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 361.-Schl.,
Mns. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lart, p. 30.— Coues, Key, 1872, 314.

Gavia iridactyUi, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.

Cheimonca Iridactyla, Kax'P, Sk. Ent. Enr. Thierw. 1829, 84.

Laioidcts iridaclijla, Buehm, Y. D. 1831, 754.

Ilissa tridacdjia, Bi'., List, 1838, 62 ; Cou.sp. Av. ii, 1856, 225 ; Couipt. Rend. 1856, 770.—
Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 250.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, l5p49, 655.— Bruch, J. f. O.
1853, — ; 1855, 284.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 854.— Cox'es, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,
247; ibid 1862, 304. -Wheat., Ohio Aj^rlc. Rep. Ic60, No. 270 (Lake Michi-
gan).—Rn)G\v., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. x, 1874, 393 (the same).— Boardm., Pr. Bost.
Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Veiii:., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 161.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864,
90._C()UE8, ibid. V. 1868, 306.— Lawi:., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Malmg.,
J. f. O. 1865, 202.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 50«.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869,
305 (? Kotzebi(i).—i:\:iiyv.., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.— Finsch. Abb. Nat. iii, 1872
(^ Kolzebiti).—BL.\s., J. f. O. 1865, 384.

Larufi nmviufi, ScHiEFP., Mns. Orn. 1779, 64.

Lams torfjKalKs, "canii-s" et gavia, Pali.., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 328, 329, 330.

liitim briiiniirhii, Le.\CH, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii, 181, pi. 21.

lUssa ciiieria, Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 52.

Laroidc8 minor, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 756.

Diag. L. pcdihus sub-indactylis, fusds, rostro fiavo-viresccnte .

Hub. — Arctic regions of both hemispheres. South in winter on the Atlantic coast to
the Middle States.

Bill rather longer than the tarsus, about equal to the middle toe without the claw,
stout at the base, tapering toward the tip, which is attenuated, acute, and decnrved.
Convexity of culmen regular from the base to the apex. Eniinentia symphysis mod-
erately developed, but acute. Gonys concave, as are also the rami. Nostrils rather far
forward, lateral, linear, direct. Feathers encroach far on the upper mandible, within a
tenth of an inch of the nostrils, and meet over the culmen some distance in front of
the base. Their extent on the sides of the lower mandible is much less, but between
the rami they reach to the apex of the mental space, which is narrow and acute ante
riorly. The formation of the palate as in Larus generally, but the ridges all broad and
distinct, more thickly covered with larger pai>illie than in most species. Tongue large,
fleshy, corneous only for its anterior half. Wings very long and acnte ; first primary
largest, second nearly equal to it, rest rai)idly graduated. Tail rather long for this
subfamily, perfectly square. Feet short and stout, the tarsus little compresswl ; the
reticulations on its posterior aspect, as well as on the inferior surface of the toes,
roughened and elevated into small conical papilla.'. The scntellation of the tarsus an-
teriorly breaks up into small polygonal reticulations some distance below the tibio-
tarsal joint. Anterior toes all long; the interdigital webs broad, full, with unincised
margins. Hallux typical of the genus. Claws short, stout, little arched, not very
acute, absent on the hallux.

Adiill, brirdiiifi jiluiitafje.—Cnhn- of bill light yellow, clouded with olivaceous. Head
and neck m11 round, under parts and tail, pun- white. Mantle rather dark bluish or
cinercons-ltlue, the, tertiaries anil sccondariis of the same color nearly to their tip.s,
which are white. Primaries: the first very light bluish-white, w thont white ajtex, its
outer web, and its inner web for about two inches from the tip, black ; second like the
first, but without the black outer web, its tip beir g black for nearly the same distam-e
as the first, its apex with a minute white spot ; on the thiM and fourth the black tips
grow shorter, while the apices are more broadly white ; this lessening of the black on
each feiitliir is exactly ]iidi)ortioiial to the s'.iortening of the successive ([iiills. causing
the bases of all the black tips to be in tlu> .same stiaiglit line. A sub-apical black spot
is usually jiresiMit on one or both webs, but is sDuntimes absent, l^'gs and feet dusky
olive.

Adult in irt»i/<r.— 0((ii»ut. napr behind, and sides of the breast, clouded over with
the color of the back, deepening mtt) slate over the auriculars. A very small but well-
delined ante-ocular lunula. Otherwise iis in summer.

YiiKii/i.—WiW black; an anti-ocular lunula, and a post-ociilar .spot, du.sky slate. A
broad transverse bar iuio.ss the neck behind, the whole of the lesser ami median wing-
covert.s, the bastard quilLs, the tertiaries, e.\cepi at their edges, aud a terminal bar on

646 LARUS BREVIROSTRIS, RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE.

tbe tail, black. The outer four primaries with their outer webs, outer half of inner
webs, and tips for some distauce, black, the rest of tbe feathers pearly white. Tips
only of the iifth and sixth black, their extreme apices with a white speck.

Blmensio)is. — Winj^, 12.25; bill above, 1.40 to l.oO ; along rictus, 2.10; height at base,
0.59 ; at angle, 0.40 ; tarsus, l.:50 ; middle toe and claw, l.SO.

Regarding so long and well kuowu a species as the present, any further remarks upon
its characters and relationships are unnecessary. Its principal synonyms are given in
the preceding list. The relationships of the other North American species will be
found discussed under their respective heads.

Larus tridactyltts var. kotzebui, (J5/?.) Coues.

(?) litssu irachyrhyncha, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 103, sp. 31.

Eissa nivea, Bkucii, J. f. O. 1855, 285, sp. 36 (excl. syn.). Not Larus niveus, Pall.

Rissa lotzehni, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 226.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.— Coues,

Pr. A. N. S. Phffa. 1862, 305.— Cass., Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1862, 325.— Elliot,

B. N. A. pi. 54.
" Eissa hrcvirostris, Brandt," Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 855, ^artim. Sed non Braudtii, qua;

species sequeus.
Larus tridactylus var. Icoizebui, Coues, Key, 1872, 314 (see Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869,

207, foot-uote). — Coues, Elliot's Prybilov Islands, 1874, Ai>p. p. — .

Diag. Eissa; tridactylm simillimus ; noiinisi halluce magis explivato differt.
Hal). — The North Paciiic, American and Asiatic.

There is no occasion to describe this form, because it is exactly the same as 72. tri-
daciijJa, except in the singular character given in the diagnosis.

I have now a great number ( f specimens, enabling me to speak confidently of the bird.
A j)art of the Kittiwakes from the North Pacific are not distinguished in any way
from the common North Atlantic bird. Others have the hind toe as perfectly formed
and projiortionally as lai'ge as it is in any species of Larus! And there is a gradation
up to this feature.

A specimen (No. 50197, September, 1867, Plover Bay) exhibits the extreme of this
variation. The hallux is two- tenths of an inch long, and bears a perfect claw. In fact
this bird is not '^ Eissa," but Larus, in respect of its feet.

It is certainly a singular fact, that while the Atlantic bird is not known to vary in
this lespect, the race inhabiting the North Pac'fic should exhibit the anomaly.

No comparison of this form with the succeeding species is required.

Synonymy. — In the next article some points will be discussed that have a bearing here
also. I have now only to speak of the above-cited names. E. brachyrhyncha, Bruch,
1853, is to me doubttul ; 1 tcarcely know where to locate it ; probably it comes here,
rather than under the next head. Bruch's Eissa nivea (of 1855) must fall here, because
he says that it has the hind toe better developed ; whereas it is his other species whereof
he says "feet coral-red" (i. e. hrerirosfris). His sjiecies 36 therefore being thus liotzehni,
he is wrong in adducing " bracJiyrhyncha Gould" as a synonym. Still, if reference to
authors is allowed to override description as an iudex, E. nivea Bruch is the next species.
E. kotzebui Bonaparte is diagnosticated much as above ; no questions have arisen about
it ; Cassiu and I have used it in precisely its author's acceptation. The "it", brevirostris
Brandt" of Lawrence is partly this species, partly the succeediijg, as evident from his
brief diagnosis ("hind toe better formed "=; /,'o/^<'6« ( ; "feet aonxX-Vfiii" = brcvirosiris).
But E. brevirostris Brandt is really the next species. 1 rather think that almost all, if
not all, the various Eissa synonyms really go to the next species, and that Bonaparte
alone, in his E. kotzebui, has exactly hit off the bird I am now defining ; at any rate no
de8crii>tion that speaks of red or yelLw legs — no matter what is said of the hind toe —
can come here.

It will thus be seen that the views I printed in 1862, with an expressed doubt as to
their entire accuracy, meet with confirmation ; the only modification I offer is not be-
lieving in the permanent distinction of kotzebui and tridactyla, examination of many
specimens having shown that but one of the supposed and accredited differences has
any special significance, and that this one is inconstant.

LAKUS (EISSA) BREVIKOSTKIS, (Brandt) Coues.
Red-legged Kittiwuke.

{!) Eissa nivea, Gray, Gen. of B. 1849, iii (sed non Larus niveus. Pall.). — Bp., Compt.
Rend, xlii, 1856, 771. — Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 855 (descriptionem Lari hrachrf-
rhynelii Gouldii transcripta est). — Elliot, Birds N. Am. pi. 54.

Larus braehyrhynchus, Gould, Pr. Zool. Soc. July, 1843, 106. — Gould, Zool. Voy.
Sulphur, 50, 1)1. 34. (Not of Richardson.)

LARUS BREVIROSTRIS, RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. 647

(?)^(ssrt brachirhyncha, Bkucii, J. f. 0. 1853, 103.

JUssa hrdchyrhiiiiclia, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1850, 226.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1862, 306.

Jlissa brevirostris, "Bhandt."— Bkuch, J. f. O. 1855, 285.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 855

(j>flr<tm).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 305.
Lams irevirostris, CouE.s, Key, 1872, 315 ; Elliot'.s Prybilov Lslauds (biography, &c.).
(?) Larus warneckii, Comde, K. M. Z. 18G0, 401.

DiAG. L. albus, paUio cinereo, pagonio exieriore et apice remUjis 1'"' nujris, remiffibus 2^°,
3*'°, et 4*0 notd apicaJi cinercd, 5*° vittd nigrd et apice cinereo ; rostro brevi, flavissimo, pcdi-
bus ritbroflavis.

Hub. — North Pacific, both Asiatic aud American.

Sp. ch. Adult, breeding plumage. — (No. 24296, Smithsonian Museum ; from Kamt-
schatka; received from Mr. Gould.) Bill very short, stout, wide at the base, the upper
mandible much curved, though not attenuated nor very acute. Convexity of culmen
very great toward the tip ; the culmen being, from the nostrils to the apex, almost the
arc of a circle, whose centre is the symjihyseal eminence. Outline of rami of under
mandible and gonys both .somewhat concave ; the eminentia symphysis but slightly
developed. Tarsus very short, hardly more than two-thirds the middle toe and claw.
Wings exceedingly long, reaching, when folded, far beyond the tail. Tail of moderate
length ; even.

Bin a uuiform clear light straw-yellow, with no tinge of olivaceous "(some speci-
mens, however, are thus tinged). Head and neck all round, under parts aud tail, pure
white. Mantle deep leaden or bluish-gray, much darker than in IL tridactyla ; the
color on the wings extending to within half an inch of the apices of the secondaries,
which terminal half inch is white. Primaries : the first has its shaft and outer vane
black, but has on its inner vane a space of dull gray {not white), which at the base of
the feather occupies nearly all the vane, but gradually grows narrower until it ends by
a well-defined rounded termination half as broad as the vane itself, about 2^ inches
from the tip of the feather, these 2^ inches being black, like the outer vane. Second :
The outer vane is of the same leaden gray as the back, to within 4 inches of the tip;
the inner A^ane is of a rather lighter shade of the same color, to within 3 inches of the
tip, the gray ending abruptly, being in fact almost truncated. Third : Like the second,
but the gray extends further, leaving only a space of 2 inches black ; aud the tip has
also a miinite apical gray si)ot. Fourth: Wholly bluish -gray to within l.V inches of the
tip, which has a larger gray apical spot than has the third, so that the black is less
than H inches long. Fifth : The gray extends so far that it is separated from the well-
defineti white apical spot by a band of black less than 1^ inch wide. Sixth : Gray,
lading into white at the tip,'aud with the black reduced to a small subapical spot on
one or both webs ; other primaries like the sixth, minus the black spot. (This '* gray "
of the primaries is the color of the mantle.) Legs aud feet in the dried .specimen clear
straw-yellow (in life coral-red, especially the toes aud webs; the tarsi themselves not
«iuite so bright). Claws black.

Dimensions. — Bill, along culmen, 1.20 inches; along rictus, about 1.70; from no.stril 1 1
tip, O.GO; depth at base, 0.50 ; width, 0.42; depth at symphyseal eminence, 0.42; wing,
13 ; tail, about 5 ; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe aud claw, nearly 2 ; length of the whole
bird, apparently about 14 inclies.

In tlie above specimen the feet are plain yellow ; in one more recently obtained (No.
54(i'J.">, St. (ieorge's Island, August 15, 1868- J/'. II. Dall) the toes and webs are coral,
abnost vermilion red; the tarsi nearly yellow, but apparently already faded .some-
what. This bird agrees minut(^ly with (Jould's tyi>ical specinu'n ; tlic bill, however, is
a little more attenuated toward the tip, with less convexity of the culmen, and is
clouded with olivaceous. It appears to be perfectly nuitun;. I have sinc<^ examined
scores of specimens from the Prybilov Islands — they are all alike red-legged.

I know of no species that resembles this one so intimately that detailed comparison
is re(|uire<l for the separation of the ))resent. The si)ecies is in fact one of tiie more
strongly marked of tlie subfamily : The shape aud color of the bill ; the relative pro-
portions and color of the feet: tile dark mantle and ix'culiar i>ictura of the primaries,
stamp it with an individuality not easily overlooked or misunder.stoud.

Young birds I have not seen; but 1 jiresunu; that the changes of plumage will be
found correspondent with tho.se of J{. tridaetgla. The bill may be black, very likely;
there nniy be a bar of black on the wings, and another across the back of the neck ;
but this, it uui.st Im; cautioned, is merely supposititious on my part. Oi' the color of the
feet of tlx'. young I prefer not to conjecture.

So nuuh has lieen said of the himi toe of I'acilic /i'/nw that it is iucuiiilient ujion mo
to add my testimony in respect of this species in this [larticiilar. The hallux of /»*,
brcrironlrit is not iippreciably larger than that of Iriitniliila ; it Ix-ars a minute, abortive
black claw — a men^ speck of corneous, as di.stingui.shed from cut irular, tissue. I .should,
not on this account, say tiiat the hind toe was better developed than in U. tridactyla ;
but some authors may have done so, thus furtlier entangling tlie liissa tpiesticm ; for it

648 LARUS EBURNEUS, IVORY GULL.

is to snch a coiiditiou of the hallux as I have described under R. kotzehui that snch
expression properly applies.

Synomjmy.—l luight discourse at great length on this subject, but it would scarcely
be i)roiitable ; and I will therefore confine myself to the more definite among the many
things that might be said. In the first place, I throw Larus niveus Pallas entirely ont
of the present consideration (see elsewhere in this memoir, and also my discussion of
the point in Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1862, p. 307). Nevertheless other w^riters have come to
dift'ereut conclusions, and taking up the name, give us Bissanivea for the bird, as shown
in the above synonymy. But Bruch's Eissa nivea of 1855 is, I take it, from his descrip-
tion, rather B. liot7.chn) than this species. Eissa drevirostris of Brandt (whose original
notice I have not seen) is, by both Bruch and Bonaparte, located here ; I presume that
there is no reasonable doubt on this score. Bruch's hrerirostris is certainly this species.
Lawrence's hrevirontris is mixed; his expression, feet " coral-red," brings it here ; the
rest of his brief diagnosis carries it elsewhere ; but I have no doubt he meant this
species rather than kotzebni.

This is Larus hracliijrhynchus Gould, above quoted, just as described and figured by
him. It is to be carefully distinguished from Larm braclujrliyncluis Richardson, which
is simply the American form of canun.

Some authors have here located Larus eUrirostris, Schimper (see, however, Blasius,
J. f. 0. 186G, 73).

Subgenus Pagophila, Kaup.

< Gavia, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.

= PagojjhUa, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 69.

= Cetosparacffs, MACGiLLiviiAY, Man. Br. Orn. ii, 1842,251 (by err. Catosparactes, Gray).

Gen. char. Bill Aery short, much less than the head, about equal to the greatly
abbreviated tarsus, very stout, but little compressed. Nasal sinus deep, the nostrils
placed far forward. Legs and feet very short and stout, the scales of the tarsus and
toes large and rough. Tibia feathered to near the joint; tarsus about equal to the
middle toe without the claw ; claw^s all large, stout, and much curved. luterdigital
webs narrow and deeply incised. Wings very long, the primaries more or less falcate
and attenuated. Size moderate ; general form stout ; color entirely white.

FagophUa differs from other Lariuo' in its short, stout, obtuse bill ; much abbreviated,
very stout and roughened tarsus and toes ; feathered tibia, deeply excised webs, &c. ;
and constitutes one of the better-marked subgenera of the subfamily. The habits of
the species composing the genus also difi'er notably from those of other Gulls, as
attested by all observers.

Cetosparach'S of Macgillivray (1842), based upon the Lams ehurneus, is antedated by
raijophUa of Kaup (1829) with the same type. Gavia, applied by Boie to this group,
was first used by Mcehriug in a ditferent connection.

LAllUS (PAGOPHILA) EBUENBUS, Gm.

Ivory Gull.

Larus eburneus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 596.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 816.— Temm., Man.
181.5, 498 ; ii,'l820, 769.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. 1818, 494 ; Fn. Fran^. 1828, 389.—
NiLSS., Orn. Suec. ii, 1823, 171.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 195.— Less., Tr. Orn.
1831, 618.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 297.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 301.— Jen., Man. 1835.
276.— AUD.. Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, .571 ; Syn. 1839, 326; B. Am. vii, 1844, 150, pi.
445.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. 1840, 96.— Naxjm., V. D. x, 1840, 341, pi. 263.— Schl.,
Rev. Ciit. 1844, 126 ; Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 5.— Coues, Key, 1872, 313.

Gavia ehurnea, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 765.— Bp., List, 1838, 62.

Pagophila cbnniea, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829. 69.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849,
655 ; List Br. B. 1863. 237.— Lawji., B. N. A. 1858, 836.— Bp., Consii. ii, 1856,
230; Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.— Neavt., P. Z. S. 1861, 400 (eggs); Ibis, 1865,
507.— COL'ES, I'r. Phila. Acad. 1862, 308.— Malmg., J. f. O. 1865, 200.— Blas.,
J. f. O. 1865, 384.

Cefosparacics eburneus, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 252 ; Hist. Br. B. v, — , — .

Larus albus, Scua:vi'., Mus. Orn. 1779, 65, pi. 42.

Larus auididus, Fabr., Fn. Groenl. 1780.— Flem., Br. An. 142.

Larus uivcus. Mart., Spitzb. 77, pi. 4, f. A. (uec auct.).

Gavia nivea, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 766, pi. 38, f. 1.

I*af/opJiila nivea, Bp., Consi>. Av. ii, 1856, 230 ; Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.

fMvus bravJijitarsus, Hole., Fn. Groenl. 1846, 52.

Pagopliila b'rachgtarsus, Br.ucn, J. f. 0. 1855, 287.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 856.— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 309.

LARUS EBURNEUS, IVORY GTJLL. 649

DiAG. L. corpore toto albo, rhaehidibus remigum flavis, pedibus nlgris, rosiro rirescotte-flavo.
Hob. — Arctic seas, coming southward in winter.

Adult, breedhn/ phmuuje. — Culraen straight to tlie nostrils, then regnhirly convex ;
commissure gently curved to the tip, where it is considerably decuived ; gonys straight
to near the anglf, which is well defined, the outline from angle to tip perfectly straigLit.
Feathers extending between the rami nearly to the angle. Wiugs long and pointed,
reaclHng beyond the tail ; primaries gradually attenuated to the tip.

Entirely pure white, the shafts of the primaries straw-yellow. Bill dusky greenish,
yellow at tip and along the cutting edges. Legs and feet black.

Yotnifi. — Front, chin, and sides of the head, grayish dusky ; the upper part nf the neck,
all round, irregularly spotted with the same. Scapulars, and upper and under whig-
coverts, spotted with brownish-black, the spots most numerous along the lessor coverts.
Tips of the primaries and tail feathers with a dusky spot. Otherwise as in the
preceding.

Dimensions. — Length, 19.50 ; wing, 13.25; bill above, 1.40: along gape, 2.10; height at
nostrils, 0.45; tai'sus, about 1.45: middle toe and claw, 1.75.

The bill of this species, in iive specimens before me, varies greatly in size. The dif-
ference in .shape is also quite notable. But it is in the tarsus that the greatest variations
are found. The shortest tarsus before me measures but 1.20. This would nearly do for
the Larus brachytarsus of Holboll, but the other characters do unt correspond with tho.se
given by that author. This specimen is from Mr. Audubon's collection, and corresponds
minutely with his plate.

The present being a bird of such marked character, there are no questions of doubt-
ful synonymy which here need special mention. The quotations " alhiis Scha'fr'er, 1799,"
and candidna Fabricius, as well as niveiis Martens, are all undoubtedly referable to the
present species. The other synonyms of the species arise chieriy from the various gen-
era to which the bird has been referred. There is no reasonable doubt that the supposed
" L. brachytarsiis" is the same bird ; the description gives no tangible characters.

Suhgenus Chrceoocbphalus, Eyton.

= Xema, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563, uec Leach.

> Gavia, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 99 (Z. ridibundus), nee Mohk.

> Ichilnjaiitus, Kaup, op. cit. 99 (X. ichllijiwlns, Pall.).
^ HiidrocnlocKS, Kaup, op. cit. 99 {L. miuntns, Pall.).

— CinviamphaUis. Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1830, 53 {L. capistratus, Temm.).— Lawk., B. N. A.

1858, 850.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 309.
X Oana, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 239, nee Moiiii.
~y Atrivilla, Bp., 1854 {A. cattsbwi, Bp.).

> McUigaria, Bp., 1854 {L. franklini).

> Cirrhoapltahis, Biu'cii, J. f. O. 1855, 288 (i. cirrhoccphalus, Vieill.).
=; Chracoccphahts, STniCKL.— CoUES.

= Cliroocephahis, Scl. & Salv,

Chak. Form as in Lams proper, but general organization less robust (with some
exceptions) and the lull usually weaker, slenderer and more acute, and less hooked.
Head enveloped in a hood in the breeding season, and white of under parts then usually
ro.sy-tinted. Tail s(pu\re, or nearly so.

There are no marked peculiarities in form of this group, the pattern of colorntion
being maiuly its basis. The species average smaller thau those, of Larus proper, though
the C. i(lilli!/((i'lus is among the largest of the subfamily. The group ajiprdximates to
A'<'H((/ and L'li<)(,lostilliit( in nearly all respects, but the tail is neither foiketi nor cuueate.
Its sub(li\ ision, as indicated in tlm above synonymy, is entirely unre(iuiretl.

There- are but three established North Aiuc^rican species; the ('. curullalus juKving to
be the same as (.'. fraukliui, while ('. miuulus is not proven to inhabit this couutiy.
These species may be tabulat<!d as follows:

Analysis of sjHcicn.

(I. Tarsus longer than the nnddle ttx" and claw.

I. I'li 11 reddish, feet the same atukmli.a.

b. Tarsus not longer tli:in the middle toe aiul clau .

' 2. Bill reddish, feet the .sanu- pka.mu.im.

3. Bill black, feet red or yellow piiii..vi)KU*inA.

c. Tarsus shorter tliau tiie middle toe without claw.

4. Wings underneath, dark pluuil)cous minu i us.

650 LAEUS ATRICILLA, LAUGHING GULL.

LARUS (CHECECOOEPHALUS) ATRICILLA, Linn.

Laughing' Gull.

Lartts alriciUa, Lixn., Syst. Nat. i, 176(5, 225 (L. ynajor, Gates., i, 89, but also includes
tlie European species). — Temm., Mau. ii, 1820, 779. — Steph., 'Gen. Zool. xiii,
1825, 205.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 142.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 359.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834,
291.— Jen., Mau. 183.5, 273.— Aun., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 118, pi. 314; Syu. 1839,
324; B. Am. vii, 1844, 136, pi. 443.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 96.— Gm.,

B. L. I. 1844, 358.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, , .— Schl., Rev. Crit.

1844, 127.— Gjjay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst. 18.56, 221
(Massacliusetts).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.— Pelz., Oru. Bras. 323.— Scul.,
Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 44.— Gray, List Br. B. 1864, 234.- Taylor, Ibis,
1864, 172 (Porto Rico).— Sund., Ofv. K. Vet. Ak. 1869, 590 (St. Bartholomew).—
ScL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, 576.— Harting, Br. B. 1872, 175.— Coues, Kev,
1872, 315.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

Xema airicUla, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563. — Bp.. List, 1838, 62. — Cab., Scbomb. Guiana, iii, 761.

Gavia atrlcUla, Macgil., Mau. Orn. ii, 1842, 240.— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 378.

Cliroicocephahis atridUa, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 850. — SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 223 (Belize). —
Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 372 (St. Thomas).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859, 134 (Ba-
hamas).—Wheat., Ohio Aj ■ ' ■' '' " '' " '^
Rep. 1861, 418 (Washiugto:

P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (Mexico). , ._._, , ,, _-,

1866, 299 (New York).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix. 1862, 131 (Maine).— Verr.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 160 (Maine).— Allen, ihid. iv, 1864, 90 (Massachusetts "in
winter;" an error). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 307 (New Euglaiul, "winters;"
error).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 388 (Central America, both coasts). — Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acail. 1866, 99 (Colorado River).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas).— Guxdl.,
Rep. Fis. Nat. i, 391 (Cuba). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Caro-
1 iua).— Coues. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 40 (North Carolina).— Hatch, Bull.Mmu.
Acad, i, 1874, 67 (fMinuesota).

Lams ridibundus, Wils., Am. Orn. ix, 89, pi. 74. — Leot., Ois. Trin. 532.

" Lams plumhiceps, Brehm, Lehrb. 722." {Gray.)

Aiiidllu cafeshwi, Bp., Compt. Rend. 18.56, 771.— Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 287.

Jtricillu micropliriis, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 287.

Airidlla minor et macroptera, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.

DiAG. L. iamo medium digitmn superante, rostro nigrescente-ruhro apice acuminato, remigi-
bus nigris, albo-terminatis.

Hah. — Tropical and temperate America. In the United States north on the Atlantic
in summer to Maine ; in the interior to Ohio ; on the Pacific to California. Central
America, both coasts, and various West Indies. In South America to the Lower Ama-
zon. Casual in Europe.

Bill longer than the middle toe and claw, shorter than the tarsus or head, modei'atelj
compressed, rather stout for this geuus. Culmen and commissure both decurved at the
end, the latter somewhat sinuate at the base. Gonys considerably concave in front of
the angle, somewhat so between the angle and tip ; although the angle is well defined,
the tip of the bill is so decurved that a chord from tip to base does not touch it. Mid-
dle toe barely three-fourths the tarsus.

Adult in summer. — Bill deep carmiue ; legs and feet brownish-red. Hood deep plum-
beous grayish-black, extending further on the throat than on the nape. Eyelids white
posteriorly. Neck all round, rump, tail, broad tips of secondaries and tertials, and
whole under parts, white, the latter with a rosy tinge. Mantle grayish-plumbeous.
Outer six primaries black, their extreme tips white ; their bases for a very short dis-
tance on the first, and only in the inner web, and for a successively increasing distance
on both webs of the others, are of the color of the back.

Adult in idnter. — Under parts simply white, not rosy; hood lost, the head being
white, inttrmixed with blackish. Bill and feet more dull in color. Otherwise as in
summer.

Immature. — Bill and feet brownish-black, tinged with red. Plumbeous of the upper
parts more or less mixed with irregular patches of light grayish-brown. Primaries
wholly deep brownish-black, fading at the tip. Secondaries brownish-black on the
outer web. Tail feathers more or less tinged with plumbeous, and with a broad term-
inal baud of browuish-black, the extreme tips of the feathers white. Upper tail-
coverts white.

Toung-of-the-year. — Entire upper parts, and neck all round, light brownish-gray ; the
feathers tipped with grayish or rufous white, broadly on the scapulars and tertials, the
blue of the adults appearing on the wing-coverts. Eyelids whitish ; a dusky space
about the eye. Forehead, throat, and under jjarts, dull whitish, more or less clouded

LARUS ATRICILLA, LAUGHING GULL. 651

■with gray, especially on the breast, -where this is the prevailing color. Wings and tail
as in the preceding.

Dimensions. — Length, 16.50 inches ; wing, 13 ; tail, about 5 ; bill above, 1.7.5 ; along
gape, 2.25 ; height at nostril, 0.45 ; tarsns, 2 ; middle toe and claw, 1.50.

This is the largest species of the group inhabiting North America, and one not easily
confounded with any other. The bill is large and stout for a Chrwcocephalus, but the
tip is attenuated and much decurvei!, the convexity of the culmen regular and grad-
ual. The most striking peculiarity of form lies in the proportions of the tarsus and
toes, the former being fully a fourth longer thau the middle toe and claw. The hood is
lighter thau that of the other North American species of the genus. The rosy of the
under parts is retained in greater or less degree until the autumnal moult is accom-
plislied (September to October).

Bonaparte and Bruch recognize a genus AfriciUa upon the proportions of tarsus and
toes, with the A. catesba'i, Bonaparte, as type. In this genus are comprised, according
to Bonaparte (Comptes Eeudus, IdoG, xlii, p. 771), three species, viz : the type and com-
mon species of Nortb America, and two others — one, Airicilla macrox)tera, Bonaparte
(witli strranus and megalopiirus of Bruch as synonyms), which is larger than the type ;
and the other, Airicilla minor, Bonaparte '^with micropterus, Bruch, and {I) poliorephalus,
Tenim., as synonyms), wliich differs in its smaller size. Whether these two "species"
be anything more than races, I am unable to say; but I have seen undoubted speci-
mens of Chracocephalus airicilla as much larger and as much smaller than th(! average,
as are these supposed species of Bonaparte's and Bruch's. A difference of half an inch
or more in the wing of a bird as large as the present, is by no n)eaus an unusual dis-
crepancy. Southern birds will, I think, be found usually smallest.

An. immature Chra:coceplialus, from the Pacific coast of Mexico, differs from the usual
type of airicilla in being decidedly smaller, with somewhat unusual proiiortious of the
tarsi and toes. The latter are nearly as long as those of au average airicilla, while
the tarsus is disiiroportionately shorter. The bird being so young, it is difticult to
say what the markings of the adult would have been ; but in these features just
detailed there is an approach to frankiini.

This species was eiToneously referred by Wilson to the ridibundus of Europe. Bona-
parte, in taking the specific name for the genus, dedicated the species to Catesby, who
had described it under the name of Lams major. According to Bruch, the L. poliocvphalus
of Temmiuck appears to be the same bird. The other synonyms I quote refer to larger
and smaller races, which, however, I do not think to be constant, nor yet to mark dis-
tinct geographical areas, although as a general rule southern birds may be found
smaller.

This species is given by Dr. Hatch among the birds of Minnesota, but
the observation may perhaps require coulirmation. It is essentially a
southern species, and more particularly one of the Gulf and South At-
lantic States, though its summer range extends to New England. On
the coast of Nortl^ Carolina, which is therefore an intermediate i)oint,
it is, according to my ob.servations, mainly, if not wholly, a migrant. It
appears early in x\-i)ril, and remains through the greater i>art of IMay ;
in fact I have seen some so late in the spring that I thought they couhl
not proceed very far to breed ; but I am not aware that any nest south
of the Middle Districts, It returns in September, and thousands sjiend
this month and the next on the coast, retiring further south iit the ap-
proach of real cold weather, though a few linger in November. It is no
exaggeration to say, that a flock I have seen ri.se on wing simultaneously
from a sand-bar, where, they had been resting, must have contained a
thousand individuals. These were mostly gray young birds. Some old
ones, shot in Septeudjer, were then moulting, and still showed traces of
tlie rosy on the under plumage. This species is among our more espec-
ially maritime ones, and does not often go inland beyond tide water;
but there are some notable exceptions to tiiis rule. While at Fort Win-
gate, New JMexico, in June, I was shown a specimen captured there,
many miles from the nearest watei' ol Con.seipR'nce. This was eviilcntly
a stra3' bii'd in that ])articular locality; but its occurrence shows that it
must have come \\\) the Itio (Jrande. I tiiink that I also saw it on the
Colorado, but cannot be sure, owing to the circumstances of observatitui.
None of the naturalists of the I'acilie ltailroa<l surveys mention it as a
bird of the Tacitic slope or coast; and until quite recently it was su[>-

652 LAEUS ATRICILLA, LAUGHING GULL.

posed not to inhabit that side of the continent. The contrary, however,
was proveu by Mr. Xautus, as I satisfied myself by examination of spec-
imens in his collections irom the California coast. In the general inte-
rior of the United States the bird may be said to be still almost
unknown.

A distinguishing feature of birds of the genns Chrcecocephalus is the
dark-colored hood that ornaments both sexes at times ; this envelopes
the head and descends some distance on the nape or throat ; it is usually
relieved by some white spots about the eyes. It is assumed with the
vernal moult, worn all summer, and then lost with the autumnal change,
the only winter traces being a few dark feathers scattered over the head,
or gathered in a patch over the uape and ear-coverts. Another change
heightens the beauty of the birds when they are to be decked for their
nuptials in full attire; they gain a rich rosy tint over all the white plum-
age of the under part; then few birds are of more delicate hues thau
these. Nature blushes, tilling the bird's breast with amorous imagery,
till the feathers catch a glow and reflect the blush. Burning with in-
ward fire, the whole frame thrills with the enthusiasm of sexual vigor.
The dark glittering eye is encircled with a fiery ring; now it flashes de-
fiance at a rival ; now tenderly melts at sight of his mate, soon to be
sacrificed to masculine zeal. The breath of desire seems to influence
the mouth till it shares the carmine hue that tinges other parts. The
birds speed on high with vigorous i^iuion, making haste to the wedding
with joyful cries till the shores resound. But such ardor is too consum-
ing to last; with the touch of a moment, the life-current flies like an
electric shock, lighting a fire in another organism, only to be subdued in
the travail of maternity. Not only once, but often, tiil the tide ebbs
that at its flood transfigured the bird. Its force all spent, the change
conies ; the red mouth pales again ; the glowing plumage fades to white ;
the bird is but the shadow of his former self, dull colored, ragged, with-
out ambition beyond the satisfaction of a gluttonous appetite. He loit-
ers southward, recruiting an enervated frame with plenteous fare in this
season of idleness, till the warm rays of another spring restore him.

Audubon mentions some interesting facts that show the dependence
of the phimage upon the sexual condition. "At the approach of the
breeding season, or, as I like to term it, the love season," he says, "this
species becomes first hooded, and the white feathers of its breast, and
those of the under suriace of its wings, assume a rich blush of roseate
tint. If the birds procured at that time are several years old, and per-
fect in their powers of reproduction, their primary quills show little or
no white at their extremities, and their hood descends about three quar-
ters of an inch lower on the throat than on the hind part of the head,
provided the bird be a male. But should they be barren birds, the hood
will be wanting, that portion of their i)lumage remaining as during win
ter; and although the primaries will be black, or nearly so, each one of
them will be broadly tipped, or marked at the end, with a white spot,
which in some instances will be found to be half an inch in size; yet
the tail of these birds, as if to prove that they are adults, is as purely
white to its extreme tip as in those that an; breeding; but neither the
breast nor the uiuler wing coverts will exhibit the rosy tint of one in the
full iKTfection of its powers." Upon the same subject Audubon contin-
ues with an observation in which he is alone, so far as I know : " Pre-
viously to my vi!?it to that interesting peninsula [Florida] 1 had not
unfiequently noticed indications of strong amatory propensities in sev-
eral species of Gulls, but never to the extent exhibited by the present
species, many of which I saw copulating in the latter part of autumn,

LARUS FRANKLINI, FRANKLIx's ROSY GULL. 653

and in winter, fully three months before the usual time of depositing-
their eggs in that country. * * * On some such occasions, when I
was at St. Augustine, in the month of December, I have observed four
or five males of the present species paying their addresses to one female,
who received their courtesies with evident welcome. Yet the females
in the country did not deposit until the 2Uth day of April."' These facts
are curious. That males should in and out of season attempt to [)revail
with the opposite sex is not at all singular ; but that the females should
accept attentions so offered, at a time, too, when there was no chance of
profiting by their misdeeds, in the substantial matter of eggs, is unusual,
to say the least. As is well known, birds are among the most truly pe-
riodic of animals as to their reproductive functions, having neither
appetite nor potency during the greater part of the year.

From i)ersonal observation, I only know of this bird breeding north
of the Carolinas ; but it is said to breed from Texas to Massachusetts.
Its Pacific breeding grounds, if there are any, have not been brought to
light. Its nesting is a simple process ; it builds upon the ground, near
the sea, generally gathering tor this purpose into large communities.
The nests, of which there may be many close together, are formed with
little art, being mere hollowed heaps of sea- weed, eel-grass, or other
vegetable substances, two or three inches high, and thrice as wide. The
eggs are mostly three in number, never more, and occasionally only
two. Their ground color is some sliade of olive, ranging from dull gray-
ish to deeper greenish ; this is thickly marked all over with spots and
splashes of brown, blackish, dull reddish, and pale i)urplish ; but some-
times the markings are mostly collected in an irregular band about the
larger end of the egg.

One noticeable habit of this bird is its incessant persecution of the
Pelicans, to obtain food that may drop from the capacious pouch of
these forced purveyors. I have seen the same thing in the case of the
White headed Gull of California {Blasq)us hcennanni), which makes a
business of harassing the Brown Pelicans. Both these Gulls are as
truly "parasitic" as the Jaegers themselves.

LAEUS (CHKCECOCEPHALUS) FRANKLINI, Rich.

Franklin's Rosy (inll.

"Lams alriciUa, Franklin."

Lanis ffuukUtu, Rich , F. B. A. ii, 1831, 424, pi. 71.— AuD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839. 324 (not

ligured;; Syii. 1839, 325; B. Am. vii, 1H44, 145.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863,

Lari, p. 36.— Sund., Ofv. Vet. Akad. 18()0. 590 f St. Bartboloniew).— Newt., P.

Z. S. 1871, 57, pi. 4, f. 4 (Manitoba; breeding, with description of e<j:{?). — Scl.

& Sai.v., p. Z. S. 1H71, 577.— CoUKS, Key, li-72, 31G.— Ru)GW., Aun. Lye. N. Y.

X, 1874, :i9 (Illinois).
Xema J'miikUin, Br., List, 1838, 02.
Chrawciplialiia franhlhii, Buicn, .J. f. O. 1855, 289.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 851.— Havd..

Rep. lst;2, 17(;.— CoLK.s, Pr. Ph. Ac. IHCvJ. 310. -Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 12 (Kansas).
Gavia (Mclafiuvia) J'rdnhlhii, Br., C'oinpt. Reud. leuO, 771.
Gavia frmildini, Bi.a.s., .J. f. O. 1865, 371.
LaruK pijtiscdii, Wagl., Lsis, 1831, 515 (fide SaMn).

LariiH viicnllatitH, LiCHi., Nonioiicl. 98 {ikvcr. nulla) ; sec Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 371.
Chrokocrplutlitu citciiUalitH, Bitrcu, J. f. O. ia')5, 290.— Lawk., B. ?.'. .\. 185^, 851.— CotKs.

Pr. Phila. Acad. 1H62, 309 — Couics, Ibis, 1864, 388 (Chiapani).— .Sai.v.. ll)is,

186(i, 198.
Larua cinnro-iandaltis, PillL. &, Landh., Wic;;. Arch. 1861, 293.
(f) Chrujcoirithuliia kiltlilzii, Bkl'CU, J. f. O. 1853, 104.
t1) Vltmcocq)lialuii sHbulironlrin, Bp. ; BiiLCll, J. f. O. 1853, pi. 3, f. 44. (Schlegel.) {('/.

Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 371.)

654 LARUS FKANKLINI, FRANKLIN's ROSY GULL.

DiAG. L. rosiro rnbro, cnciillo schistaceo-nigro, pallio griseo-cceruleo, candd perlactd, remi-
gihiifi pv'Hu's Sf'x nUjro-cincih laic albo-terrn'niatis, rhachidibiis albis, pogonio externo primi
■nUjro nisi in apivem. Long. tot. 14. UO poll. ; al. 11.25; tars. 1.60.

Hai. — North America to high latitudes, but only in the interior (observed on neither
coast). Mexico. Part ot the West Indies. Central and South America to Chili.

Lientenant Warren's Expedition. -4897, Nebraska.
Later Ex2)editions.—5S9iil, Upper Missouri.

Adult, breeding plumage.— BxW rather slender, attenuated and a little decurved at the
tip, which is acute ; outline of both rami and gonys concave. Bill shorter than head;
tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Bill red (carmine, lake, or vermilion), crossed
with black near the end. Legs dusky reddish. Edges of eyelids orange. Eyelids
white, this color also reaching a little behind the eye. Hood deep slaty or plumbeous
black, encircling the upper part of the neck as well as the head, and esteading further
on the throat than on th^* nape. Mantle not quite so dark as in atricilla (more blue),
darker than in 2^}>>icdelpMa. First primary with the outer vane black to within an
inch of the tip; the inner pearly white, crossed an inch or more from the tip by an
isolated black bar an inch broad, thus leaving the feather white on both webs for an
inch or more from the tip. The next tive primaries are basally of the color of the
back, paler on tie inner web, and both webs fading toward their tips into white; each
is crossed by a black bar near the end, two inches wide on the second primary, narrow-
ing on successive feathers to a small bar or pair of little spots on the sixth ; the tips of
all these primaries pure white. Other primaries, with secondaries and tertials, colored
like the back, fading at the tips into white ; shafts white, sometimes black along the
black portion of the feather. Tail very pale pearly blue, the three lateral pairs of rec-
trices white — or rather tail white, lightly washed with pearly on the six central feathers.
Neck all around, rump, broad tips of secondaries and tertials, and whole under parts,
white, the latter rosy.

Younger, that is to say, in summer plumage, and with a perfect hood, red bill, &c.,
but the primaries not yet having attained their perfect pattern :— General coloration
exactly as before. Shafts of first three primaries black, of the rest gray, except along
the black portion of the feathers ; lirst primary with the outer web wholly black, the
inner web I'.early gray, much like the back but lighter, to within two or three inches
of the tip, then black for the rest of its extent ; second like the first, but the base of
the outer web like the inner ; on the third, fourth, and fifth, succesfcively, the black
decreases in extent, till on the sixth it is merely a little bar, or pair of spots ; tips of
all the primaries white; that of the first primary smallest, that of the others success-
ively increasing in size.

The bird in this plumage just described, is what Mr. Lawrence and myself have been
calling " cucullatus Licht." for some years. It has all the marks of being an adult bird,
and so we were misled — the more easily, because the original specimen (No. 4320, Mus.
Smiths., Calcasieu Pass, La.), type of pi. 93, fig. 1, Atlas 13. N. A., identified as cucullatus,
has an unusually small, short bill,* a small hood, and certain other marks a little dif-
ferent from anything we had then seen in franklini. There are now, however, in the
Institution plenty of specimens showing that our cucullatus is only a state oi franlclini,
jusi befoie absolute maturity. In No. 4320 the hood is a good deal speckled with
white, but I have seen others (e. g. No. 27621) with perfectly black hood, and the pri-
maries identical with those of 4320. Without going into any further explanations, I
may simply state that this identity of the supposed two species is established.

With this reduction, a number of names range as synonyms oi franklini. I have not
been able, of course, to verify Lichtensteiu's cucullatus as ai)pertaining to what Law-
rence and I have been calling cucullatus, but I presume there is no doubt on that score.
There are some other names, as pipixcan Wagler, and that go wherever cucullatus does.
In fact, any known Chroicocephalus in North Ameiica or Mexico, that is not atricilla nor
Philadelphia, nmst be frauliini ; for it is certain that we have only these three distinct
species, as far as known.

To resume description of franldini : A specimen (No. 4.'3688, Selkirk settlement)
shows exactly how the pictura of the primaries changes from that last described (the
formerlj' considered cucullatus) to the perfect condition. It is just half waj' between.
The terminal Ijlack on the first primary i.s disappearing, to leave the tip pure white for
an inch or more, but a remnant of it is left. This bird is otherwise mature (black hood,
red bill, &.c.).

Winter plumage. — As in summer ; the hood wanting or indicated by a few slaty feath-
ers about the eyes, on the auriculars and nape ; the rosy wanting ; the bill and feet dull
colored. I have no winter siiecimens that have attained their perfect picture of the
primaries, but presume that the primaries will be found, in adult birds, to be colored
as in summer,

* As an example of extreme vaiiation of this species in size and shape of bill, I give
these measurements: No. 4320, along culmen, 1.20; height opposite nostril, 0.35. No.
27621, along culmen, 1.40 ; height at nostril, only 0.35, as before.

• LARUS PHILADELPHIA, BONAPARTE's GULL. 655

Toung. — Bill black ; feet dusky. Traces of a hood or nape, largely slaty, &c., accord-
ing to precise age. Outer five or six primaries wholly black iu their continuity, rather
lighter and somewhat slaty at base, with or without a minute white speck at the tip.
Mantle gray or brown, more or less mixed with blue, according to age. Tail ashy
white, with a broad, black subterminal bar. Under parts white. This appears to be
the usual plumage of birds of the first autumn.

Dimen-iions. — Length, about 14 inches ; extent, 35; wing, 11.25; tail, about 4.50 ; bill,
along culmen, 1.30 ; along gape, 1.75 ; height at nostril, 0.35 ; tarsus, l.GO ; niiddle toe
and claw, about the same. The young are a little smaller, with the bill especially
shorter and smaller.

This beautiful bird requiies no special comparison with any other. The case of
" citciilUitus'' being disposed of, there remains little to be said on points of synonymy.

A Lams melcDiorhj/nchus of Temminck (of which I know nothing) has been adduced
by some authors among the synonyms of " cucuUattts ;" Schlegel puts it under philudd-
2)hia ; Messrs. Sclater and Salviu do not enumerate it in their late paper. These authors
query the Ch. kitiUizii of Ikuch, which Schlegel, without hesitation, assigns to Jraiihlini.
The last-named author adduces Ch. siihuHrostris of Bonaparte and Bruch. According
to Messrs. Sclater and Salviu, the L. cinereo-cmidatiis of Philipiii and Landbcck belongs
here.

In North America, as far as is knowu, this Gull is confined to the
interior, west of the Mississii^pi. I have met with it on several occa-
sions : in Kansas, during the spring migration, and in Northern Dakota,
where, at Turtle Mountain, I took in July a bird so young ihat I l\?lt
satisfied it had been hatched not far off. It breeds in the adjoining
British i)roviuce of Manitoba, as attested by eggs in the Smithsonian,
one of which was lately described by Prof. Newton, as above cited. The
egg is 2^ inches long. If broad, and closely resembles that of the E.squi
mau.x: Curlew iu size, shape, and color, though the dark splashes are
more evenly distributed over the surface. The very young bird, just
mentioned, measured 13.75 x 33.75 x 9.75 ; tail, 4 ; bill, 1.10 ; tarsus, and
middle toe and claw, each, 1.05. The bill was livid blackish, with pale
base of under mandible ; the feet were flesh-colored. The habits of the
species are essentially tbe same as those of its congeners ; its extensive
dispersion through Middle and South xVmerica is perceived from the
ibregoiug quotations.

L Alius (CnRCECOCEPHALUS) PHILADELPHIA, ^Ord) Gray.

BonapartC'S Gull.

Sterna jihUmhljjhia, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. ii, 1815, 319.

Chrcecocejihahm philadcljihia, L.vwR., B. N. A. 1858, 852; Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1806,291).—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 276.— Wiikat.'. Ohio. Agric. Kep. 1^60,
No. 2G9.— CoiEs &. PijKNT., SmUhs. Kep. 1861, 418 (Washington, D. C.).— Cori:s,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 247 (Labrador) ; ibid. 1862, 310 (critical) ; ibid. Vm), 99
(Arizona); ibid. 1871, 41 (North Carolina).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1H68, 307
(New England).— CoUKS, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina). — Vkhh.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 155 (Maine).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131
(Maine).— Ai.T.EN, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 80 (Massachusetts).— Dall & Banx.,
Tr. Chic. Ac. 1869, 305 (Alaska).— Mayx., N. Guide, 1^70, 151 (Massacliusetts).—
Ni-.WT., P. Z. S. 1^71, .57, pi. 4, f. 6(egg).

Larua pldhuMpJiia, Gray, List Br. B. 18(i3. 235 (Great Britain).- Hart., Br. B. 1872, 172
(Great Britain; six instances). — Coles, Key, 1872, 31(J; Check-list, 1874, No.
.5.56.— KiDiav., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1^174, 391 (Illiuois).

Larns phiUidelphifus, Turmj., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.

LaritH i:apinlr(ilu8, Bi'., Am. Oru. iv, ; Syn. l'"28, :i58. (Not of authors.)

Lants boiiaparici, Kicii., V. B. A. ii. 1831, 425, pi. 72.— Nrrr.. Mau. ii, ls3l, 294.— AUD.,
Orn. Biog. iv, 212, pi. 324 ; Syn. ]H39, 323; B. Am. vii. 1-44, 131. j)!. 4.52.— Gn;.,
B. L. I. l.-'44, 359.— Pi TN., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 185(1, 221.— S( in... Mus. I'.-!!, iv, 1-63,
jMri, p. 41. (Not of Sci.. & Sai.v., P. Z. S. 1868, 17d (Peru), which is L. nvira-
vhh; see ibid. 1871, .577.)

Xnna boiiajHirhi, Bl'., List, 1838, ()2.

ChroicociplialHJi bonupurhi, BiMcn, .1. f. O. 1855, 292.

Gax'ia bouaparlei, Bi-., Compt. K'cud. lH.")(i, 771.— Bi.as., .J. f. O. 18<)5, 371.

(?) fMnts miiniiun, Sau., Prauid. .Jouru. 693. — I{ii-ii.. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 426 (most probably).

(i) " Lanm welaiitintH, OitD." {i'idi- lip.) (^Vher«^?)

I'.)-' Larua mila>ioihiiiuhiiit,'rKMM,Mn». Lugd." {l-idc Sctil.) (Cf. Blas., J.f.O. 1^65,371.)

G56 LAEUS PHILADELPHIA, BONAPARTe's GULL.

DiAG. L. inter viiviimos, rosiro sternino, nigro, pediius flavis, rhacMdibus remigum prima-
riorum qiiinqiie alhis ajiicibus nigiis.

Hah. — Contiuent of Nortli America, (?)Mexico aud Middle America (but no valid
reference seen). Casual in Europe (Great Britain). In addition to the above quota-
tions note : TnoMP., Ann. Majj. N. H. 1848, 192; Zool. 1849, 2069.— Leith, Zool. 1851,
3117 ; 1867, 966.— Yakk., Br. B. iii, 555.— PowYS, Zool. 1855, 4762.— Kkox, Zool. 1806,
306.— EoDD, Zool. 1865, 9501 ; fuJe Harting).

Adult, hrecd'nig 2)Juma(ie. — Bill shorter than the head or tarsus, much compressed, very
slender and sternice ; both mandibles vrith a slight but distinct notch near the tip.
Convexity of culmen slight, gradual from base to apex. Rami slightly concave ; gonys
about straight. Nostrils lateral, linear, direct, pervious, extremely narrow. Tarsus
equal to middle toe and claw, with the ordinary scutellation and reticulation. Webs
moderately broad, somewhat incised. Wings and tail of ordinary characters, the latter
somewhat emargibate in the young. Bill black. Mouth and eyelids carmine. Legs
and ieet coral-icd, tinged with vermilion. Webs bright vermilion. Hood plumbeous
slate, not so deep as in franldini, enveloping the head and upper jiart of the neck,
reaching further before than behind. White patches on eyelids narrow, and half pos-
terior to the eye. Mantle pearl- blue, much lighter than in franldini, not so light as in
mimdus. Ends of the tertials and scapulars scarcely lighter than the back. Primaries :
shafts of the first five or six white, except at their extreme tips, the others dark col-
ored ; first, outer web and extreme tip black, rest white; second, white, its tip black
for a greater distance than the first, and on one or both webs, for a greater or less dis-
tance (sometimes half way down the feather) narrowly bordered with black; third,
fourth, fifth, sixth, black at the ends for about the same distance on each, the black
bordering the inner web much further than the outer ; the inner webs of the third and
fourth, and both webs of the fifth and sixth, of a rather lighter shade of the color of
the back. Other primaries like the back, the seventh and eighth with a touch of black
on one or both webs near the tip. The third to sixth primaries with a white or pearly-
white speck at extreme tip. As is not the case with either of our other species of the
genus, the primary wing-coverts, bastard quills, &c., are wholly or in great part white
(much as in cirrhocepludus or (dhijiennis of South America), which causes the whole
wing to be bordered with white as far as the carpus. Neck all around, and under
parts, including under wing-coverts, pure white ; the belly, &c., rosy in breeding time.
There is no difierence in color between the sexes.

JdiiJt, ninicr plumage. — Bill light colored at base below ; feet flesh-color. Crescent
before the eye, and patch below the auriculars, deep slate. Crown and occiput mottled
with grayish-black And white. Back of neck washed over with the color of the man-
tle. Forehead, sides of the head and throat, white, continuous with the white of the
under parts. Otherwise as in summer.

Young, first winter. — Bill dusky flesh-color, except toward the end ; legs and feet
light flesh-color. Without the slaty mottling of the crown. Auricular patch distinct.
Lesser wing-coverts and tertials dusky brown, lighter along their edges. Secondaries
with a patch of dusky near the end, which on the innermost three or four becomes
restricted to the outer web. First primary, with about half the inner web along the
shaft, black ; second and third with the outer webs wholly black, and a narrow line of
black on the inner, along the shaft. Tail with a subtcrniinal brownish-black bar.

Very young. — Bill flesh-color, dusky on the terminal half. Crown of head, and neck
behind to the interscapulars, clouded with dusky bluish-gray, heightening on the sides
of the neck into light grayish-ochrous. Scapulars and middle of the back light gull-
blue, as in the adult, *but the feathers so broadly (for i inch) tipped with grayish-brown,
fading into dull white at tip, that the original color is nearly lost. Lesser wing-coverts
and tertials Inownish-black, the latter edged with the color of the edgings of the back.
Bastard quills and feathers along the edge of the wing variegated with black and white.
Primaries b!ack ; the outer two-thirds of the inner vane ot the first four bluish-white
to near the cud ; both vanes of the others of that color for a little distance ; the extreme
tips of all but the two first, white. Secondaries light gull-blue, each with a large ter-
minal blackiish spot continuous with the black ends of the inner primaries. Tail with
a broad terminal bar of black, and very narrowly tipped with dull white.

IJimensionij. — Length, 14 inches ; extent, 32 ; wing, 10.25 ; bill above, 1.20 ; gajje, 1.75 ;
height at nostrils, 0.25 ; tarsus, or middle toe and claw, 1.40.

Anaiomici I cliaraeterb. — The median palatal ridge is well defined, broad, beginning
six-tenths if an inch from the tip. Just at its centre the aperture of the posterior
uares begins. Anteriorly it is thickly i)apillate along its median line ; posteriorly there
are papillaj only on its edges and terminally. The two lateral palatal ridges, separated
from the median by a rather illy-defined sulcus, do not, as usual, terminate abruptly
in a papilhited raised extremity, but gradually lose themsehes in a fold of mucous
membrane at the angle of the mouth. The posterior vaulted space is well defined;
bounded posteriorly by a quadrant of well-developed slender acute papillte. Tongue
measures a little more than an inch, of the ordinary shape and consistency. Nasal
aperture O.s-jO long.

LARUS PHILADELPHIA, BONAPARTE's GULL. 657

The specimen examined was shot while feeding, and the whole digestive apparatus
was in full play. (Esophagus measures between six and seven inches in length, pre-
senting the usual characteristics of muscularity and dilatability. It was contracted
and longitudinally plicate to within an inch of the proveutriculns, where it was dis-
tended with an enormous wad of coleopterous and bymenopterous insects ; this ]iart of
the canal being, of course, devoid of rugje, and its walls thin and tense. The difference
in appearance of the proventricular portion of the tube was very marked. Its color
was gray ; the mucous memhrane soft velvety to the touch, without rugse, marked
everywhere with thickly aggregated puucta. The solvent follicles were counted, and
found to amount to 1,643. The gastric zone was 0.6 broad. The insects in this portion
of the canal were in a perfect state of integrity, as in the cenophagus, but were much
softened. Gizzard of jjroportiouate size, and with the general characteristics of the
LarincE.

Intestine 24 inches from pylorus to anus. Besides the ordinary duodenal fold, there
is another which commences 4 or 5 inches from the cceca, and runs up behind the giz-
zard as high as the asophagus, and then descends in a pretty straight line to the coeca.
The cceca are hardly 0.12 long, but are bioad and capacious, with rounded free extrem-
ities. They lie closely apposed to the gut, 0.75 of an inch fioui the cloaca. Cloaca, as
usual, large, capacious, globular. Its posterior division is small, but nuirked by
a well-developed ridge of mucous membrane. Orihccs of urinary and seminal ducts
in the usual position.

Lobes of liver of nearly equal size, 1.75 inches long; the right is a little the most
attenuated, left the thickest. They are connected by a broad, thin band of glandular
substance.

Kidneys chiefly divided into three lobes, of which the superior is the largest and
most convex ; the inferior smallest ; the central connectiug lobe irregular in outline.

Trachea 4 inches long, flattened above, tapering and cylindrical below ; its rings
weak and cartilaginous, numbering about 120. The sterno-trachealis inserted only 0.3-
above the lower larynx. A single pair of inferior laryngeal inserted into the first
bronchial half ring. Bronchial rings abut 22.

Very numerous specimens of this species now before me exhibit little variation in
colors other than those dependent on age and season ; though, as will be seen from the
preceding paragraphs, its normal changes of plumage are very great. The ditierences
are chieliy in the amount of the narrow edging of the black of the tips of the prima-
ries, which runs along to their bases ; in the amount of black on the seventh and eighth
primaries ; and in the size of the white apices of all of them. The diti'erence in size
is more notalile; the specimens being marked according to collectors' measurements
as from 12 to 14.50 in total length, though 1 think that so great a discrepancy may be
accounted for by supposing slightly different methods of measurement, and errors of
carelessness and otherwise. I have never seen a specimen so large as is indicated by
Richardson, viz, 15.60 inches. The bills difler somewhat in stoutness ; in the young
they are always slenderer and weaker. The notch toward the extremities of the tomia
is always (juite distinct.

By both Audubon and Bonaparte the female of the present species is said to have a
brow n instead of a black head ; and Audubon's plate shows an entirely difiercnt color
of the hood of the female from that of the male. This statement is at variance w ith
Richardson's account and with the experience of authors, except those two above
mentioned, which has invariably shown the hoods of the two sexes to be colored alike.
I have never seen any brown-headed examides; and as the species is so abundant that
the diflerence, if it really existed, would have been readily detected, I think if is sale to
as.sert that it does not. 8till it is dillicult to see how both Audubon and Bonai)artefelI
into such an error, and I can ofl'er no explanation of the matter.

JiihUoijntphii. — The first specilic name of this species is, as proven by Mr. Lawrence,.
j)hUad(lj>hia of Ord. "The shinder and tern-like form of the bill probably induced Mr.
Ord to put it in Sterna." Until the name of Mr. Ord's was revived by Mr. Lawrence,
the species almost universally received the apitellation of honajxo-tri, impost-d upon it
by Richardson in IHIU. It was referred to the genus Clinrcocvplialus, by Binili, in 1(^55.
]}onaparte in his American Ornithology, aixl in his Syn(i]>sis of l-2f^, before the intro-
duction lit Richardson's specilic nanu-, referred tiie biid \ cry eironi-ou.sly to tlie cajiiii-
tiatun of Ttniminck. which is (piite another thing. In bis sulis* (pient worUs he adopts
the nauui bestowed in Iioiku- of himself, referring the liird to the genera Xaiia and
Gar'ta. I (juote ^' Luiuh nulauuru.s Ord" as a synonym of the young, <m the aulliority
of Bonajiarte. The Lams vuldtior/n/iHlinx of Tenniiinck is, l)y Dr. Schlegcl, considered
as referring to this species. By other authors it is placed as a syminym of "iuciillatiis."
L. snbuliroslrix may belong here rather tlian to fninLlini.

No one of our s])ecies is more widely di.spersed tlian tlii.s. (lo wliere

Ave inny in Nortli Amfricit, tiic inctty l)ii(l in;i_\ be .seen iit oim' of another

sea.soii, if we arc not too lar Iroin any eonsidcrabh' body of waltT. The

Gull hold.s its own from the Labrador erags, ajjainst which the waves of

42

658 LARUS PHILADELPHIA, BONAPARTe's GULL.

an angered ocean ceaselessly beat, to the low, sandy shores of the Gulf,
caressed by the soothing billows of a tropical sea. It follows the sinu-
osities of the two coasts with wonderful pertinacity, making excursions
up every bay and estuary, and threads the course of idl our three great
rivers, while performing its remarkably extensive migrations. Consid-
ering in what high latitudes it breeds, it is astonishing how early toward
the fall it again appears among us after its brief absence. The last
birds have not all left the United States in May ; some time in August
the young come straggling back, though they are not numerous until
the autumn has fairly set in. Perhaps some breed in the United States ;
of this, however, I have no personal knowledge, and at any rate, they
only do so along our northern tier of States. Very little is recorded of
its nidification and special breeding habits, and this is not so definite as
could be wished. Audubon says, at second hand, that it breeds on the
islands off Grand Menan ; I only know of its nesting in British America,
and this too merely from the labels of specimens examined. But I saw
a great many in Labrador, and about the mouth of the St. Lawrence, at
such time tlia^. rendered it pretty certain they had not bred far off.

While in North Carolina I made some observation on the vernal mi-
gration, that I thought interesting. There these Gulls are simply birds
of })assage, none wintering or breeding. They appear early in April, or
M ith the tii'st genial weather, and may be seen through part or most of
jNIay ; then they go off', to return in September, and stay a month or so.
But in siiimg it was a succession of birds i)assing, ratlier than the same
individuals remaining so long. Thus from the first of April to the
twenty-second, in 1861), great numbers were over the bay, with a decided
preponderance of lull plumaged individuals. Then, v.ithout any marke<l
change in the weather or other apparent reason, none were to be seen
for a week or ten days. The lirst week in May, however, they became
more numerous than ever, and, what seemed singular, this last lot was
almost entirely composed of young birds — that is, birds only a year old,
as was shown by the pluuiage, lacking the hood, having the black bar
on the tail, and the ujtper parts imperfectly' blue, vai legated with gray
and brown. Evidently the old birds, hurrying north to breed, led the
van ; and the young, with no such important business on hand, cauui!
trooping leisurely in the rear. The question was, what would thesn
young birds do the ensuing summer'^ Would they reach the boreal
regions to which the great majority of the perfect tertile birds repair,
alter loitering so late on the Carolina coast? or did they only propose
to go part way, spend the summer frolicking, and return with soberi-r
intentions for another year ? I doubt that any breed until they are full
plumaged.

Note. — The Chrcccoceplialits minnlns, by some iuchided among Noi'tU American birds,
Las no groniub^d cliiini to be so considered. 1 therefore omit the si>ecie8, which I can-
not recognize as an inhabitant of this country until some conclusive evidence is
brought forward. The whole claim may be seen to rest r.| ra an ideutilieation of
Sabine's, who, in all probability, mistook jihlladclphta for minutns.

Genus EHODOSTETRIA, Maccjil

Lams, Macgil., 1824 : Rich., 1825 {_nec Linx.).
liossia, Y>v., Comp. List, lH3ri, {!2 {uec Owen).

HhodoKfitliiu. MACf;iL., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 253 (type Larus roseiis, Macgtl.). — Lawr., B. N.
A. 1858, BSii.— CoUES, Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 18G2, 311.— Gkay, List Br. B. 1863, 229.

Gen. ciiak. "Body moderate; neck rather short; head ovate; bill short, rather
slender; upper niaiulible with the dorsal lino straiglit for half its length, arcnate-de-
curvate toward the enil ; lower mandible with the inlercrural space narrow, the knot
blighl, the dorsal line concave, the tip narrow; legs short; tibi;e bare for a very short

RHODOSTETHIA ROSEA, WEDGE-TAILED GULL. 659

'7

■space ; tarsus rather stout, anteriorly scntellate, rough behiud ; first toe short, with a
large curved claw ; auterior toes moderate, with their welw entire ; claws rather large,
arched, conii)ressed, acute ; plumage soft and full ; wings long, rather narrow, ])oiuted ;
tail cuueate, of twelve feathers, of which the central are rnucH larger than the lateral."

Never having seen a specimen of the type of this genus, I have borrowed my diag-
nosis from Macgillivray. Its essential character lies in the cuneatc tail, which is a pe-
culiarity not shared by any other sjiccies of the subfamily. The pattern of coloration
too is peculiar.

The type of the genus was first named under, and for some years referred to, the
genus Lurus. In 1838 Bonaparte first separated it geuerically under the name of Bossia.
This name, however, had previously been applied by Prof. Owen to a gtnus of cepha-
lopods. Ehodosiethia of Macgillivray is based ujion the same type, and is the proper
name to be employed. The only known species of the genus is an inhabitant of the
arctic regions of North America, and corresponding latitudes in the Old World.

KHODOSTETHIA ROSEA, Macgil.

Wedge-tailed Gull.

Larus roseus, Macgil., Mem. AVern. Soc. v, 1824, 249.--Jai;d. & Selby, 111. Br. Oru. 1838,

pi. 14.— Kkys. Sc Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 95.
Eossia rosea, Bp., List, 1838, 62.
Ehodosteihla roaea, "Br." (.'Naum. 1854, 212: ? Rev. Zool. Gner. 1ST)5, 278).— Bruch,

J. f. O. 18.53, 106.— Brncii, J. f. O. 1855, 278.— Bp., Consp. ii, 18.56, 230.—

Lawr., B. N. a. 1858, 856.— CouKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 311 ; Key, 1872, 316 :

Cbeck-list, 1874, No. 557.
Larus rossii, Rich.. App. Parry's 2d Vov. 1825, 359 ; F. B. A. ii, 1831, 427.— Wils., 111.

1831, pi. 3.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, .— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 324 ; Syu.

1839,323; B. Am. vii, 1844, 130 (not figured).— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 128.—

Nau.m., V. D. xiii, 1844, pi. 388, f. 3, 4.— MiLX., Zool. 1847, 1694 — Ciiai:lksw.,

Zool. 1847, 1782.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 332.— Haht., Br. B. 1872, 173

(British instances).
Ehodostethia rossii, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 253 ; Br. B. v, 618.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii,

1849, 653 ; List Br. B. 1863, 229.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.— Blas., J. f. 0.

1865, 370.
♦' Larus richardsoni, Wils." (Fide Bp.) (AVhere ?)

Diag. E. Cauda cuueaid, torque coUari nigro, rostro nigro, pcdibus rnhns.

ir«l).— Arctic regions. No United States record. Europe. Great Britain (see Gray
& Harting, I. c). Heligoland ; Ibis, 1865, 103.

Sp. cii. " CoJor.— Scapulars, interscapulars, and both surfaces of the wings, clear
pearl-gray ; outer web of the first quill blackish-brown to its tip, which is gray ; ti[)S
of the scapulars and lesser quills whitish ; some small feathers near the eye, and a
collar round the middle of the neck, pitch-black, rest of the plumage white ; the neck
above, and whole under plnmage, deeply tinged with jwach-blossom red in recent spec-
imens; hill black; its rictus, "and the edges of the eyelids, reddish-orange; legs aud
feel vermilion-rt'd ; nails blackish.

"i''o()((.— Ihll slender, weak, with a scarcely perceptible salient angle beneath; the
u]>per mandil)le sliglitly arched and compnsscd toward the i)oii)t ; the commissure
slightly curved at the tlj). Wings an inch longer than the decidedly cuneiform laii ;
the central feathers are an inch longer than the outer ones. Tarsi rather stout ; the
thumb very distinct, armed witli a nail as large as that of the outer toe.

"LfiHifHsio**.*.— Length, 11 inches; wing, l(i.5tt ; tail, 5.50; bill above, 0.75, along
gape, 1.25; tarsus, liV [High., 1\ B. A. ii, 18.51, 427.]

The Smith.souian In.stitution conlains no siiecimeiis of this exquisite Gull ; and having
been unable to examine an indivifUuil (Iscwt-fn', I h;iv(^ been obliged to copy Riehard-
sou's description, as given in the Fauna Boreali-Ameiicana. Tiieic is little (hnger ihat
in the accounts by American authors of this spec es there will be found mat-rial dis-
crepancies, since I have not met with a single one who has not taken his deseriptiou
AvhoUy or in jiart from the same source.

There an- no specimens in America, to my knowledge. Aerording t<) the editor of
the Ibis (1H65), no more than live s]t( cimen.swire then known : the one from .Milville
l)eiiiiisnla, .Iiine, 1H23, in the Univeisity Mi;s(um, Edinbuigh ; aiiolher in the I'erliy
Museum, believed to be from the same' source ; one at Mayeuce, fioni Kaiiil.sihaika :
one iu the Ga^tke colleition, from Heligoland ; i.nd one in jiossi ssion of Ilcrr lleizin.
of CopeuhagfMi, obtained on i\w Fa roe.s in Febiuary. l-'63. Mr. Harting < ites a'> exam-
ple recorded (Zool. as above) (rem Yorkshire, but ad.ds that accounts differ as lo locality
and date of ca]iture.

Discussion of sgnonymy.—'Ihiii Gull had the iiiisforiunc to be ushered into oiuitbolo-

660 XEMA SABINET, FORK-TAILED GULL.

gical literature under trying circumstances, which caused pointed personalities. I
think, however, that its proper name is not doubtful, as may be made evident. The
bird was first mentioned by Macgillivray in the Memoirs of the Werneriau Society for
January, 1824, under the name of Larus roseus. This author does not, it is true, give a
formal description of the species ; and also acknowledges in his subsequent works, that
his name was only a " provisional" appellation. In the following year Richardson, iu
the Appendix to Parry's Second Voyage, named the bird Larus rossii, and accompanies
his name with a description ; and although this latter author admits that the bird was
called roseits before he named it rossii, yet he claims precedence for his name, on the
grounds that his was the tirst published description. The priority of Macgillivray's
roscus being clearly established, and his name indisputably referring to the species
under consideration, the only question is whether it is to be set aside because it was
only a "provisional" designation given by one not "commissioned" to describe the
object. I think that no valid reason can be given for changing the name. Rules of
nomenclature require the adoption in every instance of the first published name when
it is by any means identifiable. The first identifiable name to go on record, no matter
how it gets there, must be used if it be not antedated in the same genus, and not
wholly inept ; and an author has no more right to change a naitie of his own than any
one else's. Furthermore, no one can introduce a " provisional " name without becoming
bound by it. I am ignorant of what the " personal " or " official " circumstances of this
case were ; but according to the record, Macgillivray's only fault was in not standing
by the name he originally bestowed.

Genus XEMA, Leach.

= Larus, Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 1818, 520 (L. salnnei).

= Larus, Prev. & Des Murs, Voy. Venus, 185,5, 277 {L. furcatus).

^ Xema. Leach, Ross's Voy. Apjj. 1825, p. Ivii (i. sabinei).

= Xema, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 103. '

<^ Garni, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 241 (X. sab'mei).

> Crmyrus, Bp., "1854" (L. furcatus).

Gen. char. Tail forked (here ouly in Larina). Head hooded, with a more or less
evident darker collar. Bill black, with light tip. Size moderate and small.

With a general bearing toward Cliracoccphalus, in the hooded head and other features,
the genus is distinguished from this or any group of Larince by the sternine character
of forked tail. The name is generally restricted to the type, a " genus" Creagrus being
employed for the second known species ; but the latter is apparently a true Xema. The
two are readlily distinguished, as follows :

Small : Wing, 11 inches or less ; tail, lightly forked ; a definite black col-
lar bounding the hood ; feet, black sabinei.

Large : Wing, 16 inches or more ; tail, deeply forked ; black collar incon-
conspicuous ; feet, red fukcatum.

XEMA SABINEI, (S:ib.) Leacli.

Fork-tailed Gull.

Larus sahinei, J. Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 1818, .522, pi. 29.— Jen., Man. 1828, 270.— WiLS.,
111. Zool. 1831, pi. 8.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 428.— Nutt., Man. Oru. ii,
1834, 295.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 561, pi. 285 ; Syn. 1839, 323 ; B. Am. vii,
1844, 127, pi. 441.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 95.— Temm., Man. iv, 1840,
488.— Naum., V. D. xiii, 1844, pi. 388, f. 1, 2.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 128 ; Mus.
P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 44.— Degi.., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 332.— Midd., Sib. Reise,
ii, 1853, 244, pi. 24, f. 5, pi. 25, f. 1 (jmllns et ovum).— Hart., Br. B. 1872, 171
(Great JBritaiu, numerous instances).

Xema saiinei, Leacii, App. Ross's Voy. 1825, p. Ivii, fig. — ; Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 177,
pi. 20.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 54.— Bi'., List, 1838, 62 ; Comptes Reudus, 1856,
771.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 655 ; List Br. B. 1863, 236.— Bruch, J. f. O.
1855, 292.— Blas., ibid. 1865, 370.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 857.— Newt., P. Z. S.
1861, 401 ; 1871. 57, pi. 4, f. 5 (egg).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 311.— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 307.—
Dall »fe Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 306 (Alaska).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii,
1872, 183 (Great Salt Lake).— CouKS, Key, 1872, 317 ; Check-list, No. 558.

Gavia sabini, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 241.

" Larus collaris, Sab." {FideBv.) (Where?)

"Xema coUaris, TuHAcn." {Fide Gray.) (Where?)

XEMA FUECATUM, SWALLOW-TAILED GULL. 661

DiAG. X. viivoi; cttudd emarginatd, capite cucullaio, collo torquaio, rosiro nigro apice flavo,
pedibus nigris. Long. tot. 14.00 j)oll.

Hah. — Arctic regious of Loth hemispheres. Spitzbergeu. In America, south in win-
ter to New York, and Great Salt Lake, Utah.

Adult, breeding plumage. — Bill black to the angle, abruptly bright chrome from angle
to tip. Mouth bright orange ; eyelids orange ; legs and feet' black. Hood uniform clear
deep slate, bounded inferiorly by a ring, narrowest on the nape, of deep velvety black.
Lower part of neck all round, tail and its coverts, four inner primaries, secondaries,
greater part of greater coverts, tips of tertials, except the innermost, and whole under
parts, pure white. Mantle slate-blue, extending quite to the tips of the inner tertials.
Edge of wing, from the carpal joint with the bastard wing, black. First live prima-
ries, with their shafts, black ; their extreme tips, and the outer half of the inner wel)s,
to near the end, white. Other primaries white, the sixth with a touch of black on thi^
outer web. Eniargination of tail 1.2.5 inches.

Z>MHCHSio««.— Length, 13.75 ; wing, 10.75 ; bill, 1 ; along gape, LOO; height at angle,
0.30 ; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe and claw, same.

Young-of'the-gtar.—CSo. 50182, Plover Bay, Sept. 1867.) Tail forked, nearly as in the
adult. Bill small and weak, ilesh-color and dusky. Legs apparently llesh-colored.
No hood nor collar. Most of the head, the back of the neck, and upper parts in gen-
eral, slatj--gray, transversely waved with brownish-white ; each feather ))eing tipju.d
with this color. Under parts white. Tail white, wiih a broad teiminal bar of black,
an inch wide on the central rectrices, growing narrower on the others successivelv ; on
the outermost sometimes invading only one web. Tins black bar very narrowly edged
with white. Wings surprisingly similar to those of the adult, but the while on ihe
inner webs more restricted, and the white tips very small or wanting altogether.
Dimensions a little less than those of the adult.

The pictura of the primaries in the above-described specimen is remarkably like the
adult's, considering how young the specimen is; but I presume the condition is con-
stant, or at least usual. As the bird advances toward mal urity the primaries gain more
decided white tips; the black bar disappears from the tail; the upper parts become
first mottled with the clear pearl-blue of the adults, then lose altogether the feathers
of the present hue and pattern. Exactly at what time the hood and collar are assumed
I cannot say ; I should judge not till the second year.

The yellow tip of the bill varies greatly in size. Half of the bill may be yellow ;
or the yellow may be reduced to nil : but birds with an entirely black bill are not often
seen. The adult winter plumage I have not seen, and cannot say whether the hood is
lost or not; but I should judge, from analogy, that it is not retained. The species
varies less than most Gulls : in i'act I have little to add to the above on this score. The
bill varies, as usual, in length and stoutness. Young birds look something like young
Cnracocephalns phihuklpliia, but I believe the tail is always at least emargiiiate.

This species was lirst introduced in 1818 by Capt. J. .Sabine as Larun mbinci, but its
peculiarities were almost immediately made the basis for generic separation by lA-ach.
Macgillivray referred it to the genus Garia. I have not been able to verity Bonaparte's
quotation of " Larun coUaiiit Sabine." The same author incorrectly gives Leach as
authority for the specific name.

XEMA FURCATUM, (ISTeb.) Bruch.
Swailow-tuiled Gull.

Mouctte a queue fourchuc, Nkisoix, Kev. Zool, iii, 1840, 290.

LaruH furcatuM, I'ltKV. & Dj;.s Ml1{.s, Zool. Voy. Venus, Ois. 1855, 277, pi, 10.

A'cHia furraluni, BlUCll, J. f, O, 18,')3, 103,— CoLKS, Key, 1.^72, 317 ; Check-list, No. .'59.

CmigruH Junulus, By., " 1854,"— Bmxii, J, f, O. 185^, 2'.I2.— Br„ Compt. liend. l^.Mi,

771.— Lawh., B, N. a, Ifcue, 857.— CoLics, I'r. I'liila. Acad. I8t)2, 312.— Blas.,

J. f. O. 1805, 37U.

;. " L. Hupra cinei-acnis, capite colloqiiefuliginouc nigrtxeenlihuH ; itublus alhut>; strigdpost-
ulari et bust J'lontali albis ; palpebrin aurontiii), tunsta pulminque rubiia.''

Hub. — Coast of California, (?) Also, Arctic regions.

Adult. — Bill of moderate robustness, much bent at the tip, black at its ba.sc, white
toward its apex, with "a small rounded white Hjiot on either side ot the base of the
upper mandible," Tarsi, toes, anil iiitenligital membranes, red; the claws Itlack,
Irides red the [edges of tlie] eyelids (irniige. Head, and grejtter part of the neek all
round, black [''f/ri^ bruu." Nr.nof.x ; "fuligiuoxr nignxcintlbus." Vity.\<tH\ and l)y.n
Mrits], Mantle light gniy ['• blaue grix." .Nkmoi .\ ]. Breast, belly, under surliues of

the wings, and the tail, pure white. The folded wings reaeh iiiclies bevond tlio

tail, I'rimarieb bordered both iulernally and ex.ernally with black. Middle win};.

DiAO

01

662 STEENIN^, TEENS.

coverts white ; greater coverts slaty-gray [rtj-^o/sc'e], bordered with white. Tail deeply
loikLd ; the exterual pair of rectrices having au elongation not met with in any other
species of the subfamily.

I regret exceedingly that I have had no opportunity of examining a specimen of this
rare and remarkable Gull. The Smithsonian has never received an example, and I am
not aware of the existence of one in any American collection. This is the more to be
regretted since the original description by Neboux, which has served as the basis of
nearly all subsequent accounts, both of American and European ornithologists, is brief,
delicient, and unsatisfactory. Fortunately, however, the species is one i^resenting snch
peculiar features, that no confusion has arisen concerning it. I have taken my diag-
nosis from the Zoology of the Voyage of the Venus, and compiled the above outline
description from Neboux's original account. I transcribe the further remarks of MM.
Pr(Svost and Des Murs :

" In spite of the great difficulty usually experienced in determining the species com-
posing the genus Larus, on account of their close resemblance to each other, and the
many variations in colors which each presents, the one in question may be distinguished
at a glance by its orange eyelids and red legs and webs, and particularly by the two
white spots which ornament the forehead at the upper mandible; though the red feet
are indeed shared by several other species, e. g., L. hcematorhynchus King, and honapartei
Eichardson. We lay no stress upon the semicircular white spot on the under eyelid,
because this also exists in the franklini and honapartei of Eichardson. The two other
most striking and remarkable features of the species lie in the decurved bill, which is
a little like that of Larus modestits Tschudi ; and in the deeply forked shape of the tail,
■which is elsewhere only found among typical Sternina-."

Bibliography. — The species was lirst introduced by Neboux, as above, in 1840, under
the appellation of " La mouette a queue fourchue," no Latin binomial designation
being given. Upon this name and description MM. Prevost and Des Murs founded
in 1855 their Larus furcatus. In consequence, doubtless, of its forked tail, it was in
1653 referred by Bruch to the genus Xema. A distinct genus was first framed for it by
Bonaparte in 1854.

Since the foregoing was penned I have been favored, through the courtesy of Howard
Saunders, esq., with au original description of a specimen in the British Museum.
Under date of March 6, 1873, Mr. Saunders writes me that the bird is a true Xema, and
has the appearance of being au Arctic sj)ecies. " Head, neck, and throat, of a sootier
color than in X. sahinei, darkening toward the base of the hood, but not forming a dis-
tinct black collar, as in this species ; a white frontal band ; under parts and tail pure
white, the latter more deeply torked than in sahinei ; mantle pale pearl-gray, somewhat
darker on the wing-coverts ; primaries blackish-brown on outer webs and continuation
of inner webs, thence white, except at tip ; secondaries white, tinged with gray at
their tips ; bill blackish, tipped with horn-yellow from the angle. Wing, 16.50 inches ;
tarsi, nearly 2 inches ; middle toe the same ; hind toe very small, but bearing a well-
developed claw."

Subfamily Sternina.

DiAG. Laridw rostro integro, paragnatlio.

Ch. Bill entire, its upper and under mandible of equal length ; alwaj'^s compressed,
and higher than broad. Curve of culmen gentle and gradual from base to apes.
Commissure gently declinato-convex, sometimes slightly sinuate a>t base. Symphysis
of inferior mandibular rami much more extensive than in Lestridiiuv or Larina',, but the
eminentia symphysis less marked. Interramal s])ace narrow. Encroachment of feath-
ers on the bill as in Larinw. Nostrils linear-oblong, lateral, direct, pervious, varying
with genera as regards degree of approximation to the base of the bill. Wings ex-
tremely lengthened, narrow, and acute, the first primary much the longest, the rest
rapidly graduated. Secondaries .short and inconspicuous. Tail usually much elongated
and deeply forked, the lateral feathers being more or less attenuated and filiform ; only
occasionally short and broad {GelocheUdon), or gradnated {A)ious, &c.). Legs jilaced
rather further back, and less decidedly ambulatorial than iu Larincc. Tibia denuded
for a varying distance. Tarsi short and usually slender ; scutellate and reticulate, as
iu Larinw. Toes of moderate length, and of the usual relative ])roportious. Webs
rather narrow, and (except in Anous, &c.) more or less excised. Claws small, com-
pressed, but much curved and acute. Size moderate, or very small. General form
slender and delicate. Plumage as in other subfamilies, but the pterylaj narrow, the
sexes hardly differing in coloration, but the variations with age and season very great.

For anatomical peculiarities of the subfamily, see under head of Sterna hiriindo.

The generic and subgeneric groups of the Sternina) are rather better marked than
those of the Larinw. They are in number about thirteen. Of these more than half
(seven) are represented in North America. Fhwtliusa, Gygis, and several subgeuexa near
Anous are extralimital. The North American forms may readily be distinguished by the
following analysis. HydrQchelidon and Anous may be regarded as genera, the i-emaiuder
being subgenera of Sterna.

STERNIN.E, TERNS.

663

Analysis of the North American forms of Sterniua:

A. Nostrils sub-basal. Frontal antioa prominent, embracing base of

culmen. Tail more or less forked. Tarsus not shorter than
middle toe without the claw. Lateral toes much shorter than

the middle. Webs excised Group Sterner.

a. Webs moderately incieed. Tail well formed, generally
more than half as long as the wing. Under jjarts white
or light.

a'. Upper parts pearl-gray. Cap in summer black, or
a black bar through eye.

1. Bill short and very stout, somewhat gull-

like, black. Tarsi much longer than the
toes, black. Tail lightly forked. Medium
size Gelochelidon.

2. Bill long, large, bright colored, or with yel-

low tip. An occipital crest. Feet black.

Forking of tail variable. Of large size.. Thalasseus.

3. Bill moderate, slender, usually bright col-

ored, like the feet. No crest. Tail long,

deejily forked. Size medium and small.. Sterxa.

h'. Upper parts dusky. Cap like the back.

4. Bill and feet black. A white frontal cres-

cent JHaliplana.

i. Webs deeply incised (feet little more than seraipalmate).
Tail merely emarginate, hardly or not half as long as
the wing. Under parts in summer black Hydrochelidon.

B. Nostrils nearly median. No frontal antise, the feathers extending

further on culmen than at the sides. Tail double-rounded.
Tarsi very short. Toes lengthened, the lateral uearlj' as long

as the middle, with full webs Group Anoe.*:.

Color fuliginous Angus.

Subgenus Gelochelidon, Brehm.

<^Sterna, Mont., Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813. (S. anglica.)

X Thalasseus, BoiE, Isis, 18'22, 5(J3 (not type).

X Viralva, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 174 (not of Leach).

= Gelochelidon, Brehm, Naturg. Vog. Deutsch. 1831, p. — . {S. anglica.)

=^Laropis, Wage., Isis, 1832, 1225. {S. anglica.)

Char. Bill rather shorter than the head, exceedingly robnst, not very acute, com-
pressed ; the culmen nearly straight to beyond tlie nostrils, then very decliuato-convex
to the tip, rather broad and rounded for its whole length ; the gonys about straight;
rami slightly concave; symphyseal eminence well marked; tomia of lower mandible
inflected ; commissure gently curved. Height of bill at base, a third of total length.
Nasal groove exceedingly shoit and broad, not deep ; nostrils short, widely oval, ])laced
very near the base of the bill, just beyond the terniiuatioii of the feathers. Wings
exceedingly long and acute, each primary suri»assiug the next by a full inch ; the sec-
ondaries short, .soft, obliquely incurved at their extremities. Tail rather short, con-
tained 2i times in the wing from the carpus ; deeply eniaiginate. but its lateral feathers
not elongated nor acienuated. Feet long and stout for tliis subfamily. Tarsus shorter
thau the bill, longer than the middle toe and claw. Hind toe remarkably developed,
being unusually long for this subfamily ; inner .shoitcr than outer ; iiiterdigital mem-
branes moderately broad, deeply incised, especially the inner. Tibia naked for half an
inch. Claws slender, slightly arched, acute. Scntella as in Sternina' generally. Size
ino<lerate. Tail and rump concolor with the back. Anatomical characters those of
Sternituv generally.

The above diagnosis is of a group which differs chiefly from other Sttruina', in the robust
and obtuse bill, tlioiigb other diaiacters may he noted. The bill not distantly resembles
that of Larhuf, and the giouii may be looked u]iom as the connecting link between the
two subfamilies. It diflcrs in i)attern of coloration from most other Terns, in having
the color of the mai:tle continued uiiiiiternii)t(dly on to tln^ tail. Anatoniieal dili'ei-
ences between it and Stcrua proper are hanlly to be api)reciated. except, of course,
those characters of the bones upon which the proportions of the bill and feet dt-pend.

Of the several accredited species su]ij)ose(l to compose the genus, North America
possesses but one, which is idtntlcal witli that of Europe.

The genus has but lew .syiKuiyiiis, the species comprised in it having been ordinarily
referred to Stcniii. Wagler's synonym (I.anqii'^) is antedateil i»y Gdorhclidoii ot Brehm,
which latter is the lirst distinctive uume.

664 STERNA ANGLICA, GULL-BILLED TERN.

STERNA (GEL0(3eELTD0N) ANGLICA, Mont.

Gull-billed Tern.

Sterna angJica, Mont., Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813, p. —.—Leach, Cat. 1816, 41.— Temm., Man.
Orn. ii, 1820, 745.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 143.— Nutt., Mau. ii, 18:34, 269.— Jen.,
Man. 1835, 269.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 54.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 127, pi.
410 ; Syn. 1839, 316 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 81, pi. 430.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur.
1840, 98.— ScHiNZ, Eur. Fii. 1840, 374.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 301, pi. 127, f.
270.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 353.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 130.— Gkay', G.
of B. iii, 1849, 659 ; List Br. B. 1863, 241.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 336.— Putn.,
Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 230 (quotes Emm., B. Mass. p. 6).— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869,
38. — Maxim., Beit, iv, 867 (Brazil). — Radde, Reise, ii, 1863, 388 (Siberia). —
Coues, Key, 1872, 319.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

Thalasseus anglicus, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.

Viralva mujUca, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 174.

Laropis avgJica, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1225.

Gdochelidon anglica, Bp., List, 1838, 61 ; Compt. Rend. 1856, 772.— Boie, Isis, 1844, 187.—
Coues, Pr. Phiia. Acad. 1862, 536 (critical).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 389 (Guate-
mala).—Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199 (Guatemala).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 308.—
Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii. 1866, 299 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii,
1868, 126 (S. Carolina).— Gundl., Rep. F. N. i, 392 (Cuba ; Cab., J. f. O. v, 234).—
SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, .5:2 (Tropical America).— Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 82.

Sterna stnhherica, Otto, "Dents. IJbers. Buffon."

Sterna aranea, Wils., Am. Orn., viii, 1814, 143, pi. 72, f, 6.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist.
Nat. 1819, 169 ; Fn. Fran?. 1828, 398.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 354.— Lawu., B. N. A.
1858, 859.— Wheat., Ohio Agrie. Rep. 1860, No. 272.— Coues & Pkent., Smiths.
Rep. 1861, 418.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90.— Press., Ibis, 1866, 44
(Texas). — Pelz., Oru. Bras. 325 (Brazil). — Burm., Syst. Uebers. iii, 452.

GelocJielidon aranea, Bp., List, 1838, 61.

Sterna risoria, Brehm, Lehrb. 1823, 683 ; " Beitr. iii, 650."

Sterna macrotarsa, Gould.

Sterna affinis, Horse, {fide Blas.).

Geloehcfidon jmlustris, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 237 : Br. B, v, — .

Gelochelidon balthica, agrarta, rneridionalis, Brehm, V. D. 772, 773, 774.

DiAG. S. rostra irevi, rohusto ; rostro pedihusque nigris ; pallio cosridescentc-perlaceo, nropy-
gio concolwe, caudd emarginafd.

Hal). — Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America, chiefly Eastern United States ; not
detected on the Pacific side. Patagonia (Darwin, Voy. Beag. 145).

Adult in summer. — Bill with the culmen regularly declinato-convex from near the
base to the tip ; the culmen broad and flattened, especially basally. Outline of rami a
little concave ; gonys very long, its outline about straight. Depth of bill at base a
third of total length ; its width very much less than its height. Both mandibles
marked with numerous longitudinal stria?. Angle between the rami moderately acute ;
the symphyseal eminence well marked ; the tip not very acute. Nasal groove exceed-
ingly short, wide, of somewhat triangular shape, not deep. Nostrils unusually wide,
broadly oval, short, lateral, pervious, placed very far back, only just anterior to the
termination of the feathers. The feathers extend on tlie side of the bill but little fur-
ther than on the culmen, the re-entrant angle formed there being very obtuse. Those
on the side of the lower mandible do not extend so far as on the npper. Submental
space feathered almost to the symphysis. Head of ordinary sternine aspect ; body
rather stout, full, and thick set. Wing lengthened, as long as the whole body and tail.
Primaries exceedingly long, narrowing i-egularly from base to tip, which latter is atten-
uated and acute. The first surpasses the second by a full inch ; the rest are rapidly
graduated. Secondaries short and inconspicuous. Tertials rather long, broad, and
flowing. Tail quite short for this subfamily, contained 2i times, or more, on the wing
from the carpus. The eiuarginatiou is moderate, amounting to about If inches. The
middle pair of feathers are broad almost to their very tips, which are rounded, with
only a slightly acute apex just at the tip of the rhachis ; the lateral (mes grow success-
ively more elongated and tapering; the outer pair maintains its breadth until within
about an inch of the tip, when it rather suddenly narrows and grows acute. The feet
are rather long ; the tarsus considerably exceeding the middle toe and claw. The tibia?
are long, naked for half an inch, but have no feathers inserted into them for three-
fourths of an inch, and are perfectly smooth, with no scutellie or reticulations. The
tarsus is compressed, moderately smooth, anteriorly defended with the ordinary row of
ecutella, which break up toward the tibio-tarsal joint into two or more rows; posteri-
orly and laterally it is reticulated with small, smooth, very regular polygonal (chiefly
hexagonal) scales. Anterior toes of ordinary relative length ; but the hallux is remark-

STERNA ANGLICA, GULL-BILLED TERN. 665

ably developed for this subfamily, and is inserted rather low down. Webs only mod-
erately broad, and deeply incised, especially the outer one. Claws exceedingly slender,
little arched, very acute, the inner edge of the middle one moderately dilated, not
serrated.

Crown and long occipital crest deep glossy greenish-black. This pileum extends on
each side to a level with the lower border of the eye, and leaves only a very narrow
line of white to run along the edge of the feathers on the sides of the upper mandible ;
and it grows even wider on the latero-uuchal regions behind the eyes. Neck all round,
and under parts, white. Mantle light pearl-blue, this color extending on the rump to
the tail, and quite to the tips of the rectrices. The tail feathers indeed are deepest
colpred at their tips, fading into nearly pure white toward their bases, on that portion
of each feather which is covered with the next one. The color of the numtle extends
quite to the tips of the tertials, but dilutes a little towai'd the apices of the seconda-
ries. Shafts of primaries yellowish-white. Primaries all grayish-black, deepest on the
outer vane of the first ; but this color is so heavily silvered as to be really much lighter
In appearance. All the primaries have on their inner webs a space of white, which ex-
tends toward their apices for a varying distance on each. On the first the white is
largest, purest, and extends furthest ; is distinctly delined from the black, and has not
a margin of black along its inner border, except just at its apex. The amount of the
white diminishes in length and breadth with each successive i»rimary, until on the last
t)ne it is inconspicous ; still it is quite jierceptible on all. The bill is black, with or
without a nnnute yellowish tip. The legs and feet are greenish-black.

Adult, wintei' jiliimuge. — The winter plumage of this species, as usual among Sleniifice,
hardly differs, except in the character of the pileum. The black usually becomes re-
stricted chiefly to the occiput and nape, extending forward over the auricular and
temporal regions to the eye, and sometimes almost entirely disappearing, leaving the
whole head pure white, except a slight dusky trace through the eye and on the auric-
ulars. There is the usual ante-ocular lunula. The forehead is entirely pnie white ; on
the crown this color decreases in amount, becoming mixed with hl.ickish-brown, and
on the occiput almost entirely disappears. The general tint of the upper parts is per-
haps rather lighter than in summer. For a while after the autumnal moult the prima-
ries are also rather lighter than in summer, but toward spring they become fully
as dark.

YoiuKj-of-tlie-year. — The bill is blackish-brown, lighter toward its tip, dusky yellowish
or dull flesh-color toward the base of the under mandible. Legs and feet dull brown-
ish, the claws blackish-brown. The general color of the upper parts is light pearl-blue,
as in the adults, extending over the whole back from the neck to the upper tail-coverts,
and including the median and greater coverts, and the tertials. The continuity of this
color, however, is interrupted by numerous more or less distinct cresceutic or hastate
spots of dull brownish. Each feathtr bears a spot toward its extremity ; its extreme
tip, however, being yellowish or ochraceous- white, much lighter thau the ground color
of the upper parts. Along the edge of the fore-arm there is the ordinary band of
brownish-black on the least coverts. The forehead and greater part of the vertex is
white ; but this color is interrupted on the latter by narrow lines of black along the
shaft of each feather ; these lines growing larger and wider toward the occiput and
nape, where the white nearly disappears. An ante-ocular cresceirt and post-ocnlar
space of brownish-black. The neck all round, and the whole under parts, including
the inner wing-coverts and upper as well as under tail-covorts, jiure white. Primaries
much as in the adults ; their shafts white. Secondaries as in the adults. The tail is
less deeply forked ; the rectrices much as in the adults, but fading into pure or yellow-
ish-white at their tips, each having a more or less distinct hastate subterminal spot of
brownish. The general proportions are somewhat less than in the adult, especially as
regards the length of the bill and of the lateral rectrices.

/Jj/HfHsioH.f.— Length, 13 to 14.50 inches ; extent of wings, 33 to 35 ; bill, 1.40 ; the gape,
2; gouys, U.OO ; height at base, 0.45; tibiae naked ^ inch, no feathers inserted tor f
inch ; tarsus (average), 1.30; middle toe and claw, 1.10 ; hallux, with its claw, 0.40 ;
wing, from carjjus, 11.75 to 12.25; tail, to end of outer feather, 5.50 ; depth of enuugin-
atlon, 1.50 to 1.75 inches. "Average weight (if oz. avoird." Female usually, but not
always, smaller than the male.

The (tudtom'uul clniracters of the species do not pn^sent any sjtccial peculiarities, and
therefore it has not bren deemed necessary to introduce a description of them.

This strongly marked and well-known sjieeies recpiires no furtlier deseription than
the abovi', Tlie chief variations to wiiieh it issultject apjiear tn be tliosi' ot dimensions.
In the above i)aragraph 1 Inive given what \\\\\\ I think, he found to be the average.
The amount of variation is well displayed in the table given by Audubon. Most antliors
assert that the female is tlie smaller ; but althongii this seem.s usually to be the ca.se, it
does not always hold. The amount of emargination of the tiiil in adult birds seems
to be ]>retty constant, being, comparatively, tree from both aeciilental or st xnal variat ion.

The eom]iarisons I liave made of N. tuiijlira with >'. '• aniiiKi" have eonvineed me that
there is not iho slightest grounds uu which to found a .species distiutt from the Eur>)p-

G66 STERNA ANGLICA, GULL-BILLED TEEN.

eau. I have been unable to detect any discrepancies, nor do I think that any charac-
ters have ever been assigned to our bird. Wilson, in his description, does not compare
it with the European, doubtless for the best of reasons — that he did not know it. His
uauie, lioAvever, has been generally adopted for our bird since the time of its use iu that
connection by Bonaparte, iu 18'.)8.

Sy 110 III/ til I/. — The name aufjUca is rather an unfortunate one, since the bird, though
then described from specimens shot iu England, seems to be much less abundant in that
country than in most other places where found. As, however, there is implied in the
name no actual geographical error, it is unnecessary to change it, as was done by
Macgiilivray. Several names, additional to those above cited, appear to belong here,
but as I have made no critical examination of these supposed species, I do not here
consider them. Schlegel unites a number of current species, and is probably right iu
so doing.

Subgenus Thalasseus, Bote.

<^ Sterna, Pall., Nov. Comm. Petrop. siv.

< Thah(Sf<ciis, Boie, Isis, 1822, 5G3 (type S. caspia, Pall.).— Coues, Rev. Sterninw N. A.

Pr. A. N. S. Phila. Dec. 1862,'5:56.
^ Hydroprogne, Kaup, Sk. En't. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 91. {S. caspta.)

> SyloclidMon, Brehm, Viig. Deutsch. 1831, 770. (S. caspia.) ,

^ HcJojms, Wagl., Isis, 1832, l;i2}. {S. caspia.)
y- Actochelidon, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur, Thierw. 1829, 31. (Sterna eantiaca.)

Gen. char. Bill as long as, or longer than, the head ; robust ; its height at the base
a fourth to a third of its length along culmen. Cnlmen variable in amount of curva-
ture, from uearly straight to very convex. Gonys of variable length. Wings ouly
moderately long for this subfamily ; pointed, but the first primary not surpassing the
second by as much as the second does the third. Tail moderate or A^ery short, in the
type of the genus greatly abbreviated, being contained three times in the wing from
the carpus, and but moderately emarginate. In other species more elongated and quite
deeply forked, contained about twice iu the wing. Feet stout, of moderate length;
tarsi usually about two-thirds the bill ; as long as, or somewhat exceeding, the middle
toe and claw. Hallux exceedingly short. Webs moderately broad, quite deeply incised,
especially the inuer one. Of variable size, from the largest of the subfamily to quite
moderate. General form always more or less robust. A decided occipital crest. Under
parts always white. Feet black.

The esseutial characters of the subgenus, as compared with Sterna proper, are found in
the very large size and robust form ; in the depth and stoutness of the bills ; iu the
stouter feet ; and in the shorter tail, which is usually rather emarginate than forked,
and never so deeply forked as in Sterna. The pattern of coloration is different in some
respects, and there is a decided occipital crest. Geloelielidon is apparently the most
closely allied, but this differs remarkably in the bill ; there is no occipital crest, the
wings are longer, the intcrdigital webs more deeply incised.

I have been obliged, in the preceding diagnosis of this group, to define it with con-
siderable latitude, in cont-equence of the somewhat dissimilar types which I have re-
ferred to it. I have not, however, felt assured of the propriety of dividing it, as now
limited, into two or more groups, in consequence of the close connection which the dif-
ferent extremes of form preseut through intermediate species. Thus the lltalasseus
caspius and T. canliacus differ considerably in such features as shape aud robustness of
bill, length aud emargination of tail. If we examine, however, other species, such as
T. reyius and elcyans of North America, vclox of Europe, &c., we shall find some charac-
ters of form which are different in nearly every species, as e, (j., proportions of tarsus
and toes in reyhts aud eleyatis ; and we shall moreover be able to trace gradiuil transi-
tions in every respect, from one species to another. I prefer to retain all these large
species under the same .subgeneric designation, as they all possess strong points of sim-
ilarity among themselves, and recognizable discrepancies from Sterna in its restricted
sense.

Thalasfieus is the first distinctive name which was proposed for this group, and is the
one now in most general employ. It is based upon Sleriia caspia, as are also all the other
synonyms quoted at the head of this article, with the excejttion of Actochelidon, which
has Sterna eantiaca as type.

Analysis vf the Xorth American species of Thalasseus.

A. Of large size and robust form. Bill entirely bright colored, feet black.
Tail slightly forked, with little or no atteuuation of the outer
feathers.

a. Tail merely emarginate. Primaries concolor on both webs ( with-
I out white stripe on inner web). Bill red. Largest : Wing

about IG inches ; tail only 5 to (i ; bill uearly 3 citsjyia.

STERNA CASPIA, CASPIAN TERN. 667

J. Tail forked. Primaries with white stripe.

1. Bill orange, stout, 2.25 to 2.75 long, 0.50 to 0.66 deep at

base ; gouys ouly about 1 long ; wing, 14 to 15; tar.sus,
about 1.25, decidedly not longer than middle toe and
claw rcgiw.

2. Bill orange, comparatively slender, about 2.50 long, less

than 0.50 deep at base ; gouys, about 1.50 loug ; wing,
12 to 13 ; tarsus, about 1, decidedly longer than middle

toe and claw galericulata.

B. Smaller and less robust. Bill black, tipped with yellow. Tail deeply

forked, with narrow outer feathers cantiaca.

STEENA (THALASSECJS) CASPIA, Pall.

Caspian Tern.

Sterna caspia, Pall., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xiv, 1770, 582 ("Mns. Carls, fasc. iii, pi. 62"). —
Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 603.— Lath., Tnd. Orn. ii, 1790, 603.— Eetz., Fn. Suec.
1800, 164.— Tp:mm., Man. 1815, 476 ; ii, 1820, 733.— Nilss., Orn. Suec. ii, 1821,
155.— Beehm, Eur. Viig. 1823, 680.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 145.— Jen., Man.
1835, 264.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 18, pi.

248.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 230 ; Brit. B. v, .— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur.

1844, 128.- Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 337.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 658 ; List
Br. B. 1863, 238.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 859.— Tuenb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 47 (New
Jersey).— Radde, Reise, ii, 1863, 388 (Siberia).— Coues, Key, 1872, 319.

Thalassetis caspius, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 537.— Verr., Pr.
Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 161 (Maine). — Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 308. — Lawr., Ann. Lye.
N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 56.

Thalasscus caspius var. imperatoi-, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 538 (in text). — Ridgw.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

Hydroprofine caspia, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 91.

Helopus caspius. Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1224.

Sijlochelidon. caspia, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 770.— Bp., List, 1838,62; Compt. Rend. 1856,
772.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1850, 37.— Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 82.

Sterna ischegrava, Lepech., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xiv, 1770, 500, pi. 13, f. 2.

Sterna megurhijnchos, Meyek, Tasch. Deut. Vog ii, 457.

Sterna strenna, Gould,

Thalassites mclanotis, Sw. (Fide Blas.)

Sjilochclidon haltldca et schillingii, Brehm, V. I). 769, 770.

(?) Sijlochelidon cayanensis, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772 (gives regia also).

Hah. — The Northern hemisphere. Arctic America, and south along the Atlantic
coast to New Jersey.

Adult, breeding plumage. — (No. 17978. Mus. S. I., from Hudson's Bay.) Bill abotit the
length of the head, very much longer than tlie tarsus, exceedingly robust, mucli com-
pressed, deep at the base, its tip not very acute. The culmen is ))road and llattened at
the base, more compressed and narrow anteriorly ; very regularly deelinate convex
throughout its whole length. The commissure is curved frouj the angle of the mouth
to the tip, the amount of declination increasing toward the ti[). The outline of the
mandibular crura is slightly concave ; the gonys is about straight ; the symphyseal emi-
nence only tolerably well marked. Tiie nasal groove is short and wicle, and becomes
quite obsolete before it reaches the tomia. The nostrils are of the ordinary shape aud
size, or slightly wideued, placed at the anterior extremity of the iiasiil fossa. Several
stria- proceed out from them on the upper mandible, but the lower is (|uite smooth. The
submental sjjace is tolerably broad, bare of feathers for about half its length. The
outline of the feathers on the up))er mandible is as in Sterna generally, but those on the
side are rather broad and rounded.

The jialate is anti-ro-posteriorly very concave, but transversely it is very flat and
little arched or vaulted. For three inches from the tip the roof of the mouth is (juite
smooth, with ouly slight indications of a median ridgi; ; but there is on each sidi^ a
deep groove, just along the edge, for the reception of I lie inferior mandible. The nasal
aperture lu-gins 2J inches from the tip, and is rather more than an inch long. The two
lateral ridges are short, beginning only slightly in advance ol the nasal ajiertuie; but
they are greatly elevated, very conspicuous, and their ridges so largely papillate as to
appear almost serratcnl.

\VingN of ordinary length and shape for this subfamily. The ])riuiaries an; quite
broad at tin ir bases, but about two or three inches from theii- (i]is become rapidly nar-
rower, and taper to their sleuder rounded apices. The tirst surpasses the second by

fi68 STERNA CASPIA, CASPIAN TERN.

fully as much as the latter surpasses the third. The tail is of peculiar shape ; it is
short, the eiiiar<^inatiou being ouly 1^ inches. The middle feathers are broad to their
very ends, which are rounded ; the lateral ones become successively more lengthened
and acute, till the external pair narrows rapidlj^ to a fine point ; but this pair has
nothing of the sleuder and filamentous character common to most of the species.

The feet are short, and of moderate robustness. The tibite are bare for ouly about
f of an inch, or rather less than in regia, which is a much smaller bird. The tarsus is
peculiar in having the scutella on its anterior aspect replaced bj' polygonal plates of a
similar character to those of the lateral aspect, but larger, smoother, more regular.
The toes superiorly have something of this reticulation. The tarsus is elsewhere cov-
ered with small, rough, elevated plates of irregular shape, as is also the superior sur-
face of the webs. The middle toe is a little less than the tarsus ; the outer is nearly
as long, the tip of its claw reaching beyond the base of the middle claw ; the inner is
very short, its claw not reaching the base of the middle one. The hallux is extremely
abbreviated. The claws are all short, stout, little curved or acute. The iuterdigital
membranes are rather narrow and deeply incised, especially the inner one, the emargin-
ation of which reaches to between the second and third joints of the median digit.

Bill dark vermilion red, growing lighter and somewhat "diaphanous" toward the
tip. Pileum and occipital crest glossy greenish-black, extending to below the lower
level of the eyes, and occupying the termination of the feathers on the side of the man-
dible to the exclusion of the white. The lower eyelid is white, forming a noticeable
spot on the greenish. A white streak along the sides of the upper mandible, )wf, how-
ever, extending to the end of the feathers. Mantle pearl-blue, the line of demarcation
between it and the white rather indefinite, both on the nape of the neck and on the
rump ; most of the tail feathers, and especially the central ones, retaining a more or
less notable pearly tint. The rhachidesof the primaries are yellowish-white; the pri-
maries themselves grayish-black, but when new, so heavily silvered over as to appear
of a light hoary gray, especially on their superior aspects. On the inner web of all
there is a central light field ; this is verj" narrow, even on the first primary, although
it runs for some considerable distance, and on the others it rapidly grows less ; and it
has no trenchant line of division on any of the primaries from the darker jjortions of
the feather. The whole inner web of the secondaries is pure white, the outer pearl-
blue. Legs and feet, with their soles, black.

Adult, uinUr i)}mnage. — The winter plumage of this species, as is the case with other
Terns, is chiefly disticguished by a diminution in the brightness of the colors of the
bill, and by a change in the character of the pileum. The vermilion is replaced by
light orange-red, growing still yellower toward the tip of the bill and along the tomia.
The forehead is white, usually quite jiure ; the crown white, with small, narrow, dis-
tinct streaks of brownish-black along the shaft of each feather. On the sides of the
head, before and behind the eyes, and over the auriculars, the black is more largely
intermixed with the white ; and on the nape of the neck, that is toward the termina-
tion of the occipital crest, the black is the predominating color, being only slightly
variegated with white. There is no essential difference in the amount of emargination
of the tail, but it has ordinarily at this season more of a pearl-blue tinge than in
summer.

Toitng-of-the-year. — Every way much smaller than the adult, the bill especially
smaller, shorter and weaker, and of a duller red, more inclining to orange. Upper
parts as in the adult, but the pearl-blue everywhere spotted with very numerous
rather small roundish or hastate spots of browni.sh-black, largest on the tertials. Fore-
head grayish-white; vertex speckled unto grayish-white and black, the latter color
increasing in amount until it becomes nearly or quite pure on the short occipital crest.
Wings much as in the adult. Tail much shorter and less forked ; the rectrices with
brownish spaces near their tips, chiefly on their inner wels. Under parts dull white.
Legs and feet rather shorter and weaker than those of the adult, but of much the same
color.

A series of American skins, compared with a fully adult bird from Europe, differ in
size and proportion, as shown by the following table of comparative measurements :

Comparatice measurements of American and European birds.

Amer. Eur.

Length of bill along culmen 2.75 2.40

Length of bill along gaue 4.00 3.55

Height of bill at base. r 0.90 0.75

Width of bill opposite nostrils 0 jO 0.50

Length of w ing from flexure 1G.50 15.00

Length of tarsus 1.75 1.65

Length of middle toe and claw l.(>5 1.55

Length of tail 5.75 5.25

From these measurements it is apparent that the American bird is decidedly larger
than the European. The bill is neaily a third of au inch longer, and at the same time

STERNA REGIA, ROYAL TERN. 669

is especially remarkable for its great cojiiparative depth at the base, the width at the
base beiug uo greater than that of the skins from Europe. This gives to the bill quite
a different shape. The next most striking discrepancy is fonnd in the length of the
wing from the carpal joint, in which dimension the American bird surpasses the Europ-
ean by fully 1^ inches. The greatest variation I have fonnd in specimens from the
same continent is only about l an inch. Indeed the wing of the adult European hardly
exceeds that of a young American bird of the year. But there are uo other discrepan-
ancies, and as it is probable that a larger suite of skins than that examined would
show a wider range of individual variation, it may not be necessary to recognize
var. imperator.

STERNA (THALASSEUS) REGIA, Gamb.
Royal Tern,

(?) Grande Hirondelle de mer de Cayenne, Buff., viii, 346; whence Sterna maxima, Bodd., P.
E. 988 ; S. cayeitnensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 604 ; Cayenne Tern, Lath., Syn.
vi, 352 ; S. cuyana, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 804. (Doubtful.)

Sterna maxima, Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 567 (Middle and South America).

Sterna cayennensis, Leot., Ois. Trinidad, 535.

Sterna cayana, Bp., Svn. 18-28, 3-53. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 268. — Aro., Orn. Biog. iii, 183.5,
505 ; V, 1839, (139 ; pi. 273 ; Syn. 1839, 316 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 76. pi. 429.— De-
Kay, N. Y. Fauna, ii, 1844, 299, pi. 127, f. 277.— GiH., B. L. I. 1844, 35.5.

Thalassens cayanus, Bp., List, 1838, 61. — Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 431.

Sterna regia, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, iv, 1848, 228.— La\vr., B. N. A. 1858, 859. — Newt.,
ibis, i, 18.59, 371 (Santa Cruz).— Cab., J. f. 0. v, 234 (Cuba).— Buy., Pr. Bost.
Soc. vii, 1859, 134 (Bahamas).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 82 (.Jamaica).- DiiESS.,Ihis,
1866, 44 (Texas).— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 47 (New Jersey).— Coites, Key, 1872,
319. — RiDGW., Rep. Surv. 40th parallel (in press ; Nevada, breeding). — Ridgw.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

Thalas8eu8 reqivs, Gamb., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 2d series, 1849, 228.— Coues, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1862, 539.— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 388 (Guatemala).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199
(Guatemala). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1864, 104 (Sombrero); viii, 1866,
299 (New York) ; ix, 1868, 210 (Yucatan).— Gundl., Repert. 1866, 392 (Cuba).—
Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.
1871, 42 (North Carolina ; biography).

Phatusa regia, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772.

{^) " Sterna crythrorbynchus, Maxlm,, Beit, iv, 857. — TsCHUDi, F. N. Peru. Jrrs, 305. —
BuRM., Syst. libers, iii, 450" (Sex. & Salv.).

"Sterna (jahriviiluta, Pelz., Orn. Bras." (error for this species, sec. Scl. & Salv.,
P. Z. S. 1871, .565).

(^1) Sterna ehloripoda, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxxii, 171 ; E. M. 349 {Hate cogote obscuro,
Az., Apunt. iii, 372). (Very uncertain.)

Hab. — More southern portions of the Atlantic coast ; north to Lotig Island. Gulf of
Mexico. On the Pacific side north to California. Nevada, breeding (IHdyiray). South-
ward into the Antilles and Central America.* South America to Brazil and Peru.

Adult, spring phnnnfiv. — Bill about as long as that of T. easpiita, but of very ditterent
shape, being mucli slenderer, its height at base being only from a fourfh to a tifth of its
total length. Culmen gradually declinato-convex from base to tip, the amount of curv-
ature increasing but slightly toward the apex, which is not very acute. Commissure
somewliat sinuate basaliy, regularly decliuato-convex for the rest of its length. Rami
decidedly a little concave along tiieir edges. Gonvs straight, shorter than tlic rami,
the prominence between the two illy developed. Wings of ordinary lengtii, the ])rima-
ries of the usual shape and relative leugtlis. Tlie tibia' are bare for a considerable
distance (0.90 of an inch). The tarsus is not longer than the middle toe aiul claw. Ita
anterior aspect .shows a tendency toward reticulations instead of transverse scutella,
but there are usually some scales which extend (piite across it. The lateral and poste-
rior aspects are thickly reticuhited, as in vaspius, but the plates are iu)t ,so rough nor
elevated. The toes have tlic usual relative length for this gj-nus. Tiie iuterdigital
membranes are as described mider casjiiiis, but the emargin.-itiou is not quite so great.
The tail is long for tliis genus, and ipiitc! (h('i>ly forked. Tile central feathers are
broad to tiieir very tips, wliieli are rounded; tlie hiteral ones grow successively nu)ro
elongated and narrower toward tluiir tips, the external pair being slender and quit*
lilamentons for some distance from their narrow rounded apices.

* Audubon says that these birds are found in f.a1>rador. This is certainly an error;
and the birds that he observed there, an<l mistook for this species, must have been in-
dividuals of the .S. canpiuH.

G70 STERNA REGIA, ROYAL TERN.

The glossy greenish-black pilenm does not extend below the eyes, and is so narrow
on the sides of the ujjper mandible that it allows a broad white streak to extend along
the edge of tlie mandible to the extreme tip of the feathers. The mantle is exceed-
ingly light pearl-blue, lading imperceptibly into white on the rump and toward the
extremities of the tertials. The tail is white, with a faint tinge of pearly, especially
on the central feathers and inner webs of the others. The secondaries are pure white
for Mieir Vvhole length, except a small space on the outer web near the tip, which is
grayish-blue, deeper than the mantle. The outer web of the first primary is grayish-
black ; the inner web of the same has a space of black extending the whole length of
the feather, Aery narrow at the base, widening as it runs toward the tiji, within li
inches of which it occupies the whole web, to the exclusion of the white portion ; the
rest of the web is white, separated from the black by a straight distinctly-defined
trenchant line of division. The second, third, fourth, and fifth primaries have the same
general characteristics, but the white space rapidly grows narrower and shorter, and
runs up further in the centre than along the edge of the web, so that for a little way
from its end it has a border of blackish along its outer margin. The other primaries
have no grayish-black, but are wholly pearl-blue, their inner webs margined with
white. The bill is coral or orange-red, with a slightly lighter tip. The feet are black-
ish, their soles dull yellowish.

Winter plumage. — Bill less brightly colored than in summer, its apex and tomia dull
yellowish. Front white ; crown variegated with black and white, the former color in-
creasing on the occiput and nuchal ciest, which latter, though shorter than in summer,
is almost or quite unmixed with white. This black extends forward on the sides of
the head to the eye, which it includes. The tail is not pure white, as in summer, but
is glossed over with the bluish of the mantle, which deepens toward the tips of the
feathers into dusky xilunibcous. It is also considerably less deeply forked, the lateral
feathers having little or nothing of a filamentous character. Otherwise as in summer.

Young-of-thc-yeur in August. — Bill considerably smaller and shorter than in the adult ;
its tip less acute, and its angles and ridges less sharply defined ; mostly reddish-yellow,
but light yellowish at tip. Crown much as in the adults iu winter, but the occipital
crest scarcely recognizable as such. Upper parts mostly white ; but the pearl-gray of
the adults appearing in irregular patches, and the whole back marked with small,
irregularly shaped, but well-defined spots of brown. On the tertials the brown occu-
pies nearly the whole of each feather, a narrow edge only remaining white. Lesser
wing-coverts dusky plumbeous. Primaries much as in the adults, but the line of de-
marcation of the black and white wanting sharpness of definition. Tail basally white,
but soon becoming jdumbeous, then decidedly brownish, the extreme tips of the feath-
ers again markedly white. Otherwise as in the adults.

Dimensions of the adults. — Length, 18 to 20 inches ; extent of wings, 42 to 44 ; wing,
from carpal joint, 14 to ir> ; tail, C to 8 ; the depth of forking, about 3 to 4 ; bill, along
culmen, 2..50 to 2.7D ; along commissure, 3.75 ; its height at base, 0.70 ; its width, 0.50 ;
gonys, 1 to 1.2.5 ; tibiae base, 0.90 ; tarsus, 1.37 ; middle toe and claw, 1.40.*

Other variations.— For so large a species, and one of this family, the variations are not
very great. When found, they consist chiefly in difterences of dimensions, as usual,
aT d iu a less degree in the shape and size of the bill. The measurements indicated
above are, I believe, about the average. There seems to be no diti'erence in the sexes.
The young are invariably smaller, with weaker bill and feet, and only slightly forked
tail. The relative proportions of the tarsus and tail of the adults, as well as the ab-
solute length of these parts, seem to be very constant, and always preserve the radical
difference from those of elegans, which is noticed below.

Immature birds, of course, exhibit every gradation between the state of plumage
above described, and that of the adults. When very young, however, they preserve
pretty constantly the pattern of coloration given. The adults, iu winter, vary a good
deal as to the exact amount of black remaining in the pileum ; tut the essential char-
actei's of white front, spotted vertex, nearly black occiput, and variegated lateral stripe
along the sides of the head, are always found. In the iilumage of adult summer birds
I have found no variations worth noticing.

Comparison u:Uh allied species. — The species is liable to be confounded with oidy one
other of North America— (/rt/eriCHZ«/rt. While the bill is nearly or quite as long as is
that cf ai.spiiis, it is of a very different shape, being every way weake|-, with a straighter
culmen. Besides, the coloration of the primaries of casjnus is jieculiar in lackiAg the
white stripe on the inner webs of the primaries. S. galcriculata is more nearly allied ;
but it is considerably smaller, with the bill, though as long or nearly so, much slen-
derer and differently shaped (compare descriptions), with a different i>rt>portionate
length of tarsus and toes, a rich rosy blush iu the breeding season, «.tc.

Bihliograpkij. — While I agree with Messrs. Sclater and Salvin that S. maxima Bodd.
(=caycnncusis Gni., cayana Lath.) is not improbably this .species, I cannot make the
identification satisfactorily. The description (of a young bird) is too short and vague
to be determined positively. It might have been based on Fhatusa magiiirostris. The

* Audubon's measurements, " taisus, 3rj ; middle toe, 1 ; its claw, i ; " are so glariuglj'
erroneous, that they must be either typographical or clerical mistakes.

STER.SLA GALERICULATA, ELEGANT TERN. 671

name had better rest, at least until it is certain there is no other large speeies of Trop-
ical America to which it can apiily. Besides, the name inajrima involves an iDuccuracy.
Gamble's name, regkt, is perfectly definite. I quote .S'. cri/ilirorhtjuchoii as doubtless con-
specific with rcgici, but should not be surprised if some varietal distinctions were found
in this case. <S'. cldoripoda Vieill. I can make nothing of.

My personal observations on this species are confined to the coast of
!North Carolina ; on a former occasion I gave the following account :
This Tern certainly breeds somewhere in the vicinity of Fort Macon ;
for, althongh I did not find any nests, I saw it constantly through two
summers, and occasionally noticed birds so young that they were still
receiving attentions from their parents ; while in June and July small
flocks were often noticed pursuing so straight a course for long distances,
that I had no doubt they were passing directly between their nests and
their feeding- places. It commonly arrives from the south early in April,
and through this and the next mouth is more abundant than at other
times until the fall — a part, I presume, jiassing further north. It
becomes numerous again in September, and so continues until the end
of Kovember. I cannot say whether or not any remain all Avinter, but
think that, if observed at that season, it will be an excei)tionai case. It
is more wary than any of the other Terns, and is always the first to rise
among the miscellaneous troops that fleck the sand-bars. It is conspic-
uous by its size and bright red bill; and the young are easily distinguished
by the smaller size, yellow instead of red bill, and spotted plumage.
The old birds lose the black pileum in September, the crown then
becoming white, bordered behind by the long, loose blackish feathers of
the occiput, and a few^ other dark ones on the sides of the head. The
bill in winter is not so vivid in color as in summer, and much shorter.
All the changes of the old are finished by October ; but the young
remain blotched, atid with mere traces of the pearl-blue mai)tle, all the
tall. I took one old bird with the feet curiously mottled with yellowish
and black, and yellow claws — probably a pathological state, although
the bird ai)peared perfectly healthy. These are vigorous, spirited birds,
showing good fight when captured, and strong enough to bite i)retty
severely. 'J heir voice is loud and raucous, though still without the deep
guttural intonation of that of the Shearwaters.

STERNA (THALASSEUS) GALERICULATA, Licht.

Elegant Tern.

Sterna (jahriculaia, Light., Verz. 1H23, 81 (Brazil).— Sciii.., Mus. P.-B. Sterna', p. 7.—

FiNSCH, Abli. Nat. 1870, 359 (Mazatlan).— ScL. &, S.^Lv., P. Z. S. 1871,568.—

C()i:e,s, Key, 1872, 319.
(?) ThahtnncHH (ifdininUilna, Bi.as., J. f. O. 18(5(5, 82.
Shrnu ela/aiis, Ga.mh., I'r. I'liila. Acad, iv, ]84.-^, 129 (fmniature).- Lawr., B. N. A. 1858,

8(J0.— Bi>., B. N. A. 18G0, pi. 94.— Lkot., Oi.s. Trinidad, .'■)42.
Thalavseits elcf/ans, Gaaih., Jonrn. Phila. Acad, i, 2d serii s, 1849,228. — Hi'., Conipt. Rend.

1856, 772.— CouK-s, I'r. Pliila. Acad. 1862, 540.— Coves, Ibis, 1864, 389 (Sau

Salvador).— Salv., Ibis, li^Cfi, 198.
Sterna comata, Pmi,. & Landh., Wieg. Arch. lf^68, 126 {ScL & Salr.).
"Sterna cdinunennin, Pi:i,z., O. B." (err. for this spec. yjc/c Sci.. & Salv., P. Z. 8. 1>'71, 565).
( f ) " Sterna cr'mtata, .Sw."

Uab. — Middle and South America. Up the Pacific coast from Pern (Froheen) to Cali-
fornia (Camlnl). Tehuantepec (Siimiehrant). Trinidad {f.rotnud). Brazil {Lichtcnaiiin).
Not observed on the (iulf or Atlantic coast of tint I iiited States.

Adnlt, winter phimaye. — (No. 24281, Mus. Siuitli. Inst., I'mmm San Francisco,- Cal.; the
type <)f the above-cited plate.) Bill nuieh h)iii;er tiian tlie iicad, cxceedinj; the tarsus,
middle toe and claw to;;(tlier ; much com]iress(<l, very ^hi.der, its tip attmnatcd.
Culmen (piite straij^ht tu bc_\ond the noslrils, then >1ij;htl> and eiiualdy convex for the
rest of its lenj;th ; broad basally, more c( nipiesseil and tiansveisely cuuvex anteiiorly.
Commissure declinato-convex for nearly its wlwde length. Alandiliular rami very t^hort,
decidedly concave in outline, their angle ol divergi-nci- very acute. Gonys extremely

672 STERNA GALERICULATA, ELEGANT TEEN.

loup. exceeding the crura of the mandible, its outline straight. Toniia of both man-
dibles shar[) and much intlectcd. Nasal groove long, fully half the cuhueu, narrow,
not deep, din^cted obliquely downward aud forward toward the tomia ; but it becomes
obsolete, however, before reaching them. A few oblique indistinct striaj on both man-
dibles. The outline of the feathers on the bill is as usual. The bill is orange-red,
insensibly lading into yellow on the tip aud cutting edges.

The naked portions of the tibiiP, the tarsus and the toes, with the claws, are black ;
the soles of the feet mostly yellowish. The most striking peculiarity of the feet is the
length of the tarsus, as compared with the toes. The former is very much longer than
the middle toe alone, and slightly exceeds the middle toe and claw together.* The feet
are of the ordinary shape and stoutness, with the usual extent of the tibi;e bare. The
outer toe, without its claw, is very long, being but very slightly shorter than the mid-
dle ; w hile the extremity of the claw of the inner toe falls short of the base of the claw
of the middle. Hallux of usual dimensions. Claws all moderately long, arched, acute ;
the inner edge of the middle very much thinned aud dilated, and usually more or less
serrate. The emargination of the webs is moderate, that of the inner only reaching
to the third joint of the middle toe. The wings present no special peculiarities of
form or color, being in both these respects quite similar to regiiis, already fully described.
The markings of the primaries are quite identical. The tail also has the form of that
of reglus. in the winter skin before me, it has considerably less elongated tail feathers
than it will have in summer. All the feathers are also washed over with a very nota-
ble amount of grayish-blue, most conspicuous in their outer webs. The lateral feathers
in this specimen have litMe or rione of this bluish tinge, and still preserve a consider-
ably elongated and tapering shape. The forehead, and feathers on the side of the bill,
are pure white ; on the vertex this white becomes variegated with rounded, rather illy-
dtfined spots of grayish-black, which all have pure black centres along the shaft. On
the occii)ut the black preponderates largely over the white, which is only left as
a slight tip to each feather. The long-flowing nuchal crest is glossy greenish and
black, unadulterated with white; and this color extends forward on the sides of the
Lead as a well-defined band, passing through and a little beyond the eyes. Even in
this winter specimen the rosy hue of the under parts is perceptible.

Dimenniovs of mme S2)ecirnen. — Culmen, 2.60 ; rictus, 3.75 ; gonys, 1.40 ; height of l)ill
at base, 0..'':0 ; width, 0.45 ; "length, 17 ;" wing, 12.25 ; tail, 4.75 ; depth of fork, 2.25 ;
tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe, 0.85 ; its claw, 0.30.

The above is taken from a perfect winter specimen (the original of the figure in the
Atlas of Birds N. A.), which does not differ materially from Gambel's type. The follow-
ing gives the perfect summer plumage ;

Adult. — Bill bright red, salmon-colored toward tip. Feet black ; soles aud nnder
surfaces of claws slightly flavescent. Crown of head, including long-flowing occipital
crest, pure black, reaching down on the sides of the head to a straight line just on a
level with the lower border of the eye : the white of the cheeks, &c., accompanying
the black to the foremost point of extension of the feathers in the nasal fossie. All the
under jiarts rosy-white, with satin gloss. Tail entirely pure white, longer and more
deeply forked than in winter. Back and wings pale pearl-blue ; the usual pattern of
coloration of the primaries. "Length, 19 ; extent, 48" (label) ; culmen, 2.75 ; wing, as
before ; tail, 7.50 ; depth of fork, 3.50 ; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe and claw, the same.

This species scarcely requires comparison wath any other. The following measure-
ments give the difference in size aud shape between it and rcgia — the only North
American species with which it is likely to be confounded :

S. regia : Bill along culmen, 2.60 (average) ; depth at base, 0.75 (or about 0.333 its
length) ; gonys 1.25, about equal to rami of lower mandible, measured from the feathers
on the side ; wing, 14.50 to 15 ; tibite, bare, 0.90 ; middle toe and claw, 1.30 to 1.40 f
tarsus, 1.25.

S. galerkiilata : Bill along culmen, 2.60 (average); depth at base, 0.50 (or about 0.2
of its length) ; gonys 1.40, or rather longer than rami, measured as above; wing, 12.25
ro 12.50 ; tibia', bare, 0.65 ; middle toe and claw, about 1.15 ; tarsus, 1.25.

Cotapare also Gambel's original description and remarks. Galcriciilata is a smaller
bird than rcgia, yet with bill, tail, aud tarsi as long; the bill much slenderer; the toes
shorter ; the under parts colored as they never are in regia.

I now follow several European ornithologists in referring the species generally known
as "elega)is" to S. galcriculata of Lichtenstein — a name which had escaped me in my
earlier studies of this group. Messrs. Sclater and Salvin say that comata Pliil. & Laudb.
is the same bird.

* The species may always be diagnosed from S. rcgia by the measurements of these
parts, the toes being in galericitlata considerably shorter, compared with the tarsus,
than in rcgia. In regia the middle toe and claw are somewhat longer than the tarsus;
in gaJcricnlata the two are of about the same length. The tarsus of regia but very
slightly surpasses the middle toe without its claw ; the tarsus of galcrivnlala is nearly
a fourth of its own length longer than the middle toe without its claw.

STERNA CANTIACA, SANDWICH TERN. 673

STEENA (THALASSEUS) CANTIACA, Gm.

Saiulwich Tern.

Sterna cantiaca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 606.— Temm., Man. 1815, 479.— Stfph., Gen. Zool.
xiii, 147.— Jen., Man. 1835, 265.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 54.— Keys. & Blas.,
Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Naum., V. D. s, 1840, 51, pi. 250.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844,
129 ; Mus. P.-B. Stenm, p. 5.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 658 ; List Br. B. 1863,
239.— AuD., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835, 531, pi. 279 ; Syu. 1839, 317 ; B. Am. vii, 1844,
87, pi. 431.— DeKay, N. Y. F. ii, 1844, 303, pi. 124, f. 274.— Tunxu., B. E. Pa.
1869. 47 (New Jersey ; straggler).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 569.— Allex.,
Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 644 (Massachusetts).— Coues, Key, 1872, 320.— Pelz., Orn.
Bras. 324 (Brazil).

Thalasseus caiitiacus, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Bp., List, 1838, 61.— Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 81
(locates nnhilosa, Sparrm., here).

Actoclielklan cantiacus, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 31.

(?) Sterna africana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 605.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 805 (uncertain).

(?) Sterna striata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, l7^^8, 009.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 807 (uncertain).

Sterna hoiisii, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 806 (:=cantiaca, Gm.).— Leach, Cat. 1816, 41. —
Feem., Br. An. 1828, 142.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 276.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 230.

Sterna columhiua, Schrk. {Fide Blas.)

"Sterna naria, Bewick, Br. B. ii, 1804, 207." {Gray.)

Sterna stuherica, Bechst., Naturg. Dent, iv, 679.

Sterna canescens, Meyer, Tasch. Dent. Vog. ii, 458.

Tlialasseus canescens et caiuUcans, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 776, 777.

Sterna acnffarida, Cab., Pr. Best. Soc. ii, 1847, 257. — Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 860. — Bry.,.
P'r. Best. Soc. vii, 1859, 134 (Bahamas).

Thalasseiis aciijlaridus, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 540.— Coues, Ibis, 1864, .389 (Central
America). — Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (the same).— Gundl., Repert, 1866, 392.—
L.WVR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York) ; ix, 210 (Yucatan).- Coues,
Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 60 (New England).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126
(South Carolina).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 42 (North Carolina).

Hah. — Atlantic coast of North America to Southern New England. Bahamas ; Cuba ;
Jamaica ; ranging into Central America (both coasts). Honduras, breeding {Salcin).
South into Brazil {Pelzeln).

Adult, breeding plnmage. — Bill ranch longer than the he.ad, exceeding in length the
tarsus, middle toe and claw together ; quite slender and attenuated for this genus, the
tip excessively acute. The convexity of the culmen, from tip to base, is regular, but
very slight. The commissure is gradually declinato-convex throughout its whole
length. The outline of the mandibular crura is decidedly concave ; that of the gonys
about straight. An eminentia symphysis is hardly appreciable. The submental or
intercrural space is very short and extreruely narrow, the feathers only covering its
posterior half. Nasal groove very long, narrow, not deep, extending more than iialf
the length of the bill, and sul)siding at the tomia. Both mandibles are marked with
obli(iue longitudinal stria-. The outline of the feathers on the bill is as usual in this
subfamily. Wings of moderate length, of ordinary shape ; the primaries quite broad
to within a short distance of their rounded, not very narrow nor acute, tips. The
formation of the tail is exactly as in reuia. The feet are (juite slender, moderately
compressed, anteriorly scutcllate, laterally and posteriorly reticulate, as usual in the
subfamily. Webs moderately incised for this genus ; relative proportions of the toes
as in other species. Claws all long, strong, arched, acute, the iuuer edge of tin; middle
one greatly dilated.

J}iil lilack ; the tip for .} to J of an inch bright yellow, shari)ly defined against tho
black; "inside of mouth deep blue." Feet dull black. I'ilcum and occipital crest
glossy black, with a tinge of green ; the color extending, just below the eyes, but leav-
ing a space along the side of the mandible white to the extremity of the feathers. The
mantlt! is exceedingly light pearl-blue, fading on the rump and upper tail-coverts into
pure white ; but the rectrices themselves have a slight shade of inarly bluish. The
]irimaries are colored exactly as in rajia. On tlu; inner web of the lirst tlie black s])ace
is broad and deep in coliu-; when about It inches from the apex of tlie quill it iiuite
suddenly grows wider, so as to exclude the white portion from tho tip altogether, 'i'he
second, tliinl, and fourth jMimnries have the sanii^ general i)attern, liut tlu' white runs
up further on the central jiortion tiiaii on the edge of the web, so that toward its end
it receives a narrow edging of blackish. The other prinuiries have no blackish, but
arc ^^imply pearl-blue, with broad white margins along the whole length of their inuec
wobs. The outer primaries are all heavily silvered when the <|i)ills are new.

Dimensions (if the adnlt. — Length, 15 to 16 inches ; e.\tent, ; wing, from the carpus,

12.50; tail, 6; depth of emargination, 2.35; bill, along eulmeu, 2.25; along gape, 3;
its height at base, 0.48; width, ditto, 0.37; length of rami from feathers on side of

43

674 STERNA CANTIACA, SANDWICH TERN.

lower iriamlible, 1 ; gonys, 1.20 (longer than rami) ; tarsus, 1 ; middle toe and claw,
very slightly longer.

Adult, ivlnier plumage. — The yellow tip of the bill decreases in extent and intensity
of color ; the front is white, either pure or speckled with black ; the crown variegated
with black and white, the fornjer color consisting of small, narrow, distinct streaks
along the shaft of each feather ; but the long occipital crest, which does not entirely
disappear at this season, usually remains of an unmixed brownish-black. The lateral
tail feathers are shorter than in snnnuer.

Youny-of-the-ymr in August. — Considerably smaller than the adult, as is usual in
this subfamily, the wing being a full half inch shorter. The bill is shorter and weaker,
and is without any very sharply-defined angles and ridges. It is brownish-black, the
extreme point only yellowish. The crown, tront, and occiput, are biownish-black, va-
riegated with white ; the white touches very small on the forehead. The upj)er parts
are as in the adult, but everywhere marked with irregularly-shaped but well-defined
spots and transverse bars of decided brownish-black. There is no well-formed occip-
ital crest until after the first moult. The primaries ore like those of the adults. The
tail, however, is very different. The feathers for three-fourths their length are of the
color of the back ; this color gradually deepens, until toward the tips it becomes
brownish-black, each feather having a terminal irregular edge left whitish. The tail,
in shape, is simplj' deeijly emarginate, the outer feathers being but slightly longer than
the second.

OtJtcr variations. — The yellow tip of the bill varies greatly in extent, and has also a
varying outline and distinctness of definition from the black. The length of this yel-
low tip appears to depend in a good measure upon the age of the bird, while the
intensity of the color is apparently affected most by the season of the year. The dif-
ference between the longest and shortest tips that have come under my observation is
full half an inch (varying from i to f). The length of the tarsus and toes seems very
constant, as are the markings of the primaries in their extent and distribution. The
difference in length of wing from the carpus is only about one-half an inch in adult
birrls. The forking of the tail varies somewhat, but never equals that of the species
of Sterna proper.

A series of winter skins from Jamaica in, probably, their first moult (if they really
belong to this species), dilfer from adult examples I'rom various points on the Atlantic
doast in being every way considerably smaller. The bills are about a third of an inch
shorter than the average ; and other parts diifer proportionally.

European : White margin of inner web of outer three or four primaries wide, ex-
tending quite to tip, which it wholly occupies. Breadth of white portion one and a
half inches from tip of first primary, 0.25 of an inch.

American : White margin of inner web of three or four outer primaries narrow,
falling short of tip, which is wholly occupied by the black portion. Breadth of white
margin one and a half inch from tiji of first primary, U.IO of an inch.

The foregoing exi)resses certain points of difference I have found to subsist between
the American and European birds, but I do not now attach to them anj' imiiortance,
since they may depend mainly upon age of the individual quills. Whether or not 1
can agree with my friends. Dr. Sclater and Mr. Salvin, "that Dr. Coues has ably dis-
cussed the subject," I am read}' to concede that he "has succeeded in reducing the
differences to a minimum which is too small to warrant specific separation !"

Subgenus Sterna, Linn.

< sterna, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1748, et auct. (Type S. hirundo, Linn.)

> Thahissea, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 97. (Type S. paradisea, Brunn.)

> Hijdrocccropis, BoiE, Isis, 1844, 178. (Same typo.)

'^ Stcrnula^ BoiE, Isis, 1822, 5G3. (Type S. minuta, Linn.)

Gen. char. Bill about as long as, or a little shorter than, the head, much longer than
the tarsus; variable in stoutness, but gen rally quite slender, compressed, very acute;
the culmen declinato-couvex, gradually and regularly curved from base to apex ; the
commissure gently curved ; the outline of the rami straight, or a little concave ; the
gonys quite straight, slightly ascending; the eiiiinentia symphysis well marked, but
not very prominent. Wings long and pointed, typical of the subfamily. Tail long,
forked ; varying in these resi)ects; but the lateral feathers always elongated, tapering,
and filamentous, and the depth of the forfication very considerable. Tarsus slender,
comi)ressed, a little shorter than the middle toe and claw, slightly longer than the
middle toe alone, much shorter than the l)ill, about as long as the ramus of the inferior
maxilla. Toes moderately long. Webs moderately broad and incised ; varying in this
respect, but never so deeply cut out as in Hi/drovlulidon. Size moderate, or very small ;
general form slender and graceful. Head without a decided occipital crest. A black
pileum ; the back some shade of blue ; the primaries variegated with black and white,
and silvery ; the under parts white, with or without a plumbeous or rosy tinge.

STERNA TRUDEAUI. TRUDEAU's TERN. C75

The genus Sterna, as restricted by most later ornithologists, includes the numerous
species which are closely allied to S. hiruiulo. They agree very closely in size, general
form and proportion, and patteru of coloration, as well as in seasonal changes of plum-
age. So closely is this resemblance maintained, that it is with some difficulty that the
group can be divided into sections. ^Specific characters likewise are sometimes a little
obscure, especially when we have to deal with immature specimens.

In winter the species lose the bright color of the bill and tarsi, to a greater or less
degree, and also the black pileum, which is mostly restricted to an occijjital patch, and
a fascia on each side of the head. The long-forked tail is shortened ; the lateral feath-
ers have little of the elougated filamentous character they possess iu summer. The
young-of-the-year resemble the adults iu winter in most points, but are generally vari-
egated ou the upper parts with brown markings.

Of the many species of the genus, nine or ten are kuowm to inhabit North America.
Of these, three {hirundo, macrura, and imradisea) are common to Europe and America,
while of those remaining, two have a wide trojiical dispersion. They may be recognized
by the following brief diagnoses :

Analysis 9/ North American species of Sterna.

A. Mantle pearl-gray.

I. No black cap.

Head whitish, with black bar through eye ; under parts like the

mantle trudeaui.

II. A black cap.

a. No white frontal crescent.

a'. Bill wholly or mostly red or reddish.

Bill red, blackening at end. Feet coral-red. Outer
web of outer tail feather, white ; inner, gray or
dark. Tarsus 0.90, or more forsteri.

Bill red, blackening at end. Feet coral-red. Outer

web of outer tail feather, gray or dark ; inner,

* white. Tarsus about 0.75. Under iiarts decidedly

paler than upper Jiirundo.

Bill wholly red. Feet vermilion. Tail feather as in
the last. Tarsus 0.65, or less. Under parts nearly
like upper macrura.

v. Bill black, often red at the base. Feet reddish paradisea.

h. A white frontal crescent.

Bill yellow, tipped with black. Feet yellow superciliaris.

Bill and feet black alcuiica.

B. Mantle dusky. A white frontal crescent. Bill black.

Mantle blackish-brown ; crown the same fnUginosa.

Mantle smoky gray ; crown much darker anosthwta.

Note. — The above analysis is based upon adult summer birds, and is not available for
the young in which the characters, especially of color of the bill and feet, nuiy be matfU'i-
ally different. These, especially of Sec. II, can only be determined by reference to the
detailed descriptions. S. portlandica is not presented here.

STERI^A TRUDEAUI, And.

Trutleau's Tern.

Sterna trudeaui, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 125, pi. 409 ; Syn. 1839, 319 ; B. Am. vii, 1844,
105, pi. 435 (N«w Jersev and Long Ihiand).— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 354.— Lawr.,
B. N. A. 1858, 861.— Cotncs, I'r. Phila. Acad. 186-2, 542. -Sen L., Mns. P.-B. Sterna;,
p. 29.— ScL. &, Salv., 1*. Z. S. 1871, .570.— CouES, Key, 1872, 322.

ThahiHseuH trudiani, Br., Comptes Rcndus, 1856, 772.

Phoctuna trudeaui, Bla.s., J. f. O. 18(56, 73.

Sterna frobeeni, Pun,. & Landu., Wieg. Arch. 1863, 125 ; Cat. Av. Chil. 49. (Scl & Salv.)

DiAG. S. corpore perlaceo, capite ct tectricibus alarum inj'erioribus albis, vittd (ransoculari
niyrd, rostra rubescente, nigro-cincto, apicc flavicante.

//((/).— South America. Brazil (,S(7. & S«/c.). VhWi {riiil. <%: Landh. ; Leifbold). Bue-
nos Ayres {Mun. 6. I.). Athmtic coast of United Slates {Audubon & Trudeau).

Adult, perfect plumage. — The bill ia noticeably stout for its length, especially deep at
the base. The culmen is regularly curved ; the outliue of the rami is a little concave,

676 STERNA FORSTEEI, FORSTER's TERN.

that of the gonys straight and asceudiug ; the gape follows nearly the curve of the
culiueu. In shape the bill, in fact, almost rejteats forsteri, and averages the same in
length. The tip is broadly straw-yellow ; at the base it appears to have been bright
colored (probablj' reddish); a broad band of black intervenes. The whole head is pure
white, including all the parts about the base of the bill ; this deepens insensibly into
the pearly color all around. There is a narrow distinct bar of slaty-black on the side
of the head, passing through the eye from a point just in advance of the auriculars,
where the fascia widens and bends down a little. All the rest of the plumage, below
as well as above, is of a uniform lustrous pale pearly, with the following exceptions :
The under surfaces of the wings are pure white ; the tail, with its coverts and the
rump, are white, but still with an appreciable pearly tint ; the tips, and part of the
inner vanes of the secondaries and tertials, are white ; the primaries have the picture
common to most Terns, with a white space on the inner webs ; their darker portions
are beautifully silvered over with hoary gray, which makes them appear paler than
usual ; the shafts are white above and below, except at the extreme tips ; the feet
appear to have been reddish or yellowish, certainly of some bright color.

Dimensions. — Wing, 10.25: tail, 6.50; depth of the fork, 2.75 ; bill, along culmen, 1.50;
its depth at base, 0.38 ; length c f gonys, 1.75 ; tarsus, 0.90 ; middle toe and claw, 1.05.

A specimen belonging to J. P. Giraud, esq., believed to be the original of Audubon's
plate and description, agrees minutely with the one from which the foregoing descrip-
tion was taken from Buenos Ayres (No. 45801, Mus. Smiths.). In my above-quoted
article I discussed the relationshi]is of Audubon's type to S. forstei'i rather elaborately,
but not very satisfactorily, in as far as considering it as possibly that species is concerned.
I was deceived by the great similarity in its size and proportions to forsteri, and was
under the wrong impression that it might gain a black cap. It is clear to me that
trudeaui is iierfectly distinct from all other North American species, and that it never
gains a black cap ; it is, in fact, one of the most remarkable of all the Terns. I am
under the impression that trvdeaid is not its first name, believing it to be one of Vieil-
lot's species ; but I cannot now make a determination.

The species requires comparison with no other, its coloration being peculiar if not
unique. In addition to the two specimens above referred to, I have, if my memory be
not at fault, seen another in the La Fresnaye collection, now in Boston, labeled with a
Vieillotian name.

The only question is regarding the propriety of introducing the species among North
American birds. For myself, I doubt that it was ever actually taken within our limits;
but I have no means of disj)roving one author's positive assertion to that effect.

STERKA FOESTERI, Nutt.

Forster's Tern.

Sterna Mrundo, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 412 ; not of authors.

Sterna forsteri, Nutt., Man. ii. 1834, 274 (foot- note ; based on S. Mrundo, Sw. & Rich.). —
Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 18.52, 222.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772.— Lawr., B.
N. A. 1828, 862.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 544.— Elliot, B. N. A. Introd.
(figure of tail).— CouES, Ibis, 1864, 390 (Guatemala).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199
(the same).— Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 74, 78.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299
(Long Island).- CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 99 (Arizona).— CouES, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 1868, 308 (New England).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 569 (Guatemala
and Brazil).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 44 (North Carolina).— Codes, Kev,
1872, 321.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 12.— Ridgw., A. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

Stei-na havelli, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 122, pi. 409, f. 1 ; Syn. 1839, 318; B. Am. viii,
1844, 103, pi. 434 (young or winter plumage).— Lawr., B. N. Am. 1858, 861.—
CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 543 (refers it to forsteri).

GeJochelidon havelli, Bp., Comptes Rendus, 1856, 772.

Dl\g. S. Steinw Mrttndini similis, sed major, caiidd longiore, magis forficata, alis Ireviorihns,
rosiro robustiore, tarsis louyiorihus, i)0(jonio intcrno rcctricis exterioris griseo, exierno alio,
gastrwo albido.

Hal). — North America at large. Middle America. South America to Brazil. Only
known to breed in the higher latitudes.

Adult, spring plumage. — Bill orange-yellow, black for nearly its terminal half, the
extreme points of both mandibles yellowish ; robust, deep at the base ; culmen mark-
edly declinato-convex, eminence at symphysis well developed; in total length from
iV to -f,j of an inch longer than that of S. hiriindo. The black pileum does not extend
so far down on the sides of the head as it does in hirundo, barely embracing the eye
(the lower lid of which is white), aud leaving a considerably wider white space between

STERNA FORSTERI, FORSTEr's TERN. 677

the eye and commissural edge of superior maxilla tliau in hirundo. The color of the
hack hardly differs appreciahly from that species ; it is perhaps a shade lighter. The
•wings are comparatively considerably shorter than those of hirundo, being absolutely
a little shorter, though forsteri is a larger bird. They are very light colored, being
strongly silvered with the peculiar hoariness common to most of the species of the
genus, this light color being verj- observable even on the coverts. The outer web of
the first primary is not black, but silvery like the others ; all the primaries want the
very decided white space on the inner webs which exists in hirundo and macrura ; there
are indications of it, indeed, on the three or four outer primaries, but the others are a
nearly uniform dusky gray, moderately hoary. The entire under parts are white, with
scarcely a trace of the plumbeous which is so evident in hirundo, and amounts to so
decided a color in macrura. The tail is a slightly lighter shade of the color of the Wun-
tle, separated from the latter for a short space by the decidedly w^hite rump. The
lateral feathers are much more lengthened than in hirundo, the elongation generally
quite equaling that of macrura, and sometimes even exceeding it. These two lateral
feathers are white on the outer web, dusky gray on the inner. This being exactly the
revefse of hirundo, and a very noticeable feature, was the first to draw attention to the
bird ; and this character being so tangible and convenient, writers have perhaps laid
too much stress upon it, to the exclusion of others quite as evident and more important.
The feet are bright orange, tinged with vermilion ; the tarsus shorter thau the middle
toe and claw ; the feet longer and stouter by over 0.10 of au inch thau the same parts
in hirundo.

Adult, winter pJumage. — The black of the terminal portion of the bill increases so
much in extent that nearlj' the whole bill becomes dusky, except a small space at the
hase of the under mandible, and a terminal space of varying extent. The feet lose
their vermilion tinge and become dusky yellowish. The black pileum is more or less
variegated with white on the forehead to the almost complete exclusion of the black ;
but there is always considerable black left on the nape, and a more or less broad and
distinct bar always extends along the sides of the head, embracing the ej'cs. The lat-
eral tail feathers have not the elongation and attenuation of those of summer, being
but little, if any, longer than those of hirundo during the breeding season. The color
of the inner web is usually somewhat darker, and sometimes extends on the outer as
well as the inner, especially toward the tip of the feather.

Jt the time of the moult the old primaries lose their silvering and become plain brown
aud white, their shafts being of a decided yellow. The inner webs at this season have
white spaces, with nearly as distinctly-defined margins as are found in hirundo aud
macrura.

Young. — Bill in all its proportions considerably smaller and weaker than that of the
adults, and wanting its very acute tip and sharply-defined ridges and angles ; brown-
ish-black, fading into dull flesh-color at the base of the under mandible. Front )vhite,
but the crown and napesliow considerable traces of the black that is to appear, which
is now mixed with a good deal of light brown. The pearl-blue of the back and wing-
coverts is everywhere interrupted by irregular patches of light grayish-browu, showing
a tendency to become transverse bars ; this grayish-brown on the tertials deeiJens into
brownish-black, and occupies nearly the whole extent of each feather. The primaries
differ from those of the adult in having less of the silvery gloss, and the inner white
spaces are more marked, being in fact like those of the adult hirundo. The rump and
under parts are pure white. The tail intensifies, so to speak, its adult characters as
regards color; and, independently of any other feature, will always serve to identify
the species. It is deei)ly emarginate, but the lateral t'oatlur is not greatly produced,
surpassing the second by scarcely more thau the latter surpasses the third. Its inner
web, for an inch or so from the tip, and both webs of the other feathers, are quite de-
cidedly grayish-black ; the intensity of this color, aud also its extent, decreasing .suc-
cessively on each feather from without inward, so that the central pair scarcely deepen
their color at the tips. The outer web of the lateral IVsather generally stays pretty
uninterruptedly white, but sometimes is just at the tip invaded by the darker color of
its iinier web.

The foregoing descriptions embrace all the stages of plumage of this species which
are well <;haracterized. Uetween them, of course, there will be found every gradation.
The number ()f iunnature specimens of this species which are found in collections, as
compared with the adults, is surprising. Fully one-halt of all the exami»les before mo
an; in the "/(«rt'//(" state of plumage, having white fronts and tlie ordinary oeulai
fascia. This is doubtless owing to the. northern localities in which the bird breeds
Few, if any, United States speeimeiis art^ to be taken, (^xeept in winter.

' Sterna for.stcri alVords a good illustration of a species liearing si> intimate a general
resemblance to another as to be confounded with it at first glance, and yet when care-
fully examined proving to bo totally distinct. It is perfectly easy to separate it iVmn
the y/ir«;i</(> by its characters of bill, wings, tail or feet, either of which, taken alone,
would identify it. The following table will exhibit at a glanct; the distinctive features
of our three most intimately allieil species.

678

STERNA FOESTERI, FORSTER S TERN.

Differential diagnoses of S. forsteri, hirundo, and macfrura.

S. forsteri : Bill (average), 1.60 along culinen ; depth at base, 0.40 ; robust. Bill
orauge-yellow, nearly its terminal half black. White space between eye and cutting
edge of upper mandible broad. Under parts white. Outer web of first primary sil-
A'ery ; the iuaer webs also of the others strongly Loary, without well-defined white
spaces. Tail bluish-pearl, like the back, its lateral feather greatly produced (average
nearly 7 inches in length) ; its outer web white, inner the color of the rest of the tail.
Legs long and stout. Length of tarsus (average) rather over 0.90 of an inch ; orange-
yellow, tinged with vermilion. Length of tarsus, middle toe and claw, 2 inches.

S. hirundo : Bill (average), 1.45 along culmen ; depth at base, 0.33 ; moderate. Bill
vermilion-red, its terminal third black. White space between eye and cutting edge of
u)>per mandible narrower than in forsteri. Under parts lightly washed with plumbe-
ous, fading into white on the throat and abdomen. Outer web of first primary black ;
inner webs of the others somewhat hoary, with well-defined white spaces. Tail white,
dili'erent from the back, its lateral feather moderately produced (average 0 inches in
length); its outer web grayish dusky, inner white. Legs moderate. Length of tarsus
about 0.80 of an inch ; light vermilion-red. Length of tarsus, middle toe and claw,
1.75 inches.

*S'. macrura : Bill (average), 1.30 along culmen; depth at base, 0.30; slender. Bill
wholly deep carmine-red. White space between eye and cutting edge of upper mandi-
ble narrower than in hirundo. Under parts decidedly plumbeous, extending from vent
to throat, both of which become abruptly white. Primaries as in hirundo. Tail with
the elongation oi forsteri, or rather exceeding it (average 7.50 inches), and the color of
hirundo. Legs very short and sleuder. Length of tarsus (average) 0.65 of an inch;
deep vermilion, almost lake. Length of tarsus, middle toe and claw, about 1.50 inches.

Comparison of the young-of-the-year of S. forsteri and hirundo. — The bill and feet con-
stantly present differences i>roportioual to those which exist in the adults, as regards
length and stoutness. The bill of hirundo is more decidedly yellowish at the base of
the lower mandible than in that of forsteri, and the feet are clear yellow instead of
being tinged with dusky. The mottled and variegated crown and upper parts are much
the same in both, and the markings of the quills quite identical. The tail, however,
ditfers remarkably. In hirundo the outer webs of all the feathers are diisky gray. In
forsteri the reverse is the case. The difference is even more marked than in the adults.

Synonymy. — This species was first indicated by Swainson and Richardson, as above,
under the name of Sterna hirundo, these authors, however, apiireciating and com-
menting upon the differences from that species. Nuttall was the first to give it a spe-
cific name, based upon the indications attbrded by the authors aliove mentioned. To
Mr. G. N. Lawrence, however, is really due the credit of first establishing the species
by giving complete descriptions, and of showing its relationships to S. hirundo. This
misapplication of Linnieus' name by Swainson and Richardson is, I believe, the only
specific synonym (excepting Audubon's ^^havelli"), unless the Sterna nuttalli of Nnttall's
work (from Audubon's Mss.) is to be referred here, as is probably the case. In Bona-
parte's Table of Longipennes (C. R. xlii, 1856, p. 768) not only is havelli separated sjie-
cifically t'vonxforsleri, but it is placed in a different genus (Gelochelidon), while trudeaui
is made a Thalasseus. It is difficult to account for such a misapprehension of th( ir
affinities, but vagaries of this sort are too often found in the latest works of this illus-
trious author. It is unnecessary to reproduce here the argument by which I showed
(Pr. A. N. S. Phil. 1862, p. 543) the identity of havelli and forsteri, for the fact is fully
established.

I append the measurements of several specimens of /or«/cn, showing the limits of
its variation in size :

.5 3

24274

12692

11624

4928

9973
13473

43K

Locality.

New Jersev
....do..-..\
....do

Florida

..-.do

Sac Valley

Utah

California .
Louisiana.

n

P
H

o

P

■So

+3

ll

00

$

10. 00

6. 90

4.00

1.65

0.40

0.94

1.15

X

9. 50

7. 70

5.00

1.58

0.40

0.91

1.10

X

10.10

6. 75

3.60

1.64

0.40

0.90

1.15

9

10. 30

5.00

2.30

1.50

0.35

0.95

1.14

X

9.75

7.00

4.10

1.60

0.40

0.95

1.05

<?

9.70

6. 90

4.00

1.56

0.40

0.90

1.10

X

9.70

7. 70

4.70

1.56

0.49

0.93

1.08

X

10. 30

7.20

3.70

1. 55

0.38

0.99

1.15

c?

10. 20

6.60

3.55

1.54

0.35

0.90

1,08

STERNA FORSTERI, FORSTER's TERN. 679

The history of Forster's Tern is interestiug. It is siugular that so
coiumou and widely-distributed a species should have remained unrec-
ognized as long Hs it did. Swainsou and Eichardson described it as
the Common Tern ; Wilson did not know it at all, and Audubon only be-
came aware of it in the imperfect plumage which he described as " /m-
velli.''^ Nuttall doubtiugiy gave it a name upon the strength of Rich-
ardson's description. Mr. Lawrence, in 1858, was the first to elucidate
its characters satisfactorily, while it was not until the appearance of my
paper that its changes of plumage became known. It bears, indeed, a
close resemblance to Wilson's Tern, yet is perfectly distinct, the curious
difference in the colors of the two webs of the outer tail feathers being
only one of several strong characters. In fact, I learned to distinguish
the two species at gun-shot range, when they are in winter dress, so
different are they at that season. Forster's then has the crown white,
the occiput blackish, and a remarkably distinct black trausocular fascia,
better marked than in any other species of ours. The bill is nearly as
in summer, but not so bright; the feet are orange instead of red. This
plumage was finished in all of a number of old birds shot the second
week in September. The young-of the-year have the whole head white,
faintly washed with brownish, except the transocular fascia, which is
pure black, and very sharply defined; but nearly all the feathers of the
crown have dusky bases, that will increase during the fall and coming-
winter until the condition above noticed is attained. The eye-striise is
1 J inch long and about ^ an inch wide, reaching from the lores through
tbe eyes to and over the auriculars. The blue mantle only partly ap-
pears at this time, being lightly washed over with gray and clear brown;
the rectrices are heavily dusky, as in hirundo at the same season, but
the dark color is on opposite webs in the two species. The wing-feathers
are new and perfect, and more hoary-silvery than those of hirundo of
the same age ; but the iiattern of coloration is exactly duplicated. The
feet are yellow, more or less obscured with dusky.

No Tern of this country is more widely and generally distributed than
this one. It may be found in every part of the country, at one season
or another, and in the interior, especially, almost replaces hirundo, being
in fact the most characteristic of the species. Doubtless some of the
local quotations of '■'■ hirundo'''' from interior States really refer to this
species. Jt appears to be hardier than some of its allies, as it winters
on our Atlantic coast north of Long Island, while most others proceed
further south at this season. It is the commonest Tern, in winter and
during the migrations, in the harbor of Baltimore. Nevertheless, its
wanderings at this season are pushed to South America. On the Caro-
lina coast it is chiefly a migrant, but also a winter resident. Compar-
ing it with hirundo, it is there seen to be the more northerly species of
the two, migrating earlier in the spring and later in the fall, besides
wintering where *S'. hirundo does not. A few of Forster's Terns come
back to the Carolinas in August; they become abundant the following
month, and there is little or no decrease of their numbers until Decem-
ber, when a patt go further south, to return the latter part of March,
and the rest remain. It is one of the most i)lentiful Terns on the har!)or
of lieaufort in October and November, when it may be distinguislied
at any reasonable distance with ease, Wilson's Tern being the only one
at all resembling it, and this being differently marked about the head at
this season. (^)uite early in the sini'>g it leaves lor its northern luct'd-
inggrounds, generally aeciuiiing its e(>ini)lete i)Uiniage l)ef()re it leaves
the United States. It breeds in the interior of liritish America, aud

680 STERNA HIRUNUO, COMMON TERN.

very abundantly, to judge from the great number of eggs from that
region I have seen. It may yet be found to nest on or near tbe northern
tier of States. Of its general habits there is little to be said, as they
agree entirely with those of its well-known allies.

STERNA HIRUNDO, Auct.
Common Tern.

Stei-na Mrundo, (?) Linn., Fn. Suec. 158 ; Syst. N.at. i, 227 (S. major, Briss., Orn. vi,
203, 1)1. 19, f. 1; " rostrum pedei^que ruhri" — may have been macrura). (Not
of Biiiuuich, Fabricius, Faber, or Ricbardsou.) — Sch^ff., Mus. Oru. 1779,
65.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 606.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 807.— Becii.st.,
Naturjr. iv."l802, 682.— Mey. & Wolf, Tascb. ii, 1810, 459.— Wils., Am. Oru.
vii, 1813, 76, pi. 60, f. 1.— Temm., Man. 1815, 481.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 41.—
ViEiLi.., N. D. xxxii, 1819, 172.— Temm., Man. ii, 1820, 740.— NiLss., Oru. Suec.
ii, 1821, 156.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.— Steph., G. Z. xii, 150, pi. 18.— V^ieill., Fn.
FrauQ. 1828, 401.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 354.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 143.— Kaup,
Sk. Eut. Eur. Tbierw. 1829, 26.— Buehm, V. D. 1831, 781.— Less., Tr. Oru.
1831, 621.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 271.— Jen., Man. 1835, 266.— Bp., List, 1838,
61.— AuD., Oru. Bios, iv, 1838, 74, pi. 309 ; Syn. 1839, 318 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 97,
pi. 433.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Schinz, Eur. Fu. 1840, 373.—
Naum., V. D. X, 1840, 89, pi. 252.— Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 231.— Schi„,
Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 129.— De Kay, N. Y. Fn. ii, 1844, 298, pi. 125, figs.
275, 276.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 347.-Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 342— Gray, Gen.
of B. iii, 1849, 659; List Br. B. 1863, 240.— Thomps., Nat. Hist. Irel. iii, 1851,
281.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 221.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1862, 547.—
Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 161 (Maine).- Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 78.— Lawr.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90
(New England). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 308 (tbe same).— Coue.s, Pr. Bost. Soc.
xii, 1868, 126 (Soutb Carolina).- Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 641.— Turns., B. E.
Pa. 1869, 39.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1871, 43 (North Carolina, migratory.)—
Coues, Key, 1872, 320.— Coues, Cbeck-list, No. 565.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. li,
3871 (Florida, winter).- Mayn., Guide, 1870, 152.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x,
1874, 391 (Illiuois).

S)jdroctcro2)is Mrundo, BoiE, Isis, 1844, 179.

Sterna nilotica, Has.selq. (Fide Bias.)

Sterna fluviatUis, Naum., Isis, 1820, p. — .— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 779. — Bp., Compt. Rend.
1856, 772.— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 118, No. 11021.

Sterna pomarina, Brehm, V. D. 1841, 781.

Sterna Mum, Brehal {Gray )

(!) Sterna marina, Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 55 (by some assigned to macrura).

Sterna wilsuni, Bp., List, 1838, 61.— Lawr., B. N. A. 185S, 861.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii,
1859, 134 (Bahamas).- Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 273.— Coue.s, Pr.
Pbila. Acad. 1861, 247 (Labrador).— Coues & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 418
(Washington, D. C.).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131 (Maine).- Dress.,
Ibis, 1865, 44 (Texas, breeds). — Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 12 (Kansas, rare).

DiAG. S. rostro rubra, in apicem nifjrieante, pedihus rubris, pileo niqro, paUio' pertaeeo,
gastra'o ex albido jierlaceo, pofjonio exteriori reclricis exterioris griseo-plumbeo vclfusco.

ifa&.— Europe. North America generally. Not on the Pacific side (?). Bahamas.
No West Indian or Central American record (?). Breeds variously in its North Ameri-
can range; winters iu the United States north to 57°; passes beyond Texas ( J«rZHbo»)-
(Pelzeln's record of " wilsoni," p. 325, Brazil, really refers to cassini ; fide SCL. & Salv.,
P. Z. S. 1871, 565.)

Adult, summer plumage — Bill as long as the head, about equaling the tarsus and mid-
dle toe without tbe claw, of moderate robustness, its height at the base being con-
tained a little more than liv(! times in the length of its culmen. Gouys.jnst as long as
the rami, measured from tbe feathers on the side of tlie maiidilde to the eminentia
symphysis, which latter is but slightly marked. Nasal groove moderately long and
deep, a sulcus, bounded above aucrbelow by a stria, proceeding from it anteriorly to
be lust at tbe tomia about two-thirds the way to the tip. In ef)lor it is bright coral, or
light vermilion, on its basal half, or rather more than half, the remainder black, ex-
cept the extreme tips of the mandibles, which are yellowisli. Tbe i)ileum is lustrous
velvety -black, with a slight tinge of glossy -green. It extends to tbe lower level of the
eyes, but leaves the lower lids white, and it is so broad on the lores that tbe white
line of feathers aloug the side of the nniudible is very narrow, aud hardly reaches to

STERNA HIRUNDO, COMMON TERN. 681

the very estreuiity of the feathers. The whole upper parts are grayish-blue, or rather
deep pearl-blue, this color coramenciug insensibly ou the back of the neck, deepening
on the dorsum, and extending, quite undiluted, almost to the extreme apices of the
tertials. The bluish color, however, ends quite abruptly and distinctly ou the rump,
so that the superior caudal rectrices are pure white. The under parts are of a consid-
erably lighter shade ol' the color of the back. Ou the throat, toward the chin and
along the borders of the black pileum, it fades into nearly or quite pure white, as it
does also on the inferior caudal tectrices and the circumanal region. The inferior
surfaces of the wings and the axillary feathers are pure white. The shafts of all the
primaries are ou their superior and inferior aspects white, but deepen into blackish
toward their apices. The outer web of the first primary is black, with scarcelj' any
hoariuess. The first four or five primaries are grayish-black, with a very strong sil-
very hoariness; their iuner webs with a space of white along their inner margins.
This space ou the first primary at the base occupies the whole web, becomes narrower
as it ascends, and ends, or becomes a mere line, about an inch from the apex of the
quill. On the other primaries it is of less extent, and runs up along the centre of tho
shaft a little further thau ou the edge. Ou the innermost primaries, again, it is very
narrow, but forms au entire margin to the inner webs, running quite to their tips.
The iuner primaries have scarcely any grayish-black, but are rather of the color of the
mantle. The secoudaries are mostly purs white, but toward their euds have a space
grayish-blue of about equal extent ou both webs. The tail is moderately elongated
and forked, contained about If times in the wing ; the folded wings reach one to two
inches beyond it. The central feathers are broad to their evenly rounded tips; the
lateral ones successively narrower, more tapering and acute. The viuder tail-coverts
reach to the very tips of the central rectrices ; the upper fall a little short of them. The
rectrices are ou their outer webs light pearl-gray (very like the back), their iuner webs
nearly pure white. The external imir, however, are on most of their inner webs,
especially terminally, grayish-blue, while their outer webs are dark grayish-black.*
Legs and feet light coral-red.

Ubneiisionis. — Length (average), 14.50 inches ; extent, about 31 ; wing, from the car-
pus, 10.50; tail, 6; depth of fork, 3.50 (average); bill, along culmen, 1.35; height at
base, 0.33; from feathers on side of lower mandible to tip, l.GO; gonys, 0.80; gape,
2.10 ; tibia} bare, 0.50 ; tarsus, 0.80 to 0.85 ; middle toe 0.75, its claw 0.30 ; outer 0.70,
its claw 0.18 ; inner 0.48, its claw 0.14 ; hallux, with its claw, 0.28 ; whole foot, about
1.75. Mr. Allen has given some elaborate tables of measurements, showing the follow-
ing range of variation in size of adult birds from the same locality in the breeding
season. The extreme range, so far as I am aware, is as follows: length, 13 to 16; ex-
tent, 29 to 32 ;. wing, 9.75 to 11.75 ; tail, 5 to 7 ; tarsus, 0.G6 to 0.87 ; bill, 1.25 to 1..50.
Females average a little less than the malts. Young fall under the above minima;
length down to 12, wing to 9, tail to 4, bill to 1.12, &,c.

Young-of-the-ytar in Juf/itst. — Upper mandible brown, becoming blackish on the cul-
men toward the tip, and somewhat fleth-colored basally along the tomia. Under
mandible light yellow, darkening into brown toward the tip. Mouth yellow ; feet
dull yellow, with scarcely .'u tinge of reddish. Forehead grayish-white ; ou the vertex
this gray is intermixed with lafge, roundish, illy-defined spots of blackish; ou the
occiput and nape the black is the prevailing color, the extreme tips of the feathers
only being gray. Ou the sides of the head, as far as the eyes, the black is also nearly
pure. The ground color of tlu; upper parts is a rather lighter shade of the pearl-blue
of the adults, but every feather is tipped with dull, light gray, and has a subterminal
spot (generally a crescent or semicircle) of light brown. These spots and tips are quite
couspicuous, and give i)erhaps the predominating color to the upper parts; bul they
are not so distiuctly defined, nor so dark, as in vxtcnira. The lesser wiug-coverts along
the edge of the fore-arm form a continuous band of nearly i)ure brownish-black. The
lesser and median coverts are conspicuously tipped with yellowish-gray. The greater
secoudaries, however, fade into nearly pure white at tlieir tips. The .secondaries are
white, with the outer web, excejjt at tip, and the median portion of the inner web,
dark ])lumbeous or ashy-gray. The primaries are colored almost exactly as in tho
adults. The rumi) is white, with a tinge of pearl-blue. The tail is but slightly forked,
the emargiualion being but little more than an inch. T\w inner webs of all the rec-
trices are nearly jiure while, but the outer webs are i)lumbe(>us-gray, inerea ing iu
intensity from within ontwaid ; so that the outer j)air of recti ices, which an; but
little tapering or elongatc-d, liavc^ their outer w^^bs grayish-black, deepest toward
their tips. The entire under plumage, including the luuler wing-coverts, la pure
white, with no trace of the plundxrous wash of the adults.

I have never seen the adult winter i)lumage of this species, and am therefore unable

* 1 have seen a single undoubted specimen (»f this species which had tho outer wob
of the exterior tail feathers, as well as the inner, almost pure white, both webs being
of the same color as in ^mradheu. This, however, must be very rare.

682

STERNA HIRUNDO, COMMON TERN.

to preseut it. This I regret the more since it does not seem to be generally known,
and even quite diverse accounts of its winter dress are given by authors. Teiiiniiuck,
for example, says that in winter the adults do not lose the black of the crown ; " elie
est seulemeut plus turne." Other authors ascribe to it a condition of phuuage very
similar to that presented by S.fornicri or macrura, and I have myself little doubt but
that such is really their condition at that season. Naumann, one of the most exhaust-
ive describers of the changes of plumage of birds, is nnable to give a verj- satisfoctory
account of this plumage, for the reason, as he says, "that so long as the winter range
of habitat of this species remains unknown to us, it vrill always be difficult to give au
account of the winter plumage of the fully moulted bird." He says, however, that
the forehead and cheeks are white, more or less variegated wiih black ; the middle of
the crown white, lightly spotted or streaked with black; occiput and nape almost
wholly black. In other respects, I think that the upper and under parts will both be
found to be lighter than in summer, the latter especially approaching to the pure
white of the young bird ; the tail will be shorter and less deeply forked ; the bill and
feet duller red, the former more invaded by the black of the terminal portion. Audu-
bon says that "in winter the bill is black, with the base pale orange and the tip yel-
lowish; the feet orange-yellow. The colors are as in the adults, the forehead white,
the rest of the head dusky, the upper parts having the feathei's slightly edged with
lighter."

Oilier varialions. — These consist, as nsnal in the subfamily, chiefly in the total size,
individuals varying considerably in this respect. (See above measurements.) I scarcely
find any variations in color worth noticing in specimens of equal ages at coriesponding
seasons. The amount of black on the bill may be increased or diminished, but I have
never seen it equal in amount to that of S. fosteri or longipennis, nor yet entirely absent,
as is usually the case with S. macrura.

Coyirparison with aUiid species. — The present being the typical species of the group, ifc
is taken as the standard with which to compare other species ; and the diftereuces of
each of them from it will be found under their respective heads.

Deglaud, in his Ornithologie Europe6nne, speaks of the occurrence of a hybrid of
this species and the S. macrura partaking in a varying degree of the characters of
either parent. Though I have never met with a specimen which I could not unhesi-
tatingly refer to one or the other si^ecies, it is not improbable that hybrids should
reallj^ occur.

Comparison of American and European bird. — Being desirous of determining definitely
the relationships of our bird to that of Europe, I procured for examination au exten-
sive series from both countries, comprising some fifty specimens. These I carelully
compared in their most minute details, and in no respect could I detect the slightest
discrepancy. This is contrary alike to late high authority on the subject and to my own
preconceived ideas. It would be difficult to say upon what grounds the validity of
S. " icilsoni" has been maintained, since no definite characters have ever been laid down
whereby it may be separated from S. hirundo. The American bird was first distin-
guished from the European by Bonaparte, in 1838, in his Comparative List; but no
diagnosis is offered. -S'. '^icilsoni" is one of several species inlroduced by this aurhor
in the same work, for the distinguishing of which from their European i-epresentatives
he seems to have relied upon some preconceived theory of gtogrisphical distribution,
rather thau upon any characters afforded by the birds theniselves. I jiresent the
detailed measurements of five American and five European birds, taken at random from
a large series. It will be noticed that in no respect do the dimensions of the birds from
the two continents present greater differences than are found in the several examj)les
from either.

A.—S.

hirundo ex Euro

pd.

a
a =

ai .

a"

02

02

Locality.

fcJO

a

Tail.

Bill.

•

aa

a

03

H

la'

^1

Cm

O

Q

a
«

4^ aj

9559
24280
216F,0
23444
23445

2
<?
<?

0

Enrone .

10. 30*
9. 80
10. 80
10.60
10.80

.5.70
5.60
6.20
5.90
6.50

2. 65
2.60
2.70
2.70
3.00

1.38
1. 51
1.45
1.45
1.35

0. 33
0.31
0.36
0. 32
0.31

0,81

0,78
0.80
0.84
0.80

0.97
0.90
0.90
0.96
0. 90

Holland

Hunsrarv

....do

....do

* Inches and hundredths.

STERNA HIRUNDO, COMMON TERN.

683

B. — S. hinitido ex Amo'icd.

'5 o

X

Locality.

fcio

Tail.

Bill.

Tarsus.

Middle toe
and claw.

u ^

o
Q

®

4^ ^

18224
22287
1149
20811
12474

X
X

2

<?

Labrador

Massachusetts

Cape May, N. J

Hudson's Bay

Utah

11.00*

10.40

10.60

10.40

10.50

6. .^,0
5.90
6.40

5. 90
6.00

3.10
3.02

2.85
2.85
2.50

1.50
1.41
1.36
1.50
1.51

0.32
0.31
0.31
0.32
0.35

0.84
0.78
0.78
0.78
0,80

0.98
0.93
0.93
0.95
0.95

* Inches and hundredths.

Anatmniral characters. — The month is only moderately large, it being exceedingly
narrow anteriorly, and only widening toward the fauces, where, however, the diverg-
ence of the tomia gives it considerable breadth. The palate is concave autero-posteri-
orly, but is nearly flat laterally. It is soft and vascular only for about two-thirds its
length, the anterior third being corneous, and being merely a deep, narrow, longitud-
inal depression for the reception of the closely-approximated rami of the inferior max-
illa. This single depression bifurcates about three-fourths of an inch from the tip, and
for the rest t f the extent of the palate there is a deep depression on each side, just
within the superior tomia and zygonuv. for the reception of the devaricating rami of
the inferior mnxilla. On the median liue there is a slightly marked ridge, very short,
however, and quickly bifurcating to form the tissure of the posterior nares. The edges
of this median elevation, on which the u.ires open, are beset with a single row of small
obtuse iiapillic. On either side of the median line is a longitudinal sulcus, which sep-
arates a lateral longitudinal ridge, which is beset posteriorly with more prominent and
acniely-pointed papillae These various ridges and sulci all terminate in papillated
extremities. Beyoml them the palate is (juite smooth, somewhat vaulted, still divided
in two by the backward coutiuuance of the nasal tissure. This vaulted portion is
bounded posteriorly by two obliquely-placed curved rows of small acute papillae, con-
taining between them an oval ibramen, the opening of the Eustachian tube.

The floor of the mouth has the form of an elongated, narrow isosceles triangle with
concave sides. The rami are so closely approximated from the commencement of the
symphysis as merely to leave room for the reception of the tfsngue. The floor of tho
mouth, though dilatable, is not so much so as in the other subfamilies, and the soft
niendjranes terminate fully an inch from the tip. The tongue arises about oppo-
site! the termination of the feathers on the side of the mandible. It measures au
inch and a (piarter in length ; it is exceedingly slender throughout its whole length,
and tapers to a very line and acute ajiex, which is not bilid. It is soft and fleshy only
for a third of its length, the remainder being quite corneous. Its dorsum has a pretty
well-marked longitudinal sulcus. It terminates posteriorly in an elevated, bilid, papil-
lated extremity, tlie ends of the cornua being free and projecting. The rima glotlidis
begins about a third of an inch from the end of the tongue, and is two-tenths of an
inch long. It has no papilUe along its edges, Ijut its termination is paiiillati', aiul a
row of pajiilla' extend transversely on eitlier side. Near the angle of the mouth the
mucous iiiend)rane is thrown uj) into irregular folds, the begnining of the regular
longitudinal (esophageal ones. The disposition of the muscular layers of the floor of
th(^ mouth jiiesents nothing peculiar.

Tile u'sophagus measures about four inches in total length, including the proven-
trieulus. It is of ])r(!tty uniform diameter throughout, but enlarges a little toward its
termination; but the jiroventriculus is the direct continuation of it, and is not sud-
d(Mily nor I'otably larger than the gullet itself It is, as usual, capable of great dis-
tension. When undistcnded, the niiu ous nu inbrane is tlirow)i up into numerous longi-
tudinal I'olds, quite straight except just at the commencement of the tube, where they
are .sonu'what waved. The canal lias evidently great contractile power, from the
thickness of tho two layers of muscular libres which inclo.se it.

The belt of proventricular glands is aboul a third of an inch broad. They form an
uniuterrui>ted /.one (|uitt^ around the cireumfereiiee of the canal, the niaigin of the
girdle being str.iiglit and w<'ll driiiied. The color of the mucous membrane is here
darker than elsewiiere, and has also a dill'ereiiee of texture <|iiile appreeialdo to the
ii.-iked eye and to I lie touch. Tne oiilices of the solvent glands may be seen as minute
l)un(lures, si'attered thickly aiul t \<'nly over the whole suiface.

The gigerium is very small, not larger in external circumference than the jiroven-
tiieulus. It suiiervenes w itiiout any interval, .and witliout any change of dinetion,
directly upon the proventrieulus, with which it communicates by a large oriflce. It

684 STERNA HIRUNDO, COMMON TERN.

is flattened and suboval; its distal extremity a little elongated, so as to give it some-
■svliat of a cordiform contour. It is evidently not very powerful, its muscles being
hardly a tenth of an inch thick. The tendinous portion of its parietes is of small ex-
tent. Its cuticular lining is dense and firm, and thrown up into somewhat irregular
but chiefly longitudin.al folds. Corresponding elevations and depressions are found on
the inner surface of the proper parietes of the organ. There are no pyloric valves, but
only corrugations of the cuticular lining at this orifice.

The intestinal canal is very short, measuring only between twelve and thirteen
inches between the pylorus and anus. The duodenal fold is about one and a half
inches in length. The pancreas stretches the whole length of the concavity between
the two folds, and appears as if double, there being an elongated, narrow, flattened
mass of the glandular substance on each side of the fold. After fornung this fokl the
intestines become convoluted and coiled upon each otiier to within three or four inches
of the cceca. There another regular loop or fold of the intestine occurs, nearly as
large and perfect as the duodenal one itself, against which it is opposed for nearly its
whole extent, and connected by reflections of the mesentery.

There are two cceca coli, situate about one and a half inches from the anus. They
differ greatly from those of Lestriditicc and Larincv, in their extreme brevity. They
measure only about two-tenths of an inch in total length, and are so closely applied
and bound down to the colon that they might readily be overlooked.

The " large " intestine is exceedingly short, straight, and scarcely, if at all, larger
than the small intestine. It preserves a pretty uniform width to near the anus, where
it suddenly expands into a capacious globular cloaca. The cloaca is coujpletely
divided into two parts — a larger anterior and internal portion, and a smaller posterior
and external. The latter is a slight pouch, or cul-de-sac, partially separated from the
former by a projecting transverse reduplication of the liniug membrane. Just above
the edge of this fold, at the extremity of the inner compartment of the cloaca, there is
on each side of the median line a small oval depression, surrounded by a corrugated,
sphincter-like elevation of mucous membrane, in which the efferent ducts of the
urinary and seminal organs terminate.

The kidneys are quite jjeculiar in shape. The entire renal mass is nearly as long as
broad, and in shape almost perfectly rectangular. The upper lobes have but a slight
convexity of contour, and are but little larger than the lower. Each kidney is divided
into from four to six irregularly rectangular or polyhedral masses. Tbese lobes are
more or less completely separated from each other, but are closely coaptated, the sides
and angles of each mass being adapted to those of the masses which lie about it.
The ureters, formed by the union of the efiVrent ducts from each one of these masses,
run along nearly x^arallel to each other on each side of the median line of the spine, at
a little distance from it, converging somewhat toward their termination to open in the
cloaca, as already described.

The testes lie immediately superimposed uj)on the superior lobes of the kidneys.
Their size varies greatly with age and season. The vas deferens runs backward iu
close relation to the ureters, to terminate in the above-mentioned depressions on each
side of the cloaca.

The other organs of this species do not diff'er sufficiently from those of Larus to re-
quire special mention.

Bihliofiraphy. — This is one of the "antique" species, though its synonyms are com-
paratively few. A chief point that arises is, whether tlie name '' hirinido " belongs here
or to the Arctic Tern {mai-rura, Naum,). The name has been with much reason re-
feri'ed to the latter, where it probably belongs; but it scarcely seems necessary to
make the change in this instance. The earlier diagnoses may apply to either, and, in
fact, probably included both, for it will be remembered that the two were not gen-
erally distinguished until about 1820. Linnaeus' hirundo may as well be kept for this
species, with which it is commonly associated in ornithological record. Hirundo of
Briinnich, Faber, and Fabricius, is a|)parently macrura; hirutido of Richardson is fors-
teri. Brisson called the bird Sterna major, a name of course to be disregarded in binom-
inal nomenclature. Eyton has it S. viarina, after a pre-Linnieau writer. " Wilsoni,
Bp.," and '■^ fluviatiUs, Naum.," are the two most fiinily-established syuouyms; but the
latter only arose upon reference of hirundo, Linn., to macriira, while, as I have shown,
the former has no basis at all.

It is somewhat siiigjular tbat the "North American range of so common
and well known a species as this shonld not be better made out than it
is. A similar uncertainty respecting at least its winter range seems to
prevail in the matter of its European distribution. In this country it is
attributed to Brazil by Pelzeln, but this is the sole extralimital record
I have found, except Dr. Bryant's Bahaman quotation. Messrs. Sclater
and Salvin do not give it among Neotroi)ical LarUkc. The truth prob-
ably is, that it does not proceed beyond the United States, as a rule at

STERNA MACRURA, ARCTIC TERN. 685

least. We have some citations from the interior, but none that I am
aware of from the Pacific side. Its track appears to be mainly along
the Atlantic coast from Texas to Labrador. My own experience with
it is confined to this line, from the Carolinas to Labrador. I find no
record north of the last-named region ; the bird is obviously not so bo-
real as macrura. It appears to breed at places all along the line indi-
cated. I found it in Labrador in summer, and Mr. Dresser speaks of its
breeding in Texas. The New England breeding references are numer-
ous and unanimous. In North Carolina the bird is very common during
the migration, arriving from the south early in April, passing on during
the following month, and being again abundant during September and
October. The numerous specimens I observed at the latter season all
retained the black cap, though even in September they had mostly com-
pleted the fall moult, being newly feathered, except on the crown, 'where
the black was worn and faded, yet not much mixed with white, except-
ing, perhaps, a few specks on the forehead. The change of the pileum
appears to be very gradual, and, as already intimated, it probably never
progresses to a stage in which the cap is mostly white. At this season
the feet were simply orange-yellow, not vermilion, and the bill was
shaded with dusky throughout. Some of the year's young had nearly
perfect wing and tail feathers; but the mantle showed dusky mottling,
with some blackish areas on the wing-coverts. Still younger birds were
beautifully variegated with gray and light brown. In all the young the
feet were yellowish, more or less obscured with dusky ; the bill was
mostly black, with yellow or orange on the basal part of the under man-
dibles ; the bill was invariably smaller than it is when adult, not so
hard, and more obtuse at the tip.

STERNA MACRURA, Naum.

Arctic Tern.

(?) Sterna hirnndo, BRiJNN., Oru. Bor. 1764.— Fabric, Fn. Groenl. 1780, 105.— Faber,

Prod. Isl. Orn. 1822, 68 (certainly belongs here).- Liisx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 227.
Stenia Jiirundo, Br., Coiupt. Reud. 1856, 772.— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 118, No. 11020.—

Dress., B. Eur. ])t. xii, J872; and of other authors who thus identify hirimdo,

Linn.
(?) Stei-na paradiaea, BRtJNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, 42 (most probably).— Blas., J. f, O. 1866,

74, 78.
Sterna macrura, Naum, Isis, xii, 1819, p. 1847.— Brehm., V. D. 1831, 784.— Naum,, V. D.

1860, No. 274.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 325 (Bering Straits).— Coues, Pr

Phila. Acad. 1862, 549.— Board.m., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131 (Maine, breed-
ing).—Vkijr., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 141 (AnticoBtl).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii,
lb()2, 161 (Maine, breeding).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90 (Massachu-
setts).- Coues, ibid, v, 186y, 308 (New England).— Raddk, Reisc, ii. 1863, 388
(Siberia).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York).— Maljmg., J. f. O.
1865, 200 (Spitzbergen).— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 506.— Dale &, Bann., Tr. Chic.
Acad. 1869, 3(»() (Alaska).— Allen, Am. Nat. 1870, 642.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 152
(Massachusetts, breeding).— CoUES, Key, 1872,321; Check-list, No. 567.— Dale,
Pr. Cal. Acad. 1873 and l«74, p. — (Ahuitian Islands).
Stei-na arctica, Temm., Man. ii, 1^^20, 742.— Boik, Isis, 1822, 5C)3.— Stepil, G. Z. xiii, 152.—
Flem., Br. B. 1H28, 144.— Bi'., Syn. 1828, 354.— Kaui", Sk. Ent. Eur. Tliierw.
1829, 26.— BuEUM, V. D. 1831, 785 —Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 631.— Sw. & Rich.,
F. B. A. ii, 1831, 414.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 275.— .Jen., Man. 1835, 267.-j-Eyt.,
Cat. Br. B. 1836, .54.— Arn., Orn. Biog. ill, 1835, 3(i(), pi. 2.')(); Syn. IKW, 319 ;
B. Am. vii, 1844, 107, pi. 424.— Bi-., List, 183H, 61.— SciiiNZ, Eur. Fn. 1S4(I, 373.—
Macgil., Man. ii, 1S42, 232.— Sciil., Rev. Crit. 1844. 129.— Pitn., Pr. Ess. Inst,
i. 185(), 221 (Massachusetts).- HuY., Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 18.58, 120.— Tiknh., B. E.
Pa. Ib69, 139 (uutumu and winter).

686 STERNA MACRURA, ARCTIC TERN

,Stenm argenlata, Brehm, Beitr. iii, 1822, 692; V. D. 1831, 782, pi. 38, fig. 5.
Sterna argeniavca, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 783.

Sterna nihschii, Kaup, Isis, 1824, 153.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 786.— Bp., C. R. 1856, 772.
Sierna hrachytarsa, Graba, Reise nacb Faroe, 1830, 218.
Sterna hrachypus, Swainson, B. W. Afr. ii, 1837, 252.
Sterna eocchmrostris, Reich, {fide Gray). — Bp., Coiiipt. Rend. 1856, 772.
Sierna pikei, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1853, 3 ; B. N. A. 1858, 853, j)!. 95.— Bp., Coinpt.
Rend. 1856, 772 {'' pyUi").—CovKS, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1862, 550.

Diag. St. rostro gracile, rithro ; i^edihus irerissimis, riibris ; corpore ca'rtdescente-plumbeo,
subtiis dilutiore; caudd, uropygio, tectricibusque caudalibus infe7'ioribu8 albis ; rectrice
laterali valde elongatd, pogonio externo griseo-fusco.

Hab:—EuToi^e. Asia. Africa. North America generally, south to the Middle States,
and on the Pacific side to California. Breeds from Massachusetts northward. No valid
extralimital record south of the United States ; compare, however, Phillippi, Cat. 1869,
49 (Chili!!?).

Adult in breeding plumage. — Bill shorter than the head, equal to the middle toe and
tarsus together, slender, compressed, acute. Culmen somewhat broad and flattish
toward the base, more compressed and narrower anteriorly ; about straight to beyond
the nostrils, declinato-convex for the rest of its length. Commissure very slightly
curved. Gouys about as long as the rami ; perfectly straight ; the outline of the latter
a little concave. Inter-crural space very narrow; about half filled with feathers.
Nasal groove rather long, but becoming obsolete before it reaches the tomia. A quite
promiuent stria proceeds from its anterior extremity to the tomia, but little behind the
tip of the bill. The bill is deep carmine, or lake red ; usually without any black, but
this color sometimes appears in a limited degree.

The feet are remarkably small and weak. The tibije are bare for a moderate dis-
tance. The tarsi are exceedingly short, being less than the middle toe without its
claw, or, at least, only equal to it. The toes are rather long for the size of the feet ;
the outer falls but little short of the middle one, while the tip of the claw of the inner
hardly reaches beyond the third articulation of the middle one. Hallux of ordinary
relative length. Webs rather narrow ; moderately emarginated ; the inner, as usual,
the most so. The feet are a lighter tint of the color of the bill, somewhat tending
toward vermilion or coral-red, but are not so light as those of hirttndo.

The wings are very long ; the primaries attenuated, narrow, tapering to their round-
ish but slender apices. The tertials are short, and do not reach half way to the tips of
the primaries iu the folded wing. The shafts of all are white, with scarcely darker
tips. The outer web of the first primary is grayish-black, lightening into silvery-gray
at its tip; its inner web is white, with only a very narrow line of grayish-dusky along
the shaft. This longitudinal dusky space is very much narrower and lighter tban in
hirundo, so much so, that it is placed as a diagnostic feature by Naumann in his
" Keunzeichen der Art." The next four or five primaries are silvery -gray, darkest
toward their tips; their inner webs mostly white (wholly so at their bases); but the
white does not extend so far toward the tips of the feathers as on the first primary,
and it runs up farther in the centre of the web than on the edge of it. The inner pri-
maries are the color of the back, broadly tipped and margined iuternallj' with white.

The tail is exceedingly long, the exterior feather being as much lengthened, and a?
narrow, tapering and acute, as iu S. paradisea. The tail feathers reach beyond the tips
of the folded wings. The under coverts reach to the extremity of the broad and
rounded central rectrices; the upper ones fall short of this length. The tail is pure
white, the outer web of its exterior feather being grayish-black, lighter basally, and
its inner web, and the outer webs of the next two rectrices, having a considerable wash
of pearl-blue. '

The pileum is pure, lustrous greenish-black, so broad on the cheeks as to leave only
a slender line of white to extend along the edge of the feathers on the side of the
upper mandible. The whole upper parts, as far as the superior caudal rectrices, and
including the alar coverts, pearl-blue, of about the same shade as in hirundo. This
color, however, fades into white at the tips of the tertials and inner secondaries.
The under parts are but a little lighter shade of the color of the back, this color fading
insensibly into whitish on the chin, throat, Jind edges of the black pileum, and ending
abruptly at the uuder tail-coverts, which are i)ure white, iu marked contrast to the
rest of the under parts. The inferior alar rectrices and axillary feathers are also pure
white.

Winter plumage of the adults. — Differs from the ahove-described summer plumage
chiefly in the color of the feathers of the head, as usual in the subfamily. The fore-
head is white; tbe crown white, but marked with narrow shaft-lines of black, which
increase from before backward until, on the nape, tbe black is nearly or quite pure.
A lateral stripe, more or less pure and distinct, extends forward on the sides of the
bead over the auriculars, to just in front of the eye, leaving, however, the eyelids
white. Upper j)arts much as in summer, but the under parts from the chin to the vent,

STERNA MACRTTRA, ARCTIC TERN. 687

have a inncli lighter wash of plumheous. The deep carmine of the bill and feet
b. conies lighter and duller, but does uot assume the coral-red tiut of the feet of hirundo
or forslcri. Otherwise generally as in summer.

Plumage of the young-of-ilie-yiar. — The bill is much smaller than in the adults, being
only lo inches long; brownish-black toward its tip ; the gonys and the sides of the
lower mandible toward the angle of the mouth dull orange-color, as are also the
mouth and tongue. The feet are only orange-colored on the soles, being otherwise
brownish-red. The tail is much shorter than in the adults, being only 4.7,^> to 5
inches long, and the outer pair of rectrices are much broader and scarcely at all taper-
ing in form. The forehead is white, the crown streaked with narrow, longitudinal
spots of v^hite upon a black ground color, which extends as far as the eyes, and runs
back over the temples and auriculars as far as the nape ; whole under parts, from the
chin, including the inferior caudal tectrices and under surfaces of the wings, pure
white. On the back there predominates everywhere .1 uniform, light bluish-gray
(soniewbat darker than in S. hirundo), all the feathers tipped with yellowish-white or
white, most of them with a blackish-brown streak or crescent-shaped spot near the end ;
tin se spots darkest on the tertials and inner secondaries, and aggregated into a single,
broad, slate-colored streak on the least wing-coverts along the edge of the wing The
ji>?hen-blue primaries deepen into slate color toward their tips ; their shafts are white,
.their inner webs with a longitudinal space of white, the outer web of the first slaty-
black. The inner tail feathers are white, as are their shafts ; their ajiices white, each
with a subtermiual crescent-shaped spot of brownish-black.

When the young have flown for some time, the bill and feet become considerably
redder, and the dark spots on the back lighter, though still not so much so as in the
young hiruudo. After their first moult, which begins while they are migrating and
only ends when they have reached their winter habitat, they acquire a plumage very
like that of the old birds in winter, but still distinguishable from it by the yet remain-
ing dark tips of the tail-feathers. These, however, are gradually lost, growing lighter
and ligliter until, by the following spring, they diti'er but slightly from the adults.*

The brilliant color of the feet is sometimes washed off on the plumage, staining it
red or salmon color.

D'nueumons of the adult. — Length (extremely variable from the varying length of the
tail), 14 to 17 inches ; extent, 29 to '.V.i ; wing, from the carpus, 10 to lO.Tf) ; tail, usually
7 to 8, sometimes 6.50 to 8.50 ; depth of fork, 4 to 5 ; tibiae bare, 0.45 ; tarsus, 0.55 to
0.65; middle toe and claw, 0.80 to 0.85 ; inner toe and claw, 0.55 ; bill, along culmen,
1.20 to 1.40; height at base, 0.30; from feathers of side of lower mandible to tip,
1.40 ; gape, 1.90; gonys, 0.75.

Accidental variations. — These are chiefly noticeable in dimensions, and in the intensity
of the color of the under parts. The species is subject to very considerable variations
in size, even among apparently equally adult examples. The bill, particularly, is some-
times verj^ much smaller than is usual, and much more slender. Thus, e. g., a female
fioin Nova Scotia, before us, has a bill only 1.08, or less than that assigned to Sterna
pikei ; and it is quite as slender as in that species. The tail, as might be expected from
its shajte, varies greatly. Two adult summer birds before me dift'er two inches in the
amount of elongation of the external rectrices ; and one and a half inches is a very

* The two preceding paragraphs are compiled from Naumaun's Naturgeschichte
Vogel Deutschlands. Mr. Maynard gave the following description of the same stage :

" T//e young-of-the-year in autumn dill'ers from the preceding in having the forehead
quite white; a few white feathers on the back of the head; the black is not quite as
intense — more brownish. The featluis of the back are edged with rufous. The should-
ers are darker. The tips of the tail-feathers are rufous. The whole under parts are
pure white. The white line from the base of the bill is discontinued just in front of
the eye, and the portion occu])ied by it is quite dusky, almost black. The feet are dull
orange. The bill is black, with the base of the lower mandible orange. » » » »
Yonng-of-the-year are readily distinguished [from hirundo'] by the rump of hirundo
Ix'ing ai^hy, the feet larger, the tarsi longer, with a smoother appearance. The bill is
mucli the same color, but in hirundo it is longer. It never Las the dusky appearance
below the eye seen iii macrura."

Messis. Sharpe and Dresser give the following:

" Young-hird-of-the-ycar. — The upper plumage, though gray like the adult's, is much
motth'd with blackish, and has all the back-feathers conspicuously tipped with white,
the wings and tail feathers being marked in the sanu^ manner; the forehead is white,
and the hinder jyartof tlui liead black, mixed on \\\c forepart with a. few whitish spots;
the cheeks, hinder neck, and entire under surface of the body are pure white,
without any admixtiiro of gray ; bill black, re<ldi.sh at ba.s(> of lower mandible.
NextUng : Covered with golden-bulV down, inclining to ochre, the upper surface varied
with little blackish markings ; theibrehead and throat browni.sh-black ; under surface
of the body yellowish-white, with the flanks and lower abdomeu iucliuiug to
browni.sh.''

688 STERNA DOUGALLI, EOSEATE TERN.

common amount of tliffereucc. The Tving, from the flexure, differs among the several
specimens before me almost or quite an inch. The usual length appears to be about ten
inches, though many are half an inch longer, and some hardly over nine. The tarsus
and toes, both in their relative and absolute lengths, are very constant, hardly varying
appreciat)ly in the large series before me.

The color of the bill is pretty constant, a uniform deep lake. Sometimes, however,
it acquires considerable of a blackish tinge toward the tip ; but the black never
equals that of S. hirundo in extent. The shade of the color of the under parts may be
lighter or darker, l)ut in summer birds it is always darker than in hirundo, and extends
in nearly or quite full intensity to the under tail-coverts. Its other variations in color
are unimportant.

The North Pacific birds of this species are perhaps rather smaller, upon an average,
with somewhat slenderer bill and shorter wings, than those of the Atlantic.

Syvotnimy. — The questions arising chiefly relate to the ^'hirundo" of some of the ear-
lier authors, already considered ; but, as intimated under head of the last species, it
may not be absolutely necessary to make a change so likely to provoke confusion.
Temminck named the bird arctica in 1820, but the designation must yield to macrnra,
Naumann (1819), the priority of which Temminck admits, but does not make valid
claim to his name in the fact that it is the more appropriate one. Coccineirosfris of
Reichenbach is considered by both Gray and Bonaparte, who separate the North Amer-
ican bird from the European, to belong to the former. I have seen no authentic spec-
imen of it, but it is quite certain that no differences subsist between the birds of the
two continents. There seems to be no question whatever of the pertinence here of the
names argentata, argeniacea, hrachytarsa, nitsschii and hrachi/pus. In considering pikei of
Lawrence to belong here, I am guided by a very thorough re-examination of the type-
specimen, which was not readily accessible when, in the Key, I too hastily referred it
to longipennis. Satisfied that it was not a distinct species, I followed other authority
in assigning it there ; but I now find nothing in »S'. inkei not nearly matched by some
of the Pacific specimens of S. macrura I have latterly examined. What is left of the
broken-off bill is rather slenderer than usual, but not noticeably more so than in some
young specimens of macrura.

STEENA DOUGALLI, Mont.
Roseate Tern.

Cil) Sterna pm-adlsea, BrCnn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 46 (more likely macrura).

Sterna paradisea, Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844,
130.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 346.— Gray, Gen of B. iii, 1849, 659 ; List Br. B.
1863, 239.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 863.— (?) Wheat.,
Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 275.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 551.— Le6t., Ois.
Trinidad, 539.— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 389 (Honduras).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199 (the
same).- GuNDL., Repert. F. N. i, 392 (Cuba).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,
299 (New York). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90 (Massachusetts, rare). —
Coues, ihid. v, 1868, 60 (Massachusetts, common, breeding).— Coues, Pr. Bost.
Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina, in summer).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, IriG
(Massachusetts, common). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 643 (Massachusetts,
breeding).— Coues, Key, 1872, 321.

St^-na dougaUi, Mont., Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 41.— Vieill., Nouv.
Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxii, 1819, 438.— Temm., Man. ii, 1820, 738.— Boie, Isis, 1822,
363.— Stepil, Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 153.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 143.— Less., Tr.
Orn. 1831, 691.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 779.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 278.— Jen.,
Man. 1835, 265.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 55.— Bp., List, 1838, 61.— AuD., Orn.
Biog. iii, 1835, 296, pi. 240 ; Syn. 1839, 320 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 112, pi. 437.—
Naum., V. D. X. 1840, 78, pi. 251.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 351.— Cab., Pr. Bost. Soc.
ii, 248 (Massachusetts). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 221 (Massachusetts). —
TuKNB., B. E. Pa., 1869, 38.— Sund., Ofv. K. A. Forh. 1869, 589 (St. Bartholo-
niew).— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 571 (Tropical America).

Thalasswa dougaUi, Kaup., Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 97.

Hydrocecropis dougaUi, Boie, Isis, 1844, 179.

Sterna macdougalli, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 233.

Sterna douglasi, Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 80.

Sterna bicuspis et tennirostris, Light. (Fide Blas.)

Diag. S. rostro tenue, nigra, ad hasin rubescente, pedihus rubro-aurantiads, caudd longis-
simd, albidd, remigibus albo-marginatis ad apices ipsas ; paltio perlaceo, gastrwo rosaceo-
albo.

Hah. — Europe. In North America, observed from Massachusetts to Florida, thence
to Central America. Various West Indian Islands. Breeds apparently throughout its
range. No United States record of wintering.

STERNA DOUGALLI, ROSEATE TERN. 689

Adult, hreeding jjli'magc— BUI about equal to the bead, nearly as loug as tbe tarsus,
middle toe aud claw, to<;etber ; straight, sleuder, much compressed, much higher thau
broad at the base, the tip excessively acute, culmeu \ ery narrow aud transversely very
convex, eveu at the base ; geutly aud equally curved from base to tip. Commissure a
little sinuate toward the base, gradually declinato-convex for the rest of its length.
Gonys very long, much exceeding the rami, its outliue very sharp, perfectly straight.
Outline of crura decidedly concave ; tbe intercrural space very narrow, two-thirds
tilled with feathers ; tbe emineutia symphysis very acute, but not prominent. Tomia
of both mandibles inHected, and, from the great compression of the bill, very closely
approximated for two-thirds their length. Nasal groove moderately long aud wide,
but so exceedingly shallow as hardly to merit the name of suJcii-i. It terminates
before it reaches tbe tomia, aud a well-defined slender ridge runs forward from its an-
terior extremity till it is lost in the tomia. Nostrils of ordinary size and shape.
JEncroachment of the feathers on the bill as usual. "Wings considerably short for this
genus, a little rounded ; the first primary only moderately longer than the second ; all
rather obtuse, with rounded tips. Tertials and inner secoudaries rather loug aud flow-
ing. Tail exceedingly loug, contained scarcely li times in the wing; the central
feathers short and rounded at their ends ; the lateral excessively elongated, slender,
tapering regularly to a very acute point.* The feet are of moderate length aud stout-
ness. The tibiie are bare for only a remarkably short distance. The usual scutellatiou
and reticulation. Tarsus a little longer than the middle toe alone ; a little shorter
than tbe middle toe and claw. Lateral toes short ; the outer not reaching the base of
the claw of the middle ; the tip of the claAV of the inner falling short of the base of
the claw of the middle. Webs of moderate width aud amouut of emargiuation.
Claws rather short, and all remarkably arched and curved, moderately acute, the edge
of the iuuer a little dilated.

Bill pure black ; its tip in extremo slightly yellowish ; its base for a varying distance,
and the inside of the mouth, bright red. Pileum pure, lustrous, velvety black ; extend-
ing far down on the nape aud also very broad, reaching to the lower level of the eyes,
and widening somewhat on the temples aud auriculars. Under eyelid, however, white,
as is also a rather broad streak which runs along the side of the upper mandible to
the extremity of the feathers. Neck all round and whole under parts, including the
under surfaces of the wings, pure white, with a more or less notable tinge of a delicate
rosy color. On the back of the neck the white iuseusibly shades into the very light,
delicate pearl-blue which extends over the whole upper parts, including the rump and
base of the tail, where, however, it is slightly lighter thau on the dorsum. The tips
of the tertials aud the inner vanes of the secondaries fade into pure white. The shafts
of all the primaries are on both sides pure white nearly to their tips. The outer web
of the first primary is deep grayish-black, lighter at the tip. All the primaries are
light grayish-black, very strongly silvered over. The inner webs of all of them are
pure white for more than half their breadth ; this white portion being broadest on the
first, toward the base of which it occupies the whole web ; and ou all of them contin-
uing <iuite to the apices of the feathers, and even going around the tips slightly on to
the outer web. The long rectrices are white, with just an appreciable shade of
pearly. The legs and feet bright yellowish-red ; the w ebs lighter, the claws black.

Adult, whiter phtmagi'.— Bill dull black ; the tip for a greater distance dull yellowish ;
tbe base of the under mandible somewhat brownish. The forehead and cheeks white.
The crown of the head, the occiput, nape, auricular and circumocular regions, brown-
ish-V)lack, almost or quite unmixed with white, except just on the vertex. There is,
therefore, a greater extent aiul pernuuiency of the pileum than in most other species.
Neck all round and uuder parts white, without any roseate tinge. Lesser coverts along
the edge of the fore-arm brownish, but tbe band narrow and not very dark colored.
Something of tbe brownish is also to be traced along the edge of tbe metacarpus. Pri-
maries and secondaries much as in summer. The tail has, however, quite lost its length,
the external rectrices being so much abbreviated as to produce only oiur or two iuchea
of emargiuation, and tlie tail, with its coverts, may be pearly like tlie back.

youii;/-of-tli(-!/<ar he/ore ilic hioh//.— Length 10.50 to 11 inches. The hill is exceedingly
small, slender, and weak ; its tip obtuse ; its ridges and angles poorly defined ; and it
is everywhere covered with skin so soft as to wrinkle in drying. It nuasures hardly
1.10 inches in length by 0:2b in heiglit at tbe base (compare dimensions of adult) ; it
is wholly dull greenish-idack, a little lighter at the base of the lower mandible. The
primaries have, not fully grown out, so that the wing from the carpus measures only
7.25; tbe second primary is longest, third nearly equal, first short, scarcely exceeding
the fourth. The primaries are colored, however, almost exactly as in the adults, as
reganls their jiattern, the broad wliitcf inner margins extending around their tijis.
Tbe shafts of all are pure white, except apically. 'J he outer web of the first i)rimary

* The external rectrices of this species are for the Stcrninw almost what tbe central
rectrices of Slirconiriua huffoni arc for tbo Lcntridina; in comparison with other species
of their respective subfamilies.

44

690 STERNA DOUGALLI, ROSEATE TERN.

is nearly pure black, lislit'-iiing a little at the tip. Tlie dark portion of the feathers
grows liji'liter on each hiiccesbivel^-, nutil the inner ones are very lij^ht pearl — so light
as to appear to fade insensibly into the white which broadly margins them. The sec-
ondaries are white, witli the greater part of their outer and a small part of their inner
webs pearl-blue. The tail is exceedingly short, measuring less than four inches, the
amount of emarginatiou being only one iuch, or even less. The outer pair of rectrices
are narrower than the others, but hardly longer than the next pair, and not more
acutely pointed. The rcctrices are pearl-blue, darkest on their outer vanes, so light as
to be almost white on their inner. The outer web of the outer feather, however, is uot
so dark as the next. Toward the extremities of the rectrices there is a subtermiual
border of brownish-black extending around the tip, and for half an inch or more down
on eich side. External to this rim of black there is another, which ends tiie feather,
of pure or yellowish white. The markings of the tail are abrupt and well detiued.
The legs and feet are dull greenish-black, like the bill, with a shade of reddish
slightly apparent over some of the joints ; the soles inclii ing to yellowish, the claws
black, with whitish tips. Length of tarsus, 0.75 ; middle toe and elav.-, O.'JO. The
ground color of the upper parts is a very light pearl-blue, much as in the adults, and
]s pretty pure and uninterrupted on the rump and greater wing-coverts. But on
the back, the hind neck between the shoulders, the scapulars, tertials, median coverts
and inner secondaries, this color Is almost completely obscured and hidden by a very
beautiful, tine, delicate, continuous mottling of black and light yellowish or faAvn-
color. This black is disposed chiefly in narrow, irregular, zigzag transverse lines, but
their continuity everywhere interrupted by the mottling of fawn-color. Tiis appear-
ance is very difficult to describe ; it is quite unlike anything else I have seen among
Terns, and rather reminds one of the delicately but inextricably blended colors of a
Scojis, a CaprimnJgus, or perhaps of some Scoloj}acincv. On the tertials, inner secondaries,
inner longest coverts, the pattern of mottling becomes larger and more distinct, for
the feathers are, toward their termination, almost wholly black, with ytllowish borders.
The head is as peculiar as the back. The forehead and cheeks are of a uniform, deli-
cately blended, and soft, light grayish-brown, which on the vertex and occiput becomes
resolved into small, broad, indistinct longitudinal stripes of quite deep black and dull
fawn-color, the streaks again being lost on the nape in perfectly uniform dull blackish.
Just before and above the eye there is a spot almost pure silvery white ; the eye is en-
circled by nearly pure black, aggregated into a pretty well-detined semilnue before it,
stretching out behind it as an extensive spot, covering the auricular and temporal
regions ; pretty sharply defined with the white below ; being iuseiisibly blended with
the color of the occiput above. The under parts are pure white ; but on the sides of
the breast, or quite across it, the extreme tips of the feathers are a little obscured by
dusky, causing them to appear exactly as if soiled. There is the ordinary band along
the edge of the fore-arm of dull black, but it is obscured by some light fawn-colored
tips of the feathers.

Dimensions of the advli. — Length, 14 to a little over 15 inches ; extent, about 30 ;
wing, from carpus, 'JJ to 9|-; tail, 1^ to 7|; depth of fork, :5i to 4| ; bill, along culuien,
1.50 ; from nostrils to tip, 1.'25; from feathers on side of lower mandible to tip, 1.75 ;
height at base, 0.35; gonys, 1; rami, 0.75 ; tibiaj bare, 0.4U ; tarsus, 0.85; middle toe
toe alcne, 0.75 ; its claw, 0.25.

Dimensions of )jom>f/-of-ijear. — Length, average, about 11 inches ; extent, 28; wing,
from carpus, 9.25; tail averaging 4 inches, with a depth of forking only 1 to li ;
length of bill, 1.35 ; its other dinieusious, and those of the feet, corres[iondingly less
than in the adult. (Compare also measurements given in the descrii)tiou of the young-
of-the-year before the first moult.)

Though of about the same size as the typical species of Sterna, its form is more slen-
der. The bill is relatively longer, slenderer, more acute, with a but slightly convex
culmen, r.ud the gonys longer than, instead of about equal to, the exposed portion of
the rami. The wings are shorter, with less tapering and acute tip. The relative
length and attenuation of the exterior rtctrices surpasses that of any other species of
Sterna. The libia' are bare for a considerably shorter space. The claws arc remark-
ably arched, especially that of the outer toe. In the pattern of coloration it adheres
more closely to the type, though the bill is black and the pilcutn of a different shape
and degree of persistency in winter. No other species of btenta proper has so marked
a roseate tint on its under parts, it being in this respect, for its genus, what (jaleneulata
is for " Thalassens."

The bill of perfectly adult birds is iiure black, except the extreme base, which, with
the mouth, is bright red. In immature specimens of various ages it is, for a greater
or less extent toward the base, light-coloryd.) "\vith considerable of a vermilion or
rather light carmine tint during life. In others the whole bill is pure bUn-k. I liave
never seen it, however, so largely red as it is represcmted to be in Audubon's plate.
The other variations, beyond those normal and constant ones of age and sea: on above
detailed, consist chiefly in a greater or less elongation of the tail.

It is impossible to confound this species, in nniture summer xdumage, with any other

STERNA PORTLANDICA, PORTLAND TERN. 691

of North America, and consequently no comparisons need be made. The young hird-
of-the-year resembles a good deal the same age of macnira, so much so that Naumann
is at cousiderable pains to contradistinguish them. As the bird is then smaller than
Avhen adult, with a very .short tail, flesh-colored or reddish bill ; and as the macrura is
theu pure white below, they might perhaps be confounded. S. douyaUi is, however, at
once to be known by the different character of its more persistent and larger pileura ;
much lighter color of the upper parts, and lighter and more ob.solete and indistinct
color of its .spots, when young enough to have any ; the lighter color of the web of
its exterior tail-feather ; much shorter wings and larger and longer feet, &c.

I have been unable to detect any difference between numerous examples of this spe-
cies from Europe and America.

Though this species has often of late years been called "irtmfZisea," yet the ques-
tiori)ble identification of Briinnich's name had probably best give way to that one to
which no doubt attaches.

STEKNA POETLANDICA, Eiclgw.
Portland Tern.

Sterna portlandica, Ridgav., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 433.

Aduh{^), summer 2)himage.—(No. 64394, Mus. Smith. Inst., Portland, Maine, July, 1873,
F. Ikinnr ; type of the species, as described /. c). Forehead, sides of head, neck all
around, upper tail-coverts, and whole under parts, including lining of wings, pure
white. Occiput, crown from opposite eyes, and space around eye, slaty-black. Man-
tle an average shade of pearl-gray. A slaty bar along cubit.al edge of wing. Prima-
ries light-silvered dusky, with white shaft, the outer web of the first black, the inner
webs of all with large and long white space, which occupies the whole width of the
web at base, and on the first reaches nearly to the tip. Tail white, with light pearly
.shade; the outer web of the outer feather dusky. Bill and feet black, but the latter
with a perceptible reddishness. Bill in size and shape identical with that of a youug
dotu/aUi. Feet very small (just as in macrura); the tarsus notably shorter than the
middle toe and claw. Length, about 12.50 (tail defective ; size apparently of duugalli) ;
wing, 9.75 ; tail, 5 (with perhaps an inch gone) ; the fork, 2.25 (probably over 3) ; bill,
along culmen, 1.20; along gape, l.GO ; tarsus, only 0.60 ; middle toe and claw, 0.85.

The subject of the present article differs materially from auy other
Tern I have seen. I cannot refer it to any species known to me. It
ai)parently comes nearest dongalU, with which it is to be particularly
compared. I will lirst observe that, though shot in July, it is by no
means certain that it is an adult bird; in fact the chances are the other
way. The white of the forehead is not a firm, sharp lunule, but, on the
contrary, an indefinite restriction of a black cap to the vertex and occi-
put, the black and white shading gradually into each other. The pat-
tern of the head is identical Avith that of a specimen of undoubted
iloiigalli before me. Another strong mark of immaturity is seen in the
slaty bar along the cubital border of the wing. This is also precisely
as ill the specimen of iloiujalli just mentioned. The pure white of the
whole under parts and of the cervix, as well as the size of the white
areas on the inner webs of the ])rimaries, are exactly as in douciaUi.
The bill, in size, shape, and color, is identical with that oi doiujaUi. So
far we see nothing incomi)atible with the characters of dougalli. But
in donyalU the mantle is extremely pale pearly, extending uninterrupted
over the rump and tail ; in portlandica the mantle is about as in liintndo,
and the rump is white. (However, a winter .siiecimen of doittjaUi has the
mantle scarcely paler than in porthuidica.) In dougaUi the feet are coral-
red or orjinge, obscured in the young in winter, and tlie tarsi are scarcely
or not shorter than in the middle toe and claw ; iuporthindictt the Icet are
(|uite blackish, and the tarsus is O.LM shorter than the middle toe and
claw. In the proportions of the feet, in fact, 7>or//a«r/iV(f is the same as
macrura. From ma<rnra, portlandica is at once separated by its black
bill and feet, and pure white under [)arts.

If it could be shown that the tarsi of douyalU are ever so short as this,

692 S. SUPERCILIAEIS VAE. ANTILLARUM, LEAST TERN.

perhaps the other cliiferences from dongalli might be reconciled with the
varying characters of age or season in that species; but at present the
discrepancies are insurmountable. 1 have therefore no alternative to
accepting Mr. Eidgway's name, at least for the present. On examining
the type-specimen with him, I had a suspicion that the bird might be
lonf/ipennis, nud he has expressed this doubt; but on conferring with
Middendorif, Schrenck, and Kadde, we find that the characters of longl-
pennis do not agree at all with those of our bird.*

A second specimen oi portlandica has been taken by Mr. William Brews-
ter in Massachusetts. It agrees exactly, except that the black cap is
more restricted, the white reaching along the middle line over the vertex
to the occiput (comprising my view of the instability of this character).
It is slightly larger. Wing, 10.25 ; tail, C.30 ; culmen, 1.25 ; tarsus, 0.65;
middle toe ivithout claw, the same.

This specimen was not included in the analysis of the subgenus on
p. 675, and its supposed validity requires confirmation.

STERNA SUPEECILIARIS var. ANTILLARUM, Coues.

Least Tern.

a. super ciliar is.

Sterna supefrdliaris, Vieilt.., Nouv. Diet, sxxii, 1819, 126; E. M. 350 (Hafi ceja hlanca,
Az., Apunt. iii, 377).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 390.— Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 74.— Sci.. &
Salv., p. Z. S. 1866, 200 (Ucayali); 1867, 593; 1871, 571; 1873, 310.— Eeinh.,
Vid. Med. 1870, 19 (Brazil).

Sterna macnlata, Vieill., E. M. 350 {Hati tachete, Azara).

Sterna argentea, Maxim., Beit, iv, 871.— Bukm., Syst. Uebers. iii, 542; Eeise, ii, 519. —
Pelz., O. B. 325 (Brazil).

b. antillarum.

Sterna minuta, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 80, j)!. 70, f. 2 (uot of Linnaeus and Enropean
writers).— Bp., Syn. 1828, 355.— Aud.. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 175, pi. 319; Syn,
18.39, 321 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 119, 439.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 350.— Putn., Pr. Ess.
Inst. 1; 1856, 221 (Massacbvisetts).

Sterna minuta americana, SuxD., Ofv. K.-A. Forb. 1869, 589 (Porto Rico).

Sterna arcjentea, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834,280.— Bp., List, 1838, 61.— Le6t., Ois. Trinidad, 545.

Siei'nida antillarum, Less., Descr. Mammif. et Ois. 1847, 256.

Sterna antillarum Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1862, 552 (critical).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 390
(Belize).— Coues, Ibis, 1866, 64 (coast of California) —Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad.
1866, 100 (tbe same).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 308 (New England, breed-
ing).- Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (Soutb Carolina).— Coues, Am. Nat.
iii, 1869, 337 (biograpby).— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad, lr'71, 45 (Nortb Carolina,
breeding).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1864, 107 (Sombrero); viii, 1866, 299 (New-
York).— Di? ess., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas).— Gundl., Repert. F. N. i, 1865, 393
(Cnba).— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 571 (Central America).— Ridgw., Ann.
Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 391 (Illinois).

Sternnla melanorhijncha, Less., op. et. loc. cit. (/»?•.).

Sterna freuata, Gamii., Pr. Pbila. Acad, i v, 1848,"l28.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 864.— Wheat.,
Obio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 276.— Coues & Prent., Smitbs. Rep. 1861, 418
(Wasbington, D. C). — Hayd., Rep. 1862 (Mis.souri region). — Allen, Pr. Ess.
Inst, iv, 1864, 90 (Massacbusetts).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39.— Snow, B. Ivans.
1873, 12 (rare).

Sternula frcnata, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 773.

Sterna superciUarla, Cab.,.!, f. O. v, 232 (Cuba).— Coues, Key, 1872, 322 (Nortb America).

Sterna {Sternula) .Hupereiliaris, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 121, No. 11066 (includes botb).

* Since writing tbe foregoing, I bave bad an opportunity of inspecting a line example
of longipennis, tbrougb tbe kind attentions of Dr. Otto Finscb, of Bremen. I fail to see
bow longipennis dift'ers from hirnndo (aucl.) except in tbe more extensively black bill.
It is of exactly tbe same size, proportion of parts, and general aspect. Tbe species (if
it be one) bas given ornitbologists some trouble, apparently ; but tbe only (luestiou
seems to me to be its distinctness from Jdrundo.

S. SUPEECILIARIS VAE. ANTILLARUM, LEAST TERN. 693

DiAG. S. minuUv simiUs cjusdemque staturcc ; sed nropygio conddfjne cum palVw concolori-
' bus, rostro Ireviore, graciUure, rlitd frontuli uiujustiore ; roatro Jiavo, ajjice )tigro, 2)cdibus

flavis.

Hah. — Temperate North America, especially along the Atlantic coast of the United
States, but also on the larger inland waters. Up the Pacific coast to California (Xantus,
Coues). South into the Antilles and Middle America generally. Apparently winters
beyond the United States. (The typical su2)erciUaris iroui South America; Brazil, Para-
guay, &c.)

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 900o,F\atte River; 9007, Loup Fork ; 8999, Yellow-
stone River.

Adult, breeding j^li'tnage. — Bill about as long as the head, slightly exceeding the tarsus
and micldle toe together without the claw ; compressed; only moderately robust; tho
tip very acute, but not much attenuated nor decurved. Culmen straight to the nos-
trils, slightly but equally decurved for the rest of its extent ; commissure curved
throughout; rami concave in outline, shoit; gonys straight, much longer than the
ramus. Nasal groove tolerably wide, but very short, ;iud not deep. Tomia slightly
inflected. Wings of moderate length ; first primary but very slightly longer than the
second ; the rest successively more and more rapidly graduated. Tertials and inner
secondaries very short, reaching in the folded wing only half way to its tip. Tail
rather short, and only moderately forked ; the central rectrices broad, with broadly
rounded tips ; the external pair narrowing rapidly to a very acute tip. Tibiaj bare but
a very short distance. Feet small, short, slender; tarsus equal to middle toe and half
its claw ; of ordinary characters as regards scutellatiou and reticulation. Outer toe
almost or quite as long as the middle, with its claw very much shorter and weaker;
inner toe short, its claw just reaching to the base of the middle claw. Unguis of hal-
lux extremely minute. Webs moderately broad; the outer only slightly, the inner
very considerably, incised.

Bill yellow, its tip for usually an eighth to a fourth of an inch black, but sometimes
altogether yellow. The junction of this black with the yellow is quite straight and
perpendicular, as it does not run oft' on the gonys, uor culmen, nor tomia. Pileum
glossy greenish-black. On the forehead a narrow lunula of white, the posterior border
of which is very concave, the narrow cornua of which extend over the eyes just to
their i)osterior borders. This crescent extends quite to the bill, but is separated from
the white of the cheeks by a narrow line of black, which runs forward as a prolonga-
tion of the pileum, through the eyes, to the extreme tip of the feathers on the side of
the bill. The entire upper parts of the bird, including its rump, nape, upper tail-
coverts, and the rectrices themselves, are pearl-blue, with a considerable tinge of
])lunibe()us. This color extends uudiluted quite to the black pileum, on the sides of
the neck and head fading insensibly into the pure white of the under imrts. The rec-
trices are about the color of the back, only they grow lighter toward their bases, and
their under surfaces, together with the outer web of the first, are nearly white. The
color of the hack extends undiluted to the extreme apices of the secondaries and ter-
tials, but the inner webs of these feathers are basally nearly white. Tho shafts of the
first two primaries are white interiorly, black superiorly; the webs themselves black,
the inner with a coTisiderable space white; this white space separated from the black
by a tolerably distinct Hue of definition, not extending to the tip of the feather. The
other primaries are a considerably darker shade of tbe color of tho back, their inner
wel)s fading into whitish along their borders, which thus become conspicuously mar-
gined with white quite to their tips. Whole under parts, including tho inferior alar
tectrices, i)ure white, without the least wash of i)lumbeous or tinge of rosy. Feet
orange yellow, the claws black.

Toward the middle or latter part of July, the bird above described begins to change,
and, until it has fully coiupleted its autumn moult, its jdumage is as follows:

Adults during the Angu-sl moult. — Bill mostly black, but a greater or less degree of
yellow renuiining. The black pilcuiu has already become variegated with white, the
front being mostly of that color. The u))per parts are as in summer, but there are
indications of the <lusky band that is to appear ahmg the fore-arm. Tail scarcely at
all forked, from wearing away of the central rectrices. A larger number of the pri-
maries are blackish, without a silvery tinge, and this grayish-bhick extends along the
radial edge of the metacarpus to tlu- carpal joint on the feathers of the ala spuria.

At tlie finishing of the moult, we have the —

Adult, uinter plumage. — Bill black ; legs and feet dull yellowish. Forehead and lores
pure white; \t'rtex white, with more or less numerous, narrow, longitudinal Hues of
black; occiput and nape wholly brownish-black, sending forward on each side over
the auriculars, to just in front of the eye, a band of the same. The ui)per i)arts are as
in the adults in summer, but rather darker, and the mantle does not, as iu summer,
extend (luitc; up to the nape, liut leaves .a portion of the neck beliiud white, as are also
the whole under paits. There is a continuous band of gra.\ isli-black along the fore-
arm ; the bend of the wing from the primaries to the carpal joint is also of this color.

694 S. SUPERCILIARIS VAR. ANTILLARUM, LEAST TRRN.

The primaries are ahont as described last. The tail is colored much as in summer, but
the lateral ieiithers have not the elongation that they acquire during that season.

The hnmatitre u-itiUr plumaye, or that of a young bird -which has just conijileted its
first autumn moult, diifers from the above as follows: It is somewbat smaller, with
considerably weaker bill, the basal portions of which are still more or less dirty Hesh-
color. The forehead and vertex are rather giayish-white than i)ure white, and the
brownish-black of the nape is interrupted with light grayish. Tiie uniformity of the
colors of the upper ]iarts is interfered with by the still remaining lighter tips of most
of the feathers, while some may yet retain the brownish subapical sjiots of the avis
liorvoliva. The tail has still some traces of dark subapical spots. It is only in early
winter thnt this particular plumage can be seen, for toward spring the birds are
hardly to be distinguished from the adults.

We have yet to describe the bird-of the-year in July and August, before its first
moult ; the following is the pluusage of the —

Avis hor )wi ill a. — BiW nearly as stout at the base as in the adults, but shorter, more
obtuse, with illy-developed symphyseal eminence; brown.ish-black ; under mandible
basally dull liesh. Frous mostly white ; the vertex and occiput variegated with
brownish-black and white, the former color mostly aggregated into a. post-ocular j)atch.
Dorsum and alar tectrices lightly washed with the pearl-gray of the adults, but the
coutiimity of this color greatly interiupted by hastate or crescentie spots of brown,
which mottle the Avhole upper parts, one or more being on each feather. Primaries
grayish-black, growing lighter from without inward. Their inner webs are bordered
with white, broadest on the outer primary, growing narrower and longeron the others
till, on the inner ones, it goes quite around the tip of the feather on to the outer web;
outer web of first j)riii)ary, and shafts of all the primaries, pure black superiorly, pure
white inferiorly. Tail deeply emarginate, the lateral feathers scarcely elongated ;
pearl-blue, deepening towards the lips of the rectrices into dusky-gray, the extreme
apices again white. Whole under parts pure white. Size scmiewhat less than the adults.

Dimensions of 1}ie adult. — Length, about 9; extent, 20; wing, 0.60; tail 3.50, its fork
1.75; bill along culmen, l.'iO ; depth at base, 0.28; tarsus, O.tiU ; middle toe and claw,
0.72. Youiif/ correspondingly smaller in all dimensions: Length, about 8.50; wing,
6.35 ; tail, 3.25 ; bill down sometimes to 1.

Other variations. — As in all Terns, there is a notable variation in the length and
stoutness of the bill ; but the largest I have seen do not equal those of either viinuta
or siqjerciliaris proper. But v.hen we come to compare tyi)ical siipcrciHaris of South
America with miniita, we find no notable difierence; so that size of the bill can only
be used to distinguish the North American variety of siq)crciJiaris from minxta — not
whole American form from its European representative. In color, the bill of var.
aniillarum usually presents us with a black tip one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch long ;
while in sin)crciruiris the bill is wholly yellow. But, in enumerating the dilierent
points of siqierc.il iaris and aiiliUarnm, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, who separate the two,
have overlooked the tact, which I only lately learned myself, that in a certain percent-
age of antillariim itself the bill is wholly yellow, and that sometimes the bill of siqier-
ciliaris is dark at the ti)).* In examining a great many fresh siiecimens oi' antillarum,

* This is the case, for example, with No. 21082, from the Parana, South America, in
which the bill is yellow, clouded with olivaceous on the under mandible, and with the
tip brownish for nearly a fourth of an inch. The bill is notably longer and larger
than in var. aiitiUarnm — almost 1.40 along culmen, and 0.30 deep at base. The bird is
also larger — the wing 7.15, or about an inch longer than usual in niitinariim.

A specimen of S. nereis, Gould, from New Zealand (No. 60268, Dr. J. Haast), agrees
substantially with Eurojtean minuta, in tlie pearly-gray not extending on the tail, and
large dark-tipped bill. The bill is, however, even stouter, especially deeper at the
base than in minuta, and the general size is jiotably greater; Aving, 7.10; bill 1.25
along culmen, 0.32 deep at base.

S. exiJis of Tschudi (Peru) I have not seen. As understood by Messrs. Sclater and
Salvin (who refer to it S. loricata, Pii. «Sr Landij., Wieg. Arch. 1863, 124, Bay of Arica),
it appears decidedly diflerent from the rest. Without considering the <iuestiou of posi-
tive taxonomic rank, the several forms just mentioned may be thus tabulated :

A. Entirely white below.

a. Pearly of mantle not extending on tail, which is white.

1. Smaller; wing, uuderT; bill, about 0.25 deep at base minuta.

2. Larger; wing, 7 or more; bill, 0.30 or more at base nereis.

h. Pearly of mantle extending uninterrupted on tail.

3. Smaller; wing, under 7; bill, under 1.25, usually black

tipped antillarum.

4. Larger; wing, over 7; bill, over 1.25, seldom black tipped.. supLreiliaris.

B. " Gray " below ; bill very slender, its terminal half black cxilis.

S. SUPERCILIARIS VAR. ANTILLARUM, LEAST TERN. 695

wbich I shot on the Curolina coast in the Lreecliug season, I fonud many with the black
tip reduced to a mere point, and a few without ti'ace of black. This supposed distinc-
tion, therefore, fails as a test, though an average difference in this respect really liolds,
enough perhaps to warrant our recognition of a var. antUlarum, coupled as this charac-
ter is with the notably smaller size, especially of the bill. But I feel quite contident
that I was right in uniting antUlarum specitically with superciliaris, as I did in the
" Key," following Hartlaub, Cabauis, and Gray.

Jniillarttm being referable specifically to superciliaris, which latter has a bill equaling
in size that of minuia of Europe, we are reduced, in separating these two species, to the
character of extent of the pearl-gray mantle of superciliaris over the rump and tail,
which latter parts are in iniuuta pure white, like the belly. In the American bird,
according to my observations, the white frontal lunula at least averages considerably
narrower than that of the European, but this is not a very reliabk' character. I con-
tinue to separate the two speciiically, though there is much to be said in favor of their
merely varietal difference, as held by Sundevall.

The term tuiuuta, used by earlier American writers, being preoccui)ied for the Euro-
pean bird, while sujjerciliaris may perhaps be best restricted to the South American
(where its synonymn argeiitea also belongs); the name aniillarum, Lesson (1847), ante-
dating Gambel's frenata of 1848, may be applied to the North and Middle American
form, as I pointed out in 18<i2. There is no question of its pertinence here, nor that
Lesson's mclanorhyncha is the young of the same.

Although this species is more particularly abundant along the
Atlantic coast, yet its distribution in the interior of the United States,
along the larger water-courses, is more general than has been com-
monly supposed. Dr. Hayden got it in various parts of the Missouri
region, and Prof. Snow has it in his list. It migrates up the Mississippi
from the Gulf, though most of the individuals prefer to pass along the
coast. On the Pacitic side it reaches California. It breeds at various
points all along, and in winter retires far south, as seen by the above
quotations. The best opportunity I have had of studying its habits
occurred to me on the Korth Carolina coast, where it is a summer resi-
dent, from early in April until October, and, except at the height of the
influx of the other kinds, the most abundant Tern of all. It breeds
there in great numbers. A specimen, shot May 17, had then an egg
ready to be laid ; but most of the eggs are deposited toward June, and
duriiig the fore part of that month. The first young birds I noticed
^vere flying June 20; but this was early for them, the broods not being
fairly on wing until the middle of July. During all of May and June,
indeed, there are plenty of immature birds about; but these, it should
be observed, are of the last summer's broods, rendering the conclusion
obvious that at least two years are recpiired to assume the perfect dress.
These birds have the bill black, no black cap or Avhite crescent, slaty
auricuhirs and occiput, dark bar along the iront edge of the wing,
imi»erfectly-colored primaries, and slightly forked tail; thus not possibly
to be confounded with biids of the season, which are curiously varie-
gated with gray-brown and white, and show no pearly-blue. The year-
lings were in i)lenty with the adults at the breeding-grounds; but
whether or not they were paired and had eggs too, was plainly impos-
sible to determine," as Terns' eggs are almost never identified as to the
exact parent, when numbers of the birds arc breeding together, as they
were in this case. The usual number of eggs is two, not three, and
often oidy oiu' is laid ; they do no not average over IJ by 1 inch. The
eggs here were laid on the pebbly shingle Just back of the beach, among
the sand-dunes, and were dei)osited on the bare ground all around, in a
scarcely pcrcejjtible depression, or nt)iu' at all. During the season the
air is lilh-d with the shrill ciies of the birds winging overhead ; they are
fearless in attempted defence of their charge, often dashing down
Avilhiu a few feet of one's head. The eggs are very dillieult to lind, even
wlieii numerous, as they are colored much like their surroundings. The

6^JG SIERNA ALEUTICA, ALEUTIAN TERN.

ground color varies from clear, pale greeuisb-wliite to pale dull drab or
olivaceous. The markings are numerous, and generally distributed,
tbougb they frequently tend to wreathe around the large end, especially
when they are of large size; they consist of small splashes, irregular
spots, and mere dots of clear brown of several shades, together with
numerous pale, ill-defined lilac or gray shell-markings.

STERNA ALEUTICA, Bd.
Aleutian Tern.

Sterna alevtica, Bd., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 321, pi. 31, f. 1.— Dall & Bann., iMd. 307

(Kodiak).— CouES, Key, 1872, 322.
Sterna " camtschatica, Pall.," Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 85 (Alaska).

DiAG. S. rostro, pedihus, vcrtice, nucha, et fascia fraitsoculari, niyris ; lunula front alt, guld,
(jen'iH ctcaudd, alius ; corpore fjriseo-plumheo, suhtus dilutiore, niagis pei-laceo ; magnitudine
circiter S. macrurw.

Hah. — Aleutian Islands. (Kodiak.)

Adult— {'^o. .52517, Mns. Smiths. ; Kodiak, June 12, 1868. The type of the species.)
The bill has the usual shape, as in hirutido, macrura, &c. It is entirely black. The feet
are small, as in the species just named, but depart somewhat from the typical condi-
tion of this genus in having the Avebs more deeply incised. The emargiuation is not so
great, however, as in the genus Hydrochelidon. It is much as in Hnliplana. The tibite
are bare to the usual extent. The wings and tail are exactlj^ as in Sterna jirojier, the
latter, in its length and depth of fork, recalling macrura and forstcri. The crown and
nape are black ; there is a large white frontal crescent, the horns of which reach to the
posterior border of the eyes, ttie convexity of which extends into the nasal fossie, the
concavity of which is opposite the anterior border of the eyes. It is thus seen to be
broader than in most species similarly marked. The black vertex sends through the
eye a band that crosses the cheeks and reaches the bill just posterior to the point of
greatest extension of the feathers on the latter. The chin, auriculars, and other parts
of the head bordering this vitta below, are pure white, preseutly deepening insensibly
into the hue of the under parts. The tail is wholly pure white; no pearly wash on
either vane of any of the feathers. The upper parts at large are of a dark pearl-graj',
with a dull leaden line, difl'ereut from the clear pearly of macrura, &-c., yet not of the
smoky cast ot'2)ana)jcnsis, &c. ; it is a tint intermediate between these, that I tiud diffi-
cult to name satisfactorily. The whole under parts, from the white of the chiu,
just noticed, to the under tail-coverts, are of a paler and more decidedly pearly tint
of the same color, more nearly as in full-plumaged macrura, yet more grayish. Both
under and i;pper tail-coverts are, like the tail, white. The color of the back mounts
on the neck behind to the black of the nape without intervention of white. The under
wing-coverts and the edge of the wing are pure white ; so also are all the shafts of the
primaries. The primaries are blackish lead-color, with silvery hoariness, aud each with
a large white space on the inner web. This white space on the first primaiy occupies
at the base the whole width of the inner web, but grows narrower toward the tip of
the feather, ending about an inch from the tip, which is wholly blackish lead-color,
as just described, this color running down as a narrow margining of the inner vane for
two inches or more. On the other prin)aries successively this white space diminishes
in size, and is also less distinctly detined. The secondaries are colored much like the
back, but the greater part of the inner web of all is white, and there is a narrow
oblique touch of white on the outer web near its end, which forms a bar across the
wing when closed.

Dimensions. — Bill along culmen, 1.40; along gape, 1.70; height at base, 0.30; length
of gonys, 0.80; wing, 9.75; tail, 6.50; depth of fork, about 2.40; tarsus, 0.60; middle
toe alone, 0.80 ; its claw, nearly 0.30.

No special comparison with any other known species is required.

This Tern, recently described (as above), is Lnteresting in several respects. It is
singular that so strongly mai'ked a species should have remained so long unnoticed,
but we iind no indication of it in the names or descriptions of previous writers. It
gives us a new style of coloration for North American species. At hrst sight it sug-
gests species of Ilaliplana, without, however, presenting anything like the special
coloration of the type of that subgenus, fuliginosa. It more nearly resembles the paler-
colored species of the genus, as panayensis for example ; and, again, comes nearer still
to certain southern forms of what are usually rated as Sterna projjcr ; for instance, S.
lunata, Peale. The black bill and feet, white frontal lunula, dullness of the upper
parts, &L(i., which suggest Halijjlana, are supplemented by an apx)roach to that genus

STERNA ALEUTICA, ALEUTIAN TERN. 697

from another direction, viz, the deep incision of the webs, which is as well marked
])erhaps as iu H. fttliginosa, but which evidently I'alls short of the requiiemeuts of Hy-
(hochelidon iu this respect. With all this mimetic resemblance to several species of a
ditferent group, »S'. ahufica cannot be severed from tLose of Sterna proper. The species
of Haliplana are white below, and have the tail more or less similarly colored with
the upper parts ; iS'. ahittica, like macrura and its allies, is strongly washed on the under
parts with a diluted tint of the sinie color as the upper parts, the tail remaining pure
white, in strong contrast.

The ditferences between H. fnUgitiosa and one of the typical Sferna', as hirundo for
example, are strongly marked, and were only this species to be taken into considera-
tion, it might seem advisable to separate it geuerically ; but investigation of inter-
mediate forms shows the propriety of retaining Haliphiiia to be very (luestiouabie.
From the extreme of form and pattern of coloration that fidUjinona shows, there are
easy gradations toward Sterna proper through panayeiisis, and certain species, usually
called Sterna, as infuseala, liinata, and perhaps other exotics with which I am not well
ac(][Uainted, these being referable to either genus with e([ual propriety. Finally,
another strong link is afforded by this »S'. aleuticu, which is unquestionably a Sterna, yet
leans in the direction oi HalipJana in certain points both of form and coloration.

At present only the original specimen of this species is known. It is in mature,
doubtless breeding plumage, having been shot iu June. In winter the species may be
expected to differ in wanting the pure black of the crown, which may then be largely
replaced by white, obscuring the outlines of the frontal lunula. The stripe through
the eye will probably be retained ; so will some black upon the occiput. The general
colors will be paler, the wings more canesceut. Young birds will differ iu imperfec-
tion of the head markings, much as just suggested ; the bill and feet may be iu part
light colored ; the under parts pure white.

Since the foregoing was penned, three more specimens have come to hand, from the
same region as the type, and are exactly like it. Dr. Fiusch's determination that the
species is camtschatica of Pallas, is open to grave doubt ; I cannot make such an ideuti-
ficatiou, after careful examination of Pallas's description.

Subgenus Haliplana, Wagl.

< Sterna, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 605, et aVup

= Otnjehoprioii, Wagl., Isis, 18:52, xJ77. {Sterna serrata, Forst.)

= rianetis, Wagl., Isis, 1^2, 1222 (type — f).

=^ HaUpluna, Wagl., Isis, \ri\V2, 12-24. {S. fuliginosa, Gm.)

= Haltplunes, apud Blas., List 13. Eur. 1802, 22.

^ A nous, Lkss., Descr. Mammif. et Ois. 1847, 2.55, nee Leach.

<^ Hi)dri)eheUdon, Bp., List, 1838, (il, partlm ; nee Boxe.

= Titahofsipora, BoiE {fide Gkay ; type given as " hifuscata, LiCHT.").

= Melanosterna, Bl. (Jide Guay).

Gen. char. Bill as long as the head, scarcely exceeded by the tarsus and middle too
together, staight, stout at the base, where it is nearly as broad as high, but tapering;
the tip rather acute. Culmen broad, especially at the base, and but slightly convex ;
gonys straight, ascending, making the commissure scarcely at all decurved ; the rami
slightly convex ; the eminentia symphysis obtuse and little developi'd ; the tomia of
both mandibles intlected. Nasal groove long and deep, but rather irregularly deliiied,
terminating beyond the middle of the bill; the nostrils more anterior than iu Sterna,
though not so much so as in Anous. Outline of feathers on bill as in Sterna. Wings
exceedingly long, iiointed, but the first primary ,sc;acely longer than the second. Tail
very long, very deeply forked, as iu Sterna, but the feathers broader and stiller, and
uot so regularly tapering. Feet moderately long, the tibia' denuded for a consider-
able distance; toes all short, the inner extremely so; the middli;, with its claw,
scarcely longer than the tarsus, which is of moderate length, slender. The webs mod-
erately broad, the outer very lightly, the inner more deeply incised. Of moderate
size and slender, graceful form. Bicolor. Characters of mouth as iu Stcriiina' gen-
erally. Trachea of small calibre tlatt(Mied above, but soon becoming (piite cylindrical.
Lower larynx very small, its miiscics h'ebli',. Bronchial half-rings very delicate, but
distinct from the fust, which is as usual larger and stronger. Zone of pioventricular
glands unusually narrow. llep;iti(^ and cystic ducts very short, (.'(cca * minute,

• I cannot reconcile Audubon's description of the organs of digestion with the results
obtained by my own sealjiel. In the s]ie(imeiis examined the o'sophagns was not
" within the thorax dilated into an enormous .sac," nor were its walls "extiemely thin,
BO as to be memiiranons and transparent." The organ in (inestion was of pretty uni-
form calibre throughout, and as muscular as in any other T<>rn. There must have
existed in Audubon's specimen a temporary and accidental dilation, as might readily
be th(^ case. I cannot account for the dllVereiice in length of co-ca as given by him,
and as 1 hav(> foniul. In my specimens the i(eca, instead of being like those of tho
Lealridbw, are exceedingly short, aud strictly sternine in character.

698 STERNA FTTLIGINOSA, SOOTY TERN.

scarcely two-tenths of an iuch long. Rectum extremely sliort. Cloaca Iprge and
globular. Kidneys only divided into three or four lobes.

This subgenus iu many respects is allied to Anous, apparently connectieg the two sec-
tions Sternal and AnoHa-, though uuquestiouably belonging to the former. Its essential
features lie in the shape of the bill, position of the nostrils, «fcc. In pattern of color-
ation there is a considerable deviation from the ordinary type. There are few notice-
able anatomic-il points, the chief being the sleuderuess of the trachea, weaknes of the
lower larynx, and narrowness of the proventricular zone.

Three names proposed for the genus are by the same author and bear the same date.
In this instance it seems to be a matter of choice which to adopt; and, although Huli-
2)hinu is instituted several pages after Onyclwprion and Flanetis, I prefer to adopt it, as
its type is the well-known S.fidif/inosa, and as it is the most euphonious.

Until recently but a single species of the section was known to inhabit North Amer-
ica. Mr. G. N. Lawrence introduced the Central American anosthcvta {''discolor") into
our fauna, by virtue of specimens in his cabinet from Mr. Audubon's collection, labeled
as having been taken iu Florida. It appears to be a common bird of the Central
American coast and islands.

The following analytical table will serve to distinguish the two North American
species of the section — H. luiiuta, Peale, not an inhabitant of North America, being in-
troduced for further comparison:

Common characters. — Bill and feet black. Under i>arts and a frontal lunula white.

I. Back like crown.

1. Above, deep brownish-black fidiginosa.

II. Back not like crown ; crown black.

2. Back deep suioky-gray ava'stheta.

:i. Back light pearl-gray lanata.

STEEis^A (HALIPLANA) FULIGINOSA, Gm.

Sooty Tern.

Sta-na fuVujhtosa, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, COS.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 804 (Buff., viii, 34.5;
Sooty Tern, Arct. Zool. ii, No. 447; Gen. Syn. vi, 352, &.C.). — WiLS., Am. Orn.
viii, 1814, 145, pi. 72, f. — .— Bp., Syn. 1828, 355.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 284.—
Ai:d., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 263; v, 1839, 641 ; pi. 235; Syn. 1839, 317; B. Am,
vii, 1844, 90, pi. 432.— Cab., J. f. O. v, 233 (Cuba).— Lawii., B. N. A. 1858. 861.—
Cass., Orn. U. S. Ex. Exp. 1858, 386.— Haktl., Ibis, 1859, 350 (f Red Sea).— Buy.,
Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859, 134 (Bahamas). — Allen, Pr. Ess.. Inst, iv, 1864,90 (Mas-
sachusetts, breediug). — Dress., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas). — Taylok, Ibis, lt:r64, 172
(St. Thomas).— SuA'D., Ofv. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1869, 589 (St. Bartholomew).—
Haktixg, Br. B. 1872, 169 (Tutbury, England, Moseley, N. H. Tutb. 110 ;
Hartijsg, The Field, June 26, 1869 ; Zool. 1869, p. 1867).

Sterna {Oniichopriou) fulUj'mosa, Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 242 (Tuibury, England ; quotes
Brow N, Zool. 1853, 3755 ; Yark., Br. B. 3d ed. 542).

Sterna {Huliplanen) fuVKjinosa, Blas., List B. Eur. 22 (quotes Magdeburg, Naum., v, 412).

Sterna {Halijjlana) fnlUjinosa, CoUES, Key, 1872, 322.

Onycho^mon fiiliginosa, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 277. — Gould, lutrod. B. Aust. 1848, 113; B.
Au8t. pi. 32.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 144 (Ascension Island).— ScL. & Salv., P.
Z. S. 1871, 572 (Middle America).

Haliplana fuH(jinom,\N AGJ-., Isis, 1832, 1224. — Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772.— CouES, Pr.
Phiia. Acad. 1862, 556 (critical).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 392 (Honduras).— Salv.,
Ibis, 1866, 200 (the same).— Gundl., Rep. F. N. i, 1865, 393 (Cuba).— Coues, Pr.
Ess. Inst. V, 1868, 309(?Mass.achusetts, breeding).— Coues, Pr.Phila. Acad. 1871,
46 (North Carolina). — Lawr., Anu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 184 (Nicaragua). — Allen,
Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 644 (occurrence in Massachusetts denied by Dr. Brewer).

BydrochelUlon fulUjhiosiim, Bp., List, 1838, 61. — Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 433.

Sterna serrata, Forst., Descr. An. ed. Licht. 1844, 276.

OnyclioprioH serrata, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 277.

Halijjlana serrata, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772.

Sterna (juttata, FoRST., Descr. Au. ed. Licht. 1844, 211. {Juv.)

Anous Vherminieri, Less , Descr. Mammif. et Ois. 1847, 255 (Antilles). {Juv.)

Sterna melanoptera, Sw. {fide Blas.).

Sterna (joiildii, Reich, {fide Gray).

Sterna luetuosa, Phil. &. Landb., Wieg. Arch. 1866, 120 {fide SCL. & Salv.).

Sterna fuli(jinosa var. aissalis, Bd., apud Lawr., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (Socorro).

DiAG. S. hicolor, corporc supra, rostro, pedihus renmjihusquc nigris, infra cum rcctrice late-
rali nisi in apice, albis ; rittdfronfali alhd,freno per lora ducto nif/ro. Juv. eorpore toto
trunveo-nigro, suhtus dilvtiore, dorso transversimrufo-undulato, ahdomine crissoque griseo-
alhis, tectricibus alarum albo-terminatis.
Hob. — Warmer parts of the world. South Sea Islands. Australia. Red Sea(?).

STERNA FULIGINOSA, SOOTY TERN. 699

Casual in Europe (as above). Asceusion Island {CoUingivood, Zool. 980; Sperling, Ibis,
18G8, 286). South America to Chili {Phil. & Landh.). Middle America aud various West
Indian i&lands. Pacific coast of Mexico (Socorro, Graynon). In North America on the
South Atlantic aud Gulf coast : north reguharly only to the Carolinas ; casually to Penn-
sylvania (Chester Countj', Barnard, in lit., Baird) ) extension to New England denied.

Adult in spring pluviage. — With the form, &c., as already detailed under head of the
subgenus. Bill black. Legs and feet black. Claws black. Iris dull red. Ou the fore-
head is a broad lunula of white, the cornua of which extend backward over the eye to
about opposite its middle ; its convex borders separated from the white of the lower
part of the cheeks by a straight rather broad band of brownish-black, which extends
from the eye obliquely downward and forward to the bill. The entire upper parts are
black, dee^j and uniform, with considerable of a greenish gloss, specially noticeable on
the crown. Entire under parts from chin to end of inferior tail-coverts, sides of the
head below the eye, sides of the ueck more than half way around, with inferior alar
tectrices, \)nv6 white. Primaries deep brownish-black, lighter ou the inner webs ; their
shafts superiorly light brown, interiorly white. Secondaries like the primaries, but
the greater part of their inner webs whitish. Tail glossy brownish-black above, duller
below ; the elongated exterior rectrices white, with white shafts, deepening into black-
ish toward the extremities, principally of their inner webs.

Young-of-the-year. — Smaller than the adults, the bill esiiecially much smaller and
weaker. Upper mandible black; the under dull reddish, deeper toward the tip; eyes
and feet dull reddish. The entire plumage is of a nearly uuiform brownish or grayish
fuliginous ; darker on the upper jjarts ; still deeper ou the primaries, where it is almost
black ; lighter on the under parts, so much so as to fade on the abdomen into grayish-
white. The superior alar tectrices aud the scapulars are all broadly tipped with white,
which gives a very peculiar spotted aspect to the parts. The feathers of the back,
rump, and upper tail-coverts, are all margined and tipped with dull rufous, which
causes these parts to present a remarkable transversely-waved appearance. The tail
is uniformly of much the same color as the wings, all the rectrices fading toward their
apices into dull brownish. It is simply emarginate, instead of being deeply forked
the lateral rectrices having but a slight elongation.

Dimensions of the adult. — Average length, about IG.iSO; extent of wings, 33 to 35. Wing
from the carpus, 12 ; tail, 7 to 7.50 ; depth of fork, 3. to 3.50. Bill along culnien, l.b'O ;
along commissure, 2.50 ; frotn feathers on side of lower mandible, 1.90 ; height at base
0.50. Tibiio bare, 0.70 ; tarsus, 1 ; middle toe and claw, 1.20 ; outer ditto, 1.05 ; inner
ditto, 0.75 ; hallux and its claw, 0.30.

This species is too well known, and too distinct from any other of North America, to
require any further description or comparison. The plunmge of the young, above de-
tailed, is very peculiar, and interesting as being a stare upon which one or two nominal
species have been founded. It is very different from that of the adults. As the bird
in this condition grows older the abdomen and under parts generally become lighter
at the same time that the upper portions of the body deepen in color. The rufous
margins of the feathers of the back and the white tips of the alar tectrices gradually
disappear, and the white front begins to make its appearance. The lateral feathers of
the tail acciuire length and tenuity and become whitish. While the bird is undergo-
ing these changes it has also been characterized by some authors as a distinct species.

A specimen from Socorro (No. 508G1, A. J. Grayson), aud another from Isabella
Island, are different in some respects from anj' others I have seen. The under parts
from the middle of the belly backward, including the tail-coverts, are distinctly washed
over with clear, pale slate-gray, which appears in striking contrast to the pure white
of the re.st of the under parts. The line of demarcation of the two colors is evident. I
Lave not specimens enough to say whether this is a constant feature of the birds from
that locality. This is the ibrm named var. crissalix, as above.

A large suite of specimens from various Pacitic localities, in the Smith.sonian, col-
lected by the United States lixploring Expedition, shows me no characters by which a
second species may be distiuguished iiomfuliginona.

Anatomical characters. — The mouth presents but slight variations from the ordinary
type. Median ridge commeiucs an inch and a fpiarter from the tip; is brt)ad aud not
very proniiiu-nt; small ol)tMse pa]iilhe- are thinly scattered over its whole surface.
Lateral ridges are somewhat sinuate, and extend backward hardly beyt)nd tlie termina-
tion of the median ridge. They are thickly jiapillate. Opening of posterior nares
three-fourths of an inch long. Palate jtosteriorly considerably saulted ; tiie oval aper-
turi! at its extremity short ; the obli(ine fringe of papilhi- that proceed ou eiiliei- side
short and slightly developed. 'I'his portion of the miuUh is marked with <lelicato
oblii|ue striic. There are several folds ot uuuons meud)raue at th(< angle of I hi- month.
Tongue one and a quarter inches long: very acnti-, corneous on its anterioi two-thirds;
its posterior extremity obtusely emarginate, thickly papillate. Iviina glottidis one-fourth
long; situate rat iier more tiian this distance from the base of the tongue; its edges
smooth, t<'iininaily pa])illate, and tiiese p;iitilla' e.\ten<l for some dislanei^ on either siiU'.

(Esojdiagus between five and six inches long, including the proveiitriculus; present-

700 STEENA FULIGINOSA, SOOTY TERN.

ing the ordinary characters as to muscularity aud dilatability ; of pretty uniform
calibre throughout. The gastric zone is very narrow, less than half an inch. The
mucous membrane differs but little iu color from that of the resophagus, but is some-
what darker, with broader and more irregular rug;e, and presents the usual soft, vel-
vety, vascular appearance. The gigerium is situate far back, aud turns a little to the
rigiit from the line of the cesophagus. It measures when empty about one l>y one and
a half inches, presenting the usual constriction at its neck. Its cuticular lining is
thrown up into numerous longitudiual ruga>, except over the tendons of the musculi
lateralcs, where there is a smooth button formed.

The duodenal fold is short, only about IJ inches ; just at its termination the intestine
receives the hepatic, cystic, and pancreatic ducts, the latter piercing the intestine be-
tween the two former. All are quite short and open near each other. The liver is of
ordinary size, the right lobe nearly double the size of the left. The two are loosely
connected by a fibrous band, but little if any of the glandular substance being inter-
posed. Gall-bladder present, of ordinary size and shape. The kidneys measure one
and a half long by about one in breadth. Each is divided into three or four lobes, of
which the superior are strictly reniform, the inferior nearly rectangular, the median
irregularly oval and elongated.

The intestines measure about sixteen inches from pylorus to anus. The creca are
extremely sliort, only about two-tenths in length ; oval in shape. Rectum short, only
about half an inch long. The cloaca large and globular. It is fully described, witli
the oviduct, infra.

The trachea is about four inches long, consisting of from ninety to ninety-five rings.
It is weak and thin, and of small calibre throughout. Sujieriorly it is very Hat, but
about an inch from the larynx becomes almost perfectly cylindrical, and continues so
for the rest of its length. The lower larynx is extremely small and delicate, compara-
tively nuire so than iu other species ; its cartilage appears softer and less dense. ltd
anterior wall is very short, scarcely one-tenth of an inch. Its anterior inferior ai)ex
aud lateral inferior augles are very prominent and acute, the edges between them con-
cave, as is also the posterior wall. The lateral bronchial apertures are narrow. The
bronchial half-rings are about twenty-six in number, delicate, but quite distinct up
to the first one, which, as usual, is larger and stronger than the rest. The laryngeal
aud tracheal muscles are as in the other species, but small and weak.

The following descri2)tiou of the ovaries, oviduct, aud cloaca of this species was
taken from a perfect female, obtained iu 1858, at Bird Keys, Florida :

The condition of the oigans show that the bird was takeu while these were at their
period of full activity. The left ovary, the oue developed, as usual, contains a large
quantity of ova, the majority of which are of the size of a pin-head. Five or six, how-
ever, have attained the size of peas, aud hangout from the rest of the mass upon long,
slender, well-developed pedicles. Upon the largest of these the vessels are distinctly
visible, ramifying over its surface, and conve ging toward the white zone, already
well marked, which indicates the place where the envelope is to be ruptured for the
exclusion of the ovum. A calyx larger than any of the others has been emptied of its
contents, and hangs by a very long pedicle in a shrunken, collapsed condition. The
line of rupture is quite straight and smooth, extending over somewhat less than u,
third of the circumference of the envelope, and is located on that part directly oppo-
site to the i)edicle. The walls are quite thick, aud have a fibrous feel between the
fingers, but they are delicate and easily torn. Their internal surface is soft and per-
fectly smooth, and studded everywhere with minute puncta. The pedicle is about an
eighth of an inch long.

The oviduct measures, when outstretched, about ten inches in length. In situ, how-
ever, its length is only from the anus to the extremity of the kidneys, a distance of
about two and a half inches. It is consequently nuich convoluted. Its two extremi-
ties are widelj- diverse iu appearance, the upper being so delicate and attenuated that
it can hardly be examine*! except under water, while near the cloaca it is a stout,
thick, muscular tube, half an irch in diameter. For two or three inches it is simidy
a very delicate membrane, upon which no structure is recognizable by the naked eye
beyond a few slender, muscular fasciculi, arranged chiefly in a longitudinal direction.
The tube then becomes quite abruptly thicker and stouter, and its lining membrane is
thrown up into well-marked longitudinal ruga-, which have a good deal the appear-
ance of the ordinary O'sophageal folds. Tliey are, however, more irregular and convo-
luted, and no one i'old extends the whole length of this portion of the tube, they sub-
siding into the level of fi e canal at various places, and being interrupted by numerous
transverse depressions. They cannot be nuuh- entirely to di.'-appear by stretching the
membrane transversely. On this portion of the duct, which is about four inches iu
length, both ciicnlar aud longitudiual muscular fibres are very apparent. Beyond
this the tube, ibr a short distance, again becomes more delicate, resembling somewhat
the superior portions, but with the longitudinal ruga' still distinct. It then resumes
the jjhysical characters of the second ])ortion, until within an inch and a half of its
termination, where both the luucous aud muscular coats undergo a total change. The

STERNA AN^STHETA, BRIDLED TERN. 701

former is greatly increased in tliickness, so as to give great contractile power to this
jiortiou of the duct, enabling it to expel the fully-formed egg. Simultaneously with
this increase of the muscular parietes, the longitudinal rugte become vastly augmented
in size, and lose their straight character. They become highly convoluted and irregu-
lar, and in the uudilated state of the parts present, on cutting into the tube, the
appearance of numerous, waved, flattened folds, pressed closely together side by
side. The aggregate thickness of these mucous ruga; and the muscle together, make
the diameter of the tube scarcely less than half an inch. The liniug of this portion
of the canal is parti-colored, being variegated with irregular patches of black.

The cloaca is, as usual in the family, very ca^jacious, and of a globular shape. Ine
two portions into which it is divided are better marked than in any other species I
have examined. The semicircular fokl of mucous membrane is very distinct, and
the part beyond it is deepened into a perfect pouch or bursa, the orifice of which can
be closed by the a])positiou of the elevated fold of mucous membrane against the
posterior border of the anus. Just above this fold the ureters open upon papilla; in
the usual position. To the left of the left orifice, on the side of the cloaca, is the
opening of the oviduct, ordinarily tightly closed by a spincter, whicli produces puck-
ering and corrugation of the membrane around the orifice, similar to those caused by
the spincter ani.

Synonymy. — The Atlantic references to this bird are comparatively few and definite,
there being scarcely a synonym excepting Anons Vherminieri, Less., and this unques-
tionably belongs here. His bird was from the Antilles, and the description is appli-
cable in every particular to the characters of the very young bird above described.
There are, however, a considerable number of Pacific quotations which will bear dis-
cussion. We may first state that 6'. serrata of Forster (the basis of Onychoprion, Wagl.),
is undoubtedly founded upon the adult of this species. Forster's guttata is also, no
doubt, a synonym of the young of this species, in the curiously spotted condition of
earlj- immaturity, yet with the white front and whitish under parts appearing. The
S. oahucnsis of Bloxham is uncertain ; it may have been either this or the succeeding
species. I quote several other names, of which I know nothing mj'self, upon authority
cited with each.

STEEXA (HALIPLANA) AN^STHETA,* Scop.

Bridled Tern.

(?) Sterna. niiMom, Sparrm., Mus. Carls, pi. 62 {fide Sund.).— Suxd,, Ofv. Vet. Ak. Forh.

1869, 589 (St. Bartholomew.) (= S. hoysii, var. y, Lath.)
Sterna anosthirta, Scop, (ex SoNX., Voy. pi. 84 ; Panay).
Sterna (IlaUplana) anostluvta, Coi'KS, Key, 1872, :i22.

EydroeluUdon {UaUplana) anoathatm, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 122, No. 11080.
Sterna panayensis, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 607 (ex L'hirondellc de mer de Visle de Panay,

SoNX., /. c. p. 125).
Tfaliplana panayensis, Salv., Ibis, 1864, 381, 392 ; ihid. 1866, 199 (Honduras).
Onychoprion panayensis, ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 572 (Middle America).
S*crna panaya, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 808 (same as panayensis, Gm.).
Onychoprion panaya, Gouu), B. Aust. vii, pi. 33.
IJaliplana pu)iayu, CouES, Ibis, 1864, 391 (Honduras).
{1)Sterna antarctica, C\:v.,fidc Gray et Blas. (Bp. says = fuUginosa).
(l) Sterna oahuensis, Blox., Voy. Bloudo, 1826, 251, fide Gray et Blas. (Cass, days =

fnVuiinosa).
Haliplana discolor, CouKS, Ibis, 1864, 392 (Honduras). — Lawu., Auu. Lye. N. Y. viii, 105

(Sombrero). — Eijt.iot, B. N. Am. ii, pi. 57. (May be a fair variety.)
Sterna " mtlanoptcra, Sw.,'' apnd Gray (15las. says =^fnUyinosa).
Sterna " in/uscata, Rupp. ; fuliyinosa et /Hii(/tt/a, "Licht. ;" apud Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 81.

DiAG. S. supra cincreo-hrunnea, alls cinereo-nitjris, rectricihus ejrtcriorihus duahns fere ex
toto albis, pdvo niyro, ccrvice ex alhido cinerasccntc, lunula J'rontali alba, anyustatd, post
oculos pon-ectd, freno nigro per oculos in fronleni extretnani extenso.

Ilab. — Warmer parts of the globe. Originally described from the Philiiii)ine Islands.
Australia. Middle America. West Indies. Florida (spec, in cab. G. X. L., so labeled
by Audubon). The American may be varietally distinguishable.

Description (from an adult Florida s])ecinien, received from Mr. Audubon, in the
cabinet of G. N. Lawrence) : Form typical of the genus, as already described. Bill
and feet black. Crown, and a moderately broad stripe through the eyes to the nostrils,

*I have not seen tlie original, which Gray cpiotes as " <uii)slh<ilus ; " but if, as I jjre-
sume, the word is allied to aininthcKia, anasthitic, in allusion to an apparent stolidity of
temper of the bird, this spelling is evidently more nearly correct.

702 STERNA ANiESTHETA, BRIDLED TERN.

black. Tli<> frontal -white lunula, is narrower than fiil'nihwsa, of about the same width
as in lunciUf, au<l, as in tliat species, extends some distance beliind the eye, which is not
the case \u fulif/hiosa. The black pilenni is, on the nape, sharply detined against ashy-
white, which, as it proceeds backward, gradually deepens int-o the cinereous-brown,
which is the prevailing color of the upper parts. The wings, and especially the prima-
ries, are darker than the rest of the upper parts, and have scarcelj^ a shade of cinereous ;
the tail, with jts coverts, however, is much lighter and more ashy, approaching the
nape in color. The primaries, as in luitata, have well-detined, pure white spaces run-
ning for a considerable distance from their bases along the inner web, while in
fnl'Kjinona the inner webs are simply grayish-brown, with no well-marked pictura. A
large part of the inner webs of the secondaries and tertials are also white. All the
under wing-coverts are pure white. The central tail feathers are, as already described,
brownish-ashy, concolor with their coverts. The lateral on'«s have much white toward
their bases, especially on the inner webs, and this increases on each feather .success-
ively to sn(;h an extent that the next to the outer one is wholly white except a small
space at its tip, while the outermost is entirely white. In ftdif/inosa only the outer-
most one is white. (Compare descriptions.) The shafts cf the primaries are brownish-
black above, white beneath ; of the rectriccs, dark along the cinereous, and white
along other portions of the feathers. Below the bird is entirely pure white.

Dimevnions. — Length, 14 to 15 inches ; wing, from the carpus, 10. fit); tail, G to 7;* bill,
L4U to 1.(10 ; height at base, 0.35 to 0.40 ; width, slightly less ; tarsus, 0.85 : middle toe
the same, with the claw 1.20; outer toe and claw, 1.00; inner, 0.75. These measure-
ments, it will be seen, are intermediate between those of fuUfiinosa and liiiuda.

Immature plumafie. — A specimen (No. 11394, Nicaragua, Oct., 1858, Dr. CahhveJl),
probably a bird of the tirst year, is slightly smaller, as would have been expected, but
m form is the same. The differences in the plumage are : The black of the pileum is
imperfect, largely mixed with white on the vertex, so that it fades insensibly into the
white of the lunula, which latter is thus obscured. The black frenum is corre pond-
iugly imperfect. The upper parts are ])aler and grayer, some of the leathers being
margined with whitish. The lateral rectrices are not wholly white. The under parts
are pure white, as before. This is probably not the youngest plumage (of which I
have yet to see specimens, that may perhaps be all dusky, white-spotted, like fidifi hi osa),
but rather represents a plumage that closely resembles, if it be not identical with, the
ordinary winter plumage of the adult.

This bird scarcely requires comparison with fidiginosa. The light ashy-white nape ■
and hind neck ; the black cap contrasting with the color of the back, besides being
separated by the whitish cervix ; the wings darker than the back ; the amount of white
on the tail ; the narrowness and length of the frontal lunule ; the differently-shaped
bill and the smaller size, at once distinguish it. The species in fact comes nearer houda,
Peale, a rather dark-colored species, in which the crown and back are also conspicu-
ously different from each other in color. S. linuda, however, is a smaller bird, with a
grayish-plumbeous mantle, more nearly as in ty])ical Stcriuv. It is well described and
ligured by Mr. Cassin in the Ornithology of the United States Exploring Expedition.

Sipioiiymy. — In 1864 I reached, by some devious ])ath I do not now remember, the
conclusion that panaijvnsis, Gm. (or panaya, Lath.), were rather referable to fidUj'nwba
than to this species ; but upon reconsideration of the subject, I see that the less said on
this score the better. It was upon this erroneous consideration that I i)roposed the
term discolor, not that I desired to separate the American bird from that of other
regions. The names of Gmelin and Latham are current for the species, but they are
based upon Sonuerat (as above), and upon the same basis appears the name "(owsiha;-
<i(.s" (as given by Gray), which has priority. Sundevall, indeed, finds a still earlier de-
signation in vubdo-va, "Sparmni., Mus. Carls, t. 62." This I have not been able to look
np, but as there seems to be some uncertaintj' about it, it maj^ be best held in check.
Thus Gray, in the Hand-list, gives "nubdo.sa, Sparmm., M."C. t. 63," as a synonym of
No. 11082 {" infiiscata, Licht."); while in 1863, in his List of British Birds, he has a
"nehidosa, Sparmm., M. C. t. 63," under Sterna canfiaca, t Gm. Without th(s work before
me, I can only presume that Suudevall's quotation of "t. 62" is pi. 62, and that Gray's
'^ ncbulom" is a slip for nubdosa.

In not adopting this name nubdosa for the present species, I .am influenced by the
following considerations : There appears to be another very closely-related species, or
rather variety, and it is uncertain to which one of the two nubdosa belongs. This
species is given by Gray, No. 11082, as ^'infuscata, Licht.," and put in a dittereut sub-
genus. There are in the Smithsonian two specimens which I take to be this species :
one. No. 57093, from the Schliitter collection, marked " Sterna fuscata, $, ad., Insel
Candia;" and another. No. 28475, marked "Bengal," but without further labeling.

* But the length of the tail, as in all Terns, varies very greatly, according to the age
of the elongated lateral feathers. A discrepancy of several inches is by no means
unusual in this subgenus and in Sterna.

t Latham quotes " nubdosa, M. C. t. 63, pullus," as a synonym of his S. boysU var. y.

STERNA LUNATA, PEALE'S TERN. 703

These two are the same bird, auil I presume them to be the " infuscafa, Licht.," of
Gray's Hand-list, though I have no meaus of satisfying myself that such is the case.
These birds run extremely close to the subject of the present article (my former dis-
color)— too close to be specifically separated, though a geographical variety is indicated.
The bill is much slenderer, only 0.30 high at the base. The frontal lunula reaches but
little beyond the eyes, instead of nearly half an inch behind them ; the loral black
stripe is narrower. The black cap is separated from the smoky-gray back by a very
narrow, sharp, cervical collar, instead of a more gradual change. Only the outer tail
feather is mostly white, instead of the two outer. The size of equally adult specimens
is noticeably less — wing about 9.75 instead of 10.50. Now there is no reasonable doubt
that Gray's Nos. 11080 and 11082 are one and the same bird ; i. e., that there is but one
of these "sooty" Terns hcside fiUiginosa ; Blasius has already said so, and I entirely
agree with him. The question is as to the distribution of the synonymy between the
two varieties. Gmelin's and Latham's names, panaijenHis and punana {hoX\\^ana'stheta,
Scop., L c), apply as well to one as to the other. As to nuhUosa, Sparnim., Gray has it
under hifnscata, while Blasius assigns it far elsewhere — to cantiaca; the name is thus
obviously too uncertain to be used.

Blasius recognizes but three species of Haliplana : hinata, Peale, panayensis and fu-
liginosa ; and such is emphatically my own decision. To the latter, fiiUc/inosa, he
assigns as synonyms infuscafa, Licht., and melanoptera, Sw., besides the woll-kuowu
serrata and (/xttata of Forster, throwing upon panaiiensis all the rest of the synonymy,
namely, fulifiiuosa and fuV((juJa, Licht. ; iufuscata, Rupp. ; aiitarctica, Cuv. ; oahnenais,
Blox. ; and discolor, Cones. It is ])robably not possible to locate all these names satis-
factorily, nor to reconcile the conflicting views respecting them.

To complete an account of this group of dark-colored Terns with white frontal lu-
nula and white under parts, and black bill and feet, I append a notice of S. Itinata,
Peale.*

Genus HYDROCHELIDOX, Boie.

X liaUus, sp., Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758 (ed. x), 153.
<^ Sterna, Linn., Syst. Nat.

=^U)idroclieUdon, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563. (Type <S. nigra, Linn.)
= Viralra, Lkach, Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 166. (Same type.)

= Fclodes, Kavp, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, p. 107. (Type S. leucopnreia, Nattekkh ;
^^hijhrida, Pall.)

Gen. ch. Bill a little shorter than the head, longer than the middle toe and claw ;
veru delicate, slender, acute: culmen and commissure decidedly declinato-couvex, the
amount of curvature increasing toward the tip ; outline of rami and gonys botli con-
cave, the former most so ; eminentia symphysis prominent and very acute. Wings
exceedingly long, pointed, of same color as back, without distinct markings on either
web. Primaries broad and not very tapering, not acute ; the tertials vei\v short,
rounded, not slender nor llnwing, reaching in the folded wing only half way to the tip
of the longest primary. Tail rather short, contained 2i times in the wings, oiili/ modcr-
atelij emarginate (much as in Gelochelidon), the lateral feathers but little exceeding the
next, not tapering and acuminate ; all tlio feathers broad and rounded. Feet slender
and short; tarsi mucli abbreviated, rather less than the middle toe alone. Toes mod-
erately long; the webs rather narrow, and very deephj incised. Size suuill, general form
delicate; colors mosthj black, the wings and tail plumbeous, in type of the gi^iius.

The group of Terns, of which S. lariforniis of Liniueus may be taken as the type, forms
a natural assemblage! very cloEcly allied to Sterna proper, but diJlcring in certain

* Sterna htnata, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1846, No. 725; Cass., ibid. 1858, No. 716;
FiNSCH &. Hautl., Fn. Central Pol. pi. 18, f. '.i.—Ifi/dnichelidon {Haliplana) Innata,
Ghay, Hand-list, No. 11061.— Haliplana lunata, Blas.", J. f. O. I.'^66, tO. (l)escrij)tiou
from the type of the species. No. 15744, Paumotu Islands ( Vincennes), Sept. l-^oO.) Bill
and feet bhick. Cap black, with a long, narrow, white frontal Inuule, whose horns
reach behind the eyes, catting otf a black striiie throngli the eye to the base of the bill
at the nasal fossa. Upper i)arts uniform dark grayish |)luml)eous (not smoky gray),
the color extending on the wing-coverts and tail. Ciiliital edge of fore-aiiu rather
darker than other upper jiart^. (j)uiils fuscous, silvered with the color of tlie mantle,
their inner w<'bs with the usual white? stripe, which, however, does not nearly reach
their ends. On the longer primaries, where this stripe is sharpest, it is bordered inter-
nally with a narrow prolongation of the fuscous along thi! margin of the inner web.
Outer tail feather white for all that portion which is overlaid by the next feather, its
outer web white to the tip; next tail feather with considerable white basally on the
inner webs. Entire under parts ]iure white. Length may have been about 13 inches;
wing, 10.25; tail about (>, forked full half its length; bill along eulmeii, 1.6<i; tar.sus,
0.75; niiddh) toe and claw, rather over 1. This species is the obvious link between
'^Haliplana" and Sterna proper.

704 HYDROCHELIDON LARIFORMIS, BLACK TERN.

features. These cousist priucipally in the extreme slenderness of the hill, and the
auiouiit of detlectiou of its very acute tip ; iu the uarrow aud very deeply iucised
iuterdij^ital membraues ; iu the short aud uot deeply forked tail. The size is small,
aud the patteru of coloration peculiar. In the character of the tail the genus ap-
])roaches Gelochclkloii, but there the resemblance ends. It seems, while most closely
allied to the typical Sterna; to form the conuectiug link between them aud Haliplana ;
aud among the JSlccialoptcreiv, to have afifluity with such geuera as that of which Gould's
AnoKs p]umhin>i is typical.

North America has a single representative of this genus, the young of which was
described by Wilson as S. phimhea, but which is apparently identical specifically with
the H. fmsipes of Europe. The European species are three — lariformis, Linn. {Sterna
nigra, Briss., and of many authors); nigra, Linn, (lexcoptera, Auct.); aud hyhrida. Pall.
{leucopareia, Natt., and most authors). The second of these has lately been detected in
North America, but can only be considered as a straggler.

The first distinctive name for the genus is that of Boie of 1822. Leach's Viralva of
1826, and Kaup's Pelodes of 1829, are entirely synonymous. Of the several siiecies of
this genus indicated by authors, the two occurring in North America may be distin-
guished from each other and from H. hyhrida, as follows :

A. Head all around, and under parts, black ; the crissum abruptly white.

Small. Wing under 8. Bill dark.

a. Wings and tail above plumbeous, like the back lariformis.

i. Wii:gs whiteuing along fore-arm border ; tail with its upper

coverts white nigra.

B. Cap alone black ; body above and below, with wings and tail, dark

pearly plumbeous, whiteuing on crissum and sides of head. Large.

Wing over 9 ; bill light hyhrida.*

HYDEOCHELIDON LAEIFOEMIS, (Linn.) Cones.

Black Tern.

a-. [European references.)

Balhis lariformift, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, ed. 10th, 1758, 153 {=:S. nnivia of ed. 12th).

Sterna fissipes, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 228 (based primanlv on S. nigra, Briss., Orn.
vi, 211, pi. 20, f 1).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 610.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790,
810.— ScH^FF., Mus. Orn. 1779, 65.— BhUnn., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 153.— Degl.,
Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 349.

Hydrochelidon Jissijies, Gi:ay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 660 ; List Br. B. 1863, 243.— Blas.,
J. f. O. 1866, 82.

Sterjia nigra, Buiss., Orn. vi, 1760, 211, pi. 20, f. 1.— Retz., Fu. Succ. 1800, 164.— Mey,,
tasch. ii, 1811, 461.— Temm., Man. 1815, 484 ; ii, 1820, 749.— Leach, Cat. 1816,
41.— ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet, xxxii, 1819, 170 ; Fn. Franc. 1828, 400.— Flem., Br.
B. 1828, 144.— NiLSS., Orn. Suec. ii, 1821, 160.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 622.— Jen.,
Man. 1835, 268.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 55.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 98.—
ScHiNZ, Eur. Fn. 1840, 375.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 198, pi. 256.— Macgil., Man.
Orn. ii, 1840, 233 ; Br. B. v, — .— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 130.

Hydrochelidon nigra, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Kaip, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 109.—
Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 793.— Bp., List, 1838, 61.

Viralva nigra. Leach, Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 167.

Sterna navia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 228 (based on S. vavia, Briss., vi, 217, pi, 20, f.
2, and IiaUus lariformis of ed. x, 1758, 153).— SchvEFF., Mus. Oru. 1779, 66.—
Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1786, 609 (Sterna hoysii var. B. of Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 806, is
the same as this).

(?) Sterna ohscura, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 608.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 810.

Hydrochelidon nigricans et ohscura, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 794, 795.

* Sterna hyhrida. Pall., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 338.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 98.
Hydrochelidon hyhrida, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 660 ; List Br. B. 1863, 242.— Blas.,

J. f O. 1866, 82.
Sterna leucoparcia, Natt.— Temm., Man. ii, 1820, 746.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 168, pi. 255.
Viralva leucopareia, Sterh., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 171.
Pelodes leucoparcia, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 107.
Hydrochelidon leucopareia, Boie.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 797, pi. 39, f. 1.
Sterna delamotfei, Vieill., Ency. Meth. 350.

"Sterna (/risea,llonsF.; indica, Stkvh. ; alhistriata et similia, Ghay ; fluviatiUs, Govld ;
'delalandii, Bp." (Fide Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 82.)
Since the term "hyhrida" is obviously meaningless in such employ — in fact wholly
incorrect and inapplicable — should it uot be passed over, like any other glariugly inap-
propriate designation, in favor of the better known and well-fitting, though subsequent,
appellation leucopareia f

HYDROCHELTDON LARIFORMIS, BLACK TERN. 705

b. {American references.)

Sterna sininamensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 604. — Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 804 {Surinavi
Tern, Gen. Syu. vi, 352).

Hiidrochelidon surinnmtnsis, Bp., Comptes Rendus, 1856, 773.

Hi/drochdidon (Pelodcs) surniamensis, Gray, Haud-list, iii, 1871, 122, No. 11074.

Sterna phimhea, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 83. pi. 60, f. — (yoiiDg). — Pei.z., Novara
Reise, Orn. 155.

Hydroclielidon plumhta, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 864.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No.
277.— CouES & Pkext., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 418.-Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Cab.,
J. f. O. V, 232 (Cuba).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (Mexico).— Dress., Ibis, 18iJ6,
45 (Texas).— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 12.

Sterna niqra, Bp., Syn. 1828. .355.— Sw. & Rich.*, F. B. A. ii, 1831, 415.— Nutt., Man. ii,
1834, 282.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 593 ; v, 1839, 642 ; pi. 180 ; Syn. 1839,
320 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 116, pi. 438.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 300, pi. 126, f.
278.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 352.— HoY, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.— Trippe, Pr. Ess.
Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota).— Aiken, P. Bost. Sec. xv, 1872, 210 (Colorado).

Hydrochelidon nifirum, Bp., List, 1838, 61.

EijdrocMldon fiWipcn, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 554 (critical).— Coues, ibid. 1866,
99 (Colorado River) ; ihid. 1871, 46 (North Carolina, migratory). — Coues, Pr.
Ess. lust. V, 1868, 309 (New England).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 127
(South Carolina, in summer). — Coues, Ibis, 1864, 391 (Honduras). — Salt.,
Ibis, 1864, 385 (the same).— Gundl., Rep. F. N. i, 1865, 393 (Cuba).— Lawi:.,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York).- Ali.ex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 91
(Massachusetts).— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 96 (Canada).— Dale & Baxn., Tr.
Cbic. Acad. 1869, 307 (Alaska).— Allex, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 644.— Mayx., Guide,
1870, 157.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 573 (Middle America).— Allex, Bull.
M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas, t&c).

Sio-na fmipes, Turxu., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39.

Sterna ''frenata," Salv., Ibis, 1860, 278 (error ; see Ibis, 1866, 205).

DiAG. S. nigra, dorso, alts, canduque plumhets, remigibus nigro-griseis rhachidibu'i albis,
crififio albo.
Ilah. — Europe, &c. North America generally. Ala.ska. Middle America. South

America to Chili. Breeds at large in North America. Winters chiefly or entirely extra-

linntal.

Adult, breeding plumage. — The culmen is throughout exceedingly narrow, and trans-
versely very convex, even at the the base it being scarcely at all broadened or Oattened.
TJk? bill is strongly compressed from the no.strils, causing the gonys as well as the
culmen to bo very sharp and narrow. The nasal fossa is notably short, becoming
obsolete rather abruptly, and in the middle of the upper mandible. The nostrils
nearly fdl its whole length, are pretty large and wide, of ordinary general character-
istics. The feathers on the sides of the mandible extend but little further than on the
culmen, and have a broad rounded outline. Those on the submental or intercrural
space nearly till it. This space is very narrow and elongated. The tibia; are bare for
a moderate distance. The very short tarsus is quite smooth, being covered i)osteriorly
abd laterally with small, smooth, regular plates, anteriorly with eciually smooth tran.s-
verse scutella. The toes are viry long, the middle one without its claw fully equal-
ing the tarsus. The outer is as long as, perhaps even sligJitly exceeding, the middle;
the claw of the inner jn.st reaches to the base of the middle claw. The emargiuatiou
of the inner web extends to opj)osite the second articulation of the middle toe, that of
the outer to the middle of the second phalanx of the same toe. The claws are all
moderately arched, slender and compressed, acute, the inner edge of the middle one
but .slightly dilated. The remiges and rectrices are notable for their great breadth,
and neither tapers to a very acute [loint, but are rather broad to near the apices,
which are rounded. The inferior caudal tectrices are very long and full.

Head and neck all round, and under parts to the vent, i)nre l)laek. On the back of
the neck, and between the shoulders, the black becomes gradually changed into leaden-
gray or iilnmb»!ous, which extends undiluted to the very apices of the tail feathers.
The tertials are of the same color as the back; the .secondaries even a little darker,
tending toward the color of the primaries. The shafts of all th(; jtriniaries aro
whilisli, de<p( iiing into black at the tij)s. The primaries are blackish or dei|) pluni-
be<nis-gray, darkest on the outer web of the lirst, the inner webs of all. but cspoiially
the outer one, fading into lighter on their niaigins. The superior surfaces of all the
primaries have a considerable amount ilf the ordinary silveriness. The under surl;u;e8
of the' wings are white, but considerably deepened by a jdnmbeous wash, this plum-
beous-wliite extending slightly over the edge of the wing on to the lesser eovert.s. The
long, full, under tail-coverts are pure white, iu marked contrast to the black t)f the
rest of the under jiarts.

Adult, in winter plumage. — Very diilerent from the adult in summer. The forehe.-id,

45

706 HYDROCHELIDON LARIFORMIS, BLACK TERN.

the sides of the head below the eyes and ear-coverts, the chin, throat, neck all ronnd,
and the whole nnder parts, jjxre while. The under wing-coverts retain a good deal ot
their ]dnnilieous hue. The ujjper parts generally, and especially tiie ])riniarios, are
uiucb as in summer; but the tint of the pliuulieous, especially on the rump, is consid-
erably lighter, and the i'eathers have faint whitish margins. The back between the
shoulders is considerably lighter than in summer, but a little darker than the rump.
Along the fore-arm, just beyond the whitish edge of the wi)]g, there is a rather broad
baud of grayish-black, formed by several rows of the lesser coverts. Along the dorsal
aspect of the arm, also, there is something of this black band, but the color is con-
cealed by the scapular feathers. The secondaiies are considerably darker than iu
summer, being iu this respect fully equal to the ])rimaries ; and the comparative shades
of their inner and outer webs are exactly as in the i)rimaries. On the crown the white
of the forehead becomes obscured and variegated with blackish or grayish-plumbeous,
which grows darker on the nape, and on the sides of the head sends forward a band
througli the eye, to become intensitied into a blacker spot just anterior to it. The
feet are brownish-black, with little or no reddish ; the bill pure black. The rhachides
of the i)rimaries are darker than in summer. There is no appreciable difl'erence in the
eniargiiiatioii of the tail, nor in the shai)e of its individual feathers.

IVIiile duntgb)(), in Jiiguist. (hiring the iiividf, the adults are in a peculiar state of
plumage. The entire uuder parts (except the inferior caudal tectrices), and the head
and reck all round, are remarkably variegated with pure white and pure black. The
relative amounts of the two colors varies with almost every specimen, dejiendiug of
couise upon the particular stage arrived at. In general, the forehead and throat, as
far as the breast, become lirst pretty uninterruptedly white. The crown, occiput, and
nape are then equally variegated with the two colors, in small spots and lines; but the
auriculars, and a spot jnst before the eye, are usually pretty purely black. The should-
ers and edges of the wings show traces of the giayish-black that is to appear. The
now old and worn-out primaries have lost most of their silvery hoariness, and the
shafts are nearly pure yellowish-white, except at their extreme ajiices. The bird iu
other respects is generally as in summer.

YoniKj-of-the-yenr in zlufjutit. — The .size is less thau that of the adults; the bill is
smaller, weaker, softer, without very sharply defiued angles or ridges. The emargina-
tiou of the tail is very slight, being only about half an inch, and the lateral rectrices
want even the slight elongation and tapering which those of the adults have, being
broad to their very apices, which are somewhat oblique truncated. There is an inde-
scribable softness and general mollipilose condition to the plumage, readily recogniz-
able, both by sight and touch, to the expert in such matters.

Bill brownish-black, the base of the lower mandible dull, dirty flesh-color, the
inside of the mouth yellow. Legs and feet light brown. Forehead grayish-white,
this color exteuding over the eyes as such, but deepening on The crown and occiput;
into grayish-brown. This color extends over the nape down to the back, and there
obscures the general plumbeous hue of the parts. On the middle of the back, between
the shoulders, this brown is quite uniform ; on other parts it merely forms tips and
margins for the feathers, including the superior alar and caudal tectrices, and the ter-
tials and scapulars. The row of least upper wing-coverts is grayish-black, as in the
adults iu winter. The tertials have also whitish tips, in addition to their subterminal
brown ones. Before the eye is a crescent of deep, pure black; behind the eye a patch
of pure black extends over the auriculars and a little distance on the sides of the neck.
The under parts are pure white ; on each side of the breast there is a large spot of
l)lnmbeous-browu, which, however, does not meet its fellow of the opposite side. The
sides under the wings are very light plumbeous, much the same hue as the inferior alar
tectrices and axillary feathers. The secondaries are like those of the adults iu winter;
the primaries like those of the full-plumagcd summer birds, oi;ly that their shafts a.ro
sui)erioily brown, not white.

Dimensions of the adult. — Bill above, 1.10; along commissure, l.fiO; from feathers on
side of lower maudiljle, 1.08; gonys, O.GO; height at base, 0.iJ5 ; length, 9.25 ; extent
of wings, 24 to 25; wing froui carpus, 8.25; tail, :5.75; depth of forking, 0.90; tarsus,
0.08; middle toe and claw, 0.90; tibiiie bare, 0.40.

Dimensions of llu- yonnd-of-the-year. — Bill above, 0.95 to 1 ; depth at base, 0.20; from
feathers on side of lower mandible, 0.95 ; gonys, 45 ; tarsus, O.OO ; middle too and claw,
•0.85; length, 7.75 to 8; extent of wings, 23.50 to 24 ; tail, 3; depth of emargination, 0.50.

Anaioyniifil eharaciers. — The mouth is narrow, its sides concave, and its tip attenu-
ated, beyond that of any other species. The palate is soft and vascular to within half
an inch of the tip. The median palatal ridge .commences far foiward ; it is narrow,
but prominent, its edges posteriorly, and the edges of the nasal aperture, slightly i)apil-
late. The sulcus between it and the lateral ridge is well marked and deep. The lateral
ridges arc; short and sinuate, extending no farther back than the median. The poste-
rior vaulted space small but well arched, the nasal slit exteuding far into it. Posterior
fringe of oblique papilhe well developed. Tongue exceedingly acute, narrow, longi-
tudinally grooved along the dorsum, anteriorly corneous, its apex bilid, its xjosterior

HYDROCHELfDON LARIFORMIS, BLACK TERN. 707

extremity emarginate, slightly papillate ; uine-tentlis long. Rima glottiilis oue-fourth
of an inch long ; sparsely papillate.

The alimentary canal is exceedingly similar in all rfespects to that of Sterna.
ffisopbagus, proventricnlna, and gigerinm in a straight line, all of ordinary characters,
the former 3^ to 4 inches long. Proventricnlar belt 0.3 to 0.4 wide, forming a complete
zone, as usual. Duodenal fold 1.40 long. Hepatic and cystic ducts short, opening
into intestine at the ordinary place. Lobes of liver of nearly equal size; their anterior
surface convex, their posterior slightly concave ; their apices divaricating, as usual, to
receive the heart between them, their inferior extremities in apposition. They are
connected by glandular substance. The chief fold after the duodenal is a short dis-
tance above the cceca, and lies apposed to the posterior surface of the gizzard ; after
which the intestine proceeds in a slightly convoluted course to the creca. These are
the shortest throughout the subfamily me.TSuring hardly one-eighth of an inch in length.
Rectum moderately long (for this subfamily), measuring six-tenths. Cloaca large and
globular ; three-fourths long. Its posterior division small, but well mariicd. Oritices
of ureters and vasa deferentia in the usual place. The kidneys, as in Sterna, are
divided into five or six lobes by the segmentation of tbe middle portions. The whole
renal mass measures about an inch in length by six-tenths in breadth. The trachea
is abojit 2^ inches long, of the usual number of rings. It is flattened superiorly ;
below it becomes perfectly cylindrical and narrower. The lower larynx is exceedingly
small, measuring only one-tenth of an inch across its widest part. Its sides are con-
cave, its apices acute and projecting. Bronchial apertures extremely narrow, of an
oval, inclining to a cresceutic, shape. The sterno-tracheales join the trachea only
one-fourth of an inch above the larynx. Bronchi of ordinary length, of about twenty-
two half rings.

Sijuoiiywy. — The first tenable binomial name of this species appears to be lariformis,
Linn., 1758, in adopting which 1 hope not to be acccuse<l of arbitrary innovation. No
valid reason appears why Linuicus should not be adopted at this date, rather than at
1766, and in spite of custom to the contrary, this view is constantly gaining ground.
I myself am entirely in favor of it. The clianges it requires are not many, and they
are in some cases desirable ones, as, for instance, when we are furnished with Chalura
pelagica (175H) instead of the unmeaning C. pcJasfjla of 1766 Tbis bird is also the
S.fimlpes, Linn.; a name not conniionly adopted until after Mr. Gray's rectificatien of
the synonymy, the term nigra (ex Briss.) having been generally employed. But nifira,
Linn., clearly belongs to hitcojjtera, Meisner. Other old names of this species are iioria,
obncura, and .sttrinamensis, all based upon innnature conditions of i)luniage. Latbaiu
put tiaria down as <S'. hoi/ftii var. B. Wilson renamed the species pUtmbea, doubtless in
simple ignorance of the prior designations.

I must continue to disagree with several ornithological friends, for whose oj)inions
I have great respect, in holding the American bird to be specitically identical. Never-
theless, in deference to their views, I have collated the synonymy in two sets.

In my review of the Stcruhia; I state that " the birds of the two continents were first
formally separated by Bonaparte in bis Comparative List of 1S38." Tbis is a slip of
the ])en. Both are there given as HijdrocheUdon viyriitn ; he makes the distinction in
18r)6 (Tabl. Lougip. C. R.), giving the American as IlydrochcUduii nurinamcimis.

Lieutenant Warren''s Expedition. — 1)023, Loup Fork of the Platte.
Later Expeditions. — .")4322, Wyoming.

The Black Tern migrates both coastwise and over the water-cour.ses
of the interior. On the coast of North Carolina I saw none, in spring;,
until the second week in May, when they became very abundant lor a
few days and then disappeared on their way north. These spring: birds
Avere always, so iar as I ascertained, in lull plumage. The Terns revisit
tbe same region very early, in advance of most of the migrants, in the
fore i)art of August, and jwoceed much more leisurely than in springy.
For about two months tlu'y were constantly to be seen hovering' over
the marshes in airy troops, tluttering- hither and thither like .so many
Swallows or Niglit-hawUs, busily foraging" for inse(;ts. These fall
arrivals were chiell.v young- birds; aud of the old oues, m)iu' wore seen
still wciiring- the brt-ediug- dress, which, therefore, must be early laid
aside. These Terns, like the other smaller species, but just the reverse
of the large kinds, are itei-feetly familiar, or rather heetlless, at all tiuu's.
In the spring', at their Ineediug resorts, they dash elose down to an
intruder, repeating with angry vehemence their shrill rrik, cril:., vril: ;
iu the fall, when nearly silent, they are e<]ually regardless of ai)i>roach,

708 HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA, WHITE-WINGED TERN.

often fluttering within a few feet of one's bead, and then sailing off
again, in the manner of Swallows. The flight is buoyant in the extreme,
and wayward, desultory, uncertain ; perhaps no bird of this country has
so great an exi)anse of wing for its weight, and certainly none tly more
lightly. In hovering along on the lookout for insects, they hold the bill
pointing straight downward, like others of the family. In the spring
I have observed them plunging, like other Terns, into the water for food,
probably small fry, but in the fall they seem to feed chiefly on winged
insects, which they capture like Night-hawks, as noted above.

The Black Tern I have found breeding in various parts of the West.
On the 10th of June, 18G4, I passed a large colony which had settled on
a marshy tract along the Arkansas River, near Fort Lyons. The birds
were all in full plumage, and doubtless had eggs at the time, although,
from the untoward circumstances of obsem^ation — hurried traveling by
stage — I could not examine the nesting places as I wished. In June
again, 1873, 1 found a colony breeding in a prairie slough along the Red
River; shot the greater part of the whole number, and secured many
eggs. The birds were breeding in company with a great number of
Yellow-headed Blackbirds, some Red-wings, and Short-billed Marsh
Wrens. ' The eggs, in every instance, were placed on masses of floating
debris of last year's reeds, where the water was tAvo or three feet deep,
in the midst of the slough. They had to be closely looked after, for
they were laid directly on the moist matting, without any nest in any
instance, and readily eluded observation, from their similarity in color
to the bed of reeds they rested on. They were two, oftener three, in
number, and resembled those of some Sandpipers in size, shape, and
coloration. Tbe shape is pointedly' pyriform, yet with considerable
bulge at the sides; the dimensions, 1.35 by 0.95, with the usual varia-
tion either way. The ground color is brownish-olive, rather liglit and
clear, this thickly marked with spots and blotches of every size, from
mere points up to masses, but for the most part large and bold, with a
tendency to aggregate at the but, or, at least, around (he larger half of
the egg. No part of the surface, however, is unspotted. The coloration
is a rich, warm brown, of every shade, from light brown to blackish-
brown, according to the quantity of pigment. With these markings are
associated a few neutral tints or stone-gray spots, in the shell.

HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA, (Linn.) Gray.

White-winged Black Tern.

Sterna atricapiUa, Briss., Oiii. vi, 1760, 214.

Sterna nifira, Linn., Fu. Suec. 56, No. 159; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 227.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,

608. — Lath., Intl. Orn. ii, 1790, 810 (quotes S. atricapiUa, Briss., vi, 214).

(Not of Briss., nor of many authors.)
Hydroclu'li'lon nigra, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 660 ; List Br. B. 1863, 243; Hand-list, iii,

1871, 121, No. 11070.— Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 82.
Sterna lei'coptira, Meisner, Viig. Scbweiz. 1815,264. — Temm., Man. ii, 1820, 747. — Naum.,

V. D. X, 1840, 215, pi. 257.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 98.— Sciil., Rev.

Grit. 1844, 131.— McCoy, Ann. Mag. N. H. 1845, 271.— CouES, Check-list, 1874,

No. 575 his (first introduced into Fauna N. Am. ; spec, in Mus. Smiths. Inst.,

from Wisconsin, T. Kumlein, through Dr. Brewer).
Sfenia {IhjdrochtJidon) teitcopicra, Schrenck, Keise, 511.— Radde, Reiseu, ii, 1863, 389.
Hijdrochdidon leiicoptcra, BoiE, Isis, 18:^2, 563.— Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 109.—

Brehm, V. D. 1831, 796.
Viralva Itncoptcra, Leach, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. 1826, 170.
Sterna fiHsipes, Paix., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 338. (Adult. Not of authors; quotations of

tvuefistiipes, but description unmistakably of this species.)
Sterna nwx-ia, Pali.., Zoog. R. A. ii, 337. (Young. Not of authors; identified on same

grounds as the preceding.)

HYDROCHELIDON NIGKA, WHITE- WINGED TERN. 709

DiAG. H. nigrttf pallio scMstaceo-nigro, caudd crissoque albis, auUhvacMis albieantihus, alts
l)litmbeis, remiyihus argentato-fuscis rhachidihus albis, rostro rubescente-niyro, ptdibus
rubris.

Hab. — Europe, «fec. Accidental iu North America (one instance known).

Adult, summer pJumafje. — (No. 66213, Mus. Smitbs. Inst. 9, Lake Koskonong, Wiscon-
sin, July 5, 1873, T. Kumlein.) Bill black, -with a reddish tinge ; feet red ; chivrs black.
Head and neck all around and whole under parts to the crissum pure black, shading
on the back and scapulars into dark slatj-plumbeous. Wings dark silverj-})lundjeous,
fading into white along the fore-arm border; the quills silvered dusky, with white
shafts and a dull white area on the greater part of the iuuer webs of the primaries.
Lining of wings sooty-blnckish, varied with dull white along the border. Tail, with
its coverts, both above and below, white, abruptly contrasting with the black of the
belly and the dark slate of the rump. The tail feathers shaded with pearlj--gray to-
ward the ends.

Length (of skin), 8 ; wing, 7.50 ; tail, 2.75; the emargination under 0.50; bill along
culmen. 0.90; along gape, 1.20; height at base, 1.20; tarsus, 0.75; middle toe and
claw, 0.87.

The series of specimens before mc does not fully illustrate the changes of idumage
of thi.s* species. It shows, however, that the various plumages are closely coincident
with those of U. lar>formis, already detailed. Immature birds, plumbeous above and
mostly white beneath, may be recognized from the sanie stage of H. lariformis by the
hoary-white fore-arm border of the wing, and contrast of white upper tail-coverts with
the plumbeous of the back.

As stated in the Check-list, p. 137, a specimen of White-winged Tern
■was taken in Wisconsin, July 5, 1873, by Mr. Thure Kuinlein, and pre-
sented to the Smithsonian by Dr. T. M. Brewer. The individual is a
female, iu i^erfect breeding dress, and was said to have contained well-
formed eggs in the ovary, leading to the belief that it would have
bred iu the vicinity before long. This, so far as I know, is the first and
ouly instance of the occurrence of the species iu this country. I have
carefully compared the specimen with European ones, tindiug it identi-
cal in every particular.

Section Megai^optere^e.

I have already presented tlio character of Ihe "Noddy" group of Terns, as drawn
from the leading genus, Anous. Beside this principal form, with its several species,
there are two others, namely, Ncvnia'^ and Frocclstcriiai. The last named is cinereous,
and very near Auous ; the former is unique, in possession of long, white, curly plumes
on each side of the head. Gjifiist is a peculiar intermediate genus, pure white, with a
singularly .shaped bill. J«o«« alone occurs in this country.

Gcmis ANOUS, Leach.

<C SUrna, LiNN., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, uvc 1735.

< (invia, Binss., Orn. vi, 1760, 199, mv MiiiiK.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 373 {stolida).

" XodiiiuH, Kak., 1815 ?" ( Grmj).

= Noddi, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 521 (stoUda).

=iAnouH, Lkacii, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 139 {stolida).

^ M( (/alopttrns, Bou:. Isis, lb26, 980 (stolida).

= Utolida, Lkss., Tr. Orn. 1831, 620 (stolida).

= At/aiKiphroii, (ii.oGKii, 1842. (Gray.)

Gk.v. Cuai;. Bill much longer than the tarsus, rather exceeding the middle foe and
claw, about eiiualing the head, moderately robust, depres.sed, and as broatl as high at

•N.4:nia, lioie, Isis, 18^4), 189 {= Larosterna, Bi.yth, Cat. Asiat. Soc. 1849, 2y3=/Hca,
Jai!I)., t'ontr. Orn. 18.'-,0. 3»).

N.KMA i.NCA. — Sterna iina, Lkss., Voy. Ccxiuille, 1826, 731, pi. 47 ; Auous hica, Gkay,
Gen. of B. iii, 1^49, 6(il ; Larosterna inva, Blvth, /. c. ; Inva mystucaU«, Jahi>., /. c

Ildl). — South America (I'eru and Chili).

t I'i:()(Ki.sTi;i:.VA, Lafr., Rev. Zool. l^Jl, '242. The several nominal species of this
section may ))e reduced to two at most; I hav»^ recognized but one. South Seas and
Australia.

t Gygis, Wagl., 1832; type alba. The single species inhabits the South Seas.

710 ANGUS STOLIDUS, NODDY TERN.

the base ; elsevi'berc depressed, taperiug to an aeiiniinate and somewhat decnrved tip.
Fore end of nostrils nearly bait-way to end of bill, tbe fossic long and deep. No frontal
antiiv ; outline of featbers on base of bill convex (reverse of Sterna). Wings Init mod-
erately long for tbis subfamily, tbe second primary but little sborter tban tbe lirst.
Tail very long, broad, fan-sbaped, double-rounded, ). r., graduated laterally, yet with
central feathers shoiter tban the next. Tarsi very short, robust, less tban tlie middle
toe without its claw. Lateral toes, especially the inner, unusually lengthened ; hallux
well develo^ied. Webs broad and full, not incised. Claws short, stout, little curved,
but very acute. Podotbeca nearly smooth, from tendency to fusion of tbe plates, there
being but a single detiued row of scutella in front, with delicate reticulations else-
where ; tbe soles of tbe webs are perfectly smooth. Edges of middle claw dilated and
somewhat pectinate. Plumage dark or nearly unicolor.

In addition to these external characters may be noted : Ej'es small, the anterior can-
thus just over the angle of tbe mouth. Lobes of liver very unequal. Proventricular
zone narrow, with small follicles. Ca;ca remarkably long for this subfamily. Duo-
denal fold very short. Hepatic and pancreatic ducts opening close by each other.
Bronchial half-rings weak and imperfect, tbe up^jer part of the tube being almost mem-
branous. Lobulation of the kidneys more as in Larus than in Sterna.

The generic synonyms above given all apply to stolida and its immediate allies, of
which there are several. Only one occurs in North America ; a second, A. tenuirostris,*
is found in Middle America.

ANGUS STOLIDUS, (Linn.) Gray.

Jfoddy Tern.

Sterna stolida, Linn., i, 1766, 227 (Amoeu. Acad. 240 ; Hirundo marina major, capitc albo,
Sloane, Jam. i, 31, pi. 6, f. 2 ; Cat., Car. i, 80 ; Larus (javia fiisca, Briss., vi,
199, pi. 18, f. 2; Passer sttdtus, Eay, 154).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17c8, 605.— Lath.,
Ind. Orn..ii, 1790, 805.— Less., Voy. Coq. i, 1826, 244 (Chili).— Bp., Svn. 1828,
350.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 285.— Aud., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835,516; v, 1839, 642;
pi. 275 ; Syn. 1839, 322 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 153, pi, 440.— Jenyns, Man. 1835, 270
(Ireland).— SciiL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 131 (Europe).— Thomps., Trans. Linn. Soc.
1835 ; Nat. Hist. Ireland, iii, 308 (Ireland).- Knox, Zool. 1866,306 (Ireland).—
Harting, Br. B. 1872, 170 (Ireland). — Maxim., Beitr. iv, 874. — BuRM., Syst.
Uebers. iii, 543.

Mefjalopterus stolidus, Bp., List, 1838, 61.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 98.— Macgil.,
Man. ii, 1842, 236.

Anoiis stolidus, Gray, List Gen. of B. iii, 1841, 100 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 661 ; List Brit.
B. 1863, 244 (Ireland).— Cab., J. f. O. v, 234 (Cuba).— La wr., B. N. A. 1S58,
865.— ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 233 (Central America).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 134
(Bahamas). — Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 22 (quotes Yarr., iii, 417). — Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1862, .557.— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 393 (Honduras).— Lawr., Ann. Lye.
N. Y. viii, 1864, 106 (Sombrero).— Guxdl., Rep. F. N. i, 393 (Cuba).— Sund.,
Ofv. K. A. V. Forb. (St. Bartholomew) ; P. Z. S. 1871. 125 (Galapagos).— ScL.
& Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, 556 (Middle America, south to Brazil and Chili).—
(?)HuTTOX, B. N. Zeal. 1871, 43.— Coues, Key, 1872, 323.

Anous niger, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 140.— Evt., Cat. ISr. B. 1836, 55.

Gavia Iciicoceps, S^y.. Classif. B. ii, 1837, 373 (tyne P. E. 997).

(?) Anous fruter, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 558 (Pacific). (Var. ?)

(?) Sterna pihata, ScoP., Sonn. Voy. 125, pi. 85.

(?) Sterna phiUppina, Lath., Ind. Oru. ii. 1790, 805 {=^pileata, ^cov.).

"Anous rousseaui, Hartl.," fide Gray & Blas.

"Anous uuicolor, ERM.,jur.," fide Gp.ay & Blas.

" Sterna tenuirostris, Bl'yth," j^ffe Blas. (Not of Temm.)

DiA(}. A. futiginosus uuicolor, alis caudin[ue nigresceutihus, fronti ct vertice albis, pedihus
rubesccnte-fuscis, rostro nigro. Long. Ui.OO 2)oU.; «/« 10.0U-U).50; roslr. 1.7b; tars. l.OO.

Hab. — South Atlantic aud Gulf coast of North America. Bahamas. Cuba. Middle
America generally, bolh sides. South to Brazil aud Chili. Various warm seas. Aus-
tralia (Gould) ; New Zealand (Huttou). Accitiental iu Europe.

* Anous tenuirostris (Temm.).

Sterna tenuirostris, Tejim., P. C. 202.

Anous tenuirostris, Coues, Ibis, 1864, 393 (Honduras).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 200 (the
same).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, .566 (tbe same).

This is readily distinguished from A. stolidus by its blackish instead of fuliginous
plumage, shsnder bill, aud other chiracters. The discrimination, however, of the sev-
eral current blackish species is difficult. Gray places tenuirostris, Temm., as a synonym
of scnex, Leach, and gives the habitat as Afrcia.

ANGUS STOLIDUS, NODDY TERN. 711

Adult, 'breeding plumage. — Both mandibles marked with more oi' lees distinct longi-
tudinal stria} ; their tomia inflected. Xasal sulcus deep and lonj.^, formed by the
rounded culmen and a prominent ridge, which runs along the upper mandible from its
base to beyond the nostrils, where it is gradually lost. Just above the base there is a
small but distinct fossa, separated by an oblique ridge from the large nasal sulcus.
Culmen about straight for half its length, regularly decurved toward the tip, basally
broad and flat. Commissure slightly decliuato-convex. Ontliue both of rami and
gonys concave, the former most so ; emiuentia symphysis illy defined and not acute.
Primaries unicolor, very broad almost to their tips, which are rounded ; first primary
scarcely surpassing the second. Tail very long and mnch graduated ; but there is
also a slight emargination, the two central r«^ctrices being a little shorter than
the next pair. Bill and claws black. Month black to a little beyond the angle of the
jaws, the fauces yellowish. Tarsi a6d toes dark reddish-brown, nearly black in the
dried skin. Occiput bluish-plumbeous, becoming pure white ou the front. Sides of
the head and neck all round with a decided wash of bluish-plumbeous. The whole
body is a deep fuliginous-brown, growing almost black on the remiges and rectrices,
with a verj' dark spot anterior to and just above the eye.

Dimeusioun. — Length, ]6 inches; extent of wings, 31 ; wing from flexure, 10 to 10.50;
tail, about 6 ; bill along culmen, 1.75 ; height or width at base, 0.38 ; tarsus, 1 ; middle
toe and claw, 1.45 ; outer ditto, but slightly shorter ; inner ditto, 1.20 ; hallux, 0.40 ;
breadth of webs, 0.90 ; diameter of eye, 0.30.

Anatomical characiers. — Mouth long and narrow, its lateral outlines slightly concave.
Palate nearly flat behiud ; longitudinally arched before ; soft and vascular to within an
inch of the tip. A prominent central ridge, beset with obtuse papilhe, bifurcated poste-
riorly for 0.6, to give passage to the posterior nares. The narrow well-marked lateral
ridges commencing one and a half inches from the tip of the bill, extending beyond the
termination of the median ridge, smooth anteriorly, thickly papillate posteriorly. Ou
each side, just within the tomia, is a groove for the reception of the inferior maxilla.
The palate is black nearly as far as the angle of the mouth ; the fauces yellowish.
Posterior nares 0.9 long, anteriorly smooth, terminally papillate. Rima glottidis 0.25.
The oblique converging rows of papillae on the vaulted space at the back of the palate
are l)ut slightly developed. Tongue 1.90 long, verj' acute, corneous for more than two-
thirds its length ; its posterior extremity euiargiuate, papillate. CEsophagus very long,
measuring, wi'.h the proventriculus, 6 inches; as usual, very muscular and distensible.
Proventriculus a straight continuation of the canal ; its zone of gastric follicles very
narrow, the glands exceedingly small. This portion of the tube does not present the
marked diiferences from the esophagus as regards its lining membrane that is ordi-
narily found. Gizzard situate very far back in the abdomen, deflected at a consider-
able angle toward the right ; its middle about opposite the raums of the pubis. The
oesophagus is not of equal calibre throughout, but dilates a good deal toward the pro-
ventriculus, where the muscular parietes are thicker, and the longitudinal rngie of
mucous membrane more numerous than elsewhere. The intestine measures 14 inches
in total length, from pylorus to anus. The duodenal fold is exceedingly short, being
le.ss than one inch. It curves round to the left beneath the gigerium. Lying below
the duodenal fold, and in contact with it, is the last intestinal fold, which has its apex
about three iuches from the origin of the cceca. The cceca are elongated, being longer
than in any other representative of the subfamily. They uu-asure 1.40 inches. They
are club-shaped, growing broader toward their extremities, after a small uniform
diameter for half their length. Rectum exceedingly short, barely three-qimi ters of an
inch. Cloaca, a.s usual, very capacious, globular, 0.75 long. The urinary and si)ermatic
ducts open upon well-marked elevated papilhe, side by side, and close to the posterior
median line. Posterior division of the cloaca well marked by elevated folds of mucous
membrane. The pancreas is very short, scarcely an inch in length, owing to the short-
ness of the duod(!nal folil. The lobes of the liver are of very unequal ilimen^ions, the
left being so small as to apjiear but a mere apixndage to the right. The former meas-
ures one and a half in length by one in breadth ; is thick, with a rounded smooth sur-
face. The latter is scarcely three-quarters long by one-half broad. It is of much the
siMue shape as the right, to which it is closely connected by a short band of glandular
sub.stance. The pancreatic and hepatic ducts pit-rce the intestine in clo.se proximity,
about two inches l)elow thti pylorus. The kidneys are one and a quarter inciies long
by three-iiuaiters broad. They are much less lobulated than in Slutia. and are more
like those of J.uriis. Their upjK'r lobes are smaUer than their lower, having very con-
vex holders. The lower an- sub(|na(liangnlar in shape; tlie central ones only jiartiiiliy
divided into .several small irregidar mas.ses. Heart elongated, tapering, acute ; its
width across the ba.se of the ventricles seven-touths. The trachea is short, being little
more than three inches ; its rings about oiu^ huiulred ; flattened above, becoming more
cylindrical as it proct;eds downward. Bronchi very short and ((uite wide. Tliey are
very feel)le ttt their eouimeucemetit, lieing almost entirely memltranons, the h.tlf-rings
hardly distinct enough to be counted. Tlieac number about tweuty-tbur. Muscles as

r^

712 RHYNCHOPIN^, SKIMMERS.

in the Sternhuv generally; the steruo-traclieales join the trachea only three-tenths
above the lower laiyiix.

Coiisideralile doubt has been expressed whether the Noddies of the sfolidtis jiatterii
(excluding those of the bhiekish teiiuir^slris type) are all identical. Mr. Cassin, in
1^58, remarks npon certain observable discrepancies; and later I propo.sed the term
frater lor the Paeiiie bird, npon examinafion of the matter in company with Mr. Cassin
and Prof, liaird, who both agreed that there were recognizable peculiarities. The
Pacilic niateiial in the Smithsonian shows a deeper, though not longer, and conseqnently
diilercnily-shaped bill; a diflerent pro])ortion of tarsus to toes; a mnch longer tail,
with gieater eniargiuation and somewhat diflerent coloration. While I would by no
means now insist npon, or even concede specific validity in this case, I still tliink tLere
may be a varietal difference. The case may be snmnied as follows, although there is
little or no ])robability that the name frater is not anticipated.

Var. STOLiDUS : Wing, lU to 10.50; tail about fi, the emargination slight; bill, 0.38
deep at base ; tarsus, 1 ; middle toe and claw, 1.4.5. Occipnt Iduish-plumljeous, purely
whitening on forehead. Sides of head and neck washed with blnish-i)lumbcous. Feet
drying black.

Frtr. fkater: Wing, 11 to 11.25; tail 7, the emargination 0.50; bill, 0.43 deep at
base ; tarsus 1 (as in stolidus), but middle toe and claw 1.60. Occiput brownish-ash,
becoming ashy-white on the forehead. Sides of head and neck like rest of body. Feet
drying reddish-brown.

Subfamily Ehynchopin^ : SMmmers.

DiAG. Laridci InjjjogvuiJia:, rosiro cultruto, mandihald max'iUd longiore.

Body slender and elongate. Neck of moderate length. Head large ; the forehead
high and broad. Upper maudible shorter than the under, its cutting edges rapidly
converging to the nostrils, thence parallel and closely soldered to the tip. Mandibular
rami ;it iirst widely separated and nearly parallel, then rapidly converging to the sym-
physis, the nniou then complete both of toniial and gonydeal margins. Nostrils basal,
inferior, their near end behind the projection of the feathers on the culmeu. luterra-
mal space fully feathered. Tibise anteriorly scutellate. Remiges, 10 ; rectrices, 12 ; and
other general characters of Stermna.

Upper maudible very freely movable, owing to the mobility of the frohto-maxillary
suture. Month short, broad, of moderate gape. Palate tlat ; internal nares long.
Tongue short, broad, fixed. Digestive and respiratory organs, in all essential respects,
similar to those of Sternhuv.

The Skimmers are so nnich the Terns in general character, that no detailed account
is re(|uired ; but the remarkable peculiarities of the skulls merit special attention.

Skull. — The most important ditferences are found in the shape of the craniuin ; in the
fronto-maxillary suture, and other elements which enter into and produce the mobility
of the superior mandible : and in the shape and character of the mandibles tliemsel ves.
In the terms used in the following description, reference is always had to the normal
LaruVnie type, as compared with the special moditicatiou of it under consideration.

The cranium is exceedingly narrow posteriorly, at that portion which forms the en-
cephalic cavity. Tbe post-orbital are hardly, if at all, more widely separated than are
the ante-orbital. The convexity of the vertex of the cranium antero-postei iorly is very
slight indeed, and tbe superior curved line of the occiput rises high up and is exceed-
ingly prominent. Its inferior extremities curve greatly forward and outward, forming
very protuberent zygomatic processes overhanging the articulation of the tympanic
bone. At the same time the occipital ridge is hardl}'^ a^jpreeiable as such ; the dorsum
of the occipital bone being very ilat, o'' even a little concave. The crotaphyte de-
pression between the zygomatic and post-orbital processes is very deei>, from the great
bulk of the muscles lodged in it. This increased volume of muscle is also indicated by
the meeting on the median line of the skull of the two roughened depressions which
lodge the temporalis, these depressions being only separated by a narrow longitudinal
ridge, as in Fiiffinus or Cnhimhits, instead of by a wide space. Tiie anterior division of
this temporal iossa (distinctly separated from the; posterior by a Avell-marked ridge) is
also deeiJ, and extends further toward the median line of the skull.

From the narrowness and straightuess of the posterior parts of the cranium, the
orbits are notably wide and shallow. Their posterior processes are very small and
slightly developed, being in fsict mnch smaller and no more widely separated from each
other than the anterior processes. These latter are remarkably developed, being
large, broad and heavy, and projecting backward and outward with very convex out-
lines. The suj)ra-or1)ital ridge included between them is not nearly so deejily concave as
in the other subfamilies, both on account of the closer ai^proximation of the post-orbital

RHYNCHOPIN^, SKIMMERS. 713

processes, and of the character of the depression for the nasal gland. The convex
borders of the fossie do not nearly approach each other on the median line, but are
widely separated. The fosste themselves are narrow and imperfect, not nearly contain-
ing the whole of the glands, which consequently project greatly over the edge of the
orbit. The fossa? are continued each as a well-marked groove, under the anteorbitiil
processes, tfceir ducts passing through a very large foramen on their way to the lining
membrane of the nose. The interortital septum is complete. The olfactory nerve
runs along in a furrow so deep as to be almost a canal. From the completeness of the
septum, between the orbits, the foramina of exit of the nerves at the posterior part of
the orbits are more perfect and less closely approximated than in the other subfamilies.
The conjoiuted bases of the sphenoid and ethmoid, Avhich form the inferior border of the
septum, and along which the palatal and vomerine bones slide, is much thicker and
stouter than ordinary, and does not extend nearly so far forward, nor has it an acute
apex nor deei^ly concave anterior edge.

The forehead is exceedingly broad, and slopes down from the vertex at an unusually
great angle of descent. In its centre it is slightly concave laterally, owing to the de-
velopment and prominence of the anteorbital processes. Anterior to these it is i^erfectly
plane, wide, with parallel, straight sides, dipping down deeply with a square truncated
l3nse which forms, with the superior mandible, the very jjeculiar fronto-maxillary
suture. This " articulation " admits of a far greater degree of motion than exists in the
other subfamilies, and greatly exceeds that usually found among birds, excepting, of
course, the Fsiliaci. The connection between the bones of the cranium and superior
mandible is perfectly straight and transverse; very wide (being the whole width of
the broad frontal bone), and at the same time exceedingly thin and elastic. On the
superior surface of the suture there is a deep groove between the bones, a little wider
at either extremity than in the middle, but the under surface is quite smooth. The
osseo-cartilagiuous connective substance is pliable and elastic, so much so, that in an
old and dried preparation before me, the original mobility of the parts is in a great
measure retained.

In the adult skull before me there are no discernible traces of any nasal bones, prop-
erly speaking ; but the suture is formed entirely by the apposed terminations of the
broad frontaJ, and eqi;ally broad mesial process of the intermaxillary. That portion
of bone usually known as the "maxillary" or descending process of tlie nasal, exists,
nuusually developed, and in an unusual position. Below it is firmly auchylosed and
completely consolidated with the mandibular ramus, just anterior to the malar anchy-
losis. From this base it extends upward and backward as a long, very slender, com-
pressed bone, running parallel with, but not touching the sides of, the osfrontis, to be
received by this thin, llat, laterally expanded termination into a slight depression in
the under and anterior edge of the ante-orbital process. As it particijjates in all the
movements of the upper jaw, its union with the ante-orbital processes is a movable
suture, of apparently the same general characters as the fronto-maxillary suture, of
which it is to be considered as really a part.

The other elements Avhich assist to produce the movements of the upper jaw, are all
by their shape or position subservient to its increased mobility. The ossa pedicellata
are long and strong, and especially remarkable for the increased development of their
niakir eminences, wliich carry the ends of the zygomata far outward and downward,
and thus are enabled, with an ordinary degree of motion of the tympanic bones them-
selves, to impress upon the malar, and through them upon the superior maxillary bones,
an increased amount of motion. They also produce a somewhat peculiar shapes of the
articulatiiig surface for the inferior mandible. The orbital processes of the tympanic
bones are very short, small, and exceedingly acute. The, pterygoid bones present no
s)i(!cial i>eculiarities of shape, but, from the narrowness of the skull, are not so widely
divt'igent as in the other subfaiuilies. The palatal boues are remarkable for stout-
ness and widtli, and also for the solidity and extent of their anchylosis with the supe-
rior maxillaries. The outline of their posterior margins is very oblique, and they
tfrminate with quite prominent processes ibr the pterygo-palatal artuiilaticni. Poste-
riorly their inferior surfaces have considerable lateral concavity from the elevation of
their Viorders ; more anteriorly they are plane and smooth, their surlacf being directly
continuous with the plane of the nuixillaries. The vomer is shorter than usual, and
biliiicate to a less extent. The malai bones are perfectly straight ; their axes in a line
with the general iiielination of the axes of the mandibular processes of the intermax-
illary ; but just at their union with the maxillary bones there is a considerable angle
formed, from the increased divergence of the latter at that point. They are throughout
laterally comjiressed, except just at their anterior extremities, wliere they become hor-
izontally depressed and llattened, to give them the necessarj' mobility of elasticity in
an upward and downward direction.

The interniaxillary bone is entirely peculiar in shape and general characters. It
is remaikable tor the i)re])ondeiaiiee in size of the mesial over the mandiltular pro-
cesses, and for the unusual extent to which the latter are united with the former

714 RHYNCHOPIN^, SKIMMERS.

The cousolidatioQ is perfect for fully two-tbirds of the length of the hill, causiug the
nasal apertnre formed by the divergence of these processes to be extremely small,
short, and' narrow. The mandibular processes are also closely approximated to each
other (only a narrow groove being left between them) for two-thirds their length,
when they rather suddenly divaricate at a considerable angle. The palatal fissure thus
left between them is very short, and only commences about opposite the termination
of the palate bones, instead of much further forward, as in the other subfamilies. The
su])erior or mesial process of the intermaxillary is thus almost wholly concerned in the
production of the shape of the upper mandible. It is large at the base, being there as
broad as the os frontis, and about half as high as broad, with inflated, very convex and
bulging sides. Beyond the nostrils it becomes more compressed and deeper, and begins
to present a ridge along its culmen in place of the groove which exists at its base. The
sides become, as they advance, more and more compressed, and less bulging and convex,
until they terminate in a very acute point. This bone is remarkable in being holloiv
throughout, from base to extreme apex, with very thin walls, and consequently very
light. Its interior is partially occupied by a very light, delicate web of open cancel-
lated structure, most marked toward the base; more anteriorly its complete hoUow-
uess is only interrupted by delicate trabeculae of bone, which extend across, from side
to side, in every direction. This j)eculiarity of structure calls to mind the bill of the
Bliampltastidw.

The bony frarae-work of the under mandible, though not abnormal in structure, has
yet even a more peculiar shape than that of the upper. The rami of the inferior max-
illa are at first nearly parallel, and are very thin and delicate. Toward their
symphysis they become stouter, aud very suddenly converge toward each other with
a considerable degree of convexity. At the symj)hysis, which is strong aud firm,
the tomial as well as the dorsal edges of the bone at once unite ; and the rami, thus
completely consolidated, extend forward as a straight, thin, sharj) iirolongation of
bone, with flat, erect sides, and perfectly straight edges, which converge toward an
acute apex. The axis of the symphysis declines downward at a considerable angle of
divergence from the axis of the rami. The conjoined tomia are at their base on a level
with the superior edges of the rami, but the dorsal outline is at its beginning much
below the level of the inferior edge of the rami, in consequence of a marked deepening
of the bone just at its symphysis. On account of the peculiar direction of the inferior
maxilla, the tomial edges of the two mandibles are not usually in contact throughout
in their ordinary positions. Posteriorly the upper outline of the rami dips down with
a, considerable angle to the articulating surface. This latter diifers from the ordinary
type in its width, which is great, in consequence of the development of its internal
aud external angular processes, aud in the depth of the internal concavity. These
differences correspond to the difl'erences in shape of the face of the tympanic bone ;
in the prominence of its malar and pterygoid processes, aud the depth of the sulcus
between them. The roughened ridges aud eminences about the joint for muscular at-
tachment are all well marked. The triangular space just posterior to the articulation,
for the attachment of the digastricus, does not present so much downward and for-
ward as in the other subfamiles.

The single known genus of this subfamily is represented in North America by its
type species, the long and well-known i?. nigra.

Genus RHYNCHOPS, Lifin.

Phalacrocorax, Moehr., Gen. Av. 1752.

Eynchops, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17.58 ; 1766, 228 {B. nigra),

Enochopmlia, Briss., Orn. vi, 1860, 223.

liliynchops, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 802.

Animrhamphus. DuM. (Gray).

Psalidorhampkus, Eanz, 182:5 (Gray).

Jihyncliopsalia, Gloger, 1842 (Gray).

The characters of the single genus being the same as those of the subfamily, it is
unnecessary to repeat them.

Moehriug's name unquestionably belongs here, but is used in a different accejjtation.
Byncliopa of Linnaeus, more correctly written Bliynchops, may be employed instead,
though I hardly know upon what groimds, for as Liniueus called the Cormorants Pelc-
canus, Phalacrocorax, Moehr., does not conflict with a Liniuean name, and we date some
accepted genera back to 17.35. The original Bygclwpsalia of Brissou is variously
spelled by subsequent authors. I quote Anisorhamphus and Psalidorhamphus on Gray's
authority, having no means of verifying or completing the references.

EHYNCHOPS NIGRA, BLACK SKIMMER. 715

EHYNCHOPS NIGEA, Liuu.

Black Skimmer; Cut-water,

I{hy)icho2)s nigra, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, 17fi6, 2"2S.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 611.— Lath., lud.
Orii. ii, 1790, 80'i; and of authors oenerally. — Bukm., Syst. Ubers. iii, 454;
Eeise, 520 (La Plata). — Le6t., Ois. Trinidad, 534.— Maxim., Beit, iv, 877. —
Pelz., Oru. Bras. 324. — Pn. & Laxdu., Cat. 50 (Chili).— Gundl.. Rep. F. N. i,

i 393 (Cuba).— Salv., Ibis, 1865, 193 ; 1866 (Guateujala).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S.

' 1858, 77 (Rio Napo) ; 1871, 566 (south to 4b°, D((nrin).—ScL., P. Z. S. 1867, 340

(Chili).- ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (Mexico).— Dkess., Ibi.s, 1866, 45 (Texas).—
Lawr., B. N. Am. 1858, 866.— Lawk., Auu. Lye, viii, 1866, 299 (New York).—
TUKNIJ., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39 (New Jersey, frequeut).— COUES, Pr. Ess. lufct. v,
1868, 309 (?New England; quotes Emmons, Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 6; Linsl., Am.
Jouiu. Sci. xliv, 1843, 249 ; Pl tn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 231).— Coues & Pkent.,
Sn)iths. Rep. 1861, 419 (Washington, D. C.).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868,
127 (South Carolina).— Ali.ex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 368 (Florida, in winter). —
Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 46 (North Carolina).— Coues, Key, 1872, 324.

Bliyiuhops Julva, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 229. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 611.

Bhyvclwps chttrusctns et Ircvirostris, Spix, A. B. pis. 102, 103 {juniores).

Uriynchojjs vielanurus, BoiE. — Sw., An. in Men. 1838, 340 (Demarnra). — Cab., Schomb.
Guiau. iii, 761.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 201 (Ucayali) ; 1867, 593 (Mexiaua) ;
1867, 754 (Peru).

i?7i2/«c7iOj>s borealis, Sw., Au. in Men. 1838, 340.

Diag. E. rostro ruhro nigro dimidiato, nofa'o cum primariis 6 exteriorihus nigris, pogoniis
inttrnis jmrnarioriim 4 intcriorum et ajjicibus alhis, froni-e et gastrao alhis 2)Uis minnsve
rosaceif), caudd aJld nUjro dimidiata, pedibus ruhi'is.

Hah. — Warmer parts of America. South to 45" (Darwin). Various West Indian
Lslaiuls. In North America, Gulf and Atlantic coasts regularly to New Jersey ; casually,
if at all, to New Euglaud.

Adult. — Upper mandible with its culmen curved for its whole length, sinking a, little
at the base; highest just beyond the nostrils; gradually curved to the tip, which is
more acute than that of the lower mandible, but still very convex in profile; the ridge
sharj) and narrow for its whole length. The sides of the upper mandible are, from the
base for half its length, A-ery convex and bulging, so as to give to the base of the bill
a much rounded transverse outline ; but the sides gradually become more and more
compressed, till they hardly i)roject at all, but are quite perpendicular. The toniia of
the superior mandible, from the angle of the mouth, at first converge very rapidly, at
a quite obtuse angle, and at the same time are so much inflected that the sides of the
mandible just above them look almost directly do-svnward as far as the distal extremity
of the nostrils; there the tomia are parallel, very closely approximated, with perfectly
perpendicular sides, leaving between them only a narrow groove for the reception of
the tomial symphysis of the inferior mandible. The nasal groove is short and wide,
and rather shallow, its width and shallowness being caused by the great difference in
amount of divergence of the nasal and mandibular processes of the intermaxillary bone.
The nostrils are situated at the anterior extremity of this groove, and are of ordinary
laridine shape and size. The feathers run far forward ou tli«! broad and de])ressed base
of the culmen, with a rather obtuse angle, and then slope backward to the angle of
the mouth with a sinuate outline, at first concave, then convex. The lower mandible
is compressed for the whole of the extent whicli is bare of feathers, except just at the
extreme base, where the rami are rapidly approaching the median line; very flexible,
being cajtable of being greatly bent in a lateral direction ; its tip with a very thin,
sharj) edge, and a broadly convex perpendicular profile outline. Its sides are nearly
erect and flat, bulging but slightly at the base, not at all terminally ; nuirked with
about sixty straight, very obliqu<! ridges ajid sulci, running at an angle of about
45" ilownward and backward; of a length equal to about half the height of the
mandilile; most distinct toward the middle of the bill, more obsolete toward either
extremity. The tomial «'dges, of which the symphysis is complete from a ))oint about
o])posit(! the nostrils to the tij), are slightly couvexo-dedinate for their whole length;
the gonys, which is as thin and sharj) as the toinium, is somewhat mon^ decidedly con-
cavo-dedinate. The outline of the inferior mandibular rami is perpendicularly very
concave, horizontally sinuate, the siil)mental space being tilled witli leathers to the
very symjdiysis. The basal half, or a little less, of both niandil>les are carmine-red,
the ti-rminal half black.

The feet are of moderate length for this family. Tlio tibiiP are naked for a very
coiiNidcrable sjiaee, nearly half their total length. This bar<' jiortion shows a decided
tendency, most marked on its anterior face, to become transversely Bcutellate, like the
tarsus. The tarsus is defended anteriorly by a single row of scutella, which bccoiue

716 EHYNCHOPS NIGRA, BLACK SKIMMER.

obsolete toward the joint, and have exceedingly oblique margins. Laterally and pos-
teriorly there are jylates, small, regular, smooth, of a polyhedral (mostly hexagonal)
Bha)ie, larg'est and flattest on the sides of the tarsus, smaller and more roughened
behind and on the joint. The toes superiorly are defended, as is the tarsus, by scutella,
the webs by small reticulated plates ; on the inferior surfaces of both the "plates are
nearly obsolete. The middle and outer toes are of much the same length, the inner
much shorter, the tip of its claw reaching the base of the middle claw. The hallux is
of moderate length for this family ; its claw short, stout, blunt, little curved. The
anterior claws are all long, slender, depressed, moderately arched, rather acute, the
inner edges of all dilated, that of the middle one most so. The iuterdigital memhraues
are of the ordinary widtla and amount of emargination. The feet in life are carmiue-
red, in the dried state dull yellowish, with a tinge of pink.

The wings are excessively long and powerful. The primaries are broad, their
rhachides stroug, outer five or six of a somewhat falcate shape, narrowing rather sud-
denly when near the tip to their only moderately acute and rather rounded apices.
The secondaries are short, broad to their very tii)s, which are rounded, with a very
slight amount of excision of the extremities of their outer webs. The superior surface
of the Aviugs is glossy black, like the back; their inferior aspect, except a narrow line
along their metacarpal edge, white; this color deepening toward the ends of the pri-
maries, first into grayish, and then into blackish. The first six primaries are concolor,
black, pure and deep on their outer web, lighter and of a brownish tinge on their
inner; their rhachides black. The inner four primaries are brown ; their inner webs,
and the tips of both webs, white. The secondaries are white, with a space of dark
brown occupying nearly the whole of their outer and a small part of their inner
webs. The amount of brown is least on the outer ones ; increases on each feather suc-
cessively, till the last four secondaries and the tertials are brownish-black, except a
narrow apical margin.

The tail is of moderate length, being contained rather less than three times in the
wing. It is moderately emargiuate. The feathers are rather narrow, the central pair
rounded at their tips, the lateral ones converging to a very obtuse point. The upper
t^iil-coverts are short, being scarcely half the length of the tail ; the inferior ones, how-
ever, reach within a short distance of the tips of the central rectrices. The tail and
its under coverts are white, the inner webs of all the rectrices more or less obscured
with dark brown, deepest on the central pair. The superior coverts are black like the
back, except the outer row on each side, which are white.

Crown of the head, its sides just below the eyes, the back of the neck, and whole
upper parts, pure glossy black. The forehead, cheeks, sides of the head below the
eye, sides of the neck, and whole under parts, pure white ; tinged in life, during the
nuptial season, with rosy.

Dimensions. — Length (of males), 20; extent of wings, 49; wing from flexure, 16 to
16.50: from apex of longest secondary to tip of first primary, 6; tail, 5.50 to 6; depth
of fork, 1 to 1.25 ; upper mandible along culmeu, 3 ; along gape, 4 ; height opposite
middle of nostrils, 0.60; width at same j)lace, 0.45; length of nasal fossa, 0.75; of
nostrils, 0.40 ; under mandible along gonys, 3.75 ; along fused tomia, 3.60 ; along gape,
4.50; from feathers on its side to tip, 4.10 ; its depth at deepest part, just anterior to
beginning of symphysis, 0.60 ; deptli .T.t; tip, about 0.25 ; length of longest oblique
stria, about 0.40 ; tibite bare, 1.10; tarsus, 1.45; middle toe and claw, 1.30; outer toe
and claw, 1.20 ; inner toe and claw, 0.95 ; hallux and claw, 0.35.

The preceding descriijtion was taken from a large and very perfect specimen obtained
in Florida. The dimensions are perhaps somewhat greater than the average of exam-
ples, but not more so than is frequently found to be the case. Individuals vary
greatly in size, many apparently equally adult examples being much smaller than the
one whose dimensions I have just given. I believe that Audubon is quite correct iu
saying that the females are smaller than the males. They will not average probably
more than 16 or 17 inches in length, by about 42 in extent of wings, as he has said.
I have also found the bills to be much thinner, lightei", and weaker. In colors the
sexes hardly differ notably.

Yonng-of-ihe-year. — Bill smaller than in the adult, thinner, weaker, its ridges less
sharply defined, and the two mandibles of less xinequal length. General proportions
less than in adult. Bill brownish-black for three-fourths of its length, fading into dull
born-color just at its tip, lightening into more or less intense flesh color, or light red-
dish, toward the base. The strite on the sides of the lower maudible are as numerous as,
but much less distinct than, in the adult. Tail shorter and less deeply emargiuate.
Legs and feet dull light reddish. Entire upi)er parts a rather light grayish-brown,
deepest on the wing-coverts and tertials ; each feather with a tolerably broad margin
and tip of white, broadest and most conspicuous on the wing-coverts and tertials.
Forehead, sides of the head below the eyes, the neck ail round, the edge of the fore-
arm, inferior surfaces of the wings, and whole under parts, white. Primaries almost
exactly as in the adults, except that the innermost have more white, and there is a

RIIYNCHOPS NIGRA, BLACK SKIMMER. 717

slight -white terminal margin as far as the fourth or fifth. Secondaries about as in the
adults, but their brown portions lighter and duller. Tail white; the greater jiart of
the two central rectrices, and the inner webs of the others, with a tinge of dull gray-
ish-brown, deepest on the middle pair.

I once saw a single specimen of this bird on the Potomac River, near
Washington. Otherwise my personal observations are confined, up to
the present time, to the coast of North Carolina, where the birds are
plentiful. There I only noticed them late in the summer and during
the autumn, though I presume they pass by in the spring; none breed
there, to my knowledge. In September they become plentiful, and so
continue until the latter part of November, some doubtless remaining
later. In examining large numbers of specimens I found a great differ-
ence in size, and particularly in the bill. Some individuals are fully a
third heavier than others. The bill varies over an inch in length, and
especially in the length of the under mandible. Sometimes the differ-
ence between the two mandibles is hardly a third of an inch, at others
over an inch. The oblique strice on the under one are sometimes obso-
lete. In high condition the bill is bright red (vermilion) and black;
otherwise orange and black, or even mostly dusky, only yellowish at
base. The young in the fall are curiously variegated with dusky and
whitish above, few specimens being exactly alike. The note of this
species is instantly distinguished from that of any of our other species
of this family by its deep guttural intonation, more like the croaking of
some Herons than the cries of tlie Gulls and Terns. The bird also
differs from its allies in going in true flocks, as distinguished from the
gatherings, however large, in community of interest, that occur with
the Gulls and Terns. The birds move synchronously, which is not the
case with any of the others. They feed chietly by night, or at any rate
in the dusk of the evening, at which time, in passing over the harbor,
one may hear their hoarse notes on every hantl, and see the birds gliding
swiftly along just over the water, either singly or in small Hocks.
During the daytime, when the Gulls and Terns are busy fishing, the
Skimmers are generally seen reposing on the sand-bars. They never
drop on their prey on the wing, like their allies. Their mode of feeding-
is not exactly made out, but it is believed they skim over the surface
with the body inclined downward, the bill open, and the under maiulible
in the water, so they really take their prey in a manner analogous to
the feeding of whales.

PYGOrODES:

ORDER r IXJXJI \J V IhO* DIVIXG BIRDS.

Excliuliug tlie Sphenifci, or Penguins, wLich may form a group of equal value with
Fiif/o2)odes, the latter consist of three families, readily distinguished, as follows:

Common characters. — Feet palmate or lobate. Legs feathered to the heel-joint, buried
in common integument nearly to the same extent, situate far posterior, restricting ter-
restrial locomotion, and necessitating more or less nearly erect attitude on land. Hal-
lux elevated, free or joined by lobe to base only of inner toe, small or altogether
•wanting. Bill of indeterminate shape, corneous, not lamellate or serrate, not furnished
■with a gular pouch. Nostrils variable in shape and position, naked or feathered.
Wings short, stiff, stout, never reaching when folded to the end and often not to the
base of the tail. Tail always short, sometimes rudimentary. Palate schizognathous.
Carotid sometimes single (in Podiceps and Mergulus). Tibia often with a long apophy-
sis. Sternum variable. Nature altricial or praicocial ; young ptilopjedic. Habit highly
natatorial and iirinatorial. .

Colymhidw. — Feet comjiletely palmate, four-toed, the hallux joined by its slight flap
to base of inner toe. Tarsi reticulate, extremely compressed, with smooth sharp hinder
edge. Tibio-tarsal joint feathered. Claws strong, narrow, arched. Bill lengthened,
tapering, acute, straight, wholly hard. Tail perfect, of many feathers. Wings with
stiff inner secondaries much shorter than the primaries, the primaries not emargiuate.
Lores completely feathered. Nostrils linear, reached by the fi'ontal autiae, their upiier
edge lobato. Eye large. Back of adult spotted ; young not striped on head ; no
crests or ruffs at any season. Seasonal changes of "plumage slight. Sternum with long,
broad xiphoid prolongation and shorter lateral apophyses. A long tibial apophysis.
Carotids double. Nature prascocial. Eggs few, variegated in color. The verj^ few
sjiecies coulined to the Northern hemisphere.

Podicijndw. — Feet lobate and semipalmate, four-toed, the hallux free, with large lobe.
Tarsi transversely scutellate, compressed, the hinder edge serrate, with a double row
of small pointed scales. Tibio-tarsal joint naked. Claws broad, flat, obtuse. Bill
usually lengthened and straight, but the tip sometimes decurved. Tail rudimentary —
a mere tuft of downy feathers. Wings with long, broad inner secondaries overlying
the primaries when closed ; primaries eleven, several emargiuate. Lores with a naked
strip. Nostrils linear, oblong or ovnl, not lobed, not reached by the frontal feathers.
Size medium and small. Back of adult not spotted; young usually with strii)ed
head; adults in breeding season usually with lengthened colored crests or rufts or
bristly feathers. Seasonal changes of plumage great. Sternum short in middle line,
with long lateral apophyses. A long tibial apophysis. Carotids usually (always '■')
single. Nature prsecocial. Eggs numerous, plainly colored. The numerous species
cosmopolitan.

Alcidw. — Feet palmate, three-toed (hallux wanting). Tarsi reticulate or partly scu-
tellate. Tibio-tarsal joint naked. Claws ordinary. Bill of wholly indeterminate sbapc,
often much as in Colymhidoi or Podiciptdw ; often curiously shaped, with various
ridges, furrows, or horny protuberances. Tail perfect, of few feathers. Lores com-
pletely feathered. Nostrils wholly variable in shape and position, naked or feathered.
Legs very variable. Coloration variable; head often with curious long curly crests.
No tibial apophysis. Usually (always?) an anconal sesamoid, sometimes double.
Carotids usually double (single in Al'ergulus). Nature altricial. Eggs few or single,
plain or variegated. The numerous species confined to the Northern hemisphere.

As stated at p. 589, the ^k'if/a-— marine species without representatives in the Mis-
souri region — will not be presented in this work, while the Cohjmhidw and Podiciindce •
of North America will be treated monographically. The basis of tbo following account
was iirepared by the present writer several years ago for a report upon which ho was
then engaged with Dr. George Suckley.* It has, however, been entirely recast for the
present imrpose, and is altogether a different i^ajier.

Family COLYMBID^ : Loons.

For diagnosis see above.

By many modern writers the Loons and Grebes are held as respectively co-mposing
the subfamilies Coliimhirur and Podicipimv, of a single family, Coli/mbidfC These divi-
sions correspond with the Colijmhi pedlMs palmatis and C. pedibvs lohaiis of Gmclin, the

* An abstract of which was published in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Acad-
emy of Natural Sciences for 18(32, pp. 226-2-33.

COLYMBUS TOEQUATUS, GREAT NOETHERN LOON. 719

genera Coh/mlms and Podiceps of Latham, and nearly with the Cepplii and Colymhi of
Pallas. All were nnited nuder the genus Colymhns by Linnjeus.* Bnt the groups are
sufficiently distinct to bear family rank. Temmiuck, indeed, separated them widely bj'
intervention of the Longipenncs and Anseres, though this seems hardly permissible. As
this family contains but one geuus, further characters are considered under that head.

Genus COLYMBUS, Linn, {emend.)

< Colymhus, Linn., Svst. Nat. 1735-1766, and of authors. (Not of Illiger, 1811, nor of

Pallas, 1811, iior of Brissou, 1760.)

< Cepphus, MoHuiNG, Gen. Av. 1752, 69.
<^ Mergun, Bki.sson, Orn. 1760.

X Cepphus, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 339.

= -fc'«%?e», Illigek, Prod. 1811, 282.

= Eudltes, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 144.

Cii. Bill long, strong, straight, acute, compressed. Culmen convex or nearly straight,
connuissnre corresponding, gonys generally convex. Eauii long separate, the gonydeal
union usually denoted by a groove sometimes almost to tip, the angle always evident.
Maxilla more or less striate basally. Mandible dilated along tomia, with groove just
below. Nasal fossai well marked, continued anteriorly in sulci. Nostrils long, liuear,
pervious, subbasal, reached by the antite, and having a peculiar flap hanging from the
upiier border. Head densely and evenly feathered, with long acute antise running into
the nasal fossae ; no uaked spaces uor bristly nor lengthened feathers about the head
or ueck. Ear small and inconspicuous. Eye with its anterior canthus just over the
angle of the mouth. Wiugs moderately loug (for this group), very powerful, concavo-
couvex, with somewhat falcate primaries, the lirst longest, the rest rapidly graduated,
the inner secondaries short, stiii', broad, tailing far short of the ends of the primaries
in the closed wing. Tail short, but fully developed, rounded, with stiffish acuminate
feathers, but upper and under coverts reaching nearly to the end. Legs short, very
stout and powerful ; tibiai feathered on the sutirago ; tarsi extremely compressed, en-
tirely reticulated, with small polygonal scales and smooth sharp fore and hind edges.
Toes lengthened, exceeding the tarsus, outer longest, inner shortest of the anterior
ones, all full-webbed ; hallux small, slightly lobed with a tiai) continuous with base of
second toe. Claws strong, narrow, obtuse, convex above.

The three species which compose the genus are characteristic of the Northern hemis-
phere. They are heavy, powerful, and hardy birds, emiueut in powers of flight and
in swimming and diving, but progressing on land with difficulty. They are migratory,
breeding iar north, generally dispersed in winter. The voice is loud, peneti'ating, and
raucous ; the nature wild and wary. The eggs are few, generally two or three. The
youL'g betake themselves directly to the water, near which the nest is placed — a rude
structure of rushes or other aqu-vtic vegetation, built on the grouud. The sexes are
alike; the young are dift'erent from the old.

COLYMBUS TOEQUATUS, Bruuu.
Great Jforthern Loon, or Diver.

a. torquatus.

ColymhuH torquatus, BhDxn., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 134. — Ki;ys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840,

91.— Lawj:., B. N. a. 1858, 888.— Coop. & «rcK., N. H. Wash. ter. 1860, 278.—

CoiKs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,248; 1862,227; I'^Ol, 21.— CoiKS, Mem. Bust.

• Soc. N. H. i, 131 (osteology and myology;. — Col'KS, Key, 1872,334; and of

most late United States writers.

CepphuH iorquatun, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 340.

Colymhun i/laciali>i,lAyt;., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 221.— Gm., Svst. Nat. 1, 1788, 588.— Lath.,
lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 799.— Fohst., Phil. Trans. Ixii,'l772, 383.— Tkmm.. Man. Orn.
1815, 597.— Stkpil.Ctcu. Zool. xii, lri24, 2.i3, pi. 61.— Gkav, Gen. of B. iii.631.—
Suxi)., Svensk. Kogl. j)]. 53.— WiLs., Aul Orn. ix, 1824, «4, jil. 74.— lip., Syn.
1828, 420; List, 1H38, 65.— Sw. A. EtciL, V. B. Auk li, IKU. 474.— Nirr., Man.
ii, 1K54, 5L3.— Ari)., Orn. Biog. iv, 183ri.43, pi. 306; 8yn. ISIO, 353; li. Aul vii,
1H44, 2.S2, jil. 476.— Gut. , B. L. I. 1844, 37cj ; and of nuist authtus.

EuihiliH tjla<A(i1i8, Illkikh, Prodronius, 1811, 282.— Naim., V. D. xii, 1844, 397, yl. 327.

Euditis ylacialis, Kai;p, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 144.

* Admitting the pertinence of the renuuks of Suudevall (Meth. Av. Tent. Disp. 1^73)
and others on the question of nomendatun', we do not iind it necessary to use EuOytcs
of Illiger for the Loons, to leave the name Culymbus for the Grebes.

720 COLYMBUS TORQUATUS, GREAT NORTHERN LOON.

Colymhm immcr, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 176G, 222.— Gm,, Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 588.— Lath., Incl.

Orn. ii, 1790, 80U.— Leach, Cat. 181G, 36.
Coh/ml'is atrigularis, Meyku, Tascheiib. Yiig. Deutscbl. ii, 449.
Colpnbits mdximus et hiemalis, Bkeiim, V. D. 971, 972.

b. adamsii.

Colymhus adamsii, Gray, P. Z. S. 1859, 167 (Russian America). — CoUES, Pr. Pliila. Acad.

18G2. 227; 1864, 21 (crauiuiu).— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 63.— Dall & Bann., Tr.

Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 308 (Alaska).— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872 (Alaska).
Coh/mhiis torguatus var. adainsii, Coues, Key, 1872, 334.
Coli/mbus glacialis, var., Swiniioe.

Hah. — Tbe Northern hemisi)bere. Var. adamsii from Alaska and interior of Arctic
America; also, Asia. "England."

Var. TORQUATUS : Common Loon.

AduU. — Bill black, the tip and cutting edges sometimes yellowisb. Feet black. Head
and neck deep glossy greenish-black, •with lustrous purplish reflections on tbe front
and sides of the head, A patch of sharp white streaks on the throat, and another
larger triangular patch of tbe same on each side of the neck lower down, the two last
nearly or quite meeting behind, separate in front. Sides of breast striped with black
and white. Entire uijper parts, wing-coverts, inner secoudaries, and sides under the
wings, deep glossy bluish-green ; all except the sides thickly marked with white spots;
those of the scapulars, tertials, and middle back, large, square, and regular ; those of
other parts smaller, oval, smallest on rump, most numerous on wing-coverts. Upper
tail-coverts greenish-black, immaculate. Wing-quills brownish-black, lighter on iuner
"webs. Under surface of wings, axillars, and under parts generally from the neck, pure
Avhite ; the lower belly with a dusky baud.

Toung. — Bill smaller than in the adult, bluish-white, with dusky ridge. Crown and
cervix dull brownish-black ; other upper parts similar, but the feathers, especially of
the foreback, with light gray edgings. Primaries black, with brown iuner webs. Tail
feathers with gray tips. Traces of lighter and darker liueation on sides of breast.
Sides of head mottled with ashy and wiiitish ; chin, throat, neck in front, and whole
under parts, white.

Dimensions. — Length 31 to 36 inches; wing, 12.50 to 14.25; bill, 2.75 to 3 along cul-
men ; gape, 4 to 4.25 ; height at nostrils, about 0.80; width there, about 0.40; tarsus,
3 to 3.50 ; middle toe and claw, 4.25 to 5.

Hab. — The Northern hemisphere. In winter, generally dispersed in the United States.

The white throat-patch consists usually of five or six streaks; in this, as in the lat-
eral neck-stripes, the individual feathers are broadly black, with sharp white edges
toward their ends. The texture of the feathers is peculiar — the outer surface is hol-
lowed, with raised edges of specially firm, smooth, polished character, so that these
IDatches may be felt as well as seen. The white spots on the back occur in a pair on
each feather near its end, their aggregation in any region being therefore determined
by the size of the feathers themselves.

Beginning binomial nomenclature at 1758, the name /orr/Hrtius, Briinn. (1764), ante-
dates glacialis, Linn. (1766). No synonyms require discussion.

Var. ADAMSII : Yelloin-hilled Loon.

Ch. Larger than C torqiiatus, with the bill rather larger and somewhat differently
shaped and colored. . Bill about equaling head, longer than tarsus, much compressed, tip
verj' acute, not at all decurved, the culmen being almost perfectly straight, as the com-
missure also is. Gonys straight or nearly so to the angle, which is very prominent.
Frontal autiie reaching beyond middle of nostrils. Bill tine light yellowish horn-color,
only dusky at base. Head and neck deep steel-blue, with i)urplish and violet reflec-
tions, glossed only on the cervix with deep green. Throat-patch of white streaks
smaller than in torqnatiis, but the individual streaks larger, as are those of the neck-
patches. White spots of upper parts larger than in torquatns, rectangular instead of
square on the scapulars and tertials, being somewhat longer than brnad. Bill along
culmen, 3.50 to 3.76; along gape. 5 to 5.25 ; height at nostrils, 0.95 to 1.10 ; width, 0.40 to
O.iJO ; tarsus, 3.50; outer toe, 4.65 to 5.10. General dimensions somewhat exceeding
those of torquutns, but not so much so as in the bill.

A comparative table of characters is subjoined:

Var. TOHQUATUs: Culmen, 2.75 to 3; gape, 4 to 4.25; height of bill at nostrils, aver-
age, under 1. Bill along culmen shorter than tarsus. Color of bill mostly black, ita

COLYMBUS AECTICUS, BLACK-THROATED DIVER. 721

oulnien convex ; commissure somewhat decurvecl ; gouys convex, with slight angle.
Frontal anti;;' falling short of middle of nostrils. Gloss of head and neck mostlj' greeu.
White sjjots of back nearly sqnare.

Car. ADAMSii: Cnlmeu, about 3.75; gape, abont 5; height of bill at nostrils, aver-
age, over 1. Bill along culnieu longer than tarsus. Color of bill mostly yellow ; its
culmen nearly straight ; commissure straight; gonys straight, with prominent angle.
Frontal antitu reaching middle of nostrils. Gloss of head and neck mostly blue. White
spots of back longer than broad.

The tyi)e of this form was from Russian America, now Alaska. Numer-
ous specimens in breeding i)litmage have been received at the Smith-
sonian from various parts of Arctic America. The form appears to have
been also lecorded in Asia, and is even quoted from England. I have
seen no United States examples : nor have I recognized the bird in its
young plumage, when, probably, it could not be distinguished with any
certainty from ordinary torquatus. Specimens are labeled as having
the iris light reddish-brown, the feet olivaceous.

Notwithstanding the distinctions in the size, shape, and color of the
bill, I am now rating this bird as a variety of torqtiatns, being satis-
Hed that the characters iutergrade with those of the latter.

COLYMBUS AR(3TICUS, Linn.
Bladi-throated Diver.

a. arcticiis.

Cohjmliis arciicHS, LiNX., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 221.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 587.— Lath.,
Lid. Orn. ii, 17U0, 8U0.— Bi;UNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 133.— Temm., Man. Oru.
1815, 599.— Stkpii., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 236.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840,
91.— GitAY, Gen. of B. iii, 631, pi. 171.— SuxD., Svensk. Fogl. pi. 53.— Bp., Syn.
1828, 420; List, 1838, 65— Aud., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 345, pi. 346; Syn. 1839,
354 ; B. Am. vii, 1844. 29.5, pi. 477.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 517.— Sw. & Rich., F.
B. A. ii, 1831, 475.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858. 888; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 300
(New York).— CouKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 228.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,
309 (New England),— Dall Sc Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 307 (Alaska).—
FiNScn, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 74 (Alaska).— Coues, Key, 1872, 334.— Coues, Elli-
ott's Prybilov Islands, 1874.— Ridgw., x\nn. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 392 (Illinois) ;
and of authors generally.

Ccpplius arcticiiH, Pale., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 91.

Eudytcs «>t7(cH.s, III., Piod. 1811, 282.— Nalm., V. D. xii, 1844, 418, pi. 328.

Cohimhun mnvrorlnpuhos, Bkeiim, V. D. 1831, 974.

Coiipnhun miiiarhipichoK, Bi;EiiM, Naum. v, 1855, 300 ; V. D. 974.

Cohjmhus hallhicuit, IIoknscie, Verz. Pommersch. Vog. 21.

" Cohjmhus ignotu8 et leucojius, Bechst., Naturg. iv, 782."

b. 2)c(cijictis.

Cohimhus imnfwns, Lawi:., B. N. A. 1858. 889.- Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1862, 228.— CodP.

& Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 279.— Coues, Ibis, 1866, 273 (Southern Cali-

foruia).— CouES, I'r. Phila. Acad. 1866, 100.
Colymbtta arclicus var. imdjicus, Coues, Key, 1872, 335.

Ilah. — The Northern hemisphere. Var. pacificus from the Pacific coast of North
America.

This species, which was not noticed by either of the Expeditions, appears to be a
more northerly bird than the last, and, according to my experience, it is rare in the
United States. Audulton, however, states that it comes as far south as Texas. The
Pacific variety is u common bird on the coast of California in winter.

Vdr. ARCTicus: BUal; -throated Diver.

CiiAi:. Bill generally as in l(n<iii(ilii>i, but smaller; color black. Chin, throat, and
neck in front, i)lack, with purplisli and vicdet n^llections on the sidi-sof the head, grad-
ually fading into a fine, char bluish-gray, deepest on the forehead, lighest behiutl, and
separated Irom the Idack of the throat l)y a si'ries of white streaks. A cri'seent of .short,
white stieaks across upper throat; sides of breast striped with pure white aud glossy

4G

722 COLYMBUS ARCTICUS, BLACK-TIIROATED DIVER.

l)lack, these stripes nearly meeting; in front. Entire upper parts deep, glossy grecuish-
blac!<, eacli feather of scapniars and interscapulars with a white spot near end of each
web ; those of the scapuhirs largest, forming four patches in transverse rows. Wing-
coverts thickly speckled with small ovate white spots. Inner webs of quills and tail
feathers below, light grayish-brown. Sides under wings like back. Lining of wings
and entire under parts from the neck, pure white, with a narrow dusky band across
lower belly ; under tail-coverts dusky, tipped with white.

Youufj.— BUI light bluish-gray, dusky along the ridge. Iris brown. Feet dusky.
Upper part of head and neck dark grayish-brown ; sides of head dark grayish-white,
minutely streaked with brown. Upper parts with a reticulated or scaly appearance,
the feathers being brownish-black with broad bluish-gray margins ; the rump dull
brownish-gray. Primaries and their coverts brownish-black ; secondaries arul tail
feathers dusky, margined with gray. Forepart of j]eck grayish-white, n)inutely aud
faintly dotted with brown ; its sides below streaked with the same. Lower parts, in-
cluding under surface of wings, pure white, the sides of the body aud rump, with jjart
of the lower tail-coverts, dusky, edged with bluish-gray. (Aitduho7i.)

Dimensions.— Wing, 1L75 ; bill along culmen, 2.45 ; along gape, 3.40 ; its height at
nostrils, 0.65 ; its width there, 0.35 ; tarsus, 2.90 ; outer toe and claw, 3.H0.

The foregoing description is taken from a fine adult European specimen, no unques-
tionable North American one being before me. The account of the young is derived
from Audubon. I am not sure that I have recognized it from North America, the young
of the arciiciis type before mo being apparently all var. pacijicus. It may be distin-
guished from the young of torquatas by its decidedly inferior size. The questions
arising from consideration of var. xMclfiGus are treated under the next head.

Yar. PACIFICUS : Pacific BlacTc-throatcd Diver.

In 1858 Mr. Lawrence separated, "with some hesitation," two specimens of the
arcticiis typo from that species, under the name of paciftcus, on the ground of smaller
s'ize, and especially smaller, weaker bill. A young bird iu the Philadelphia collection,
"which may have come from the Pacitic," being exactly like the types of j>flc(/(CHs;
and the fact that young arcticus is described as closely resembling young (orqiiatiis,
whereas the types oi pacificus are quite different, strengthened the opinion that pacijicus
■was distinct, and I so treated it in 1862. But now, with Mr. Lawrence's types and
several fully adult specimens before me, I reduce the differences merely to a point of
size, which, as is well known, is very variable iu this family. The bird is evidently
only a slight variety, as will be perceived by the following examination of specimens :

No. 21795, Mus. Smith. lust., adult, Europe : Bill moderately stout, little compressed,
shorter than head or tarsus, tip rather acute, culmeu regularly convex throughout,
commissure greatly decurved, under outline straight to the angle, gonys straight, angle
well detined. Culmen, 2.45 ; g-ape, 3.40 ; height at nostril, 0.65 ; width there, 0.35 ;
■wing, 11.75.

No. 16014, adult, Eraser's River, collected by Dr. Kennerly on the Northwest Bound-
ary Survey: Apparently pure arcf(Vi(s. Wing, 11.75; tarsus, 2.90 ; outer toe, 3.80 ; thus
fully as large. The upper mandible is shot away from the nostrils, but according to
the under mandible the bill was 0.25 shorter than iu the preceding ; its height at base
is the same.

No. 17052, intermediate in age, California : Smaller. Wing, 11.30; tarsus, 2.85; outer
toe, 3.55 ; culmen, 2 : gape, 2.90 ; height of bill at base, 0.48. The bill is considerably
shorter and slenderer than in the European ; the culmeu decidedly convex ; gonj's
convex.

No. 20229, adult. Great Slave Lake : Smaller than either of the preceding. Wing,
only 11 ; tarsus, 2.60 ; outer toe, 3.00 ; culmen, 2.05; gape, 3.20; height of bill at base,
0.50. The bill thus differs little from the preceding.

No. 9924, voung, Puget's Sound : A type of the species ; about the size and propor-
tions of 17052. Wing, 11.20; tarsus, 2^80; culmen, 2.12; gape, 3; height, 0.50. This
hiis the bill a little larger than in 17052, the culmeu considerably curved, the gonydeal
angle pretty well deliued. (Difference in length of culmeu between this aud the Eu-
ropean specimen, aliout 0.30 ; the wing only 0.75 shorter.)

No. 20231, adult, M'Kenzie's River : Small. Wing, barely 11 ; tarsus, 2.50 ; outer toe,
3.50; culmen ovly 1.90; height of bill, 0.45. This has the smallest, straightcst. and
slenderest bill of all. The culmeu is even a little concave at the nostrils ; commissuio
jierfectly straight ; gonydeal angle slight. Were this shape aud size of bill constant,
a species might be jiredicated.

No. 11862, young, Eraser's River : Smallest of the specimens. Wing, 10.75; tarsus,
2.75 ; outer toe, 3.80 ; culmeu, 2 ; gape, 2.85 ; height of bill, 0.45. The bill resembles
some others of the foregoing more thau it does that of 20231.

The complete graduation is established by the above series, showing that we can only
recognize a var. pacificiis as one extreme of au unbroken chain.

COLYMBUS ARCTICUS, BLACK-TUROATED DIVER, 723

There is soraethiug very curious iu the relationships that many birds of the families
Colymb'-da' and Poclicipldcv bear to each other. Most of the species are, as it were, tlui)li-
cated ; that is, there is another scarcely differing except iu the size, one being the
fraieraih', or "little brother," of the other. This fact is easily illustrated, taking our
several species as examples. Our comujon Loon is the fratercule of C. odamsii, described
by Mr. Gray, in l!*59, from Russian, and lately found extensiAely dispersed in Briti^ih
America. It is larger than iorquaius, with a relatively as well as absolutely larger bill,
differently shaped, and mostly yellow instead of wholly black ; there are also some
differences in the coloration of the plumage. The Pacific Diver is the smaller repre-
f entative of the Black-throated ; it has also a disproportionately smaller and slenderer
bill. It was first described by Mr. Lawrence, in 1858, from young birds taken on the
Pacific coast of the United States ; but since that time great numbers of the adults
have beeu secured, my examination of which has convinced me that the only dift'er-
ences are those just stated. The Red-throated Loon also has its smaller race, though
I am not aware that it has been formally recognized ; I have seen sonie full-grown on^s
scarcely two-thirds the average size. Among the Grebes the rule is finely illustrated iu
the cases of P. occidcntalis and F. clarhil. All the American Red-necked Grebes I have seen
have beeu larger, and otherwise different from the European F. grificifjena. I recognizo
them as varietally distinct under Reinhardt's name of P. holholH. There are said to 1)8
similar races of the Horned Grebes (P. cornutiis), but here the difference is not very
evident. The American aud Eurojieau Eared Grebes are singularly correlated ; while
of the same size, they differ constantly in the amount of white on the wing, as I showed
some years since, in separating our bird, under the name of P. californiciis, from F. aii-
rittts. Thei'e are relations of corresponding character between the Dabchick of Europe
(Sylbeoci/chw minor) aud that of Central America {S. dominicus) ; between the North and
South American Dabchick ( Podilijmhits jwdiccjis and P. mtta)-ctictts) ; while among exotic
forms several geographical races or subspecies are easily recognized.

The Pacific Dive* as its iiaiue iutlicates, is confined to the West, and
iu the United States chiefly to the coast itself; but it occurs abundantly
iu Western British America. With ns it is only known as a winter res-
ident, at which season it reaches our extreme southern border, if not
still further; iu the spring' it passes north, and breeds as high as ex-
plorers have penetrated. I had rare opportunities of studying these
birds while I was in Southern California, iu ^November, 18G5. They
were very plentiful about the bay of San Pedro. The first thing that
attracted my attention was their remarkable familiarity ; they were tamer
than any other water-fowl I liave seen. They showed no concern at the
near approach of a boat, scarcely availed themselves of the powers of
diving, iu which the whole family excels, and I had no trouble iu shoot-
ing as nuiny as I wanted. They even came up to the wharves, and
played about as unconcerned as domestic Ducks ; they (constantly swam
around the vessels lying at anchor in the harbor, aud all their motions,
both on and under the clear water, could be studied to as much advan-
tage as if the birds had been placed in artificial tanks (or the purpose.
Xow two or three would ride lightly over the surface, with the neck
gracefully curved, propelled with idle strokes of their broad paddles to
tliis side aud that, one leg after the other stretched at ease almost hori-
zontally backward, while their flashing eyes, first directed upward witli
curious sidelong glance, then peering into the depths below, sought for
some attractive morsel. In an instant, with the peculiar motion, impos-
sible to describe, they would disai>[)ear beneath the surface, leaving a
little foam an<i bubbles to mark where they went down, aud I couUl
follow their course under water; sec them shoot with marvellous swift-
ness through the limpid element, as, urged by powerful strokes of the
webbed feet and beats of the half opened wings, they Hew rather than
swam ; see tlu'Ui dart out the arrow-like bill, transfix an uiducky tish,
and lightly ri.se to the surface again. While under water, the bubbles
of air carri<'d down with them cling to the feathers, and they seem be-
si)angled with glittering Jewels, borrowed for the time liom their native
element, and lightly parted with as they leave it. when they arrange
their feathers with a slight shiver, shaking otf the last sparkling drop.

724 COLYMBUS SEPTENTKIONALIS, feED-THROATED DIVER.

The foiitbers look as dry as if the bird had never beeu under water ; the
fish is swallowed head tirst, with a curious jerkiug Qiotiou, aud the bird
agaiu swims at ease, with the same graceiul curve of the neclv.

COLYMBUS SEPTENTRICmALlS, Linn.

Red-throated Diver.

Cohjinhns f^cptcnfrinimlis, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 220 (adult). — Lath., Iiul. Oin. ii, 1790,
801.— Tkmm., Mail. 181.< 602.— Eoie, Isis, 1822, 561.-Steph., G. Z. xii. 18:4,
2:W.— Keys. & Bi.as., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 91.— Gi;ay, Gen. of IJ. iii, 6:51.- Sund.,
Sveusk. Fogl. p]. 53.— Br., Syu. 1828, 421; List, 1838. 65.— Sw. & Ricii., F. B.
A. ii, 1831, 476.— NuTT., Mau. ii, 1834, 519.— Aud., Oni. Biog. iii, 1835, 20, pi.
202; Svu. 1839, 354; B. Aui. vii, 1844, 299, pi. 478.— GiH., B. L. L 1844, 380.—
Lawk.,' B. N. A. 1858, 690; Ami. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 300 (New York).— Coues,
Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 228.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 317 (Spitzbcrgen).— Coop. &
Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 279.— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869. :',07
(Alaska).— FiNSCU, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 75 (Ala.ska).— Tt:km$., B. E. Pa. 1869,
39 (rather rare). — CouE.s, Key, 1872, 335; and of authors generally.

Cepjylnis septcntrioiiaUa, Pall., Zoog. Rosso- As. ii, 1811, 342.

Eiidytes sq){cntrioiialis, III., Prod. 1811, 282.— Naum., Vog. Dent, xii, 1844,^435, pi. 329.

Colymhus Imnme, BiiiJNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, 39 (adult).

Colymbus steUatus, Bluxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 130 (young).- Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,
£87.— Latil, lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 800.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 35.

Citp2)]uis stcllatus, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, — .

Colymbus horcalis, BKtJxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 131.— LATH.jKud. Oru. ii, 1790, 801. —
Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 979.

Colymhus striatus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 586 (young).- Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 802.

Colymhus rvfognlaris, Meyei:, Tasch. Deutsch. Vog. ii, 453.

Colymhus microrhynchus, Breiim., Nauiu. v, 1855, 300.

Hah.— The Northern hemisphere.

Char. Bill usually slenderer than in the foregoing ; culm en slightly concave at the
nostrils, gently convex to tip, which is rather obtuse and a little decurved. Outline of
rami nearly straight; gonys slightly convex. Frontal antiiu scarcely extending beyond
base of nostrils. Tarsus relatively rather longer than in foregoing siiecies, about four-
fifths the middle toe.

Adult. — Bill black, rather lighter at the tip. Crown and broad cervical stripe glossy
greenish-black, the latter thickly streaked with white, which streaks, ou the sides of
the brea.st, sjiread so as to nearly meet in front. Throat and sides of head clear bluish-
gray. A large, well-detined, triangular, chestnut-brown throat-patcii. Entire upper
parts aud sides under the wings deep biowuish-black, with greenish gloss, everywhere
profusely spotted with white, the spots small, oval. Primaries blackish, pal^" ou the
inner webs. Tail narrowly tipped with white. Under parts and lining of wings white,
the axillars with narrow, dusky shaft-streaks, aud the lower belly, with some of the
under tail-coverts, dusky.

Young. — Bill mostly light bluish-white, with dusky ridge. Crown of head and neck
behind bluish-gray, the feathers of the former bordered with whitish. Entire upper
parts brownish- or grayish-black, everywhere profusely marked with small oval and
linear spots of while. Throat without red patch, its sides and those of the the he.ad
mottled with dusky. Other parts as in the adult.

Dimensions. — Length, about 27; wing, 11 or less; bill alongculmen, 2; along gape, 3;
height at nostril, 0.50; width there, 0.35; tarsus, 2.75; outer toe, 3.50.

Tills species varies greatly in general size, and in the size and shape of the bill.
Nevertheless, it may always be recognized bj' the peculiar profuse siiotting of the upper
parts, as well as, when adult, by the red throat-patch. The spots are smallest and mo.st
numerous ou the wing-coverts and upper back, where they gi'ad<i into the streaks of
the hind neck ; largest on the tertials, scapulars, aud sides under the wings, where they
are lather lines than spots, and are fewest, or almost wanting, on the middle of the
back. The marking results from a small spot or stripe near the end of each feather,
ou the edge of each web; there is occasionally a second pair nearer the ba.se of the
feather. The amount of spotting is very variable with individuals ; in the young the
spots are always larger aud more numerous than in the adults, aud usually leugtheued
into oblique lines, juoducing a regular diamoud-shaped reticulation.

A specimen (No. 9923) collected by Mr. George Gibbs, on the Northwestern Bounds ry
Survey, is an albino — a state I have not observed in either of the other species. T.'ie
neck aud upper parts are pure white, irregularly mottled with jnitches of light reddish-
ash, of which color are the primaries, wing-coverts aud Hanks. The bill is slenderer
aud more recurved thau usual, the culmen being coucave throughout. The siiecimen
measured 24 by 44 in extent, the wiug 9.90.

PODICIPIDiE, GEEBES. 725

. Family PODICIPID^ : Grebes. >

Bill of variable leiijith, much longer or shorter than head; culmen nsnally about'
straight, soiiietimes a little concave, or quite convex, especially at the end. Commis-
sure nearly straight, but more or less corresponding with the curve of the cnlmen,
usually sinuate at base. Under outline of bill in general convex, with slight goiiydcal
angle or none. Sides of bill more or less striate. Nasal fossic well marked, the nostrils
near their termination. Nostrils linear and pervious (broader in Podihjmhns), upper
edge straight, not lobed. Frontal extension of feathers considei'able, and usually
anti;e run still farther into the nasal fossa. A groove along the symphysis of the man-
dible extends often nearly to tbe tip. Eyes far forward, with a loral strip of bare skin
running thence to base of upper mandible, very narrow in the typical forms, broader
in Tuchh/haptcs and rodiliimbiis. Head usually adorned in the breeding season with
variously lengthened colored crests or rufl's ; when these are wanting the frontal feath-
ers may bo bristly. Neck usually long, slender, and sinuous. Plumage thick and com-
pact, smoothly imbricated above, below of a peculiar smooth, satiny texture. Wings
short but ample, very concavo-convex ; primaries eleven* narrow, somewhat falcate,
graduated, the three or four outer ones attenuate on one or both webs; secondaries
short and broad; tertials very long, hiding the rest of the quills when the wing is
cloyed. Bastard quills unusually long, their tips reaching over half way to the ends
of the primaries. Greater coverts also very long. Tail rudimentary, represented by
a tuft of downy feathers. t Characters of the feet peculiar; for in other lobe-footed
birds, as I'halaropes and Coots, the lobation is of a difl'ercnt character. Tarsi exceed-
ingly compressed, with only a sligbtly thickened tract within which the tendons pass.
Fivout edge a single smooth row^ of overlapping, the liinder serrate, with a double row
of pointed scales; sides regularly transversely scutellate, as are the upper surfaces of
the toes, the latter being interiorly reticulate with an edging of pectinated scales.
Toes flattened out and further widened with broad lobes, especially wide toward the
end, and at base connected for a varying distance by iuterdigital webs. Hind too
highly elevated, broadly lol)ate, free. Claws short, broad, Hat, obtuse, of S(|uavisk
shape ; that of the hallux minute. Tarsus no longer or much shorter than the middle
toe and claw ; outer toe usually rather longer than the middle; the inner the shortest
of the anterior ones.

This is a very natural group of numerous closely-related siiecies. Extremes of form
may be seen in Fodieepfi occidentalia and Fodilymhiis podiceps. There are but two strongly
marked genera, though many have been instituted. These genera, one of which has
several subdivisions, may bo deliued as follows, to iuclude all the subgenera found iu
North America :

Analysis of North American [/en-jra and snhijriicra.

A. Bill slender or only umdcratcly stout, paragnathous, acute. Nostrils
narrow or linear. Loral bare strip narrow. Frontal feathers normal.
Tarsus generally but little, if any, shorter than the middle toe — at
least Ihree-fourths as long. Semijialmation of toes moderate.
Lobe of hallux broad. Usually with conspicuous crests or rutt's
during the breeding season PODICKPS.

1. Bill longer than head, extremely slender an 1 acute. Tardus

equal to the middle toe and ciaw. Crests and ruffs slight.

Ijarge j!Echmo2)horus,

2. Bill not longer than head, moderately stotit. Tarsus shorter

than juiddle toe and claw. Crests and rutl's decided. Size

over 10 inches Podiceps^

3. Bill much shorter Ihan head, not two-thirds the tarsus, ([uito

stout. Tnrsus about three-fourths the middle toe. (Jiiter
and middle toes eijual. No (h^cided crests en- rutls. Small;
length 10 inches or less Tachijhaples.

* A greater number than have been shown to occur in other birds, with few excep-
tions. The same number is stated to occur among I'hasiiiiiida\

t''The tail of the (Jrebes is usually described as a small tuft of feathers, but on
carefnily removing the ioverls and downy parts the tail may \h' satisfactorily tiaced.
In tliis species [ v. erisUtlitf!'] there are feurtecn featheis ; on each side se\t'U, arranged in
a s(;micii('ular nuumer. Tlu- two middle feathers are separated to the distance of al)out
OEc-twclflh, and the two outer or lateial approac'h each otlier below, leaving an interval
of about the sanu^ space. When the fi^atiiers are broken across their bases, wliich they
frequently are, there is thus ])rodueed an appearance of a snuill circular tuft. W'lieu
lierl'ecf, tliey are about].! inches long, ami arched, with loose barbs, downy at their
extremity." {Andnhon.)

726 PODICIPIDiE, GREBES.

B. Bill stout, epignathous, obtuse. Commissure decurved abruptly at
eud. Nostrils broadly oval. Loral bare strip broad. Frontal •
feathers bristly. Tarsus not tbree-fourtbs tbe middle toe. Senii-
pabuatioii of toes extensive. Lobe of hallux moderate. No deeided
crests or ruffs Podilymbus.

The foregoing appears to be a natural sequence of the forms; and the analysis is
nearly carried down to the species, there being but one group in North America contain-
ing two or more species. JEchmojjhonts, in its large size, slender form, very long, slender,
acute bill, and long tarsi, forms one extreme. Next comes Podiccps proper, as illustrated
by P. cristatiis, in which the ruffs and crests reach their highest development In /'. cor-
viitiis, anritus, and griseigcna, the crests and ruff's decrease in development successively,
while the bill grows stouter; in the latter, moreover, the tarsus is relatively the
shortest. But these four species need not be even snbgenerically distinguished. The
way is directlj'' opened to the subgenus Tachijhapfcs, very small, with short, stout bill,
short tarsi, and absence of decided crests or ruffs, furnishing in some sense a link with
the quite distinct genus Podilymhus.

Genus PODICEPS, Lath.

<^ Cohjmlyiis, Bniss., Orn. vi, 1760, 33; not of Linnpeus, nor of authors.

= Colymbns, III., Prod. 1811, 281.— Sund., Meth. Av. Disp. 1873.

= Cohjmhus, Pallas, Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, .352.

<^ Podiccps, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 780. (C. crisiaiiis, Linn.)

= Podiccps, AucT. recent.

> PcdcfaitJnja,* Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 44. (C. griscigcva, Bodd.)

> Lophaitlujia, Kaup, op. cit. 72. (C cristatiis, Linn.)

> Lopliaihyia, AG ass.

> Ihjtvs, Kaup, op. cit. 41. (6\ cornatvs, Gm.)
^ Proctopus, Kaup, op. cit. 49. {C. auriius.)

^ Polioccjihahis, Selhy. (Fide Gi'ay ; type ?!cs<or, Gould.)
^ Tacit yhuptcs, Keich. (C mivor, Gm.)
5> Otodytco, Ekich., Handb. Sp. Orn. (=: Proctopus, Kaup.)
5> CaUparcm, Bp., 18.55. {Gray.) (P. kaliparcm, Gahn.)

> UoUandia, Bp., 1856. {Gray.) {P. roUaiidi, Q. & G.)

5> Sylbcocylus, "Bp.," apud Giiay. {Ncc Bp., whose type was C. podiccps, Linn.)

> Jkchwoplwrns, CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229. {P. occidentalism Lawi>.)

> Ccniropclma, SCL. «fc Salv., Exot. Orn. pt. xii. {P. micropterus, Gould.)

While most of the above names are jnirely synouymical, others may be entitled to
subgeneric rank, esjjecially Tachyhaptes, jEclimophorus, and Centropclma. The general
characters of the genus hnving been sufficiently elucidated, we may at once proceed to
consider the North American species, under the three subgenera ^\7i7?iOj;/iWi(s, Podic.ps,
and Tachybaptcs.

Subgenus ^chmophorus, Coves.

JEchmoplwrus, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229.

Ctiar. Bill very long, exceeding the head, straight or slightly recurved, very slender,
attenuate, and acute. Culmen straight or slightly concave ; connnissure about straight,
somewhat sinuate at base; under outline concave at base, without angle a.t symphysis.
Bare loral strip very narrow. Wings comparatively long, with much attenuated outer
primaries. Legs long ; tarsus exceeding the bill, as long as the middle toe and claw.
Basal webbing of toes slight. Size large; body slender; neck long. Crest and ruffs
inconspicuous (not found colored in the North American species).

This section is quite well marked. A South American species, P. Iciicopta-us, King,
appears to belong hero. Schlegel, indeed, unites all the largest American Grebes t
under our specific name. They may be identical specifically, but I have yet to see
eith*r of our North American forms with any decided coloration about the head, though
we have them in breeding idumage, as I correctly stated in 1862 {op. cit. 404). This
statement, made with reference to var. clarkii, has been confirmed by Mr. Ridgway,
who found numbers of occidcntaJis breeding at Pyramid Lake, Nevada, late in May.
They were also seen at Great Salt Lake in June. They were all in the same dress— no
colored crests or rnlfs ; no bright colors at all about the head and neck. It is certainly
singular that this species should thus depart from the rule of seasonal changes of

" Found spelled, among writers, Pedetaithyia, Podetaithyia, Pcdeaithyia, &c.
t The references are: C. major, Bodd., P. E. 404 ; = C'. cuyeimcnsis, Gm.; P. cayana,
Lath. ; P. bicornis, Liciit. ; loitgirostris, Jaub. ; leucopteriis, King.

PODICEPS OCCIDENTALIS, WESTERN GREBE. 727

plumage in this family, but such is apparently the case. Under these circumstances
it is obviously proper to hold Schlegel's deteruiinatiou iu check.

There are two well-marked forms of this species, quite easy to recognize in their
extreme manifestations, yet apparently not separable specitically. They may be dis-
tinguished as follows:

I flr. OCCIDENTALIS : Large; length (extreme), about 29 inches ; wing, about 8; bill
and tarsus, each about '3. Bill equal to tarsus, straight, mostly dark olivaceous,
brighter yellowish at tip and along cutting edges. Under outline of bill straight from
base to the slight angle, gouys thence straight to tip. Lores ashy-gray.

Rfr. CLAKKii : Small: length, .about 22 inches; wing, about 7; bill, 2.25; tarsus,
2.75. Bill shorter than tarsus, slightly recurved, under outline almost regularly con-
vex from base to tip, with barely axjpreciable angle. Lores pure white.

PODICEPS (^CHMOPHOEUS) OCCIDENT ALIS, Lawr.

Western Grebe,

a. occidentaUs.

Podiccjis occideviaUs, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 894.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18G0,

281, pi. :38.— CouES, Key, 1872. 336.
^chmojjhonis occideiitaUa, Couks, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229. — CouKS, Ibis, Apr. 1866,

273 (Southern California).

b. clarJcii.

Podiceps clarkii, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 895.

JEi:hmoph>rn>i chirldi, CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229 ; Hid. 404 (breeding plumage).

Podi(;cpi< occideniulis var. clarkii, CouEs, Key, 1872, 336.

Bub.— Both varieties" occur together in the United States west of the Rocky-
Mountains.

Var. OCCIDENTALIS: Western Grebe.

Adult. — Culmen and gonys dusky olivaceous, the bill becoming yellowish toward
the end and along the cutting edges. Iris orange-red with a pinkish shade, surrounded
with a wliite ring. Hard i)arts of palate in life like the bill ; soft parts light purplish
or lavender. lusides of tarsi and soles black ; outsides of tarsi and top of foot dull
bluish-green, becoming yellowish in centre of the webs. Forehead and lores dark
silvery-ash. A short occipital crest and indications of cheek rufits, but neither brightly
colored, agreeing with tlui plain dark and white colors of the parts. Top of head and
line down back of neck fuliginous blackish, fading on the back and upper parts gener-
ally into a lighter, rather brownish-black, the feathers of tbe back with grayish margins.
Primaries niostly deep chocolate-brown, basally white, their shafts whitish at base,
black terminally. Secondaries mostly white, but more or fewer of the outer webs,
wholly or in part, dark. Sides under the wiugs washed with a pale shade of the color
of the back. Lining of wings and whole under parts from the bill i>ure silky white.

Jfiiin'imiuiii. — Length, 24 to 29 inches ; wing, about 8 ; bill aloug culujcn, tarsus, and
middle toe with claw, each, 3 ; gape of bill, 3.60 ; ita height at nostril, 0.50.

This is a remarkable Grebe, the largest of this country, and one re-
qniriiig- comparison with noother for its determination. It was originally
described from the Pacitic coast, along which it is found from Oregon
and Washington Territories to Southern California, or further: while
latterly it Ims been found breeding in Nevada and Utah by 'Siv. Kidgway.
I ob.served it Ireciuently on the California coast, at San I'edro, iu Novem-
ber, where it was common on the waters of the harbor, with the Pacilic
Diver, Cormorants, and numerous other water-fowl. It is a line-looking
bird on the water, has a trim and shapely as[!ect, like a clipper siiip,
while its long sinuous neck is held in a gracefid curve, or variously de-
llected to either side. A specimen which I opened had the stomach tilled
■with a kiml of a(piatic grass. Tiie birds were not very shy, and several
were readily [trocured, notwithstanding their great powi'is of ili\ ing.

Among Dr. Keuuerl^'s Mss. I find the following: "This species, and

n

28 PODIOEPS OCCIDENTALIS, WESTERN GREBE.

tbe Podkcps cormitvs, are very common on Pnget Sound. Thoy are
rather more rare during the summer months than in the antama and
winter. During the latter seasons they may ahnost alvrays be I'ound —
two, rarely more, in company — coasting near the shore, diving rapidly in
search of food. When desirous of descending beneath the Nvater, they
seem to raise themselves partially from the surface, and describing, as
the}' descend, almost a perfect arc of a circle. Few birds are more
graceful on the water than these interesting species ; and it has aftbrded
us many moments of real enjoyment to watch them gliding rapidly and
smoothly over its surface, or performing in rapid succession tiieir grace-
ful curves as they disappear beneath its surface. They do not often take
to wing, relying more on their powers of swimming and diving as a
means of escape from enemies ; when they do tly, they rise very awk-
wardly from the water, often for a long distance dragging their dangling-
legs before they succeed, and often, under such circumstances, abandou-
iug the efitbrt, they stop and suddenly disappear beneath tlie surface.
They follow up the streams emptying into the Sound for long distances,
many of them spending their summer on the lakes far inland, in the
neighborhood of which they probably breed with the Large Loon (C
torquaiuH). I have often seen large flocks of them on Chiloweyuck Lake
from August to September, and perhaps later."

Tar. CLAHKii: Clarice's Grehe.

Bill about as loug as the head, shorter than the tarsus, slightly recurved, extremely
slender aud acute; the culmeu a little concave, the under outline ahnost one unbroken
curve fioni base to tip.

Adult in breeding plumacje. — Under mandible, and tip and cutting edges of the upper,
chrome-yellow, in marked contrast to the black of the culuien. Loral bare strip leaden-
blue. Crown, occiput, and hiud neck deep grayish-black ; almost pure black on the
hiud head, fading gradually along the neck into the lighter blackisli-gray of the upper
parts generally. Lores broadly pure white, as are the eutire under parts, wiih a sbarp
line of demarcation along the sides of the head and neck. A decided occipital crest,
the feathers about an inch long and quite iiliibrui, but not colored apart from the gen-
eral coloration. No decided rutik — no colored ruli's at all ; but the white feathers of
the sides of the head behind and across the throat are longer and fuller than else-
where— about as in griseif/ena. Wings aud general coloration (except the white lores)
exactly as in var. occldentalis.

Winter dress not materially ditferent from the foregoing.

Dimeiiaions. — Length, about 22 inches ; extent, 28.50 ; wing, 7 ; bill along culmen,
2.30; along gape, 2.7b; height at nostrils, 0.40; tarsus, and middle toe with claw,
each, about 2.75.

With only extremes before us of the two varieties, one might well consider them
distinct species ; but other specimens show the intergradatiou. Thus, Nos. 9544 aud
9938, especially tlie latter, difl'er from typical dark'i hi stouter and less recurved as
well as darker-colored bill, the cuhnen not obviously concave, and the under outline
not regularly carved. The loral space has an ashy tinge in the white. The general
dimensions are those of clarhii. In size the two varieties inosculate at about two feet
of total length.

In examining moi'e extensive material than I formerly possessed, lack of specific dis-
tinction between the two forms becomes still more obvious. Tims v.e frequently find
specimens as small as typical clarlii, and with equally slender bill, yet with the color
of the bill wholly olivaceous and the lores ashy, as in typical ocvidcntaUs.

Subgenus Podioeps, Lath.

CuAR. Bill moderately stout, usually nioi-e or less compressed, equaling or shorter
than tlu^ hc.'ul or tarsus. Tarsus obviously shorter than the middle toe and claw.
Outer lateral too a little long(!r than the middle. Head in the breeding season with
lengthened colored crests or mils, or both. (Including, among North American rei)re-
senlatives, Fvdciaiihjiia, Lopludthyia, Dytes, Olodiiles, and rroctopiis.)

Thus lestrieting I'odiceps to exclude, of American forms, the subgenera JEclunoplwrus
and Tdvhiihaptcs, as well as the genus rodihjmhus, we liud that the four North American
representatives may be thus analyzed :

PODICEPS CRISTATITS, CRESTED GREBE. 729

A. Large ; length, over 15 inches. Bill more or less uearly equaling the

head or tarsus in length.

1. Crests, and especially ruffs, long and conspicuous. Neck with-

out red or gray in front ; under parts pure silky white. Tar-
sus averaging equal to the middle toe without its claw ctiatatus.

2. Crests moderate; ruffs iucousjiicuous. Neck with red or gray

in front; underparts watered with dusky (sometimes but
slightly). Tarsus averaging less than the middle toe and
claw (jrise'ujtna var. lioIbuIU.

B. Small; length, under 15 inches. Bill much shorter than head; little

over half the tarsus.

3. Bill compressed, higher than broad at the nostrils. Crests and

ruffs very conspicuous ; neck red in front cornutus,

4. Bill depressed, broader than high at the nostrils. Crests in form

of auricular tufts ; neck black in front aurilus var. californicus.

In 1862 I adopted an aralysis of this section, resting primarily upon the shortness
of the tarsus iu redataithijia ((ffrheigena) as contrasted with its greater length rela-
tively to the toes in cristatus, cornutus, and auritus. This holds good with typical grisei-
geiiu, but is subject to some uncertainty of determination iu its application to the
American A-ar. liolhoUl or " cooperi," as I now lind upon examination of further material.
It is also practically difficult to establish a division upon this basis, not only because
the limits of iudivitlual variability are wide, but because different methods of measur-
ing the peculiarly-sha])ed feet of these birds give different results. The subject is
discussed further on. Meanwhile, the foregoing is presented as a more convenient
analysis, since it is probably available for deteruiiuation of young as well as old birds.

rODICEPS CRISTATUS, (Linn.) Lath.
Crested Grebe.

Cohjmlus crisiaius, Li.nn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 222.— Natjm., V. D. ix, 183S, 6S6, pi. 242.—
GloCxER, J. f. O. 18156, 285 (albino).

Fodiceps crialalus, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 780. — Temm., Man. 1815, 462. — Boie, Isis,
1822, 561.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 3.— Keys. & Bi.as,, Wirb. Eur. 1840,
fJO.— Macgii.., Man. ii, 202.— Ghay, Gen. of B. iii, 633.- SciiL., Mus. P.-B. livr.
ix, 34.— SuND., Svensk. Fogl. pi. 54.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 410.— Xutt.,
Man. ii, 1834, 250.- Bi-., Svn. 1828,417; List, 1838, 65.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iii,
1835, 598, pi. 292; Syu. 1839, 356; B. Am. vii, 1844, 308, pi. 479.— Gut., B.
L. I. 1844, 383.— Lawij., B. N. A. 1858, 893 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viil, 1866, 300.—
COTJE.S, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1H62, 230.— Coop. & SrcK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1^60,
280.— BoARDM., Pr. Bo.st. Soc. ix. 18G2, 131 (Maine, breeding).- Coies, Pr. Ess.
Inst. V, 1868, 310.— TiRNR., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39 ("uot uncommon").— CouES, Key,
1872, 336; and of authors generally.

Loplxtirlhi/ia crifilat<(, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 72.

Coli/mhus urinator, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 223.

CnhimbuH cornutus, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 353. (Not of Gmelin.)

(?) I'odircpH auatralis, Gould. — Diggles, Orn. Aust. pt. xx, pi. — .

I'odircps loiigirontrls, Bp.

I'odiri'pK mitratufi et pataijiatux, BitEinr, Y. D. 9.53, 9.54.

(?) I'odiccps hrtori, Biller, Ess. Orn. N. Zeal. 19.— HuTTOX, B. N. Zeal. 1871, 39. (See
FiNscii, Ibis, lH(i9, 3-'0.)

"Fodicciht u-idhalmi, Gohel, J. f. O. qviii, 1870, 312."

Adult, breedinff plumage. — Crown and long occi^iital crests glossy black ; terminal half
of the long ruff tin; same, the basal jiart bright reddi.sh-browu, fading gradually into
]>ure silky-white of the throat aud sides of head. Superciliary and loral line wliite,
more or less tinged with fulvous. Neck beliind and gcneial upper parts dark brown,
file feathers of tlic back with gray margins. I'riuiaries deep chocolate-brown, with
black shafts, the tips of the inner ones white, as are all the secondaries and long
humeral feathers, excei)ting a little part of the outer webs of the former. Inner webs
oif greater wing-coverts white, outer chocolate-brown; lesser coverts wholly brown.
Under ]>urts pure silky white, without a trace of tlie dusky mottling seen in /'. grixei-
goKi: tJK^ sides of the neck and body tinged with reddish aud mixed with dusky on
the Hanks, where also the feathers have blackish shat't-liues. "Hill in life blaekish-
brown, tinged wii h earmiiie ; bare lural space and i-yelids <liisky grt-en ; iris caiiniue ;
feet; grei nisii-black ; webs grayish-blue."

l7JHir/)«ioH«.— Length, 24; extent, 33; wing, 7; bill along ciilnieu, 2; along gapo,
2.70; height at nostrils, 0.50; tarsus 2..50 ; midiUe toe and claw, 2 65.

IT((I). — North Amciica generally. Europe, and vaiioiis other parts of the Old \Yorld.

730 PODICEPS HOLEOLLI, EED-NECKED GREBE.

The changes of plumage of this species chiefly affect the head, in the ahscncc of the
crest and ruffs, the parts being pkiiuly colored, corresponding to the durk of the crown
aud nape and white of the sides of the head and throat. lu any plumage, the species
may be known by its subgcneric characters; and from P. giiscigcna, tTie only one of
Fodiceps proper that approaches it in size, by the pure white instead of dusky-mottled
under parts, more white ou the wing, relatively longer tarsi, &c.

1 see uo diffeience between American aud European specimens.

PODICEPS GEISEIGEXA var. HOLBOLLI, (Ileiuh.) Coues.

Red-necked Grebe.

a. griseigena.

Cohimhiis (/riseiyena, Bodd., Tab. Ph Enl. .55; pi. 404, fig. 1.
Fodiceps (jrineigena, Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 633. — Schl., M. P.-B. ix, 36.
Cohjnhus paroiis, Sparrm., Mus. Carls, pi. 9.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 092.
Coh/mbun siibcristatus, Jacq., Beit. 1784, 37, pi. 18.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 590.
Fodiceps suhcrisiatus, Bechst., Naturg. DentschL 546.— Bkeiim, Vog. Deutschl. 9."37. —

Keys. & Blas., VVirb. Eur. 1840, 90.
Pfidealthyia snheristata, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur, Thierw. 1829, 44.
Fodiceps rvhficoUis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 783.— Temai., Man. 1815, 465.— Steph., G.

Z. xiii, 1825, 8.— Breiim, V. I). 95G.— Macgil., Man. ii, 203; aud of European

authors generally.
Colymhus ciicullaius et luvvias, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 355, 356,
Fodiceps camgularis, Brehm., Vog. Deutschl. 958.

b. holholli.

Fodiceps ruhricolUs, Bp., Syn. 1828, 417 ; List, 1838, 65.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,

411.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 253.— Aun., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835. 617, pi. 298; Kyn.

1839, 357 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 312, pi. 480.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 384.— Turxij., B.'E.

Pa. 18(;9, 39.
Fodiceps f/risei(jcna, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 892 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 300.— Dall &

Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 308 (Alaska); and of most late United States

writers.
Fodiceps hoJbolH, Reinii., Ibis, iii, 1861, 14 (Greenland).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad.

1862, 231.
Fodiceps qriseiqcua var. holboUi, Coues, Key, 1872, 337. — Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x,

1874, ::92 (Illinois).
Fodicc2)s cooperi, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858 (in text). — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 230. —

FlNSCii., Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 75 (Alaska). (Beyond doubt!)
(?) Fodiceps affinis, Salvad., Atti Soc. Ital. Sc. viii, 1866. — Elliot, B. N. A. (Introd. No.

98 With tig. of head). — Vox Martens, J. f. O. 1866, 70.

Eab. — The typical form in Europe. Var. JiolboUi from Greenland and North America ;

with this Asiatic and Japanese specimens are stated to agree.

Adult, breeding plninage. — Crests short, and ruffs scarcclj' apparent. Bill black, the
tomia of the upper mandibie at base and most of the lower mandible yellowish.
Crown aud occiput glossy greenish-black ; back of the ueck the same, less intense, aud
the upper parts generally the same, with grayish edgings of the feathers. Wiug-cov-
erts and prinuiries uniform chocolote-brown, the shafts of tlie latter black. Seconda-
ries white, mostly with black shafts aud brownisii tips. Lining of wings and axiliars
"white. A broad patch of silvery-ash ou the throat, extending around on sides of head,
whitening along Hue of juncture with the black of the crown. Neck, except the dorsal
line, dee]) brownish-red, which extends diluted some distance on the breast. Under
parts silky-white, with a shade of silvery-ash, each feather having a dark shaft-line
and terminal spot, producing a peculiar dappled appearance.

JViiifer plumage, and ijouvg.— Crests scarcely appreciable. Bill mostly yellowish, the
ridge more or less dusky. Red of the neck replaced by brownish-ash of very variable
shade, from quite dark to whitish. Ash of throat aud sides of head replaced by pure
white. Uuder parts ashy-white, the mottling not so conspicuous as in summer.

Dimensions. — Length, about 19; wing, 7.Gt> ; bill a'ong culmen, l.CO; along gape,
2.40; height at nostrils, 0.55 ; tarsus, 2.10 ; middle toe and claw, 2.65.

This bird could only be confounded with cristatus in immature dress. It is smaller,
stouter, and more thick-set, with stouter bill, with nebulat(;d under ])lumage, and
usually has rather sliorter t.arsi — only aliout four-fifrhs the middle toe aud claw,
instead of about erxual to the middle toe alone, as in cristatus.

PODICEPS CORNUTUS, HORNED GREBE.

731

Uutil tbo ap|iearance of my nrticle, tlio present birtl was considered identical
with that of the Old World. Such, however, is not the case. The differences prove
to be even more decided and more constant than I at first 8uj)posed ; in fact, I am
almost inclined to hold them as of specific vahie. The size is uniformly greater; the
bill disproportionately larger, stouter, differently shaped and colored ; the tarsus
longer, both absolutely and relatively to the length of the toes ; in fact, so much longer
as to rather invalidate one of the distinctions I drew between cristattis and ruhricoUis.

Upon attentive re-examination of the types of Podiccps cooptri, which, iu l.-?G2, I
followed Mr. Lawrence in comparing with crhtutus, finding evident distinction from
the latter, I am now satisfied that they belong to the American var. holhiiUU of grinei-
geuci. The types were young birds, in very poor preservation, showing little or no dis-
tinctive color-marks, while the length of the tarsus, grading into the particular pro-
portions of tarsus and toes of cri>itaius, misled me as to their proper position. We have
now numerous specimens from the northwest coast, some just like the types, others iu
better plumage, showing the reddish of the neck of var. holhiJlU, and all inseparable
from uuquestioued American griscigeiia. My suspicions were first aroused by detecting
on the under parts of the type of tooptri traces of the peculiar dusky mottling charac-
teristic of griseigeiia and holhoUi, as contrasted with the pnre silky-white of the under
I)arts of cristaius ; when further examination, and esijecuiUy careful measurements of
the feet, led to the above-mentioned result. I append a table of measurements, &c.,
of various American Iwlholli, the types of '^coopcri," typical griscigcna of Europe, ami
typical cristatus.

Species or
vaiiety.

Locality.

fcii

a

Bill.

3

V.

C3

S.I.

Ho.

3
O .

til

a ^

1

M

§

4^

«3

Kematkr!.

^

<3

<

a

2.40

2. 65

1s90J' crigtatws

Europe

6.80

2.00

2.40

0.48

Adult ; perfect plumage.

'ziV.r, r/riscU/ena . ..

Denmark

6. (!0

1. :0 2. 00

....

2. IU

2.55

Do.

1P50G '<jrii,e:iqcna ...

Ku.ssia

(i. 2U

1. GO 1. 90

0.40

2.00

2. 40

Do.

i;UI5 Vnv.holbollii

KedKivor

7.00

2. 00 2. 60

0.48

2.60

2.80

Adult ; nearly perfect plumage.

4456:j| \!ir.h(jlhollii.

Grt-at Slave Lake

7.30

(*) 1 n '0.5i;2.35i2.80

Adult ; perli'ct ijluina^e.

()i(;-.4

\ a.i: holhiJUii

Unala.slika

7. no

2.20 2.70

0. 5t! 2. 60 a. 05

Adult ; traces ut rt'd iiuck evident.

leon

Yir. holboUti.

Puget Sound

7.50

1.90....

0. 50 2. 50 2. 85

Young ; neck gray ; traces of mott-
ling on under p;irls.

58163

VaT.holboUii

Kodini;, Alaska ..

7.50

9. 15 2. SO

0. 51 2. 50 2. 85

Winter; neck diirk grav ; mottling
of breast, &.C., very evident.

4.-00

Yiw.holboUii.

Shoalwater Bay . .

7.00

2. 10 2. 60

1

0.50 2.35 2.25

A type of cooperi ,- youni; ; neck
giay ; mottliug barely appreeial)le.

4499' VaT.komilii

do

7.80

2. 40 3. 10

0. 55 2. 50 2. CO

The type of covperi ; youug ; neck
gray ; mottling slight but evident.

* Bill broken.

XoTE. — The wing is nie.".8ured with a straight-edge undt r tlu^ border, not over its convexity. Depth
of bill at posterior extremity of nostrils. Tarsus in' front, from iuotubur,iuc(! in miildli; of tibio-tar.sal
joint to tbii nick on the skin over the joint of middle toe. Middle toe from the last-named point to end
of the claw.

There .seems to be little doubt that P. affinix, Salvadori, belongs here, to judge from
the life-size figure of the head published by Elliot, which is exactly matched by somo
of the specimens of ^^ coo2)vri" before n»e.

PODICEPS CORNUTUS, Latb.
Horned Grobe.

Colymhits auritua, Linn., pnrtim.

CvliimbiiH (liijilUutun, MCi.L., Syst. Nat. 1770, 107.

ColijiiihiiH ainiiituH, CJm., .Syst. Nat. i, TIM.- N.viM., Vog. Deutschl. i."^, 1838, 73L), pi. 244.

Pori;f<;^j« rorHi(^(«, Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, IIIKI, 7HJ. — Tk.mm., ^laii. Orii. islfi, 4()().— Hoik,
Isis, Ibti'i, 5t)I.— 8Ti:rii., Ci. Z. xiii. lr<'25, 9.— Ki;y.s. A l?i..\.s., Wirb. Eur. — Gkay,
Gen. of 15. iii, («:5.— Scm,., M. l'.-J5. ix, :U).— IU'., Syn. 1828, 417 ; List, 18:58, (i:..—
Sw. »t Rich., F. D. Am. ii, bSH. 411. — Nitt., Man. ii, 1834, 254.— AiT»., Oru.
IJiog. iii, IKC), 421), i)l. 20'.); Syn. 1K51», :{r>7 ; IJ. Am. vii, 1844, 31(3, pi. 4.-^I.—
On;., IJ. L. 1. 1844. 3r^l.— Lawi:., R N. A. ISV, Hi).").— 0< >()!•. A Sick., N. IL
Wash. Ter. 1H()(), 2f:?l.— L'oif.s, I'r. I'liila. Acad. IHU.', 2;!1.— Dam. A: Hann.. Tr.
Chic. Acad. 18li'J, 208. — l"iN,><cii, Abh. Nat. iii, lf^72, 70. — C'ouKS, K<y, 1872,
337. — Snow, 15. Kans. l.'^73, 12; and of authors geiieially.

Dt/tca coniutus, Kalt, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 182U, 41.

732 PODICEPS COENUTUS, HORNED GREBE.

Cohimhits ohsciiriis, G:*.!., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, C92.

Fodicips ol»icnriii<, Latu./IikI. Oni. ii, 1790, 7S2.— Lkach, Cat. 1816, 3.').

Cohimhus empicus, S. G. Gm., Reise, iv, i;^7. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 59J.

Podici'ps cnsjx'cHS, Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, 1790, 784.

ColjivihuH n'ujricans, Scopoli, Aun. i, No. 101 (?).

J'odicpjis arcticus, BoiE.

Podiaps schtnis, Bp.

Hub. — North America. Europ'3. Asia.

List of fipcclmens.

193-29

F. V. Haydeu

Adult, hreediug pJumage. — Bill black, tipped with yellow. A browuish-yellow stripe
over eye, widcuiug behind aud deepeuiiifj; in color at the ends of the long crests, and
being dark chestnut between eye and bill, (hown, chin, and the very full rutf glossy
greenish-black. Upper jiarts brownish-black, with paler edges of the feathers. Pri-
maries rather light chocolate-brown, with black shafts, except at the base. Second-
aries white. Neck all round, except stripe down behind and sides of the body, rich
dark brownish-red or purplish wine-red, mixed with dusky on the flanks. Under parts
pure silky-white.

Winter plumage, and young. — Bill dusky, much of the under mandible bluish or yel-
lowish-white. Indications of crests and raft' in the length and fullness of the feathers
of the parts. Crown and neck behind, and sides of the body, sooty-blackish. Other
upper parts and the wings as in the adult. Chin, throat, aud sides of head, pure white,
this color nearly encircling the nape. Neck in frout and lower belly lightly washed
with ashy-gray. Under parts as before.

Neidfi-Jicdged ijoung are cuiiously striped on the head with rufous, dusky and white,
as in Podihjmhun and elsewhere.

Dimensions. — Length, about 14 inches; extent. 24 ; wing, 5.75; tarsus, 1.75 ; middle
toe aud claw, 2.10 ; bill along culmeu, about 0.90 ; along gape, 1.30; its height at the
nostrils, O.W; its width there, 0.25.

The bill in this species is compressed, tapering, with considerably curved culmeu —
quite different from the broad depressed bill with straight tip and much ascending
gouys of P. aurilus. It varies much in size, even among equally adult examples; in
the young it is always smaller and weaker than in the old. Biack, yellow-tipped in
the old, wo lind it variously lighter in the young — usuall,y dusky on the ridge, else-
where tinged with olivaceous, yellowish, or even orange or extensively bluish-white.
In breeding plumage this bird is conspicuously different from any other; but the young
are much like those of P. aurilus, requiring sometimes careful discrimination, as pointed
out under head of the latter.

This species is much more almiulant and generallj' dispersed in wiuter
in the United States than either of the two larger oues, and it also nests
within ourlimits. I found it breeding at various points in Northern
Dakota, as along the lied Iliver, in the prairie sloughs, with Coots,
Phalaropes, and various Ducks, and in pools about the base of Tuitlo
Mountain in company with P. californicus and the Dabchick. I took
fresh eggs on the 20th of June, at Pembina, finding them s(,'attered on
a soaking bed of decayed reeds, as they had doubtless been disturbed
b}' the hasty movements of the parents in quittiug the nest; there were
only four; i)robably more would have been laid. They are elliptical
in shape, with little or no difference in contour at either end ; dull
whitish, with a very faint shade, (]uite smooth, and measure about 1.70
by 1.20. On Turtle Mountain, late in July, I procured newly-batched
young, swimming with their parents in the various pools. At this early
stage the neck is striped as in the common Dabchick. Later in the
season, during the migration, the Horned Grebes were numerous all
along the Souris or IMouse Iviver, in company with an equal or even
greater number of Eared Grebes, nearly all of both species being the
young-of-the-year. In their immature plumage the two cannot be dis-
tinguished on the water, and indeed s[)ecimeus sometimes occur which
are with difticulty discriminated at this early age. But the smaller size,
somewhat different proportions of tarsus and toes, and the flatter, com-
paratively broader bill of P. uuritus, is generally characteristic.

PODICEPS CALIFOENICUS, AMERICAN EARED GREBE. 733

I once noticed a singular fact connected with the power these birds
liave, iu^couimou with other Grebes, of sinking quietly into the water.
By the respiratory process they are able to very materially reduce or
enlarge their bulk, with the consequence of displacing a varying bulk
of water, and so of changing their specitic gravity. Once holding a,
wounded Grebe in my hand, I observed its whole body to swell with a
labored inspiration. As the air permeated the interior, a sort of ripple
or wave passed gradusdly along, pufting out the belly and raising the
plumage as it advanced. ^Yith the exi>iration, the reverse change oc-
curred from the opposite direction, and the bird visibly shrunk in dimen-
sions, the skin fitting tightly and the feathers lying close.

PODICEPS AUKITUS var. CALIFOENICUS, (Heerm.) Coues.

American Eared Grebe.

a. auritus.

Colymlus aurilus, LiNX., Syst. Nat. 1766, 222 (partim). — Nauji., Yog. Dentscbl, ix, 1838,

768, pi. 246.
rudicei)S uiiritus, Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 17S0, 781. — Temm., Man. 1815, 469.— Boie, Isis,

1822, 561.— Steph., Geu. Zool. xiii, 1825, 12.— Keys. & Blas., Wiib. Eur. 1840,

90.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 105; M. P.-B. ix, 40.— Macgie., Man. ii, 204.— Gkav,

Geu. of B. iii, 633 ; autl of European authors generally.
Proctojnts aiirUus, Kacp, Sk. Eut. Eur. Tbierw. 1829, 49.
Viodytcs auritiin, Reichenbacii.
Podktfps et Cohjmhna nigricolUs, Sundevall.

b. californicns.

Podicei)8 auritus, Nutt., Man. ii, 1H34, 256 ("\\ ill probably be found iu North Amer-
ica").—Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 108, pi. 404 ; Syn.'l839, 358 ; B. Aui. vii, 1844,
322, pi. 482 (described from si)ecie8 said to be North Auiericau). — Bl'., List,
1838, 64.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 897.— Maxim., J. f. 0. vii, 18.59, 246 (descrii.tiou).

Podiceps califonticus, Heeii.m., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 179; P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 76, pi.
8 (young).- Newi!., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857. 110.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, h96.—
Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 282.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Stev.,
U. S. Geo]. Surv. T(!r. 1870, 466 (North Platte).— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 64.— Coues,
Ibis, 1866, 273.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (city of Mexico, in full plumage).—
Dress, Ibis, 1866, 46 (Texas, winter).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 200 (Guatemala^.

Podicejps (Proctopus) californicns, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 231, 404.— Coues, itiU
1866, 100 (Arizona).

Podiceps auritus var. calij'o) uicvs, Coues, Key, 1872, 337.— Coues, Am. Nat. Aiii, 1874 (Da-
kota).—Hexsiiaw, Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 243 (breeding).— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N.
Y. X, 1874, 392 (Illinois).— Sxow, Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 757 (Kansas).

Sal). — The typical form from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Yar. calif ornicus from West-
ern North AnitMica, from Great Slave Lake to Guatemala. East to Texas, Dakota
{('ones, Am. Nat. vii, 1^73, 745), Kansas {Sumv), and Illinois {liidijuaij). Breeds
apparently throughout its range.

Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 547G, Fort Berthold; 5477, Snake River.
Later Expeditions.— GOtiG:i, North Platte.

Adult, hreedinf] plumage.— Bill shorter than head, rather stout at base, much depressed,
broader than liigh at the nostrils, tip acute, not decnrved, gonys straight, ascending,
cnlmcn a little concave basally, nearly straiuht terminally. Tarsus about eiiual to
niiddle toe without its claw. Bill eutiicly black. Conspicuous, long auricular tufts,
golden-l)ro\vii or tawny, lincly displayed ujion a black ground. Crown, chin, and neck
all ronud, lihu'k. All the jiriniaric's entirely chocolate-brown, with usually a wash of
dull reddish-brown externally. Seccuularies white, but the bases of all, and a consid-
erable jiart of the two outer ones, dusky ; their shafts mostly all dusky. 8i<les deep
purplish-brown or wine-red ; this color washed acro.ss the breast, behind the black of the
neck, and also across the anal region. I iiiler i)arts silky-white, the abdonii-n grayish.

i'ouu;/ — Bill sliapfil gent-rally as iu the adult, but smaller, witli less lirm outlines,
BO that its distinctive shape is somewhat obscured. Little or no trace of the auiicular
tufts. Crown, sidts of head, and neck all around, st)oty -grayish, paler and more ashy
ou the foreueck. Upper parts rather lighter and duller colored than iu the adults.

734 FODICEPS CALIFORNICUS, AMERICAN EARED GREBE.

Primaries as in tbe adults, Lut -without the reddish tinge ; a few of the innermost ones
sometimes white tipped. Sides under the wings washed with a lighter shade of the
color of the back ; lower belly grayish. *

I)imc)inio)i.'i. — Length, 12 to 14 inches, usuallj' 13 or less; extent, 21.G0 to 24; wing,
4.75 to 5.2.5 ; bill, 1 or less; aloug gape, 1.25; height at nostril, 0.22; width there, 0.2G;
tarsus, 1.60; middle toe and claw, 1.95.

While the breediug plumages of P. cornutun and the present species are widely differ-
ent, there is much similarity between the young and winter dress of the two species.
As a rule, auritiis is smaller ; even traces of ruffs are less ai)preciable ; the fore-neck is
scarcely lighter thau the hind -neck ; tlie back is rather deeper colored and uu)re uni-
form. The shay»e and proportions of the bill, however, furnish the most reliable char-
acters. The ditfereuces may be thus tabulated:

P. coniiilus : Bill rather slender, nmch compressed, tip rather obtuse ; lateral outlines
concave ; height at nostrils greater than width ; culmen nearly straight over nostrils,
very convex at the end ; gouys convex, little ascending, with little appreciable angle.

P. anrUus: Bill rather stout, much depressed, tip very acute; lateral outlines con-
vex ; height at nostrils less than width ; culmen decidedly concave at nostrils, scarcely
convex at tip ; gonys straight, or even concave, much ascending, with quite an angle.

As I pointed out in 1862, the type of "adifornicus-' is merely the young of the Amer-
ican Eared Grebe, now well known from Western United States in all its plumages. I
continue to use the name as indicating a bird varietally distinct from the true auriius
of Europe. I verify the following distinctions :

In the American bird, the primaries are all entirely dark; the first two secondaries
are mostlj" the same, wliile the bases and shafts of all are for some distance dark. In
European avritus, the inner four primaries are entirely ]mre white, and all the rest
have more or less white, while the secoud-aries are all entirely white, excejit a few of
the innermost, which have a slight dusky spot near the end. Thus the European has
much more white on the wing, and this white is moreover bodily shifted, as it were,
nearer the outer edge of the wiug. I do not know how much the extent of the white
may change with age, or what is its limit of individual variability; but the above dif-
ferences hold throughout a quite extensive series of specimens examined.

The Colymhus aiirittts of Liunanis has been by many referred to P. corntttus, Gm., and
the name nifj)'icoUls, after Sundevall, adopted for the present species. The case seems
parallel with that of Sterna hinindo, Linn., and I see no necessity for the undesirable
change of names, especially as Linmeus apparently included both species uiider the
term auritus. Audubon's auriUis maj^ have been really based upon auritus proper, but
he meant the American bird.

The abundance and general dispersion of tljis species in the West
have only lately become known. The earlier authors were not aware of
its existence in this country ; Audubon floures and describes specimens
said to be North American, and his account is copied, so late as 1858,
by Mr. Lawrence, in default of specimens. In the article above quoted
I showed that P. '•^ californicus''^ was the young of the Eared Grebe,
pointing out, at the same time, certain distinctions between the bird of
this country and of Europe, which I considered sufficient to warrant
their separation. The points mentioned appear to hold good, though I
am at present disinclined to accord them more than varietal signifi-
cance. In 1859 Maximilian gave a full account of the bird, and of kite
quotations have multiplied until its range has been determined as above
given.

I first saw the species alive in Southern California, where I found it
to be very common, both on the waters of the bay of San Pedro and in
the sloughs back of the coast. They were of course in immature dress,
the season being November. During the past year I was pleased to
find the birds breeding, in pools about Turtle Mountain, with various
other water-fowl. This is apparently the northeasternmost point at
which the species has been observed. Visiting this locality in July, I
was too late for eggs, for the young were already swimming, and, in
most cases, fledged. The birds were very common, rather more so than
P. comutus, with which they were associated. Many specimens were
secured in their full nuptial dress. The change begins in August, but it
is not comi)leted until well into the following montli, as traces of the
breeding plumage persist several weeks after it has grown faded and

PODICEPS CALIFORNICUS, AMERICAN EARED GREBE. 785

obscure. On the breediug- gTouiuls, as just said, the Eared Grebes were
more ])lentitul than tbe Horned, since a majority of the latter breed
further north ; but upon the migration, when these come south, tbe pro-
portion is reversed. Both species were to be seen together upon all the
water-courses of Northern Dakota when I left the country in the middle
of October. I saw nothing notably different in their general habits.

Other observers have found the Eared Grebe in full dress, and nest-
ing, in various of our western Territories, demonstrating a very general
breeding range. Mr. Ueushaw has lately taken the eggs in Southern
Colorado. He informs us that he found them, in the absence of pa-
rents, comi)letely covered over and concealed by reedy material, so that
they were discovered by mere accident. The following is his article in
the American Naturalist above quoted :

" In a series of alkali lakes about thirty miles northwest of Fort Gar-
land, Southern Colorado, I found this species common and breeding.
A colony of perhaps a dozen pairs had established themselves in a small
pond four or five acres in extent. In the middle of this, in a bed of
reeds, were found upward of a dozen nests. These in each case merely
consisted of a slightly hollowed pile of decaying weeds and rushes, four
or five inches in diameter, and scarcely raised above the surface of the
water upon which they tloated. In a number of instances they were
but a few feet distant" from the nests of the Coot {Fnlica americana),
which abounded. Every Grebe's nest discovered contained three eggs,
which in most instances were fresh, but in some nests were consider-
ably advanced. These vary but little in shape, are considerably elon-
gated, one end being slightly more pointed than the other. They vary
in length from 1.70 to 1.80, and in breadth 1.18 to 1.33. The color is
a faint yellowish white, usually much stained from contact with the
nest. The texture is generally quite smooth, in some instances rough-
ened by a chalky deposit. The eggs were wholly concealed from view
by a pile of weeds and other vegetable material laid across. That they
were thus carefully covered merely for concealment 1 cannot think,
since in the isolated position in which these nests are usually Ibuud the
bird has no enemy against which such precaution would avail. On first
approaching the locality the Grebes all congregated at the further end
of the i)oud, and shortly betook themselves through an opening to the
neighboring slough ; nor, so far as I could ascertain, did they again ap-
proach the nests during my stay of three days. Is it not, then, possible
that they are more or less dependent for the hatching of their eggs upon
the artificial heat induced by the decaying vegetable substances of
which the nests are wholly composed f

Suhgeniis TACHYBArTES, Reich.

Bill vcrj' short, much less thau the head, scarcely over half the tarsus ; stont, little
conii>ress('cl, rather obtuse. Lateral outlines nearly straight; culmon slijjhtly concave
at tiie nostrils, elsewhere convex; coinuiissure Ktrai;j;lit, except a little sinuatiou at
hase ; under outline strai<;ht t() an}:;le, gonys thence .straij^lit to tip, the anyle well ile-
liucd. WiMj;s short, ■with eonsitlcralile and ahrupt attenuation oi the outer primaries.
Tarsus stout, little over three-lourths the middle toe and elaw ; outi r lateral nhout cipial
to the nnddle toe. Size very small ; body lull ; neck short ; no decided crests or mils.
(Type /'. minor : these characters drawn from 1'. domiiiinis.)

Tliis section in a measure connects J'udiajm witli I'oiHliimhiis. By G. R. Gray Sylbeo-
ci/e/((«. Bp., is j^iveu as founded on /'. vtitiur ; but Bonaparte expressly says (Cat. Met.
IJcc. 1H42, H:?) that this was a typo;^raphical error, he haviii;^ intended the name for C,
jiodUcjiH, Linn. Dr. Sclater has lately called attention to the point (Uiis, .Ian. If^lA).
Jt may be a technical <pU'stioii, however, alter all, whetlier an author nuist uot bo hold
to wh.it he ilitl say, rather than to what he meant to say.

736 PODICEPS DOMINICUS, ST. DOMIXGO GREBE.

PODICEPS (TACHYBAPTES) DOMmiCUS, Linn.

St. Doiniiigo Grebe.

Colymius dominicus, Lixx., Svet. Nat. i, 1766, 223 (C. flttviatilis dominicensis, Briss., vi,
64, pi. 5, f. 2).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 593.

Podiaps dominicus. Lath., Iml. Oru. ii, 1790, 7H5. — Spix, Av. Bras. pi. 101. — Bd., Mex.
B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii. Birds, 28 ; B. N. Aui. 1860, pi. 99, f. 1 (uo text, aiul not
iu eel. of 1858).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857. 207.— Law«., Auu. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 334
(Panama).— SCL. & Salv., Exot. Orn. i, 1869, 190.— Rkinh., Vid. Med. 1870,
17 (Brazil).

Podicrps (Siilheoctjchts) dominicus, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 94, No. 10768.

Si/lbcocyclus dominicus (Br. ?) Coi;es, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1862, 232.

Tnchybaptcs dominicus, Coues.

Hal). — Warmer parts of America. West Indies. North to tbo Kio Grande. Califor-
nia (Gitmhel).

Adult, — Form as above described under bead of the subgenus. Crown and occiput
deep glossy steel-blue. Sides of bead and neck all around dark asby-gray, darkest
behind, wbere tinged with bluisb. Chin varied with asby and ■white. Upper jiarts
brownish-black, with glossy-greenish reflections. Primaries cbocolate-brown, the
greater portion of the inner vanes of all, and nearly all of the inner four or five, to-
gether with all the secondaries, pure while. Under parts silky-white, thickly mottled
with dusky. Upper mandible dusky, the lower mostly yellowish.

Dimensions. — Length, about 9.50 ; wing, 3.60; bill along culmen, 0.70 ; along gape, 1 ;
tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe, 1.75.

This small Grebe, the ouly North American* representative of the group, has only
lately been ascertained to reach our southern border. It requii'es comparison with no
other of our country, its small size alone being diagnostic. Without a series of speci-
imens I cannot present the changes of plumage.

Genus PODILYMBUS, Less.

< Cohjmlus, LixN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 223 (not type).

< Podiaps, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790 (not type).
=:Podil!pnius, Lkss., Tr. Oru. i, 1831, 595 (P. cnrolinensis, Lath.).
=:z Sjilhcocyclus, Bp., Saggio, 1834 (same type intended).

= Hydrola, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 259 (type carolincnsis).

Char. Bill shorter than head, stoutest in the family, compressed, with obtuse and
hooked tip; culmen about straight to the nostrils, tlience declina to-convex ; gouya
regularly convex witbout decided angle ; commissure slightly sinnate at base, then
straight, then much deflected. Upper mandible covered with soft skin to the nostrils,
between which are two ibssa^, the anterior shallow, oblong, the other deep, triangular,
separated from the bare loral space by an intervening ridge. Nostrils broadly oval,
far anterior. No crests or mils, but shafts of frontal feathers prolonged into bristles.
Eyelids peculiarly thickened. Outer three or four primaries abruptly sinuate near the
end. Tarsus much abbreviated, comparatively stout, about three-fourths as long as
middle toe and claw. Middle and outer toes nearly equal. Basal semipalmation of
toes more extensive than in Podiceps. Lobe of hind toe moderate.

The essential characters of this genus lie in the stout hooked bill, broad anterior
nostrils, absence of crest or ruti', bristly Ibrehead, great emarginatiou of primaries, and
extensive semipalmation of the toes. The genus Dasijplilus of Swaiuson (Classif. B.
ii, 1837, 369), which has been referred here, agrees very well as to the characters .is-
signed, but P. polioccphaJus is given as type. In an.y event the name is a synonym,
being anticipated iu publication. Hijdroka is based upon carolincnsis, but is antedated.
Sylbeocyclns, Bp., was meant for this genus, but, it seems, was by a blunder giveu over
head of P. minor.

There is apparently but a single good species of this genus, although several are
indicated by authors. The P. aniarcf'cns of Lesson (with which P. brevirostris, Gray,
Gen. of B. iii, 1849, pi. 172, is synonymous), from South America, is a recognizable race
which may be defined as follows :

PoDii^YMBUs PODICEPS var. antarcticus (Less.) Coues.

Nos. 15663, 15664, Mus. Smiths. Inst., Chili, U. S. Astron. Exped. : Size, coloration,
and general .appearance of P. podictps. Bill not shorter than in tins species, but stouter

* P. minor is given by Nuttall as inhabiting this couutry, but the evidence is alto-
gether unsatisfactory.

PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, PIED-BILLED GREBE. 737

toward tlie end, where more obtuse and less hooljed ; commissure not so suddenly de-
curved, nor to sucli extent. Legs ra,ther longer and stouter than in F. podiccps. Gular
patch exteudiug further around on sides of head ; under parts more heavilj- mottled
-with dusky.

PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, (Linn.) Lawr.

Pied-billed Grebe; Dabchick; Water-witch.

a. podiceps.

Colymbus podlceps, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17(36, 223 (based on P. mivor rostro vario, Gates.,

91; C. ftuviatiUH vaivIituiDtix, Bi:i.s.s., vi, 6:)).— Gm., Syst. Na'. i, \7ti^, r)<)4.
PndihjmhuH podiceps, Lawi?., B. N. A. It;;")^, H98.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1800,

283.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18G2, 233.— Coues, Key. 1872, 338; and of moat

late United States writers.
Sylheocydus pod'tcips, Bp.

Cohimbus htdoviciaiius, Gm., Syst. Nat, i, 1788, 592.
Fodiccpa ludovkianus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 785.
Podiceps caiolhiciisis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 785.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 418.— Sw. & Rich.,

F. B. a. ii, 1831, 412.— NuTT., Man. ii. 1834, 259.— Aup., Orn. Biog. iii, ld35, 359;

Syn. 1839, 358; B. Am. vii, 1844, 324, pi. 483.— GlK., B. L. I. 1844, 382.— Max.,

j' f. O. vii, 1859, 248 ; and of writers generally.
Sylheocychis carolinenfiis, Bp., List, lf38, 64.
Fodilymbus Uiuntiis, Heerm., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 179; P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 77, pi. 9

(very young).
Sylheocydus Hiieatus, Bp.

b. antarcticus.

Podiceps carolinensis, Spix, A. B. pi. 100.

Podiceps autarcticus, Le.sson.

iSiilbeoeychis autarclicus, Bp.

Podilyinhus (ditardicus, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 95, No. 10771.

I'odiceps hiei-irostris, Gray, Genera of Birds, iii, 1839, ])1. 172.

Quid ''eiirytes. Bp."— Gray, Hand-list, No. 10772, ex Montevideo?

Hah. — North, Central, and part of South America. West Indies. (Guatemala,
breeding, ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 234. Veragua, Sal,v.. P. Z. S. 1870, 219. Venezuela, SCL.
& Salv., p. Z. S. 1869, 2.52. Brazil, l>Ki.z.,- O. B. 322; Reinh., V. D. Med. 1870, 18.
Cuba, Ca15.. .J. f. O. iv, 1856, 431. Jamaica, Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81.) ^'ar. antarcticus
from Southern South America.

Adult, breeding phmayc—BWl light dull bluii«h, dusky on upper mandible, encircled
with a broad black baud. Frontal and coronal bristles black. Crown, occiput, and
neck bchiud, grayish-black, the feathers with slightly lighter edges. Sides of head and
nock brownish-gVay. Abroad black tlnoat-patch, extending on sides of lower man-
dible. Upjier parts brownish-black, tlie feathers with scarcely lighter edges. Prima-
ries and .secondaries chocolate-brown, the latter freiiueutly with a white area on the
inner webs. Under parts ashy, washed over with silvery-gray, thickly, though obso-
letely, mottled with dusky ; these dark spots most numerous and evident on the sides.
Lower beJly nearly niiilbrinly dusky.

Winter plumar,e.—\V\\\ light dull yellowish, without a dark band, more or less dusky
on the ridge. No gular patch. Crown and occiput dusky brown. Upper parts with
}nore evident i)ale edgings of tlie feathers than in suuMuer. Neck, breast, and sides,
light brown, darker posteriorly, where more or less conspicuously mottled with dusky.
L'iKler jiarfs otherwise pure silUy-white, immaculate; lower belly grayish.

3'<)«»r/-o/-//ic-.i/(«»-.— White gular jiatch invaded by streaks of the browni.sh of the
head. iHid the latter nuuli streaked with while. Otliervv isc as in the i)rece(liug.

Dimcns'ons. — Lengili, about 13 ; extent, 24 ; wing, about 5 ; l)ill along culmeu, 0.75;
along gape, 1.20; height at nostrils, 0.40; width, 0.25; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe and
claw, 2.15.

Tliero is no species of this country with which the present requires compari.son, as
its generic peculiarities sutlice for its ret'ognitiou under any circumstances of plumage.
The slight peculiarities of var. antarcticun have been alreaily given.

Published December, 1874.
47

I ]Sr D Ti] X

[?7oTE. — Specific iianios of aliirbtly different terminations, likn am,erieanns—a — um, ivHsoni and n'il-
sunii. bonapartei ami bonajmriii, are treated as one. Gei;eric names of varying ortlioijraijliy are

Vjenerally distingaishcd.
oiipital."

Specific names begin with a small letter; generic and all EugJisb, with ;v

abietinus,

Falco 341
iibietnai,

Nyctale 314
Acadian

Flycatcher 249

Owl 315
acadicus,

Enipidonax 247

Miiscicapa 249, 254

Micarchus 249

Myobius 249

Noctna 315

Nyctala 315

Nyctale 315

Pyroceplialns 249

Scotophilus 315

Strix 315, 317

Tyrauunla 249

U'lula 315
acadieusis,

Strix 315
Acantbis

liuaria 114
Acautbylis

pelasgia 267

saxatilis 2G5

vanxii 268
Accentor

anrocapillns 70

Orange-crowned 70
Accipiter

antillarura 367

ardosiacns 334

carol inen sis 345, 367

communis 341

cooperi 334, 335

falco 367

freti-bndsonis 327

fnscus 333

gnndlaclii 335

lialitBtn.s 337

lagopns 361

lencocepbalus 361

mexicanns 335

minor 349

palumbarius 333, 345

],j«nnsylvanicas 334

piscator 367

piscatorius 367

ruficaudus 353

striatns 334

variabilis 327

accipitriua,

Strix 306, 311 .

acclainator,

Strix 308, 309

Actidurus

iisevius 506

Actitis

bartramins 503
macularins 501
uotata 502
rulescens 506
■wiedi 502

Actitnrus

bartramins 502
loDgicauda 503
rulescens 506

Actochelidou

cantiacus 673

Actodroma^
bairdii 484
bouapartii 487
cooperi 491
maculata 486
melanotus 487
miuntilla 482

Actodromus

f'uscicoUis 482
miuutilla 482
wilsoni 482

acuflavida,

Sterna 673
Thalasseus 673

aculeata,

Sitta 24, 230

acuta,

Anas 561
Dalila561,562
Phasianurus 561
Querquedula 562
Tracbelonetta 561

adamsii,

Colymbus 720

Adelarns 642

heermanni 642

adspcrsa,

Ardea 524
Botaurus 524
Limosa 493

aduuca.

Anas 560

-ZEchmophorus 725, 726
clarkii 728
occideutalis 727

aedon,

Hylematbrous 231

aedon,

Troglodytes 32, 231
aegolius,

Strix 306
uEgialeus

melodus 455

semipalmatus 453
^gialites

wilsouia 456
^gialitis

asiatica 457

cautiaua 456

circumcincta 455

melodii 455

microrbyncba 456

montaua 457

nivosa 456

semi palm ata 453

vocifera 452

wilsonia 456
^giotbus

cauescens 115

exilipes 115

fuscesceus 114

linaria 114, 115
jegocepbala,

Limosa 494
/Egolius

brachyotus 306

otus 304

teugmalmi, 314
yegitbus.

Circus 327
icueus.

Icterus 199

Quiscalus 203
tequinoctialis,

Sylvia 73
^rolia

varia 492
ajruginosus,

Falco 328
jE salon

carolineusis 349

colnmbarins 346

litbofalco 346, 348

richardsoni 348

suckleyi 346
sesalon,

Falco 347
testi va,

DendroDca 54, 232

Motacilla 54

Pyranga 82

Kbimaupbus 54

INDEX.

739

sestiva,

Sylvia 54

Sylvicola 54

Tanagra 82
sstivalis,

Peuctea 140
affiuis,

Bauanivovns 193

Fnl'gula 573

Falix 573

Icteins 193

Larii.s 627

^Marila 573

Pendnlimis 193

Podiceps 730

Sterua 664
afrioana,

Atheue 317

Charailrius 449

Nuinciiins 492

Scolopax 492

Sterua 673

Tyraiiunla 259

Xauthoruus 193
Agamia

viiesceiis 522
Agaiiapbiou 709
Agelaius

as&iinilis 180

gubeiuatoi" 186

icterocei)balus 188

perspicillatus 188

pli(ciiict'us 186

tricolor 186
Agelaius

assiuiilis 186

buUockii 195

giibernator 180

longipcs 188

xaiitbocepbaius 188
aglauis,

Quiscalu8 203
agraria,

Gelocbelidou 664

Otus 306
agrii)L'uui8,

Dolicbouyx 178

Icterus 178
Agrudouia

spraguci 42
aikeni,

Jiinco 141, 145
Aix

spoiisa 571
alandica,

Anas 562
alasi^eiisis,

Aiiortbura 33

Troglodytes 33
Alaiida

alpestris 37

cbrysohoiiia 38

corn 11 ta 38

Iiidoviciaiia 40
. magna 190

minor 38

pcinisvlvanica 40

rubra'40

rnfa 3-^, 40

spragiici 42

alandarius,

Cacicns 190
AlandicUe 37
alaudiua,

Zouotricbia 128

Passerculus 128
alba,

Aquila 368, 369

Ardea 519

Gygis 709

Herodias 519

Scolopax 494

Strix 309, 298
albatns,

Anser 549

Chen 549
albeola,

Anas 577

Bucepbala 577

Clangnla 577

Fulignla 577
albescens,

Parus 21
albicans,

Falco 327
albicollis,

Friugilla 151

Otus 304

Troglodytes 28

Zouotricbia 151
albidus,

Strix 309

Falco 328
albifrons.

Anas 546

Anser 546, 547

Bubo 315

Certhia 28

Nyctala 315

Nyctale 315

Scops 315

Strix 315
albiuucba,

Dolicbouyx 178
albiveutris,

Pica 211
albivitta,

Cbauuepelia 390

PyrgitcBuas 390
albus,

Acpiila 309

Falco 368

Lagopus 429

LaruH ()25, 049

Strix 310

Tetrao 429
Alcediuidiu 273
Alcedo

alcyou 273

jaguacati 273

ludoviiiana 273

guacu 27;?
Abictorides 529
alcyou,

' Alcedo 273

Cerylo 273

CblorociM-ylo 273

Ispida 27:{

M('ga(!ery!e 273

Streptocerylo 273

aldrovandi,

Catarracta 605
Aleutian Tern 696
aleutica,

Sterua 675, 690
alicia),

Turdus 4
alleui,

Pipilo 173
alpestris,

Alauda 37

Ereuiopbila 37, 38, 231

Otocoris 38'

Otocorys 38

Pbileremos 38
alpina,

Polidna 489, 490

Scba'uiclus 490

Tringa 489, 490
alticeps,

Arcbibuteo 301

Pandion 367
Aluco

llamuieus 298
aluco,

Strix 298
ambigua,

Friugilla 180
Amblyrbyncbus

glacialis 467
American

Avosit 460

Barn Owl 298

Barn Swallow 85

Bittern 523

Dipper 10

Dunlin 489

Eared Grebe 732

Flycatcbers 235

Golden Plover 449

Goldiincb 116

Goshawk 338

Hawk-Owl 311

Lanior 339

Long-eared Owl 304

Magpie 211

Merlin 317

Nigbt Heron 523

Nutcracker 207

Partridges 430

Pochard 575

Red Crossbill 109

Kough-logg'd Hawk 361

Snipe 475

Starlings 178

Swan 545

Vultures 373

Warblers 45

Widgeon 504

Winter Wren 33

Woodcock 472
americaua,

Auipelis 93

Anas 5til, 5(J5

Apteruus 285

A(|uila :i07

Ardea 529

Aytbva 575

Bombycilla 93

Braehyolus 30G

740

INDEX.

amoricana,

Bucci)hala 376
Bnteo ;«8, 353
Butor 5-24
Calidiis 492
Capriiiinliitis 263
Caitlueli.s 116
Certhia 2G
Cbaulclasmus 563
Chordeiles 263
Ciuclus 10
Circus 328
Claugula 576
Coccygus 276
Coccystes 276
Coccyzns 275
Compsothlypis 46
Corvus 206
Cncnlus 275
Cupidonia 419
Curens 276
C 11 rvi rostra 109
Cygnus 545
Datila 562
Einberiza 164
Erytlirophrys 276
Enspiiia 165
Euspiza 164, 165
Falco 368
Fringilla 164, 165
Fnlignla 576, 582
Grus 529, 531

Hirniulo 85, 90

Lagopns 430

Lanis 627

Limosa 492, 4D3

Lin aria 114

Loxia 109

Mareca 564

Melauitta 582

Melcagris 391

Mergns 584

Microptera 472

Motacilla 46

Nyctea 310

Nycticorax 523

Nyroca 575

(Edernia 582

Oidemia 582

Olor 545

Otus 304, 305, 306

Pandion 367

Parula 46

Parns 46

Pelecanus 557

Pclidua 490

Piaya 276

Picoides 283, 284, 285

Picus 285

Piiiicola 105

Pluvialis 450

Qnerqnedula 565

Keciuvirostra 460

Spiza 164

Strix 298, 304

Sylvia 46

Sylvicola 46

TriDga 489, 490

Troglodytes 32

! Ammodromns
bairdii 125
cassini 140
georgiaua 137
bcuslowi 133
Iccoutii 134
palustris 137
passeriuns 132
saniuelis 139
savanna 128

amoeua,

Cyaiiospiza 170
Eiiiberiza 170
Fringilla 170
Passerina 170
Spiza 170

Ampelidae 91

Ampelis

americana 93
carolinensis 93
cedrorum 93, 233
garrulus 91, 93
sialis 13

Auipbispiza 234
bellii 234
biliueata 234

ansestheta

Haliplana 701
Sterna 701

Anas

acuta 561
adunca 560
alandica 562
albeola 577
albi Irons 546
americana 564, 565
arborea 558
arcbibosclias 560
anduboni 560
autumnalis 558
beringii 581
beruicla 554, 556
bicolor 558, 560
boscbas 559
bracbyrbyncha 579
breweri 560
bncepbala 578
canadensis 553
cauagica 558
capensis 563
carbo 583
carolinensis 565
casarca 546
candacuta 562
caudata 562
ciuerea 563
clangula 576
clypeata 570
ccerulescens 553
collaris 558, 574
crecca 565, 566
crecia 566
cutbberti 581
curvi rostra 560
cyauoptera 567
discors 566
dispar 580
douiestica 560
dominica 583

Anas
• erytbropus 558

fcra 560

ferina 575

fistularis 565

frcnata 573

freyciueti 560

fuligiuosa 582

fnlignla 574

fulva 558

fulvigula 561

fusca 582

glacialis 579

glauciou 576

bistrionica 578

byperboreus 549

byemalis 576, 579

iopareia 560

islandica 577

janiaicensis 583

kagolka 565

kekuscbka 563

labradora 579

leucoct'pbahis 579

leucoi^sis 558

longicauda 562

mail 563

niarila 573

maxima 560

mexicana 571

miclonia 579

miuuta 578

mollissima 580

uioschata 559

nigra 581

nivalis 549

obscura 560, 561

occidua 580

penelope 564

peregrina 576

perspicillata 582

pnrpnieoviridis 560

ratUesii 567

rubens 571

rubida 583

ru6torques 574

rustica 578

siuuata 558

sparrmanui 562

spectabilis 581

spiuosa 583

sponsa 571

stelleri 580

strepera 563

subnlata 563

sylvatica 565

vallisneria 575

vidnata 559

virgata 558
Anatidaj 544
Anatinai 559
anatum,

Falco 341, 342
Ancylocheihis

subarquata 491
anglica,

Gelocbelidon 664

Laropis 664

Sterna 664

INDEX.

741

anglica,

Thalasseus Gfi4
Viralva G(J4

angnstirostris,

Pbalaropus 470

aninio.sa,

Muscicapa 236

Auisorhaiupluis 714

anuectens,

Juuco 143, 145

Anortliura

alascensis 33
bycnialis 33, 231
troglodytes 33, 231

anostliti'ta,

Haliplar.a 701
Hydroclu'lidon 701
Sterna ()7r), 701

Anous 063, 697, 709
irater 710
inca 709
I'lieruiiineri G98
uiger 710
rousseaui 710
stolidus 710
unicolor 710

Auser

albatns 549
albifrons 546, 547
bernicla 556, 558
canadensis 553, 554
canagicus 558
coerulesceus 553
erytbropiis 546, 547
frontalis 547
gain bill 54(5, 547
bntebinsii 554
byperborens 548, 549
byptrboreiis juv. 553
intermedins 546
lanuginosus 580
lencopari'ins 554
leneoiisis558
inedins 546
niollissiiims 580
nigricans 556, 557
niveus 549
pallid ipes 546
parvipes 554
rossii 553
torqnata 556, 557

Ansinine Birds 544

Anserinaj 546

antaretieus,

Bupbagns 606
Lest ris 606
Lobipes 467
Pod ice 1)8 738
roiliIvinl)ns738
Stt-rcorarius 606
Sterna 701
Sylbeocyelns 738

antbinus,

Passerculns 128

antboides.
Sylvia 71

Antlins

a(|naticns 40
riirri::inii'ri 71
liulovicianuH 23, 40

Antbus

penusylvanicus 40

pipiens 40

rebens 40

reinbardtii 40

spinoletta 40

si)raguei 42
antillarnin,

Accipiter 367

Sterna 692

Sterunla 692
Antiaiiruns

rufus 228
Autrostomns

carolinensis 263

uuttalli 261

vociferus 260
aoualascbka,

Turdus 3
Apbeloeoma

caliiVirnica 219

floridana 219

suniicbrasti 219

woodbonsei 219
Appendix to Osciues 223
Apternus

auiericanns 285

arcticus 284

cayaneusis 284

birsiitns 285

tridactylus 285
aquaticus,

Antbus 40

Seiiuus 71

Turdu3 71
Aqiiila

alba 368, 369

ainericaua 367

balbnzardus 367

bartbel(!iuyi 368

canadensis 368

cberiway 370

cbrysaetos 368

fulva 3(58

baliaieta 367

lencocepbala 369, 370

maculosa 371

melauaetus 368

nobilis 3(58

piscatrix 367

regia 368
aqnila,

Dapbajnia 368

Falco 368
atpiilinus,

Falco 353
Arauius

elcgans 534

longirostris 535
arauea,

(jleloeln^lidon 6(54

Sterna 6(54
arboreu,
• Anas 558

Dendrooygiia 558, 559

l)endronessa 558

I'ringilia 146

0( lis 3(11
arcbiliosclias,

Auaa 560

Arcbibuteo

alticeps 361

ferrugineus 361, 363

lagopiis 361

plauiceps 361

regalis 361, 364

sancti-jobauuis 361, 364,
Arctic

Spotted Towhee 175

Teru 685
arcticus,

Apternus 284

Bubo 301

Ceppbus 720

Colymbus 721

Einberisa 128

Erythaca 14

Eudytes 721

Euspiza 128

Friugilla 128,, 175

Heliaptex 301

Larus 623

Leucus 621

Nyctea :W9

Picoides 284

Picus 284, 285

Pipilo 175

Pod ice ps 732

Pyrgita 175

Sialia 14, 229

Sterna 665

Strix 306 307, 310, 311

Sylvia 14

Tridactylia 284

Zonotrichia 128
Arctonetta

tiscberi 5S0
arctous.

Passer 111
Ardea

adspersa 524

alba 519

ainericaua 529

canadensis 531

candidissiiua 521

carolinensis 522

cbloroptera 522

discors 523

egretta 519

exilis 528

freti-budsouis 523

gaideni 523

berodias 517

boaetli 523

luulsoiiias 518, 523

jainaicensis 523

leiitiginosa 52vJ

leuce 519

Indovieiana 522

niaeulata 522, 523

minor .")23

iiiokoko .524

najvia 523

nivea 521

nycticorax. 523

ocei<len(alis 519

stellaris 523

torquata 522

viri'scens 522
Ariloidnj 517

742

INDEX.

Ardeina? 517
Ank'ola

exilis 528
Ai'dett;i

exilis 528
ardoslacus,

Accipiter 334
Arciiaria

calidris 492

grisea 492

vulgaris 492
areuaiia,

Calidris 492

Triijga 492
argentacens,

Laroides G26

Sterna 686
argentatoides,

Glaucns 626

Laroides 626

Larus 625
argeutatus,

Glaucns 626

Larus 625, 626, 627

Sterna 686
argeuteus,

I>arns 626

Laroides 626

Sterna 692
Aridas 296
Aristouetta

vallisueria 575
arizouae,

Chrvsomitris 117

Spizella 148
Arkansas

Goldfinch 116

Flycatcher 236
arquata,

Numenius 508

Scolopax 508
Arquatella

inaritiua 489
arquatella,

Triuga 489
arundiuaceus,

Falco 367

Telniatodvtes 35

Thryothorus 29, 35

Troglodytes 29
Ash-throated Flycatch'r 239
asiatica,

iEgialitis 457
Asio

brachyotns 306

galapagocnsis 307

najvia 303

otus 304

peregrin a tor 304

nlula 306
asio,

Bubo 303

Epbialtos 303

Otus 303, 304

Scops 303

Strix 303
assimilis.

Agelaius 186
Astragalinus

columbianus 117

Astragalinus

mexicanus 117

tristis 116
Astur

arricapUlns 338

boreal! s 352

colunibarius 346

cooperi 334, 335

fuscus 334, 355

hyenialis 355

latissinius 360

palunibarius 338

pcnnsylvanicus 334

pileatus 335

striatulus 338
Asyudesmus

torquatus 291
ater,

Buteo 262

Molothrus 180

Pendulinus 198

Pipilo 173

Turdus 193
Athene

al'ricana 317

cunicularia 322

ferruginea 318

hypuga^a 322

passerina 317

patagonica 322

phakenoides 315

socialis 322

tengnialmi 313

■\vbitneyi 321

wilsoui 315
atlauticns.

Bubo 300

Syniphemia 495
atra,

Muscicapa 241
atrata,

Catharista 384

Cathartes 383

Friugilla 142

Vnltur383
atricapillus,

Astur 338

Falco 338

Fringilla 159

Eniberiza 159

Hieroflilco 338

Parus 20, 21, 230

Pcecile 20

Sparvius 338

Sterna 708
atriceps,

Tvraunus 247
Atrici'lla 650

catesbiBi 651

minor 651

niacroptera 651, 657
atricilla,

Chroecocephalus 651

Gavia 651

Larus 651, 654

Xenia 651
atrigularis,

Colymbus 720

Spinites 151

Spizella 151

atrin^futalis,

Struthus 151
atrothorax,

Picus 285
Attagen

rupestris 430
audubouj,

Anas 560

DendrcEca 58, 233

Falco 346

Heinipalama 480

Picus 280

Polyborus 370

Sylvia 58

Svlvicola 58

Trichopicus 280

Triuga 480

Turdus 3
Audubon's

Caracara 370

Warbler 58, 232
Aulanax

fuscus 241

sayus 240
aura,

Catharista 380

Cathartes 379. 384

Percnopterus 380

Ehinogrvphus 380

Vultur379, 380,384
aurato-mexicanus,

Picus 293
auratus,

Charadrius 450

Colaptes 292

Cuculus 292

Geopicus 293

Picus 292
aureigaster,

Trochilus 271
auricollis,

Icteria 77

Psarocolius 195
auritus,

Colvmbus 731, 733

Otodvtes 733

Otus"304

Podiceps 733

Proctopus 733
aurocapillus,

Accentor 70

Enicocicbla 70

Fringilla 159

Heuicoeiclila 70

Motacilla 70

Seiurus 70

Sylvia 70

Turdus 70

Zonotrichia 159
australis,

Leucosticto 111

Limosa 494

Phalaropus 470

Podice})S 728

Squatarola 449

Triuga 491
authninalis,

Anas 558

Dendrocygna 558

Deudronessa 558

INDEX.

743

autumn all s,

Sylvan ill. 61
Avocet 460
Avosit,

Auiericp.n 460
ayresi,

Colaptes 293
Ay thy a

americana 575

erythrocopliala 575

feriua 575

niaiila 571?

vallisufi'ia 575
azni'oa,

Sialia 13

Sylvia 57

B.

BiBolophns

bicolor 19
bairdii,

Actodroinas 4S4

Aniniodrouius 125

Biituo 356

Centrouyx 125

Coceyzns 276
. Coturiiiciilu.s 125

Euibeiiza 125

Heteropygia 484

PasserciilMs 125

Tiinga 484
Baird'8

Sandpipor 484

Si)arro\v 125
Balbusardus

halia;tus 367
balbuzardiis,

Aquila 367
Bald Eagle :',69
Bald pate 564
baltbicns,

Colyiubus 721
bnlthica,

Gelocbelidou 664

Sylocbelidou 667
Baltimore Oriole 193
baltimore,

Hvpliantcs 193

baLiiis 193

Oriolus 193

Psarocolius 193

Ypbautes 193
baltimoreiisis,

Hvpbantes 193

Icterus 193
baltimonis,

Icterus 193
BaiKiiiivoni-i

allinis 193

Hpiirius 19;>
Band-tailed Pigeon 385
Banded Tliree-toed Wood-
pecker 2"^4
Bank Swallow 89
barl»ata,

Strix 308
barita,

Gracnla 203, 204

Qiiiscalns 203, 204

Barn Owl 298

barnstoni,

Bernicla 5a4

Barred Owl o08

barrovii,

Clangnla 577
Fuligula 577

Barrow's Golden-eye 577

barthelemyi,
Aqnila 368

Bartraniia

bartramius 503
laticauda 503
longicanda 503

Bartraniian
Tattler 502
Sandpiper 502

bartramius,
Actitis 503
Actiturus 502
Bartrainia 503
Euliga 503
Totanus 503
Tringa 502
Trill go ides 503

Bay-breasted Warbler 61

Bay-winged Bunting 129

Bee-Martin 235

Beetle-bead Plover 449

belcberi,

Blasipus 642
Larus 642

belli i,

Ampbispiza 234
Einberiza 234
Poospiza 234

Bell's Vireo 101

Belted Kiugtisber 273

beuickii,

Lestris 613

beringii,

Anas 580

berlandieri,

Thiyot horns 29
Troglodytes 29

Bernicla

barnstoni 554
brent a 556, 557
canadensis 554
caiiagica 558
coUaris 556, 557
erythropus 558
glaucogaster 556, 557
bntcbiiisii 554
lencolaMiia 554
leucopartiia 554
lencopsis 55:^
niel.-uiiipsis 55('), 557
niicropiis 556, 557
nigricans 556, 557
occidentalis 554
platyni lis 556, 557
tortpiata 55(i, 557

bernicla,

Anas 55 1, 556
Anser 556, 558
Branta 556, 557

Ijewickii,

Cvgnus .545
Tehnatodytes 31

bewickii,

Tbryothorns 31

Troglodytes 31
Bewick's Wreu 31
bicolor,

Anas 558, 560

BtKolophus 19

Calamospiza 163

Chelidon 86

Corydalina 163

Dolicbonyx 163

Fringilla'l63

Herse 86

Hirundo 86

Lopbopbaues 19

Parus 19

Petrocbelidon 86

Tacliycineta 86
bicoruis,

Podiceps 725
bicuspis,

Sterna 688
bifasciata,

Sylvia 57
Big Black-be;id Duck 573
biliueata,

Ampbispiza 234

Emberiza 234

Poospiza 234
bimaculata,

Fuligula 582

Pelionetta 582

Oidemia 582
Birds,

Anserine 544

Cypselilonii 260

D'inrnal cf Prey 327

Diving 717

Gallinaceous 391

Picarian 260

Tot i palmate 587
Birds of Prey 298
Bird,

Butcher 101

Cedar 93, 233

Cherry 93

Mocking 8
Bittern,

American 523

Least 528
Biziura

dominica 583

rnbida 583
Black Brant 556

Duck 560

Eagle 368

Skimmer 715

Tern 704

Warrior 352
Black-and- white Creeping
Warbler 45 [62

Black-and- yellow Warbler
Black-backed

Eagle 368

Three-toed Woodpeck-
er 2S4
Black-bellied

Longspnr 12"2

Plover 44"<. 4 J9

Sandpiper 489

744

INDEX.

Black-hilled Cuckoo 274
Blackbird,

Brewer's 199

Crow 203

lied- winged 186

Yellow-beaded 188
Black-breasted

Sandpiper 491

Woodpecker 288
Wackburniiu,

Deiuirceca 59

Muiotilta 59

Motacilia 59

Rbiinaiiphus 59

Svlvia 59

Sylvicola 59
Blackburuian Warbler 59
Black-capi)ed Chickadee 20
Black-headed Grosbeak 167
Bhick-iu'cked 8tilt 462
Black poll Warbler 60
Black-throated

Bnutinc; 164

Diver 720

Gray Warbler 55, 232

Greeu Warbler 54
bhiDdiiigiana,

Embernagra 176

Friugilla 176

Zonotrichia 176
Blaudiug's Fiuch 176
blasii.

Sterna 680
Blasipns 642

belcheri 642

heernumni 642
Blue-bill Duck 573
Bluebird,

Eastern 13, 229

Eocky Mountain 14

Western 14, 229
Blue Crow 209 [49

Golden-winged Warbler

Goose 553

Grosbeak 169

Grouse 395, 553

Jay 214

Quail 441

Warbler 233 [46

Yellow-backed Warbler
Blue-gray Gnat-catcher 17
Blue-headed

Grackle 199

Vireo 99
Blue- winged

Teal 5(Kj

Yellow Warbler 49, 54
Bobolink 178
Bob White 431
bogotensis,

Contopns 247
Tyranunla 247

Vireo 96
Bohemian Waxwing 91
bohemica,

Bonibycilla 92

Falco 327
boji,

Lestris 613

Boudiycilla

auiericana 93

bohennea 92

cediornin 93

garrula 92
bombycilla,

Parus 92
Bombyciphora

polioctelia 92
Bombycivora

garrula 92
Bonaparte's Gull 656

Sandpiper 487
bonapartei,

Actodromas 487

Chroicocephalus 656

Coccothraustes 104

Gavia 656

Heteropygia 487

Larus 656

Loxia 104

Myiodioctes 80

Mu-cicapa 80

Setophaga 80

Sylvania 80

Tringa 484, 487

Wilsonia 80

Xema 656
Bouasa

cupido 419

sabinei 421

umbelloides 421, 425

umbellus 420, 421, 425
boreal is,

Astur 352

Buteo 352, 353

Collurio 101, 102

Collyrio 102

Colymbus 723

Contopus 243

Craxirex 353

Cypseloides 269 *

Cypselus 269

Falco 352

Fringilla 114, 115

Lanius 101

Laroides 627

Larus 627

Linaria 115

Linota 115

Muiotilta 45

Mvobius 243

Nei)hcEcetes 268, 269

Nuuienius 509, 510

Ortvx 431

Perdix431

Poocilopternis 353

Pyrocepbalus 244

Rhynchoi).s 715

Savoruis 244

Scolopax 509, 510

Souiatoria 5H0

Strei)silas 459

Surnia 312

Tyraunus 243
boschas,"

Anas 559
Boschas

crecca 563

Boschas

discors 5G6

doniestica 560
Botaurus

adspersus 524

fieti-hudsoiiis 523

lentiginosus 524

minor 523

ntevius 523

virescens 522
boysii.

Sterna 673
brachydactylus,

Lagopus 430

Trichas 74

Pelecauus 557
Brachyotus

americanus 306

cassiui 306

europieus 306

galapagoeusis 307

palustris 306
brachyotus,

^golius 306

Asio 306

Otus 306

Strix 306

Ulula 306
brachypterus,

Caprimulgus 263
brachy[)us.

Sterna 686
brachyrhyucha,

Anas 579

Claugula 579

Clypeata 571

Garrulus 221

Lestris 616

Larus 639, 640, 647

Rissa 647, 648
brachv tarsus,

Larus 649

Pagophila 649

Sterna 686
brachyura,

Strix 306
Braut,

Black 556

White 548, 549
Braut Goose 556
Brauta

bernicla 556, 557

canadensis 553, 554

hutchinsii 554

leucopareia 554

leucopsis 558

moscliata 559

nigricans 556, 557
brasilieusis,

Cathartes 383

Chordeiles 263

Circaijtns 371

Circus 370

Falco 370

Himantopns 563

Phalacrocorax 588

Polvborus 371

Vuitur 383

INDEX.

745

brchnii,

Gallinago 475
brenta,

Ariser 556, 557

Beruicla 55G, 557
breviio.stris,

CLiuadrius 453

Larus (i47, (i48

Nnmenius 510

Poclict'ps 7'.iH

Rhyucliops 715

Kissa 647, 648

Triujj;a 481, 506

Troglodytes 156
breweri,

Anas 560

Quiscalus 199

Spizelhi 151

Zonotricliia 151
Brewer's Blackbird 199
Brewer's Sparrow 151
Bridled Tern 701
brissoui,

PelidiKi 481
Broad-hill Duck 573 [271
Broad-tailed Hii mining-bird
Broad-winged !3nzzard 360
Brotherly-love Vireo 97, 233
Brown Crane 531

Creep- r 26, 230

Lark 231
brnchii,

Gavina 637

Larus 637
briinnichii,

Rissa 646
Bubo

albifrons 315

arcticns :>0l

asio 303

atlantiens 300

crassirostris 301

ludovicianus 301

niacrorliyiu'hus 301

niagi'llanicus 301

otus 304

pa(!iliins 301

pinieola 301

scandiiicus 309

8triatus 303

8ub-arcticns 301

virginiauus 300, 301
Dnbo,

8trix 301, 310
buccinator,

Cvgnus 544

Olor 544
Buc«'pliala

alheola 577

uniericana 576

clangnla 576

histvinnica 578

islandica 577
bueeidiala.

Auius 578
BnlV breasted Sandp'er 500
linlllie-head Diiek 577
butVonii,

Falco :]28

Lest ris 616

Stercorariua 616

Buffon's Jaeger 616
Bull-Bat 263
Bull-Leaded Plover 449
builockii,

Agelaius 195

Hyphantes 195

Icterus 195

Xan thorn us 195

Yphautes 195
Bullock's Oriole 195
Bunting,

Bay-winged 129

Bhick-throated 164

Chestnut-collared 122

Heuslow's 133

Larlv 163

Maccown's 124

Ooualashka 162

Painted Lark 121

Towhee 173
Bnphagus 604

antarctic us 606

skua 605
Burgomaster 621
burrovianus,

Cathartes 383

Ehinogryphus 383
Burrowing Owl 321
Butaetes

buteo 361

lagopus 361

lesscni 3(51

sancti-johannis 361
Butcher Bird 101
Buteo

americanus 328, 353

ater 362

bairdii 356

boreal is 352, 353

califoruicus 364

calurus 353

cooperi 355

costarieensis, 353

cyaneus 327, 328

elegans 355

feriugineicaudus 353

ferrugineiis 361, 364

I'ulginosus 356

fulvus 353

fuscns 355

gutturalis 356

harlaui 352. 356, 362

hyemalis 355

iusigiiatiis 356

krideri 353

lagojtus 361

latissinnis 3(i0

lineatns :!54. 355

lucasanus 35:}

niontauns 353, 356

niger 361

oxypterus 356

])ennsylvani(uis ;]60

sancti-johannis 361, 364

spadiceus 3<>1

Hwainsoni 355. 3.56

vulgaris :{53, :{.56

wilsoni 3(i0
bnteo,

IJntai^tes 361

Falco 353, 355

biiteoides, Falco 355
Bator

americanus 524

exilis 528

leutiginosus 524
Butorides

virescens 522
Butter-ball 578
Buzzard,

Broad-winged 360

Ferrugineous 363

Harlan's 352

Red-shouldered 354

Red- tailed 3.52

Swaiuson's 3.")5

Turkey 379

C.

cacalotl,

Corvus 205
cachiunaus,

Larus 627
Cacius

alaudarius 190
cairuleata,

Pterocyanea 567

Querquedula 567
csesius,

Falco 328
cafer,

Picus 294
Cairina

nioschata 559

sylvestris 559
Calaniospiza ^

bicolor 163
calcarata,

Centro]>hanes 120

Fringilla 120

Plcctrophanes 120
calendula,

Corthvlio 230

Motacilla 15

Phvllobasileus 16

Regnloides 16. 230

Regulua 15, 229

Sylvia 15
Calidris

aniericaua 492

arenaria 492 [Kansas,

grisea 492

nigtdlus 492

tringoides 492
calidris,

Charadrius 492

Tringa 491
calidus,

Faleo3ll
Calilorniau

Scpiirrel Hawk 363

(JiiU 635
calit'ornianus,

Catharista 384

Cathatfis384

(teococi'vx 274

Pseudogiyphus 384

Sareorhamphus 384

VuUur 3-4

74G

INDEX.

californica,

Aplieloconia 219

Biit(M) :S()4

Calliiu'i)la439

Carpodacus 106

C.vauoCitta 219

Cyauocorax 219

Gariulus 219

Glaucidiuui 318

Liiroidc's ()35

Lani.s (535

Lopbortvx 439, 440

Ort\ X 439

Ponlix 439

Podiceps 733

Proctopus 733

Strix 322

Tetrao 439
caligatns,

Totauns 498
Calipareiis 726
Callipepla 430

califoruica 439

gauibeli 432

picta 440

squaiiiata 441

stremia 441

veimsta 432
Caliiuiet Eagle 368
calnrus,

Buteo 353
Caiupepbiliis

pileatus 279
campestris,

Circus 328

Leucosticte 111

Totaiifis 503

Triuga 482, 486
Caniptolaiimis

labradorius 581
camtscbatica,

CataiTiictes 608

Steiua 696
can a,

Gaviua 639

Glanciis 639

Laroides 639

Lanis 637, 639, 6 10, 646

Motaeilla 17

Spizelhi 151

Sylvia 17
Caiiace

canadensis 394

fianklini 394

fuligiuosiis 396

obscnrus 396, 400

ricbardsoui 400
can ace,

Tetrao 394
Canada

Gooso 553

Grouse 394

Jay 221
canadensis,

Anas 553

Anser 553, 554

Aquila 368

Ardea 531

Beruicla 554

Bianta 553, 554

canadensis,

Caiiace 394

Coccotbraustes 104

Coluniba 387

Corvus 221

Corytbns 104

Cygnopsis 554

Cygnus 553

Deudroeca 56

Dendroica 56

Dysornithia 221

Eniberiza 146

Eutblypis 60

Falco*3G8

Friiigilla 146

Garrulus 221

Grus 531

Leucoblepharon 554

Mniotilta 56

Motaeilla 56, 58

Muscieapa 80

Myiodioctes 80

Passer 146

Perisoreus 221

Picas 279

Piuicola 104

Pygargus 327

Ebiuianpbus 56

Setopbaga 80

Sitta 25

Spizella 146

Strix 311

Surnia 311

Sylvia 56

Sylvicola 56

Tetrao 394

Triuga 489

Tnrdus 1
Canadiau [80

Fly -catching Warbler

Sparrow 146
canagica.

Anas 558

Anser 558

Beruicla 558

Cbloepbaga 558

Pbilacte 558
candicaus,

Tbalasseus 673
candidus,

Larns 649

Nyctea 310

Nyctia 310

Seolopax 494

Strix 310
candidissiuia,

Ai'dea 521

Egretta 521

Garzctta 521

Herodiae 521
canescens,

^giothus 115

Laroides 639

Sterna 673

Tbalasseus 673
caniceps,

Jnuco 143, 144, 145

Strntbns 143
canigularis,

Podiceps 730

cantatrix,

Muscieapa 100
cantiacus,

Actocbelidon 673

Sterna 673

Tbalasseus 673
cantianus,

^gialitis 456

Cbaradrins 456
canus (see cana)
Cauutus

cinereus 491

isla-ndicus 491
canutus,

Tringa 490
Canvas-back Duck 575
caparocb,

Strix 312
capeusis.

Anas 563

Falco 342

Oriolus 193
capistratus,

Larus 656
capital is,

Perisoreus 221
CaprinmlgidiB 260
Caprimulgus

americanus 263

brachypterus 263

caroliueusis 263

europaeus 260

minor 260

uuttalli 261

popetuo 263

rul'uo 263

texensis 263

virgiuianns 260, 263

vociferus 260
Caracaxa,

Audubon's 370
Caracara

vulgaris 371
caracara,

Pandiou 371
carbo.

Anas 583
Carbo

dilopbns 588

graculus 589

mexicanus 589
Cardinal Grosbeak 172
Cardinalis

carueus 172

coccineus 172

Igneus 172

virginiauus 172
cardinalis,

Fringilla 172

Loxia 172

Pitylus 172
Carduelis

auiericana 116

uiexicana 117

psaltria 116

tristis 116
carueus,

Cardinalis 172
carnivorus,

Corvus 205

INDEX.

747

Carolina

Dove 389
Parroquet 296
Waxwing 93

caroliuensis,

Accipiter 345, 367
. ^salou 349
Ampelis 93
Anas 565
An trost oralis 263
Ardca 522
C'aprimiilgns 263
Ceuturus 296
Cbaratepelia 389
Coluuiba 389
Oonunis 296
Cnculus 275
Ectopistes 389
Erytluophrys 275
Falco 367
Felivox 9
Galeoscoptes 9
Hiruudo 267
Lauins 235
Mimas 8, 228
Muscicapa 8
Nettiou 565
Orpheius 8
PaudioM 367
Perissiira 389
Pcristera 389
Picns 285
Podicei)S 738
Psittacus 296
Qiieniinidiila 565
Sitta 23, 24, 230
Svlbcocyclus 738
Sylvia 54
Tardus 8
Tyrannus235
Zeiiajdura 389

caroliniana,"
Ci;rtlua.29

carolinus,

Centurns 289
Picus 2c<9
Zebrapicus 289

Carpodacus

calilbrnicus 105
cassini 106
familiaris 107
frontalis 107, 108
La.'monbons 108
obscmiis 107
purpnrons 106
riiodoi'ol[ius 108

casarca,

Anas 546

Casi)ian Tern 667

caspicns,

Colvmbus 732
Podiueps 732

caapiiis,

TIclopns 667
Ilydropro^^no 667
.SUix 30(i
Sft'iiia 667
SyiocJH'lidon 667
Tbalasseus 667

cassnn,

Auimodronms 140
Brachyotus 306
Carpodacus 106
Cvanocorax 210
Falco 342
Lanivireo 99
Passercnlus 140
Pencffia 140
Tvrauuus 233
Vireo 99
Zonotricbia 140

Cassin's

Crow 209
Flycatcber 238
Pine Fiucb 140
Purple Fincb 106

castanea,

Dendrceca 61
Icterus 193
Muiotilta 61
Oriolus 193
Ortyx 431
Pssirocolins 193
Ebimanpbus 61
Sylvia 61
Sylvicola 61

castor,

Merganser 584
Mergus 584

Cataracta 604
cep[)luis 613
parasitica 612
skua 605

Cataractes

longicauda 616
parasitica 616
poniarinns 608
ricbanlsoni 613
skua 605
vulgaris 605

cataractes,

Stercoi'arius 605

Catarracta

aldrovandi, 605
I'usca 605
skua 605

Catarractcs 604

canitscbatica 508
parasita 608, 613
parasitittiis 612
skua 605

catarractcs,
Larns 605
Lestris ()05, 606

catarrbactes,
Lestris 605
Stercorarius 605

Catbird 8, 228

catesba-i,

• Atricilbi 651

Catbaracta6(»4,()07
ctjpplins 6l()
coprotbcics (;i3
l)arasit ica 612
skini 605

catbaracti's,
Iji'stris 605
Stercorarius 605

catharractes,

Lestris 605
Catbarista

atrata 384

aura 381

californiana 384
Catbartes

atratus 383

aura 379, 384

brasilieusis 383

burrovianus 383

californianus 384

falklandicus 380

fujtens 3b4

iota, 380, 384

ruticoUis 380

septeutrionalis 380

nrubitinga 383

urubu 384

vulturinus 384
Catbartidaj 373
Catberpes

conspersns 28

uiexicanus 28
catotol,

Fringilla 117
Catoptropborus

seuiipalmatus 494, 495
candacuta.

Anas 562

Dafila 562

Daphila 562

Fringilla 132

Psarocolius 178

Querquednla 562
caudata,

Anas 562

Minius 8

Pica 211, 212
caurinus,

Corvus 206
cay an a,

Podiceps 726

Sterna 669

Tbalasseus 669
cayanensis,

Apternns 284

Falco 367

Picus 284

Syloebelidon 667
cayennensis,

Podice[)s 726

Sterna 669, 671
Cecro|)is

tbalassina 86

violacea 91
Cedar Bird 93, 233
cedrorum,

Ampelis 93

I5omliycilla93
Celens

torquatus 291
celata.

Helinaia 52 [232,

Hclmintbopbngii 52,

llflmitlicrus 52

Sylviii 52

Sylvicolii 52

Vermivora 52

748

INDEX.

Ceoplilcciis

piloatus 279
Ceutroceiciia

pliasiiiiiellns 407

urophasianus 400
Ceutrouyx

bainlii 125

ocliiofcpbalus 125
Ceutropliaiics

cakiiiatus 120

lai)p(iiiic'U8 120

oiiialiis 122

pictus 121

suiithii 121
Centiopi'liiui 726
Ceutunis

caroliiieiisis 296

caroliiHis 289
Ceppbus 719

arcticus 721

septeiitrioiialis 724

stellatns 724

torqiuitus 719
cepphuN,

Cataracta 613

Cathavacta 610

Lestris 616

Steicoraiius 613, 616
Cercbiieis

spai'verius 349
Cercouectes

rubida 585

spiuosa 585
cerdo,

Hirunclo 267
Ceitbia

albifrous 28

ainerifaiia 26

caioliiiiaua 29

faiiiiliaiis 26, 230

fiisca = 26

iiiaeubita 45

iiK'xicana 27

palu.stiia 34

piims 49

varia 45
CertbiidiB 26
Ceryle

alcyoii 273
Cetosparactes 649

ebnrueus 649
CbiBtura

pebigiia 267, 268

p('bisu,ia 267

vauxii 234, 268
Cbalco])liiiies

macroiiius 204

major 204

piiipuiatns 203

quiscahis 203

viiL'sceiis 198
cbaU'optem.s,

Laroidi'S 624

Lai'iis 624

Leucns ()24
chalybea,

Hirnudo 91
Cbanui.'])rlia

alijivitta390

caioliueusie 389

Cbania^pclia

graijatina 390

pallcsct'ii.s 390

passeiiua 390
Cbaradihis

apricarius 449

auratus orieutalis 450

atiiatus 450

bri'vi lost lis 453

calidiis 492

cautiamis 456

ciuclns 459

colhiris 453

crassirostvis 456

doiiiinicus 450

fulvus 449, 450

gbxncopus 450

bclvel iciis 448

biaticula 453, 455

bimantopns 462

bypouielas 448

jamaicensis 452

loLgipes 450

longiiostvis 449

iiuuiiioratiis 450

nieb)diis 455

mexicauus 462

luoutainis 456, 457

okeui 455

pardela 448

pectoraliH 450

phivialis 450

rubidns 492

seniipaliiiatns 453

taiteiisis 450

torquatns 452

Tvilsonins 456

virginiauns 450

■virginiciis 449, 450

vociferus 452

xautbocbeihis 450
Cbat,

Yellow-bivasted 77
Cbaulelasmus

aiiiericana 563

strepcruH 563
Cbanliodus

strepeia 563
Cbeiiuoiiea 644

tridactyla 646
Cbelidon

bicolor 86

leucogastra 86

tbabissiiia 86

viridis 86
cbeiiiuiigeiisis,

Coliyrio 102
Cben

albatiis 549

bypciboreiis 549
cberiway,

Aqiiibi 370

Falco 370

Polyboins 370

Vnltnr 370
Cberiy Bird 93
Cbestmit Ilangiiest 192
Cbestimt-baeked Cbicka-
deo22 [122

Cbestuut-collared Buutiug

Cbestniit-sidcd Warbler 62

Cbewiuk 173

cbicbitii,

Strix 309
Chickiidc'C,

Black-capped 20

Cbestmit-backed 22

Long-tailed 21

Moiintaiu 22

Wbite-browed 22
Cbickeu Hawk 334
cbildieiii,

Sylvia 54
cbileiisis,

Totanus 496
Cbinuiey

Swallow 234

Swift 267
Cbippiiig Sparrow 148
Cbioiiocbeii

byperborea 549
Cbloepbaga

canagica 558
cbloripoda,

Sterna 669
Cbloiocery le

alcyou 273
Cblora?nas

fasciata 385

monilis 385
cbloroptera,

Ardea 522
cbloroi^us,

Totanus 498
cbloropygius,

Rbvacopbilus 498

Totanus 498
cblorura,

Enibernagra 176

Friiigilla 176

Pipilo 176

Zonotricbia 176
Cboeolate Falcon 361
Cbocolate-colored Falcon

361
cboliba,

Ephialtes 303
Cbondestes

grainiuaca 159, 234

strigatus 159
Cbordeiles

auiericanns 263

brasilieusis 263

gundlacbii 264

beniyi 264

minor 264

popetue 260, 263, 264

sapiti 263

texcnsis 263

virginiauns 263
Cbroccocepbalns 650

atricilla 651

frankliui 654

kittlitzii 654

pbiladclpbia 656

siil)iilirostris 654
Cbroieocepbalns 650

bonai)artei 656

cuculhitus 654
Cbroocepbalus 650

INDEX.

749

chrvsaetos,
"Atinila 368

Falc-o :',r.8

Paudion ;568
chrysocepbula,

Motacilla 59
cbrysokeuia,

Ahmilii 36

Otocorys 38

Eronioiiliila 38
Chiysoinitrib

arizoDO! 117

colui-.ibiana 117

niaciuijteia 115

ni< xifiuia 117

v.aiia 117

pimis 115

psaltiia IIG, 117

tristis 116

xantLogastra 117
chrysojihr halm lis,

Clangiila 576
chrysojjs,

Einbiniza 128
cbrvsoptera,
■^Ilcliuaia 49

Ik'hniiitbopbaga 49

Hebiiitberns 49

Motacilhi 49

Sylvia 49

Sylvicohi 49

Veruiivoia 49
Ciuelidiu 10
CiucUis

anieiicamis 10

iuterpres 459

inexicanus 10, 229

iiioriiK'lbis 459

nioitoiii 10

paUa.sii 10

towiisfiitlii 10

iiiiicolor 10
ciiif lus,

Cbaradrins 459

Pdidiia4s9, 490

Tiiiiga 480, 490
cinctus,

Motacilla 58
Ciuuamini

Teal 568
ciuerasceuH,

]MyiarcbiiR239

riialaiopiis 170

Kbyiicbops 715
cinen-a,

Aiias5()3

Cauutn.s491

Circus 328, 329

Einbcriza 139

Falco 327

.luiico 1 13

lliiiiinli) 90

Lani.s {\2{>, 639

Mclospiza 139

raasrnlla 139

I'balaropus 470

Rissa 646

.Scotiaptcx 308

.Si|iialan)la 448

fcjtiix 307

cmerea,

Svininni 307,308
Tiiuga 490
Tvraiiiiula 239
Ulula 308

cmereo-caiid'itus,
Lanis 654

cinerosus,

Ciiculus 276

Ciicaetus

biasilicMisis 371

circumciiicta,
iEgialitis 455

Circus

segiibus 327
aiuericaiius 328
brasilieiisis 370
canipesTi'is 328
cinercns 327, 328
cyauons 327, 328
enropogiMtu.s 328
galliuarius 327
bistrioiiicus 328
budsoiiins 327, 328
byeuialis 355
pygargus 327
stiigieeps 327
uligiuosus 328
variegatus 327, 328

Cirrbocepbalus 650

Cistotborus
elegans 36
paludicola 35
palustiis 34, 35
stellaris 36, 231

citriKa,

Helniiiitbopbaga 47
Mniotilta 47
Motacilla 47
Protonotaria 47

citriuella,
Sylvia 54

citrinus,

Kbimanpbus 54

citiirostris,

Gavin a 639

Cladoscopus

uiicbalis 286
ruber 286
tbyroidcHS 288
varius 2b5
williauisoui 288

claniator,
Grus 529

Claniatore.s 235

Claugula

albcola 577
aiinnicana 576
barrovii 577
bracbyrb.\ ncba 579
cbrysopbibalma 576
claugula 576
fabcri 579
glaciali.s 579
glaucion 57()
bistiiouica 578
byeuialis 579
islaiulica 577
Icucdiuflas 576
uicgaurus 579

Clangnla

ruusica579

peregrina 576

scai)ularis577

stelleri 580

vulgaris 576
claugula,

Auas 576

Bucepbala 576

Claugula 576

Fuligula 576, 577

Glauciou 576
Clarke's

Crow 207

Grebe 728
^larkii,

iEcbmopborus 727

Podiceps 727
Clay-colored Sparrow 148
Cleptes

budsonicus 211

nuttallii 212
clericus,

Corvus 205
Clilf Swallow 88
Clupeilarus 619
Clypeata

brachyrbyucbus 571

niacrorbyuebus 571

platyibyucbus 571

pomariua. 571
clypeata,

Auas 570

Ebyucbaspis 571

Spatula 570

Spatbulea 571
cobaueusis,

Vireosylvia 97
coccineirostris,

Sterua 686
cocciueus,

Cardiualis 172
Coccoborus

ccnruleus 109

ludoviciauus 166

uielauocei)balus 167
Coccotbraustes

bouapartii 104

caiuideusis 104

ludoviciaua 166

nu'lauocepbalus 167

rubrieollis 1()(>

vespertiua 1(14

viigiuiaua 172
Coccygus

auiericauus 276

douiiuicus 275

erytbropbtbaluius 274

belviveutris 276

Julieui 276

uiiuor 276

uesiotes 276

Hi'uieulus 276
Coccystts

auu-rieauus 27(>

(hivirohtn.-i 276
Coccy/.us

aiuericauus 275

bairdii 276

douiiuiuus 274, 276

750

INDEX.

Coccyziis

eiyt liiophthalinus 274

niiiior '^70

pjiihuiiterus 2?G
Cook of the Plains 400
Cock,

Sage 400
caTiilea,

Culicivora 17

Cyaiioloxia 1(59

Deuiliivia 5l»

Eiubeiiza 171

Friugilla 1UL>

Goiiiapliea lOO

Giiiiaca li)9

Himuilo 91

Luxia 1U9

Miiiotilta 56

Motacilla 17

]\liii^t'icai)a 17

R)lioi)tila 17

Sylvauia 17

Sylvia 17, 56

Svlvicola 56

Warbler 56
coenileicollis,

Sialia 14
coernlesceiis,

Anas 553

Anser 553

Dcndrcpca 55, 56

Garnilus 219

Motacilla 55

Pica 219

Sylvia 55
ccerulens,

Coccoborus 169
Colaptes

auratus 292

ay res i 293

collaris 295

hybrid us 293

uiexicaiioides 295

uiexicauus 294, •<J95

rubricatus 295

tbyroidcus 288
collaris,

Auas 558, 574

Beruicla 55(5, 557

Cbaradrius 453

Colaptes 295

Fulignla 574

Fulix 574

Larus 661

Marila 574

Moriuclla 459

Strepsilaa 459

Sturuella 190

Xenia 661
Collnrio

borcalis 101, 102

clegaiis 103

ex cubit oroides 102

latora 1U3

Indovicianus 102, 233

robustus 103
cohibris

Cyanthns 271

Mcllisuga 271

Oiuisiuyia 271

colnbris,

Trocbilus 271
Collyrio

cbeiiiuugeiisis 102

Ijoreaiis 102

eli'gims 103

exculjitoroides 102
Coluniba

canadensis 387

carolincnsis 389

fasciata 385

lioilotl 387

iudica 387

Iciuoptera 387

marginata 389

niigratoria 387

minnta 390

monilis 385

passerina 390

trnde.'iu 387
Colunibie 385
cohiiiibarius,

^salon 346

Astur 346

Falco 345, 348, 348

Hypotriorchis 346, 347

Litholalco 346

Nisus 346

Tinnuuculus 346
cohinibiancs,

Astragalinus 117

Cbrysoiuitris 117

Corvus 207

Nucifraga 207

Pedioctetes 407

Pediocetes 407

Phasianus 407

Picicorvns 207

Vultur 384
Colnmbidse 385
columbina.

Sterna 673
Colymbida3 718
Colymbus719, 726, 737

adamsii 720

arcticus 721

atrigularis 720

anriTus 731, 733

baltbicns 721

borealis 724

caspicus 732

cornutus 729

crista.tus 729

cucullatns 730

doniinicus 737

dnplicatns 731

glacialis 719, 720

griiseigena 7:iO

bieuialis 720

ignotus 721

iuimer 720

lencopus 721

Indovicianns 738

Innune 724

niacrorliyuclnis 721

U)axinins720

uiegarliyucluis 721

microrbyncbus 724

ntevins 730

nigricans 732

Colymbns

nigricollis 733
obscnrus 732
l»acilicus 721
purotis 730
jjudiccps 738
rnt'ogalaris 724
septentrionalis 724
stellatus :24
st rial us 724
subcristatns 730
torquatus 719, 720
uriuator 729

coniata,

P'riugilla 157
Sterna 671
Zonotricbia 157

Common

Crow 206
Dove 389
Kittiwake 645
Loon 720
Tern 680
Wild Goose 553
Wild Turkey 391

communis,

Accipiter 341
Falco 341, 342, 361
Otus 304

Compsotblypis
americana 46
protonotarius 47

conciliator,
Falco 368

concolor,

Progue 91

confinis,

Poocajtes 129
Turdus 1

conspersus,

Catberpes 28

consul,

Glaucns 621
Larus 621

Contopus

bogotensis 247
borealis 243
cooperi '^44
mesoleucns 244
plebeius 247
ricbardsouii 247
sordidulus 247
veliei 247
vircns 245, 247

Conurus

carolinensis 296
Indovicianus 296

Cooperastnr
cooperi 335
gundlacbi 335
mexicanus 335

cooperi,

Accipiter 334, 335
Actodronias 491
Astur 334, 335
Buteo 355
Contopus 244
Cooperastur 335
Falco 334
Heteropygia 491

INDEX.

751

coopen,

Muscicai)a 244
Nisus 335
Podiceps 730
Pyiaugii S2
Triijgu 491
Tjriiiiimla 244
Tyranuus 244

Cooper's

Hawk 334
Sandpiper 491

Coprotbeies (307
poinariiius 603

coprolberes,

Cathaiacta 613
Lestris 612, 613

coias,

Corvus 204

Cormorant,

Donble-crested 588
Mexican .'89

Cormorants 588

cornicnm,
Fako 341

corunta,

Alanda 38
Colynihus 729
Dytes 731
Eremopliila 38
Otocorys 38
Philen'inos38
Podiceps 731

coronata,

Cyanocitta 215
Cyanoiorax 215
Cyanogarrulns 215
Cyanura 215
Cyaunrns 215
Dendra'ca 57, 232
Emberiza 15«
Garrnlus 215
Mniotilta 58
Mofaciila 57
Pica, 215
Sylvia 57
Sylvicola 57
Tiirdus 70
Zouotricbia 159

coroue,

CorvuH 206

Corvidie 204

Corviis

americanns 206
caealoll 205,^07
canadensis 221
carnivorns 205
caniinns 206
clerif IIS 205
cohimbianns 207
corax 2(1 1
coroiK! 2(J6
cristatns214
cryploli liens 206
• ferroensiH 205
lloridanns206, 219
bndsonins 211
leneoini-las 205
leneiiplia'iis 205
liftoralis 'J()5
liDinblis 205
major 205

Corvns

niaximns205

megonyx 207

uioiitauns 205

iiobilis ^05

ossifragns 207

palliatns 219

pica 211

siniiatu.s 205

si»]eiidens 205

stelleri 214

tbibetauns 205

iiltramarinns 219

voeil'erns 205
Corydalina

'bi'jolor 163
Corytbus

canadensis 104

euucleator 104

splendeus 104
Cosmonessa

Listrionica 578

sponsa 571
costarieeiisis,

LJuteo 353
Coturnicnlus

bairdii 125

lecontei 134

henslowi 133

passerinus 131, 132

])erpallidus 132

tixicrns 132
Cotyle

flnviatilis 90

mierorbynebus 90

riparia 89

serripennis 90
Cow-bird 180
Cow- blackbird 180
Cow pen -bird 180
Cowpeu Finch 180
Crane

Brown 531

Sandhill 531

White 5-J9

Wb<»)ping 529
Cranes 529
crass irostr is,

Bubo 301

Cbarailiins 456

Totanns 495

Tringa 491
Craxirex

borealis 353

lineal US 355

swainsoni 356
Creagrns 661

threat ns 6()2
crecca,

Anas 565, 566

Boscbas 565

Net! ion 5{i()

Qneninednla 566
crcceoidcs,

Qiienpiedula 566
crecia,

Anas 566
Creeper,

American, 26

Brown 20, 230
Creepers 26

crepidatns,

Larus GOB

Lestris 613, 616

Stereorarius 613
crepitans,

Ralliis 534, 535
Crested Grebe 729
criuita,

Muscicapa 233

aiyiarchus 238, 239

Myiobins 239

My ion ax 239

Pvroeephalns 239^

Tvrannnla 239

Tyranuiis 239
cristatns,

Colymbns 729

Corvns 214

Cyanocitta 214

Cyanocorax 214

Cyanogarrnlus 214

Cyannriis 214

Garrnhis 214

Lopbaitbyia 729

Mergus 585

Mnscicapa 239

Pica 214

Podiceps 729

Eegnhis 17

Sterna 671

Tetrao 441
Crossbill,

Eed 109

White-winged 110
Crow-blackbird 203
Crow,

Cassin's 209

Clarke's 207

Common 206

Fish 207
Cruci rostra

lencoptera 110
Cryniouessa

glacialis 579
Crymojdiiins

rutns 471
cryptolencns,

Corvns 206

Progne 91
cubanensis,

Ortyx 431
Cuckoo,

Blaek-hilled 274

Yellow-billed 275
Cnekoos 274
Cucnlida^ 274
cucullatns,

Chroicocephahis 654

Colymbns 730

Larns 654

I.opliodytt's 585

Mergns 5^4, 585

Mnscicapa 78
Cucnlns

americanns 275

aurafns2;>2

carolinensis 275

cinei'osns 27(i

dominiciis 275

doniiiiicensis 275

crythrophthalnin'; 274

752

INDEX.

Cuculus

minor 276
S(Miicnla3 276

Ciilicivoia

ccerulea 17
mexieatia 17

cunicnlaria,
Atlii'iu- :W2
Noctua :}21
Nvctii)etes 321
O'tus ;521
riiolcoptviix 322
Sl)eotvto"321, 322
Smuia 321, 322
S rix 321, 322
Uliila 321, 322

cupido,

Boiiasa 419
Ciipidoiiia 419, 420
Tetrao 419

Ciipidoiiia

ainericaiia 419
cupido 419, 420
pallidiciuctus 420

Curens

americauus 276

Curlew,

Esquinianx 510
Hiidvsouian 509
Loug-billed 508

Curlew Saudpiper 491

cnrsorius,

Falcinellus 492

Curvirostra

aiuericaua 109
leucoptera 1 10
luexieaua 109

curvirostra,
Anas 500
Loxia 109

cutbberti,
Anas 580
Souiateria 580

Cut- water 715

cuvieri,

Picus 280
Ref^nlus 17

cyanea,

Cyauoloxia 171
Cyanospiza 171
Emberiza 171
Passerina 171
Spiza 171
Tauagra 171

cyaneus.

Circus 327, 328
Butco 327, 328
Falco 327, 328

cyanella,

Emberiza 171

cyaneus,

Garrnlns 219
Strigici'ps 327

Cyanoccj)balus
wiedi 210

cyauocepbalus,

Gymnokitta 209
Gyuinorbinus 209
NucilVaga 210
Psarocolius 199

cyanocopbalns,

Psilorhinns210

.Scoiccopbagns 199
Cyanocitta

californica 219

coronata 215

cristata 214

diadcniiita 215

fioridana219

macrolcpba 215

snmicbrasti 219

stilleri 215

supcrcilio.sa 219

woodbousei 219
Cyanocorax

californica 219

cassini 210

cristatns 214

coronatus 215

fioridanus 219

stelleri 215
Cyanoloxia

coerulea 169

c.vanea 171
Cyanogarrulus

coronatus 215

cristatus 214

diadematus 215

stelleri 215
Cyanura (see Cyanurus)
Cyan urns

coronatus 215

cristatus 214

diademata 215

fioridanus 219

frontalis 215

macrolopba 214, 215

stelleri 214, 215
cyanoptera,

Querquedula 567
Cyanopterus

discors 566

rafflesi 567
cyanopus,

Larus 639
cyanopyrrba,

Hiruudo 85
cyauorbyucbus,

Larus 639
Cyanospiza
■ amtBna 170

cyanoa 171
Cyantbus

coluhris 271

tricolor 271
cygneus,

Falco 368
Cygniua; 544
Cygnopsis

canadensis 554
Cyguus

americanns 545

bewickii 545

buccinator 544

canadensis 553

ferns 545

musicus 545

passmorei 544
Cypseli 260
Cypselida) 265

Cypseliform Birds 260
Cypscloidcs

borealis 269
Cypsclus

nu'lanoleucus 265

niger 2()8

pelasgius 267

vauxii 268
Cyrtonyx 430

masseua 443
Cyrtopelicauus

tracbyrbyncbus 587

D.

Dabchick 738
dacnis,

Sylvia 47
Dajdalion

pictum 338
Dafila

acuta 561, 562

americana562

caudacuta 562
dalbousei,

Strix 315
danica,

Somateria 580
Dapbila

caudacuta 562
daphoenia,

Aquila 368
dasypus,

"^Nyctale 314

Strix 314
delatieldii,

Tricbas 74
delamottei,

Sterna 704
delawarensis,

Larus 635, 637
delicatnla,

Scolopax 475

Strix 298
deglanlii,

Melauetta 582

Oidemia 582
Den<Uagapus

obscurns 396

ricbardsoui 400
Dendrocopus

medianus 282

meridioualis 282

pubesccus 282
Dendrocygna

arborea 558, 559

autun)uali8 558

fulva 558

viduata 559
Dendrceca

aestiva 54, 232

auduboni 58, 232

blackl)urnia3 59

cauiideiisis 56

castanea 61

cojrnlea 233 56

coerulescens 55, 56

coronata 57, 232

discolor 63

domiuica 66, 233

INDEX.

753

Dendroeca

icterocepbala 62

kirtlaudii [specimen of
tliis extremely rare
sp. from Hainiltou
Co. Ohio, May, 1872]

maculosa 62

montaua 54

nigrescens 55, 232

paliiianim 67

Ijeutisylvauica 62

l)inns 60, 69

striata iiO

superciliosa 66

varins 285

vireus 54
Deudroica {see Dendrceca)
Deuurouessa

arbor ea 558

autumualis 558

fulva 558

spousa 572
densus,

Tnrdns 2
detbardingii,

Scolopax 492
diadematas,

Cyauocitta 215

Cyauogarrulus 215

Cyauura 215
difficiliti,

Empidouax 256
dilopbUiS,

Carbo 588

Graculns 588

Pelecaniis 588

Pbalacrocorax 588
Dipper 10, 229, 579
Dipper,

American 10
Dippers 10
discolor,

Dendropca 63

Ilalii)lana 701

Muiotiita 63

Riiiinan'pbus 63

.Sylvia ()3

Sylvicola 63
discors,

Anas 566

Ardea 523

Hose b as 566

Cyanopterus 566

Pteroeyaiiea 566

Quer(iiiedula 566
dispar,

Anas 580

Fnligiila 580

Pygargus 327

Stelleria 580
Dinriial liirds of Prey 327
Diver,

libuk-tbroated 722

I'acilic 722

Hcd-rliroated 724
Diving IJirds 718
doliata,

«trix 311

48

Dolycbonyx

agripennis 178

albinncba 178

biculor 163

oryzivorus 178
domestica.

Anas 560

Boscbas 560

Sylvia 32
Dominieauus 619

marinus 625
dominica,

Anas 583

Bizinra 583

Cbaradrins 450

Coccygns 275

Coccyzus 274, 276

Colymbus 737

Cnculus 275

Dendrceca 66, 233

Erismatura 583

Fnlignla 583

Motacilla 66

Piaya 275

Podiceps 737

Sylbeocyclus 737

Tacbybaptes 737
domiuicensis,

Cncnlus 275

Triuga 486
dorsal is,

Jnuco 143

Picoides 285

Picus 285

Tridactvlia 285

Tringa 484 [588

Double-crested Cormorant
dougalli,

Ilydrocecropis 688

Sterna (\^ri

Tbalassiea 688
douglassii,

llemipalama 480

Sterna 688

Triuga 480
Dove,

Carolina 389

Common 389
Dbwny Woodpecker 282
dresseri,

Snmateria 581
druinmonilii,

(iallinago 475

Scolopax 475
Dryobates

gaiiilneri 283

Jiarrisii 2S()

boniorns 2^3

bylosiopiis 2-^0

jardinei 280

lenconiebis 279

])ul)('scens 282

tiiiati 283

villosus 279
Dryocoims

piieatus 278
Dryopicns

piieatus 278

Dfyotomns

piieatus 278
dubius,

Faico 334
Duck,

Big Black-bead 573

Black 560

Blue-bill 573

Broad-bill 573

Canvas-back 575

Dusky 560

Fishing 583, 534

Greater S':aup 573

Harlt^iuin 578

Little Black-head 573

Ring-necked 574

Kuddv 583

Sbnmer573

Spirit 577

Spoon-bill 570

Summer 571

Wood 571
Duck Hawk 341
Ducks 544
Ducks,

River 559

Sea 573
dumicola,

Icteria 77
Dunlin,

American 489
duplicatns,

Colvmbns 731
Dusky buck 560

Grouse 395
Dysornitbia

canadensis 221
Dytes 72G

coruutus 731

E.

Eagle,

Bald 369

Black 3()8

Black-baciked 368

Calumet 368

Golden 368

Ring-tailed 368

Royal 368

Whiter 368

Wlute-beaded 369

White- tailed 368
Eastern Bhiebird 13

Snow-bird 141
Eave Swallow 88
eburncus,

Cetosparactes 649

(Javia 649

Larus (i49

Pagoi)liila 649
Ectopistes

carolinensis 389

marginata 3S9

marginellus 389

migratoria '.idl
Egn^t,

(ireat White 519

Little White 521

754

INDEX.

Egretta.

Emberiza

erytbraucben,

crtiididissima 521

smitliii 121

Picns 289

leucc 5iy

socialis 148

erytbrocei)ba]a.

uiviii 521

embcrizoides,

Aytbya 575

viresceus 522

Icrcius 180

Mclancrpes 290

egretta,

Embernagra

Nynjca 575

Aiilea 519

blandingiana 176

Picns 290

Herodias 519

cblorura 176

erytbrog;>ster,

Elanoides

Empidias

Hirnndo 85

furcatns 332

lusius 241

erytbroiucl'is,

yetapa 332

Empidonax

Pyranga 82

Elanus

acadicns 247

Erytbropbrys

furcatus 332

ditHcilis 256

auiericauns 276

data,

liaviventris 255

carolineusis 275

Glaucldium 317

fulvifrons 259

erytbropbtbalmus 274

Strix 317

bammondii 257

seniculns 276

flegaiis,

bypoxantbns 256

erytbropbtbolinus,

Aramus 534

luininuis 254

Coccygns 274

Bnteo 355

obscurus 258

Coccyzus 274

Cistotborus 36

pallescens 259

Cucnlus 274

CoUnvio 103

pusillns 249, 252

Emberiza 173

Colly no 103

pygnittus 259

Erytbropbrys 274

Lauins 103

rnbicundns259

Fringilla 173

Pardiiallns 534

traillii 252

Piaya 274

Progue 91

wrigbtii 258

Pipilo 173, 175

Eallns 534

enano,

erytbropis,

Storua 671

Scops 304

Pyranga 83

Thalasseus 671

Enicocicbla

erytbropus,

Elegant Teru 671

aurocapilla 70

Anas 558

Emberiza

Enicouetta

A user 546, 547

americana 164

stelleri 580

Bernicla 558

aiiiQ3ua 170

enucleatoi-,

erytbrorbyncbusj

arctica 128

Coivtbus 104

Sterna 669

atiicai)illa 59

FringiUa 104

Pelecanns 587

baiidii 125

Loxia 104

Erytbrospiza

bullii 234

Piuicola 104

frontalis 107, 108

biliueata 234

Pyrrhula 104

purpurea 106

canadensis 146

Strobilopbaga 104

tepbrocotis 111

cbrysojis 128

Epbialtes

Esquimaux Curlew 510

cineiea 139

asio 303

Endites 719

cceiulea 171

cboliba 303

glacialis 719

corouata 159

ocreata 303

Eudromias

cyauoa 171

eques,

montauus 456, 457

cyanella 171

Motacilla 46

Eudytes 719

ei-ytbioplitbalraus 173

Ereniopbila

arcticus721

glacialis 118

alpestiis 37, 38, 231

glacialis 719

gianiiuea 129

cbrysoheiua 38, 231

septeutrionalis 724

granimaca 159

cornnta 38

Euliga

lienslowi 133

lencoUeraa 38

bartramia 503

hyeujalis 141

peregriua 38

europanrs.

lappouica 120

Erennetes

Bracbyotus 306

lecontii 134

biniantopus 480

Caprimulgus 260

leucopbiys 154

occidentalis 481

Nyctea 310

luexicaua 165

petrilicatns 481

Otus 304

ra on tan a 118

pusillns 481

Pica 211

niusteliua 118

seniipalniata 481

Sitta 23

nivalis 118

Erisniatnia

Troglodytes 33

ornata 122

dominica 583

europogistus.

oryzivora 178

ortygoides 583

Circus 328

pa'llida 148, 151

rubida 583

Falco 328

passdiua 131

spinosa 583

Euspiua

pecoris 180

ermiuea.

americana 165

picta 121

Nyctea 310

Euspiza

juatensis 161

Strix 310

americana 164, 165

pnsilla 148

Erolia

arctica 128

rutina 139, 162

snbar(|nata 492

Eutblypis

sandvieensis 128

viriegata 492

canadensis 80

sandwiclunsis 128

Erytbaca

Evening Grosbeak 104

savanna 127

arctica 14

evura.

shattuckii 149

wilsoni 13

Spizella 151

INDEX.

755

Expvntheinops

roHsi 55;}
excubitor,

Lauius 101
excubitoroides,

Colluiio 102
- Collyrio 103

Lanius 102
cxilij)es,

-lEgiotbus 115
exilis,

Ardea 528

Ardfola 528

Ardetta 528

Bator 528

F.

faberi,

Claiigula 579
t'al»ricii,

Larns 625
Falciuellus

cursoiius 492

ordii 517
falciuellus,

Ibis 517

Trynga 492
falcirostra,

Loxia 110
Falco

abietinns 341

sernginosus 328

ipsalou 347

albicans 327

albidns 328

albns 3()8

aniericanns 368

auatnni 341,342

a((nila 3()8

aquiliiiiis 353

arundiiiact'us 367

atricapillns 338

audiiboiii 346

bobeuiicns 327

borealis 1552

brasilicnsis 370

buffouii 328

buteo 353, 355

butfoides 355

Ciesius 328

calidiis 341

canadensis 368

caiiensis 342

caioliiiensis 367

cassini 342

cayancnsis 367

chciiway 370

cbrysH'tos 368

cinorens 327

ct.liiinbaiius345.346,348

coMiuinnis :>tl, :!42, 'Mil

conciliator 368

coopiri ;$34

cornicuin 341

cyancns 327, 328

cygncns 3r)8

«liibins 334

ouropogi.stiis 328

furlicatuy 332

Falco

fill vus 368
furcatus 332
fuscus 333
gentilis 341
glaucas 328
griseus 327
grisciventris 341
haliaetus 367
barlaui 352
bistriouicus 328
budsoniiis 327
byemalis 328, 355
intcrmixtus 346
janiaicensis 353
lagopus 301
lauiarius 339
latissimus 360
leucocepbalus 361, 369
levcrianns 353
liueatiis 354
lithofalco 346, 348
lunalatus 341
uiacropus 341
macrourns 327
uielauaiitos 368
melauogenys 341
Hiclanouotus 368
niexicanns 339
niicrurus 341
luiuor 342
montanus 327
m«vius341
niger 341, 361, 368
nigriceps 342
obsoletns 355
oricu talis 341
ossifragus 370
pahunbarius 338
pealci 342
p(!nnatus 361
peunsylvauicuK 334, '60
pcregrinoidos 342
percgriinis 341, 342
picatiis 328
]»iM(,'tariiis 341
plancnis 370
plnniipus 361
l»oIyagrns 339
pygargns 327, 370
ranivorus 327, 328
regal is '.V.]S
ricbardsoni 347, 348
rnhiginosns 327
saiicti-jolianni.s 361
sclavouiciis 361
spadiceus 361
8])arverins 349
sTanh\vi 335
strigiccps 327
Hulico'rnJfiis 328
sucklcyi 316
tartaricMs 311
tcincrarins 346
tliarns 370
iiliginosus 328
varii'gatns 328
vcJox ;>3I

wasbingtonianua 370
wasbiiiglouii 370

Falco

wilsoui 360
falco,

Accipiter 367
Falcon,

Cbocolate 361

Obocolate-colored 361

Peregrine 341

Placeutia 361

Prairie 339

Rougli-legged 30
Falconid:e 327
falklandicus,

Catbartes 380
fallax,

Melospiza 139
familiaris,

Carpodacus 107

Cerrbia 26, 230
faroensis,

Souiateria 580
fasciata,

Cblonenas 385

Columba 385

Fringilla 138

Pandioii 367

Picoides 285

Taiuia'iia 385

Zonotricbia 139
fedoa,

Limosa 492, 493

Liinicnla 492

Scolopax 492
Felivox

carolineusis 9
felivox,

IMirans 9

Orpbeus'9

Turdns 9
fera.

Anas 560

Cygnus 545

Meleagris 391
feriua.

Anas 575

Aytbya 575

Fnligula 575

Xyroca 575
feruandica,

Htrix 309
ferroeusis.

Cor vus 205
ferrugineicaudus,

IJuteo 353
ferrngineicollis,

ycolojjax 477
Forrugineous Buzzard 363
ferrugiueus,

Areliiimteo 3(51, 363

Atiiene 318

Ibiteo 361.364 •

(ilaucidiuui 318

Gracuhi I'.ts

Fringilla 161

Lago|)Us 3(>3

Noctua 31S

Niiuienius 492

Orioliis 198

Ci>uiscalus 198

iSculvcopbugus 198, 199

756

INDEX.

ferrnjrineus,

Htiix 318

Surnja :n8

Tiiiigii 491, 492
Fictduhi

ludoviciana 46

trichas 74
Field Lark 190

Sparrow 148
fiiiibriatus,

riialaropus 467
Finch,

Bl-iDding's 176

Cassin's Pine 140

Cowpen 180

Grass 129

Graj' -crowned 111

Green-tailed 176

Lark 159, 234

I^azuli 170

Purple 106
FincLes, etc. 104
Firebird 193
fiscberi,

Arctonetta 580

Fnligola 580

Lanipronetta 580

Soniateria 580
Fisb Hawk 367
Fishing Duck 583, 584
tissipes,

Hvdrochelidou 704, 705

Sterna 704, 705, 708
listuhiris,

Anas 565

Mareca 565
flamnieola,

Scops 304
flamnieus,

Aluco 298

Strix 298, 299

Ulula 298
flavicauda,

Motacilla 81
flavicollis,

Fringilla 165

Motacilla 66

Sylvia 66
flavifrons,

Lanivireo 98

Motacilla 49

Sylvia 49

Vireo 98

Vireosylvia 98
flavipes,

Gambetta 497

Scolopax 4J7

Totanus 497
ilavirostris,

Coccystes 276
flavix'fntris,

Euipulonax 255

Mnscicapa 255

Picus 286

Tyrauuula 255
ilavns,

Icterus 193

Sylvia 54

Xantbornus 193

Flicker 292

Mexican 294
florid an a,

Apbelocoma 219

Corvus 206, 219

Cyanocitta 219

Cyauocorax 219

Cyanurus 219

Garrulus 219

Gracnlus 588, 589

Ortyx 431

Phalacrocorax 588

Scops 303
fluvialis,

Pandion 367

Triorches 367
fluviatilis,

Cotyle 90

Sterna 680
Flycatcher,

Acadian 249

Arkansas 236

Ash-tluoated 239

Cassin's 238

Gray 258

Great-crested 238

Green Bl'k-capped 232

Hammond's 257

Least 254

Olive-sided 243

Pewit 241

Sav's 240

Small Gr'n-crested 249

Swallow-tailed 235

Traill's 252

Wright's 258

Yellow-bellied 255
Flycatchers,

American 235
foeteus,

Catbartes 384
forficatns,

Falco 332

Milvnlus 235

Muscicapa 235

Nanclerus 332

Tvrannus 235
Fork-tailed Gull 661
formosus,

Myiodioctes 73

O[)ororuis 73

Syivania 73

Svlvia 73

Sylvicola 73

Trichas 73
forsteri.

Sterna 676
Forster's Tern 676
Fox Sparrow 160
franklini,

Can ace 394

Chrtecocephalus 654

Gavia 654

Larus 654

Melagavia 654

Totrao 394

Xema 654
Franlvlin's

Rosy Gull 654

Franklin's

Spruce Grouse 394
fratcr,

Anous 710
fraterculus, '

Grus 531
frenata,

Anas 574

Icterus 188

Marila 573

Plialar()])us 467

Sterna 692, 705

Stern ula 692
Fresh-water Marsh Hen 534
freti-budsonis,

Accipiter 327

Ardea 523

Botaurus 523

Strix 311, 319
freyciueti,

Anas 560
Fringilla

albicollis 157

ambigua 180

americana 164, 165

aniG'na 170

arborea 146

arctica 128, 175

atrata 142

atricapilla 159

aurocapilla 159

bicolor 163

blandingiana 176

borealis 114, 115

calcarata 120

canadensis 146

cardiualis 172

catotol 117

caudacnta 132

cblorura 176

cinerea 139

ccerulea 169

coniata 157

euucleator 104

erythrophtbalmus 173

fiisciata 138

ferrugiuea 161

flavicollis 165

frontalis 107, 108

gambeli 156

georgiana 137

grammaca 159

grannnniea 129

griseinucha 111

guttata 139

bu'uiorrhoa 108

barrisii 157

benslowi 133

budsonia 141, 142

byenialis 141

iliaca 160

juncornm 148

lappouiea 120

leucophrys 154

lincolnii 135

ludoviciaua 166

melauocepbala 167

melanoxantha 117

melodia 138

INDEX.

757

Friugilla

meruloides 162

moutaua 146

monticoUi 146

nivalis 141

oregoiia 142

palustris 137

passerina 1I>1

pecoris 180

penusylvauica 151

piiins 115

psaltria 116

punicea 1G6

purpurea 106

pusilla 148

quciula 157

rufa 161

savanna 127

savannaruin 132

soeialis 148

teplirocotis 111

texensis 117

towusendii 162

tristis 116

unalaskeusis 162

vespertiua 104

virginiana 180

xautbomaschalis 167
Fringillidse 104
frobeeni,

Sterna 675
frontalis,

Anser 547

Carpodacus 107, 108

Cvanuni 215

Ervtbrospiza 107, 108

Fiiuj-iila 107

Tyrrbula 107, 108

Strix 315
fulgidus,

Quiscalus 203
fulicaria,

Triiiga 471
fulicarius,

Plialaropus 471
fuligiuosa,

Anas 582

Huteo 356

Canaco 396

IIalii)lana6r)8

Ilali|)lanes (i'J8

n.Ydrocbelidon 698

Larus (J44

Ouycboiiriou 698

Sterna (;98

Strix308
Fulignla

atlinis 573

albcola r)77

anicricana 575, 581

barrovii 577

biinaeulata 582

claTigida 576,577

collaris 57 1

(lispar 5-^(»

(loiiiiriica 583

ferina 575

fisili.u-i 580

inlva 557

fusca 582

Fuligula

gesueri 573

glacialis 579

histriooica 578

islaudica577

labradora 579

marila 573

minor 574

mollissima 580

nigra 581

perspicillata 582

rubida 583

rulitorques 574

spectabilis 581

stelleri 580

vallisueria 575

viola 560
fuligula,

Anas 574
Fuligulinaj 573
Fulix

aifiuis 573

collaris 574

marila 573
fulva.

Anas 558

Aquila 368

Buteo 353

Cbaradrius 449, 450

Dendrocygna 558

Dendronessa 558

Falco 368

Fuligula 558

Herse 88

Hiruudo 88

Pluvialis 449 _

Rhyncb()ps715

Troglodytes 32
fulvescens,

Syruinm 309
fulvicapilla,

^ Vcrmivora 48
fulvifrons,

Enipidonax 259

Mitrepborus 259

Muscicapa 259
fulvigiila,

Anas 561
fulvus aniericanus,

Pluvialis 450
fanerea,

Noetua 311, 312

Nyctale 314

Strix 311, 314

Surnia 311, 312
furcatns,

Creagrus (i()2

Elanoi<lcs 332

Elanus 332

Falco 332

Larus 662

Milvus 332

NauclcruN 332

Progiic 91

Strix 2".>i>

Xema (>62
furvHs,

Troglodytes 32
fuscescens,

^giothus 114

fuscescens,

Turdus 5, 223
fuscicollis,

Actodromus 482

Triuga 482, 487
fuscocapillus,

Totauus 497
fuscns,

Accipiter 333

Anas 581, 582

Astur 334, 355

Aulauax 241

Buteo 355

Catarracta 605

Euipidias 241

Falco 333

Fuligula 582

Garrulus 221

Grus 531

Larus 605, 626

Melanitta 581

Muscicapa 241

Myiarcbus 241

Nisus 334

CEdemia 581

Oideniia 582

Oriolus 180

Plialaropus 470

I'ipilo 274

Pyrocepbalus 241

Sayoruis 241

Tetrao 394

Tringa 470

Turtur 387

Tyrauiiula 241

Tyrannus 241

G.

Gabianus 619
Gad wall 563
gairdncri,

Drvobate8 283

Picns 282. 283

Tiicboi)icus 283
galapagoeusis,

Asio 307

Bracbyotus 307

Otus 307
galbnla,

Pieiis 286

[Coracias, L., S. Nat. i,
1758, 108, — Icterus
galbnla n.] 193
Galeoscoptes

caroliucnsis 9
galericulata.

Sterii.-i (171

Tbalas.seu8 669, 67J
Gallina- 391
Galliiiago

brcluiii 475

druniinoiidii 475

galiinaria 475

wilsdiii 17.5
gallinago.

.Sciildpax 475
gallinariiis,

Circus 327

Gulliuugo 475

758

INDEX.

gallopavo,

Geopicns

Glaucus

Mcleagris 391

uiexicanoides 295

argeutatus 626

gambeli ■

mexicanus 295

canus 639

Auser 456, 457

rnbricatus 295

consul 621

Callipepla 432

georgiaua,

glacialis 621

Frinsilla 15G

Animodronnis 137

glauccscens 624

Lopboityx 432

Friiigilla 137

Icucopbteus 627

Zouotricbia 156

georgica.

k'ucopterus 623

Gambotta

Tiinga 4S2

niicbabellcsi 627

liavipos 497

Geotblypis

o(5fidentalis 627

iiielauolcuca 496

luacgillivrayi 75, 232

zonorbyncbus 637

gardeni,

pbiladelphia 75

glaucus.

Ardea 523

tricbas 74, 232

Falco 328

Nyctiardea 523

germauica.

Laroides 621

Nycticorax 523

Pica 211

Larus 626

Garrot 576

gesneri,

Leucus 621

Garrot,

Fuligula 573

Plautus 621

Golden Eye 576

giganteus.

Glossy Ibis 517

Eocky Mouutain 577

Larus 621

Glottis

GaiTuliuai 211

gilva,

semipalmata 495

GaiTuhis

Muscicapa 97

Guat-catcber,

bracbyrhynchns 221

Vireo 97

Blue-gray 17

califoruicus 219

Viieosylvia 98

gnoma.

cauadensis 221

glacialis,

Glaucidium 318

. ccerulescens 219

Amblyrbyncbus 467

Goatsuckers 260

corouatus 215

Anas 579

God wit.

cristatus 214

Clangula 579

Black- tailed 494

CJ^anens 219

Colymbns 719, 720

Great Marbled 492

floridanus 219

Crynionessa 579

Hudsoniau 494

fuscus 221

Emberiza 118

Golden

stelleri 215

Fill ignla 579

Eagle 368

ultramariuus 219

Glaucus 621

Robin 193

garrulus,

Harelda 579

"Warbler 54

Ampelis 91, 93

Laroides 621

Golden-crested Kinglet 16

Bombycilla 92

Lai'us 621

Golden-crowned Tbrusb70

Lanius 91

Pagonetta 579

Golden-eye 576

Garzetta

Platypus 579

Golden-eye,

candidissima 521

Pbalaropus 467

Barrow's 577

Gavia 619, 644, 649, 650, 651

Tringa 467

Kocby Mouutain 577

atricilla 651

glared a,

Golden-winged

bouapartei 656

Totanus 498

Blue Warbler 49

ebuinea 649

glaucesceus, '

Woodpecker 292

tVaiikliui 654

Glaucns 624

Goldiincb,

leucoceps 710

Laroides 624

American 115

nivea 649

Larus 623

Arkansas 116

sabinei 661

Leucus 624

Xjrouiapliea

tridactyla 646

Glaucidium

can-ulea 169

gavia,

califoruicum 318

ludoviciaua 166

Larus 646

elatura 317

nielanocepbala 167

Gavin a

ferrugineum 318

Goosander 583

brucbii 637

guouia 318

Goose,

can a 639

iufnscatuui 318

Blue 553

citvirostris 639

passerinum 317, 318

Brant 556

beinei 637

Glauciou

Canada 553

zonoibyncha 637

clangula 576

Common 553

Geese 544, 546

glauciou,

Gambel's 546 *

Gelocbelidon 663

Anas 576

Eoss's 553

agraiia 664

Clangula 576

Snow 548, 549

anglica ()()4

glaucogaster,

Wbite-fronted 546

aranea 664

Bernicla 556, 557

Wild 553

baltbica 664

glaucoides.

Gosbawk,

bavclli 676

Laroides 623

American 338

nieridionalis 664

Larus 623

gossi.

palustris 664

glaucopterus,

Seiurus 71

gentilis,

Cbaradrius 450

gouldii,

Ealco 341

Larus 624

Melospiza 139

Geococcyx

Glaucous Gull 621

Paudion 367

caliibrnianus 274

Glaucous-winged Gull 623

Sterna 698

Geopicus

Glaucus

Goura

auratus 293

argeutatoides 626

passeriua 390

INDEX.

759

gracilis,

Otus 304

Tringa 491 [fl^arf., 1874,
nee Mibie-Ed.']
Grackle,

Blue-beaded 199

Purple 203

Rusty 193
Giacula

barita 203, 204

feiTugiuea 19d

purpurea 203

quiscala 198, 203, 204
Graculus

dilopbus r)88

tloridauus 588, 529

luexicauus 589
graculus,

Carbo 589
grallaria,

Strix 322
Grallatores 448
grauiujaca,

Cbondestes 159, 234

Euiberiza 159

Friugilla 159
graniiuea,

Fnugiila 129

Eiuberiza 129

Pooecetes 129

Zouotricbia 129
granatiua,

Cbaniaipella 390
Grass

Fincb 129

Suipe 486
Gray [55

Black-tbroated Warbler

Duck r>(i3

Fiycatcber 258

Plover 449

Rufted Grouse 425

Snipe 47()
Gray-crowned Fiucb 111
Gray-beaded Snowbird 143
Great

Black-backed Gull 625

Blue Ilcrou 517

Carolina Wreu 29

Gray Owl 307

Horned Owl 300

Marbled Godwit 492

Noitbcrn Loon 719

Wiiitc i:j;ret 519

Wbite Owl 309
Great-crested

Flycatcher 238
Greater

Scau)) Duck 573

T.-lltalc 496

Yellowsbauks 496
Grebe,

American Fared 733

Clarke's 728
. Crested 729

ICarcd 73:?

Horned 731

I'icd-billcd 738

L'.;d-ncckcd 730

St. Domingo 737

Grebe,

Western 727
Green [er 232

Bl'k-cai^ped Flycatcb-

Black-tbroated Warb-
ler 54

Herou 522
Greeulets 96
Green-tailed Fiucb 176
Green-winged Teal .565
grisea,

Areuaria 492

Calidris 492

Falco 327

Limosa 477

Macrorbampbus 476

Nyctiardea523
Nycticorax 523

Pbalaropus 471

Picus 289

Scolopax 476

Squatarola 448

Sterna 734

Tringa 491

Vanellus 448
griseigeua,

Colynibns 730

Podiceps 730
griseigenys,

Leucosticte 111
griseiuucba,

Friugilla 111

Linaria 111

Leucosticte 111

Moutifringilla 111

Passer 111
griseiveutris,

Falco 341
griseus (see grisea)
granilandicus,

Lagopus 430
Grosbeak,

Black-beaded 167

Blnc^ 169

Cardinal 172

Evening 104

Pine 104

Kose-breasted 166
Ground Robin 173
Grouse,

Black-tailed 400

Blue 395

Canada 394

Dnskv 395

Franklin's 391

Gray Rutlcd 425

Long-tailed 407

Pine 395

Pinnated 419

li'icliardson's 4(l0

Knilcd 420 [407

Son! hern Sbarp-tailed

Sbarp-lail.-d 407

Spoiled 394

Spruce 394
Gruidiu 529
Grus

americana 529, 531

cauadinsis 531

clamatur 529

Grus

fratercnlus 531

fusca 531

bo^'anus 529

lougirostris 531

niexLeana 531

poliopba^a 531

pratensis 531

strutbio 529
guacu,

Alcedo 273
guadelonpensis,

Speotyto 322
guatemabe,

Strix 299
gubernator,

Agelaius 186

Icterus 1h6

Psarocolius 186
Guiraca

cffirulea 169

ludoviciana 160

melauoce>)bala 167

tricolor 167
Gull,

Black-backed 625

Bonaparte's 656

Calit'ornian ()35

Fork-tailed 661

Fiauklin's 654

Glaucous 621

Glaucous winged 623

Great Bl'k-backed 625

Heeruiaun's 642

Herring ()26

Ivory 649

Laugbiug (351

Ring-biired 637

Ross's 660

Rosy 660

Wedge-tailed 660

Wbite-beaded 642

AVbite-winged ()23
Gull-billed Tern t)64
gulo,

ilerganser 584
guudlaclii,

Accipiter 335

Cbordeiles 264

Cooperastur 335
guttata,

Friugilla 139

^lelospiza 139

Wuscicapa 3

I'asserella 139

Pitylus 167

Sterna 69:^
Tetrao 443

Tol aims 498
Turdus3
Zouotricbia 139
guttulatus,

'riiryotlioru8 28
gutturalis,

Buteo 356

Helmiiitbupbaga 232
Gygis

alba 709
Gymnatlius

luusubatus 559

760

INDEX.

Gyiunolvitia

cyaiioec'pbala 209
Gymuoibiuus

cyanocephalus 209
Gyniimia

rubida 564

H.

[bieraastica,

Scolopax, Linn., S. Nat.
17 'jr*, ]). lA7,=Limosa
li(nii<i>itic(t n.] 494
biemorrbous,

Caipodacus 108

Friiij-illa 108
Hairy Woodpecker 279
Haliaetns

leiicocepbalns 369, 670

wasbingtonii 370
baliietns,

Accipiter 367

Aqnila 367

Balbusardus 367

Falco 367

Paudion 367
Haliplaua 697

anjestbeta 701

anostbicta 701

discolor '^01

fuliginosa 698

lunata 703

pauaya 701

pauayeiisiis 701

seiTata ()98
Haliplant-s 697

fiiligiuosa 098
balsei,

Sylvia 55
bammondii,

Ei»i)id()nax 257

Tyrannnla 257
Haniuioud's Flycatcber 257
HaDgnest,

Cbcstimt 192

Baltiuioie 193
bardyl,

Le.stiis 613
Haielda

ghiciabs 579 [Illinois,
/I'/rf// ({■«//]

bistiioiiica 578

stelleii 580
barlani,

I5uteo 352, 356, 362

Faluo 352
Harlan's Buzzard 352
Harlequin Duck 578
Harporbyucbus

lougicauda 9

rufus 9
Harrier 327
barrisii,

Dryobates 280

Friugilla 157

Picus 280

Tricbopicus280

Tricbopipo 280
Harris's S])arrow 157

Woodpecker 280

Hawk, [361

American R'gb-lcggcd

Caliioinia Squirrel 363

Cbicken 334

Cooper's 334

Duck 341

Fisb 367

Hen 352

Marsb 327, 328

Pigeon 333, 345

Rougb-legged 361

Sbarp-sbinned 333

Sparrow 349
bavelli,

Gelocbelidon 676

Sterna 676
bectori,

Podiceps 729
Hedyraeles

ludoviciana 166

nielauocepbala 167
beeruumni,

Adelarus 642

Blasipus 642

Larus 642, 644

Melospizal39 [Gull 642
Heeruiaun's White-beaded
lieiueii,

Gavin a 639

Larus 639
Heliaptex

arcticus 301
Helinaia

celata 52

cbrysoptera 49

peregrina 53

rubricupilla 50

solitaria 49

vermivora 48
Helniitberus

celata 52

cbrysoptera 49

migratorins 48

peregriiia 53

protouotarius 47

rubricapilla 50

solitarius 49

vermivorus 48
Hebnintliopbaga

celata 52, 23-2

citraia 47

cbrysoi)tera 49

gutturalis 2:>2

leucobroncbialis [is a
supposed new spec,
from Mass. (Brewnf.
Am. Sportsni. v, Oct.
17, 1874, p. 34)].

,n.s.f [FromN.

Jersey, Herrick.']

Intescens 52

ocularis 232

peregrina 53

pinus 49

rubricaiiiila 51

rulicapilla 50, 232

solitaria 49

virginitc 51
Helopus

caspius 667

Helospiza

lincolni 136

jjalustris 137
helveticus,

Cbaradrins 448

Pluvialis 448

S(|uatari)la 448

Tringa 448

Vanellus 448
belviventris,

Coccygus 276
Hemipalama

audnboui 480

douglassii 480

biuuuitopns 480

ujiiior 481

multistriata 480

semipalmata 481
Hemiprocue

pelasgia 209
Hen Hawk 352
Hen,

Prairie 419
Heuicocicbla

aurocapilla 70

ludoviciana 72

major 72

motacilla 72

noveboraceusis 71
Heuicouetta

stelleri 580
Heuslow's Bunting 133
beuslowi,

Ammodromns 133

Coturniciilns 133

Emberiza 133

Fringilla 133
benryi,

Cbordeiles 264
bepatica,

Pyranga 82
Hermit Tbrusb 2, 228
Herod i as

alba .519

caiididissima 521

egretta 519

leuce 519

virescens 522
berodias,

Ardea 517
Herodiones 513
Heroi!,

American Nigbt 523

Great Blue 517

Green 522

Nigbt 523

Snowy 521

Wbitc 519
Herons 517
Herring Gnli 626
Herse

bicolor 86

fulva 89

tbalassina 86
Hcsperipbona

montana 104

vespcrtiua 104
Hesperocichla

mcvia 2

INDEX.

761

Heteropoda

luauri 481

semipalmata 481
Heteropvjfia

baiillii 484

bonapnitii 487

coopeii 491
hiaticula,

Chaiadrius 453, 455

Tiiuj^a 453
Hierofalco

atricapillus 338

laniarins 339

mexicaiius 339

polyaf^i'iis 339
Hiinautopus

brasiliensis 463

leucmus 4C3

UK'laimrns 4G3

mcxicanus 4G'i. 403

nigricollis 4G'i, 463
hiniautopus,

Cliaradiius 462

Ereuuetes 480

Heiiiipalaiua 480

Miciopalaiua 480

Kecniviiostia 463

Triiij^a 480
hippocTcpis,

Stuiuella 190
liirsutus,

Ai)tenius 285

Picus 285

Picoidea 285
Hiiuudiuidaj 85
Hiruudo

anu licana 85, 90

bicolor i^ij

candinensis 267

cerdi) 267

chalybea 91

ciin iva 90

ccemlca 91

cyaiM)p.\ riba 85

erythiogaster 85

I'uiva 88

honromm 85

leiic()j»ast('r 86

liidoviciaiia 91

liuiirroiisrid

in(hui();;a.ster 89

iiif^ni 208

opifcx «8

pfla>;ica 267

pelasf^ia 267

purpuiva 91

reapublicana 88

ripaiia 89

riila 85

ru8ti(a85

sen iprmiis90

siil)i.s91

tbalassiiia 8G

v«'i8ii;i)l()r 91

vidlaica 91

viridis rt!
hiniiido,

Ilydioct'crojiis G'^O

Slfina 676, 680, 685

bistrioiiica,

Alias 578

Bucepbala 578

Circus 328

Claugnla 578

Cosnionessa 578

Fa] CO 328

Fulignla 578

Harold a 578

Histrioiiiciis 578

Pliylaconetta 578

Spiziacirciis 328

Strigiceps 328
Histrionicns

histrionica 578

torquatns 578
hoactli,

Ardea 523
Hodites

semipalmata 495
hoilotl,

Columba 387
hojeri,

Skua 605
bolbolli,

Podiceps 730
Holopodius

■\vilsoui 467
homorus,

Dryobates 283

Picus 283
Hooded [78

Fly-catcbiug Warbler

Mcrgauser 584
Horned

Grebe 731

Lark 37

A^'avy 553
horreorum,

Hirundo 85
horuschucbii,

Melaiiitta 582
House Wreu 32
boyanuus,

Grus529
Hudsoiiiau

Curlew 509

Godwit 494
budsonias,

Ardea 518
budsouicus,

Liinosa 494

]S'umeiiius509

Pica 211

Scolopax 474

Strix311,312

Tringa 459

Turdus 198
bud.souius,

Aniea 523

Circus 327, 328

Corvus211

Falco 327

Fringilla 141, 142

OriulMs 2113

Stiigiccps 328

Suriiia 311,312
lTuuiMiii)g-l>ird,

Broad-tailed 271

Hummiug-bird,

Euby-tbroated 271
Hummiug-birds 269
butcbinsii,

A user 554

Beruicla 554

Brauta 554

Larus 621

Leucoblepbaron 55
byberuus,

Larus 639
bybridus,

Colaptes 293

Hydrocbelidou 704

Sterua 704
Hydrobata

mexicana 10
Hydrocecropis

dougalli 688

biruudo 680
Hydrocbelidou 697, 703

anostbietus 701

fissipes 704, 705

fuliginosuni 698

bybrida 704

iariibriuis 704

leucopareia 704

leucoptera 708

lunata 703

uigra 704, 708

nigricans 704

nigrum 705

obscura 704

surinaiuensis 705

}>lumbea 705
Hydi'ocolaMis 650
HydroprogiH!

caspia 667
Hydroka 737
byemalis,

Auas 576

Auortbura 33, 231

Astur 355

Buteo 355

Circus 355

Claugula 579

Colyuibus 720

Emberizu 141

Falco 328, 355

Fringilla 141

Juneo 111-145

Nipbani 141

Nisus 355

Pica 211

Strutbus 141

Troglodytes 33,^31
Ilylatouius

pilcalus 279
Ilylcniatbrous

ai-don 231
Hylociclila

uiusti'lina 2
liyloscoims,

IJrvobates 210

Picus 280
llvlotouius

pil(atu8 278,279
Ilyomtra

uioscbuta 559

762

INDEX.

hyperborens,

Auas 549

Anseri)48,549,553

Chen 549

Chionochen 549

Lobipcs 4fi9

Phiilaropus 4G9, 471

Triii<ra 409
Hvphantcs

baltiinore 193

baltiiuoronsis 193

bullockii 195

solitaiius 193
hyposani,

Atbeuo 322

Spcotyto321,322

Strix 322
hypoleucus,

Triiigoides 502
bypouielas,

Cbaiadrius 448
Hypotriorchis

colniubaiius 346, 347

ricbardsoui 348
hypoxautLius,

Eiupidouax 256
Hypsibates

nigiicollis 403

Ibidinaj 517
Ibis

falcinellns 517

naudapoa 513

nandassou 513

ordii 517
Ibis,

Bay 517

Glossy 517

Wood 513
Icbtbyaetus 650
icbtbyaiJtus,

Paudiou 307
Icteria

anricoll is 77

duniicula77

loiigicauda 77

velasquezii 77

vireiib 77

viridis 77
Icteridaj 178
icterocepbala,

Agelaius 188

Dendroeca 62

Icterus 188

Sylvia 62

Sylvicola 62

Xautbocepbalus 188
Icterus

a;ueus 199

affinis 193

agripeuiiis 178

baltimore 193

baltinionnisis 193

baltiiiionis 193

bullockii 195

castaueus 193

emberizoides 180

Icterus

Havus 193

frenatus 188

guberuator 186

ictcroccphalus 188

pecoris 180

pcrspicillatna 188

pbaMiiceus 186

spurius 192

tricolor 186

xantbocephalus 188
igneus,

Cardinalis 172
ignotus,

Colymbus 721
iliaca,

Fringilla 160

Passerella 160, 162

Zoiiotricbia 160
immer,

Colymbus 720
imperator,

Tbalasseus 667
Inca 709

ruystacalis 709
inca,

Anous 709

Larosterna 709

Nsenia 709
incaijus,

Lobipes 467

Motacilla 59
incaruatus,

Pious 280
indica,

Colnmba 387

Paudion 367

Tiutur 387
Indigo-bird 171
infuscatum,

Glancidium 318

Sterna 7U1
inornatus,

Lopbopborus 20

Mnscic'ipa 244

Parus 20

Picas 280
insiguatns,

Buteo 346
insignis,

Melospiza 139
interuiedius,

Anser 546

Numenius 510

Zoiiotricbia 156
intermixtus,

Falco 346
interpres,

Ciuclus 459

Strepsilas 459

Triuga 459
intrepidus,

Myiarcbus 236

Ty rami us 236
iopareia,

Anas 560
iota,

Catbartes 380, 384

Neopbrou 384

iota,

Vultur 380, 384

irritabilis,

Tyranuus 239

islaudica.
Anas 577
Bucci»ha]a 577
Canutus 491
Clangula 575
Fnlgula 577
Larus 621, 622
Somateria 580
Tringa491,492

islaudorum,

Lagopus 430

Ispida

alcyon 273

italicus,

Otus 304

Ivory Gull 649

Ixoreus

nsevius 2

.Tacksnipe 486
Jaeger,

Buffou's 616

Long-tailed 616

Parasitic 612

Poiuariue 608
jaguacati,

Alcedo 273
jamaiceusis,

Auas 583

Ardea 523

Cbaradrius 452

Falco 353

Porzana

Eallus

jardinei,

Dryobates 280

Phrenopicus 280

Picus 280

Tricbopipo 280
javanica,

Strix 298
Jay,

Blue 214

Canada 221

Long-crested 214

Maximilian's 209

Woodbouse's 219
jugularis,

Tardus 193 ,
julieni,

Coccygus 276
junceti,

Sturnus 180
Junco

aikeui 141, 145

anuecteus 143, 145

cauiceps 143, 144, 145

ciu(!reus 143 [Arizona,
typical ioriu. Hen-
s/mic]

dorsal is 143

byenialis 141, 145

oregouus 142, 144, 145

INDEX.

763

J un coram,

Friugilla 148
Motacilla 14d
Sylvia 148

K.

kagolka,

Auas 565
Kamtoihyuchus

labradoiiciis 579
kamtschatkcusis,

Larus 638
keeask,

Larus 606
kekuschka,

Auas 563
kenuicottii,

Pediocaites 407

Scops 303
Kentucky Warbler 73
Kieueria

rufipileus 176
Killdeer 452
Kingbird 235
Kingfisher 273
Kinglet,

Golden-crested 16

Euby-crowued 16, 229
King Rail 534
kirtlaudii,

Nyctale 315
Kite,

Swallow-tailed 332
Kittiwake,

Common 645

Red-legged 649
kittlitzii,

Chra-cocephalus 654
Knot 490
kocbii,

Picas 234
kotzebui,

Larus 647

Rissa 647
kridcri,

Buteo 353
Ktinorbynchus

strepera 563

Labbus 607

hibracbira,
Auas 579

Canii)t()la'mus 579
Fullgiibi 579
Katuptorhyncus 579
Iibvntiias|»js 579
Tuidus 198

lacustris,

I'halacrocorax 589

Lagopus

albus 429
aMHri(anus430
bracliyda(tyhis430
fcrrugiiifiis 363
groMilandic-us 430
islandoruiu 430
leucurus 425

Lagopus

mutus 430

reinbardtii 430

rupestris 430

saliceti 430

subalpinus 430
lagopus,

Accipiter 361

Arcbibuteo 361

Butaetes 361

Buteo 361

Falco 361

Tetrao 430

Triorcbis 361
Lamellirostres 544
Lanipronetta

tiscberi 580
Lamprouessa

spousa 571
laniarius,

Falco 339

Hierofalco 339
Lanier,

American 339
Laniidse 101
Lanius

borealis 101

caroliuensis 235

elegans 103

excnbitor 101

excubitoroides 102

garrulus 91

ludovicianus 102, 235

mexicauus 103

olivaceus 90

sei)teutrioualis 102

tyranuus 235
Lanivireo

cassini 99

davifrons 98

plumbeus 100

solitarins 99, 100
lanuginosus,

Anser 580
Lapland Lougsi>ur 120
Lapbyctes

verticalis 236

vocit"erans238
lapponica,

Centropb.ancs 120

Eniboriza 120

FringiUa 120

Plectroi)banus 120

Scob)pax 494

Strix 308

Suruia 308

Syrninni 308

Totrao 430

Uliibi 308 r72

Large-biUed WaterThrush
Laridic 591
lariforniis,

Hv<lrocbolidon 704

Rallus 704
Lariua' (!is
Lark

Bunting 163

Finch 159, 234
Lark,

Brown 231

La^k,

Horned 37

Shore 37

Western Horned 231
Larks 37
Laroides 619

argentaceus 626

argentatoides 626

argeutatus 626, 627

argenteus 626

borealis 627

caliloruicus 635

canescens 639

can us 639

cbalcopterus 624

glacialis 621

glaucesceus 624

glaucoides 623

glaucus 621

leucoplueus 627

leucoiJterus 623

major 625

micbahellesii 627

minor 646

occideutalis 627

procellosus 639

rissa 645

subleucopterus 623

tridactyla 646
Laropis

anglica 664
Larosterna 709

iuca 709 [659, 661

Larus 604, 607, 619, 644,

aflliuis627

albus 625

albus 619

americanus 627

arcticus 623

argeutatus 623, 626, 627

argentatoides 626, 635

argenteus 626

atricilla 651, 654

belcberi 642

bonapartei 656

borealis 627 [640,647

bracbyrbynchus ()39,

bracby tarsus 649

brcvirodtris 647, 648

brucbii (>37

calilbi ulcus 635

caiulidus 649

canus637,639,640,046

capistratus 1)56

catarractcs !)05

cacbinuans 627

cbalcDptcrus ()24

cinereo-caudatus 654

cincreus t)2(), 639

coUaris 61)1,

consul ()21

crepidatus 608

(lU'ullatus 654

cyanopus 63',)

cyauorbyiu'bus (L39

dclawari'iisis 635, 637

elMUUius 619

fabricii (125

IVauklini ()54

fuligiuosus 644

764

INDEX.

Larus

furcatus 662

I'll sens .605, 626

f^avia 646

Sigaiiteus 621

glacialis 621

glaucesceus 623

glaucoides 623

ghincopterus 624

glaiicus 621, 626

beeruianui 642, 644

boiuni 639

hutehiusii 621

hybernus 639

islaudicus 621, 623

kaiiitscbatkensis 639

kecask 606

kotzebui 647

leuccretes 621

leucouotus 621

leucopbaius 627

leucopterus 623

macubitus 625

luajm- 639

maiiuus 625, 626

maxiraus 625

melanorbyucbus 656

melaimrus 656

mexicauus 637

micbabcUesii 627

ruiuor623

minutus 656

modestus 644

luulleii 625

iiu!V ills 625, 646

iiiger 625

uive.us 639, 649

occidentabs 627

parasit icns 608, 612, 616

pbihidelphia 656

pbiladelpbicus 656

pipixcaii 654

plumbiceps 659

pictCL'llosus 639

ridibuiidns 651

ricbaidsoni 660

riga 645

rissa 645

rosL'118 660

rossii 660

sabiiu'i (>61

sc()resl)ji 644

smitbsoiiiaiius 627

suckb'yi 640

torquatus 646

tridactylas645, 647

variu.s sive skua 605

wariieckii ()48

zonorbynchus 637
lateraHs,

Sylvia 651
latbaini,

Picus 295
laticauda,

Bartramia 503
latissimus,

Astur 360

Buteo 360

Falco 360

latora,

Collurio 103
Laugliing Gull 651
Lazuli Fiucb 170
Least

Bittern 528

Flycatcber 254

Sandpiper 482

Teiu ()92
lecoutii,

Ammodroinus 134

Coturuiculus 134

Eraberiza 134

Ficoides 282

Picas 282

Tridactylia 282
Lecoute's Sparrow 134
leisleri,

Somateria 581
lentigiuosa,

Ardea 523

Botaurus 524

Butor 524
Lesser

Scaup Duck 573

Telltaie 497

Yellowsbauks 497
lessoui,

ButaiJtes 361

Lestris 616
Lestridii);e 603
Lestris 604, 607

autarcticus 606

beuickii 613

boji 613

bracbyrhyncbus 616

bulfoui 616

catarractes 605, 606

catanbactes 605

catbaractes 605

catbarractes 605

ceppbus 616

copi'otberes 612, 613

crepidata 613, 616

bardyi 613

lessoui 616

lougicaudatus 616

niicrorbyncbus 616

parasitica 612, (;i3, 616

poniariiius 608

ricbardsoui 613

scblee pii 613

skua ()05

spbteriuros 608

spinicauda 613

striatus 608
leuce,

Ardea 519

Egrotta 519

Herod ias 519
leuccretes,

Larus 621
Leucoblcpbaron

ca^iadcnsis 554
'butcbinsii 554

leucopareia 554
leucocepbalus,

Accipiter 361

Auas 579

leucocepbalus,

Aciuila 369, 370

Falco 361, 369

Haliaetu8 369, 370

Oriolus 198

Pandion 367
leucoceps,

Gavia710
leucogastra,

Clielidou 86

Hiruudo 86

Sylvia 51

Tliryotborus 31

Troglodytes 31

Tyrauuus 236
leucola'uia,

Beriiicla 554

Eremopbila 38, 231
leucomclanus,

Picus 279
leucomelas,

Claugula576

Cory us 205

Dryobates 279

Mergus 584

Picus 279
leucouotus,

Larus 621
leucopareius,

Auser 554

Bcrnicla 554

Branta 554

Hydrocbelidon 704

Leucoblepbarou 554

Pelodes 704

Sterna 704

Viralva 704
Leucopbteus 642
leucopbieus,

Corvus205

Glaucus 627

Laroides 627

Larus 627

Scolopax 477
leucopbrys,

Eniberiza 154

Friugilla 154

Zonotricbia 154, 156
leucopis,

Pipilo 173
Lencopolius

nivosa 456
leucopsis,

Auas 558

Anser 558

Bcrnicla 558

Brauta 558
leucoptera,

Coluniba 387

Crucirostra 110

Curvirostra 110

Glaucus 623

Hydrocbelidon 708

Laroides 623

Larus 623

Loxia 110

Mclopelia 387

Orpbeus 8

Plautus 623

INDEX.

765

leucoptera,

Potliceps 726

Sterua 708

Sylvia 56

Turtur ;^87

Viralva 708

Zeuaida 387
leucopus,

Colynibus 721
leucopyga,'

Tot an us 497
Lencosticte

atrata n. s. [liidg., Am.
Spoitsm. iv, July 18,
1874, 241, Colorado]

australislll[<ioodsp.(?)]

canipestris 111

griseigenys 111

griseiuncha 111

liftoialis 111

tepbrocotis 111
leucurus,

Hiuiantopns 463

Lagopus 425

Scolopax 475

Tetrao 425
Leucus 019

arcticns 621

cbalcopterus 624

glaucesceus 624

glancus 621

niarinus 625
leverianns,

Fako 353
lew'isii,

ricus 201
Lewis's Woodpecker 291
Liiuicolaj 448
limicola,

Kallus 537
Limicula

fedoa 492

maiuiorata 593
Limuooincliis

inaculata 486
Limosa

adspersa 493

a3goi!0{)liala 494

aint'iicaija 492, 493

austialis 494

fedoa 492, 493

griaea 477

Jiainiastica 760

budsoiiica 494

uiflauuru 494

rnta 492

scolopacea 477
Linaiia

aiiK-i'icana 114

boreallH 115

grist'iuuclia 111

liiicoinii 135

niiiior 111

piiius 115

savauiia 127

topbiocotis 111
linaiia,

Acantbis 114

yEgiotliMs 114, 115

Linota 114

linaria,

Passer 114

Siiinns 114
lincohiiensis,

Tringa 489
lincohiii,

Fiingilla 135

Ht'lospiza 136

Linaiia 135

ML'losjnza 135

Passciculus 135

Penciua 135

Zononichia 135
Lincoln's S[»arrow 135
liueatus,

Bnteo 354, 355

Craxiiex 355

Falco 354

Podilynibus 738

Poecilopternis 355

Sparvius 334

Sylbeocyclus 738
Linnet,

Pine 115

Red-poll 114
Linota

boiealis 115

linaiia 114
Lithofalco

coluinbarius 346
litbofalco,

Jisalou 346, 348

Falco o46, 348
Little

Black-bead Dnck 573

Brown Sparrow 148

Wbite Egret 521
littoralis,

Corvns 205

Lencosticte 111

MontHringilla 111

Strepsiias 459

Tliryotliorus 29

Tringa 489
lividus,

Tnrdiis 9
lobatus,

Pbalaropus 467, 470

Tringa 469
Lobipcs 4()6

antarcticns 467

byperborens 469

incaiins 467

wiisoni 467
loculator,

Tantalus 513
Loggtabcad Siirikc 233
lomatina,

Tringa 491
longicauda,

ActitnrMs5()3

Anas 562

Baitraniius 503

CatiMiicIrs 616

llar]>iiiliyncbuH 9

Icteria 77

Stercorarius 616

Tringa 503
longieaudatUN,

Leatris 61G

longicandatus,

Stercorarius 616
Ion gi pes,

Agelaius 188

Cbiiradrius 450

Pluvialis 450
lougirostris,

Aranius 535

Cbaradrius 449

Grus 532

Nuinenius 508

Mniotilta 45

Pardirallus 535

Podiceps 726, 729

Rallus 534, 535

Scolopax 477
Long-billed

Curlew 508

Marsb Wren 34
Long-crested Jay 214
Lougspnr,

Black-bellied 122

Lapland 120
Long-tailed

Cbickadee 21

Grouse 407

Titmouse 230
Loon,

Common 720

Great Northern 719

Yellow-billed 720
Loons 718
Lopluetbyia 726

cristata 727
Lopbodytes

cucullatna 585
Lopbopbanes

bicolor 19

inornatns 20

missouriensis 19
Lopborfcyx 430

californica 432,439, 440

gambeli 432

plumil'era 440
louisiaiue,

Tliryotbonis 29
Louisiana Tanager 83, 232
Loxia

aniericana 109

bonaiiartii 104

cardiualis 172

ca-rulea l()9

cnrvirostra 100

cnucleator 104

lalcirostra 110

leucoptera 1 10

ludovieiaua Kili

inexicana 109

obscnra 166

rosea 16<)
Incasanus,

Huteo 353
luctuosa,

Sterna (>98
ludovieiaua,

Alauda 40

Aleedo 273

Antluis 40, 231

Ardea 522

Bubo 301

766

INDEX.

ludoviciana,

Coccoborns IGH

Coccothniiistes 166

Collmio 102, 233

Col^vmhns 7:58

Coinuns 296

Ficediihi 46

Fi-in-iilla 1()6

Goiiiai)lica 166

Guiiiica 166

Heclynieles 166

Henicocichla 72

Himiido 91

Lauiiis 102, 235

Loxia 166

]Motacilia46

Muscicai)a 239

Oriolns 203

Podiceps 738

Psittauus 296

Pvranjja 83, 232

Pynhnla 166

Seiariii^ 72

Sturuella 190, 191

Stnruus 190

Sylvia 29

Taua^ra 83

Thrvotlioius29

Troglodytes 29

Tnrdns 72

Ty rail 11 us 239
lugubris,

Cor V us 205
luinme,

Colymbus 724
lunata,

Haliplana 703

Hvdrocbelidon 703

Sterna 703
lunifrons,

Ilirundo 88

Petrocbelidon 86
lunulatus,

Falco 341
luteicapillus,

Psittacus 296
lutescens,

Celata 52

Helminthophaga 52

M.

niaccallii.

Scops 303, 304
maccowiiii,

Plectrophaues 124
Maccowii's Buutiug 124
iiiacdou<2,al]i,

Sterna 688
macgillivrayi,

Geotblypis 75, 232

Sylvia 75

Sylvicola 75

Tricbas 75 [232

Macgillivray's Warbler 75,
luacrolopba,

Cyauocitta 215

Cyanurus 214, 215
macroptera,

Atricilla 651

macroptera,

Cbrysoiiiitris 115

Sial'ia 14

Totauus 498
Macropus

stelleri 580
macropus,

Falco 341

Sylvia 56
Macrorbaniplius

griseus 476

perspicillata 582

scolopaceiis 477
macrorby i icb us,

Bubo 301

Clypeata 571

Colymbus 721

Pelidua 492
macrotarsa,

Sterua 664
Macrotarsus

uigricoUis 403
[macroura,

Coluniba, Linn., S. Nat.
i, 1758, 164, =Ecto.
macroura, u.] 387
macrourns,

Cbalcopbaues 204

Qniscalus 204

Sterna 685
macular! us,

Actitis 501

Totauus 501

Tringa 501

Tringites 502

Triugoides 501, 502
maculata,

Actodromas 486

Ardea 522, 523

Certbia 45

Larus 625

Limnociuclus 486

Pelidua 486

Pipilo 175

Sterna 692

Tringa 484, 486
maculosa,

Aquila 371

Dendiffica 62

Motacilla 62

Rbimanpbus 62

Sylvia 63

Sylvicola 62
mageil aniens,

Bubo 301

Strix 301
magna,

Alauda 190

Sturuella 190
magnolia,

Sylvia 63
Magpie,

American 211
mail,

Anas 563
major,

Cbalcopbanes 204

Corvus 205

Heuicocicbla 72

Laroides 626

major,

Larus 639

Noctua 306

Picus 279

Podiceps 726

Qniscalus 204

Strix 306
raalfini,

Nisus 334
Mareca

americana 564

fistularis 565

penelope 564, 565
marginellus,

Ectopistes 389

Zenaidura 389
marginata,

Columba 389

Ectopistes 389
Marila

afiBnis 573

collaris 574

frenata 573
marila.

Anas 573

Aytbya 573

Fuligula 573

Fulix 573

Nyroca 574
marilaudica,

Perdix 431

Sylvia 74

Tetrao 431

Tricbas 74
mariloides,

Fuligula 574
marina,

Dominicanus 625

Larus 625, 626

Leucus 625

Sterna 680
maritima,

Arqnatella 489

Totauus 489

Tringa 489
marmorata,

Cbaradrius 450

Scolopax 493
Marsb Hawk 327, 328

Robin 173
Marsb Hen,

Fresb-water 534
Martin,

Purple 91
martiua?,

Picus 279, 280

Tricboiiicus 280
Marylaud Yellow-tbroat 74
massena,

Cyrtonvx 443

Ortyx 443
Massena Quail 443
mauri,

Heteropoda 481
maxima,

Anas 560

Colyinbus 720

Corvus 205

Larus Gib

Picus 278

INDEX.

767

maxima,

Spizella 154

Sterna 609

Strix ;5G0
Maximiliau's Jay 209
Meadow Lark 190
luediauns,

Deudrocopus 'i82

Picus 2&2
medius,

Auser 546

Picus 79
Megacervle

alcyoii 273
Megalestris 604
luegalouyx,

Pipilo 175
Megalopterns 709

stolidus 710
uaegapus,

Melauitta 582
ruegarbyiiclms,

Colvmbns 721

Passerella 162

Sterua 667
megauros,

Claiigula 579

Soniateria 580
niegonyx,

Corvns 207
Melagavia

Iranklini 654
melanai'tns,

Aiiuila 368

Falco 368
Mclanerpes

erytlirocephalns 290

riib<u- 286

rubrigiilaris 288

thyroideus 288

torquatiis 291

williamsoni 288
Melauetta

deglaiidii 582

velvet ina 582
Melauitta

aniericana 581

fusea 581

honisclincliii, 582

UH'gapus 582

platyrliynchns 582
niclanocTi)i]ala,

Coc'C(d)orus 167

Cocc'oiiiraiistes 167

Fringilla 167

Hcdynielcs 1()7

Gimiplu-a 167

Gniraca 167

Sitta 24

Strepsila.s 459
ini'lanogastei',

lliniiido H9

Peln.(!ir!i<lon89

Vaiiflhis 419
iiii'laiiogfiivs,

I'ako 341
inelanoleiiciis,

Cv|i.s(lus 265

G"aiiiliftta496

Pauyptila 265

melanoleucus,

Pica 211

Scolopax 496

Totaiius 496
nielanoiuus,

Plectrophanes 122
melauonotus,

Falco 368
melanopsis,

Beruicla 556, 557
melauoptera,

Sterua 698, 701
melauopus,

NuLuenins 508
melauopygiiis,

Totanu.s 503
melauorhoa,

Sylvia 59
melauorhyucha,

Larus 656

Sterua 692
Melanosterna 697
melanotic,

TLalassites 667
ruelauotus,

Actodroiuas 487

Pelidua 487

Triuga 484, 487
melanoxantha,

Fringilla 117
melauiira,

Hiniantopns 463

Lams 656

Liniosa 494

RbyucboiiH 715
Meleagrididaj 391
Meleagris

aniericaua 391

fera 391

gallopavo 391

nii'xicana 391

sylvestris 391
meleagris,

Odontophorus 443
Mellisuga,

coliibris 271

platycerca 271
melodia,

Fringilla 138

M.lospiza 138, 139,

Mnscicapa 98

Zonotricliia 138
melodus,

yEgialeiis 455

^Cgialitis 455

(.Miaradriuh 455

Tiinlus 2
Melopelia

lencoptera 387
Melospiza

cinerea 139

faliax 139

goiildii 139

gattata 139

lu'crnianni 139

iiisignis 139

lincolnii 135

m.lodia 13-;, 139, 234

nicxicana 139

puliistris 137

Melospiza,

pectoralis 139

ruliua 139

saumelis 139
meridionalis,

Deudroeopns 282

Gelocbelidou 664

Picus 282, 283

Sturnella 191

Tricbopicus 283
Merganser 583

castor 564

gulo 584

rail 584

serrator 584
Merganser,

Hooded 584

Red-breasted 584
merganser,

Mergus 583
Mergiua? 584
Mergus 719

americaniis 584

castor 584

cristatus 584

cncullatns 584, 585

leucomelas 584

merganser 583

niger 584

serrator 584
Merlin,

American 347
Merula

migratoria 1

minor 6

musteliua 2

olivacea 4

silens 3

solitaria 3

wilsoui 4, 6
mernloides,

Fringilla 162

Miuuis 2

Orpbeiis 2
mesoleucus,

Contopiis 244

Pipilo 274
Mexican

Cormorant 589

Siskin 116

Wreu 28
mcxicana,

Accipiter 335

Anas 571

Astragal inns 117

t"arbo 589

Cardiu-lis 117

Catberpea 28

Certbia 27

Cliaradrins 462

Cbrvsomitris 117

Cinclns Id. 229

Ct)<)l)frastur 3X5

C'nlitivora 17

C'nrvirostra 109

Einberiza 165

Falco :{;w

(toopicus 295
Gracnliis 5Hi)
Grus 531

768

INDEX.

niexicana,

Hicrofalco 339

Hiiuautopus 4G2, 463

Hydiobata 10

Laiiius 103

Lanis (537

Loxia Itiy

Moh'a-;iis 391

Melospiza 139

Myiaicliiis 239

Myiouax 239

Nisus 335

Oityx 431

Penelope 558

renlis. 431

Pieus 295

Salpmctes 28

Scolecopliagus 199

Sialia 14

Tantalus 517

Tbiyothorus 28

Troglodytes 28

Tyraunus 235
niexicanoides,

Colaptes 295

Geopicus 295
mexicanus {see inexicaua)
niichahellesii,

Glaucus 027

Laroides 627

Larns 627
niiclonia,

Anas 580
Micratheue

wbitneyi 320
microceplialns,

Otus 306
Micropalama

liiuiantopns 480
micropbthaluinm,

Syruiuni 308
Miciopteia

auiericaua 472

minor 472
micropterus,

Atricilla 651
micropns,

Beruicla 556, 557
microrbyncba,

^gialitis 456

Colymbns 724

Cotyle 90

Lcstris 616

Nnnieuius 510
Microplynx

passeriuuni 317
micruruH,

Falco 341
migrator ia,

Coluuiba 387

Ectopistes 387

Helmitberus 48

Morula 1

Peristera 387

Plaucstieus 1

Turdus 1, 228
Migratory Thrush 1
Milvulus

forficatus 235
Mil V us

i'urcatus 332

Miminfe 7

Mimns

carolinensis 8, 228
caudatus 8
felivox 9
nieruloides 2
niontanus 7
polyglottus 8
rulus 9

minimus,

Empidonax 254
Muscicapa 254
Picus 282
Turdus 4
Tyrauuula 254

minor,

Accipiter 349
Alauda 38
Ardea 523
Atricilla 651
Botaurus 523
Capriuiulgus 260
Cbordeiles 264
Coccygus 276
Coccyzus 276
Cucnlus 276
Falco 342
Fuligula 574
Heniipalama 481
Laroides t)46
Larus 623
Linaria 114
Merula 6
Microptera 472
Noctua 306
Philobela 472
Piaya 276
Picus 280, 282, 285
Podiceps 737
Rusticola 472
Scolopax 472
Tetrao 431
Turdus 3, 4, 6
Urogallus 407

miuuta,

Anas 578
Columba 390
Larus 65()
Sterna 692
Sylvia 6:5
Tyraunula 255

minntilla,

Actodronias 482
Aetodronins 482
Tringa 482

Missouri Sky-lark 42

uiissouriensis,

Lopbopbanes 19
Sylvia 53

mitrata,

Motacilla 78
Myioctonus 78
Myiodioctes 78
Podiceps 729
Selophaga 78
Sylvan i a 78
Sylvia 78
Sylvicola 78
Wilsonia 78

Mitrepborus

fulvifrous 259

Mitrephorus

pallesceus 259
Mniotilta

blackburnia) 59

borealis 45

canadensis 56

casta Ilea 61

citrasa 47

coirulea 56

corouata 58

discolor 63

longirostris 45

uigrescens 55

noveboraceusis 71

parus 59

rubricajiilla 51

striata 60

superciliosa 66

varia 45

virens 54
Mockingbird 8
Mockingbird,

Mountain 228

Sandy 9
Mocking Thrushes 7
modestus,

Larus 644

Progne 91
mokoko,

Ardea 524
moUissiiua,

Anas 580

Auser 580

Fuligula 5^*0

Platypus 580

Somateria 580, 581
Molobrus

pecoris 180
Molotbrus

ater 180

obscurus 180

pecoris 180
monilis,

Cblora'nas 385

Colomba 385
moutana,

^Egialitis 457

Buteo 35:5, 356

Cbara(hius 456, 457

Corvns 205

Dendrd'ca 54

Einberiza 118

Eudroinias 456, 457

Falco 327

Fringilla 146

Hesperiphona 104

Mimns 7

Oreoscoptes 7, 228

Ornismyia 271

Parus 22, 230

Picus 291

Podasocys 457

Precile 22

Sylvia 54

Sylvicola 54

Trochilus 271

Turdus 7
montezunne,

Ortyx 443
monticola,

Fringilla 146

INDEX.

769

monticola,

Sninites 146
Spizella 146
Zouotrichia 146
Montifriujiilla

gTiseiuueha 111
littoralis 111
Moiinella

collaris 459
moiiuellnsj

Ciuelus 459
Triuga 459
mortoui,

Ciiiclus 10
moscbata,
Anas 559
Biauta 559
Caiiitia 559
Gyuinatbus 559
Hyoiietta 559
Moschatus 559
Moschatus

moscbata 559
Motacilla
ajstiva 54
ameiieana 46
aurocapillns 70
blackbuiDi* 59 -
caleudtila 15
can a 17

canadensis 56, 58
cbrysocepbala 59
cbrysopteia 49
cinctns 58
citra^a 47
ca?iulea 17
ccerulesceus 55
corouata 56
doniinica 66
eques 46
flavicanda 81
llavicollis 66
llavirious 49

incana 59
jniicoiiini 148

huloviciana 4()

maculosa 62

mitiata78

pabnaiiiin 67

pensilis (Hi

poniisylvanica 62

pik'olata 79

pingnis 58

protonotaria 47

sialis i:'>

striata 60

superciliosa ()6

nndnia 58

varia 45

vermivoia 48

viri'iis 54
motacilla,

Ili'iiicocifbla 72

Scimus 72
. Tiirdns 72
MotaciJlida- 40
Mottlid Owl :?03
Mountain

Clii< kailco 22

Mockinjj-bird 228

49

Mountain

Plover 456
Qnail 440
Titmouse 230
Mourning Warbler 75
Mud Hen 541
mulleri,

Laras 625
multifasciata,

Triuga 480
multistriata,

Headpalama 480
murarius,

Troglodytes 28
Muscicapa

acadica 249, 254

aniniosa 236

atra 241

bouapartii 80

canadensis 80

cautatrix 100

carolinensis 8

ccernlea 17

cooperi 244

criuita 238

cristata 239

cucuUata 78

flaviventris 255

forlieata 235

fnlvit'rous 259

fusca 241

gilva 97

guttata 3

inornata 244

ludoviciaua 239

melodia 98

minima 254

uoveboraccnsis 100

nnnciola 241

olivacens 96

pbtt>be241,247

pnsilla 79, 249, 252

queru la 246,249

rai)ax 246

rex 236

ricbardsonii 247

rubra »2

rnticilla 81

satelles 238

saya 240

selbyi 78

solitaria 99

spec tabi lis 235

striata 60

subviridis 249

sylvicola 98

trail! ii 252

tyrannus'J36

verticalis 236

villica 244

virens 215

virginca 239

viiidis 77

wilsonii 79
musica,

Clangula 579

Cvgnus 5 15

Vireo 1(10
mustcliua,

Emberiza 118

mustelina,

Hylocicbla 2

Merula 2

Turdus 2, 5
mutatns,

Oriolus 182
mutus,

Lagopus 420

Tetrao 430
Myiadestes

townseudii 93, 94
Myiarcbns

acadicus 249

cinerascens 239

crinitus 238, 239

fuse us 241

intrepidus 236

mexicauns 239

pertiuax 239

virens 245
Myobius

acadicus 249

borealis 243

crinitus 239

nnnciola 241

pnsillus 252

sayus 240

traillii 252

virens 245
Myioctonus

mitratus 78

pnsillus 79
Myiodioctes

bonapartii 80

canadensis 80

formosns 73

mitratus 78

pardalina 80

pileolata 79

pnsillus 79, 232

wilsonii 79
Myionax

crinitus 239

niexicanus 239
Myiotbera

obsoleta 27
mvstacalis,

Inca7()9
niystaceus,

Kegulus 74

N.

nacurutu.

Strix 301
Na'uia 709

inca 709
na'via,

Act id urns 506

Ardea 52:'.

Botatirns 523

Colvmliiis 730

Ealco 341

Ilesperocicbla 2

Ixt)nns 2

l.iinis (l-JC, (IKi

Nyctianl.-a5-J3

Nvi'ticorax 523

()tn8 303

StcrurtO73,704,708

770

INDEX.

uan'ia,

nigrescons,

stiix ms

D(M)dr(vca 55,232

Suinia :^03

:Mi)ii)tilta 55

Triu^ii 491

Ehinuuiphus 55

nana,

Sylvia 55

Chrysoniitris 117

Sylvicola 55

Tiiiiga 482

Vernivora 55

Tiiniiis '•), 4

nigricans,

nandapoa,

Anser 556, 557

Ibis 518

Bernicla 556, 557

uandasson.

Branta 556, 557

Ibis 513

Colynibus 73.2

nashvillei,

Hydrochelidou 704

Sylvia 57

Tringa489

Nashville Warbler 50

nigriceps,

natalia;.

Falco 342

Centnrns 288

nigiicincta,

Piciis 288

Setophaga 80

natator,

nigricoUis,

Totanus 497

Colyinbus7:23

Nauclerus

Hiiiiautopus 462, 463

forficatns 332

Hypsibates 463

furcatiis 332

Macrotarsns 463

nebnlosa,

Passeriiia 165

Strix 308

Peiululinns 193

Svniiuni 308,309

Podiceps 733

Ulula 309

nigniiu {nee uigi'a)

ueglecta,

uilotica,

Stuinella 190

Sterna 680

Neocorys

Nipha?a

spragnei 42

byenialis 141

Neophrou

oregoua 142

iota 384

nitoria,

NephcBcetes

Noctua 311

borealis 268, 269

Strix 311

niger 268, 269

Snruia 311

nesiotes.

Syrnium 311

Coccygus 276

Nisus

Coccyzus 276

coluinbarius 346

Nettion

cooperi 335

caroliucnsis 565

fiiscns 334

crecca 566

hyenialis 355

nigellus.

nialtiiii 334

Calidris 492

niexicanus 335

niger {see nigra)

peunsylvanicus 334

Nigbt-hawk'234,263

penusylvaticus 334

Night-jar 260

pileatus 335

nigra,

nitens,

Anas 581

Ph;Eno)>epla 94

Anous 710

Quiscalus 203

Buteo 361

nitzscliii,

Cypseloides 268

Sterna 686

Cvpselns 268

nivalis,

Falco 341,361,368

Anas 549

Faligula 582

Eiuberiza 118

Hiniudo268 [708

Friugiila 141

Hydrochelidou 704, 705,

Plectrophaues 118

Larus 625

uivens,

Mergus 584

Anser 549

NepbcBcetes 268, 269

Ardea 521

Oidcniia 581

Egretta 521

Oidemia 581

Gavia 649

Oriolus 198

Earns (539, 649

Picu8 278,286

Noctua 310

Rhyuchops715

Nvctea 309, 310

Scolecopbagiis 198

Pagophila649

Sterna 704, 705, 708

Rissa 647

A'iralva 704

Strix 310

Vultur 384

Tadorna 549

nivosa,

^gialitis 456

Lencopolius 456
nobilis,

Afpiila 368

Corvus 205
Noctua

acadica 315

cunicuhiria 321

ferrugiiiea 318

fuuerea3ll,312

lufijor 306

minor 306

nisoria 311

uivea 310

nyctea 310

passer! na 317 ,

pygnia-a 317

teugmaluii 314
noctua,

Strix 306, 313
Nodiuns 709
Noddy Tern 710
Non-niclodiousPa8seres235
Northern

Phalarope 469

Shrike 101
norwegica,

Somateria 580
notata,

Actitis 502

Triuga 502
noveboracensis,

Araniides 539

Cotnrnic ps 539

Fulica 5;;9

Gallennla 539

Henicociehla 71

Mniotilta 71

Muscieapa 100

Ortygonietra 539

Porzaua 539

Eailus 539

Scolopax 477

Seiurus 71

Sylvia 71

Totanus -177

Turdus71,198

Vireo 100
nubilosa,

Sterna 701
Nucifraga

coluuibiana 207

cyanocepliala 210
Nunienius

afrieanus 492

anjuata 508

borealis 509, 510

brasiliensis 508, 510

brevirostris 510

ferruginens 492

hudsunicns 509

iuterniediiis 510

lougircstris 508

melanopus 508

microrliynchns 510

occidenial's 508

phocopus 510

pygmieus 492

INDEX.

771

Numeniiis

rnfiveDtria 510

ruftis i;08

suhnrqnata 491

variabilis 489
nucbalis,

Cladoscopns 286

Pica 221

Spbyrapicus 2d6
uunciola,

Mnscicapa 241

Myobius 241

Tyianuula 241
Nutcracker,

American 207
Nutbatcb,

Pygmy 25

Eed-bellietl 25

SkMuler-billed 24, 230

Wbite-bellied 23
nuttalli,

Antrostomiis 261

Caprinmlgiis 261

Clcpti-s 212

Pica 212
Nnttall's Wbippoorwill 261
Nyctala

acadica 315

albifroiKs 315

ricbardsoui 314
Nyctale

abietum 314

acadica 315

albilrons 315

candichi 310

dasypus 314

fn tic lea 314

kiithindii 315

piiictorum 314

phuiiceps 314

ricbardsoiii 313, 314

teiigmalmi 313, 314
Nyctea

amcricana 310 •

arctica 309

ermiiiea 310

eiiroi)a'a 310

nivea 309,310

scaudiaca 309

wapacntlm 310
nyctea,

Noctiia 310

Strix 309

Surnia 310
Nyctia

Candida 310
Nyctiardca

{^ardcni 523

grisca 523

najvia 523
Nycticorax

amcricanns 523

garden i 523

grisens 523
• najv a 523
nycticorax,

Ardea 523
Nyctipett's

ciiMiciilaria :{2l
Nyro(!a

americaua 575

Nyroca

erythrocepbala 575
feriua 575
niarihi 573
vallisueria 575

0.

oahuensis,

Sterna 701

Tringa 459
obscurus,

Anas 560, 561

Canace 396, 400

Carpodacus 107

Colymbus 732

Dendraj^apus 396

Euipidonax 258

Hydrocbelidon 704

Loxia 166

Molothrns 180

Passerella 161

Picns 290

Podiceps 732

Sterna 704

Stnrnus 180

Tetrao 395, 396, 400

Tyrannula 258
obsoletns,

Falco 355

Mviotbera 27

Eallus 535

SalpinctcB 27, 230

Tbrvotborus 27

Troglodytes 27
occidentalis,

^chniopborns 727

Ardea 519

Bernicla 554

Ereuuetes 481

G lane MS 027

Laioidcs 627

Larus 627

Nnnienins 508

Otocorvs 38

Picns 286

Podiceps 727

Kecnrvirostra 460

Sylvia 14
occidna,

Anas 580
ocliroceiilialns,

Centronyx 125
ocliropns,

Trin<,ra 498
Ocbthodromus

wilsonius 456
Ocbtlioi'ca

saya 240
Ocniscus

virescens 522
oereata,

lOpbialtes 303
ociilaiis,

lliliiiintboidiaga 232
Udoiif(ipli(irin;e 430, 432
OdoiitoplioriiH

niileagris 443
QMlemia

aniericana 581

lusca 581

CEdemia

perspicillata 582

trow bridge! 582
Oidemia

americana 581

biniaculata 582

deglandii 582

fnsca 582

nigra 581

peispicillata 582

velvetina 582
okeni,

Cbaradrius 455
olivaceus,

Lanius 96

Mernla 4

Muscicapa 96

Phyllomanes 96

Eegiilus 17

Vireo 96

Vireosvlvia 96

Turd us 4 [233

Olive-backed Tbrusb 4, 228,
Olive-sided Flycatcher 243
Olor

americanns 545

buccinator 544
onocrotahis,

Pelecanus 587
Onycliopriou 697

fuligiuosa 698

panaya 701

l)anaycnsis 701

terrata 698
Oonalasblca Bunting 162
opil'ex,

Hirundo 88
Opororuis

forniosus 73
Orange crowned

Accentor 70

Warbler 70
Orchard Oriole 192
ordii,

Falcinellus 517

Ibis 517
Oregon Snnwbird 142
oregoiia,

Fringilla 142

Junco 142, 144, 145

Nii)ii(ea 142

Pipih) 175

Struthus 142
Oreortyx 430

pictus 440
Oreoscoptes

inotitanus 7, 228
orientalis,

Cbaradrius 450

Fako34l
Oriole,

Ball i more 193

Bulioc k's 195

(Orchard Uhi
Oriobis

baltiuiore 193

cajiensis 193

custanens 19:?

ferrugini'us 193

fuscus 180

Lndsonius 203

772

INDEX.

Oriolus,

leucocephalus 198

lu(lovi(;iami,s 203

niutatns 193

uif^er 198

pbreuiceiis 18C

.spiuins 192

varius 193
ornata,

Centropbanes 122

Emberiza 122

Plectropbaues 122
Oruisniyia

colubris 271

nioutaua 271

tricolor 271
Orpber.s

carolinensis 8

felivox 9

leucoi)tL'rns 8

nieruloides 2

polyylottus 8

ruliis 9
Ortyx

borealis 431

califoruica 439

castaueus 431

cnbanensis 431

floridaiia 431

masscna 443

iiicxicamis 431

inontezniune 443

picta 440

plnniifera 440

squauiata 441

texanns 431

virgibiauus 431
ortygoides,

Erisiuatnra 584
Ortygometra

cbileusi8 540
oryzivora,

Doiicbouyx 178

Emberiza 178

Passed n a 178
Oscines 1

Appendix to, 223
Osprey 367
oHKifi'agus,

Corviis 207

Falco 370
Otocoris

alpestris 38

occidentalis 38
Otocorys

alpestris 38

cbrysola;nia 38

corinita 38

peregrina 38

rufa 38
Otodytes 72(5

auritns 733
Otus

agrarins 300

albicollis304

aTuericanus 304, 305, 30G

arborens 304

asio 303, 304

auritus 304

bracbyotus 306

Otus

communis 304

cunicularia 321

europiTiiis 304

galapagoeusis 307

gracilis 304

italicns 304

microcepbalus 306

iiaivius 303

palnstris 306

soloneusis 304

sylvestris 304

ulnla 303

virgiuianiis 300

vulgaris 304, 305

wilsouiauns 304, 305
otus,

J^golius 304

Asio 304

Bubo 304

Strix 304

Ulula 304
Ouzel,

Water 10
Owl,

Acadian 315

Baru 298

Barred 308

Burrowing 321

Great Gray 309

Great Horned 300

Great Wbite 309

Hawk 311

Loug-eared 304

Mottled 303

Pygmy 317

Red 303

liicbardsou's 313

Saw-wbet 315

Screecb 303

Sbort-eared 306

Snowy 309

Wbite 298. 309

Wbitney's 320
Ox-eye Plover 449
Oxyecbus

vociferus 452
oxypterus,

Buteo 356
Oxvura

' rubida 583

[ver 722
Pacific Black-tbroated Di-
l^acificus,

Bubo 301

Colynibus 721

Peli(lMa490

Troglodytes 33
Pagon*!tta

glacialis 579
Pagoi)bila 649

bracbytarsus 649

eburnea 649

nivea ()49
Painted Lark Bunting 121
puliasi,

Ciuclus 10

Turdus2, 228.

pallescens,

Cbama3pelia 390

Enipidonax 259

Mitrcpborus 259
palliatus,

Corvus 219
pallida,

Emberiza 148, 151

Sayoruis 249

Sp'iuites 149

Spizella 148, 151

Tyrannuhi 240

Zouotricbia 149
pallidiciuctus,

Cupidonia 420
pallidipes,

Anser 546
pahuarum,

Deudrceca 67

Motacilla 67

Sylvia 67

Sylvicola 67
paludicola,

Cistotborus 35
palumbarius,

Accipiter 338, 345

Astur 338

Falco 338
lialuslris,

Ammodromus 137

Bracbyotus 306

Certbia 34

Cistotborus 34, 35

Friugilla 137

Gelocbelidon 664

Pielosjjiza 137

Melospiza 137

Otus 306

Passerculus 137

Parus 20

Spiza 137

Strix 306

Sylvia 56 [231

Telmatodytes 34, 35,

Tbryotborus 34

Troglodytes 34
pauaya,

Haliplaaa 701

Onycbopriou 701

Sterna 701
panayensis,

Haliplana 701

Onycbopriou 701

Sterna 701
Pandiou

alticeps 367

auicricanus 367

caracai'a 371

carolineusis 387

cbrysaiitus 368

fasciatus 367

lluviaiis 367 .

gouldii 367

balifBcta 367

icbtbyaetus 387

iudicus 367

leucocepbalus 367

planicepe 367
panuosa,

Sylvicola 56

INDEX.

773

Paiiypfcila

luelauoleuca 2G5

saxatilis 265
paradisea,

Sterna 685, 688
paiasita,

Catarractes 608, 613
Parasitic Jaeger 612
parasitica,

Cataracta 612

Cataractes 616

Larus 608, 612, 616

Lestris612, 613,616

Stercorarius 612, 613
pardalina,

Myiodioctes 80

Svlvia HO

S.vlvicola 80
pardcla,

Cliaradrius 448
Pardiralhis

elegaus 535

lougirostris 536
Parida; 19
parkmaui.

Troglodytes 32, 231
Parkmau's Wreu 231
parotis,

Colymbiis 730
Parroquet,

Carolina 296
Parroqnets 296
Partridges,

American 430
Partridge,

Spruce 394

Swamp 394

Virginia 431

Wood 394
Parnhi

aniericana 46
Parus

albescens 21

americunns 46

atricapiilus 20, 21, 230

bicolor 19

boMiliycilla 92

iunrna'us 20

niontanu.s 22, 230

palustri.s 20

rniescens 22

sci)tentrionalis 21, 230

viiginianus 38
parns,

Mniotilta 59

KhiMiaiipIiiis 59

Sylvia 59

Sylvicola 59
jiarvipes,

Anscr 554
parvulus.

Troglodytes 231
Passenger I'igeon 387
J'asser

arctons 111

canadensis 146

griseinuelia 111

linaria 1 14
Passerenlns

ahuidinus 128

Passerenlns

antbiuns 128

bairdii 125

cassiui 140

lincoluii 135

palnstris 137

saudvicensis 128

savanna 127, 128

zouariu.s 136
Passerella

cinerea 139

guttata 139

iliaca 160, 162

uiegarhyncba l(i2

obscura 161

ruliua 139

scbistaeea 162

townsendii 162

unalascbkensis 162
Passeres,

Non-melodious 235
Passeriua

amffina 170

cyanea 171

nigricollis 165

oryzivora 178

pecoris 180
passeriua,

Ammodromus 132

Atbene 317

Chanui.'itelia 390

Columba :!90

Cotnrniculns 131, 132

Emberiza 1:U

Fringilla 131

Glancidinin 317, 318

Gonra 390

Microptynx 317

Noctua 317

Peristera 390

Pvrgitoenas 390

Spiza 131

Strix 306, 314, 315, 317

Snrnia 317
passerinoides,

Strix 317

Snrnia 318
passmorei,

Cygnus 544
patagonica,

Athene 322
patagiatus,

I'odiceps 729
payknliii,

Seolopax 477
pealei,

Falco 342
pecoris,

Emberiza 180

Fringilla 180

Icterus l.-O

Molobrns 180

Mololbrns 180

Passeriua IM)

Psarcoiius li"0
Pectoral Sandi>per486
pectoralis,

Cliaradrius 450

Melospiza 139

Pel id II u 486

pectoralis,

Triuga 484, 486
Pedeaitbyia

subcristata 730
Pedetaithya 720
Pedicecetes

pbasianellus 417
Pediocietes

columbianus 407

kennicottii 407

phasiauellns 407
pelagica,

Cbtctura 234, 267, 268

Hiruudo 267
nelasgia,

Acauthylis 267

Cha;tnra 267

Cypselus 267

Heniiproene 267

Hiruudo 267
Pelecanidaj 587
Pelecanus

americanns 587

bracbydactylus 587

diloplius 588

erytbrorhyucbns 587

ouocrotalus 587

tracbyrbynchus 587
Pelican,

White 587
Pelicans 587
Pelidna

alpina 489, 490

aniericana 490

brissoni 481

cinclus 489, 490

macrorliyncba 492

maculata 486

maritima 489

uu'lanotus 487

paeilicti 490

I»ect oralis 486

piisilhi 4X2

schinzii 487, 489

snl)ai(|iiata 492

varialiilis 489
Pelionelta

biinaeulata 582

perspicillata 582
Pelodes 703

leneojiareia 704

siirinaniensis 705
Penduliuus

allinis 193

ater 198

nigricollis 193

siHirius 193

viridis 193
Pem'Iope

niexieanu 558
penelope,

Anas ')Cy\

•Mareea 564, 565
pennatiis,

Fah-o 3(il
peunsylvanieus,

Aceipiter 334

Alauda 40

Aiithus 40

Astur 334

774

INDEX.

pennsylvanicus,
Biiteo :5«0
Caleiuliila 15
Dfiulra'ca V>2

Faict) ;K4, :'.r>o

Fiingilia 151
Motacilla 62
Kisu.s SM
Sylvia (i'i
ViTinivDia 48

peuuisylvaticns,
Nisus 334

pensilis,

Mot:, cilia 66
Rbiiiianphus 66
Sylvia 66
Sylvi<;()la 66
Verniivora (iG

PerciiDptf 1118
aiua 3^0
urnbu 3ri4

Perdix

boreal is 4:?1
calil'oiiiicus i'Mf
luaiilaudica 431
mexicaiia 431
pyrspicillata 443
pluuiifeia 440
vii'j^iiiiaiia 431

peregrin a,
AiuKs 576
Clauj^'ulai 576
EremopbiUi 38

Helt-ua

)3

Heliniiitboiibaj:;a 53

Helmirberns 53

Otocuryts 38

Sylvia 53

Sylvicohi 53

Vermivora 53
peregriiiator,

Asio 304

Sf-ix 304
Peregrine Falcon 341
Iieregriuoides,

Falco 34-i
lieregriuus,

Falco 341
PerisoreUvS

cauadensis *221

capitalis '^21

obscunis 221
Perissiiia

carol iueiisis 389
Peristera

caroliiiciisis 389

jiiigratoria 387

passeriiia 390
perlata,

Strix 299
Xierpallidiis.

Coturiiiciilns 132
personatuhi,

Tricbas 74
pers])icillatiis,

AgekeuM 188

Aiuio 582

Fdligula 582
Icterus 188

perspicillatus,

Pbalaropns

^lacroibainplius 582

wilsoni 467

OEdemia 582

phasianellus,

Oideniia 582

Ceutrocercus 407

Pelionetta 582

Pediiccetes 407

Perdix 443

Pediocietes 407

Psarocolius 183

Pedicecetes 407

Xautbocepbalus 188

Tctrao 407

pert! 11 ax,

Pbasianunis

Myiarclius 239

acntus 561

petecbia,

Pbasianns

Seiurus 68

colnmbianus 407

Sylvia 68

Pbilacte

teylvicola 6S

canagica 558

petriticatus,

philadelpbia,

Ereimetes 481

Chroecocepalus 656

Petrocbelidoii

Geotblypis 75

bicolor 86

Larus 656

luiiiiVoiirf 88

Sterna 656

melanogastra 89

Sylvia 75

swaiiisoni 89

Tricbas 75

tbalassina 86

Vireo 97, 233

Peuca?a

Vireosylvia 97

testivalis 140

Pbilereuios

cassiui 140

alpestris 38

liucoluii 135

coruutus 38

Pevree,

pbilippiua.

Western Wood 247

Sterna 710

Wood 245

phillipsii,

Pewit Flycatcber 241

Picus 279

Plucuoiiepla

Tricbopicus 279

uiteus 94

Pbilobela

pbajopns,

minor 472

Nuuienius 510

Pblceotomus

Phalacrocoracidie 588

pileatus279

Pbalacrocorax 712

Phcebe-bird 241

brasiliensis 588

pbcebe,

dilopbns 588

Muscicapa 241,247

tloridaniis 588

Tyraunula 247

lacnstiis 5.'^9

Tyranuus 247

resplendeus 589

pbtenicens,

towusendii 58-9

Agelieus 186

phaltBnoides,

Icterus 186

Atbene 315

Oriolus 186

Pbalarope,

Psarocolius 186

Nortbern 469

Pbaniicosoma

Red 471

rubra 82

Wilson's 467

Pbceiiisoma

Phalaropodidtc 468

rubra 82

Plialaropes 466

Pha'tusa

PJialaropus 4(i()

regia 669

angnstiiostris 470

trndeaui 675

australis 470

Pboleoptynx

ciuerascciis 470

cunicularia 322

cinerus 470

Pbreuojiicus

limbriatus 467

jardinii 280

I'renatns 467

Phyllobasileus

fulicarins 471

calendula 16

fiiscns 470

Pbyllomaues

glacialis 467

olivaceus 96

grisens 471

Phylaconetta

bypeilioicns 469, 471

bistrioiiica 578

lobatns 467,470

Piaya

idatyrbyncims 471

araericana 276

rulescens 471

doniiuica 275

ruHcollis 470

erytbropbtbalma 274

rufus 471

minor 2/6

etenodactylns 467

Pica

williauisii 470

albiventris 211

INDEX.

775

Pica

caudata2]l
cceiiilescetis 219

cornuata 215

cristata 214

cmopa-a 2ll

geriiiaiiica 211
liieinalis 211

luulsouica 211

uielaudlcnca 211

nuttallii 2i2

nuchalis 221

rnsticornui 211

septeiifiioiialis 211

stelleii 215

varia 211
pica,

Corvus 211
Picariie 2fi0
Picariau Birds 260
picatu.s,

Falco 32d
Picicoivns

colunibianus 207
Picidse 278
Picoides

anu'iicanns 284,285

aivticrs2ri4

dor.salis 2^5

fasc'iatt:.s 285

birisutiis 285

leooiitci 282

tiidacljlr.s285
picta,

Callipepla 440

Ceiitioiihaiics 121

DuMlaiioii :{;').-•:

Eiiilx-i iz;i I'^l

Oivortvx 440

Ortyx 44(J

PlectropUanos 121
Picas

anioricaiins 285

arctic'iis 284, 21-15

atiotlioiax 285

au<liil)()i)i 280

auiato-iucxicauus 283

ail rat us 2L>2

caier2L)4

caiitjdcnsis 279

caioliiiiis 2"'5, 289

cayaiiciisis 284

cuvit'ii 280

dorsal is 2H5

crjtlir.iiirlii'n 289

or\ tlinieipliuhis 290

lla\ iviMifiis 28(5

gainiiR-ri 2-82,283

j^allmla 281!

f^risciis 289

liairisii •J'^ft

liiisiitiis 2-^5

liiiiiiiiriis 2"'3

h,vli)si-(i|)iis 2"i0

incariiatiis 289

ianliiici 280

kocliii 2.84

latliami 2!)5

k'loiiti'i 282

luucuuielauua 279

Picus

leucomelas 279

lewisii 291

major 279

martiuiu 279

martini 280

maxiiiius 278

niediauns 282

luedius 279

meridioisalis 282, 283

niexicanus 295

raiuinins 282

minor 280, 282, 285

moutauus 291

uataliiu 288

uiger 278, 286

obscunis 290

occideutalis 286

pliilippsi 279

pileatus278

pubeseens 282, 283

ruber 286

rubricapillus 280

rubricains 295

septentrionalis -279

tbyroideus 288

torqnatns 291

tridact.vlns284,285

turati 283

iindo.sus 284

iiudulatns 284 [286

varius 279, 282, 284, 285

villosus 279,280

virgiuianns 279, 282

■williamsoui 288

zt4)ra 289
Pied-bilUd (irebe 738
Pigeon Ilavvk 333, 345
Pigeon,

Band-tailed 385

Passenger 387

Wild 387
Pigeons 385
pigui- (.scepygm-)
j)ikei.

Sterna 686
Pileated Woodpecker 278
pileatus,

Astur 335

Cain])ei)biius 279

Ceoplild-ns 279

Dryopiens 278

I)ry(«;()l>ns 278

Dryotonuis 278

llylatonins 279

lFylott)niiis 278,279

Nisus ;{35

I'hheotonuus 279

Picus 278

Sterna 710
pileolala,

Motaeilla 79

Xlyiodioctes 79
Pihuiiuus

ruber 286

thyroideus 288

vaiius 285
Piuc-ereciiiiig Warbler ()[)
I'iue CroslxaU KM
Liunut 115

Pine Grouse 395
piuetarius,

Falco 341
piuetorium,

Nyctale 314
pinguis,

Jlotacilla 58
Pinicola

americana 105

canadensis 104

enucleator 104
pinicola.

Bubo 301
Pinnated Grouse 419
Pintail 561
pinus,

Certhia 49

Cbrysomitris 115

Deudrcpca 60, 69

Fringilla 115

Hehiiintbopbaga 49

Linaria 115

libimanpbus 69

Sylvia 49, (59

Sylvicola 69

Tbryothorus 69
Pipilo

alleui 173

arctica 175

ater 173

cblorurus 176 [175

erytbropbtbaliuus 173,

fuscus 274

leucopis 173

luaculatus 175

magalonyx 175

mesoleucus 274

oregonus 175

rulipileus 176
pipiens,

Antbus 40
Piping Plover 455
pipiri,

Tyrannus 236
pipixcan,

Larns 654
Pipra

l)olyglotta 77
Piraniidig263
piscator,

Aecipiter367
piscatorius,

Aceii>iter 367
piscatrix,

Afjuila 367
Pisk 2ti3
Pity his ^

cardiiialis 172

gultatus 167
Piaeeiitia Falcon 'Mil
Plain-crested Titmouse 20
Plains,

Cock of the, 400
plaueus,

I'alco 370

Vnltur 370
Planestieiis

niigralorius I
Plauetes 697

77f;

INDEX.

planiccps,

Archilinteo361

Nyctalc M-i

Paii(li6u oG7
plauit'ioiis,

Soinatcria 580
platycerca,

'lMcllisnga271

Selaspbonis "271

Trocliihis271
platypteins,

Spaiviiis 360
Platypus

glacial is r)70

it)ollissiiiin.sr)80

six'ctabilis 581
Platyriiyuchns

jnisilliis 252

viveseeus 249
platyrliynchus.

Clvpeata 572

Mdauitta 581

Plialaropiis 471
platyuros,

Beinicla556,557

Soaiateria 580
Plaiitns 619

glancus 621

leucopteriis 623
plebeius,

Coutopus 247
Plectropbaues

caloarata 120

lappouica 120

maccowiiii 124

nielanoniiis 122

nivalis 118

oriiata 122

picta 121
Plover 448
Plover,

American Golden 449

Beetle-bead 449

Black-bellied 448, 449

Ball-bead 449

Golden 419

Gray 449

Killdeer 452

Mountain 456

Ox-eye 449

Pipiug 455

King 455

Seniipabnated 4*53

8\vi^^s 449

Upland 502
Ilium bea,

Hydiocbelidoii 705

Lanivireo 100

Psaltria23

Psaltriparus 23

8teina 705

Vireosylvia 100
Plumbeous Vireo 100
pluml)icei)s,

Larus ()51
Phinied Quail 432
plumicollis,

Tantalus 513
plum if era,

Lophortyx 440

plumifera,
Ortyx440
Perdix 440

pluniipes,

Falco 361

Pluvialis

americanus 450
fulvus 449, 450
belveticus 448
longipes 450
squatarola 448
taiteusis 450
varius 448
virgii'icus 450
xautbocbeilus 450

pluvialis,

Cbaradrius 450

Pocbard,

Aiuerican 575
Red-bead 575

Podasocys

moutanus 457

Podiceps 726, 728, 737
affinis730
antarcticus 738
arcticus 732
auritus 733
australis 729
bicoruis 726
brevirostiis 738
californicus 733
canigularis 730
caroliueusis 738
caspicus 732
cayana 726
cayeuneusis 726
clarkii 727
cooper! 730
coruutus 731
cristatns 729
doniinicus737
griseigeua 730
bectori 729
bolbolli 730
leucopterus 726
longirostris 726, 729
ludovicianus 738
major 726
minor 737
luitratus 729
nigricollis 733
obscnrus 732
occiden talis 727
patagiatus 729
rubricollis 730
Sclav us 732
subcristatus 730
widbalmi 729

podiceps,

Colvmbus 738
Podilymbus 737, 738
Sylbeocyelus 738

Podicipidie 725

Podilyuibus 737

antarcticus 737, 738
lineatus 738
podiceps 737, 738

Pfficile

atricapillus 20
montauus 22

Pcecile

rufescens 22
PcEciloptcruis

boreal is 353

lineatus 3,55

wilsoni 360
Poccilornis

sparverius 349
Poke 522
Poliocepbalus 725
polioca?lia,

Bombycipbora 92
poliopbiua,

Grus 532
Polioptila

coerula 17

niexicaua 17
Polioptiliuic 17
polyagrus,

Falco 339 -

Hierotalco 339
Polyborus

auduboni 370

brasilieusis371

cberiway 370

tbarus 370

vulgaris 371
polyglottus,

Mimus 8

Orpbeus 8

Pipra 77

Turdus 8
polygotbus,

Orpbeus 8
Polysticta

stelleri 580
j)omarinus,

Cataractes 608

Ciypeata571

Coprotberes 608

Lestris 608

Stercorarius 606, 608

Sterna 680
Pomariue Jaeger 608
pomatorbinus,

Stercorarius 608
Pooca^tes

cou finis 129

gramineus 129
Poospiza

bellii 234

biliueata 234
popetue,

Capriuiulgus 263

Cbordeiles 234, 260, 263
populorum,

Sylvia 57
Portland Tern 691
portlandica.

Sterna 691
Porzana

Carolina 538

coturniculus 540

jamaiceiisis 539

uoveboracensis 539
Prairie

Falcon 339

Hen 419

Warbler 63
Pnedatrix 607

INDEX.

777

pratensis,

Eiubeiiza 161

Grus 5;W

Strix 2U8, 299

Stnrnus 180
Prev,

Birds of 298

Diurnal Birds of 327
procellosiis,

Laroidt's 639

Larus (io9
Procelsterna 709
Proctopns 726

auritiis 7M3

califoniiciis 733
Progne

coucolor 91

ci'yptolciu'a 91

elcj;aiis 91

furcata 91

iiiodt'sta 91

purpurea 91

subis 91
Protliouotary Warbler 47
Protouotaria

citra^a 47
protonotarius,

Htiliuilberus 47

Hcliuaia 47

Motai-ilia 47

Sylvia 47

Vcruiivora 47
Psalidurbauipbus 712
psaltria,

Carduclis 116

Cbrysoniitris 116, 117

Friii-^ilhi 116
Psaltria

])hui)bt'a 23
Psaltriparus

pliimbi'us23
Psarocoliiis

auricDllis 195

baltinioro 193

castancMs 193

caudacutus 178

cyanor( piialus 199

guberiiatoi' 186

pccMtris IKO

pcrsiiiciihitus 188

pii(rnici'iis 18()
Pseu(l()j:;ryiihiis

calil'oruiauus 3d4
Psilorhiuus

cyanoccpbahis 210
Psittaciis

cari>rmt'n.sis 296

lu(U)viciaiins 29(5

luti'icaiHlhis296

tliaiiissiiiMs 296
Ptarmijian,

Wbitr-tailo(1425
Ptcroeyauca

ca-rnb-ata 567

discors 'M')

r.itlliMJ r>67
l)til<>ciit mis,

Trin-^a 491
J'tiIioj;i)iiys

lowiisendii 93

pubescens,

Deudrocopus 282

Dryobatcs 282

Picus 282, 283

Tricbopicns 282

Tricbopipo 282
Pulocoudora 644
puuicea,

Fringilla 166
Puri>le

Fiucli, Cassia's 106

Fiucb 103

Grackle 203

Marti u 91

Sandpiper 488
purj)uratus,

Cbalcophancs 203

Quiscalus 203
purpurea,

Carpodacns 106

Ervtbrospiza 106

Friu^ilja 106

CJracula 203

Hirundt) 91

Proyue 91

Quiscalus 203
purpureoviridis,

Auas 500
pusilla,

Eiiiberiza 148

Eujpidouax 249, 252

Erouuetes 481

Friugilla 148

IMuscioapa 79, 249, 252

Myiobius 252

Myioc.touus 79

Mviodioctes 79, 232

Pelidua 482

Platyrbyucbns 252

Scolt)pax 487

Sitta 25

Spiuites 148

Spizi'lbi 148

Strix 317

Sylvania 79

Sylvia 4(), 56

Svlvicola 46

Triuga481,489

Tyrauuula249,252,256

Tyi'auuus 252

Wiisonia 79

Zouotricliia 148
Pygargus

eatuuU'nsis 327

dispar 327
pygargus,

Circus 327

Falco 327, 370

Strigiceps 327
pygina-a,

Crox 540

Euipidonax 259

Nocliia 317

Nuuiiiiius 492

Sitta 25, 230

Strix -Ml

Tringa 492
Pygmy

Niitbafcli 25, 230

Owl 317

Pygopodes 717
Pyrauga

ajstiva 82

cooperi 82

erytbrouielas 82

erythropsis 83

heiiatica 82

ludoviciaua 83, 232

rubra 82
Pyrgita

arctica 175
Pyrgitcenas

albivitta 390

jiasserinus 390
Pyroccpbalus

acadicus 249

borealis 244

criuitus 239

fuscus 241

riehardsonii 247

vireus 246
pyrrbopterus,

Coccyzus 276
Pyrrbula

enucleator 104

froutalis 107, 108

ludoviciaua 166
pytbaules,

Strix 301

Q.

Quail,

Blue 441
Californiau 439
Gaiubel's 432
Masseua 443
Moiuitaiu 432
Plumed 432
Valley 439
Vii'giniau 431

quernla,

Friugilla 157
Muscicapa 24(), 249
Zouotricbia 157

Querquedula
acuta 562
americaiui 565
ca'rnkata 566
carolineusis 565
caudacuta 562
crccca 56(5
creccoides 51)6
cyauoptcra 566
discors 5()(5
strepera 563
suliriccca 560

Quiscalus

icni'us 203
agla-iis 203
baritns 203, 204
brewcri 199
fcrrngiucus 198
fulgida 203
macriHiius 204
major 204
iiitcus 203
jiurpuratus 203
pin pu reus 203
versicolor 203

778

INDEX.

quiscalns,

Cluilcoplianea 203
Gi-aciilii 198, 20c5, 204
Sturuus 203

E.

rafflesii,

Anas 507

Cyaii()[)tera 567

Pterocyanea 567
rail.

Merganser 585
Eail,

Black 539

Caroliua 538

Kiug 534

Virginia 535

Yellow 530
Eails 534
Eallidro 534
Eailns 703

aquaticns 537

caroliuus 538

crepitans 535, 536

elegaus 535

jaraaiceusis 539

lariformis 704

limicola 537

lougirostris 535, 536

noveboracensis 539

obsoletus 535

ruficollis 539

saliuasi 540

sfolidus 538

virginiauus 536
rauivo^us,

Falco 327, 328
rapax,

Mnscicapa 246
Eaptores 298
rara,

Sylvia 57

Verniivora 57
ratlibonia,

Sylvia 54
Eaven 204
Eaven,

Wbite-ueckecl2Q6
Eecurvirostra

auiericana 460

himautopii.s 403

occideutalis 460
Eed

Crossbill 100

Owl 303

I'lialarope 471
Bed-bellied

Nutbatch 25

WoodiJecker 269
Eedbird,

SiinioKsr 82

Virginian 172
Eed-brcasted

INTerganser 584

Sandpiper 490

Snipe 476

Teal 566
Eed-cyed Vireo 96
Eed-headed

I'ochard 576

Woodpecker 290

Eed-legged Kittiwakc 647
Eed-neeked Greb(^ 7)50
Eed-poU Linnet 114
Ked-shatVd Wood peck'r 294
Eed-sboulder'd Buzzard 354
Eedstavt 81, 232
Eed- tailed Buzzard 352
Eed-tbroated Diver 724
Eed-wiuged Blackbird 186
Eeed-bird 178
regalis,

Arcbibnteo 361, 364

Falco 338
regia,

Aqaila 308

PboBtusa ()69

Sterna 669

Tbalasseus 669
Eegulina3 15
Eeguloides

calendula 16
Eegulus

calendula 15, 229

cristatns 17

cuvieri 17

mystaceus 74

olivaceus 17

rubiueus 16

satrapa 16

tricolor 17
regains,

Sylvia 17
rehusak,

Tetrao 430
reinbardtii,

Anthns 40

Lagopus 430
resplendens,

Plialacrocorax 589
respublicana,

Hirundo 88
rex,

Muscicapa 236
Ehiuianpbus

lestivus 54

blackburuiic 59

canadensis 56

castaueus 61

citrinus 54

discolor 63

niacnlosus 62

nigresceus 55

parns 59

pensilis 06

pinns 69

rnlicapillus 68 .

striatus 60

virens 54
Ebinogrypbns

biirroviauus 383
rbodocolpns,

Carpodaciis 108
Ehodostetbia 659

rosea 660

rossii 660
Ebyacopbilus

cbloropygius 498

solitarius 498
Ebyncbaspis

clypeata 571

labradora 579

EliyncliopinrR 712
Ebyncbops 712

boreal is 715

brevirostris 715

cinerasceus 715

fulva 715

nielanurus 715

nigra 715
Ebyncbopsalia 712
Eice-bird 178
ricbardsoui,

^salou 348

Canace 400

Cataractes 613

Contopus 247

Dendragapiis 400

Falco 347, 348

Hypotriorchis 348

Larus 660

Lestris 613

Muscicapa 247

Nyctala 314

Nyctale 313, 314

Stercorarius 613

Tetrao 400

Tyranuula 247
Eiebardson's

Grouse 400

Owl 313
Eidgway's Sparrow 156
ridibuudus,

Larus 651
riga,

Larus 645
Eiug Plover 455
Eing-billed Gull 637
Eing-necked Duck 574
Eing-tailed Eagle 368
riparia,

Cotyle 89

Hirundo 89
Eissa 644

bracbyrhyucha 647, 648

brevirostris 647, 648

briiunicbii 646

cinerea 646

kotzebui 647

nivea 647

septeutrionalis 640

tridactyla 645, 646
rissa,

Laroides 645

Larus 645
risoria,

Sterna 664
Eiver Ducks 559
Eobin 1, 228
Eobin,

Golden 193

Ground 173

Marsb 173
Eobin Snipe 490
robustus,

Collurio 103
Eock Swil't 265

Wren 27, 230 [14

Eocky Mountain Bluebird

Garrot 577
EoUandia 725
roscoe,

Sylvia 74

INDEX.

779

lOSCOO,

Tiichas 74
rosea,

Loxiii 166

Rbodosiethia 660

Eossia 660
Roseate Teru 688
Kose-bieastcd Grosbeak 166
Rossi a 650

rosea 660
rossii,

Auser 553

Exanthemops 553

Lanis (iliO

Rboilostethia 660
Ross's Goose 553
RoHgb-le^gL'd Hawk 361
Rongb-wiujied iSwallow 90
rouKseaui,

Auous 710
Royal

Eagle 368

Tern m\)
rubens,

Anas 571

Autbns 40
ruber {see lubra)
rubicnndus,

Eiiipidoiiax 259
rubida,

Auas 583

Biziura 583

Cerconectes 583

Cbaradrius 492

Erisinaliua 5d3

Fuligula 583

Gyuiiiura 5<?3

Oxyiua 583'"
rubigiiiosus,

l-'aico 3^7
rubineus,

Regiilus 16
rubra,

Ahiuda 40

Ciudoscdpiis 286

Mela iiei pes 'zfHi

Sluseicapa 82

I'lia-nisoiua ir>2

Piluiiiims 280

Pious 278, 286

Pyraiiga 82

Spbyiai)ieus 286

Taiiagra 82
riibrieapilla,

Hiliiiaia 50

lleliiiilbcrus50

Ib'iiiiiiiiliopbaga 51

Mniotilta 51

Pieus 28lt

Sylvia 50

Sylvieola 50

Verrnivora 50
rubrical us, \

Cohiples 205
, Geu4)i<us 205

I'leus 205
rubrieollis,

C'oecoliuaustcs 160

P(kU(('1is 7.(0
rubrigiilaris,

iMeiauerpes i.88

Rubv-crowned

kiuglet 229

Wreu 16 ■ [bird 271
Ruby-throated Hummiug-
Ruddy Duck 583
rufa,

Alauda 38, 40

Autiiiiiuuis 228

Capriuiulgns 263

Cryuio])bilus 471

Friugilla 161

Harporhyuehus 9

Hiruudo 85

Miiuus 9

Nuiueuins 508

Orpheus 9

Otocorys 38

Pbalaropus 471

Toxostouia 9

Triuga 491

Turdus 9
rufesceus,

Actitis 506

Actiturus 506

Par us 22

Pbalaropus 471

Pcecilo 22

Tringa 506

Tringoides 500

Tryngites 506
Ruft'ed Grouse 420
ruheapilla, [232

Ileluiiuthophaga 50,

Rbimanphus 6S

Sylvia 50

Sylvieola 68
ruficandus,

Accipiter 353
ruficoliis,

Cathartes 380

Pbalaropus 470

Rallus 539

Tringa 489
rufina,

Emberiza 139, 102

Melosiuza 139

Passerella 139

Zouotriebia 162
rulipileus,

Kieui-ria 176

Piliiio 176
rufitoiiiues,

Auas 574

Fuligula 574
rufiveulris,

Nuuuiuius 510
rufoguhiris,

Colynibus 724
rnl'ns {xcc rula)
rupestris,

Attageu 43(»

Lagopus 430

Tetrao 430
rust lea,

AiKis 57S

Hiruudo 85
Rusticiila

minor 472
rustieoruMi,

Pica 211
Rusty Graekit! 198

I'uticilla,

Museicapa 81

Setopbaga 81, 232

Sylvauia 81
Rygebopsalia 712
ryncbomega.

Squatarola 449
Eyucbops 712

fulva 715

nigra 715

S.
sabinei,

Bouasa 421

(Javia 661

Larus 661

Tetrao 421

Xenia 661
Sage Cock 400
saliceti,

Lagopus 430

Tetrao 430
salinasi,

Galliuula 540

Rallus 540
Salpinctes

uiexicanns 28

obsoletus 27, 230
samuelis,

Aniniodronius 139

IMclospi/.a 139
sancti-johannis,

Arcbibuteo 361, 364

Butaetes 361

Buteo 361, 364

Falco 361
Sanderling 492
Sandpiper,

Baiid's 484

Bartraniian 502

Black-bellied 489

Black-breasted 491

BoiKiparte's 4f:'7

Butl-breasted 506

Cooper's 401

Curlew 4')1

Least 482

Pectoral 486

Purple 489

Red-breasted 489

Send pal luatetl 481

Spotted 501

Stilt 4f^tt

Wbite-runipcd 487
Sandwich Tern u73
saudwicbensis,

Euilx'riza 128

Passerculns 128
Sandy Moikingliird 9
sapiti,

Ciiordciles 263
Sareiuiiainpbus

califoruicus :id4
sartorii,

Syrniuiu ;i09
sasashew.

Tot anus 496
satdies,

Museicapa 238
Hatrapa,

Re-rulus 16

780

INDEX.

Savanna Sparrow 127
savanna,

Annnodroums 128

EnilVcriza 127

Frill o ilia 1-27

Linuria l'J7

Passcrculus 127, 128
savaunaruiu,

Frinsilla 132
Saw- whet Owl 315
saxatilis,

Acantbyli-s 265

Pauyptila 265
Saxicola

sialis 13
Saxicolidie 13
saya {see sayus)
sayi,

Theromyias 240

Tyranuus 240
Sayornis

borealis 244

fuscus 241

imllidns 240

sayus 240
Say's Flycatcher 240
sayus,

Aulanax 240

Muscicapa 240

Myiobius 240

Ochthuiica 240

Sayornis 240

Tyraunula 240

Tyrannus 240
Sea Ducks 573
scaudiaca.

Bubo 309

Nyctea 309

Strix 309
scapularis,

Clangula 577
Scarlet Tanager 82
schillingii,

SylocLielidou 667
schiuzii,

Pelidua 487, 489

Triuga 484, 487
scbistacea,

Passerella 162
schleeiiii,

Lestris 613
Schceuiclus

alpina 490
Scissor-tail 235
sclavonicns,

Falco 361
sclavus,

Podiccps 732
Scolecoiihagus

cyauoccphalus 199

ferrngincus 198, 199

luexieanus 199

uiger 198
8Coloi)acea,

Limosa 477

Macrorhamphns 477
Scolopacidai 472
Scolopax

africanus 492

alba 494

Scolopax

arquata 508

borealis 509, 510

Candida 494

delicatnla 475

dethardingii 492

druiumoudii 475

fedoa 492

ferrugineicollis 477

flavi])es 497

gallinago 475

grisea 476

hudsonica 494

lappouica 494

leucophtea 477

leucurus 475

Icugirostris 477

uiarniorata 493

melanoleuca 496

minor 472

noveboracensis 477

paj'kullii 477

pusilla 487

seniipaluiata 494

suUiti-qnata 491

vociferus 496

■wilsoni 475
Scops

albifrons 315

asio 303

enauo :)04

flaimueola 304

lloridauus 303

kennicottii 303

maccallii 303, 304
scoresbyi,

Larus 644
Scotiaptex

cinereum 308
Scotophilus

acadicus 315

teuguialmi 314
Screech Owl 303
Seiurns

aquaticus71

aurocapillus 70

gossii 71

ludovicianus 72

motacilla 72

noveboracensis 71

petechia 6S

sulfurasceus 71

tenuirostris 71
Selasi)hurus

l)latycercus 271
selbyi,

Muscicapa 78
Seniii)alniated

Plover 453

Sandpiper 481

Tattler 494
semipalniatns,

yEgialens 453

yEgialitis 453

Catotrophorus494, 495

Charadrius 453

Ereunetes 481

Glottis 495

Heniipalama 481

Heteropoda 481

semipalmatns,

Hudites 495

Scoloi>ax 494

Synipheniia 495

Totauus 494

Tringa 481
seniculus,

Coccygus 276

Coccyzus 276

Cuculus 276

Erythrophrys 276
septentrionalis,

Cathartes 380

Cepphus 724

Colymbus 724

Eudytes 724

Lanius 102

Larus 21

Parus 230

Pica 211

Picus 279

llissa 640
serrata,

Haliplana 698

Onychopriou 698

Sterna 698
serrator,

Merganser 584

Mergus 584
serripennis,

Cotyle 90

Hiruudo 90

Stelgidopteryx 90
Setophaga

bonapartii 80

canadensis 80

mitrata 78

nigricincta 80

ruticilla 81, 232

wilsonii 79
Shag S-^8

Sharp-shinned Hawk 333
Sharp-tailed Grouse 407
shattuckii,

Emberiza 149

Spizella 149
Sheldrak.' 583
Shore Birds 448
Shore Lark 37 [36

Short-billed Marsh Wren
Short-eared Owl 306
Shoveller 570
Shrike,

Loggerhend 233

Northern 101

White-rnniped 102
Shuffler Duck 573
Sialia

arctica 14, 229

azurea 13

coerulcicollis 14

niacroptera 14

mexicana 14, 229

occideu talis 14

sialis 13 •

wilsoni 13
sialis,

Ampelis 13

Saxicola 13

Sialia 13

INDEX.

781

sialis,

Sylvia 13

Motacilla 13
sileiis,

Menila 3

Tardus G
siuuata,

Anas 558

Corvus 205
Siskin,

Mexican 116
Sitta

aculeata-24,-230

canadensis "25

carolinensis23,24,230

euioiJiea 23

nieluiiocephala 24

Ijusilla 25

pygmaja 25, 230

stulta 25

Taria 25
Sittidte 23
Skimmer,

Black 715
Skua 605

hojeri 605
skua,

Bupbagus 605

Cataracta ()05

Cataractes 605

Catarraeta 605

Catarractes 605

Catliaracta 605

Lestris 605

Stercorarins 605
Skylark,

Missouri 42
Slate-colored Sparrow 162
Slender-billed Nuthatch 24,
smithii, [230

Centrophanes 121

Emberiza 121
smithsonianus,

Larus 627
Snipe 472
Snipe,

American 475

Grass 4-56

Gray 476

Jack 4d6

Red-breasted 476

Robin 4'JO

Stone 4'J4

Wilson's 475
Snowbird,

Eastern 111

Gray-headed 143

Ore<^on 142
Snow Hunting; 118
Snow-llaUr IH
Snow (loosi- 54H, 549
Snowy lltrou 521
Bocialis,

Athene 322
. Emberiza 148

FriuKilla 148

Spinites 148

Spiz.lla 148

Zuuotrichia 148

solitaria,

Heiinaia 49

Helminthophaga 49

Helmitherus 49

Hvphantes 193

Lanivireo 99, 100

Merula 3

Muscicapa 99

Rbyacophilus 498

Sylvia 49

Sylvicola 49

Totanus 498

Triuf-a 498

Tardus 3, 4

Veruiivora 49

Vireo 99, 100

Vire«sylvia 99
Solitary

Tatler 498

Vireo 99
soloniensis,

Otus 304
Somateria

borealis 579 .

cuthberti 579

danica 579

dresseri 580

farce n sis 579

lischeri 579

islandica579

leisleri 579

megauios 579

nioUissinia 579, 580

norwegica 579

planifrons 579

platyuros 579

spectabilis 581

St. cuthberti 579

stelleri 579

thnlensis579

v-nigra 580
Song Sparrow 138, 234
Sooty Tern 693
Sora 538
sordid ulus,

Contopus 247 [407
South'n Sh'p-tailed Grouse
spadicius,

Buteo 361

Falco 361
sparrmanni,

Anas 562
Sparrow,

Baird's 125

Brewer's 157

Canadian 146

Ciiip|»ing 148

Clay-colored 148

Fieid 148

Fox 160

Harris's 157

Leeonte's 134

Lincoln's 135

Littb^ Brown 148

Ridgway's 156

Savanna 127

Slate-colored 162

Song 13-i, 234

fc5wani[> 137

Sparrow,

Tree 146

White-crowned 154
"White-tbroated 157
Yellow-winged 131

Sparrow Hawk 349

sparverius,

Cerchueis 349
Falco 349
Pfpcilornis 349
Tiununculus 349

Sparvius

atricapillus 338
lineatus 334
idatypterus 360

Spatula

clypeata 569

Spathulea

clypeata 570

Speckle- belly 546

spectabilis,
Anas 580
Fulignla 580
Muscicapa 235
Platypus 580
Somateria 580

speculiferus,

Totanus 495

Speotvto

cunicularia321,322
guadeloupeusis 322
hypoga'a 321, 322

sphaniuros,
Lestris 608

sphagnosa,
Sylvia 56

Sphyrapicus

nuchal is 286
ruber 2rm
thyroideus 288
varins 2^5,286
williamsoni 288

Sphyropicus

nuchalis 286
ruber 2-;6
thyroideus 288
varius 285, 286
williamsoui 288

spilurus,

Thrvothorus 31
Troglodytes 31

spinicauda,
Lestris 613

spinoletta,

Ant bus 40-

spinosa,

Anas 583
Cercouectes 583
Erismatura 583

Spiuus

linarius 114

Spinit«'s

atrigidaris 151
nuuiiicolus 146
pallidus 149
pusillns 148
socialis 148

Spirit Duck 577

782

INDEX.

Spiza

aniericana 164

uuiaMui 170

cyane!^ 171

palustiis i:57

pusseiiua 1:31
Spizella

arizona^ 148

atiiifulaiis lol

bieweii 151

caiKi lol

caiiadiMisis 14(j

evura 151

niaxiiiui 154

iiioutieola 140

pallida 148,151

pn.silla 148

sbattiickii 149

socialis 148
Spiziauircus

histiionicns 328
splendeus,

Coiviis205

CuijTbus 104
spousa,

Aix 570

Auas 570

Cosiiionessa 570

Deiidrouessa 570

Lain [Ji-oncssa 570
Spoon-bill Duck 570
Spotted

Gronse 394

Sandpiper 501
spraguei,

Agrodoma 42

Alauda 42

Autbn« 42

Neocorys 42
Sprigrail 51)1
Spruce

Grouse 394

Partridge 394
spnrius,

Bauanivorns 193

Icterus 192

Oriolus 192

PeutUilinus 193

Xantbornns 193

Ypbautcs 193
sqnauiata,

Callipepla 441

Ortyx 441
Squatarola

australis 449

cinerca 448

grisea 448

belvetica 448

rbyncbomega 449

wilsoui 449
squatarola,

Pluvialis 448

Tringa 448
Stanley i,

Falco 335
Starlings,

American 178
St. Doiningo Grebe 737
Steganopodes 587

( Steganopus 466

I tricolor 4()7

wilsoni 467

Stelgidt)pterys
serripeuuis 90

stellaris,

Ardea 523
Cistotborus 36, 231
Tbryotborus 36
Troglodytes 36

stellatus,

Cei)pbus 725
ColymbuH 725

stelleri,

Auas 579
Claugula 579
Cor V us 214
Cyanocitta 215
Cyauocorax 215
Cyauogarralus 215
Cyauurus214,215
Enicouetta 579
Fuligula 579
Garrnlus 215
Hareida 579
Heuicon^tta 579
Macropus 579
Pica 215
Polysticta 58Q
Somateria 580

Stelleria

dispar 580

stenodactylus,

Pbalaropus 467

Stercorarius 604, 607
autarcticus 606
bufibni 616
catarractes 605, 606
catarrbactes 605
catbaractes 605
ceppbus 613, 616
crepidatUH 613
longicauda 616
Inugicaudatus 616
parasiticus 612, ()13
pouiariuns 606,608
poiuatorbiuus 608
ricbardsonii 613
skua 605
striatus 608

Sterna 674, 703, 709
acuflavida 673
affinis 664
al'ricana 673
aleutica 696
americana 692
anaistbeta 701
anglica 664
anostbaita 701
antarctica 701
antillarum 692
aranea 664
arctica 685
argentacea 686
argentata 686
argentea 692
atricapilla 708
bicuspis (}i^S
blasii 680

Sterna

boysii 673
bracbypus 686
bracbytarsa 686
camtscbatica 690
canescens 673
cantiaca 673
caspia 667
cay an a 669
cayennensis 669,671
cbloripoda 669
coccineirostris 686
colundjiua 073
coruata 071
crista! a 071
delaniotfei 704
dougalli 088
douglasi 088
elegaus 071
erytbrorbvucbus 609
fissipes704,705,708
fluviatilis 680
forsteri 676
frenata «i92, 705
frobeeni 675
fuliginosa 698
galericulata 669, 671
grisea 704
gouldii 698
guttata 698
bavelli 676
biruudo 676, 680, 685
bybrida 704
infuscata 701
leucopareia 704
leucoptera 708
luctuosa 698
lunata 703
macdougalli 688
macrotarsa 664
niacrura 685
niaculata 692
marina 680
maxima 609
megarbyncbos 667
mebmorbyucba 692
melanoptcra 698, 701
miuuta 692
miuuta americana 692
nubilosa 701
nievia 673,704,708
nigra 704, 705, 708
nilotica 680
uitzscbii 686
oabnensis 701
obscura 704
pa nay a 701
pauayensis 701
paradisea 0d5, 088
pbiladclpbia 056
pbilii)i)ina710
pikei 680
pileata 710
plumbea 705
pomariiui 680
portlaudica 691
regia 609
risoria 004
serrata 098

INDEX.

783

Sterrica

Strigiceps

Strix

stolida 710

hudsonins 328

passerinoides 317

st'-'eiiiia (567

py-^argus 327

peregrinator 304

striata tl73

nglino-sus 328

perlata 299

stubbeiica Gi'A

strigiceps,

pbalanioides 315

stabeiica iu'.i

Cirens 327

pratincdla 298, 299

sui;erciliaii.s (392

Falco 327

pusilla 317

sr.riiiaiDeDsis 705

Strigidai 298

pygnuea 317

tennirostiis 688,710

Strix

pytLanles 301

triulfaui 075

acadica 315, 317

scandiaca 309

tsclK'<;rava G67

acadicnsis 315

stridula 306

■wilsoiii (580

accipitrina 306, 311

tengnialmi 313, 314

Steniii)iu(.)ti-i

acclaniator 308, 309

tripeuiiis 306

SteriHila

iegolins 306

nlnla30(), 311, 312

antiUaiuiii 692

alba 298, 309

uralensis 311

freuata 692

albidiis 309

iirucurea 322

superciliaris 692

albiiVons 315

varins 309

Stilt.

albus 310

' virginianns 300

Black-uecked 462

alueo 298

vulg;uis 371

Stilt 8an(li)iper 480

americana 298, 304

■\vapacntlm 310

Stolida 709

arctiea 306, 310, 311

Strobilopliaga

6t(>li<la,

avcticiis 301

enneleator 104

Anous 710

asio 303

strutliio,

Megaloptcius 710

barbata 308

Grns 530

Kallus 5:58

brachyotus 306

Strutbus

Sttriua 710

brac'liynra 306

atri mental is 151

Stone

bnboiiOl, 310

canicei)s 143

Chats 13

calitbrniea 322

byenialis 141

Snipe 494

canadensis 311

oregonus 142

stvenna,

Candida 310

stubberica,

Steiua 667

caparoch 312

Sterna 664, 673

Callipepla 441

casitia 306

stulta.

streiicra,

chichictli 309

Sitta 25

Anas 563

cinerea 307

Sturnella

Chanlclasnins 563

cnnienlaria 321, 322

collaris 190

Cl)aiiliiidns5()3

dallionsfi 315

liippocrepis 190

Ktinoih.N ncliiis 563

dasvpns 314

Indovieiana 190, 191

(^ni-i(iuc(Uila 563

delieatnia298

magna 190

Strepsilas

doliata 311

lueiidionalis 191

boreal is 459

data 317

inexicana 190

collaiis 459

eniiiuea 310

iieglecta 190

interpifs 4.59

feruandiea 309

Sturnns

littoralis 459

ferrnginea 318

junceti 180

nR!aiioce[»iialiis 459

llaiiMiiea 29r-, 299

liidoviei.anns 190

StrcjitoieiylL'

IVeti-bndsonis 309, 311

obsiMirns ISO

alcyou 273

frontalis 315

predatorins 186

stiiatnius,

fuliginosa 308

qniscalns 203

A.stiu- 338

lanerea311, 314

subalpinus.

striatiis,

fnrcata 2'J9

Lagopus 430

Aceipiter 334

grallaria 322

subarctieus.

Bilbo 303

gnad-niabe 299

Biilx) 301

Colviiibus 724

guttata 298

subanpiata,

IJcndid-ia 60

hndsiiniea 311, 312

Antvloclieiliis 491

Li'stns 608

liypoga.-a 322

Erolia 492

Motacilla 60

Javaniea 298

Nunienins 491

Miiiotilta (iO

iai>poni(a 308

IVlidna 492

Miiseii apa 00

niag<'lla!iicns 301

Sc()l.il)ax 491

l{liini^iMplnis 60

majo;- 3(l(i

Tringa 491

StficDraiiiis 608

inaxiMiiis 300

Subeo-riiltMis.

Sli rna 673

inicroiditli.alnia 308

Falco 328

Sviviii 60

naciirntu 301

subcrecca.

Sylvicola (iO

luevia 3(t3

(^nercp.'ednla 5G6

frinjra489

ncbid<isa 308

subcnsiatiis.

stridiila,

uisoria 311

('olynibiis730

Strix 306

nivea 310

l'ed'.aitliyia730

strigatiis,

noetna 3(16, 313

rodieips 7:50

(.'lioiid<!stes 159

nyctea 3(19

subis.

Stri<j;iicps

otiis 301

Ilirtindo 91

i:\antus 327

pabislris 3()() [317

Prognu 91

bistiiouicus 328

pusseriua 306, 314, 315

784

INDEX.

subleucopterus,

Laroules 623
subruficollis,

Triuga 506
Bubtridactvla,

Tringa 449
subulata,

Anas 563
subulirostris,

Chroecocephalus 654
subviridis,

Muscicapa 249
suckleyi,

iEsalon 346

Falco 346

Larus 640
svilfurasccns,

Seiurus 71
sumichrasti,

;Apbelocoma 219

Cyanocitta 219
Suiumer

Duck 571

Eedbird 82

Warbler 54
snperciliaiis,

Sterna 692

Sterimla 692 .
sxiperciliosA,

Cyanocitta 219

Dendro^ca 66

Mniotilta 66

Motacilla 6(j
surinaniensis,

Hvdi'ocbelidou 705

Polodes 705

Sterna 705
Surnia

borealis 312

canadensis 311

cunicularia 321, 322

ferrngiuea 318

fnuerea 311. 312

budsoiiia311, 312

lapponica 30H

uaivia 303

uisoria 311

nyctea 310

j)asserliia 317

passeriuoides 318

ulula 311, 312
s"wainsoui,

Buteo 355, 356

Craxirex 356

Petrocliclidon 89

Turdus 4, 228, 233

Vireo 98

Vireosylvia 98
Swainson's Buzzard 355
Swallow,

American Baru 85

Bank 89

Cbininev 234

Cliff &B'
Eave H8

Eongb- winged 90
Violet-green 86
White-bellied 86
Swallow-tailed
Flycatcher 235
Giill 662

Swallow-tailed Kite 332

Swallows 85

Swamp

Partridge 394

Sparrow 137
Swan 544
Swan,

American 545

Trumpeter 544

Whistling 545
Swift,

Chimney 267

Rock 265

White-throated 265
Swifts 265
Swiss Plover 449
Sylbeocyclus 726, 737

autarcticus 738

caroliuensis 738

dominicus 737

lineatus 738

podiceps 738
Sylochelidon

balthica 667

caspia 667

cayanensis 667

scbillingii 667
Sylvania

bonapartii 80

ccerulea 17

formosa 73

mitrata 78

liusilla 79

ruticilla 81

■wilsonii 79
sylvatica.

Anas 565
sylvestris,

Cairina 559

Gallopavo 391

Meleagris 391

Otns 304

Troglodytes 32
Sylvia

i3eqninoctialis 73

iEstiva 54

americana 46

antboides 71

arctica 14

audubonii 58

aurocapilla 70

autumnalis 61

aznrea 57

bifasciata 57

blackburnite 59

calendula 15

caua 17

canadensis 56

carol inensis 54

castanea 61

celata 52

children i 54

cbrysoptera 49

citrinella 54

cojrulea 17, 56

ccerulcsceus 55

coronata 57

dacuis 47

discolor 63

domestica 32

flava 54

Sylvia

flavicollis 66
tiavifrons 49
formosa 73
halsei 55
icterocepala 62
jnncorum 148
lateralis 59
leucogastra 51
leucoptera 56
Indoviciana 29
macgillivrayi 75
uiacropus 56
maculosa 62
magnolia 63
marilandica 74
uielauorhoa 59
mexicana51
niinnta 63
uiissonriensis 53
mitrata 78
nioutana 54
nashvillei 51
nigrescens 55
noveboracensis 71
occidentalis 14
palmarum 67
jjalustris 56
pardalina 80
parus 59

penusylvanica 62
peusilis 66
peregrina 53
petechia 68
Philadelphia 75
j)inus 49, 69
popnlornm 57
protonotarius 47
pusilla 46, 56
rara 57
rathbonia 54
regulus 17
roscoe 74
ruticapilla 50
sialis 13
sphagnosa 56
solitaria 49
striata 60
tennesseei 53
tolmicei 75
torquata 46
trichas 74
troglodytes 33
varia 45
vermivora 48
vigorsii 69
virens 54
xantbopygia 58
xanthoroa 58
wilsonii 79

Sylvias 15

Sylvicola

tcstiva 54
americana 46
audubonii 58
blackbnrniie 59
canadensis 56
castanea 61
celata 52
cbrysoptera 49
ccerulea 56

INDEX.

785

Sylvicola

coroiiaia 57

discolor ()3

foriuosa 7;i

icterocephala G2

macgilliviayi 75

niaculusa Ij2

niitrata 78

nioutaua 54

ninscicapa 98

nigiescens 55

palmanim 67

pauuosa 56

partial ill a 80

parus 59

pensilis 66

peregriiia 53

peteciiia 6d

piiiiis 69

jmsilla 46

rnljiicapilla 50

rnticapilla 68

solitaria 49

striata 60

varia 45

vermivora 48, 50

vireus 54
Sylvicolidie 45
Sylviidaj 15
Syiupbeujia

atlantica 495

semipalmata 495
Syrnea

iiyctea 310
Syruium

ciuereum 307, 308

fulvescens 309

fmierea 31'i

lapponicum 308

niicroplithalnium 308

U(ibulosuiii 308, 309

uisoria311

nyctea 310

sartorii 309

T.

Tachyhaptes 726, 735

dominicus 737
Tacbyaineta

bicolor 86

tbalassiua 86
Tadorna

iiivea 549
Tajnifcnas

fasciata 385
Tanager,

Louisiana 83,232

Scarlet 82
Tanagers 82
Tauagra

luntiva 82

cyaiu'a 171

ludoviciaiia 83

rubra 82
Tanagridio 82
tartt'iisis,

Cbaradriiis 450

Pluvialis450

50

TantalidiB 513
Tautaliiiie 513
Tantalus

loculator 513

mexicanus 517

pluMiicoUis 513
tartaricus,

Falco 341
Tattler 49(i
Tattler,

. Seinipalmated 494

Solitary 498

Wood 498
Tawny Tbrush 5
Teal,

Blue- winged 566

Cinnamon 566

Green- winged 565

Red-breasted 566
Telltale,

Greater 496

Lesser 497
Telmatodytes

aruudiuaceus35

bewickii 31

palnstris 34,35,231
temerarius,

Falco 346
tengnialmi,

uEgolius 314

Athene 313

Noetua 314

Nyctale 213, 214

Scotophilus 314

Strix 313, 314

Ulula 314
tennesseei,

Sylvia 53
Tennessee Warbler 53
tenuirostris,

Seiurus 71

Sterna 688, 710
tephrocotis,

Erytbrospiza 111

Fringiila HI

Leiicosticte 111

Linaria 111
Teru,

Aleutian 696

Arctic ()85

Black 704

Bridled 701

Caspian 6(}7

Coinnion 680

Elegant 671

Forstcr's ()76

Gull-billed 664

Least 692

Noddy 710

Portland 691

Koseate 688

Koyal 669

Sandwich 673

Sooty 69H

Trudcau's(>75 [708

White - winged Black
Tetrao

all. us 429

calil'uruicus 439

Tetrao

can ace 394

canadensis 394

cristata 441

cupido 419

frauklinii 394

fusca 394

guttata 443

lagopus 430

lapponicus 430

leucurus 425

marilaudicus 431

minor 431

nintus 430

obscurus 395, 396, 400

phasianellus 407

rehusak 430

richardsoni 400

rupestris 430

sabinii 421

saliceti 430

togatus 420

uiubelloides 421

uinbellus420, 421

uroi)hasianus 400, 407

virginiauus 431
Tetraonid;e 392
Tetraouinte 393
texauus,

Ortyx 431
texensis,

Caprimulgus 263

Chordeiles 263

Fringiila 117
Thalasstea

dougalli 688
Thalassipora 697
Thalasseus (i66

acuflavidus 673

auglicus 664

candicans 673

canescens 673

cantiaca 673

caspius 667

cayauus()69

elegans 671

galericulatus 671

imperator 6()7

inelanotis 667

regiuH 669

trudeaui 675
tbalassiua,

Cecropis 86

Chelidon 86

Ilerse f^Vt

lliruiKlo 86

I'etrochelidon 86

Fsittar-us 296

Tacbyciueta 86
tbarus,

Falco 370

I'olyborus 370
Theroiuvias

say r 240
tbibetanns,

Corvus 205
Tbisth-bird IIG
Thrasher 9

786

INDEX.

Thrnsh,

Golden-crowned 70

Hermit 2, 228

Larse-billed Water 72

Mignitorv 1

Olive-backed 4, 228, 233

Tawny 5 [ingUS

Townsend's Flycatch-

Water 71

Wilson's 5

Wood 2
Thrushes,

Mocking 7
Thryothorus

aruudinaceus 35

arundiuens 29, 35

berlaudieri 29

bewickii 31

gnttulatus 28

latifasciatns 27

leucogaster 31

littoralis 29

lonisiauaj 29

ludovicianus 29

niexicauus 28

obsoletus 27

palustris 34

pinus 69

spilurus 31

stellaris 36

torquatns 46
thulensis,

Somateria 580
tbyroideus,

Cladoscopns 288

Colaptes 288

Melauerpes 288

Picus 288

Pilumuus 288

Sphyrapicns 288

Sphj-ropicus 288
Tinuuuculiis

columbarius 346

sparverius 349
Titlark 40
Titmice 19
Titmouse,

Long-tailed 230

Mountain 230

Plain-crested 20

Tnfted 19
tixicrus,

Coturniculus 132
togatua,

Tetrao 420
tolmioei,

Sylvia 75

Tricbas 75
torquata,

Anser 556, 557

Ardea 522

Asyudesmus 291

Bernicla 556, 557

Celeus 291

Ceppbns 719

Charadrius 452

Colymbns719,720

Histrionicus 578

Larus 646

torquata,

Melauerpes 291

Picus 291

Sylvia 46

Thryothorus 46
Totanus

bartramius 503

caligatus 498

canipestris 503

chilensis 496

chloropus 498

cbloropygius 498

crassirostris 495

flavipes 497

fuscocapillus 497

glareola 498

guttatus 498

leu copy ga 497

juacroptera 498

macularius 501

maritiuius 489

uielanoleucus 496

nielauopygius 503

uatator 497

uoveboracensis 477

sasasbevr 496

seniipalmatus 494

feolitarius 498

speculiferus 495

variegatus 503

vocil'erus 496
Totipalmate Birds 587
Towbee,

Arctic Spotted 175

Bunting 173
townsendii,

Cinclns 10

Friugilla 162

Myiadestes 994

Passerella 102

Pbalacrocorax 589

Ptilogonys 93
Towusena's Fly -catching

Thrush 93
Toxostouia

rufum 9
Trachelonetta

acuta 561
trachyrhynchus,

Cyrtopelicanus 587

Pelecanus 587
trailii,

Empidonax 252

Muscicapa 252

Mviobius 252

Tyraunula 252

Tyrannus 252
Traill's Flycatcher 252
Tree Sparrow 146
Tricbas

brachydactylus 74

delatieldii 74

forinosa 73

macgillivrayi 75

niarilandica 74

person atus 74

Philadelphia 75

roscoe 74

tolmioei 75

Trichas

vegeta 75
trichas,

Ficedula 74

Geotblypis 74, 232

Sylvia 74

Turd us 74
Tricbopicus

auduboni 280

gairdueri 283

harrisii 280

martinai 280

meridionalis 282

phillipsi 279

jiubescens 282

villosus 279
Trichopipo

harrisii 280

jardini 280

pubescens 282

villosus 279
tricolor,

Agekeus 186

Cyauthus 271

Guiraca 167

Icterus 186

Ornismyia 271

Eegnlus 17

Steganopus 467
tridactyla,

Apternus 285

Cheimonea 646

Gavia 646

Laroides 646

Larus 645, 646, 647

Picoides 285

PiCus 284,285

Rissa 645, 646
Tridactylia

arctica 284

dorsal is 285

lecontei 282

undulata 285
Tringa 484

alpina 489, 490

americana 489, 490

arenaria 492

arquatella 489

auduboni 480

austral is 491

bairdii 484

bartramia 502

bonapartii 484, 487

brevirostris 481, 506

calidris 491

canipestris 482, 486

canadensis 489

canutus 490

cinclns 487, 489, 490

ciuerea 490

cooperi 491

crassirostris 491

dominicensis 486

dorsal is 484

douglassi 480

ferruginea 491, 492

fulicaria 471

fuscicollis 482, 487

fusca 470

INDEX.

787

Tringa

georgica 482
glacialis 4(i7
gracilis 491
grisea 491
helvetica 448
hiaticiila 453
himautopuB 480
hudsonica 459
hyperborea 4G9
interpres 459
islaiulica 491, 492
lincolniensis 489
littoral is 489
lobata 4(59
lomatina 491
longicauda 503
macularia 501
maculata 484, 486
maritiuia 488
melauota 4h4
melauotus 487
inoriiiella 459
miuutilla 482
mnltifasciti/ta 480
nsBvia 491
naua 482
nigricans 489
notata 502
oabuensis 459
ocbropns 498
pectoralis 484, 486
ptilocnemis 491
pusilla481,482,489
pygniiBa 492
rufa 491
rufesceiis 506
ruficollis 489
scbinzii 484, 487
seniipaliiiiita 481
solitaria 498
squatarola 448
striata 489
subaifiuata 491
Bubnilieollis 500
subtridactyla 449
uiidata 489
utopiciisis 491
varia 448
variabilis 489, 490
wilsoui 482

Tringites

iiiaeularius 502

Tringoidt's

bartratuins 503
bypolt'ucus 502
niaculariiis 5U1,502
rui'»'scens 506

tringoides,

Calidris 492

Triorclit'S

11 u vial is 3(;7
lagopus ;>()1

tripeiiiiis,
Strix306

triatis,

Astragalimis 116
Cardmlis lir>
Chrvsomitris 116
Friiigilla 116

Trocbilidic 269

Trocbilus

anreigaster 271

colnbris 271

luoutauus 271

platycercus 271
Troglodytidai 27
Troglodytes

aedon 32, 231

alasceusis 33

albicolli8^28

americauus 32

arundiuaceus 29

bewickii 31

brevirostns 36

europteus 33

fiilvus 32

fur V us 32

byemalis 33, 231

leucogastra 31

ludovicianus 29

niexicauus 28

murarius 28

obsoletus 27

l)acificus 33

palustris 34

parkmaiuii 32,231

liarvulus 231

spihuus 31

stellaris od

Bvlvestris 32
troglodytes,

Anortbura 33, 231

Sylvia 33
trow'bridgei,

CEdeuiia 582

Peliouetta 582
trudeaui,

Colmiiba 387

Pboetusa 675

Sterua 675

Tbalasseus 675
Trudeau's Teru 675
True

Ibises 517

Ilerous 517

Kails 533
Trumpeter Swan 544
trydactvla,

Tringa 492
Trynga

falcinella 492

tridactyla 492
Tryngites

rufesceus 506
tscbegrava,

Sterna 667
Tulted Titmouse 19
turati,

Drvobates 283

Picus 283
Turdus

aliciiB 4

aoualaschka 3

acpiaticus 71

ater 193

audubonii '.i

aurocapiilus 70

canadensis 1

carolinensis 8

coiilinis I

curunatua 70

Turdus

densus 2

felivox 9

fuseescens 5, 228

guttatus 3

hudsouicns 198

jugularis 193

labradorius 198

lividus 9

ludovicianus 72

melodus 2

migratorius 1,228

minimus 4

minor 3, 4, 6

montauns 7

motacilla 72

mustelinus 2, 5

nanus 3, 4

noveboracensis 71, 196

olivaceus 4

pallasi 2, 228

polyglottus 8

rufus 9

silens 6

solitarins 3, 4

swaiusoni 4,228,233

tricbas 74

ustulatus 4, 5

vireus 77

■wilsoni 6
Turkey Buzzard 379
Turkey,

Common Wild 391
Turkeys 391
Turtur

fuscus 3-87

in die us 387

leucopterus 387
Tyraunida- 235
Tyraunnla

acadiea 249

attinis 259

bogotensis 247

cinerascens 239

cooperi 244

crinita 239

llaviventris 255

fnsca 241

banjuiondii 257

minima 254

uuuciola 241

obscura 258

pallida 240

j)b(i'lu' 247

pusilia 249,252,256

riebanlsonii 247

sava 24(1

traillii 252

virens 245
Tyraunus

atrice|)s247

boreal is 243

car«>linensis 235

cassini 23H

cooperi 244

crinitus 239

forlicattis 235

liiseus 241

intropidiis 236

initabiiis •J39

loucogaater 236

788

INDEX.

Tyrannus

urophasiauellus,

velasquezii,

Itulovicianns 239

Tetrao 407

Icteria 77

niexicanus 235

uropbasianus,

velei,

niiiiuta 255

Ceutrocercus 400

Contopus 247

pluube 247

Tetrao 400

velox.

pipiri 236

urubitiuga.

Falco 334

pusilliis 252

Catbartes 383

velvetiua.

saya 240

urubu.

Melanetta 582

Bayii 240

Catbartes 384

Oidemia 582

traillii 252

Percuopt.erus 384

venusta.

vertical is 236

Vultur 384

Callipepla 432

vieillottii 236

urucurea,

Vermivora

vireus 245

Strix 322

celata 52

vociferans 238

ustulatus.

cbrysoptera 49

tyranDUS,

Turdus 4, 5

fulvicapilla 48

Lanius 235

utopiensis,

uigrescens 55

Muscicapa 236

Triuga 491

peunsylvanica 48
peregriua 53

V.

protonotaria 47

U.

[439

rara 57

Valley Quail of California

rubricapilla 50

uljginosus

vallisneria.

solitaria 49

Circus 328

Anas 575

vermivora,

Falco 328

Aristonetta 575

Helmitberus 48

Strigiceps 328

Aytbya 575

Helinaia 48

Ulula

Fuligula 575

Motacilla 48

acadica 315

Nyroca 575

Sylvia 48

bracbyotus 306

Vanelius

Sylvicola 48, 50

ciuerea 308

griseus 448

verticalis,

cunicularia321,322

belveticus 448

Laphyctes 236

flammea 298

melanogaster 449

Muscicapa 236

lappouica 308

varia,

Tyrannus 236

uebulosa 309

^rolia 492

vesi3ertina,

otus 304

Certbia 45

Coccotbraustes 104

teugmalmi 314

Cladoscopus 285

Friugilla 104

virginiaua 300

Dendrocopus 285

Hesperipboua 104

ulula,

Larus 605

versicolor,

Asio 306

Motacilla 45

Hirundo 91

Otus 306

Mniotilta 45

Quiscalus 203

Strix 306,311,312

Oriolus 193

viduata.

Suruia 311,312

Pica 211 [286

Anas 559

ultramarinns,

Picus 279, 282,284, 285,

Dendrocygna 559

Cor V us 219

Piluniuus 285

vieilloti.

Garrulus 219

Pluvialia 448

Tyrannus 236

umbelloides,

Sitta 25

vigorsii.

Bouasa 421, 425

Spbyrapicus 285, 286

Sylvia 69

umbellus,

Strix 309

Vireo 69

Bonasa 420, 421, 425

Sylvia 45

villi ca,

Tetrao 420, 421

Sylvicola 45

Muscicapa 244

umbria,

Tringa 448

villosus.

Motacilla 58

Xautborus 193

Dryobates 279

unalaskensis.

variabilis.

Picus 279, 280

Fiiugilla 162

Accipiter 327

Tricbopicus 279

Passerella 162

Numenius 489

Tricbopipo 279

unclata,

Pelidna 489

viola.

Picus 284

Tringa 489

. Fuligula 560

Tringa 489

variegatus,

violacea,

undosus,

Circus 327, 328

Cecropis 91

Picus 284

Erolia 492

Hirundo 91

uudulatus,

Falco 323

Violet-green Swallow 8<

Picus 284

Totanus 503

Viral va 703

Tridactylia 285

varius {see varia)

anglica 664

unicolor,

vauxii,

leucopareia 704

Auous 710

Acaut.bvlis268

leucoptera 708

Cinclus 70

Cbajtura 268

nigra 704

Upland Plover 502

Cypselus 268

virens,

uraleusis,

Veery 5, 228

Contopus 245, 247

Strix 311

vegeta,

Dendrceca 54

urinator,

Sylvia 75

Icteria 77

Colymbus 729

Tricbas 75

Mniotilta 54

INDEX.

789

vireus,

Motacilla 54

My i arch us 245

Myiobius 245

Pyrocephaliis 246

Ehimauphus 54

Sylvia 54

Sylvicola 54

Turdus 77

Tyrannnla 245

TyrauDua 245
Vireo,

Bell's 101

Blue-headed 99

Brotherly-love 97, 233

Pluiiibeons 100

Ked-eyed 96

Solitary 99

Warblln^' 97

White-eyed 100

Yellow-throated 98
Vireo

belli 101

bogotensis 96

cassiui 99

flavifrons 98

gilvus 97, 98

luusicus 100

noveboraceusis 100

olivaceus 9(5

philadelphicus 97, 233

plumbeus 100

Bolitarius 99, 100

swainsoui 98

vigorsii 69

virescens 96
Vireouida3 96
Vireosylvia

cobaneusis 97

flavifrons 98

gilva 98

olivacea 96

pliiladelphica 97

phiinbea 100

soli tar ia 99

swainsoui 98

viciuior [Arizona, Hen
shaw ; several speci-
mens; first discovered
since the type]
virescens,

Aganiia 522

Ardea 522

Botanrns 522

Butorides 522

Chak()i)hanes 198

Egret ta 522

Herodias 522

Muscicapa 245

Ocuiseus 522

Platyrliynchus 249

Vireo 96
virgata,

Anas 558
Virginia,

Muscicapa 239
Virginia;,

UclmiDthophaga 51

Virginia's Warbler 51
Virginian

Partridge 431

Quail 431

Rail 535

Redbird 172
virginianus.

Bubo 300, 301

Caprimulgus 260, 263

Cardiualis 172

Charadrius 450

Chordeiles 263

Coccothranstes 172

Friugilla 180

Ortyx 431

Otus 300

Parns 58

Perdix 431

Pious 279, 282

Rallus 536

Strix 300

Tetrao 431

Ulula 300
virginicus,

Charadrius 449, 450

Pluvialis 450
viridis,

Chelidon 86

Hirundo b6

Icteria 77

Muscicapa 77

Pendulinus 193
v-nigra,

Soiuateria 581
vocifera,

^gialitis 452

Antrostonius 263

Caprimulgus 260

Charadrius 452

Oxyeclius 452

Scolopax 496

Totanus 496
vociferans,

Laphyctes 238

Tyrannus 238
vulgaris,

Arenaria 492

Buteo 353, 356

Caracara371

Catarractes 605

Clangula 576

Otus 304, 305

Polyborus 371
Vultur "

atratns 383

aura 379, 380, 384

brasiliensis 383

californicus 384

cheriway 370

coluuibianus 384

iota 380, 384

iiiger 3H4

l)lancus 370

urulMi 384
Vultures,

Auurican 373
vulturinus,

Cathavtes384

W.

Wading Birds 448

AVagtail 40

wapacuthu,
Nyctea 310
Strix 310

Warbler

Audubon's 58, 232
Bay-breasted 01
Black-and-white 45
Black-and-yellow 62
Blackburniau 59
Black-capped Green 79
Black-poll 60 [232

Black-throated Gray 55,
Black-thro'ted Green 54
Blue 233

Blue Golden-winged 49
Blue-winged Yellow 49,

233
Blue Yellow-backed 46
Canadian Flycat'ng 80
Chestnut-sided 62
Coeruleau 56
Creeping 45
Flycatching 70
Golden 54

Gray Black-throated 55
Greeu Black-capped 79
Green Black-thro'ted 54
Hooded Flycatching 78
Kentucky 73
Macgiiiivray's 75, 232
Monruing 75
Nashville 50
Pine-creeping 69
Prairie 63
Prothonotary 47
Red-poll 67
Summer 54
Tennessee 53
Virginia's 51
AVilson's Flycatch'g 79
Worm-eating 48
Yellow Red- poll 67
Yeilo\v-rumpc<l 57, 233
Yellow-throat'd 66,233

Warbling Vireo 97

warneckii,
Larus 648

Warrior,

Black 352

washingtonii,
Falco 370
llalia;tus370

AVater

Ouzel 10
Tlirusb 71

Water- witch 738

Wavy,

Horned 553

Wnxwing,

BolitMiian 91
Caruiiua 93

Wedge-tailed Gull 660

Western Bluebird 14, 229
Grebe 727

790

INDEX.

Western

Honied Lark 231

House Wreu 32

Pcwee 247
Wbip(toor\vill 2G0
Wbippooi'will.

Niittall's 2G1
Whistle-wiLig 576
Whistliug Swan 545
White

Brant 548, 549

Crane 529

Eagle

Heron 519

Owl 298

Pelican 587
White-bellied

Nuthatch 23

Swallow 8G
White-browed Chickadee 22
White-crowned Sparrow 154
White-eyed Vireo 100
White- fronted Goose 540
White-beaded Eagle 360
White-necked Raven 206
White-rniuped

Sandpiper 487

Shrike 102
White-tailed

Ptarmigan 425

Eagle 368
White-tbroated

Sparrow 151

Swift 265

Wren 28
White- winged

Crossbill 110

Gull 623

Tern 708
•whitneyi,

Athene 320

Micrathene 320
Whitney's Owl 320
Wboopiug Crane 529
•widhalmi,

Podiceps 729
Widgeon,

American 564
wiedi,

Cvanoccphalus 210

Actitis 502
Wild Pigeon 387
Willet 494
■williamsii,

Phalaropus 470
willianisoui,

Cladoscopus 288

Melanerpes 28S

Picus 288

Spbyrapicus 288 [288
Williamson's Woodpecker
■wilsoni,

Actodromas 482

Athene 315

Bntoo 360

Erniiaca 13

Falco 300

Fulica 541

Gallinago 475

Holopodius 467

wilsoni,

Lobipes 467

Mernla 4, 6

Muscicapa 79

Myiodioctes 79

Phaloropus 467

Pcecilopternis 360

Scolopax 475

Setopbaga 79

Sialia 13

Sterna 680

Squatarola 449

Steganopus 467

Sylvania 79

Sylvia 79

Tringa 482

Turdus 6
Wilsoni a

bouapartii 80

mitrata 78

pusilla 79
wilsouianus.

Otus 304, 305
wilsonins,

^gialitis 456

Cbaradrius 456

Ochthodromus 456
Wilson's [79

Black-capped Warbler

Flycat'ing Warbler 79

Green Warbler 79

Pbalarope 467

Plover 456

Sandpiper 482

Snipe 475

Thrush 5

Warbler 79

Woodcock 472
Wood

Duck 571

Ibis 513

Partridge 394

Pewee 245

Tattler 498

Thrush 2
woodhousei,

Aphelocoma 219

Cyanocitta 219
Woodbouse's Jay 219
Woodpecker

Banded Three-toed 284

Black-backed 284

Black-breasted 288

Downy 282

Golden-winged 292

Hairy 279

Lewis's 291

Mexican 294

Pileated 278

Eed-bellied 289

Red-headed 290

Red-shafted 294

Williamson's 288

Yellow-bellied 285
Worm-eating Warbler 48
Wren,

Bewick's 31

Carolina 29

House 32

Long-billed Marsh 34

Wren,

Marsh 34
Mexican 28
Parkman's 231
Rock 27, 230
Rubv-crowned 16
Short-billed Marsh 36
Western House 32
White-throated 28
Winter 33

Wright's Flycatcher 258

X.

Xanthocephalns

icterocephalus 188

perspicillatus 188
xanthocephalns,

Agelains 188

Icterus 188
xanthocheilus,

Charadrius 450

Pluvialis 450
xanthogastra,

Chrysomitris 117
xanthomasehalis,

Fringilla 167
xanthopygia,

Sylvia 58
Xanthornus

affinis 193

bullockii 195

flavus 193

spurius 193

varius 193
xanthoroa,

Sylvia 58
Xema 650, 651

atricilla 651

bonapartei 656

collar is 661

frauklinii 654

furcatum 662

sabinei 661

Y.

Yellowbird 116
Yellow^

Blue-winged Warbl'r 49

Rail 539

Red-poll Warbler 67

Warbler 67 [ler40

Yellow-backed Blue Warb-
Yellow-bellied

Flycatcher 255

Woodpecker 285
Yellow-billed

Cuckoo 275

Loon 720
Yellow-breasted Chat 77
Yel'w-crown'd Warbl'r 232
Yellow-beaded Bl'kbird 188
Yellow-rump'd Warbler 57
Yellowthroat,

Maryland 74
Yellow-throated

Vireo 98

Warbler 66, 233

INDEX.

791

YellowsLanks,

Greater 496

Lesser 497
Yellow-wiug'd Sparrow 131
yetapa,

Elanoides 332
Yphautes

baltiinore 193

bulldckii 195

spurius 193

Z.

zebra,

Picns 289
Zebrapiciis

carol inus 289
Zenaida

leucoptera 387

Zenaidnra

caroliuensis 389
margiuellus 389

zouarins,

Passerculus 136

zonorbyucba,
Gaviua 637
Glaucns 637
Lariis 637

Zouotricbia

ahindiua 128
albicollis 151
arctica 128
aurocapilla 159
belli 234

blaudiugiana 176
breweri 151
cassiui 140
cblorura 176

Zonotrichia
comata 157
coronata 159
fallux 139
fasciata 139
gaiiibeli 156
graniiuea 129
guttata 139
iliaca 160
iutermedia 156
leucopbrys 154, 156
liucohiii 135
nielodia 138
nionticola 146
pallida 149
pusilla 148
queruhi 157
rufiua 1()2
socialis 143

Additions and Corrections to Index.

amencana,

Ardea 530, nee 529

Fulica 541 [530

Grus 530, 531, nee 529,
Aramides

caroliua 538

jaiuaiceusis 540
Aramns

elegans 535, nee 534
Ardea

araericana 530, nee 529

canadensis 532, nee 531
atra,

Fulica 541
Black Rail 539
canadensis,

Grus 532, vee 531
Carolina Rail 538
caroliua,

Aramides 538

Crex 538

Galliuula 538

Porzana 538

Rail us 538
cbilensis,

Ortygometra 540
claniator,

Grus 530, nee 529

Coot 541
Crecicus

jamaicensis 540
crepitans, [535

Rallus 535, 536, nee 534,
Crex

Carolina 538

galeata 540

pygma'a 540
elegans,

Pardirallus 535, nee 534

Rallus ri:!5, nee 534
Florida Galliuula 540
fraterculns,

Grus 532, nee 531
Fulica

americana 541

atra 541

noveboracensis 539

wilsoni 541
fuscus,

Grus 532, nee 531
galeata,

Crex 540

Galliuula 540
Galliuula

Carolina 538

cbloropus 540

Galliuula

galeata 540
noveboraceusis 539
saliuasi 540

Grus [529, 531

americana 530, 532, nee
canadensis 532, nee 531
clamator 530, nee 529
fraterculus 532, nee 531
fusca 532, nee 531
boyanus 230, nee 529
longirostris 532, nee 531
mexicana 532, nee 531
poliopba^a 532, nee 531
pratensis 532, nee 531
strutbio 530, nee 529

boyanus,

Grus 530, nefi 529

jamaicensis,

Aramides 540
Crecicus 540
Ortygometra 540
Porzana 540
Rallus 540

If