Ly 1 . ‘ ‘ ‘ * ; ‘ 4 M ‘ wie ¥ ‘ . t 4 "; "y ‘ ’ * $9 ‘ r ‘ ‘ x we . F i i n iea® f vary 4 ‘ 4 re ‘ . , ‘ ' » 4 ‘ ay 3 4 : ‘ ‘ . % . y i ‘ ‘ GH \ ' ' " . . h% , 4 . D ve ‘ y ; ” ¢ r " ¢ ‘ ¥ ws J ‘ ‘ ‘ 1 ; 4 y ¥ * ‘ . ‘ . ¢ ‘ f “ i ! ; ; % E ‘ ° . —- .<—* ‘se “he United States ras O é - BeOS LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. | chalet .. vopyright No... “sheit Pe. G4 opy ight No. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Thea Ae - OR, on 4 BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES EAST OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS A MANUAL FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIES IN HAND Ok IN THE BUSH / By AUSTIN C. APGAR AUTHOR OF ‘‘ TREES OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES,”’ ETC. ——-0 595 0o—_—_. al OF Co f Zeon BY OF CORE OF riCE “oN * MAY 1.01898 NEW YORK.-:.CINCINNATI-:. CHICAGO PPM ERICAN BOOK COMPANY 7 + “ ’ r Es , ra t z ~ tay rs Dick * ag Se ae eS + ' ‘ p v. i =e - 6625 i ie Copyrieut, 1898, BY AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY. a ‘ APGAR’S BIRDS. 7 . W.P.I + a; ~e ae ty “3 1 ee 4 2 a.) ~~ may i; PREFACE Mucu interest and enjoyment may be added to our lives by familiarity with those most beautiful, sprightly, and musi- cal forms of life, ——the birds. Yet few of us know or even see more than a very small part of the feathered songsters of our woods, fields, and waysides. The object of this book is to encourage the study of a by rendering it a pleasant and easy task. The introductory chapters explain briefly the meaning of technical terms used by ornithologists. These chapters are designed chiefly for reference, a much smaller vocabulary being employed in the body of the book. The descriptions have been prepared with great care, and present several advantages over those in other books: (1) They are short, being limited to points essential to the identification of the species. : (2) They consist generally of only two connected sen- tences, which can readily be recalled while looking at a bird. They are thus especially adapted for field use. (3) Sufficient reference is made to the changes due to sex, age, and season, without describing in any particular species all the phases found in nature. 3 4 : PREFACE (4) They are adapted for the use of beginners in the study of birds, not for reference by ornithologists, who have access to more comprehensive works. Keys, if properly arranged, furnish the easiest and most practicable method of enabling beginners to identify species. The Keys in this book were originally prepared as aids in discovering the names of birds by examination of their external features only. They were thus printed, and used | by over a thousand students under the direct supervision of the author. Every difficulty encountered by the pupils suggested to the author changes to render the Keys more effectual; and now, after their final revision, they are so simply and carefully arranged that even a child can follow them with ease, and discover by their aid the names of birds both in the hand and in the bush. Two series of Keys have been introduced: (1) Keys to be used only with birds in the hand; that is, with prepared skins, mounted specimens, or recently killed birds. These place emphasis on the parts which change least with age, sex, or season, and give exact measurements of these parts. (2) Keys to be used in the field for identifying the living birds that frequent our fields and groves. These emphasize such features as can be seen with the naked eye or through an opera glass, with the birds at some distance from the observer. In these Keys the birds are separated for conven- lence into groups, determined by their relation in size to our most familiar birds, the English sparrow and the robin. The illustrations were drawn especially for this work by Miss Ada Collins Apgar and Mr. Richard B. Farley, and their scientific accuracy and careful execution add much to PREFACE 5 the value and the interest of the book. The line under each eut represents an inch, and can be used in measuring the various parts. Its main purpose, however, is to show the scale of the drawing. If the line is half an inch long, it indicates that the illustration is one half as large as the living bird; if the line is but one tenth inch, the scale is but one tenth; etc. The map on page 41 shows the territory covered by the _ birds described in this book. Because of the migration of birds, a book describing all the species of a given section necessarily includes nearly all those of regions extending hundreds of miles beyond. Hence the ground covered by this book practically extends to Ontario, Quebec, ete. In nomenclature and classification, the “Check List of North American Birds,” by the American Ornithologists’ Union, has been followed without any change, except a re- versal of the order of the families, the higher classes of birds being placed first. The numbers with the scientific names in parenthesis are in accordance with those in the Check List. These numbers will be found useful in com- paring the descriptions with those in other books where the same classification is followed; also in labeling specimens of eggs, nests, or birds, without writing the full names. The common name at the beginning of each description is the one given in the Check List; the names at the end in parenthesis are others in popular use. Scientific names are marked to indicate the pronunciation. The vowel of the accented syllable is marked with the grave accent (*) if long, and with the acute (’) if short. Through the kindness of the authorities of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and of the American ‘ 6 PREFACE Museum of Natural History, of New York, the large collec- tions in both museums were placed at the disposal of the artists and the author. Thanks are due especially to Mr. Witmer Stone, Mr. Samuel N. Rhodes, Dr. J. A. Allen, and Mr. Frank M. Chapman for valuable advice and assistance. AUSTIN C. APGAR. State Normat ScHoo., TRENTON, NEw JERSEY. EXTERNAL PARTS AND CHAPTER I. II. KEY, CLASSIFICATION, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES VIII. CONTENTS PART I DESCRIPTION BIRDS AND THEIR FEATHERS HEAD AanpD Bopy THE BILL . WiuncGs LEGs . THe TalIL. Voice, MovEMENT, AND MIGRATION NeEsts anD Eces PART II METHOD OF USING THE KEY KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF BIRDS Percuinc Brrps HUMMINGBIRDS, GOATSUCKERS, ETC. WoopPECKERS AND WRYNECKS Cuckoos, KINGFISHERS, ETC. . Parrots, Macaws, Erc. Birps oF PREY Pigeons, Etc. . GALLINACEOUS BirRps fod ( THE TERMS NEEDED FOR THEIR 39 42 49 166 171 179 183 184 214 219 ° ‘CONTENTS ORDER IX. Suore Birps .. X. Rats, Cravzs, Ere. 4 XI. Herons, Storxs,; Etc. . 3 ToorH-BILLED WAbERS. : - ToorTu-BILLED SwIMMERS ToTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. — TUBE-NOSED SwIMMERS . LONG-wWINGED SWIMMERS. Divine Birps . PART II Tue Stupy oF Birps IN THE FIELD Key To Birps IN THE FIELD PART IV PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS . ke GLOSSARY INDEX . iat a” bal i) i PART I EXTERNAL PARTS AND THE TERMS NEEDED FOR THEI. DESCRIPTION —_—ot9300— CHAPTER BIRDS AND THEIR FEATHERS THERE is no group in Nature which can be defined so accu- rately and so easily as that of birds. Birds are animals with feathers. All animals with feathers are birds. Many other peculiarities might be mentioned; many statements might be made about the structure and the organs of birds, which would make us realize more comprehensively the differences between them and other animate forms. A complete definition is neces- sary for the ornithologist; but many years’ work in botany and zodlogy in schoolrooms has convinced the author that such statements are beyond the comprehension of beginners, and that any attempt to force them on the pupils at the start results in loss of interest in the work. Full knowledge is a growth, hence the end, not the beginning, of the book is the place for a complete definition of birds. The great external parts of birds are the coe the body, the tail, the wings, and the legs; these parts will be treated in . subsequent chapters. The feathers form the covering, more or less complete, of all these parts. Feathers are the most won- derfully complex and perfect of skin growths. They not only protect the body from the effects of all atmospheric changes, « ; 9 e 10 EXTERNAL PARTS but form the best and lightest of all flying organs. Some study of the parts of feathers and a knowledge of the descrip- tive terms applied to them are important. Parts and kinds of feathers. — Every feather’ consists of the main scape, or stem, and the two webs. The scape has first the hollow portion, the calamus or quill, and then the four-sided sa solid portion, the | rliachis, which ex- tends to the tip of the feather. The rhachis bears on each of its sides lateral processes called barbs. _ These, with the a | rhachis, form the 1 spreading portion of the feather, the vane. The calamus has an opening at the bottom through which the pulp penetrates, and another open- ing, the superior aperture or umbilicus, on the lower side where the calamus joins the rhachis. The barbs are narrow plates obliquely joining the rhachis, and tapering to points at their free ends, their edges being directed upward and downward when the vane is horizontal. On the sides of the barbs are minute processes, called barbules, branching from the barbs as the barbs branch from the rhachis. These barbules are often serrated and terminated by little hooks which interlock with hooks on the next barbule. (All these parts can be seen with the naked eye, or by the aid of a magnifying glass. With a microscope, the barbules will be found to divide again into barbicels or cilia and hooklets, forming a fringe to the barbules.) This gives firmness to the vane. If there is no inter- locking of barbules, downy? feathers are formed. Sometimes the scape is very long, and the barbs are very short; such feathers are called filament” feathers, or jiloplumes. Pico . f F Lr BIRDS AND THEIR FEATHERS 11 * Many a feather ®* has, besides what is above described, another rhachis, on its lower side, called an aftershaft. This after- shaft joins the scape at the umbilicus, and has on its sides barbs and barbules about the same as those on the main rha- chis. This part of the feather, even when present, is, in all of our birds, much smaller than the main ‘ vane. The figure ‘Sistteett shows a feather from the back of the English sparrow, with an aftershaft, and, at the right, the aftershaft separated from the feather. The description so far given is that of the usual feather, and, if the aftershaft is present, of a complete feather. There are, however, many modifications of these forms, concerning which some knowledge is important. First, as has already been said, the aftershaft is frequently wanting. Sometimes the barbs are found on only one side of the rhachis; this makes a one- sided vane. Frequently the barbs are lacking on both sides, thus changing the feather to a bristle,* as around the mouth, nostrils, and eyelids of most birds. Some- hs times the barbs lack barbules on certain sections-‘of “~~ —— their length, forming feathers with transparent por- tions. Sometimes the barbs are so far apart that there can be no locking of barbules, even when present; this causes the for- mation, in certain cases, of the most beautiful of plumes, as in the “aigrette ” of the herons during the breeding season. In review, it is well to recall the types of feathers spoken of in the foregoing pages, and to notice examples of each, as shown in the English sparrow. 1. The typical feather, or pen feather, where the interlocking of the barbs is complete, as in the great quills of the wing. 2. The complete feather, where there is an aftershaft as well as the main vane, as in the larger feathers of the back. Le EXTERNAL PARTS 3. The downy feather, or plume’ feather, where the stem is short and weak, the rhachis soft, and the barbs have long, slender, thread-like barbules without hooklets. These are abundant everywhere over the body of the sparrow, under and among the feathers which form the outer coating. 4. The hairy’ feathers, where the stem is very long and slen- der and the vanes very small. These can readily be seen after plucking the feathers from the sparrow as, apparently, hairs scattered over the body. They are the parts singed off by the cook before preparing a bird for the oven. 5. The bristly feathers or bristles,? where the rheatae lacks vanes either throughout, or toward, the external end. These are abundant around the mouth of the sparrow. Many feathers show in different portions two or even more of the above types. A complete feather may have a downy base, a pennaceous center, and a bristly? tip. Location of different kinds of feathers.— The feathers which form the great bulk of the plumage of birds are called contour feathers. These usually consist of a perfect stem or quill at the base, an interlocked or pennaceous tip, and a downy por- tion between. They give outline, color, and most of the orna- mental appendages of birds. Among the different birds there is a wonderful variety of contour feathers. They range from the almost fish-like scales of the penguins to the magnificent gorget of the hummingbirds. In their various modifications they form almost all the gorgeous crests, tufts, ruffs, and plumes which render the birds the most beautiful of animate forms. These contour feathers can all be moved by muscles situated under the skin. Many birds have thousands of these feather muscles, by the aid of which the feathers can be made to stand erect, as can readily be seen in the turkey when its tail is erected and its feathers ruffled up, giving the bird the appearance of great beauty and of twice its usual size. Under these contour feathers and usually entirely hidden from view, but forming more or less of a complete covering to the body, there are the downy feathers. These have the plume- BIRDS AND THEIR FEATHERS to like structure throughout. They frequently consist of a stem without any rhachis, the barbs forming merely a tuft at the end of the quill. Finally, there are among the contour feathers, coming from the same holes in the skin, long, slender, almost hair-like parts, filament feathers, or hair’ feathers. These have little distinction of stem and rhachis, and almost no barbs at all, though some- times there are a few small ones near the end of the rhachis. Besides the foregoing, which can be found on nearly all birds, there are peculiar growths which are characteristic of certain groups, distinguishing them from others. Thus the herons and a few other birds have on their breast and hips downy feathers which continue to grow indefinitely; but as fast as they grow the ends crumble to powder, forming a whit- ish, greasy or dusty spot. These are called powder-down tracts, and are covered with powder-down feathers. Very few birds have the feathers equally distributed over the skin. Most birds have the feathers closely placed on cer- tain patches or bands of the body, while other spaces are either entirely bare (as the lower breast and belly of the English sparrow), or merely covered with down. The penguins and toucans have the skin almost entirely and evenly covered with feathers, but the great majority of birds have large open or naked spaces as far as the skin is concerned, though the plum- age as a whole in most cases really covers the body com- pletely. There are a few exceptions; thus the head and more or less of the neck are naked in such birds as the vultures, buzzards, ete. The general marking or coloring of a bird depends upon the changes in the coloring of its individual feathers. Mottled plumage is given by margined® feathers; streaked plumage by striped* feathers ; spotted plumage by dotted® feathers, and barred plumage by cross-striped® feathers. 14 EXTERNAL PARTS CHAPTER II HEAD AND BODY CERTAIN regions of the head and body have received special names, which are much used in descriptions. A few diagrams and definitions of these parts will be necessary. The top of the head (see cut) is the crown; in front of this next the bill is the. forehead ; back of the crown is the nape. Above the eye there is a region often marked by a peculiar color; this is the superciliary line, in this book usually called” the line over eye. A line around the eye has been called orbital NOSTRIL IN x. | NASAL FOSSA’ -- ( AURICULARS ° \. aug we \ Angle of Mouth = ring. A straight band extending from the eye to the bill is called the lore; this strip is bare of feathers on many swim- ming birds. Below and back of the eye, in the region of the ear, are the auriculars. This region, including a little below it, forms the cheek. The back corner of the mouth forms the rictus. This section is often bristly with hairs which are called rictal bristles, HEAD AND BODY 15 The space just below the bill in front is the chin (see cut) ; below this, to about the bend of the closed wing (sometimes including the chin), is the throat. The greatest bulging portion of the body in front is the breast. From this backward, under the body, about to the legs in most birds, is the belly. Back of the position of the legs, in typical birds like the English sparrow, is the anal region (this is not marked on the diagram), ee cK 5 — el ARS & SHOULDERS vECAPUL G SQ Fan =--—= Y; se OSS eee eae Saar @ and still further back is the crissum, or under tail coverts. From the hind neck about half way to the tail is the back ; next comes the rump, and then the upper tail coverts. The under and upper tail coverts are formed of those feathers which cover the stem portion of the tail feathers. By the side of the back there are often a number of enlarged feathers, and these form the scapu- lars or shoulders. Under the wings are the sides in front, and the flanks back of them. In the description of birds in Part I1., the expression back or upper parts is often used, in a more general sense, to include all of the back, rump, ete. Inthe same way below is used to include nearly all the lower parts. 16 EXTERNAL PARTS CHAPTER III THE BILL Tue bills of birds, although equipped with neither lips nor teeth, have many offices. They are implements for cutting, handling, and carrying; they are organs of touch or feeling; they contain the nostrils for breathing and smelling. With the possible exception of the legs, no feature of birds is more varied in form, size, or appendages, or is more frequently used NOSTRIL IN ee FOSSA 5 ——— | AURICULARS - a in systems of classification. Birds can often be classified into families by noting the peculiarities of the bill alone. It would therefore be well to study this chapter thoroughly before using the “ Key to the Families of Birds.” Parts of the bill.— The two great parts are the wpper mandible and the lower mandible. These consist of projecting skull bones covered by a horny material, usually comprising one piece for each jaw. Both jaws are movable. The lower jaw, in most birds, has a great range of movement, while that of the upper jaw is but slight. In parrots this is reversed, the upper jaw having THE BILL ey the greater range. The ridge along the upper side of the upper mandible is the culmen, that along the lower side of the lower is the gonys. The gonys extends from the tip of the bill to where the central ridge forks; these two ridges at the base are called the rhami (singular rhamus). The angle of the gonys is between the gonys and the rhami. The openings in the upper mandibles are the nostrils. These openings are frequently found in grooved portions of the bill; in such eases the groove is called the nasal fossa (plural fosse). The gape is the whole opening of the mouth. Though rictus is sometimes used to mean the same thing, it is usually and more properly restricted to the back corner of the mouth as ex- plained below. The term commissure is used to indicate the edges of the mouth when closed, and the commissural point or angle is the back angle of the mouth. The word tomia is used to indicate the cutting edges of the mandibles. The rictus proper extends from the basal end of the tomia to the corner of the mouth. The covering of the bill.— The sheath-like covering of the mandibles is usually hard and horny as in the sparrows, but in many groups of birds it becomes, in part or as a whole, soft and skin-like, and is furnished with nerves of feeling. Most water birds, especially, have soft, leathery, or skin-like and very sensitive coverings to the bills, for feeling the food in the mud at the bottom of the water. A duck has a hard, so-called nail at the tip of the upper mandible.’ A pigeon has a bill, soft at base and hard at tip, and a soft, swollen membrane at the top base of the upper mandible, roofing the nostrils.” Eagles, hawks, and parrots have a peculiar covering over the base of the upper mandible extending beyond the nostrils.° This covering is so peculiar that it is given a special name, the cere,* because it frequently has a waxy appearance. In the 1 APGAR’S BIRDS. — 2 18 ; EXTERNAL PARTS parrots the cere is generally covered with feathers, and looks much like a part of the forehead, but as the nostrils open through it, it must be considered as part of the bill. Positions of the nostrils. — The nostrils are frequently in a sort of hollow which has already been spoken of as a nasal fossa.’ The groove, if long and narrow, is sometimes called the nasal sulcus.2. Many birds show no evident fosse at all, but the nostrils open flush with the surface of the bill.’ There are a number of terms used to denote the position which the nostrils occupy in the upper mandible. They are almost universally lateral,* that is, on the sides of the mandi- ble, away from the ridge; rarely they are culminal,’ that is, together on the ridge of the culmen. The position on the sides, with reference to the width and length of the man- dible, is defined as follows: superior® indicates a position above the central line between the culmen and the tomia, and inferior’ below it; basal® indicates a position at the fore- head; suwb-basal® near it; median” half way between the base and the tip of the bill; terminal" nearer the tip than the base. Kinds of nostrils. — The nostrils are usually open or pervious. Sometimes they are not distinctly open, in which case they are said to be impervious. Usually the two nostrils are sepa- rated by a partition; they are then said to be imperforate.” Rarely it is possible to see through the nostrils from side to side, as in the turkey buzzard, when they are said to be per- forate."* Forms of nostrils. — A linear™ nostril is elongated and of wm sy «: 7 8 9 THE BILL 19 about equal width throughout; clavate, or club-shaped,” indi- eates an enlargement at the end nearer the tip of the bill, and ovate ® at the end nearer the base of the bill. An oval” nostril is widest near the middle and wide for its length, while an elliptical ® one is narrower. If the nostril is about as wide as long, it is called circular; if there is a raised border to the eircular nostril, it is called tubular.” Appendages to the nostrils. — The usual plan is to have the opening through material like the covering of the rest of the bill, of soft skin in the snipes, and of horn in the sparrows. Some- times there is a special piece of about the same material as the bill either above or below the nostril, called a nasal scale.74 A more frequent appendage consists of feathers proper or bristle- tipped feathers. These are usually frontal feathers, more or less changed into bristles; often entirely filling the nasal fosse, and frequently so covering the base of the bill as completely to cover the nostrils.” This is well seen in the crow and in the blue jay. 3 Sometimes the nostrils have special feathers of their own. If these are separated and quite feather-like, they form nasal tufts.~ When not separated but extending from side to side, they form a ruff.* Those feathers or bristles which are turned forward are called retrorse.” Other appendages to the bill.— The base of the bill is, in hawks, ete., covered by a special membrane extending beyond the nostrils; this is called a cere.® Something somewhat cere-like, but consisting of an enlarged and swollen mem- AAs SO =} Gi. LE. 20 EXTERNAL PARTS. brane’ extending over the nostrils, is found in the doves and in the pigeons. The rictal portion of the mouth is frequently fringed with longer or shorter hairs; these are called rictal bristles.” Shape of the gape. — The gape is straight® when the commis- sural line, formed by the tomia and the rictus, is straight. This line may be curved,’ sinuate,* or angulate.° General size and form of the bill. — The length of the head is used to measure the length of the bill. A Jlong® bill is longer than the head, a short‘ bill shorter, and one of medium length is about as long as the head. A compressed® bill is one flat- tened sideways, so that its height is greater than its width. A depressed ® one is flattened up and down, or is wider than high. A straight™ bill is not only straight throughout its length, but is also in line with the head. If not in line with the head, it is said to be bent." A recurved bill is one that curves upward, and a decurved* bill one that curves downward. A bill may be decurved throughout, or it may have merely a decurved tip.™ The usual bill is sharp-pointed at the end and is called acute.” If it has an abrupt and somewhat rounded end, it is obtuse.° Acuminate” indicates not only an acute end, but a slender bill as well. If very slender and sharp, it is called at- tenuate.® In some cases, as among the hummingbirds, still more emphatic words are needed to denote slenderness and sharpness. Subulate” is more emphatic than attenuate, and acicular indicates the extreme limit in this direction. “<> +9 ae << = St ae 18 THE BILL yA A bill is hooked ® when the upper mandible is abruptly curved over the lower. In such cases the mandible often has teeth along its edge, and the word dentate” is used; if there are a number of teeth of about equal size, the word serrate” is used. Spatulate, or spoon-shaped,” indicates a bill much depressed as well as widened at the end. Cultrate, or knife-shaped,* indicates a much compressed bill with sharp edges. /alcate, or scythe- shaped, indicates a curved, cultrate one. In the crossbill, the upper and lower mandibles are oppositely falcate.” The ducks, geese, and a few other birds have a peculiar set of ridges just within the edges of the mandibles, in certain cases looking much like teeth; they are called lamelle, and a bill that has them, lamellate.” 3 Besides the foregoing general terms, applying more or less to all bills, there are some special forms which have been given names that are-frequently used in descriptions of birds. These — need to be well fixed in mind. Conirostral indicates such a bill as the English sparrow has, — stout at base, conical in form, and with the gape so angulated as to bring the corners of the - mouth down. Conirostral bills are short’ in the sparrows and long” in the orioles. The swallows, etc., have jisstrostral* bills. In this class of bills the culmen is very short, but the gape is both wide and deep, — about as wide as the head and so deep as to reach to the eyes. The creepers and the hum- mingbirds have tenuirostral™® bills. The tenuirostral bill is slender, long, and has a rather short gape. The snipes have longirostral® bills; the bill is elongated, nearly equal in size throughout, and with the upper mandible grooved for the slit- hke nostrils. fe SS sect S 21 22 23 ace 3 < Say 2 24 25 26 27 22. EXTERNAL PARTS CHAPTER IV WINGS Use. —The general purpose of a wing is to be an organ of flight, and in most birds this is its principal use. In a few birds the body is too large and the wings are too small for this office. This is true in the ostrich and a few swimming birds. These use their wings to lighten their weight on the ground and possibly to aid them in running. In a few species, as in the penguins, the wings are not covered with feathers and quills, but with scale-like parts. In these, the wings act almost like the fins of fishes, and just like the paddles of whales and of porpoises, and enable the bird to move through the water almost if not quite as rapidly as any of the fishes. Some birds, as the divers, the dippers, etc., use their wings both for flight and for swimming. Many birds can use their wings as pow- erful weapons in fighting, and some have them fitted with strong and sharp spurs to render them the more useful for this office. Most birds make use of their wings to protect their young from enemies and from storms. Parts. —The bones and the flesh of the wings consist of four readily seen parts,—the upper arm, the forearm, the pinion, and the thumb. : Feathers. — The quills or remiges are the stiffest, strongest, and most pennaceous (pen-like) of feathers, and form the spread WINGS Tag of the wing. These form the flight feathers proper. Their number is smallest in the hummingbird (16) and very large in the albatross (50 or more). Most of the other feathers are smalland very weak; they are used for covering up the bases of the quills, both above and below, and for this reason are called wing coverts. Besides the remiges and coyverts of the wing there is a third group of small quills, fastened to the thumb. These quills form the alula or little wing ; they are generally of little use to the bird. Se oe Quills. — The remiges or quills are readily divided into three groups, according to the joint of wing to which they are attached. Those fastened to the pinion are called pri- maries; those to the forearm, secondaries; and those to the upper arm, ¢ertiaries or tertials. This third term is generally applied rather indifferently to the inner secondaries, those attached to the elbow, which are frequently different in form, size, and color from the other secondaries. Primaries. — In number, the primaries are wonderfully uni- form, being in almost all birds either nine or ten. Not only is . 24 EXTERNAL PARTS there great uniformity with birds in this number, but the posi- tion of a bird in a system of classification can often be deter- mined most readily by the number of the primaries and the comparative length of the outer or first primary. Secondaries. — The secondaries vary in number from only six in the English sparrow to upwards of forty in the albatross. These secondary quills are sometimes peculiarly colored; among some of the ducks they are very bright and iridescent. Such a colored spot on the secondaries is called a speculum.’ Sometimes the secondaries are very much enlarged and brilliantly marked, as in the Argus pheasant, and sometimes of remarkable shapes, as in some tropical birds. The inner secondaries are much elongated in the larks and in the snipe, and in the grebes they are all so long as to cover the primaries completely when the wing is closed. In the chimney swift and in the hummingbirds they are peculiarly short. . Tertiaries or tertials. — The quills growing upon the upper arm —the true tertiaries—are not very evident upon most birds, but.two or three of the inner secondaries are frequently conspicuous for either their length or their coloring; these are attached to the elbow and are the feathers which in the descriptions of the birds are generally called tertiaries. Sometimes conspicuously enlarged feathers on the shoulders, though not quills at all, are described as tertiaries. It is unfortunate that there is so little definiteness in the use of this term, but students will usually be right in considering any specially enlarged or peculiarly colored feathers about the shoulders of birds as being called tertiaries, as, for example, the enlarged inner secondaries of the larks, snipes, ete., and the peculiarly marked ones of the sparrows. First primary and point of wing.— When quills are com- pared in length, the comparison refers to the position of their tips when the wing is closed. The first primary is the outer one, seen from below, and is often very short, as in the blue- bird; frequently it is nearly as long as the longest; rarely it is the longest of all. Technically speaking, the expression jirst WINGS 20 primary refers to the outer one of ten, as though we always ' considered the number to be ten; if there are only nine primaries, the first one is absent, and the series begins with the second. In other cases where there is a very short one beginning the series, the first primary is called spurious. In this book, which is written neither for anatomists nor orni- thologists, but for beginners, no such technical use of the term will be attempted. The first primary’ will always refer to the first apparent quill as seen from below at the outer edge of the wing. The point of the wing is frequently formed by about the third quill.* Sometimes, in what are called rounded wings,‘ the fifth or sixth forms it, while in the pointed wings? of the swallows it is formed by the first. Coverts. — The feathers covering the bases of the primaries usually show imperfectly if at all on the closed wing, and are generally not mentioned in the descriptions of birds. The coverts fastened to the forearm on the upper side are.the most important, and in many birds regularly form three series, as in the English sparrow.® The longest are called greater coverts. The next in size are called middle coverts. Each of these consists usually of a single row of feathers of nearly equal length. The last, called the lesser coverts, are generally small feathers in several rows. One or more rows of the coverts are apt to have their ends of a decidedly different color from the rest of the wing; these bands of color are called wing bars.® The English sparrow has one white wing bar formed by the tips of the middle coverts.’ The under side of the wings has under coverts, but these are rarely mentioned. The first primary and its length as compared with the others are important points to be determined in classifying most song birds. By raising the wing, if the bird is alive, or has been recently killed, the first primary will be readily seen. 5E. pes LA PD ee > ————— Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 / 26 | EXTERNAL PARTS If the bird is mounted, any raising of the wing should be prohibited as it would permanently injure the specimen. If the bird has been properly mounted for, study, the wings will be spread enough to allow the first primary to show. If not, the feathers of the body can usually be pressed away from the wing by the tip of a pencil, enough: to enable one to see it. The first primary is said to be spurious’ when only about one third the length of the ai iat and short* when two thirds as long... 24 In many birds of prey and in many shore birds, more or less of the primaries are rather abruptly narrowed on their inner webs; such primaries are said to be emarginate or notched.*? If not so abruptly narrowed, the word attenwated* is used. These words do not refer-to the tip of the quill em it can be rounded, acute, or even acuminate. Forms of wings. — The three great varieties of wings are the long and pointed’ (swallows), short and rounded* (wrens), and the ample, or both long and broad (herons). CHAPTER V LEGS Use. — The legs of birds serve many minor purposes in the different groups, besides the general one of locomotion. A large majority of birds perch on stems and hop (leap or jump would be more accurate words for the purpose) from twig to twig. The woodpeckers and many others climb up the surfaces of tree trunks; ducks swim; the grebes dive; and the parrots grasp and handle. In the use of the organ for locomotion there are wonderful differences in the various families.~ The ——— Ss = = es ae rae —————— ee > SS Ca —— 4 9) LEGS OF ostrich can run more rapidly than the horse, the barn fowls can walk and run, the bluebird can only leap or hop, wae the auks can scarcely waddle. The legs, like the bills, show a wondestal variety of modifi- cation in the different groups of birds. A careful study of either or both these parts will enable one to place any bird into its proper family. The use of the legs as a means of classification makes this chapter an important one, and it should be thoroughly studied before any attempt is made to determine the names of birds by the aid of the Key. Parts. — The terms applied to the different parts of the legs of birds will be better understood by the student if he recalls what he learned in physiology about the bones of his own leg, and then compares the joints with those in the legs of. a bird. In the sparrows and a large proportion of other birds, the space from the heel to the claws is all that shows of the leg (see cuts, pp. 15 and 22); these parts are called tarsus and toes. The tibia is entirely hidden by the feathers, and the thigh is so united with the skin of the body as to seem a part of it. In the grebes even the tibia is confined by the skin of the body. The joint which bends forward in the hind limbs of all ver- tebrate animals is the knee, and the joint which bends back- ward is the heel. An examination of the horse’s hind leg will show that it also has its heel as near the upper as the lower end of what appears to the eye as the leg, and that the knee is fastened to the body by the skin. Covering of legs. — The thigh is feathered in all birds. The tibia is also feathered in most of the higher birds;- but among wading birds there are on the tibia all stages of covering, from a completely feathered covering in the woodcock to one almost completely scaly in the stilts. The tarsus in most birds is _ sealy, but the grouse have it more or less completely feathered. Most of the owls have the tarsus fully feathered, and many of them the toes also. The barnyard fowls often have curious tufts of feathers on otherwise bare sections; some of the wild birds also have some odd tufts irregularly placed. | | i} | | 28 EXTERNAL PARTS The parts of legs which are bare of feathers need close observation, as the kind and arrangement of the scaly covering of these parts have much to do with the classification of birds. The commonest arrangement is to have a distinct row of squarish scales down the front of the tarsus, as in the Eng- lish sparrow. Sometimes such a row is also found down the back, as in most snipes; occasionally there is found a row down the outside of the tarsus, as in the flycatchers. These large, squarish scales are called scutella, and-the tarsus is described as scutellate in front, in front and behind,’ or in front and along the outer side,? as the case may be. In the bluebird and in some others these front scales are so completely grown together as to look lke a continuous covering; such a tarsus is said to be booted.*| In many cases a portion of the tarsus, and in the geese the whole, is covered with small scales not very regularly arranged. These seem to form a fine network, and portions having such scales are said to be reticulate.° The scutellate portions are different from the reticulate in another way. Scutella show as somewhat overlapping scales, and the whole forms a solid covering, but the small scales which form the reticulation are rather imbedded plates not touching at their edges, and the covering is apt to be more or less loose and pliable; rarely, these plates are elevated at their centers, and thus form tubercles, as in the fish hawk; such a leg is said to be granulated.6 Sometimes a row of plates of any kind will be so roughened, in a regular way, as to be properly called serrated.® The toes are almost invariably scutellate along the top. The tibia, when bare of feathers, has scales much like those of the tarsus, and of course the same words are used for their descrip- tion. In some cases this part is covered with loose skin with- out any scales at all. LEGS 29 Length of leg.— The proportional length of leg and body of birds is extremely variable. The leg is very short in swallows and in all true swimming birds, medium in sparrows, longer in hawks, very long in the ostrich, and exceedingly long in eranes, stilts, and wading birds generally. The tarsus varies from about one thirtieth to one third the full length of the bird. Number and arrangement of toes. — The usual number of toes is four, and among the birds of our region there are but few exceptions. The only other number represented in our fauna is three; but the ostrich has only two. When the toes are four in number they are arranged in three ways. The most com- mon of all is shown in the sparrow, in which there are three toes in front and one behind.* In order to understand the modi- fications of this common plan, it is well to give names and numbers to the toes. The hind toe represents the great or inner toe of the human foot, and is called the halluz or first toe; the inner front toe is the second toe; the middle one the third toe; and the outer the fourth toe (see cut, p. 15). These, with few exceptions, have the following number of joints: the first toe two-jointed, the second three-jointed, the third four-jointed, and the fourth five-jointed. Some of our birds have the first toe absent, as will be shown hereafter; all the rest have joints as given, except the goatsuckers, which have but four joints to the fourth toe. The second plan for the arrangement of four toes is shown in the woodpeckers, parrots, etc. In these there are two in Front and two behind.’ The first and fourth toes are behind, and the second and third in front. The third plan is represented in the owls. In these, the first toe is permanently behind, the second and third perma- nently in front, and the fourth can be used either in front or behind,’ and for this reason is called a versatile toe. OOP EXTERNAL PARTS When there are but three toes, the usual arrangement is to have them all three in front.1 This is the same as the arrange- ment in the:sparrow, except that the first or hind toe is want- ing, the three toes in front being the second, third, and fourth toes of the usual four-toed birds. Examples of this arrange- ment are found among the plovers. One of our woodpeckers lacks the first toe, and the fourth toe is thrown behind. This gives the last arrangement of three-toed birds; viz. two in front and one behind. It will thus be seen that the first toe is in many cases en- tirely wanting. From its absence to its reaching the length and strength of the front toes, there are all possible grades found in the feet of our birds. The kittiwake gull has the hind toe’ so small and wart-like (often “without any claw), that it is readily overlooked by beginners in ornithology. ~ Most of our plovers have just three toes, but the black-bellied plover shows a minute hind one. All of our barnyard fowl have a short hind toe, and in them, as in other birds with the first” toe short, it is elevated ® above the level of the front toes. Appendages of toes. — The toes of birds have claw-like nails; these are called claws (or usually nails in this book), and vary much in strength, length, and curvature. They are so strong on birds of prey that they have the special name talons.* The hind claw is very long and almost straight * in the horned larks. In the grebes, the claws are much flattened® and resemble human nails. The herons and a few other birds have a curi- ous saw-like ridge along the inner side of the middle claw; in these cases the claw is said to be pectinate.’ In many birds, the basal portions of some of the toes are more or less grown together. This growing together reaches the maximum in the kingfisher, where the outer and middle ‘toes are united for half their length.’ Eee lc > PAH TAIL ot The principal union of toes is through their connection by a ~ thin, movable membrane; this, whether small or large, is called webbing. In many families of birds, the three front toes have a distinct webbing at base only; if this webbing does not reach more than half way, the feet are semipalmate.? In the ducks, terns, etc., the front toes are webbed to the claws. This” plan, which is so common, is called palmate.” A few of our © birds have all four toes joined by a full webbing, and for this arrangement the word totipalmate’ 1s used. Some birds with more or less webbing-at the base of the toes have, in addition, a stiff, spreading membrane alotig the sides, sometimes. lobed, sometimes plain; this plan is called lobate.” In the sea ducks, the front toes are palmate and the hind toes lobate; in the grebes, the front toes are lobate. Many of the snipes have a narrow border along the edges of the toes, but not wide eneen to be called lobate; these are said to be margined.™ CHAPTER VI THE TAIL Use. — The general office of the tail is to guide the bird in flight, but it is also used for other purposes. The wood- pecker climbs trees, and the chimney swift Boas and rests on the sides of chimneys by its aid. Kinds of feathers. — The feathers of the. tail, like fae of the wings, are of two sorts: quill-like feathers and coverts. . The true tail feathers, or rectrices, are stiff, pennaceous, well-devel- oped feathers having a strong quill and a broad, spreading vane, with rarely any plain aftershaft, or downy portion. The inner side of the vane is wider than the outer. . The number oat EXTERNAL PARTS of tail feathers is almost always even, and varies from none to upwards of thirty. This statement seems to indicate great variation among birds with reference to the rectrices; in reality there is but little variation, as a very large proportion of birds have twelve, and the numbers eight, ten, twelve, and fourteen, will include all except a few odd forms, most of which are not found in the region covered by this book. The rectrices have their bases covered, both above and below, by short feathers called upper tail coverts and lower tail coverts. Arrangement of rectrices. —'The central pair of tail feathers is above all the others, and each successive pair outward lies under all the preceding ones. Forms of rectrices. —A tail feather of the English sparrow illustrates the usual form. It can be seen to widen gradually toward the tip. The more important variations from this type are the lanceolate,’ where the vane is widest near the base, and gradually narrows toward the tip; the linear,’ where the vane is narrow throughout; and the filamentous,’ where it is very narrow, as in the outer tail feathers of the barn swallow. Varieties of tip and texture. — The usual tip is rounded ;* if very abruptly and squarely tipped, it is said to be truncate; if obliquely and concavely cut off, incised; if regularly sharp- pointed, acute; if abruptly sharpened, acuminate.’ Most acu- minate feathers are apt to be stiff and are used as an aid in climbing; such feathers are said to be rigid. Some feathers, while having the vane rounded, have the rhachis extending as a hard point beyond it; in this case the feather is spinouws® or mucronate. If the vane, instead of having its margin straight, has its edge in rounded curves, it is said to be crenuldte. Some- times the rhachis curves upward at the center; in this case the feather is said to be vaulted or arched. If the bending is side- THE TAIL 33 wise, it is described as curved outward or inward, according to the side which shows the bulging outline. Shape of the tail as a whole. — The usual shape of the tail is like that of a fan, but there are many and very important modifi- eations of this form. Some of these are characteristic of certain groups and are much used in classification; thus most terns can be separated from the gulls by this feature alone. If the tail feathers are even in length, the tail is said to be even, square, or truncate.’ If the central pair is the longest, and each successive outer pair is shorter, the tail is graduated.’ If each pair is shorter by a constant amount, the tail forms a regular angle, and might, if at all common, be called an angu- lated® tail. A much commoner variety is said to have each successive pair shorter by an increasing amount; this forms the rounded tail;* sometimes each successive pair is shorter by a decreasing amount, and this forms a wedge-shaped or cuneate tail. If the central pair is excessively long, the tail is said to be exserted ;° when not so excessively elongated, it is pointed. The opposite of graduation is very common among birds; that is, each successive outer pair is longer than the preceding pair. If this is true merely to an inappreciable extent, as in the English sparrow, the tail is emarginate ; but when the difference is great enough to make a very distinct angle, as in the chipping sparrow, ~ the tail is forked ;" and the prefixing of the word slightly or deeply tells how great the forking is. In deeply forked tails, like those of the barn swallow, the outer rectrices are narrowed so as to be jilamentous. Such tails are said to be forjicate.* Sometimes there is a combination of the two plans above given. If the middle pair is short, and about three pairs out- ward are successively longer, and the last two successively shorter, the outer and middle pairs having about equal lengths, a doubly rounded” tail is formed. If the middle pair is long APGAR’S BIRDS. — 3 34 EXTERNAL PARTS and the next two or three pairs successively shorter and the rest successively longer, a doubly forked tail is the result. This variety, though common among sandpipers, is so slight a forking that doubly emarginate’ would be a better s “ term. ~< In examining a tail to discover to which type it belongs, the student should be careful to spread the feathers but little. An emarginate tail might readily be made. to appear square or even rounded by widely spreading it, and a truncate tail would always be changed to a rounded one. The upper and lower tail coverts consist of numerous short? feathers, and are never wanting, though the upper ones are often very short, as in the ruddy duck, and sometimes very long, as in the peacock, where the upper coverts, and not the rectrices, form the gorgeous tail of the male bird. In some of the storks the under coverts form the elegant plumes. The under tail coverts form the crissum of a bird. 1 CHAPTER VII VOICE, MOVEMENT, AND MIGRATION THE sounds made by birds are so peculiar, and so different from those that can be represented by letters, that any attempt to form such sounds into words is sure to prove more or less of a failure. The only successful way to learn a bird by its notes, is to see the bird while hearing it. Afterwards the sounds will reveal the bird. Beginners can hardly appre- ciate the variety of notes a single bird can make. Some have thought the only noises a catbird makes are those made when disturbed. The fine songs of birds are always made when undisturbed. Birds sing different songs at different seasons, but the finest of all are those made during the nest- ing time. A number of birds that seem to have no vocal powers during the greater part the year, sing sweetly in the VOICE, MOVEMENT, AND MIGRATION 30 spring. A still greater number, which merely chirp at other times, trill a long series of notes during mating time. It is the male bird that sings; the female at best only chirps. Nothing adds more to the enjoyment of nature than a knowl- edge of the notes, songs, and warblings of the birds. No teacher or book can give you more than a start toward the attainment of this knowledge. Two rules only can be given: (1) Learn to know birds. (2) Carefully observe them and listen to their songs. As soon as you have learned to know birds, you will find among them many differences besides those of voice, form, and color. The places they frequent, — pond, marsh, meadow, up- land, shrubbery, or forest,—in the water, on the ground, among the rocks, on the trunks of trees, or in the tree tops, — are as varied as their notes. Their habits of sitting, their course in flight, their method of starting, their ways of coming to rest, are all peculiar to each bird. Their solitary or social habits, their friendly or quarrelsome ways, are also well worthy of observation and study. The way they flit their tails, the way they nod and twitch their heads, the way they use their feet, are other peculiarities that will aid you in recognizing them. You will have to acquire this kind of knowledge out of doors. It ‘cannot be taught in schoolrooms. It cannot be taught to any extent even by a teacher who accompanies his pupils on their trips. The teacher and books have done their work when they have given the names of the birds. The rest you must do for yourselves. Among the most interesting of all the peculiarities of birds, are the migrations of a large proportion of them. Many live and nest in the far north, hundreds of miles beyond the limits of the United States, and go south to the Gulf States, in the winter, traveling more than a thousand miles to their new abode. These, for the northern United States, are but birds of passage. Others, while nesting in Canada and Labra- 36 EXTERNAL PARTS dor, spend their winters in the middle or the western states, and form for those sections winter residents. Still others nest with us and go south in winter to the Gulf States, or even to the West Indies and South America. These are summer resi- dents. Some endure and even seemingly enjoy all the changes of climate any of our localities afford; these stay in the same place throughout the year. They form our resident birds. Doubtless many of those species which may be found at all seasons are somewhat migratory; that is, the individuals we have in the winter come from places somewhat further north, and those that are here in the summer find warmer places further south in the winter; but some birds, lke i English sparrow, never migrate. CHAPTER VIII NESTS AND EGGS THERE is no better or more useful work than to watch birds build their nests, hatch their eggs, and raise their young. After the student is able to recognize birds without difficulty, he is prepared to watch them and to learn all he can of their ways of living, their mating, their singing, their nesting, their eggs, their young, etc. It is not difficult to observe birds without disturbing them. An interest in living birds will soon lead the student to love them, and then he will be able to act when near them so as not to annoy or interrupt them in their work. We have all read of men who could go among the most timid animals without disturbing them, and probably some of us have envied such people. But that power does not come spontaneously; it is gained only by careful attention to the peculiarities of the animals, the result of interest in their habits, which will lead to, if it does not begin with, an affection for them. Those who love birds find no great difficulty in NESTS -AND EGGS at studying their habits. A good opera glass will enable a person to see a bird as well as though it were at half the distance. When at a distance of fifty feet it can be seen as distinctly as with the naked eye at a distance of twenty-five feet. Most birds can be approached as near as fifty feet by a person who has no gun and who shows by his actions that he does not in- tend to harm them. | This book is written chiefly to help you to recognize birds, not to tell you all about them. But if you are interested in the study it will be a great pleasure to you to learn all you ean about the birds that frequent your locality. Through book study alone no complete knowledge can be gained of birds or indeed of any animals. On the other hand, there are facts about the life history of migratory birds as well as the distri- ‘bution of all birds, which can be learned only from the com- bined observations of many people, in many places, and so can be acquired only by reading. After you know a bird well enough to recognize it easily, it might be well for you to read a little about it, then watch it, listen to its song, examine its nest, observe all its habits. After that you will be ready to read with advantage and appreciation anything that has been written on the subject by creditable authors. When examining birds’ nests and eggs, do not handle them. It does no good, and may cause the bird to desert the nest. After the young birds have left the nest, you can without any harm secure it for your cabinet. In the chapter on preserving specimens you will find directions for cleaning eggs. Any extensive collections of eggs by students generally should not be encouraged; no eggs should ever be gathered without certain knowledge of the species of the bird. Such eggs are absolutely worthless for a collection. The variety of eggs which a single species lays is in many cases very great, and _ the number of species which lay similar eggs is also great, so there is no certain way of determining eggs except by obser- vation of the birds. Your love for the birds, your feeling of horror at their useless destruction, and your desire for their 38 EXTERNAL PARTS protection and increase ought to make you slow to interfere with their nests and eggs. Single eggs of most birds can be carefully taken from nests, without special harm. More than this should never be appropriated except for the purpose of completing great collections, which can be studied by thou- sands of people. Such institutions as the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the National Museum in Washington, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Phila- delphia, should of course be supplied with full sets of eggs with their nests. The educational value of such collections overbalances the injury done. But the usefulness of private collections is not great enough to justify the injury to the birds. A collection for the educational uses of a school, made by taking single eggs from nests, answers all the ordinary demands. PART II KEY, CLASSIFICATION, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES ——00 5&4 0-0——_ METHOD OF USING THE KEY Caution. —In using the Key, never read any statements except those to which you are directed by the letters in paren- thesis. : Rule. — First read all the statements following the stars (*) at the beginning of the Key; decide which one of these -best agrees with the specimen you have. At the end of the chosen one you will find a letter in parenthesis (_ ). Somewhere be- low, this letter is used two or more times. Read carefully all the statements following this letter; at the end of the one which most nearly states the facts about your specimen, you will again be directed by a letter to another part of the Key. Continue this process until instead of a letter there is a number andaname. The name is that of the Family to which your bird belongs. Turn to the descriptive part of the book where this family number, in regular order, is found. ‘The headlines on the right-hand pages will show you which way to turn for the family sought. Under all Families of more than three species, another Key will enable you to determine the species. The illustrations are as accurate as they could be made in black and white, but too much reliance must not be placed upon them. The student must remember that there are sea- sonal, sexual, local, and even individual differences as well as 39 40 _ KEY AND DESCRIPTION the great variations for age. The whole description should be read before deciding. The measurements of parts are very important and should always be noted. Generally these meas- urements are only average ones, and some differences may be allowed for. In order to judge of the amount to allow, notice the extent of the variation in the length of the wing as given in parenthesis. Other parts vary in about the same proportion. Dimensions are always given in inches and such 2 oF Reval. 2 hay CER cRTIAGS 7s She, Ce Sy : of 4 ECONDARIES ty Ree fractions thereof as are found on all common rulers. The © “length” of the bird is the distance from the tip of bill with the neck extended to the end of the longest tail feather. In mounted birds, allowance must be made for the curved neck. The “wing” is the straight distance from the bend of the wing to the tip of the longest primary. This can always be accurately determined from any specimen; and so throughout the book, in both keys and descriptions, great use is made of this measurement. The “tail” is the length of the long- METHOD OF USING THE KEY 41 est tail feather to the flesh in which it is fastened. This cannot be accurately measured without feeling (by placing the thumb and first finger above and below the tail coverts) for the fleshy mass to which all tail feathers are attached. The “tarsus” can be readily measured. It is the distance from the joint at the heel to the toes.. The word “culmen” is almost always used in the book instead of. “ bill,” because its measurement is more easy and certain. It is the straight dis- s2'SSIny; (GOR yea cig ' MAN 1 eetae? P0008, OT A! Snob eo ! 2 a °00co & : “ “ 9990 1 -- é pe (oY) Ope i ee Bat era Liye Ee i 14, 7) 200: 255, I N.DAk, > 900000000900uU SS 2S--a J ' [oyo) (o) 5000000000000000 22327 tance from the beginning of the bill at the forehead to the tip. The “toe” measures only the length to the base of the nail. If length to the tip of nail is intended, the expression “ toe and nail” or “ toe and claw ” is used. The name at the beginning of each description is the common name of the bird as decided upon by the American Ornitholo- gists’ Union; the names at the end in parenthesis are other names in more or less common use. KEY AND DESCRIPTION For convenience of reference the pictures of bird parts are repeated in the Key. The map on p. 41 shows the portion of the United States covered by the birds in this book. KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF BIRDS * Swimming birds: legs rather short; three front toes either with full " webbing,! or with such membranes along their sides? as to take the place of webbing. (All birds with the front toes webbed to about the nails will be found in this group, excepting one very long-legged bird with the tarsus 12 inches or more long. All the illustrations in this book, from p. 279 to p. 348, are of swimmers.) Key to the Families of Swimming Birds, p. 48. * Wading birds: legs in most cases much elongated; tibia always ex- serted, and in most cases more or less naked below (see p. 248); tail relatively short ; few have the tail extending beyond the tip of the wings when closed ; toes frequently with more or less webbing at base,? sometimes narrowly lobed along the sides. (Some species of these birds live habitually in dry localities, but their forms are very characteristic, and only a few ground birds, such as the meadow lark or quail, could possibly be placed in this group. All the illus- trations from p. 227 to p. 275 are of waders. ) Key to the Families of Wading Birds, p. 46. * Birds fitted neither for swimming nor for wading. (A.) A. With only 2 toes in front, and in most species 2 behind ;* eyes on the side of the head, as is usual with birds. (Q.) Eyes in a facial disk, and thus directed forward instead of side- wise ;° outer toe can be used either before or behind — — Nail of middle toe smooth on the inner side...............0. «5 iw as Sk «erate lela ali © copia es alan XXVII. Horned Owls, etc. — Nail of middle toe saw-like on the inner side®.............. w 6 06 6 laure BAW afar aie ehh incece Cot eeaie aan enn XXVIII. Barn Owl. With 3 toes permanently in front and 1 toe (rarely absent) be- hind ;7 eyes directed sideways. (The vultures, p. 212, are excep- tions, as the outer toe can be used behind as with the owls: these are large birds, with the head and neck nearly bare of feathers.®) (B.) . KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF BIRDS 43 B. Bill hooked and with a distinct membrane (cere) at the base, extend- ing past the nostrils § — — Head fully feathered, or nearly so......... XXIX. Hawks, etc. — Head and neck ed or merely covered with hair?......0.... EE ete ie ory Sie o elec a & <0 oe Moke =h RRS XXX. Vultures. B. Bill without cere, and in most cases not strongly hooked. (C.) C. Hind toe short, small, inserted above the level of the others ;* front toes with a plain webbing at base;7 bill generally stout, short, and horny ;!° outer primaries of the wing curved and usually stiff; ground-living game birds — — Wing, 4-15 inches long...............X XXIV. Grouse, etc. — Wing over 16 inches long...............X XXIII. Turkeys. C. Bill straight, the horny tip separated from the base by a narrow por- tion; nostril opening beneath a soft, swollen membrane ! (hard and somewhat wrinkled in mounted birds).......XXXI. Pigeons. C. Bill stout, straight, longer than the head;!? feet with the outer and middle toes grown together for half their length; tarsus TE RE Be ee eee eee XXIII. Kingfishers. C. Bill very slender and “ens ;14 the smallest of birds; wings not over ome AN GUE SPECIES . o...) 550008 n seed Sea XIX. Hummingbirds. C. Bill with the top ridge or culmen very short, but the gape both wide and deep, reaching about to the eyes;!° gape usually three times as long as the culmen. (0.) C. Not asabove. (D.) D. Inner secondary quills lengthened, nearly as long as the primaries in the closed wing; 1° nail of hind toe much lengthened and generally straightened ; 1" the ground birds called ‘‘larks.’’ (N.) ‘D. Inner secondaries not especially lengthened; the first primary short,!§ never more than 2 as long as the longest, usually less than 4 as long, sometimes barely noticeable on the under edge of the wing! (J.) | D. With neither the inner secondaries very much lengthened nor the first primary much shortened ; the first primary always more than 2 as long as the longest quill. (E.) E. Bill broad, depressed, wider than high at base, usually tapering to a point, which is often abruptly hooked.” (H.) rr 15 a a © 44 KEY AND DESCRIPTION (E. Bill slender, about as high at base as broad, and regularly curved downward from the base to the very acute tip.1 The Bahama Honey Creeper (636. Cereba bahameénsis), of the family Coerébide, has been found in southern Florida.) KE. Bill higher than broad at base.2 (F.) F. Bill stout at base, and with the gape so angulated as to bring the corners of the mouth downward ;2 245610 no lobes or nicks along the cutting edge of the upper mandible. (G.) F. Bill stout, with convex outline, and with lobes or nicks near the center of the upper mandible,’ but not crossed at tip ; wing, 3} long; ie DUR) (3) | eerie pre Sam prinine gs Sec iii Sarat gc. XII. Tanagers. F. Bill stout, compressed, notched, and abruptly hooked near the tip ;8 plumage olivaceous; tail without either white or yellow blotches; wing, Stor less lone. . ove. oncd ees eee VIII. Vireos. F. Bill not as above, little, if at all, hooked ; colors in most species bright and distinctly marked ; tail feathers generally blotched with WHELs fo aco igux baw oltein va aia spelere, ana oan lonely ae VII. Wood Warblers. G. Upper ridge of bill extended backward so as to divide the feathers of the forehead ;2 56 no notch at tip of bill or bristles at the rictus (if any bristles can be seen they are less than ;, of the length of the bill) ; bill not over 2 as high at base as long, in most species less:than: 4 a8 RIG i. oc. c secs ts «ee me XIV. Blackbirds, etc. G. Ridge of bill not especially extending upward on the forehead (except in a few very stout-billed birds with the bill as high as long) ; bill usually short, stout, and conical.2 9104 .:..........0, sot Re a ea sree ee ota Abe te Mii oa MOMs A eee XIII. Finches, etc. H. Rictal bristles absent; nostrils overhung with bristles; tail short, even, and tipped with a yellow band ; head crested.!!..X. Waxwings. H. Rictal bristles numerous and long. 2” ey I. Tarsus with a sharp ridge behind and a distinc row of square scales (scutella) merely down the front ;!3 wing, 2-2% long; no CYGSIN 3 nrtetat Rea eee meee VII. Wood ‘Warblers ( Flycatching). I. Tarsus rounded behind and with the scutella lapping round on the outside of the tarsus about to the back portion ;!* wing, 21-5} long’; crest’ small Ornone .. 22.5. <5 XVIII. Tyrant Flycatchers. J. Tarsus (booted) covered with a continuous plate along the front ; a 3 & = oe ES EDS S&S KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF BIRDS 45 no distinct squarish scales, except near the toes (a very young bird of this group will show scutella, but they are gradually fused together as the bird grows older) — Senne 25 OPIESS LOU). ss seen ssc cece ew eee II. Kinglets. PoE WOKE IONY....,......ssewnee es oes I. Thrushes, etc. (J. Tarsus (scutellate) covered with a row of rectangular scales in front and behind ;!6 wing, 7-9 long; tail, 9-11 long..X XXII. Curassows.) J. Tarsus (scutellate) covered with distinct rectangular scales only along the front.#3 17 (K.) K. Bill stout, compressed, distinctly noTencd and hooked at tip ; nostrils and rictus with bristles ;* 18 no crest — NAN 2 OME ois toc aw oloe da oe woe esis we sas VIII. Vireos. SMO, hy OF MOLEC LOM oc. ace sie ie meee «noe ose 01 IX. Shrikes. K. Bill, if hooked at tip, having the nostrils without bristles extending over them ; in most species the bill is not hooked. (L.) L. Tail feathers acute-pointed and somewhat stiff ;19 bill slender and decurved ;1 back mottled brown; belly white........ IV. Creepers. L. Tail feathers rounded at tip and the outer ones white; bill slender and somewhat notched at tip; back bluish-gray ; belly ee wing ees VOLE oi) Sal gia 6 eee ap ope ir en eco 100 Gnatcatchers. L. Not. as above, but with the tail feathers rounded at tip and soft. (M.) M. Bill long and stout; nostrils covered with bristly feathers2° (ex- - cepting a western, dull, blue-colored jay); large birds, 10-25 long.. MMI ays hay, ios fecn ores tes vida vse. oR a yeis'® norms XVI. Crows, etc. M. Bill rather slender; culmen more or less curved; nasal feathers not directed Save over the nostrils ; tail rounded ; either small birds, 4-64 long, with barred quills,?! or large birds, 8-12 long, with quills not barred ...... V. Mocking Birds, Wrens, Thrashers, etc. M. Bill neither notched at tip nor much decurved ; nostrils concealed by dense tufts of bristly feathers ; small birds, 4-7 long.......... ccc By SSR ea Ie OEE Li eRe I ree III. Nuthatches, etc. M. Bill with the culmen about straight; wings about 5 long; tail about 23 long and square at tip.................. XV. Starlings. N. Nostrils overhung with bristly feathers; tarsus (scutellate) with a row of nearly square scales, behind as well as before ;16 nail of hind toe longer than the toe and nearly straight ; bill not very slender... XVII. Larks. 46 KEY AND DESCRIPTION N. Nostrils exposed ; tarsus not scutellate behind ; nail of hind toe very long but curved ;) wine, 3-5: long Jenene VI. Pipits, etc WN. Nostrils exposed ; wing over 3? long . breast with yellow... -...csee have vin pe wea 9 wlidrace Seis. ole pee eee ae XIV. Meadow Larks. Not as above ; some noe 1 MRE ears, fF get: XIII. Finches, etc. 0. Plumage mottled browns and soft; middle toe much longer than the side ones ; its nail (pectinated) ‘with saw-like teeth on the inner SIG 7 soe. sie. niece oe era ate ohn ta wanna eee XXI. Goatsuckers, etc. 0. Plumage compact; nail of middle toe not pectinated. (P.) P. Tail of stiff feathers (in our common species the tail is rounded, with stiff shafts extending beyond the webs)®.............. XX. Swifts. P. Tail without stiff feathers and never rounded, often forked and with- out spinous tips ; head never crested.............:. XI. Swallows. P. Tail nearly square ; its feathers tipped with yellow, head crested#... sisi 24h yee b ecesers, ne mp Viikie Wie Aw se ae ee X. Waxwings. Q. Bill stout and decidedly hooked, higher at base than long ; bright- colored bird with yellow, orange, and green feathers............. sith «hail. 0 = Rava ogre tel olateps aig Aiea eek ot on ae XXVI. Parrots. Q. Bill stout and straight ;° tail feathers stiff and acute-pointed®. . Lig k's Spheaye ie, Waa, s cn Slee ee hiss im Joes prog Cee eee XXII. Woodpeckers. Q. Bill various, but always somewhat curved and without teeth along the cutting edge ; tail long, of round-tipped soft feathers......... Sis t batavetinss suse (ie te 01g sk taeuel eae eons ae erence ee XXV. Cuckoos, etc. Q. Bill short, broad, and decidedly toothed ;* tail long, of 12 broad TCQUUEES ob you te se ee fe a eee oe an he XXIV. Trogons. Key to the Families of Wading Birds * Toes in front webbed to the nails like the duck’s ;® bill with teeth-like ridges, also like the duck’s; legs with the tarsus 12 inches or more bongs; HlOridias. ¢ sis... oe vic id eae eae fain ee XLIX. Flamingoes. * Nails of the toes excessively lengthened and nearly straight ;. nail of the hind toe much longer than its toe ;? southern Texas ............... Ie ee I ee oe er es XXXV. Jacanas. * Birds with neither full-webbed toes nor nails lengthened and straight- ened. (A.) KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF BIRDS 4T - A. Head with a horny shield on the forehead ; 1° in other respects fully PETE Eon a vise. 3/5 bw hee ee ee Se eee XLII. Rails, etc. A. Head with more or less of naked tracts (free from feathers but usually with some hairs) in front of the eyes or around the eyes ;11 12 some species have the head entirely naked. (H.) A. Head fully feathered and without horny shield. (B.) B. Bill hard throughout and not sensitive (a peculiar smoothness of bill of dried specimens will show that the bill was hard in life). (E.) B. Bill weak and soft, at least at base, often long and slender; if short, pigeon-like ; hind toe always less than half the length of the inner one, sometimes absent ; (dried specimens usually show the surface of the bills so roughened or dull in color as to indicate their soft-condi- tion when alive). (C.) C. Toes with lobed membranes along their edges as wide as the toes, sometimes wider ;}* tarsus much flattened sideways ; body flattened EN ire at. cet ee eS ee ims wn cue es dal.” Phalaropes: C. Legs exceedingly long, the tarsus over 3} long. XL. Avocets, etc. C. Tarsus less than 33 long; toes with no wide membranes along their edges. (D.) D. Bill usually shorter than the head, pigeon-like, the soft base sepa- rated by a narrow portion from the hard tip ; toes only three (one species has a hind toe ? inch long); tarsus (reticulate) with rounded DLE LER [ily LER ETC) Rag a eA ieee eee Seana ce naira an XXXVIII. Plovers. D. Bill slender; nostrils narrow, exposed slits in elongated grooves ex- tending from a half to nearly the full length of the bill; © tarsus (scu- tellate) with transverse and more or less square scales in front...... --2 +: csc .s8 ee eS Se Sear ese XXXIX. Snipes, etc. E. Bill, 23-8 long. (G.) E. Bill, 1-98 long. (F.) F. Tarsus, “middie toe and nail, and bill each about 1 long; the bill nearly straight ; wing about 6 long.......... XXXVII. Turnstones. F. Not as above; tarsus usually shorter than the middle toe and nail; if the tarsus is about 1 long, the wings are much less than 6 long..... 2 SEE IS Se ee Site XLII. Rails, etc. G. Bill nearly straight, much flattened sideways and very blunt at tip ; 1 toes only three and webbed at base. XXXVI. Oyster-catchers. G. Bill somewhat curved downward; tarsus, 33-6 long; wing, 10-14 re ena Osco, Sea. Vln dte oibac Sa os woes XLIIT. Courlans. G. Bill about straight; tarsus, 6-12 long; wing, 16-25 long; young: NE oe Oa te Palas Yass tol apei and! ie! uc eta See XLIV. Cranes. 48 KEY AND DESCRIPTION G. Bill very broad and flattened, twice as wide near tip as at the niddlé >": young... oa. i. > «sone. cee eee ....XLVIII. Spoonbills. H. Nail of middle toe (pectinated) with a fine, saw-like ridge on the inner edge ;2 bill straight, acute, and with sharp cutting edges...... wn ofeudib pa md Sla'le aid: elels) wield hee Soeegete =e ae XLV. Herons, etc. H. Nail of middle toe without saw-like teeth. (I.) I. Bill very broad and flattened, twice as wide near the tip as at the middle}. .:... ti, San chen Beers See ee XLVIII. Spoonbills. I. Bill narrow, about as wide as high, gradually and decidedly curved * downward for its whole length®..............00. XLVII. Ibises. I. Bill either narrow, straight for half its length and then curved downward,‘ or else a very large bill (over 2 high at base) with the end curved upward ®7. 21222. .s Mountains eastward throughout the United States, north to Ontario. The Mountain Bluebird (768. Sidlia arctica), a large bird without chest- nut on the breast, and with a more greenish-blue on the back, has been occasionally seen east of the Rocky Mountains. Bluebird | | 56 KEY AND DESCRIPTION FAMILY Il. KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, WARBLERS (SYLVIID 2) This family includes a large subfamily (100 species) of Old World Warblers not represented in America, and two small subfamilies rep- resented in our fauna. The Kinglets are very small, musical, tree- loving, active, oliva- ceous birds, with, in the adult, some bright yellow or red on the crown, and a short, even or notched tail. The Gnatcatchers are very small, sprightly, ashy-colored, woodland birds, with long, graduated tails. Our species build very beautiful nests among the high branches of the trees. Golden-crowned Kinglet Key to the Species * Outer (under) tail feathers shortest! and white; tarsus scutellate ; ? GOlOTS BPAY. a..4 «5% ae eee ee aed = Rte 3. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. * Outer (under) tail feathers about the longest and without white; tarsus booted ;* colors, olive-green with usually a yellow, orange, or ruby-colored spot on the crown. (A.) A. Crown patch Were ones bordered with black... ....aeeuNen ee oawe ae huetankaliy eumueleial ets ioe ee eee eee 1. Golden-crowned Kinglet. A. Crown patch, if ent ruby-colored, but without black........ sie kuadaiora. » ase 6, SRI ewe a oath ae ene 2. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 1. Golden-crowned Kinglet (748. Régulus satrdpa).— A very small, olive-green-backed, whitish-bellied bird, with a bright crown patch of gold or orange color, margined with black. The FAM. Il. KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, ETC. 517 male has orange and yellow; the female, only yellow. The kinglet is a fearless, nervous, quick-moving bird, found abun- dantly flitting among the most slender twigs of the trees at the proper season. ‘The voice of the kinglet is marvelously rich and the singing unusually continuous for so small a bird. Length, 4; wing, Q1 (2-21) ; tail, 13; tarsus, 3; culmen, 1. North America in general; breeding.from the northern states northward (in the mountains as far south as North Carolina), and wintering throughout most of the states, south to the Gulf or even into Central America. 2. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (749. Régulus caléndula). — This bird is like the last, ex- cepting that there is no black on the head; the fe- male even lacks the bright crown patch of color, and the male is apt to keep his bright red feathers hidden. The female and young ap- pear just like warblers (the American warblers belong to Family VII.), but are de- cidedly smaller than any of the olive-green-backed species, excepting those which have bright yellow below or conspicu- ous white blotches on the tail feathers, seen when the bird is in flight. Length, 41 ; wing, 21 (2-23); tail, 12; tarsus, 3; culmen,}. North Amer- ica in general; breed- ing mainly north of the United States (in the Rocky Mountains farther south), and wintering from the Carolinas south to Central America. Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3. Blue-gray Gnat- catcher (751. Polidptila certulea). — A very Blue-gray Gnatcatcher small, bluish-gray bird, 58 KEY AND DESCRIPTION with blackish wings and tail; the outer (under) tail feathers are white, the forehead marked with a black border, and the under parts lighter and duller than the back. The female is without the black on the forehead. This is a bird usually found among the upper branches of forest trees, and though his song is sweet and varied, it can be heard but a little dis- tance. His call note, a sharp ting, is readily heard. Length, 41; wing, 2} (2-21) ; tail, 21; tarsus, }; culmen, 3. Middle and southern sections of the eastern United States ; breeding from Illinois and New Jersey southward, and wintering from Florida to Central America. It is rarely, though sometimes, found as far north as Maine and Minnesota. FAMILY III. NUTHATCHES AND CHICKADEES (PARIDA) A family (100 species) of small birds, forming two widely separated subfamilies. The Nuthatches are small, active, rest- less, creeping, short-tailed, long-winged birds, marked with white, black, and brown colors. These noisy, but not musical, sharp-billed birds are among the most nimble of creepers, scrambling about in every direction, with the head downward as often as in any other position. They derive their name from the habit of wedging nuts into crevices of the bark, and then hacking or hammering away with the bill till the shell is broken. These nuts form only a small portion of their food; generally they are insect eaters. The Chickadees are all ' small, active, short-billed, long-tailed birds. Our species are plain birds of white, black, and ashy colors. The titmice, which are included in the subfamily, are conspicuously crested, while the chickadees proper are without crest. The latter are so called from the notes they utter, chick-d-déé. Key to the Species * Tail about as long as the wing and graduated ;! bill less than a half inch long, and stout for.its length. (B.) * Tail about half the length of the wing and square; bill a == half inch or more, long and slender. (A.) A. White below with rusty brown only on the under tail 1 CONETISs is se etine rade See ioe 1. White-breasted Nuthatch. FAM. lit. NUTHATCHES AND CHICKADEES 59 A. Under parts generally with much rusty brown ; crown black ’ (male), or bluish-gray (female) ; a white stripe over eye......... 6 AT a pier le cae 2. Red-breasted Nuthatch. A. Crown and sides of head brown, without stripes................. rai a als, vic) w/a Sian ora Be ieiee © s 3. Brown-headed Nuthatch. B. Head conspicuously crested ;? throat and under parts nearly white, with rusty-brown sides............ 4. Tufted Titmouse. CZ B. Head without crest ; throat black or dusky. (C.) (OP C. Top of head brown; sides of body chestnut ........... ae a 2 SS ee eee 7. Hudsonian Chickadee. C. Top of head black. (D.) D. Greater wing coverts with whitish edges............. 5. Chickadee. D. Greater wing coverts without whitish edges..6. Carolina Chickadee. 1. White-breasted Nuthatch (727. Sitia carolinénsis).— A short-tailed, tree-creeping, bluish-backed, black-crowned, white- bellied bird, with brown blotches on the under tail coverts. The sides of the head are white like the throat and breast, and the back neck black like the crown. The female has the black not sointense. The nuthatches are peculiar in their ability to run along tree trunks in all directions, with the head downward as often as upward. They are not singers, but have a call note of quank quank, which they repeat with no reference to the position of their body. White-breasted Nuthatch Length, 6; wing, 3} (84-32); tail, 2; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Eastern United States from Georgia to the Dominion of Canada; generally resident throughout. The Florida White-breasted Nuthatch (727>. S. c. atkins?) is somewhat smaller and has the wing coverts and the quills very slightly, if at all, tipped with whitish. Wing less than 33; tail, 13. It is found from South Carolina to Florida. 2. Red-breasted Nuthatch (728. Sitta canadénsis).— A short- tailed, tree-creeping, bluish-backed, brownish-red-breasted bird, with the black of the top and sides of the head separated by a 60 KEY AND DESCRIPTION broad distinct white line over the eye. This is a more northern species than the last, and can easily be distinguished by the ‘ black line on the. sides of the head and neck, and the generally grown un- der parts. Length, 43; wing, 2? (24-25); tail, 14; cul- men, 4. North Amer- ica; breeding from northern New York, northern Miehigan northward (farther south in the Allegha- nies and Rocky Moun- Red-breasted Nuthatch tains), and wintering | southwards to the Gulf. 3. Brown-headed Nuthatch (729. Sitta pusilla).—A small, | brown-crowned, bluish-backed, whitish-belhed nuthatch, with no white line over the eye, but with a whitish patch on the back neck. This is the nuthatch of the southern pine woods, where it is found associ- ated with woodpeckers, but unlike them in their tree-top living habits, it | scrambles up and down the trunks from the bot- tom to the top. All the nuthatches are much alike in habits, and are wonderfully nimble in their movements. Most creepers use the tail as an aid in supporting the body on perpendicular surfaces; but these birds make no such use of their short, square tails. The woodpecker’s feet are strengthened by having Brown-headed Nuthatch FAM. II. NUTHATCHES AND CHICKADEES 61 the outer toe turned backward; but the nuthatch’s feet have only a slight enlargement of the nails. Length, 44; wing, 24; tail, 14; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to Maryland ; accidentally to New York, Missouri, etc. 4. Tufted Titmouse (731. Parus bicolor). — A loud-voiced, conspicuously crested, gray bird of the woods, with some bleak on the forehead and brown on the sides. Its loudest notes are a constant repetition of peto peto, sometimes changed to de- de-de in somewhat less ringing tones, producing a slight imi- tation of the notes of the chickadee. It is not at all shy, and so may . be readily approached. @. (Crested Tit.) Length, 6; wing, 3} Tufted Titmouse (8-33) ; at 3; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. een United States north to northern New Jersey and southern ‘Towa; casual in southern New England ; resident throughout. The Black-crested Titmouse (732. Pérus atricristdtus) differs from the last species in having the whole crest, instead of only the forehead black. It is a somewhat smaller bird. Length, 54; wing, 23; tail, 23. Southeastern Texas and eastern Mexico. 5. Chickadee (735. Parus atri- capillus).—A small, black-capped, black-throated, ashy-backed bird, with the rest of the head and breast white; under parts buffy. This and the next species are much alike, but this has the greater wing coverts margined with white. Its common name expresses as closely as possible its whistled notes, chick-d-déé. If its notes are well imitated, Chickadee 62 KEY AND DESCRIPTION the bird will approach closely, or even alight on a person. (Black-capped Chickadee.) Length, 5}; wing, 24 (23-23) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Eastern North America north of the Potomac and Ohio valleys to Labrador ; it migrates a little beyond its breeding range. _ 6. Carolina Chickadee (736: Pdrus carolinénsis).—A bird similar to the last, but smaller, and with the greater wing coverts not margined with white. Though the notes of this species are somewhat different from those of the last, this difference is not so uniform as to render the printed form of much use to the: beginner. It also calls itself a chickadee, though | not so plainly. (Southern Carolina Chickadee Chickadee.) Length, 41; wing, 24 (21-23) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, ,. South- eastern States north to New Jersey and Illinois, and west to Missouri and Texas ; practically breed- ing throughout. 7. Hudsonian Chick- adee (740. Parus hud- sdénicus).— A small, brownish-ashy-backed bird, with grayish crown, wings, and tail, a distinct black throat patch, and brownish sides. The rest of the bird is white. This northern chickadee has also peculiar notes, which need to be heard to be understood. Hudsonian Chickadee FAM. IV. CREEPERS 63 Length, 51; wing, 2} (23-23) ; tail, 24; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. North- ern North Wanerien from northern New England and northern Michigan northward ; rarely south to Massachusetts. FAMILY IV. CREEPERS (CERTHIID2) A very small family (10 species) of Old Ws orld birds, repre- sented in this country by the following: 1. Brown Creeper (726. Cér- thia familiaris americana). — A ; small, tree-creeping bird, with mottled-brown back, white un- der parts, a slender decurved bill, and long, acute-pointed tail feathers. The tail is used as a partial support, as in the case of the woodpeckers; a common upward-creeping bird, with ht- tle fear of human observers. When the top is reached it sud- denly drops to the bottom, and again begins its search for food. Brown Creeper Length, 54; wing, 23 (23-23) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Eastern North America; breeding from plein one Minnesota northward, and wintering as far south as the Gulf States. FAMILY V. MOCKING BIRDS, WRENS, ETC. (TROGLODYTID #&) This family (150 species) of mainly American birds consists of two widely differing subfamilies. The Mocking Birds form a group of 40 species of American singing birds, of large size and plain colors, inhabiting mainly the bushy borders of the woods and other shrubbery. The tail in all cases is as long as the wings, and in one of our common species much longer. The bill is nearly as long as the head. The Wrens form a larger group (100 species) of small, mainly American, 64. KEY AND DESCRIPTION sprightly, fearless, excitable, plain-colored birds, with the plumage more or less extensively barred with narrow darker bands. The habit of holding the tail erect is very general. If these birds did not mingle so many of their characteristic scolding notes with their song, they would be considered very musical. Key to the Species * Birds under 6} long, with wings under 3 long (Wrens). (B.) * Birds over 8 long, with wings over 3 long (Mockers). (A.) A. Whole upper parts a rich reddish-brown ; tail an inch longer than the wings; bill about an inch long............ 3. Brown Thrasher. . Slate-colored bird, with chestnut on the under tail coverts......... a ec Wiehe ries se eee eee ave leacg Sil eee 2. Catbird. . Wings blackish, with mue bases to the primaries; outer tail feathers also white ; bill, $ or less long........ 1. Mocking Bird. . Back ashy-gray ; wings aw tail darker and more brownish ; bill, 1} or more long and decurved.! ‘The ee Curve-billed Thrasher (707. Harporgnchus curvirés- tris) of Mexico and New Mexico has been found in 1 . Texas. B. Back with black, white, and brownish opt extending length- wise. (E.) -B. Back without streaks extending lengthwise, or bars extending cross- wise ; a distinct white or whitish line over the eye. (D.) B. Back without streaks, but with some cross bars; no very distinct whitish line over the eye. (C.) C. Under parts whitish ; tail about as long as the wings.............. eee cr et ee 6. House Wren. C. Under parts brownish, barred with black; tail a half inch shorter > Pp Pp than the wings ¢4.scs 2-2 cee eee 7. Winter Wren. D. Tail like the back in color, reddish brown ; under parts buffy....... Sloe valde so Gblee lomhauacleen ais oe aly eine keen 4. Carolina Wren. D. Tail feathers, except the barred middle pair, blackish, tipped with See under parts Wiitisly see) .20. eeeeeeee 5. Bewick’s Wren. Crown as well as back streaked with white; bill under 4 long... Bre ioe (lcs o.5sl ctw pv) ci api Rae Cee 8. Short-billed Marsh Wren. E. Crown without white streaks, but a white line over eye; bill 4 or MOLE BONE). soa le kide ae eee 9. Long-billed Marsh Wren. 1. Mocking Bird (703. Mimus polygldttos).— A large, ashy- colored, long-tailed bird, with much white on the center of wing and outer tail feathers. This is the most noted song- ee ——— FAM. V. MOCKING BIRDS, WRENS, ETC. 65 bird of America, and as a mocker the most wonderful in the world. He is to be found in woods, gardens, parks, and even in the streets of towns, always fear- less and alert, and with the power to mimic almost any sound in nature. Mr. L. M. Lumis re- ports having heard one imitate thirty- two different species of birds in less than a quarter of an hour. Mocking Bird Length, 10}; wing, 41 (4-5) ; tail, 5; tarsus, 1}; culmen, 3, United States to Mexico; rare north of Maryland, though found in southern Ohio and Massachusetts ; winters from Florida southward. 2. Catbird (704. Gdleoscoptes carolinénsis).— A large, very common, slate-colored bird, with a chestnut-colored patch under the tail and almost black crown and tail. This gro- tesquely active bird can be found every- where around our orchards and _ shrub- bery.. It is a very charming, but not loud, singer, and a good mimic; most people know it only by its cries when dis- turbed. Length, 83; wing, 32 Catbird (33-32) ; tail, 4; tarsus, 14; culmen, 3. North America, though common only east of the Rocky Mountains; breeding from the Gulf States northward, and wintering in the Southern States. APGAR’S BIRDS, —5 | | 66 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 3. Brown Thrasher (705. Harporhynchus rifus).— A common, large, long-tailed, brown-backed bird, with the white under parts heavily spotted or streaked with dark-brown, except on the throat and middle of the belly. The wings, tail, and crown have the same rufous color as the back. It is an inhabit- ant of the ground or the lower growths along fences and the borders of the woods. It is a rich, sweet singer of its own notes, but not a mocker of the notes of other birds. When singing it usually perches on a twig in a prominent position as though it wished all to know how melodious a vocalist it is. (Brown Thrush.) Brown Thrasher. Length, 114; wing, 44 (4-43) ; tail, 5}; tarsus, 13; culmen, 1. East- ern United States, west to the Rocky Mountains, north to Ontario; breeding throughout and wintering north as far as Virginia. Besides this species and the Curve-bill Thrasher given in the Key, there can be found in Texas Sennett’s Thrasher (706. Harpo- rhgnchus longiréstris sén- netti), a bird much like the brown thrasher, but with a darker - brown back, blacker spots on the lower parts, and a longer (11-114) and some- what decurved bill. 4. Carolina Wren (718. Thrydthorus lu- dovicianus). — A ner- vous, scolding wren, distinctly barred, rich-brown, with long curved bill, a very distinct whitish line over the eye, and a tail the color of the back. It inhabits undergrowths in wet places, and has the ability to disappear Carolina Wren FAM. V. MOCKING BIRDS, WRENS, ETC. 67 from sight and appear again with surprising quickness. Its fear and its curiosity alternate in power over its actions. It has been called mocking wren from the variety of its vocal - notes, some of which are so loud and ringing as to be com- parable with those of the tufted titmouse. It is probably resi- dent wherever found. (Mocking Wren.) Length, 5}; wing, 23 (2}-23) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. East- ern United States, west to the Plains, and north to southern New York and southern Michigan ; resident or nearly so throughout. 0. Bewick’s Wren (719. Thrydthorus be- wickii). — This is a shghtly smaller, less distinctly barred wren than the last, with a tail quite a little darker than the back, and without bars on the primaries; the outer . tail feathers are black, Bewick’s Wren tipped with grayish. This species is a sweet singer of clear, ringing notes, and _very fearless. It is found around outhouses, fences, etc., and is In every way more deliberate in its movements than either the house or Carolina wrens. Its long tail frequently leans toward the head. Length, 51; wing, 2} (2-21) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, }. Eastern United States, west to Nebraska; common in the Mississippi Valley ; rare and local east of the Alleghanies and north of central New Jersey ; mi- gratory along the northern border of its range. Baird’s Wren, a variety of this species (719. 7’. b. bairdi), is found in Texas, Kansas, and west- ward to southern California. It is a more ashy-brown bird, with pure white on the middle of the belly, and white specks on the sides of the head. 68 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 6. House Wren (721. Troglédytes dédon).—A dark-brown wren, with the tail decidedly more reddish than the back. The wings, tail, sides, and flanks are fully cross-barred with darker lines, and the under . parts are whitish. As its name indicates, it lkes to live near human _habita- tions, returning to the same place year after year, and building its nest in the same hole in a log, bird box, or chink in an outhouse. It is active, irritable, noisy, and coura- geous. It is resident in the Southern States, and is there so numerous in winter as to overflow the settled regions, and so is found in the forests miles from any house. House Wren Length, 5; wing, 2 (1/-21); tail, 13; tarsus, $; culmen, 4. Eastern United States north to southern Ontario, and west to Indiana and Louis- iana. It winters from South Carolina southward. The Western House Wren (721>, 7. a. dzte- cus) is a variety of this species with less of red on the upper parts, and the back and rump are very distinctly barred with blackish. As a whole, it is a lighter colored bird. Interior United States from near _ the Pacific, eastward to Illinois. 7. Winter Wren (722. Troglédytes hi- emdlis).— A small, very short - tailed, cinnamon-brown wren, with more brownish under parts than any other species of ours. In its breeding range of the north, it is a very sweet singer; in other Winter Wren FAM. V. MOCKING BIRDS, WRENS, ETC. 69 localities, it merely gives its hearty quip-quap call notes. It lives in the woods, and can be found among the lower growths, and on and under old logs and stumps. Its quiet ways and dark colors render it difficult to be seen. Length, 4; wing, 17 (13-2); tail, 11; tarsus, 2; culmen, 3. Eastern North America; breeding from the northern United States northward (in the Alleghanies from North Carolina), and wintering from New York and Illinois south- ward. 8. Short-billed Marsh Wren (724. Cistothorus _ stellaris). —A_ small, short - billed, marsh and meadow-living 4 wren, with its whole back, including the crown, very distinctly streaked length- wise with dark and light shades. The under parts are white, with buffy sides and breast. This, like many of the wrens, is Aa so shy that it is much more frequently heard than seen. Short-billed Marsh Wren Length, 41; wing, 1% (13-12); tail, 13; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. The United States from the Plains east- ward, and north to southern Michigan and southern On- tario. It winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. 9. Long-billed Marsh Wren (725. Cistothorus palistris). — A long- billed, white - bellied wren, with a black back, striped lengthwise with white. The crown is unstreaked, and the wings, tail, and sides Long-billed Marsh Wren 70 KEY AND DESCRIPTION are brown. This bird is common in reedy marshes, but because of its shy, suspicious habits, needs careful, quiet searching. Its grumbling notes can readily be heard, and if it were not for its inquisitive nature, which leads it to expose itself for a second or two to see its visitor, it would be impossible to observe it. Length, 51; wing, 2 (13-21); tail, 13; tarsus, 3; culmen, }. Eastern United States north to Ontario; breeding throughout, and wintering (lo- cally) from southern New England southward. Worthington’s Marsh Wren (725. C. p. griseus), found along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, is a lighter colored, more grayish and more faintly barred and striped bird. Wing, 13; tail, 1}; bill, |. Marian’s Marsh Wren (725-1. Cistothorus mariane) of western Florida is a darker bird than the long- billed marsh wren, and has the sides and flanks of the same brown as the rump. The under tail coverts and sometimes the breast are spotted with black. Wing, 17; tail, 13; bill, 3. FAMILY VI. WAGTAILS, PIPITS (MOTACILLID2#) A family (80 species) of mainly Old World, ground-living, tail-wagging, walking or running birds, represented in our re- gion by two species a little larger than the English sparrow. They are usually to be found in open pastures, meadows, and recently plowed fields. The tail is very long, usually as long as the wings, and is moved in a peculiar see-saw way, as though to enable the bird to balance itself. This habit is also common among snipe, though they have short tails. The bill is slender, acute, shorter than the head, and notched at tip. The inner secondaries are lengthened, about as long as the primaries in the closed wing; feet large, and the hind nail long and nearly straight. 1. American Pipit (697. Anthus pensilvdnicus). — A common, dark-olive-brown-backed, tail-twitching bird, with buffy under parts marked on the breast with brownish dots like the thrushes. This is a walking bird of the open fields, and in its vacillating flight the white outer tail feathers can be seen. The pipits are social birds seen in numbers (5—20), more or less together while feeding, but usually flying in larger flocks when startled. (Titlark; Wagtail.) FAM. VI. WAGTAILS, PIPITS 71 Length, 64; wing, 33 (81-3); tail, 2}; tarsus, $; culmen, }. North America; breeding in the subarctic regions and higher mountains and wintering in the Gulf States to Central Amer- 1Ca. 2. Sprague’s Pipit (700. Anthus sprda- gueii). —A bird in appearance very much like the last, but with the colors brighter and_ the markings more dis- ‘tinct. This species has the tarsus shorter than the hind toe and claw, while the preceding has it as long, sometimes longer. This has a tail always less than 232, the other greater, sometimes 3 long. While the two are so simi- lar in form, size, and colors, they are wonderfully different in power of song. This is a sky-singing bird, like the skylark of Europe. Dr. Coues says: “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 whole air seems filled with the tender strains.”” (Missouri Skylark.) Length, 6}; wing, 3} (8-33); tail, 23; tarsus, ?; culmen, 4. Interior plains of North America. Once recorded east of the Mississippi (in South Carolina). American Pipit . FAMILY VII. WOOD WARBLERS (MNIOTILTID#) A family (100 species) of exclusively American brightly colored, small birds of woodlands and thickets. Their habits in gathering their insect prey vary greatly; some, like the vireos, search carefully for hidden insects, resting or crawling on leaf, on bark, or in flower; others flit from twig to twig, gathering the exposed insects, while still others are like the flycatchers, capturing most of their prey while on the wing. 72 KEY AND DESCRIPTION Most warblers are tree living; some are only to be found in the tops of tall trees, but many live in low bushes, while a few are terrestrial. As a whole, the warblers do not deserve their name, as their vocal powers are inferior, though a few species are remarkable singers. But few species are as large as the English sparrow, and only one, the chat, is larger. Numbers 1 and 11 are creepers; Nos. 2-10 are worm eaters; these are usually creepers along the smaller twigs; Nos. 12-28 are the usual or typical warblers ; Nos. 29-385 are ground war- blers; Nos. 37-40 are jflycatching warblers; while No. 36 is a large, heavy-billed, aberrant form placed in this family only because it belongs nowhere else. Key to the Species * Large, over 64 long; bill rather stout and compressed;! under. parts bright yellow, abruptly changing to white at about the middle of the length from chin to tail......36. Yellow-breasted Chat. * Bill depressed, broader than high at base, notched and slightly hooked at tip; rictal bristles nearly or quite half the length of the bill.2 (R.) * Bill slender and not depressed ; rictal bristles small® or 1 none,*® (A.) - a A. No bright yellow or orange anywhere, at most a slightly yellowish tinge. (L.) A. Yellow nearly everywhere; inner web of under tail feathers yellow, outer web dusky ; no white blotches on under tail feathers........... 13. Yellow Warbler. A. Whole head and neck bright yellow ; wings ashy, with Ss neither white nor yellow wing bars ; inner web of under 3 tail feathers mostly white. .2. Proethonotaria Warbler. Whole head and neck not bright yellow ; under tail feathers blotched with white. (E.) A. Under tail feathers with no white blotches, but of about oe same ® SC om both ribs ; no distinct wing bars. (B.) B. Tail and wings of about equal length, each about 2 inches (17-21) ; back, wings, and tail olive-green....... 00. Maryland Yellow-throat. B. Tail about 4 inch (3-3) shorter than the wing. (D.) B. Tail over 4 inch (3-1) shorter than the wing. (C.) C. Head, neck, and breast bluish-gray (or in the female and young, grayish-brown); other upper parts olive-green; belly yellow; a well-marked white line around the eye. .38. Connecticut Warbler. FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS Ta Cc. A clear yellow line extending from the bill over the eye and curv- ing round back of the eye; under parts bright yellow............ eM yk ect aS See AWS e's WN dwlalwidelete 52. Kentucky Warbler. C. On account of the very short tail and the yellowish tint to the olive Mien Heads SECE sy t eiiatsk oe hie Seles 10. Tennessee Warbler. D. Head, neck, and throat bluish-gray (male) ; head and neck grayish (female) ; no white ring around eye; belly yellow ............-..-. ao 5 a eR ee ASS en a ne ee a 34. Mourning Warbler. D. Top and sides of head bluish-gray, changing to olive-green on the back (or in the female only sides of head brownish-gray) ; breast yel- low changing to nearly white on the lower belly.................4. oo 2 SA ee ee 8. Nashville Warbler. D. A large black breast patch surrounded by yellow (male); bend of wing yellow (female) ; crown black (male); grayish ( female) ; Gulf States, accidental in Virginia.......... 5. Bachman’s Warbler. E. Bluish-gray above with a golden-green patch in the middle of the back ; two white wing bars#....... PME eyay eater ela elke tals eee aie 11. Parula Warbler. E. Rictus without evident bristles (less than ; long if any) ; bill very acute.? (K.) E. Rictus with evident bristles ; bill usually not very acute and usually with a slight notch near tip. (F.) = F. Wing bars or wing patch white. (H.) S F. Wing bars if present not white (sometimes in the young 5 yellowish-white). (G.) G. Wing bars yellowish and belly yellow (young have the wing bars very indistinct) ; back usually spotted with chestnut ; wing, 2} or SS eres ts et ae Se le emcee Mags 28. Prairie Warbler. G. Wing bars yellow (yellowish-white in young); belly pure white ; Bines usualy with more or less: chestnuts) 0000... e ee vee ts ee ie tes cal, PRE is SMA MEN hae Oe ae 19. Chestnut-sided Warbler. G. Wing bars brownish and inconspicuous ; white blotches square and on the tips of the under tail feathers; crown more or less dis- tinctly marked with chestnut. ................ 27. Palm Warbler. G. Wing bars inconspicuous ; whole under parts pale yellow; back ashy without any tint of green or olive; wing, 24 or more........ Pee ete eee apie ge ers re eG oa a eel te 25. Kirtland’s Warbler. H. Rump and crown patch yellow (crown patch somewhat obscure in winter) ; sides of breast also generally yellow ; throat white........ ...-15. Myrtle Warbler ; throat yellow....16. Audubon’s Warbler. -H. Rump and belly yellow; white blotches on the middle of nearly all the tail feathers ; crown not yellow, usually clear ash.............. “ch acs RR NAR a gm 17. Magnolia Warbler. H. Rump and sides of neck usually yellow; bill very acute and dis- tinetly decurved near the tip............... 12. Cape May Warbler. H. Rump not yellow; bill not very acute. (I.) 74 KEY AND DESCRIPTION I. Throat yellow or orange; crown with a small or large yellow or orange spot ; under tail feathers with outer edge white edged as well as white SS On. the TRNEE WE. s.0).. oa Rec. slat aldclg Uilgas © RST AER, GOeS ain ae eee 22. Blackburnian Warbler. I. Sides of head bright yellow ; inner web of under tail feathers en- tirely white; outer web white at base.......:.......: ise tye witukse Canerec le » Sere ei) ace ee 24. Black-throated Green Warbler. I. Upper parts, chin, throat, breast, bill, and feet black ; sides of head yellow. In southern Texas the Golden-cheeked Warbler (666. Dendroica chrysopdria) can be found. Its habitat extends to Cen- tral America. (See p. 87.) I. Not as above ; throat more or less yellow. (J.) J. White tail blotches large and oblique near the end of two or three under tail feathers ; no sharp markings anywhere. .26. Pine Warbler. J. Throat definitely yellow ; belly white ; back not greenish........... vin, aa a Wh breser aes ils OU otite. eatane eee eae Re 23. Yellow-throated Warbler. K. Wings with white wing bars ;1 back bright olive- green ; eye with a black line extending across it Poe co indies wins aie 2 6. Blue-winged Warbler. . K. Wing coverts yellow, forming a yellow wing patch ree eA 7. Golden-winged Warbler. K. A black throat patch surrounded by yellow (male) ; bend of wing yellow ( female) ; a yellow wing bar formed only of the lesser coy- CUES Se at Rin w2 7a ie aR aval Dt as aR tao 5. ‘Bachman’s Warbler. K. The supposed hybrids, Brewster’s and Lawrence’s Warblers might be looked for here. ‘They seem in markings and habits interme- diate between 6 and 7. Brewster’s has the throat and breast white, and Lawrence’s has a large black patch on the breast. About a dozen specimens of Lawrence’s have been found, chiefly in New Jersey and southern Connecticut, and many of Brewster’s from southern New England to Michigan. (See p. 79.) No. 10 (Ten- nessee Warbler) might also be looked for here, as its tail feathers are sometimes marked with white. L. Under tail feathers without white blotches ; wings without wing bars. (N.) L. Under tail feathers blotched with white. (M.) M. Body nearly everywhere streaked with black and biden including the crown, which has a middle streak of white................... Sia seks Sah oti wie Billy o Nanya awe SE oR 1. Black and White Warbler. M. Crown black; all other parts much streaked with black and white ; back with some ashy............. 21. Black-poll Warbler (male). M. Upper parts olive-green more or less streaked with black; under parts more or less yellowish and somewhat streaked on breast and SIG O ier cts fancy are neue See ig aee 21. Black-poll Warbler ( female). M. Under parts, especially the crissum, buffy ; crown and throat usually CHestnwl we sees pyr Wane: Sapa soe" 20. Bay-breasted Warbler. FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 75 M. Two white wing bars ;!. entire upper parts sky-blue (male) or dull greenish, brightest on the head ( female), under parts white (tinged with pale yellow in the female)............ 18. Cerulean Warbler. M. Slightly yellowish-white wing bars ; sides with some chestnut mark- ES 3 jee ae Se Gas Oe oe 19. Chestnut-sided Warbler. M. No wing bars but a white blotch on the primaries near the base (very smallin female and young) ; upper parts grayish-blue (male) or olive-green ( female)......... 14. Black-throated Blue Warbler. N. Crown with two black stripes separated by a broader one of buff ; two other black stripes back of the eyes; under parts buffy, un- pM Rn 2s ris shen cya lala « 4. Worm-eating Warbler. WN. Head brown, a whitish line over eye; under parts white, grayer on sides and not definitely spotted.....-...... 3. Swainson’s Warbler. N. Notas above, and the tail ? inch or more shorter than the wing. (P.) N. Tail not over 4 inch shorter than the wing. (0.) O. Upper parts - somewhat ashy with more or less of an orange-brown patch on the crown (except in the young) ; under parts dull, some- times with dusky streaks on the breast; a yellowish or white ring EPSP MEE E 3 6.2. sys Sth. Soe SS 9. Orange-crowned Warbler. 0. A small white patch on the base of the primaries, near and partly hidden by the coverts; upper parts olive-green, with a brownish Mere On LMC tall. 26. - sees 14. Black-throated Blue Warbler. P. Upper parts yellowish-olive; under parts dull white more or less tinged with yellowish but without definite spots ; a whitish line over the eye and white under tail coverts........ 10. Tennessee Warbler. P. Conspicuously spotted or streaked below, thrush-like ; back brown, brownish-olive, or dusky ; head striped, at least a distinct line over the eye. (Q.) Q. Crown with an orange-brown stripe bordered with black lines. .... kg cy Se ee .c 6S Gente Aided ain ae aba oe 29. Oven-bird. Q. No central stripe on crown, but a whitish to buffy line over the eye ; under parts, including the throat, tinged with yellow and very fully apace with) Black... . ls. 5o0 hh oe 30. Water Thrush. Q. Line over the eye conspicuously white ; under parts slightly buffy tinted, and the black streaks do not extend over the throat or mid- mie oi the belly... <2 hee 2.28 esses 31. Louisiana Water Thrush. R. Without bright yellow, but with more or less of flame color or dull yellow on wings and tail................... 40. American Redstart. R. Breast bright yellow. (S.) S. Under tail feathers with white blotches...... 37. Hooded Warbler. S. Under tail feathers without white blotches on the inner webs; no wing bars. (T:) T. Above bright olive-green ; crown black without streaks Sik cap sometimes lacking in female and young).....38. Wilson’s Warbler. T. Above bluish-ash ; a necklace of black (male) or dusky (female) Rees ESS IECASE Ah ei tice ac eid es 38am 39. Canadian Warbler. 76 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 1. Black and White Warbler (636. Mniotilta varia). — A black and white streaked warbler, with a broad white_stripe on the top of the head and no yellow any- where. Female with some brownish on the sides and fewer black stripes on the lower parts. This is a silent bird, common in woodlands, creep- ing over twigs and branches, often hanging from the lower surfaces, hunting in- dustriously for insect food. (Black and White Creeper.) Black and White Warbler Length, 51; wing, 2? (23-27); tail, 21; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. Eastern North America. Breeds from Virginia north to Hudson Bay, and winters from the Gulf States south to northern South America. 2. Prothonotary Warbler (637. Protonotdria citrea).— A very pretty warbler, with the whole head, neck; upper back, and under parts a rich orange. The rest of the upper parts gradu- ally change through greenish to blush to ashy, and the lower parts to almost white on the crissum, and large white blotches on the under tail feath- ers. The female has the yellow paler. It is found most fre- quently in the low growths near and over the water, where it is more like a creeper in its habits than like a flycatcher. Its usual notes are clear, penetrating peet, tweet, tweet, tweet, given without change of pitch. (Golden- headed Warbler.) Prothonotary Warbler FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS Ta. Length, 51; wing, 27 (23-8); tail, 21; tarsus, 2; culmen,}. Eastern United States, north to Virginia and southern Michigan ; south in winter to northern South America; breed- ing throughout its United States range. 3. Swainson’s Warbler (638. Helindia swainsdnit). —A brownish warbler, with whitish under parts, inclined to yellow on the middle, and grayish on the sides. This ground warbler of the Southern States is a beautiful singer of loud, rich, yet tender notes of most pene- trating quality. Swainson’s Warbler Length, 6; wing, 23; tail, 1£; tarsus, 2; culmen, 3. Southeastern United States, north to southern Virginia and southeastern Missouri, and south in winter to central Mexico. 4. Worm-eating Warbler (659. Helmitherus vermivorus).— An olive-green-backed and creamy-bellied warbler, with a buffy head, distinctly marked with = four black lines, two on the crown and two through the eyes ; no white on back, wings, or tail, all being of about the same shade of olive-green. A rare, shy bird, found usually in the dense undergrowth of wooded hills and ravines. Length, 54; wing, 23 (23-22); tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 2. Eastern United States north to southern New England ; west to Nebraska and Texas ; in winter south to northern South America. 5. Bachman’s Warbler (640. Helminthdphila bachmdnii).— A rare, southern warbler, having forehead, throat, and belly yel- low, with a large conspicuous patch of black on the breast; the rest of the bird bright olive-green; shading to grayish on the wings, and with a white-blotched tail. Female with the yellow Worm-eating Warbler 78 KEY AND DESCRIPTION of the forehead and the black of the breast not so distinct, but with the bend of the wing yellow; breeding range and habits unknown. Length, 44; wing, 23; tail, 12; culmen, } nearly. South Atlantic nce mee southern Virginia to Florida and Louisiana ; Cuba in winter. 6. Blue-winged Warbler (641. Helminthéphila pinus). — A yellow’ warbler, with slaty-blue wings and tail; the yellow of the upper parts changes to olive- green on the rump. There is a black line through the eye, and the wing BS are yellowish. Female with less yellow. This is a common, creeper-like warbler, found mainly in the under- growth of woods. In its creeping movements it is slow and delib- erate, and may occa- sionally be seen hang- ing head downwards. his; is more. of, 3 singer than most of the warblers. Bachman’s Warbler Length, 43 ; wing, 23 ; tail, 2 3 tarsus, 2; cul- men, 75. Eastern United States from southern New England and south- ern Minnesota south- ward; west to Nebraska and Texas; in winter south to Central America. Blue-winged Warbler 7. Golden-winged Warbler (642. Helminthdphila chrysdptera). — A warbler with a yellow crown, yellow wing coverts, a black patch around and FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 79 below the eye, and another on the breast, with two conspic- uous white stripes, a narrow one above the eye patch and a wider one between the eye and breast patches. Upper parts grayish, below white. The under tail feath- ers blotched with white. Female with the head less dis- tinctly marked, and with grayish instead of black. An insect- eating creeper in the lower growths at the borders of woods. Golden-winged Warbler Length, 5; wing, 23; tail, 2; culmen, 3. Eastern United States north to southern New England and southern Minnesota; breeding from its northern limit south to New Jersey and Indiana, and in the mountains to South Carolina. In winter south to northern South America. The last two species are supposed to interbreed and form two named hybrids, Brewster’s Warbler (H. leucobronchialis) and Lawrence’s Warbler (i. lawrencei). ‘The former has broad yellow wing bars and white breast, the latter white bars and a black throat patch. Different specimens show great variety of plumage, but al] are intermediate between Nos. 6 and 7. The Key, page 74, gives other facts about these puzzling birds. 8. Nashville Warbler (645. Helminthdphila ruficapilla). — An olive-green-backed warbler, with all the lower parts bright yellow, lighter on the belly. The top and sides of the head are gray, with a more or less concealed chestnut patch on the crown. No ~ white bars on wing or white blotches p on tail. The young are duller and ‘e *, have brownish washings on _ head, —_ao _, back, and sides. An inhabitant of | open woods and fields. Length, 42; wing, 22 (24-24) ; tail, 1;; culmen, 3.. From the Plains eastward and northward to the fur coun- tries ; breeding from the northern United States northward, and wintering as far south as Central America. > — Soe Nashville Warbler 80 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 9. Orange-crowned Warbler (646. Helminthdphila celata). — A rare warbler, with the whole upper parts nearly uniform olive-green except the more or less concealed orange-brown crown patch. The lower parts greenish-yellow, with slight dusky streaks on the breast. Young lack the crown patch, and are in all respects duller birds, but with a white ring around the eye. Length, 5; wing, 2} (23-21); tail, 2; culmen, 3. Eastern North America from Mackenzie River south through the Rocky Mountains ; wintering in the South Atlantic and Gulf States and Mexico. Rare north of Virginia in the Eastern States. 10. Tennessee War- bler (647. Helminthd- phila peregrina). — A rare warbler, with the lower parts white, more or less tinged with yellow,.and the upper parts bright-olive-green, chang- ing abruptly to bluish-gray on the head. No white wing bars, but the inner web of the under tail feathers generally white at tip. Female has the crown tinged with greenish and the under parts more dis- tinctly yellowish. The breast of this species is pale greenish yellow with no streaks, and the under tail coverts white. Length, 43; wing, 23; tail, 13; culmen, 3. East- ern North America ; breed- ing from northern New York to Hudson Bay, and wintering from Mexico ‘to Picniy Was biee northern South America. 11. Parula Warbler (648. Compsédthlypis americana). — A ereenish-yellow-backed, yellow-breasted, grayish-blue warbler, Tennessee Warbler FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 81 with white wing bars and belly. This bird generally has a darkish, more. or less reddish band across the breast. The greenish-yellow of the back forms a central patch.. The female sometimes lacks the dark-reddish breast band. (Blue Yellow- backed Warbler.) Length, 43; wing, 24 (21-22); tail, 12; culmen, 3. United States from the Plains eastward, north to Canada; breeding throughout, and wintering from Gulf States south to eastern Mexico and West Indies. Sennett’s Warbler (649. Compséthlypis nigrilora), of western Texas, southward, is a similar bird, but the parula has a white spot on each eyelid, which is lacking in Sennett’s warbler ; and in front of the eyes (lores) of the parula there is a dusky spot. In Sennett’s warbler this spot is intensely black, and this black crosses the front of the head just above the bill. 12. Cape May Warbler (650. Dendroica (dré-ca) tigrina).— A rare but beautiful warbler, with black-streaked, olive-green back, chestnut cheeks, black crown, and yellow rump; the under parts are yellow, heavily streaked with black, but changing to white on the crissum. The wing coverts form a large white patch, and the under tail feathers have white patches near the tips on the inner webs. The female lacks the white wing patch, but has a narrow, white wing bar; the back is somewhat grayish, the rump less yellow, but there is a yellow line over the eye. The young female has almost no yellow below. This is a warbler of the tree tops. Cape May Warbler Length, 54; wing, 2% (23-21); tail, 2; culmen, 2. North America from the Plains eastward, north to Hudson Bay Territory; breeding from northern New England northward, and wintering in the West Indies. APGAR’S BIRDS. —6 | 82 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 13. Yellow Warbler (652. Dendroica estiva).—This is the yellow warbler in fact as well as name, having some shade of yellow throughout, and forming our only canary-colored wild bird. The un- der parts are some- what streaked with reddish, and the un- der tail feathers are yellow on the in- ner webs and dusky on the outer. The female is less bright- ly yellow, and the under parts are less streaked. ‘This is a common inhabitant of our gardens and orchards, and is often thought to be an escaped canary; its slender bill shows that it is a different species. (Summer Yellow-bird; Golden Warbler.) Yellow Warbler Length, 5; wing, 2} (28-23); tail, 2; culmen, %. North America throughout, except the southwest ; breeding in nearly its whole range, and wintering south to northern South America. 14. Black - throated Blue Warbler (654. Dendroica = ceerulés- cens). — A common, grayish-blue- backed, white-bellied warbler, with black sides of head and throat, and irregular patches of black along the sides of the body. The bases of the primaries form a white patch on the wings. The female has the upper parts olive-green and the lower parts Black-throated Blue Warbler FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 83 yellowish, and in the main lacks the black throat, while the white wing patch is much reduced. Length, 51; wing, 2}; tail, 2; culmen, ;;. North America from the Plains eastward; breeding from northern New York northward (in the Alleghanies south to Georgia), and wintering in the tropics. 15. Myrtle Warbler (655. Dendroica corondta).— A com- mon, large, streaked, bluish- and black-backed warbler, with distinct patches of yellow on crown, rump, and sides of breast, and a white throat and lower belly. There are two white wing bars, white blotches on the under tail feathers, and heavy black marks on the breast. The female has browner upper parts, and fewer black marks on the breast. The yellow on the crown and sides of the breast are much reduced in young and winter birds. (Yellow-rumped Warbler.) Length, 53; wing, 2% (23-3); tail, 21; culmen, 2. North America, but rare west of the Rocky Mountains ; breeding from northern United States northward, and wintering from southern New England and the Ohio Valley, southward to Central America. Myrtle Warbler 16. Audubon’s Warbler (656. Dendroica duduboni).— A west- ern warbler similar to the last, but with yellow on the throat instead of the white of that species. The wing bars blend together into a wing patch. Length, 53; wing, 3 (23-31); tail, 21; culmen, 3. Western United States eastward to the western borders of the Plains; accidental in Penn- sylvania and Massachusetts. 17. Magnolia Warbler (657. Dendroica maculdsa).— A gray- crowned, black-backed, yellow-rumped warbler, with the breast and throat yellow; heavily streaked on the breast and sides with black. The wirg coverts form a large white patch; the middle of the under tail feathers is white, and the end third 84. KEY AND DESCRIPTION black. Female similar, but duller. Both the JSemale and young have the white tail blotches on the middle of the feathers. (Black and Yellow Warbler.) Length, 5; wing, 23 (24-23) ; tail, 2 ; culmen, 3. North America from the Rocky Mountains eastward; breeding from northern New York northward (southward in the mountains to Penn- sylvania), and wintering south of the United States to Central America. 18. Cerulean Warbler (658. Dendroica ceertlea). — A warbler with bright blue upper parts, white lower parts, and many black streaks on the sides; wing bars and much of the under tail feathers white. Female with greenish tint to the back and yellowish tint to the belly. It lives in the tops of the forest trees. Its song is very much lke that of the parula warbler. Magnolia Warbler Length, 4}; wing, 2} (23-23) ; tail, 1£; culmen, 3: Eastern United States and southern Ontario west to the Plains; rare east of the Alle- ghanies; in winter, south to northern South America. 19. Chestnut-sided Warbler (659. Dendro- ica pensylvdnica). — A chestnut-sided, yellow- crowned warbler, with mottled black and olive back and white under parts; wing bars yel- lowish and _ cheeks white, outlined with black. Female similar, but duller; the young has the back somewhat streaked with black on a ground that is yellowish- Cerulean Warbler FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 85 olive, and the under parts silky-white; the sides are sometimes blotched with chestnut; an inhabitant of bushy borders. Length, 5; wing, 24 (28-23); tail, 2; cul men, #. Eastern United States from the Plains, including southern Onta- rio ; breeding from north- ern New Jersey and cen- Se tral Illinois northward <2 (southward to Georgia in ~ the mountains), and win- tering in the tropics. 20. Bay-breasted Warbler (660. Den- droica castanea). — A brownish-ashy-backed warbler, with chestnut crown and brown- ish breast and sides; forehead and cheeks black; wing bars and belly white; the under tail feathers have the white patches at their tips. Female with the crown somewhat olive, the under parts not so white, and less rufous on the breast and sides. This is a beautiful warbler, living in its summer home, among the tree tops. (Autumn Warbler.) Chestuut-sided Warbler Length, 54; wing, 2% (23-3); tail, 21; culmen, 3. Eastern North America from Hudson Bay southward ; breeding from northern New England and northern Michigan northward, and wintering in Mexico and Central America. » 21. Black-poll War- } bler (661. Dendroica stridta).— A common, very much streaked, mainly black and white warbler, with distinct black cap and white cheeks. The male has grayish and the female olive-green tints on the back, including the crown, thus obliterating the black cap. The female is less distinctly Bay-breasted Warbler 86 KEY AND DESCRIPTION streaked. The young is even less streaked than the female, has greenish-yellow tinting on the under parts, and almost no markings. It is found in orchards, gardens, and open, especially evergreen woods. Length, 51; wing, 27; tail,21; culmen, 2. North America from the Rocky Mountains eastward ; breeding from northern New England northward, and wintering south to northern South America. 22. Blackburnian Warbler (662. Dendroica bldckburnic).— A warbler, with orange-col- ored throat, breast, and center of crown, black upper parts mottled with lighter, and white belly; wing coverts and un- der tail feathers with much white. The back of the female is brownish - olive, streaked with black; the orange of the male is replaced by yellow, and the white of the wing coverts forms two wing bars. The young has the crown patch nearly absent. It lives mainly in the upper branches of evergreens. (Orange- throated Warbler; Hemlock Warbler.) Length, 51; wing, 23 (21-23); tail, 2; culmen, 3. North America from eastern Kansas eastward; breeding from Massachusetts and Michi- gan northward (farther south in the mountains), and wintering south to Peru. 23. Yellow-throated Warbler (663. Dendro- ica dominica). — A yellow-throated, gray- backed, white-bellied warbler, with black Yellow-throated Warbler cheeks; white wing Black-poll Warbler —_ Blackburnian Warbler FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 87 bars distinct, and white blotches near the tips of the under tail feathers. A southern warbler, with some of the habits of a “creeper” among the tree tops. : Length, 51; wing, 23 (23-23) ; tail, 2}; culmen, }. Southern United States; breeding from Virginia southward, and wintering from Florida southward ; accidental in New York and Massachusetts. The Sycamore Warbler (663°. D. d. albilora) is a variety very much like the yellow- throated, but that species has a yellow line in front of the eye and a white line over it, while the sycamore has the line in front of the eye white. 24. Black-throated Green Warbler (667. Dendroica virens).— A common, olive-green-backed, black-breasted warbler, with whitish belly and yellow sides of head. Two white wing bars and the under tail feathers with much white, including the base of the outer web; black streaks on the sides. Female with much less of black on throat and breast, and some yellowish. The young may entirely lack black on the throat. During the breeding season, its home is in the tops of coniferous trees; when migrating it can be found in the growths anywhere. Length, 5; wing, 2} (21-23); tail, 2; culmen, 3. Eastern North America from the Plains ; breeding from Connecticut and Illinois north to Hudson Bay (in the mountains south to South Carolina), and winter- ing south to Central America. The Golden-cheeked Warbler (666. Den- droica chrysoparia), a species found in southern Texas, has black upper parts, yellow sides of the head and neck, yellowish-white belly, black chin, throat, and breast, and black streaking on the side of the body. There are two white wing bars and a black stripe through _<« the eye and extending Sag some distance back of it. @ The tail has large white patches. This bird is much like No. 24, and probably the female varies as in that species. 25. Kirtland’s War- bler (670. Dendrodca kirtlandi). — An extensively black-spotted warbler with brown- ish-ashy back, bluish-gray head, and light yellow under parts. Kirtland’s Warbler 88 KEY AND DESCRIPTION The sides, breast, and back are the most fully spotted; the space in front of the eye and the sides of the throat are almost wholly black. ‘There are no white wing bars, but the under tail feathers have white blotches near their tips. This is one of the rarest of the warblers. : Length, 53; wing, 22 (23-21) ; tail, 2}; culmen, 3. Breeding home unknown ; migrates through the Mississippi Valley and the southeastern United States. 26. Pine Warbler (671. Dendroica vigérsii). — A bright olive- green-backed warbler, with the under parts bright yellow except near the tail, where the yellow is gradually changed to white. Sometimes there is a touch of ashy color both on the back and on the belly. The wing bars are whitish, the under tail feathers have white blotches near their tips, and the sides are some- times streaked with black. Female similar but less bright, the upper parts somewhat brownish, and the lower parts yellow only on the breast. As its: name indicates, it 1s nearly always to be found among the pines; in summer up in the trees; in winter mainly on the ground. Length, 5} (5-53); wing, 2% (23-3); tail, 21; culmen, 3. United States from the Plains eastward, north to New Brunswick ; wintering in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. 27. Palm Warbler (672. Dendroica palmarum). — A warbler, with the upper parts grayish-brown, the lower parts yellow. Pine Warbler — FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 89 The sides are streaked with chestnut, and the crown has a chestnut patch, very distinct in the breeding season. In winter the crown patch is rendered more or less in- distinct by brownish tips to the feathers. In summer there is a yellow line over the eye; in winter this is white, and a ring around the eye is also white. The under parts in winter are rather yel- lowish than _ yellow. This is the Palm War- bler of the Mississippi Valley; in winter in : the South Atlantic and Pree Gulf States; occasionally seen in other localities (Red-poll Warbler). Yellow Palm Warbler (672%. D. p. hypochrijsea). — A warbler, with the upper parts dark olive-green, the lower parts entirely bright yellow, the crown chestnut, and the sides streaked with chestnut; over and around the eye there is a yellow line. There are no white wing bars, but the under tail feathers have white blotches near their tips. In winter the chestnut crown is partly concealed by brownish. The yellow of the under parts of this variety is much the brighter and more uniform. (The Palm Warbler always shows whitish on the belly.) This is an active warbler of the open field rather than of the woods, and in winter in the south it isa common town and village bird. It has a tail-wagging habit which is very characteristic. (Yellow Red-poll.) ¢ Length, 5}; wing, 22 (21-23) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Atlan- tic States ; breeding from eastern Maine to Hudson Bay, and wintering in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. (The Palm Warbler is found north to Great Slave Lake, and winters south to Mexico.) 28. Prairie Warbler (673. Dendroica discolor). — A small olive-green-backed warbler with the under parts bright yellow, streaked with black on the sides. ‘The center of the back is marked in the adult with a brownish patch, and the under tail 90 KEY AND DESCRIPTION feathers have large white patches at their tips, even the outer webs having white at their bases. There is a yellow line over the eye, and a black crescent-shaped mark under the eye. The female sometimes lacks the brown patch of the back, and the young usually has the whole upper parts ashy in shade. A shy inhabitant of bushy fields and pastures. Length, 42; wing, 21; tail, 2; culmen, 4. United States from the Plains eastward ; breeding from Florida north to Michigan and southern New England, and wintering from Flor- ida to the West Indies. 29. Oven-bird (674. Seitrus aurocapillus).— A rather small, thrush-like, olive-green- backed bird, with white under parts, spotted with black on the breast and sides; the crown is marked with brownish-orange, bordered with black stripes; wings and tail unmarked. This is a walking, tail-wagging bird, found mainly in wooded ground, except in early spring, when it may often be seen in the shrubbery and gardens loudly singing its notes, which seem to say teacher, TEACHER, TEACHER. (Golden-crowned “'Thrush.”’) “Length, 61; wing, 3 (28-3}); tail, 24; tarsus, ~; culmen, i. Eastern North America; breeding from Kansas and Virginia north- ward, and wintering from Florida south to Central America. Prairie Warbler Oven-bird 30. Water-Thrush (675. Seiirus noveboracénsis). — A small, olive-backed, thrush-like bird, with the under parts yellowish, FAM, VII. WOOD WARBLERS 91 streaked everywhere with black. Over the eye there is a dis- tinct buffy line. This is a walking, tail-wagging bird, like the last, but as its name indicates, it prefers localities near the water, though it is sometimes found in dry places. It is not ashy bird. (Water Wagtail.) Length, 52; wing, 3 (23-31); tail, 2}; tarsus, ¢; culmen, 4. Illinois and eastward ; breeding from northern Illinois and northern New England northward, and wintering from the Gulf States to northern South America. Grinnell’s Water-Thrush (675%. S. n. notdbilis) is very much like the last, but larger, on the average, and with the upper parts darker and the under parts whiter. ‘This is the western variety, and is found from Illinois to California north into Brit- — Wator Thrash ish America, and winter- ing from the Gulf States to South America. During migrations it has been found in Virginia and even in New Jersey. 31. Louisiana Water-Thrush (676. Seitrus motacilla).—This bird is much like No. 30, but the streakings on the lower parts do not include the throat and middle of belly, the line over the eye is white and conspicuous, and the under parts are tinged with buff color rather than yellow. This is a much shyer bird, more fond of the water, and a noted songster, sometimes sing- ing while on the wing. (Larger-billed Water-Thrush.) Length, 64; wing, 3} (8-31); tail, 21; tarsus, nearly 1; culmen, 4+. United States from the Plains eastward, north to central New England ; wintering south of the United States to Central America. 32. Kentucky Warbler (677. Gedthlypis formosa). — An olive- green-backed warbler, with all the lower parts and a line over the eye bright yellow. The crown, and a blotch under the eye, extending along the side of the throat, are black. There are no wing bars or tail patches. The female has the dark sections more grayish. It is an inhabitant of dense, especially wet, 92 KEY AND DESCRIPTION woods, and may be found on the lower growths or walking on the ground. It is a loud, clear singer. Length, 54; wing, 23 (21-3); tail, 2; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. United States, from the Plains eastward; breeding from the Gulf States to south- ern Michigan, and wintering south of the United States to Central America. 33. Connecticut Warbler (67 Gedthlypis dgilis). — An olive- green-backed, yellow-bellied war- bler, with much bluish-gray on the head, neck, and breast. The wings and tail are almost the exact tint of the back, and have ~ no bars or blotches, but there is a white ring round the eye. The female has the crown the same as the back, and the throat and breast grayish-brown. This active, sprightly bird is a migrant over most of the eastern United States, and is usually found near the ground in low shrubbery. Kentucky Warbler Length, 51; wing, 27 (23-9); tail, 2; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. Eastern North America; breeding north of the United States, and wintering south of it to northern South America. 34. Mourning Warbler (679. Gedthlypis philadélphia).— A warbler, with bluish-gray head, olive-green upper parts, and yellow belly. The ¢ bluish-gray changes to black on the breast, and the wings and tail are unmarked. The female has a_ head only slightly grayer than the back, and the breast is also only grayish. This shy bird lives mainly in the low bushes, and receives its com- mon name from the appearance of crape on the head. It ee Mourning Warbler FAM. VII. WOOD WARBLERS 93 frequently perches on low limbs and sings its clear, whist- ling notes. Length, 53; wing, 2} (21-24); tail,2; tarsus,4; culmen, 3%. North America, from the Plains eastward ; breeding from the mountains of Penn- sylvania and northern Michigan northward, and wintering south of the United States to northern South America. 30. Maryland Yellow-throat (681. Gedthlypis trichas).— A bright, yellow-breasted, olive-green-backed warbler, with a peculiar, distinctly out- lined, black mask across the forehead and over the cheeks; wings and tail short and unmarked. Female with less distinct mask, and sometimes none. This is a com- mon, bush-living, sprightly bird, which chirps and sings through- out the summer. Length, a; wing, 24 (1;- otter ee eccreenmmeneend 21); tail, 2; tarsus, 3; cul- men, 3. Eastern. United Maryland Yellow-throat States ; breeding from Geor- gia to southern Labrador, and wintering in the South Atlantic States to Central America (even as far north as Massachusetts). The Florida Yellow-throat (681>. G. t. ignota) has the under parts a deeper yellow, the upper parts browner, and the black mask larger. Florida and Georgia. The Western Yellow-throat (681%. G. t. occidentalis) is a larger and brighter colored bird, the bright yellow of the breast extending almost to the anal regions, and the black mask bordered behind by a grayish white band. The wings and tail are each about 2} long. From the Mississippi Valley to the Pacific coast. 36. Yellow-breasted Chat (683. Jctéria virens).— A large, bright-yellow-breasted, white-bellied, olive-green-backed bird, with a white lne over the eye, no wing bars, and a stout bill. This is a bright-colored, noisy dweller of bushy thickets, much more readily heard than seen. Its notes are indescrib-. 94 KEY AND DESCRIPTION able in their taunting, mocking, and ventriloquistic qualities. When disturbed in its medley, it merely repeats the complain- Yeliow-breasted Chat ing call notes of chit chit. Length, 74; wing, 3 (22- 31); tail, 34; culmen, i. United States from the Plains eastward ; breeding north to Ontario, and wintering south to Central America. 37. Hooded Warbler (684. Sylvania mitrata). — A beautiful, black-hooded, olive- green- backed, yel- low-bellied, flycatching warbler with yellow fore- head and cheeks, and al- most completely white under tail feathers. The hood is made up of a crown piece connected on the sides of the neck with a large throat patch. The female has a less distinctly outlined hood. This is a restless bird, gen- erally found among the lower trees or ligher .,shrubs = of dense wet woods. It is a Sweet singer. Length, 53; wing, 23 (24-23) ;- tail, 21; cul- men, ?. United States from the Plains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf of Mexico northward to Hooded Warbler : southern New England and southern Michigan, and wintering south of the United States to Central America. 38. Wilson’s Warbler (685. Sylvania pusilla). — A yellow- faced, bright olive-green-backed, yellow-bellied, flycatching war- FAM. VII.’ WOOD WARBLERS 95 bler with a distinct black cap, but no wing bars or tail blotches. Female similar, but usually lacks the black cap. It is gener- ally to be found among low ad bushes near the water, and sey acts much like the true fly- , zh catchers in its habit of dart- ing in and out by short flights, in search of its insect prey. The flycatchers proper almost invariably return to the same twigs from which they darted; the warbling flycatchers do not. (Green ane Black-capped Warbler.) po emeeney: Length, 43; wing, 24 (2-23); Ree tail, 2; culmen, ++. North Malesia Rijasbler America from the Rocky Mountains eastward ; breeding mainly north of the United States, and wintering south to Centrai America. 39. Canadian Warbler (686. Sylvania canadénsis).— A gray- backed, flycatching warbler with all the lower parts yellow, except a necklace of black spots across the breast, and white under tail coverts. It is without either wing. bars or tail blotches, but has spots of black on the crown, black sides of neck, and a yellow spot in front of the eye. Female lacks » the black of the head, and the =» necklace is made up of dusky == spots. It is generally to be found in the same localities as No. 58 and has about the same Ye habits. Itisa loud but sweet a 5 ; , singer. Canadian Warbler Length, 54; wing, 23; tail, 21; culmen, 3. North America, from the Plains eastward ; breeding from northern New York northward (far- ther south in the mountains), and wintering south of the United States to northern South America. 96 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 40. American Redstart (687. Setéphaga ruticilla).— A small, very lively, dark-colored, brilliantly-marked, flycatching war- bler, with bright or- ange or flame color at base of tail, middle of wings, and under the wings. The belly is nearly white, the bill is very broad, and the ric- tal bristles fully half as long as the bill. The female is a brownish- gray bird with dull yellow markings re- placing the orange of the male. This is one of the most beautiful and active of the warblers, and is to bé found abundantly in most woodlands and shrubberies. American Redstart Length, 5} (43-53); wing, 2} (23-23); tail, 23; tarsus, 3; culmen, 8. North America, west casually to California; breeding from North Carolina and Kansas north to Labrador, and wintering south of the United States to South America. FAMILY VIII. VIREOS (VIREONID2) A family (50 species) of exclusively American, small, olive- backed birds of woods and thickets, with narrow, stout, notched and hooked bills. Our largest species is about the size of the English sparrow. The vireos are insect-eating birds, but un- like many warblers and all the true flycatchers, they gather their prey while perching. With rather slow movements they patiently search over and under leaves, on twigs and bark, for spiders, beetles, caterpillars, etc. All our species are good Singers, and some are noted for their vocal powers. Dr. Coues thus speaks of them: “ Next after the warblers, the greenlets [vireos] are the most delightful of our forest birds, though their charms address the ear and not-the eye.... In the FAM. VIII. VIREOS 97 quaint and curious ditty of the white-eye, in the earnest, vol- uble strains of the red-eye, in the tender secret that the war- bling vireo confides in whispers to the passing breeze —he is insensible who does not hear the echo of thoughts he never clothes in words.” They build beautiful basket-like nests, which are suspended from forked twigs, sometimes near the ground and sometimes from the highest parts of forest trees. The vireos are usually to be found on trees or bushes, very rarely on the ground. Any of the common names given can end in Greenlet as well as Vireo. Key to the Species * Rather stout species with distinct white or whitish wing bars.2. (C.) * Rather slender species with no distinct wing bars. (A.) ~ A. The first primary less than one inch long ; ? under parts white with yellowish om the sides (if there is almost no yellowish on sides, look for 2. Red-eyed Vireo, as it has been found with a short first ORME EMR PS EN ccs cc) 5 sate atm AS mca ns 5. Warbling Vireo. A. The first primary much over one inch long. (B.) . B. Under parts yellowish, brightest on the breast; crown ashy, without a bordering black line over the whitish eye line. 4. Philadelphia Vireo. B. Under parts mainly white with almost no yellowish; crown ashy- gray margined with blackish just above the white line over the eye. NM ce tet He) cela era's Ciel a -cccyte ee eet re Mcrae 2. Red-eyed Vireo. (or 1. Black-whiskered Vireo, if in Florida, and if there is a dusky streak on the side of the throat.) B. Sides bright olive-yellow, and the under tail coverts clear sulphur- TE LD gy AS 6h Rae pe Pra 3. Yellow-green Vireo. C. First primary nearly as long as the second; breast bright yellow oo aol ES a a eee i le oe 6. Yellow-throated Vireo. C. First primary less than one inch long.2 (D.) D. Top and sides of head grayish-blue, with a distinct white line around ULE EE Se, eA OE eae eto ee 7. Blue-headed Vireo. D. Crown olive, much like the back ; a distinct yellow line over the eye. aisha Sted Shree tees Nahe ss Mae eos 9. White-eyed Vireo. D. Crown ashy ; a distinct white line around the eye (Western)....... aoc HSA: SERIES PRED a ace enero oer et Se eo 10. Bell’s Vireo. D. Crown and sides of head black (Kansas to Texas)...........-..... Re CRS. dic es ts Sinan + oes em EE 8. Black-capped Vireo. “5 1 APGAR’S BIRDS. —7 = : 98 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 1. Black-whiskered Vireo (623. Vireo calidris barbdtulus). — A species found in southern Florida, West Indies, and south in winter to Central America. It is very much like the next species, but has a narrow dusky streak extending from the bill, below the eyes, along the side of the throat. Length, 5}; wing, 34 (3-31) ; tail, 2}; culmen, 3. 2. Red-eyed Vireo (624. Vireo olivaceus).— A very common, small, olive-green-backed, white-bellied vireo, with a black-mar- gined slaty-gray crown, white line over the eye, and no wing bars. The dark border to the crown gives emphasis to the white line over its red eye. This com- mon inhabitant of trees has been called the preacher, because of its tireless singing. In the words of Wil- son Flagg, “We might suppose him to be re- peating moderately, with a pause between each sentence, ‘ You see it —you know it —do you hear me? —do you believe it?’ All these strains are delivered with the rising inflection at the close, and with a pause, as if wait- | ing for an answer.” Red-eyed Vireo Length, 61; wing, 3} (3-83) ; tail, 21; tarsus, $; culmen, 3. North | America, from Utah eastward ; breeding from the Gulf States to Hudson Bay, and wintering from Florida to South America. 3. Yellow-green Vireo (625. Vireo flavoviridis).— A vireo of western Texas and southward to Peru; very much like the last | species, but with the under parts, especially the sides, flanks, oe and under tail coverts, much more brightly yellow. Length, 64; wing, 3 (23-31) ; tail, 2}; culmen, 2. 4. Philadelphia Vireo (626. Vireo philadélphicus). — A small, light, olive-green-backed, grayish-crowned vireo with all under FAM. VIII. VIREOS 99 parts light greenish-yellow and a whitish line over the eye. There are no wing bars. This is a smaller and rarer bird than No. 2, but with similar habits and song. : Length, 5; wing, 23 (23-23) ; tail, 2; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Eastern North America ; breeding from New Hampshire north to Hudson Bay, and wintering south of the United States to Central America. 5. Warbling Vireo (627. Vireo gilvus).— An olive-green- backed, white- or whitish-bellied vireo, without wing bars and with some yellowish on the sides. This, as its name indicates, is a good, continuous “ warbler” of rich notes. It lives mainly among the tops of tall trees, so that it can be heard more easily than seen. Length, 52; wing, 27 (23-3); tail, 21; tarsus, 3: culmen, 4. North America in general ; breeding nearly throughout, and wintering in eastern Mexico. 6. Yellow-throated Vireo (628. Vireo flavifrons).— An olive- ereen-backed, bright-yellow-breasted, white-bellied vireo, with two distinct white wing bars. It is an inhabi- tant of the tree tops. atk 41. Fox Sparrow. K. Male with much red ; female olive-brown ; tail an inch shorter than the wings and notched at tip?.... 20... cs ere aes 3. Purple Finch. K. Under parts pure white, except black spots on the breast; tail rounded,? and the under feathers black, with white tips........... Pe eT eee eT ey ee 27. Lark Sparrow. K. Wing with a conspicuous, light-colored (white or whitish) patch ; tail about square*. {Jvc c.ee tsi: oa sel ae ome uae 53. Lark Bunting. K. Tail rounded; wing, 31 or less long; crown pure white or pale brownish, margined with darker,...29. White-crowned Sparrow. K. Tail rounded ; wing, 3}-33; center of crown more or less black... Li saps RA «Sle shpelecs te sbi bike « RRC race eae a ee 28. Harris’s Sparrow. L. Breast with yellow; throat with more or less black; bend of wing VOLO Maret ocleaiie ye Seino aw Wee pik On lel 52. Dickcissel. L. Tail double-rounded ;* middle and under.pair of feathers about equal in length, the others gradually longer. (P.) L. Tail rounded ;® the middle pair of feathers about the longest ; the under feathers gradually shorter. (M.) M. Culmen, } or more long ; bend of wing yellow. (0.) M. Culmen, less than i long. (N.) N. Tail and wings almost exactly equal in length ; back feathers black, bordered by buffy ; no yellow in front of eye or on bend of wing.... sins a ogy Sods! + Sie RRR AS TREES IS mee eRe CREE EE 23. Leconte’s Sparrow. N. Tail measurably shorter than wing; back brown streaked with black ; bend of wirg pale yellow.......... 22. Henslow’s Sparrow. O. Back almost without streaks ; breast slightly streaked with dusky; yellow in front: of 6yG\ 2s. eke: aaa niet 25. Seaside Sparrow. 0. Back somewhat streaked; breast broadly streaked with black ; yellow in front of eye... 6.5 we 26. Dusky Seaside Sparrow. 0. Center of crown with a distinct stripe of ashy; breast and sides distinctly streaked with blackish....... 24. Sharp-tailed Sparrow. > —————— ——— — = = — es So Le 2 B 4 5 FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 113 P. Wing, 23-31; back ashy, somewhat streaked with brownish; a white Eerie GOMER CHE IOME Ns oo oil < wis aie eie dite eine 505 18. Ipswich Sparrow. P. Wing, 23-22; pale yellow in front of eye and on bend of wing ; back sharply streaked with black ................ 19. Savanna Sparrow. P. Wing, 23-23; bend of wing yellow; spot in front of eye orange.... ERIE oicos wan kno wise eee wie sig ee ae 21. Grasshopper Sparrow. P. Wing, 23-3 ; western species with very narrow and acute tail feath- ers ; head buffy on crown and white on chin and throat............ je Se OE See es ee ee eee 20. Baird’s Sparrow. Q. Hind toe nail but little longer than that of middle toe; bend of wing chestnut ; breast without yellow but streaked with black ; under tail feathers almost entirely white ; tail double-rounded’... eS eet OPE. Ws. lute st opaleivintele.araiadys % 17. Vesper Sparrow. Q. Hind toe nail but little longer than that of the middle toe ; breast with more or less of yellow ; under tail feathers not white........ EP eas Re BES moleln bins ticle OE n'ejs bis 38 52. Dickcissel. Q. Hind toe nail about as long as the hind toe and nearly twice as long as that of the middle toe and but little curved.® (R.) R. Bill stout, nearly as high at base as the culmen is long; under tail feathers almost entirely white ; others, except the middle pair, tipped with black ; bend of wing chestnut (western)..................... I LE sie SS aa a win pip wiels xe, x0 16. McCown’s Longspur. R. Bill much more slender.’ (S.) ; S. Two under tail feathers mostly white ; under parts buffy......... PE Stee 1 Fates ye so vieIMt alah, Sbietis ae alavalla sre 14. Smith’s Longspur. S. Second under tail feather but little white ; breast with much black ; belly whitish ; legs and feet black........ 15. Lapland Longspur. S. Under tail feathers mostly or entirely white ; all others with much white at base ; legs pale......... 15. Chestnut-collared Longspur. T. Tail as long as or longer than the wings. (W.) T. Tail shorter than the wings; wing, 3 or more long. (V.) T. Tail shorter than the wings; wing, 2-3 long. (U.) U. Body yellow, with wings and tail black (male), or back brown, with more or less yellow below (female) ; bill very sharp and small... PR ele hn mesen, Se ob is Sie ois isles oid as “ose 8. American Goldfinch. U. Plumage blue (male) or grayish-brown, with some tinge of blue on the outer web of the quills (female) ; the under side of the bill Baek a9 PAG ASE RETIDE oop oa o's 5) oo, 0s Sno es 49. Indigo Bunting. U. Head blue; back golden green ; rump and under parts red (male), or above olive-green ; below greenish-yellow ( female)........... eee sp bia Sante Woe am eee es Gok tne Ss 50. Painted Bunting. 6 7 8 9 APGAR’S BIRDS.—8 KEY AND DESCRIPTION U. Head blue and red, belly reddish-purple (male), or brownish with whitish lower parts and no wing bars (female)..........2.+20. 55) pre lays laligtat lat acla ae, & le S88 cece tale Ra cata 50. Varied Bunting. U. Because of lack of distinct streaks, one of the small sparrows with Wi narrow, acute-pointed tail feathers might be sought for here...... Re EE RDAs hos nk eee: eee 25. Seaside Sparrow. Blue, with chestnut on wings (male), or plain brown ( female) ; tail OVEN. 2.5.3 cata widw a sis Ge ada Cah ince a te nan ets 48. Blue Grosbeak. Bird with crimson, black, yellow, and white in its plumage......... Se i ee eR ETS oy eT martes See 10. European Goldfinch. Brownish above and below, with rosy edgings to the quills; black or clear ash on head ; tail slightly notched. The Gray-crowned Leucos- ticte (524. Leucosticte tephrocétis) of the Rocky Mountain region might be found east of those mountains. Because of their finch-like bills, the bobolink and cowbird (Nos. 1 and 2 of the next family, page 144) might be looked for here. W. Under parts pure white or somewhat irregularly variegated with rusty ; nail of hind toe twice as long as that of the middle toe and much curved ;? wing, 4 or more long.,........... 12. Snowflake. W. Belly white; sides chestnut-brown; under tail feathers tipped with white ; back black (male), or grayish-brown (female) ...... hore. See Ae ee he eee er Se ee ee 43. Towhee. W. Upper parts, head, and breast slate-color; belly and outer tail Peabmers: WHE: Ci. isle eked hein SO i ee 35. The Juncos. W. Upper parts olive-green ; under parts white, with pure white on the middle of the belly ; head somewhat striped; edge of wings and under coverts of wings bright yellow ....... 42. Texas Sparrow. Conspicuously crested,? with more or less of distinct red in the -plu- WEVA A Cetees oe Ste sist cone teal 44, Cardinal and 45. Texas Cardinal. No crest ; small, southwestern birds, with wings less than 2} long... fa Ripe ere ee eee ects 51. Sharp’s Seed-eater and Grassquit (51). No crest ; large birds, with wings, 83 or more long. (Z.) No distinct crest ; smaller ; wings, 23-33 long. (Y.) Plumage with much red (male) or streaky olive-brown ( female) ; no wing bars; crown with erectile feathers, slightly imitating a GROSES Ui cis SEN Oe one ga was x eo ee eee wee 3. Purple Finch. Y. Streaky sparrow without yellow; wings, 3 or less long and with white or buffy wing bar*.......... 11. European House Sparrow. Y. Wing with a large, conspicuous white or whitish patch; general color black (male), or brown streaked (female) ............... TO EA! Ty aspen ee 53. Lark Bunting. FAM. XIU. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. ELS Y. Plumage biue (male) or brownish or tawny (female) ; wing bars chestnut or buffy ; tail, 4 inch shorter than the wings. yhoo. Sea ere 48. Blue Grosbeak. Y. On account of the stout bill, 16. McCown’s Longspur might be looked for here. It has the nail of the hind toe very long and nearly straight. Z. General colors rosy-red (male), or ashy-gray, mitt brownish-yellow on Pereertaruiiyy ( JOMAIC) «0 ccs neces oe eho ae 2. Pine Grosbeak. Z. General colors black and white, with rich red on breast and under wing coverts (male), or brownish streaked, with the under wing cov- erts rosy or orange ( female and young) ; tail with white blotches... ER Se PMCS Wares a ono eee epee Gee 46. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Z. General colors black and white, with neck and under parts orange or yellow (male), or brownish streaked, with the under wing coverts sulphur-yellow (female) ............+.. 47. Black-headed Grosbeak. Z. Upper tail coverts yellow ; inner secondaries and wing coverts white ; bill greenish-yellow ; wing over an inch longer than the tail........ MR a cS wil Cision as So aw = 2s td'o os Riles = ae 1. Evening Grosbeak. 1. Evening Grosbeak (514. Coccothraustes (thréstes) vesper- tinus).— A heavy-billed, olive-brown bird, with black and white wings, black crown and tail, and ~ . yellow forehead and trump. The female lacks the black crown and yellow forehead and rump, and has both wings and tail blotched black and white. A _ grosbeak of western North America, which, rather irregularly in flocks, has been found as far east as Massachusetts. Length, 8; wing, 42 (4-41); tail, 3; culmen, 3. Western British Provinces east to Lake Superior, and casually to the New England States. Evening Grosbeak 2. Pine Grosbeak (515. Pinicola enucledtor).— A large, win- ter, uncrested grosbeak, with a rosy tint over most of the body, but brightest on the head, breast, and rump, and black- est on the wings and tail. Female slate-gray, with much 116 KEY AND DESCRIPTION olive-yellow on head, breast, and upper tail coverts. On its somewhat rare winter visits to the northern United States, it comes in flocks, and can usually be found on the sumachs and mountain ashes, eating the berries. Length, 82; wing, 4} (41-5); tail, 33; tarsus, 7; culmen, ;°;. Northern parts of the northern hemisphere ; breeding from northern- New England northward, and wintering irregularly south- ward into the northeastern states. 3. Purple Finch (517. Carpédacus purpwreus). —A common, small, rosy-red-bodied _ bird, with brownish wings and tail, and whitish belly. The rosy red is brighter on the head, breast, and rump. The female is very much like a streaky, grayish-brown sparrow, having white under parts marked with many spots and streaks of dark brown. The female is some- what difficult to determine, but the forked tail an inch shorter than the wings, and the tufts of feathers over the nostrils of the stout bill, distinguish it from all other birds. In its breeding range it is an excellent singer, and even in the autumn and early spring it makes more or less successful attempts at song. Pine Grosbeak Length, 6; wing, 3} (38-33); tail, 21; culmen, 3. North America from the Plains eastward ; breeding from New England northward (far- ther south in the mountains), and wintering in the Middle and Southern States. 4, American Crossbill (521. Ldvia curvirdstra minor).—A climbing, dull-red-bodied, small bird with blackish wings and FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. ee tail, and no white on the wings. The back is brownish, the rump bright red, and the tail short and deeply notched. The female has the its red replaced by olive- green, with the rump ¢ yellowish. These birds are very irregu- lar in their appear- ance at any locality, but always come in flocks and are usu- ally found among the cone-bearing trees, ex- tracting the seeds by their peculiar bills, the lower mandible of which curves up- wards, its point crossing that of the upper one. In climbing about the trees, they act much lke parrots. They fly in close ranks in a peculiarly undulating manner. (Red Crossbill.) American Crossbill Length, 6; wing, 3? (31-83) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. North- ern North America; breeding in northern United States (south in the mountains to Georgia), and wintering irregularly south to Louisiana. 5. White-winged Crossbill (522. Ldxia leucdptera).— A bird similar to the last in action and coloring, but the pinkish red of the body is much brighter, and the \ wings and tail black- er, and it has large white blotches on the wings. The female has a dull olive-green body, yellow rump, and white-blotched White-winged Crossbill black wings. This bird is rare, but can be easily recognized by the white of the wimg coverts and the greater noise it makes while feeding. 118 KEY AND DESCRIPTION Length, 6; wing, 34; tail, 2}; culmen, 3. Northern North America; breeding from northern New England northward, and wintering south in the United States to Pennsylvania. 6. Hoary Redpoll (527°. Acdnthis hornemdnnii exilipes). — A bird similar to the next, but differing in having the rump nearly white (pinkish white in the male), without streaks, the feathers of back and wings with whitish edges, and the belly white without streaks. . Length, 5; wing, 3 (27-81); tail, 24; tarsus, }; culmen, ~,;. Arctic America and northern Asia; rarely wintering as far south as the northern United States. 7. Redpoll (528. Acdnthis lindria).— A small, winter, red- capped, black-chinned, streaky, brownish spar- row with (in the male) pink washings on the rump and breast. The very young lack the red cap. This bird comes into the northern United States rather irregularly in flocks, in the winter, and is usually found search- ing for seeds on the grasses and low weeds which project above the snow in pastures. (Redpoll Linnet.) Redpoll Length, 5; wing 27 (23-3) ; tail, 2}; tarsus, }; culmen, ;4. North- ern portions of the northern hemisphere; breeding north of the United States, and wintering very irregularly south to Virginia and Kansas. Holboll’s Redpoll (528%. A. 1. holbellii) is a larger bird with a longer bill ; it has been once recorded from the United States (Massachusetts). Wing, 3-3}; culmen, fully 3. Greater Redpoll (528>. A. 1. rostrata) is a larger bird with darker feathers on the back. This bird has been seen irregularly as far south as southern New York and northern Illinois. Wing, 3-83; tail, 23; tarsus, nearly 3; culmen, 2. 8. American Goldfinch (529. Spinus tristis). — A very common, small, yellow-bodied bird with black cap, wings, and tail. It FAM. XIU. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 119 flies through the air in a wave-like track, singing per-chic-o-ree on the downward slopes of its passage. The female all the year, and the male in winter, have only yellow wash- ings on a brownish body; the black cap is @ also lacking; the tail is deeply notched. aie ; Except in early summer when nest- ing, these birds are found in small flocks. (Thistle-bird; Yellow- bird.) Length, 5; wing, 23 (23- 24); tail, 2; culmen, 3. Temperate North Amer- ica ; breeding from Vir- ginia and Kentucky northward, and winter- ing throughout most if not the whole of the i eeied States. The American Goldfinch Arkansas’ Goldfinch | (530. Spinus psdltria) differs in having the back dark ae green to black in color, the lower parts only being lemon-yellow. The black wings have a large (or sometimes small) white patch on the base of the quills. The female is grayish-olive-green on the back, and greenish- yellow below ; the white patch on the wings is smaller. This is a west- ern bird found from the Plains to the Pacific. 9. Pine Siskin (533. Spinus pinus). — A small, very streaky, dark-colored winter sparrow with much yellow on the wings and tail, which is decidedly notched. It has much the habits of the gold- finch, but is found more frequent- ly upon the cone-bearing trees, whence its name. (Pine Finch.) Pine Siskin Length, 5; wing, 22; tail, 12; culmen, 3. North America; breeding from the ether United States northward, and wintering very irregu- larly south to the Gulf States. 120 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 10. European Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis).— A peculiarly bright-colored bird which has been introduced into this coun- _try from Europe, and has seemingly become naturalized in the vi- cinity of Boston and f New York. It is a $ bright, brown-backed bird, with bright red around the base of the bill, black wings with a yellow band, black tail with white eee ee blotches on the under feathers, black crown with a black stripe on the side of the neck, and white belly. Its habits are somewhat like those of the American goldfinch. Length, 51;. wing, 3; tail, 2; tarsus, }; culmen, 3. 11. European House Sparrow (Pdsser domésticus).— An alto- gether too common, streaky-backed, gray-crowned sparrow, with whitish lower parts, having a black or blackish patch on the throat and breast. The back colors are black and chest- nut; the rump ashy. There is chestnut on the sides and back of the gray crown, and a white bar on the middle coverts of the wings. The female has the head and rump grayish- brown, and the breast and sides washed with the same color, though lighter. The back has buff instead of chestnut, and the wing bar is not so distinctly white. The nearly universal conclusion is that the introduction of this bird was a great mistake, and a mistake which cannot be remedied. It has already spread over nearly the whole area covered by this book, and has driven out many of our best American birds. (English Sparrow.) See illustration on p. 382. Length, 6; wing, 3; tail, 23; culmen, } nearly. The European Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is a bird very similar in appearance to the last, which has become naturalized in the section near St. Louis, Missouri, FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. ial It can be recognized by the liver-brown color of the crown, and the wing rarely over 23 long. 12. Snowflake (554. Plectréphenax nivdlis).— A sparrow-like, ground-living, winter bird, with much white on head, tail, wings, and under parts; up- per parts with much & rusty-brown, streaked with black. This, our snow-colored snow- bunting, is to be found in the United States only when snow is on the ground. Like most of our small, winter birds, it is a seed-eater. It comes usually in large flocks. (Snow Bunt- ing; White Snow- bird.) Snowflake Length, 61; wing, 4} (4-43); tail, 21; tarsus,3; culmen, 3. Northern regions ; breeding north of the United States, and wintering regularly in northern states, and irregularly to Georgia and southern Illinois. 13. Lapland Longspur (536. Calcdrius lappénicus).— A streaky- backed, white-bellied, sparrow-like, ground-feeding, winter bird of the United States, with the nail of the hind toe longer than its toe. The length of the hind toe and its nail can often be de- termined by its tracks. The back has streaks of black, brown, and buff. This bird is found among flocks of shorelarks and snow- flakes, and has the habit of squatting back of some clod, where Lapland Longspur 122 KEY AND DESCRIPTION it will remain till almost trodden upon; then it will run a little distance and again attempt to hide. Length, 6}; wing, 33 (83-37) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. North- ern regions; breeding far north, and wintering in the northern United States, irregularly farther south even to South Carolina. 14. Smith’s Longspur (5387. Calcdrius pictus).— A rare winter bird of the western plains, of size and habits similar to that of the Lapland longspur, but with much more buffy color to its plumage, and the head and back with much black. A line over the eye and the ear coverts white; a broad, white, wing bar, and the two under tail feathers mostly white. Length, 64; wing, 33 (33-82); tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. In- terior of North America; breeding far north, and wintering south to Illinois and Texas. 15. Chestnut-collared Longspur (538. Calcdrius ornatus).— A beautiful western longspur of bright colors, with a chestnut collar, black breast and crown, and much white on head and tail. The bird may be distinguished by the great amount of white on the tail feathers (the under mostly white, the others with much white at base). Female usually without black. Length, 6; wing, 33 (81-3); tail, 21; culmen, 3. Interior of North America; breeding from western Minnesota west and north, and wintering south to Texas; accidental in Massachusetts. — 16. McCown’s Longspur (539. Rhynchdéphanes mecdwnii). — A heavy-billed, grayish-brown, mottled, western longspur, with black crown and crescent-shaped mark on breast and white- blotched tail feath- ers. The female lacks the black of head and breast, but both sexes have the under tail feathers white, and the others, except the middle pair, white at base with square, dark tips. (Black-breasted Longspur.) McCown’s Longspur FAM. XIiI. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 123 Length, 6; wing, 3} (81-32); tail, 2}; tarsus, 3; culmen, 4. Interior North America ; breeding from northern Kansas north to the Saskatche- wan, and wintering south to Texas and northern Mexico. 17. Vesper Sparrow (540. Pooceétes gramineus). A ground- living, streaky sparrow, with the bend of the wing chestnut and the outer tail feathers 5 white. The back is mainly brownish-gray, and the under parts white, streaked with black and buffy. This, though mainly a field sparrow, will occasion- ally perch on fences and trees. It is one of the sweetest singers of the morning and evening, the evening song giving it the name of vesper sparrow. Its notes are much like those of the song sparrow, but more plaintive. (Grass Finch; Bay-winged Bunting.) Length, 61; wing, 31 (2-83) ; tail, 21; tarsus, {; culmen, 3. North 4) America from the Plains eastward ; breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to Nova Scotia, and wintering from south New Jersey southward. The Western Vesper Sparrow (540. P. g. confinis) averages slightly larger, is grayer in color, and is found from the Plains to the Pacific. Vesper Sparrow 18. Ipswich Sparrow (541. Ammdédramus princeps). — A rare, seacoast, brownish, much-streaked sparrow, with a white line over the eye, two buffy wing bars, and sometimes a spot of sulphur-yellow in front of the eye and on the bend of the —— wing. The upper parts Ipswich Sparrow are streaked with brownish, black, and ashy; the lower parts are white, with streaks of blackish and buff on the breast and sides. “ 124 KEY AND DESCRIPTION Length, 61; wing, 3(22-31) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 2; culmen, 2. Atlantic coast ; breeding in Nova Scotia, and wintering as far south as Georgia. 19. Savanna Sparrow (542%. Ammdéddramus sandwichénsis savdnna).— A common, very streaky, ground sparrow, with some yellow in front of the eyes and on the bend of wing; in habits, size, and coloring much like the vesper spar- row. The streaky under parts and the method of flying are especially similar, but it lacks the chestnut bend of wing and the distinct white under tail feathers of that species, only the outer edge being whitish. Length, 51; wing, 23 (23-27); tail, 2; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. Eastern North America ; eins from northern New Jersey and Missouri to Hudson Bay, aoe wintering from North Carolina southward. The West- ern Savanna Sparrow (542>. A. s. alaudinus) has a smaller and more slender bill and is paler and more grayish in color. It is found from the Plains westward. 20. Baird’s Sparrow (545. Ammdédramus bdirdii).— A western, sround-living, Reha ti a -brown sparrow, with a streaky, grayish-brown back and many sharp, small, dark streaks on its head and breast. From the breast the under parts are a dull white. Its notes have been written by Dr. Coues, “ zip- zip-zip-zr-r-r-r.” This spe- cies is much like the last, but its tail feathers are more narrow and acute. Length, 5} ; wing, 23 (23-3) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Interior North America from the Plains westward to Arizona. 21. Grasshopper Sparrow eee (546. Amméddramus savan- narum passerinus). — A common, streaky-backed, buffy-breasted, ground sparrow, with the sides much like the breast, but the FAM. XIIf. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 25 belly whitish and bend of wing yellow. ‘The upper parts are streaked with black, brown, ashy, and buff, and the blackish crown has a buffy line through the center. There is an orange dot in front of the eye. The tail feathers are very acute, and their edges are decidedly lighter than the brown centers. This bird is one of the quietest and most easily overlooked of our common birds of the open fields. It takes its name from its voice, which is much like that of some grasshoppers. It rarely takes a higher position than that of the fences, and from such a perch it usually does its smging. (Yellow-winged Sparrow.) Length, 5; wing, 23 (21-21) ; tail, 17; tarsus, 3; culmen, ;4. United States from Plains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf States to Canada, and wintering from Florida to Central America. The Western Grass- hopper Sparrow (546. A. s. perpdilidus) has larger wings and tail, a more slender bill, and is paler in color. Wing, 24; tail, 2. It is found from the Plains westward. 22. Henslow’s Sparrow (547. Amméddramus henslowii). — A ground-living, sharp-tailed, brownish sparrow, with the back, ‘breast, and sides very — much streaked with black, brown, and buffy. The bright brown on the back, wings, and tail and the olive tints of the head Ce are the plainest charac- Xx Sa ee teristics of this rare, secre- SS tive, weed-inhabiting bird a: [eos =] cca of the meadows or dry Henslow’s Sparrow fields. P Length, 5; wing, 2} (2-21) ; tail, 2; tarsus, 3; culmen, 2 or a little more. United States from the Plains eastward; breeding from the Gulf States northward to southern New England and Ontario, and wintering in the Gulf States. 23. Leconte’s Sparrow (548. Ammdédramus lecdnteii). — A sharp-tailed, streaky-backed, buffy-colored sparrow, with a cream-colored streak along the center of the blackish crown; the breast is practically without streaks, but there are some 126 KEY AND DESCRIPTION streaks along the sides; the belly is white; the under tail feathers are nearly a half inch shorter than the middle pair. This is a western species of fields and marshes. Length, 5; wing, 2 (17-21); tail, 2}; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Interior United States; breeding from Minnesota north to Manitoba, and winter- ing from Iowa to Florida and Texas. 24. Sharp-tailed Sparrow (549. Ammddramus cauddcutus). — A common, salt-marsh, sharp-tailed, streaky, olive-gray spar- row, with distinct orange-brown bands on the head, above and below the eye. The buffy lower parts are darkly streaked on the sides and breast, but the throat and belly are nearly white. This bird prefers to escape from a person by running and hiding among the grasses and reeds of the salt marshes (where it dwells), rather than to use its wings in flight. Length, 53 ; wing, 24 (23-23) ; tail, 2; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. Marshes of the Atlantic coast; breeding from North Carolina to Maine, and winter- ing along the south Atlantic and Gulf States. Nelson’s Sparrow (549% A. c. nélsoni) is a slightly smaller variety with the feathers of the back darker in the center and with wider whitish edges, and the sides, breast, and throat darker in tint, but much less streaked. Fresh marshes of the interior; breeding from Illinois northward, and wintering from Texas to South Carolina; accidental in New England. The Acadian Sharp- tailed Sparrow (549>. A.c. subvirgdtus) differs in having the sides, breast, and throat more creamy in tint and faintly streaked with gray rather than black. A salt marsh form ; Nova Scotia to South Carolina. Sharp-tailed Sparrow 25. Seaside Sparrow (550. Ammdéddramus maritimus).— A common, salt-marsh, sharp-tailed, slightly streaked, grayish- brown sparrow, with a little yellow at bend of wing and in front of eye. The white throat and middle of the belly and FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 127 the dusky breast indistinctly streaked with whitish are good distinguishing marks of this species, but a dusky and white stripe at each side of the white throat and the absence of any tint of reddish brown are still more charac- fecnic. - It is..a ground bird, found nearly always among the reeds and grasses - within both sight and sound of the sea. Length, 6; wing, 23 (21-21) ; tail, 2}; tarsus, Z; culmen, 3. Atlantic coast; breeding from Georgia to Massachusetts, and wintering from Virginia southward. Scott’s Seaside Sparrow (5508. A. m. peninsule) is a south Atlantic and Gulf coast variety of a very much darker color. Seaside Sparrow 26. Dusky Seaside Sparrow (551. Ammdédramus nigréscens). — A Florida species more nearly like Scott’s seaside sparrow than any other form, but differing in having the feathers of the upper E parts black, with gray- A ish edges, and the ' under parts sharply streaked with about equal amounts of black and white. Length, 6; wing, 22; tail,22; tarsus, $; cul- men, 3. Eastern Florida. — 27. Lark Sparrow a (552. Chondéstes grdmmacus).— A: common, western, ground-living, lark-like, streaky sparrow, with black and white tail, ashy-brown back, and a striped white and chestnut-colored head. The central 128 KEY AND DESCRIPTION tail.feathers and the bases of the others are dark in color, forming a decided contrast to the ashy-brown back and white tips to the under tail feathers. There are black streaks on the side of throat and in the center of the breast. This is a fine song bird of the middle west, with notes which somewhat resemble those of the song sparrow. When singing, it usually takes some elevated position on fence or tree. Length, 6}; wing, 3} (31-383) ; tail, 23; culmen, 4. The Mississippi 4) 116° Valley region to the Plains ; breeding from Texas to Manitoba; accidental on the Atlantic coast. 28. Harris’s Sparrow (553. Zonotrichia quérula).— A large, beautiful, western, streaked, reddish-colored sparrow, with heavy brownish markings on _ the white of the breast and sides. The male when breeding has the head jet black ex- cepting the cheeks, which are ash- colored; the throat and breast patch are also black. The Jemale (also the male out of season) has the head not especially marked and the breast patch brownish. There is no yellow anywhere, and the two white wing bars are distinct. This is the largest spar- row of the genus (Zonotrichia), and has been found from Illinois westward, mainly on the prairies and bushy bottom lands. (Black-hooded Sparrow.) Harris’s Sparrow Length, 71; wing, 33 (31-383) ; tail, 34; tarsus, 1; culmen, nearly 3. Interior United States from Illinois to Kansas, and Texas to Manitoba. 29. White-crowned Sparrow (554. Zonotrichia leucdphrys).—A rare, beautiful, large, brownish sparrow, with the head striped black and white (three white and four black stripes), and the lower parts gray with some buff on the sides. There are two FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 129 white wing bars and no yellow on head or wings. It is found in the eastern United States only during the colder months; its singing is remarkable, resembling that of the white-throated sparrow. Length, 62; wing, 3} (38-81); tail, 3; tarsus, nearly 1; cul- men, 3, North America ; breed- ing north of the United States, and wintering from Virginia to Mexico. 30. White-throated Spar- row (558. Zonotrichia albi- céllis). — A common, social, large, streaky, brownish sparrow, with a distinctly striped head and a square white patch on the throat, dis- tinct from the grayish under parts. The head has two black and three white stripes, two of the white stripes yellow in front, and there are two distinct white wing bars. This beautiful sparrow is especially abundant in small flocks, in the autumn and winter, in the under- erowth of the woods and along the bushy fence rows. It is a good singer and says very distinctly pea- body, peabody, whence it derives one of its names. (Peabody White-throated Sparrow Bird.) White-crowned Sparrow Length, 62; wing, 22 (23-3!) ; tail, 31; tarsus, 2; culmen, 8. North America, from the Plains eastward ; feeds ee the northern border of the United States northward, and wintering from southern New Eng- land southward to the Gulf. The Golden-crowned Sparrow (557. Zono- trichia corondta), a Pacific coast species with a back like the white-throated APGAR’S BIRDS. —9 130 KEY AND DESCRIPTION sparrow, and lower parts like the white-crowned sparrow, but with the central crown stripe yellow in front, has been seen in Wisconsin. 31. Tree Sparrow (559. Spizélla monticola).— A chestnut- crowned, streaky-backed, winter chippy, with whitish under parts unmarked ex- cept by a blackish ~ dot on the center of the breast and some brownish washings on the sides. There are two distinct white wing bars. This com- mon winter bird of the fields and bushes has a deeply notched tail like all of the genus (Spizélla), and is decidedly larger than the summer chippy (No. 32). (Winter Chippy.) Tree Sparrow Length, 61; wing, 3 (23-38}) ; tail, 27; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. North America, from the Plains eastward ; breeding north of the United States, and wintering through most of the eastern United States. 32. Chipping Sparrow (560. Spizélla socidlis). —A common, small, chestnut-crowned, streaky-backed sparrow, with whitish under parts and line over the eye. The notched tail, black bill and forehead, and (even in the young) slaty-gray rump are all points of importance in the determination of this species, as, in the autumn, the crown loses its bright chestnut color and becomes more or less streaked. This bird is one of the most quiet, familiar, and trustful frequenters of our dooryards and Chipping Sparrow FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. i > can readily be induced to eat out of our hands. Such song as it has is an insect-like repetition of its common name of chippy. (Chippy ; Hair-bird.) Length, 53; wing, 23 (23-24) ; tail, 22; tarsus, 3; culmen,2. Eastern United States; breeding from the Gulf States to Great Slave Lake, and wintering from the Gulf States to Mexico. 33. Clay-colored Sparrow (561. Spizélla pdilida).— A small, western, pale-colored sparrow, with much gray in its plumage, giving it its common name. Back brownish-gray ; under parts white soiled with gray; sides of head brown, with irregular black and whitish markings; crown with a pale medium stripe; rump brown- ish-gray and not slaty-gray. In habits it is lke the chipping sparrow but not so confiding and trustful. a Clay-colored Sparrow Length, 54; wing, 23 (21-24) ; tail, 23; Been, nearly 3. “intexioe North America from the Rocky Moun- tains to Illinois; breeding from Iowa northward, and winter- ing from southern Texas into Mexico. o4. Field Sparrow (563. Spizélla pusilla). A buffy- breasted, reddish - billed, streaky -backed sparrow, with a dull-chestnut crown and gray line over the eye. The back is_ brightly marked with black, red- dish - brown, and ashy, the breast unspotted buff; Wings with two white bars. This bird is not an inhabit’ of the open fields, but seeks bushy pastures. It is a fine Field Sparrow SS ae 1382 KEY AND DESCRIPTION singer, especially of the early evening, and its notes have great variety. Length, 53; wing, 2} (23-23) ; tail, 23; culmen, 3. Eastern United States and southern Ganda breeding from South Carolina northward, and wintering from Illinois and Virginia southward. 35. Slate-colored Junco (567. Jvinco hyemdlis).— A small, slate-colored, winter bird, with white belly and under tail feathers, and flesh-colored bill. The slate color of the breast abruptly changes to the white of the belly. This very common and easily recognized bird of the showy season is usually found in flocks of twenty to thirty in the fields and among the bushes. When it flies, the white of the under tail feathers is readily seen. (Junco; Snow-bird; Black > Snow-bird.) . 4 Length, 6; wing, 3 = (27-51) ; tail, 23; tarsus, Slate-colored Junco %; culmen, 3 nearly. North America mainly east of the Rocky Mountains; breeding among the higher parts of the Alleghanies and other mountains northward, and wintering throughout. The Carolina Junco (567°. J. h. carolinénsis) differs in having a darker colored bill and the back without any show of brownish, which can always be noticed on the common Junco. It is a common resident variety of the mountains of Virginia, North and South Carolina. A much browner variety than even the common one is Shufeldt’s Junco (567. J. h. shi- feldti). In this the sides are almost a wine-brown. This belongs to the region from the Rocky Mountains westward, but has been seen in a num- ber of the Eastern States, Massachusetts, Maryland, etc. The White- winged Junco (566. Junco aikeni) has two very distinct white wing bars. It breeds in the Black Hills, and in winter is found south to Colorado. 36. Bachman’s Sparrow (575%. Peuccea cestivdlis bachmdnit). —A streaky, brownish-red-backed sparrow with the lower parts grayish-buff, deepest on the breast and almost white on the —— FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 133 belly; the bend of the wing is yellow and the tail much rounded; the under feathers are a half inch shorter than the upper ones, and all the tail feathers are very narrow though not acute-pointed. The bright rusty back is usually without black streaks. This isawon- _ derfully sweet and somewhat loud singer; found in its northern range in the open woods. Length, 6; wing, 2} (23-232); tail, 23; tarsus, ?; culmen, } or more. The Carolinas west to Texas, north to southern Illinois, wintering in Florida. ‘The Pine-woods Spar- row (575. Peucéa estivalis) differs in having the back a light chestnut, streaked with black and margined with gray, and the breast some- times spotted with black. It is an inhabitant of pine woods with an undergrowth of scrub palmetto. According to Frank M. Chapman it is the best singer among all our sparrows, and compares well in the exquisite tender- ness and pathos of its melody with the hermit thrush. Florida and southern Georgia. 37. Cassin’s Sparrow (578. Peucea cdssini). — This western species is similar to Bachman’s sparrow, but differs in having the upper tail feathers decidedly barred with somewhat crescent-shaped dusky spots and the flanks broadly streaked with brownish. Bachman’s Sparrow Length, 64; wing, 23; tail, 23; tarsus, 7; culmen, }. Central and western anes: south and west to Texas and Nevada. 38. Song Sparrow (581. Melospiza fascidtau).— A very com- mon, streaky, grayish-brown sparrow, with the sides of the . breast especially marked with a cluster of stripes forming a blotch of brownish. It is abundant among shrubbery near water, and throughout the year of four seasons, and even throughout the day of twenty-four hours, it shows its wonder- ful powers of song. Of course the morning and evening of spring days are its especial times for singing. Though it 134 KEY AND DESCRIPTION usually sings while perched on a twig, it occasionally sings a new and varied song while on the wing. Song Sparrow Length, 6} ; wing, 23 (23-27) ; tail, 23; tar- sus, {; culmen,+. North America from the Plains eastward ; breed- ing from Virginia north- ward, and wintering throughout the eastern United States. 39. Lincoln’s Spar- row (583. Melospiza lincdlnii).— A buffy- breasted, white-bel- hed, streaky, brown- ish-backed sparrow, with the throat white like the belly. The whole bird, ex- cept the middle of the belly, is sharply streaked. The creamy buff on the breast forms a band across it. This is a western bird of shy habits, rarely seen east of the Alle- ghanies. It is a singer of no great power, and of rather strange notes for a sparrow. Length, 53; wing, 2} (23- 23); tail, 24; tarsus, 3; cul- men, 3. North America; breed- ing chiefly north of the United States, and wintering south of it. 40. Swamp Sparrow (584. Melospiza georgiana). — A common swamp or meadow- Lincoln’s Sparrow FAM. XII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 135 dwelling, streaky-brown bird, similar in coloring to the song sparrow, excepting that the breast is unstreaked. It is a little smaller in size, and has no such power of song. Its notes con- aa sist of a repetition “my of tweet-tweet, with but little if any change of pitch. Length, 53; wing, 23 (21-21); tail, 24; cul- men, nearly 3. North America from the Plains eastward; breeding from Virginia northward, and wintering from Massa- chusetts to the Gulf States. Swamp Sparrow 41. Fox Sparrow (585. Passerélla ilaca).— A large, spotted- breasted, rusty-red sparrow, with much bright chestnut on wings, tail, and cheeks. The middle of the belly is unspotted white. In the autumn and early spring, during migrations, this bird is found among shrubbery in flocks, and at those times, but more especially in spring, it shows more than the usual power of : | song of sparrows. Length, 7; wing, 32 (31-33) ; tail, 27; tarsus, 1; culmen, 4. North America from the Plains eastward ; breeding north of the United States, and wintering mainly south of the Potomac and Ohio rivers. Fox Sparrow 42. Texas Sparrow (586. Emberndgra rufivirgata).— A southwestern olive-green-— backed, brownish-white-breasted sparrow, with a striped head and bright-yellow edge to the wing. The crown has two chest- 136 KEY AND DESCRIPTION nut-brown stripes beside the central grayish one, and a brown stripe back of the eye below a side stripe of ashy. These stripes are not very sharply defined. (Green Finch.) Length, 63; wing, 23 (24-23); tail, 23; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. West- ern Texas and eastern Mexico, rarely to southern Louisiana. 43. Towhee (587. Pipilo erythrophthdlmus).— A large, brightly marked bird, with black upper parts and breast, white belly and tips of under tail feathers, and chestnut sides. In the female the black is replaced by bright, grayish brown, ex- cepting that the tail feathers are blackish, with similar white tips which can be dis- tinctly seen while on the wing. This is a common, _ restless, ground bird of the bushy woods. The notes are clear, chewink, towhee, forming two of its com- mon names. Ernest Thompson writes the full notes “chuck- burr, pill-a-will-a-will-a.” (Chewink; Marsh “ Robin”; Ground “Robin”; Joree.) Length, 81; wing, 3} (31-87) ; tail, 3%; tarsus, 1; culmen, ;4. United States east of the Plains, and southern Canada ; breeding from Georgia northward, and wintering from Virginia southward. The White-eyed Towhee (587%. P. e. dllent) is a similar bird, but smaller, and with less white on the wings, and only two of the under tail feathers white at tip ; eyes very light-colored, almost white. This is a shyer bird than the last, and is found among heavier growths. Wing, 31; tail, 53. Florida north to South Carolina. The Arctic Towhee (588. Pipilo maculatus dreticus) is similar to the common towhee, but has white spots on the wing coverts and shoulders, the white on the shoulders lengthened into streaks, and that of the coverts forming two bars. The female is a dark brown, with the white markings as in the male. Wing, 33; tail, 4. The Rocky Moun- tains eastward to Kansas, and northward to the Saskatchewan River, wintering from Kansas to Texas. Towhee \ ae FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 137 44. Cardinal (593. Cardindlis cardindlis). — A large, distinctly crested, red bird, with black around the red bill, most extensive on the throat. The female has less bright red anywhere, the under parts are buffy and the throat blackish. The crest, wings, and tail are dull red. These birds are fine song- sters and are frequently kept in cages; both sexes sing. They are resident birds wher- ever they are found, and as they are more easily and frequently .seen when the foliage is off the trees they are often called winter red birds. . (Cardinal Grosbeak.) Length, 8}; wing, 33 (33-4) ; tail, 44; tarsus, 1; culmen, 3. United States from the Plains eastward, north to the Great Lakes and central New England ; wintering about as far north as its full range, and breeding through- out. Cardinal 45. Texas Cardinal (594. Pyrriiilowia sinudta).—This is a bird similar to the last, but lacking the black around the bill, and the very short and convex bill is yellow or slightly horn- color instead of red. Size practically the same as that of the cardinal except the shorter culmen. Southern Texas and Mexico, rarely to southern Louisiana. - 46. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (595. Habia ludoviciana). — A common, heavy-billed, beautifully marked black, white, and rose-colored bird. The head, back, wings, and tail are mainly black; breast and under the wings rose color; blotches on wings, rump, tips of under tail feathers, and belly white. The female is very different. Upper parts streaky grayish- brown, lower parts streaky buff. A broad conspicuous whitish 138 : KEY AND DESCRIPTION line over the eye and orange under the wing. Its warbling notes are somewhat like those of the robin, but more melodious - ; and very frequently - given in the even- ing. It is one of our most beautiful birds and sings an exquisite song. Length, 8; wing, 4 (32-41) ; tail, 3}; tar- sus, 7; culmen, 3. East- ern United States, from the eastern border of the Plains; breeding from the mountains of the Carolinas and Kansas north- ward to southern Canada, and wintering in Mexico to northern South America. 47. Black-headed Grosbeak (596. Habia melanocéphala).— A heavy-billed, orange-bodied bird, with black head, wings, and tail. The wings are much blotched with white, and the belly and under wing coverts are bright yellow. The female is very different, a streaky- brown bird much like the female of the last species, but with the under wing coverts clear lemon- yellow instead of the salmon- or orange-yellow of that species. The dimensions of parts are practi- cally the same as those of the ¥) rose-breasted grosbeak. Western * United States from middle Kansas to the Pacific. Rose-breasted Grosbeak 48. Blue Grosbeak (597. Guirdaca ceerulea).— A southern, uncrested, dull-blue grosbeak, with a large chestnut-colored blotch on the wings; wings, tail, chin, and Blue Grosbeak FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 139 lores mainly black. The female is grayish-brown above and creamy-buff below, sometimes with dull-blue on head and tail; the tail and wings are blackish-brown, with the wing coverts tipped with reddish-buff. This is a quiet, retiring bird of the thickets and weeds, of meadows and old clearings. The war- bling notes of its song are said to be very beautiful, though weak. Length, 7; wing, 3} (31-83) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. United States from central Nebraska eastward ; breeding from the Gulf to south- ern New Jersey, and wintering from southern Mexico to Central America. Casual to New England. 49. Indigo Bunting (598. Passerina cydnea).— A small, bright, blue bird, with no plain show of any other color any- where, though the wing and tail feathers have much black on the hidden portions. The female is unstreaked grayish-brown, lighter below, with blackish wings and tail, having a gloss of bluish. The under | side of the bill al- g& most invariably hasa stripe of blackish. ms This beautiful bird is a common inhabit- ant of old bushy pas- ” _ tures. (Indigo Bird.) Length, 54; wing, 22 (23-27) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 2; culmen, 3. United States from Kansas east- ward; breeding from the Indigo Bunting Gulf to southern Canada, and wintering in Central America. The Lazuli Bunting (599. Passerina amena), found from the Plains to the Pacific, is a similar bird, but the male has a white belly, white wing bars, and brown breast, and the female has brownish fore parts, and the rump and tail with much blue, and two whitish wing bars. Size a little greater. 50. Painted Bunting (601. Passerina ciris).—A_ brilliantly colored small bird of southern states, with blue head, green back, red rump, brown wings and tail, and bright red under 140 KEY AND DESCRIPTION parts. The female has the upper parts bright olive-green and the under parts yellowish. This, though the most conspic- uously colored of our birds, is, on account of its shy and retir- ing -habits, seldom £ seen. Its home is % Ge nial among the densest e | ~ and most thorny un- dergrowth of the wooded regions. (Nonpareil.) Length, 5}; wing, 23 (23-27); tail, 21; tar- sus, 3; culmen, 3. East- ern United States ; breed- Painted Bunting ing from southern Mli- nois and North Carolina southward, and wintering south of the United States to Central America. The Varied Bunting (600. Passerina versicolor) of southern Texas to Central America (accidental in Michigan) differs in having no green on the male. The forehead, hind neck, bend of wing, and rump, blue; wings and tail glossed with blue; throat and hind head, dull red; belly, reddish- purple. The female has brownish back and breast, whitish lower parts, and no whitish wing bars. 51. Sharp’s Seed-eater (602. Spordphila morélleti shdrpei).— A very small, heavy-billed, southern Texas bird, with the upper parts black and the lower parts, including collar around neck, white or buffy. The rump is brownish, and the lower part of the collar is black. The female is plain olive above and olive- buffy below, and there are two whitish bars on the wings. Length, 4; wing, 2; tail, 2; tarsus, $; culmen, ? nearly. Southern Texas and northwestern Mexico. The Grassquit (605. Huethéia bicolor) of the West Indies has been seen in southern Florida. It is a very small, stout-billed, olive-green bird with black head and lower parts becoming grayish on the belly. The female is olive-green with grayish head and lower parts. Length, 4; wing, 2; tail, 13. The Melodious Grassquit (603.1. EHuethéia canora), a similar small bird, also seen once in southern Florida, has a yellow, crescent-shaped band across the lower throat, extending back of the eyes. The chin and upper throat of the female is marked with chestnut-red. This species belongs to Cuba and has been seen only on one of the Florida Keys. FAM. XIII. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 141 52. Dickcissel (604. Spiza americdna).— A yellow-breasted, black-throated, streaky-backed, sparrow-like bird with a red- dish spot on the bend of the wing. The chin above the black throat is white, with more or less of yellow on the cheeks, and the crown and side of head are eray, with a yellow line over the eye. The back is brownish, streaked with black, and the belly whitish. Female duller and with but little yel- low except on the breast, and the black throat patch almost wanting, sometimes slightly in- . dicated by dusky spots. In summer it is abun- dant west of the Alleghanies in weedy fields, and the common notes it utters are expressed by its name. (Black- throated Bunting.) Dickcissel » Length, 64; wing, 31 (28-32) ; tail, 24; tarsus, £;culmen,4ormore. East- ern United States to the Rocky Mountains; breed- ing from Texas to southern Ontario, and wintering in —— northern South America. Lark Bunting Very rare east of the Alle- ghanies. 53. Lark Bunting (605. Calamospiza melanocdrys).— A west- ern, square-tailed, stout-billed, black bird, with a large white patch on the wings. The female (also the male in autumn and 142 KEY AND DESCRIPTION winter) is a streaky, brownish, sparrow-like bird, with a distinct whitish patch on the wings, in the position of the wing coverts. This is a common bird of the Plains east of the Rocky Mountains. Length, 63; wing, 33 (31-8}) ; tail, 8; tarsus, 1; culmen, 4. Middle Kansas to Manitoba, common east of the Rockies, but to be found all the way to the Pacific, and south to Lower California. Accidental in some eastern states (Mass., N. Y., S. C.). FAMILY XIV. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. (ICTERID#) A family (100 species) of American walking birds, which vary greatly in sizes, habits, and colors. Our species are quite naturally and easily separated into four subfamilies, under which the characteristics will be given. (1) Marsh Blackbirds. Medium-sized, generally black-colored, conical-billed birds, liv- ing mainly on the ground of marsh, meadow, or prairie. These birds congregate together in great numbers, different species in the same flock. Nos. 14. (2) Meadow Starlings. These are long-conical-billed, short-tailed birds, with their plumage | consisting mainly of browns and yellows. Their name indi- cates their meadow-living habits. No. 5. (8) Orioles. This group comprises brightly colored, tree-loving, song birds, with very sharp-pointed, elongated bills... The orioles build wonder- fully woven hanging nests of fibrous materials. The plumage of the males is mainly black, strikingly relieved with other colors, among which are orange, chestnut, yellow, and white. All the species are pleasing singers, and some have peculiarly rich and flexible voices. Nos. 6and7. (4) Grackles and Crow Blackbirds. A group of large to medium, ground-running, black-plumaged birds, with long, sharp-pointed, somewhat curved bills.” The black colors are often richly bronzed with green, blue, and other tints. Their nests are rude and bulky, and their notes, in most cases, far from musical. Many of the species are to be found in flocks, throughout the year. Nos. 8-12. Many species of the family vary much in the sizes of the males and females. In the dimensions given under the different species the smaller numbers refer to the females. FAM. XIV. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 143 Key to the Species * Culmen, 1 or more long; a black crescent-shaped spot on the breast ; lower parts with much yellow; tail with acute feathers and over an inch shorter than the wings ; under tail feathers white...5. Meadowlark. * Culmen less than 3 long; tail feathers acute at tip, and the under ones without white ; tail about an inch shorter than the wings. 1. Bobolink. * Tail feathers usually rounded at tip, never very acute. (A.) A. Bill very stout, decidedly more than half as high at base as long; head and neck seal-brown, rest of plumage black (male) or general miamare brownish (jfemaic)....-. 622-6626 - cre cen e es 2. Cowbird. A. Bill less stout, usually less than half as high at base as long ; never B. much more than half. (B.) Culmen, 1 or more long; bill with its tip conspicuously decurved ;? tail with its under feathers 3-4 inches shorter than the middle ones; no bright yellow or orange in the plum- € age. (E.) . Culmen, 3-1 long; tail with the under feathers not over 32 1 inch shorter than the middle ones. (C.) In the extreme south there may be found birds with culmen 3-1} long and with the under tail feathers over 2 shorter than the middle ones. These all have yellow or orange in their plumage and are described emMPE VINO. A. oti, De eet 7. Hooded Oriole and Audubon’s Oriole. _€. Black, with red or reddish shoulder patch (male), or rusty and black streaked, with the under parts conspicuously black and white RaPEEREIE JONMLIL,), «nia ine 2 tig meet vs J ~eS 4. Red-winged Blackbird. C. Black, with yellow head and breast and large white wing patch (male), or brownish-black with yellowish head and breast and small white wing patch ( female)........... 5. Yellow-headed Blackbird. C. Black throughout with more or less of rusty tips to the feathers (male), or slate-color with feathers sometimes rusty tipped ( female). nM oks ee 8. Rusty Blackbird, or 9. Brewer’s Blackbird. C. Not as above; bill slender, less than half as high as long ;! plum- D. D. E. age with some distinct yellow, orange, or chestnut. D. Under tail feathers about a half inch shorter than the <2 CO 0 See eee 6. Orchard Oriole. “=< __ Under tail feathers nearly as long as the middle ones..... : Sele es UE Sn MME yc ia wae tee oie, ww Sie SAD 7. Baltimore Oriole. Tail with the under feathers less than 13 inches shorter than the middle ones; wings and tail of about equal length............... RI oie I ore oe opal oo ars Sb the Some aCe 10. Purple Grackle. E. Tail with the under feathers over 12 inches shorter than the middle ones; wings and tail of about equal length. 12. Boat-tailed Grackle. E. Tail decidedly longer than the wings and with its under feathers 23-31 inches shorter (Texas)........... 11. Great-tailed Grackle. 144 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 1. Bobolink (494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus). — Male in spring. A common meadow blackbird with white rump and shoulders; golden brown on the back of the head, and acute-tipped tail feathers. Female (also male in the autumn) much like an olive-colored streaky sparrow, with buffy belly, but with pointed tips to its tail feath- *, ers; wings and tail blackish- brown, the back streaked black and buffy-olive; crown black- ish with a lighter central stripe, and all under parts buffy, slightly streaked on the sides. This is a wonderful singer throughout May and June, but during the rest of the year the Bobolink notes are confined to merely a "call of chink. The remarkable change of plumage in the male is accomplished by two com- plete molts each year. (Reedbird; Ricebird.) Length, 71; wing, 33 (33-4) ; tail, 23 ; tarsus, 1; culmen, 2 or less. North America west to Utah; bredns ron ———— SSS southern New Jersey north to Ontario, and wintering south of the United States. 2. Cowbird (495. Molothrus dter). —A common, small, brown-headed black- bird, with feathers having a metallic gloss. The female is brownish-gray throughout, but lighter below and much smaller Bobolink FAM. XIV. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 145 in size. This bird, like the cuckoo of Europe, builds no nest of its own, but deposits its eggs one at a time, in the nests of other, generally smaller, species. Many of these hatch and rear the young cow- birds; though some abandon the nests into which the eggs are placed, others throw out the eggs, and still others build Cowbird new nests over the one containing the parasite’s egg. (Cow Blackbird.) Length, 73 ; wing, 41 (33-43) ; tail, 3; tarsus, 1; culmen, 3. Whole United States and southern Canada; breeding throughout, and wintering in the Gulf States and Mexico. The Dwarf Cowbird (4952. W. a. obscurus) of Texas to Lower California is very similar, though smaller. Wing of female, 34; tail, 2}. The Red-eyed Cowbird (496. Calléthrus robustus), found in southern Texas to Central America, is larger. The male is black with much bronzy luster, and the female brownish-gray, somewhat glossy on the back. Length, 9; wing, 4} (4-43) ; tarsus, 31-31; culmen, 3. 3. Yellow-headed Blackbird (497. Xanthocéphalus xanthoce- phalus). — A western, ground-living, orange-yellow-headed = blackbird, with a = blotch of white near : the bend of the wing. The breast and neck are also yellow, but the lores and chin are black. The female is a grayish-brown bird, with most of the head and breast a dirty Yellow-headed Blackbird yellow or yellowish white. These birds gather together in companies and associate with cowbirds, and like them are often found on the ground APGAR’S BIRDS. — 10 146 KEY AND DESCRIPTION among cattle and horses. Their notes are harsh and not in the least musical. Length, 9-11; wing, 51 (44-57) ; tail, 41; culmen, 2. Western North America, from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas to the Pacific ; wintering in the Southern States and southward, accidental in some of the Atlantic States. 4, Red-winged Blackbird (498. Agelaius (le-us) phoentceus). — A very common, middle-sized blackbird, with the bend of the wing bright red. The red of the wing shades off to a buff. The fe- male is a speckled or streaky brown. The back is made up of rusty, buffy, and black, and the under parts are of black and white. These birds are usually seen in flocks in reedy marshes and meadows. In the early spring, the males and females are found in separate com- panies. The notes are a rich and clear con- qua-ree-e. In July, after the short nesting season, these birds again gather in flocks which usually contain several of the different species of blackbirds. (Swamp Blackbird.) Length, 71-10 ; wing, 38-5; tail, 23-4; tarsus, 1; culmen, 3-1. North America north to Great Slave Lake ; breeding nearly throughout, and win- tering mainly in the Southern States. The Sonoran Redwing (498%. A. p. sonoriénsis) of southern Texas, California, and northern Mexico aver- ages a little larger, has a smaller bill, and the female is lighter colored, — especially the lower parts, which are mainly white, with fewer dusky markings. The Bahaman Redwing (498°. A. p. bryanti) of southern Florida and the Bahamas averages a little smaller and has a larger bill. In this variety the culmen of the male is a full inch in length, and the Jemale has the crown marked with a pale medium stripe. Red-winged Blackbird FAM. XIV. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 147 5. Meadowlark (501. Sturnélla mdgna).— A somewhat large, common, ground-living, speckled-brown-backed, yellow-bellied bird, with a crescent-shaped black spot on the breast, and white under tail feathers. This is an abundant bird of the fields, meadows, and marshes. Its notes - vary much for locality and sea- son, as well as individually, and many attempts have been made to write out, in syllables and musical notes, its song. One of the attempts is, “ Spring-o’- the-year.” (Field-lark.) Length, 8-11; wing, 4-5; tail, 23- 33; tarsus, 14; culmen, 1-14. United States from the Plainseastward; breed- ing from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada, and wintering coastwise and along rivers from New Jersey southward. Meadowlark The Mexican Meadowlark (5014. S. m. mexicdna) of southern Texas to Central America is a smaller bird, with proportionally larger feet ; wing, Orchard Oriole _ 34-43 ; culmen, 1-1}; tar- sus, 13. The Western Meadowlark (501>. S. m. neglécta) of the western United States from Wis- consin to Texas, and west to the Pacific, is a duller and paler bird, with a- generally grayish appear- ance ; the yellow of the throat spreads over the cheeks. The size aver- ageslarger. Wing, 44-51. 6. Orchard Oriole (506. Icterus spurius). —A_ bright-chestnut- bodied bird, with black head, upper back, wings, and tail. The black of the head extends to the 148 KEY AND DESCRIPTION breast. The female is olive-green above. dull-yellow below, and has blackish wings, with two whitish wing bars. The olive-green is very bright on the head and rump. The young male begins to get the black on the throat during his second year; the under parts have a few spots of chestnut in the yel- low. As its name indicates, it is generally to be found among orchard trees, but any separated trees of our lawns and parks suit it as well. It is an active, frolicsome bird, and a wonder- fully sweet singer of short, rich, and flexible notes. Like the next species, it weaves its nest of fibrous material, and sus- pends it near the extremity of a limb, but makes it of a more globular form. Length, 51-71; wing, 23-31; tail, 21-31 ; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3. United States from the Plains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf of Mexico to Ontario, and wintering south of the United States to northern South America. 7. Baltimore Oriole (507. Icterus gdlbula).— A beautiful orange-red-bodied bird, with black head, upper back, and wings. The tail is orange, with some _ black near the base, and the wings have some white on the coverts and quills. The fe- male is dull-orange below, mottled brown on the up- per part including wings and _ head; rump and tail yel- lowish and wing bars white. This bird weaves a wonderful hanging nest of fibers, which it usually places near the ends of limbs twenty to forty feet from the ground. The song is an agreeable one of five to ten rich, mellow, though rather shrill notes. (Firebird; Hangnest; Golden “Robin.”) Baltimore Oriole FAM. XIV. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 149 Length, 7-81; wing, 33-37; tail, 2{-53; tarsus, 7; culmen, 3 nearly. United States from about the Rocky Mountains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf of Mexico to Ontario, and wintering south of the United States to Central America. The Hooded Oriole (505. Icterus cucullatus) of south- ern Texas to Central America is an orange-colored bird with black wings, black tail, and a peculiar black hood covering the face and throat ; the wings have white blotches on coverts and quills. The female lacks the black mask, but both sexes can be separated from all of our other orioles except the next, by the fact that the tail is longer than the wings. Wing, 31-33; tail, 33-4}. It can be separated from Audubon’s by thesize. Audubon’s Oriole (503. IJcterus audubonit) is found from southern Texas to Central Mexico. It is avery large, black-headed, orange-bodied oriole with black wings, tail, breast, etc. Length, 83-103; wing, 33-41; tail, 4-43; culmen, 1. 8. Rusty Blackbird (509. Scolecdphagus carolnus). — A com- mon, medium-sized, glossy, bluish-black bird (in spring) with all the tail feathers of nearly equal length. In the autumn and winter the black is much hidden by the rusty-brown tips to the feathers. The female in spring is glossy _ slate-colored, but in the autumn and winter she, lke : the male, is rusty. This is a quiet, ground-living, swamp- loving species. (Rusty Grackle.) Rusty Blackbird Length, 81-93 ; wing, 41-5; tail, 34-41; tarsus, 11; culmen, 3. North America from the Plains eastward ; breeding from northern New York northward, and wintering from New Jersey southward. 9. Brewer’s Blackbird (510. Scolecéphagus cyanocéphalus). — A western blackbird similar to the last, but larger and with a conspicuous violet-purple iridescence to the head. The bill is stouter, and there are less rusty tips to the feathers at all seasons. Female, glossy slate-colored with a decided brownish tint near the head. (Blue-headed Blackbird.) 150 KEY AND DESCRIPTION Length, 83-101 ; wing, 44-5} ; tail, 33-41; tarsus, 11; culmen, 3. West- ern North America from the Plains to the Pacific. Accidental in Illinois. 10. Purple Grackle (511. Quiscalus quiscula).— A common, large, iridescent blackbird, with brilliant metallic reflections of greens and blues, arranged in bars on the back, rump, and belly. The female is much duller, but still a blackbird and somewhat iridescent. This is a ‘gloomy bird with crackling notes which can hardly be called a song. (Crow Black- bird.) Length, 11-131 ; wing, 43-6; tail, 43-6, gradu- ated, 14; tarsus, 13; cul- men, 1}. Mainly east of the Alleghanies; breeding north to Massachusetts, and wintering from New Jersey south. The Flor- ida Grackle (5112. Q. gq. 4 aglius) of the southern Purple Grackle portion of Gulf States, from Florida to Texas, is smaller and the head is decidedly violet-purple by reflections, and the back a rich green. The iridescent bars are not so distinct, though readily recognized. The female differs from the last only in being smaller. Length, 10-12; wing, 5-53; tail, 44-51; culmen, 14. The Bronzed Grackle (511. Q. q. @neus) of the region east of the Rocky Mountains to the Alleghanies, north to Newfoundland and Great Slave Lake, and south to Texas, differs from the purple grackle more in the lack of irides- cent bars on the bronze-colored back than in any other feature. The female is almost without metallic reflections and never has the iridescent bars. 11. Great-tailed Grackle (512. Quiscalus macrowrus).— A very large, long-tailed, glossy-black bird with metallic-violet tints over the head, breast, back, and wing coverts, but without iridescent bars. Female a dark brown with metallic-greenish gloss on the back; the head almost without gloss. Length, 114-18}; wing, 53-8; tail, 53-93; culmen, 1}-1$. Eastern Texas to Central America. FAM. XVI. JAYS, CROWS, MAGPIES, ETC. 1d1 12. Boat-tailed Grackle (513. Quiscalus major). — A very large, southern, beautifully metallic, bluish-black bird, with the head and breast more purplish, and the wings and tail less so. The female is much smaller in size; and brown in color, the lower parts being lighter. These birds are found in flocks in marshy places or near the water. Length, 114-171; wing, 53-74; tail, 5-74; culmen, 11-13. The smaller numbers are the dimensions of females. Regions along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from ‘Virginia to Texas. FAMILY XV. STARLINGS (STURNIDZ) A family (200 species) of Old World birds one species of which has apparently been successfully introduced into this country. ) 1. Starling (493. Stérnus vulgaris). — A yellow-billed, metal- lic-purplish, walking bird, much spotted with buff; the wings, tail, and under tail coverts are dark brownish-gray more or less edged with buff. In winter the bill changes to dark brown and the entire under parts become heavily spotted with white. The bill is long and conical ;* the tail only about half as long as the wings; and the first primary quill less than one inch long Length, 81; wing, 5; tail, 23; tarsus, 14; culmen, 1. Europe and northern Asia. Introduced and apparently established in the vicinity of New York City. FAMILY XVI. JAYS, CROWS, MAGPIES, ETC. (CORVID2) A large family (200 species) of rather large, heavy-billed, peculiarly intelligent birds, with the nostrils generally well cov- ered with bristly feathers.2”, They have been divided into five subfamilies two of which are found almost everywhere. (1) The Jays are large, brightly marked, and usually brightly colored, saucy, noisy birds, with short, rounded wings and long, grad- uated tails.* With hardly any exceptions their voices are 152 KEY AND DESCRIPTION harsh and discordant. -Nos. 1-4. (2) The Crows are large, dark-colored (ours are black), walking birds, with long, pointed wings, short, nearly square tails, and unmusical cawing voices. As they can eat almost all vegetable and animal foods in almost any condition, they can be found nearly everywhere at all seasons. They usually associate together in large numbers. Their nests are rude and bulky. Nos. 5-8. Key to the Species * Tail only 2 as long as the pointed wings ; plumage black. (B.). * Tail, 1-3 inches shorter than the wings ; plumage not black ; extreme western. (C.) — * Tail, as long or longer than the rounded wings.! (A.) A. Tail, 2 or more inches longer than the wings; no crest ; colors black and white ; wings over 7 long............. et ree eet oo ee ee eee ee 1. American Magpie. A. Head crested ; general color blue: tail tipped with white; a black breastr panei) 05 ice tag. Vek Jy es kee Sean ne See 2. Blue Jay. A. No crest; general colors blue and gray; tail without white tip.. Oe ee ea ce eae ee re 3. Florida Jay. A. No crest; general color gray ; no nine or green in the plumage.. ass TED EMS ca Me eOe Eas kes hata ae Se eee 4. Canada Jay. A. Slightly crested; blue and black-headed, green-backed, yellow- bellied bird. The Green Jay (483. Xanthouwra luxudsa) of eastern Mexico has been seen in southern Texas. B. Wings, 15 or more long; culmen, 23-3} long; neck feathers narrow ATL POMREEM. n°... seine soKemiae, nies ee eptene, cane eee a 5. Northern Raven. B. Wings, 13-15; culmen, 2-22; neck feathers narrow and pointed, and those of the back neck peculiarly white at base. Extreme WPOSUODM LD 5 ciad anks «Shatin WOME as! aleske Coat 6. White-necked Raven. B. Wings, 114-14; culmen, 13-2; neck feathers not sharp pointed.... cgay hsp I As: Hee A hay sear AR pt Ht ee 3 Mboegs. 7. American Crow. B. Wings, 10-113; culmen, 13-13; neck feathers not sharp pointed... Fe Ee ee er ee ee ae ees 8. Fish Crow. C. Plumage, mainly gray ; wings, glossy black.....i.. ...=. <<. aihis bwin oth. aie, eae Sie le oea nl eee ee ER Clark’s Nutcracker (8). C.’ Plumage, mainly dull’ bine sic 2e os. a an > Ceres oe Pifion Jay (8). 1. American Magpie (475. Pica pica hudsonica).—A large, western, long-tailed, brightly iridescent black bird, with white shoulders, tip of wings, and belly. It is generally a ground- living, noisy bird, with an infinite variety of notes, harsh and pleasant, discordant and musical, squeaky and gurgling. = FAM. XVI. JAYS, CROWS, MAGPIES, ETC. 158 Length, 15-22; wing, 734-84; tail, 93-12; tarsus, 13; culmen, 11. Northern and western North America from the Plains to the Cascade Mountains, and from Alaska to New Mexico. Casually or accidentally in Michigan and northern Illinois. 2. Blue Jay (477.. Cyanocitta cristata). — A very common, large, noisy, crested, brightly marked, blue bird, with white throat, belly, and tips of outer tail feathers. The wings and tail are barred with black, and the neck has a black collar. This very beautiful species has more bad traits than can here be mentioned ; among them are its fondness for eggs and nest- lings. It has many notes of its own, and is a mimic, imitating American Magpie the notes of a number of other birds. ‘Length, 115; wing, 5} (5-6) ; tail, 54; tarsus, 13; culmen, 1. North America from the Plains eastward and from Florida to the fur countries. About resident throughout. #) The Florida Blue Jay (4778. 2 @. C. florincola) of the / Gulf coast region, from Florida to Texas, is smaller, grayer in color, and has the under tail feathers less _ = » 54 tipped with white (usually ed. } = under 1 inch). Wing, Le = — 43-51, 3. Florida Jay (479. Aphelécoma floridana). Blue Jay — A large, very noisy, brownish-bodied, gray- ish-blue bird, with whitish under parts. There is a tint of blue on the sides of the breast and across the breast. 154 KEY AND DESCRIPTION This jay is generally to be found on the ground, except when disturbed. Length, 114; wing, 4} (4-43) ; tail, 51; tarsus, 14; culmen,1. Florida, north of the center near the coasts. 4. Canada Jay (484. Perisdreus canadénsis).— A large, north- ern, loose-plumaged, gray bird, with the head mainly white, pes except the nape, 6. Phebe. C. Wings } inch or more longer than the tail. (D.) D. Olive-brown above, darker on the head ; olive-gray on the sides and nearly across the breast ; throat and belly nearly white............ ne ee 10. Wood Pewee or 11. Western Wood Pewee. D. Slightly crested bird with crest and under parts red (male), or upper parts including crest dull brown, and under parts white, tinged with red or orange (female). The Vermilion Flycatcher (471. Pyrocé- phalus rubineus mexicanus) of Mexico has been seen in southern Texas, Arizona, and Utah. E. Belly sulphur-yellow; throat and breast greenish-yellow ; back olive-green without a shade of brown .................-.0e00.8 Reeeies gid. ac bcad vehi edie es 12. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. E. Under parts but slightly tinged with yellow. (F.) F. Back olive-green without tint of brownish; head slightly crested ; throat white ; lower mandible light yellow....................... RIES Geet ate Pacts tate dee ohio XSi e w.d%e 18. Green-crested Flycatcher. F. Back olive with more or less of brownish tint. — Wing, 23-3 long........... 14. Traill’s and Alder Flycatcher. a es Pee 15. Least Flycatcher. — Wing, 2-21 long (south Texas)..... Beardless Flycatcher (15). G. No distinct yellow below; all tail feathers abruptly tipped with RS N ocdeEee weis o'w X ws 5, ween iuine's hep ieee 2. Kingbird. G. No distinct yellow below ; no abrupt white tips to the tail feathers ; 5 or 6 of the outer primaries abruptly narrowed near tips......... emia Sicinrs is viele) ows owls hee nes 3. Gray Kingbird. G. Belly with distinct yellow; tarsus and culmen each an inch or > LTS LLL Ss. . See eer 7 Derby Flycatcher (4). G. Belly with distinct yellow ; tarsus and culmen each under one inch long. (H.) H. Outer web of outer tail feathers abruptly white. 4. Arkansas Kingbird. H. Outer web but slightly pale edged; breast and belly bright yellow; throat and chin white ; tail notched a half inch. (Texas) ......... EE eer es io). Coa secie scutes nee «wees Couch’s Kingbird (3). 1. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (443. Milvulus forficdtus). — A beautiful, ashy-colored, small bird, having a deeply forked black 160 KEY AND DESCRIPTION tail, and rosy or white edgings and scarlet patches on the sides of the body. This graceful bird can be recognized for a great Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with nearly white under parts, and black tail tipped with a broad band of white. under parts have a wash of gray on the breast. The adult has a concealed orange-red patch on the crown; lacking in the young. bird has the habit of perching in an exposed position, with the body upright, like a hawk, watching for its insect prey. If food is seen, it suddenly darts into the air, seizes it, and returns to the same (Bee Martin.) distance by its forked tail, and espe- cially so, as it has the habit of open- ing and closing the parts like a pair of Scissors. Length, 12-15; wing, 43 (43-51); tail, 7-12; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Southwestern Mis- souri, through Texas, eastern Mexico to Cen- tral America. Accidental in New England, New Jersey, Florida, etc. The Fork-tailed Flycatcher (442. Milvulus tyrannus) is a beautiful, tropical American bird, which has accidentally wandered to various parts of the United States (New Jersey, Kentucky, Mis- sissippi, etc.). It is a black-capped, ashy- backed, black-tailed bird, with the lower parts white, and the outer webs of the outer tail feathers white for half their length. The tail is forked from 4-8 inches. 2. Kingbird (444. Tyrannus tyran- nus). — A % slate-colored kingbird, The this is This Roreh. FAM. XVIII. FLYCATCHERS 161 Length, 81 ; wing, 42 (41-48) ; tail, 34; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. North America, north to New Brunswick and Manitoba ; breeding from the Gulf northward, and wintering in Mexico and northern South America. Rare west of the Rocky Mountains. 3. Gray Kingbird (445. Tyrannus dominicénsis). — An ashy- gray-backed kingbird, with white or whitish under parts; the tail is blackish, slightly notched, and without the white termi- nal band. The under wing coverts are pale yellow. Habits much the same as the last, but its notes very different. Length, 9; wing, 43; tail, 32; culmen, 3. South Atlantic States (South Carolina to Florida), West Indies to northern South America. Couch’s Kingbird (446. Tyrannus melanchélicus couchii), of Texas to Central America, has the breast and belly bright yellow, the throat white, the tail decidedly notched, and its outer feathers not white-edged. Length, 1. 7 . 7 . 93; wing, 43; tail, 4; culmen, 3. 4. Arkansas Kingbird (447. Tyrannus verticdlis). — An olive- backed, yellow-bellied, ashy-headed kingbird, with a blackish square tail, without whitish tip. The outer web of the outer tail feathers entirely white, and the under wing coverts yellow like the belly. Length, 9; wing, 5 (43-51); tail, 4; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Western United States from the Plains to the Pacific. Accidental in Maine, New Jersey, Mary- land, etc. The Derby Flycatcher (449. Pitangus derbidnus), of southern Texas to northern South America, is an olive- brown-backed, yellow-bellied bird, with the top and sides of head black, a white line over the eye to the nape, and a yel- low crown patch. The chin and throat are white, and the under wing coverts lemon-yellow like the belly. The culmen and tarsus are each an inch long, and the wing and tail feathers extensively bor- dered with chestnut. 5. Crested Flycatcher (452. Myidr- | i chus crinitus). — A crested, greenish- “#«/ olive bird, with brown on head and wings and chestnut on tail; lower parts yellow, except the APGAR’S BIRDS. — 11 Crested Flycatcher 162 KEY AND DESCRIPTION ashy throat and breast; two yellowish wing bars. This is a common woodland bird of quarrelsome nature, with a loud, piercing voice. It is noted for the habit of using snake skins in the structure of its nest. (Great-crested Flycatcher.) _ Length, 83; wing, 4 (37-43) ; tail, 37; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Eastern United States and southern Canada west to the Plains; breeding from Florida northward, and wintering south of the United States from Mexico to Central America. The Mexican Crested Flycatcher (453. Myidrchus mexicanus), of southern Texas to Central America, differs from the last in having a broad dusky stripe on the inner web along the shaft of the outer tail feathers. 6. Phebe (456. Saydrnis phoebe). — A common, crested, dull olive-brown bird, having the lower parts dull white, with the breast tinged with brownish-gray. The head is darker, almost blackish, the belly has a very slight tint of yellow, and the eye has a whitish ring around it. The name is derived from the sound of its note, which “ is uttered in a harsh and abrupt manner. (Pewee.) Length, 7; wing, 33 (81-81); tail, 3; tarsus, 3; culmen, 4. Eastern North America from Colorado and Texas eastward ; breeding from South Carolina northward, and wintering from the South Atlantic and Gulf States to Cuba and eastern Mexico. 7. Say’s Phebe (457. Saydrnis sdya).— A western, grayish-brown bird, with the lower parts cinnamon-brown, darker on the throat. The tail, bill, and feet are black, and the wing bars whitish. This is a flycatcher of weedy and shrubby places rather than of wooded regions. Length, 74; wing, 4 (33-4}) ; tail, 31; tarsus, 2; culmen, 4. Western United States from the Plains to the Pacific, north to the Arctic Circle, south to Central America. Accidental in Massachusetts. 8. Black Phebe (458. Saydrnis nigricans).— A very dark, almost black, Texas bird, with the belly abruptly pure white. The head and breast are the blackest portions; the bill and FAM. XVII. FLYCATCHERS 163 feet are also black. The coloring is almost like that of the juncos. This is a flycatcher of wooded regions, especially the borders of rocky streams. Length, 63; wing, 33 (33-33); tail, 3}; tarsus, 3; culmen,3. South- western United States from Texas to Washington, south to Lower Cali- fornia and central Mexico. 9. Olive-sided Flycatcher (459. Contopus boredlis).— A dusky, olive-brown bird, with the lower parts white, except the olive- brown sides, which give it its name; the wing bars are very in- conspicuous, and there are curious tufts of fluffy feathers on the flanks, nearly white in color. This is a woodland bird found usually in the tree tops. Length, 74; wing, 41 (32-43) ; tail, 3; tarsus, 4; culmen, 3. North America ; breeding from New England northward, and wintering from Mexico to northern South America. 10. Wood Pewee (461. Contdpus virens).— A dusky, olive-brown- backed, whitish-bellied bird, with the head, wings, and tail blackish. The middle of the belly is yel- lowish, a ring around the eye _ white, and the two wing bars whitish. This is,a very dark, almost fuscous-backed bird, while the yellowish-white under parts have some gray on the sides of throat and breast. It is necessary to note the lengths of wings and tail in order to separate this species from some other flycatchers. It is a common wood-living, retiring bird, with sweet, pensive notes sounding much like its name. Olive-sided Flycatcher . Length, 61; wing, 3} (3-33) ; tail, 23-27; tarsus, 4}; culmen, 4. Eastern North America from the Plains ; breeding from Florida to southern Can- ada, and wintering south of the United States in eastern Mexico to Central America. 164 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 11. Western Wood Pewee (462. Contdpus richardsonit). — This is a bird similar to the*last, but darker and less olive- tinted on the back, with more of olive-gray across the breast, and less of yellowish on the belly. Length, 61; wing, 32 (31-83) ; tail, 22; tarsus, }; culmen, 3. Western United States from the Plains to the Pacific, north to British Columbia, and south in winter to northern South America. 12. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (463. Empidonax flavivéntris). —A small, dark olive-green-backed, yellow-bellied flycatcher, with the yellow breast, sides, and throat washed with much olive-green. The wings and tail are blackish, and the two wing bars whitish. This has more sulphur-yellow on the lower parts than any other of our fly- catchers. No other eastern species has yellow of any shade on the throat. It is practically only a mi- grant in the United States, and dur- ing migrations is almost voiceless. In its summer home in the northern evergreen forests its rather plain- tive call as well as its harsh, abrupt “ nsé-ek”’ can be heard. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Length, 54; wing, 23 (23-28) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 2; culmen, }. North America from the Plains eastward; breed- ing from the northern border of the United States to Labrador, and wintering from eastern Mexico to the Isthmus. The Western Flycatcher (464. Hmpidonaz difficilis) of the western United States from the Plains to the Pacific is very much like the last, but less yellow below, and with buffy wing bars. The tail averages 23. 13. Green-crested Flycatcher (465. Empidonaz viréscens).— A shghtly crested, dull-greenish-olive flycatcher, with the lower parts yellowish-white, and the distinct wing bars also yellowish- white. The breast has a slight tinge of green, the throat is white, and the wings and tail are blackish. The upper mandible FAM. XVIII. FLYCATCHERS 165 is black, and the lower one flesh-colored. It is an inhabitant of wet woodlands, and is usually to be found on the lower branches. Its notes are very distinct from those of other fly-- catchers, but difficult to express in words. (Acadian Flycatcher.) Length, 53; wing, 22 (23-31); tail, 23; tarsus, $; culmen, 3. Eastern United States; breeding from Florida north to southern New England and southern Michigan, and wintering south to Central America. 14. Traill’s Flycatcher (466. Empidonaz trdillit). —A small, western, slightly crested, olive-brown flycatcher, with ash-gray breast and sides, pale yellow belly, and two whitish wing bars. The wings and tail are blackish, the throat pure white, and the under mandible flesh color or whitish. It has more of a brownish shade than any other of our flycatchers. It is a silent, restless, retiring bird, frequenting bushy tracts instead of forests. Green-crested Flycatcher Length, 6; wing, 22 (23-3) ; tail, 24; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Western North America from Ohio westward to the Pacific; breeding from the northern border of the United States northward, and wintering in Mexico to northern South America. The Alder Flycatcher (4662. EZ. t. alnorum) of eastern North America is a variety with less of brown in the plumage; breeding range from the mountain region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania northward, and wintering south to Central America (west to Michigan). 15. Least Flycatcher (467. Empidonax minimus).— A very small, common, olive-backed, whitish-bellied flycatcher, with grayish breast and sides, and whitish wing bars. The lower mandible is brown, and there is almost no yellow on the belly. This is the smallest of the flycatchers. The second common name it has is derived from an attempt to write the sound of its notes. It lives generally in our orchards 166 KEY AND DESCRIPTION and among our shade trees, rather than in the wild woods. (Chebec.) Length, 51; wing, 23 (21-23) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 3; culmen, ;%. Chiefly eastern North America, west to Colorado ; breeding from Pennsylvania to Quebec, and wintering in Central America. ORDER II. HUMMINGBIRDS, GOATSUCKERS, AND SWIFTS (MACROCHIRES) An order containing one large American family, the Hum- mingbirds, and two smaller ones of general distribution, the Goatsuckers and Swifts. FAMILY XIX. HUMMINGBIRDS (TROCH{LID#) A family (400 species) of small, brightly colored, American, swiftly flying birds, living mainly on the insects and nectar found in flowers, which they obtain while on the wing. Their movements through the air are most swift and insect-like, the wings vibrating so rapidly as to be lost to the eye in a hazy mist. These birds are represented by many species in Mexico and South America, and several species are found west of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, but only one (if south- ern Texas is excluded) is to be found in the great region covered by this book. Nearly all, except some tropical forms, have weak, chippering, or squeaking voices. 1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (428. Trdchilus cdlubris).— A minute, long-billed, narrow-winged, greenish-colored bird, seen hovering suspended over flowers or flitting rapidly from plant to plant. The male has a gorget, of brilliant, metallic, ruby-red; this is wanting in the fe male. The male has a notched tail of narrow feathers, and the female one not Ruby-throated Hummingbird FAM. XX. SWIFTS 167 notched, of rounded, white-tipped feathers. This bird is seen by most people only when hovering over flowers in search of food, and is hence thought to be always on the wing. If care- fully watched, it will often be seen at rest on the twigs of tree tops. The only living forms which may be mistaken for hummingbirds are insects called hawk or sphinx moths. Most of these are found hovering over flowers in the evening; the hummingbirds visit the flowers in the daytime. ' Length, 3; wing, 13 (14-13) ; tail, 14; culmen, 3. North America from the Plains eastward; breeding from Florida to Labrador, and win- tering in Cuba, eastern Mexico to Central America. Rieffer’s Humming- bird (438. Amazilia fuscicaudata) of southern Texas to northern South . America is a brilliant green hummingbird, with dark purplish wings and deep chestnut tail; the belly is gray. Length, 4; wing, 21; tail, 13; culmen, 3. The Buff-bellied Hummingbird (439. Amazilia cervinivéntris) of southern Texas to Central America is a similar green bird, with the belly pale cinnamon color. Length, 4+; wing, 21; tail, 14; culmen, 2. FAMILY XX. SWIFTS (MICROPODID2#) A family (75 species) of long-winged, close-feathered, small- bodied birds, with large, swallow-like or nighthawk-like mouths, and almost unri- j Waled power of flight. Almost the whole day is spent on the wing, catch- ing enormous num- bers of insects. These birds are found in immense flocks, especially when nesting or roosting. ? Chimney Swift 1. Chimney Swift (425. Cheettira peldgica).— An ashy-black bird resembling the swallow, with very long wings and =" short, rounded, spiny-tipped tail.’ In certain places where large, unused chimneys are found, great flocks 1 168 KEY AND DESCRIPTION of these birds will be seen in the early morning, flying out from the chimney top, and starting on their day’s work of ridding the air of flying insects. In the evening all will be found returning, a steady stream, into the same roosting place. When resting on the inner wall of the chimney, the spiny tail is used as a support, much as the woodpeckers use their tails against the bark of tree trunks. (Chimney Swallow.) » Length, 5; wing, 5; tail, 2; culmen, 1. North America from the Plains eastward; breeding from Virginia to Labrador, and wintering south of the United States in Mexico. The White-throated Swift (425 Aéronattes melanoleucus) of the western United States from southern Montana to the Pacific is a blackish-backed, swallow-like bird, with a short, stiff, but not spiny-tipped tail, and most of the lower parts white ; the male has the tail deeply notched. Length, 63; wing, 6; tail, 23. FAMILY XXI. GOATSUCKERS, ETC. (CAPRIMULGIDZ). A family (nearly 100 species) of large, dull, mottled gray and brown, loose-plumaged, insect-eating birds which have enormous mouths, though the culmen or upper ridge of the bill. is remarkably short.!. Their heads are pecul- WS iarly large, broad, and flat, the legs small and weak, Bop and the wings are rather long and pointed. They capture their prey while on the wing and, excepting during migrations, are solitary in their habits. The chuck- will’s-widow has the widest mouth of any of our species; the gape measuring two inches from side to side. This enables it to swallow the largest of insects, and even hummingbirds and small sparrows have been found in its stomach. The night- hawks lack the rictal bristles which are so conspicuous in the other birds of the family. Our species are practically noe- turnal birds, as silent in their flight as owls. During the day they recline rather than perch on limb of tree, or ground, in such position as to be entirely unnoticed, except by the most experienced observer. No nests are built or even hollows made, but the eggs are laid on the bare ground or on tree stumps. Their cries are among the most peculiar and striking of bird notes and from them many of the species derive their common names. il FAM. XXI. GOATSUCKERS 169 Key to the Species * Rictal bristles very small, } inch or less long; tail notched at tip; wings with a conspicuous white spot (or tawny in the female of a Texas species). (B.) * Rictal bristles, } inch or more long and branching with short lateral fairs. wile, -¢2 or more long.............- 1. Chuck-will’s-widow. * Rictal bristles long, but not branching.! (A.) A. Tail less than 2 inches shorter than the wing; no white blotches on the wings, which are usually 6 or more long...2. Whip-poor-will. A. Tail fully 2 inches shorter than the wings; no white blotches on the wings, which are less than 6 long....... brat Sees 3. Poor-will. A. Tail about as long as the wings; a large white blotch on the wings, eunetiH EPC OE t9 AQHE SS CU ie Loe tie aint Merrill’s Parauque (3). B. Wing over 7: long........ 4. Nighthawk and Western Nighthawk. B. Wing, 7iorlesslong. 5. Texas Nighthawk. Florida Nighthawk (4). 1. Chuck-will’s-widow (416. Antréstomus carolinénsis). — A large, finely mottled, brownish bird resembling the whip-poor- will, without any pure white markings. The mouth is very large, and the rictal bristles long and with hair- like branches for half their length. The male has an indistinct whitish band across the throat, and the female a buffy one. Length, 115; wing, 8} (8-9); - Chuck-will's-widow tail, 6; culmen,2. South Atlan- tic and Gulf States ; breeding from Illinois and North Carolina southward, and wintering from our southern border to Central America. Accidental in Massachusetts. 2. Whip-poor-will (417. Antréstomus vociferus).—A bird similar to the last, but smaller; the male is marked with a , pure white collar, and the end half of each of the three outer tail feathers is white. ee es The female has buff Whip-poor-will ~ on neck and _ tail 170 KEY AND DESCRIPTION feathers instead of white. The rictal bristles are long, but not branching. This bird flies and makes its whip-poor-will notes after sunset and before sunrise. It is a common, low- flying bird, much more frequently heard than seen. Length, 94; wing, 6 (52-63); tail, 43; culmen, 3. North America from the leit eastward; breeding from Virginia, north to New Bruns- wick and Manitoba, and wintering from Florida to Central America. 3. Poor-will (418 Phalendptilus nuttdllii). — A western whip- poor-will, beautifully mottled with bronze-gray and _ silver- gray markings; both sexes have the white patch across the throat, and nearly white tips to the under tail feathers. In singing its notes the first syllable is Toa and so this bird is called a poor-will. Length, 8 ; wing, 5} (53-53) ; tail, 3}; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Western United States from Kansas and Montana, and southward and westward to Mexico. Merrill’s Parauque (419. Nyctidromus albicéllis mérrilli). — A Texas species of very large size, long, rounded tail, and with a great white patch on the wings. The male has a broad white collar ; the female a less distinct buff one. The under tail feathers are more or less white at tip. Length, 103-131; wing, 7 (6-74); tail, 6}; tarsus, 1; culmen, 3. Southern Texas to northeastern Mexico. 4. Nighthawk (420. Chordeiles (di-les) virginidnus).— A bat- like, night and evening flying, dark-colored, finely mottled bird, with conspicu- ous white patches at about the middle of the wings, looking like holes when the ee bird is flying. It dif- Nighthawk fers from the forego- ing species in flying high in the air, and in having almost no rictal bristles. It varies its flight with occasional dives toward the ground with wings nearly closed; before reaching the earth there is a sud- den check in the speed, and a slow upward movement again to the former elevation. (Bull-bat.) Length, 93; wing, 73 (73-81) ; tail, 43; culmen, +. North America FAM. XXII. WOODPECKERS a 6 | from the Plains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf States to Labrador, and wintering in South America. The Western Nighthawk (420. C. v. hénryi) of the western United States from the Plains westward is lighter colored and has the white spaces larger. The Florida Nighthawk (420: C. v. chépmani) of Florida and the. Gulf coast to South America is smaller and has more numerous white and buff markings. Wing, 7-71; tail, 4-4}. 5. Texan Nighthawk (421. Chordeiles acutipénnis texénsis). — A southern, small, distinctly streaked and barred nighthawk with the white wing patch nearer the tips of the primaries than the bend of wing. The tail is blackish, crossed by grayish or tawny bars, with a complete white cross-bar near the tips of the feathers. The female has the wing patch tawny instead of white, and the white cross-bar of the tail is lacking. Length, 8}; wing, 63-71; tail, 4-4%. Texas to southern California, south to Panama. ORDER III. WOODPECKERS, WRYNECKS (PICI) An order which with us includes only the following: FAMILY XXII. WOODPECKERS (P{CID2#) A large family (850 species) of creeping or climbing birds with stiff, sharp-pointed tail feathers which are used as aids in supporting the body against the tree.’? The toes are four in number; two directed forward and two backward? (Gn a few exceptional species there are only three, two in front and one behind*). These birds have stout, straight, chisel-pointed bills,’ with which they are enabled to cut small holes in the wood for the purpose of securing insects, and large holes for nesting places. The tongue is peculiarly long, has a spear-like tip, and is so arranged that it can be thrust out to a wonderful distance. By its aid, the larve of insects are secured and brought from their retreats under the bark. Woodpeckers re KEY AND DESCRIPTION have but poor vocal powers, and they make use of a tattoo with their bill for their love song. The eggs are in all cases white. Key to the Species * Head with a conspicuous crest ; large birds; wings, 73 or more long. =—— Bill ory-white. 50% 2.6 tk wets anne s 1. Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Sei biden. <2 Gis. Se cree at See as eee 9. Pileated Woodpecker. * Head not crested ; wings less than 7} long. (A.) A. With only three toes ; two in front and one behind.! (G.) A. With four toes ; two in front and two behind.? (B.) B. Back very distinctly barred crosswise with black and white. (E.) B. Back not cross-barred, but with a broad central streak of white ; under parts white without spots or streaks. (D.) B. Back black without cross-bars or lengthwise streaks ; the rump may be white. (C.) B. Back olive-brown with numerous black bars; breast with a broad black crescent-shaped band; belly whitish, with 9 numerous round black spots ; wing, 51 or more long....14. Flicker. B. Back irregularly variegated with black and yellowish; belly with MOLE OL LESS VS WOW ricer aoe ia = die ae 8. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. C. Secondary wing quills and rump wholly white (in the young nearly so) ; breast without broad black band ; head and neck of the adult BCU s peu vtne i estenke Wap eman woe tatteta cae 10. Red-headed Woodpecker. C. Wing quills mainly black, but rump white; a broad black band across breast, separating the white of throat and belly (extreme western). Californian Woodpecker (407. Melanérpes formicivorus bairdt). ‘ C. Western species with wings, rump, back, and tail a beautiful bromzy blacks )oiw« 5.6: Oal¢/< saw es Pa aco et a 11. Lewis’s Woodpecker. D. Wing less than 41 long; culmen less than 1 long; under tail feathers white cross-barred with black.............. 3. Downy Woodpecker. D. Wing over 41 long; culmen over 1 long; under tail feathers white without nee! te bg MiP RReh A ab wha eres alm eae ee 2. Hairy Woodpecker. E. Culmen, 1 or more long; belly with reddish tinge................ PAE eee ee Sek every ae as 12. Red-bellied Woodpecker. E. Culmen, 1 or more long; belly without reddish.......-.. 22 cmeee eee meets as Uns eaten eee ee 13. Golden-fronted Woodpecker. EK. Culmen less than 1 long. (F.) F. Wing, 43-51 long; a conspicuous white patch on the side of head and TUE Siena lee eee a Retain alee he 4. Red-cockaded Woodpecker. F. Wing, 3-43 long; the white of the side of the head and neck inclos- ioe Curved DIAG SELPC. 1 Vemilt tits ee nie 5. Texan Woodpecker. G. Back ‘uniformly black .... 2... 6. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. G. Back barred crosswise...... 7. American Three-toed Woodpecker. FAM. XXII. WOODPECKERS 1%3 1. Ivory-billed Woodpecker (392. Campéphilus principdlis). — A large, scarce, southern, white-billed, distinctly crested, black woodpecker, with a white line on each side of neck and body and a white blotch on tips of secondaries. The crest of the male is scarlet, of the female black. This is a shy bird of the dense, southern, cypress forests. Length, 20 ; wing, 10 (9-103) ; tail, 64; tarsus, 2; culmen, 23. Now found only locally in the lower Mississippi Valley and in the Gulf States. 2. Hairy Woodpecker (393. Dryobdtes villdsus).— A small, white-spotted woodpecker, with much black’on the upper parts and white below. The white spots of the wings give them a barred appearance when the bird is at rest, and the white of the center of the back forms a longitudi- nal band; the head has streaks of black and white. The male has a scarlet patch on the nape. The under tail feathers are white and not barred. Length, 91; wing, 43 (44-5) ; tail, 34; tar- sus, 2; culmen, 11. Wandering but not migra- tory. Northern and middle portion of the United States from the Plains eastward. The Southern Hairy Woodpecker (393 >. D. v. audubdnii) of the South Atlantic and Gulf States is a smaller vari- ety and with less of white. Wing, 43-43; tail, 3. There is a northern variety which has a wing 5-53 long found in the northern portions of North ° America. Hairy Woodpecker 3. Downy Woodpecker (394. Dryobdtes pubéscens).—A smaller, more common woodpecker than the last, but with almost the same arrangement of colors. This species has the white of the under tail feathers cross-barred with black. After becoming familiar with the notes of Nos. 2 and 3, one can distinguish them by their voices. As Mr. Brewster says, the downy woodpecker species “has a long unbroken roll,” while the hairy woodpecker has “a shorter and louder one with a greater interval betwzen each stroke.” The downy woodpecker is much more abundant 174 KEY AND DESCRIPTION © in settled regions, where it can be found in woodland, orchards, and even in the shade trees along the streets of the towns. Length, 62; wing, 32 (34-4); tail, 24; tarsus, 4; culmen, 7. North America from the Plains eastward, and south to the Gulf of Mexico. Not migratory. 4. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (395. Dryobdtes boredlis). — A small, southern “ ladder-backed” woodpecker, with white sides to the head and a scarlet tuft of feathers on each side of the crown, back of the eyes and above -the white cheeks. The female lacks the scarlet. This inhabitant of the pine woods of the Southern States has distinct black and white bands across the back, giv- ing the appearance of a ladder. The crown and band between ~ the white cheeks and throat are black. Length, 81; wing, 4% (43-5); tail, 8}; culmen, $. North Carolina to eastern Texas, south to the Gulf. 5. Texan Woodpecker (396. Dryobdtes scalaris bdirdi).—A Texas “ladder-backed,” gray-bellied woodpecker, with numer- ous small black spots on sides and crissum. The side of the head and neck is white, with a long, curved, black stripe ex- tending from the eye downward and forward to the bill. The male has more or less of red on the crown; this is lacking in the female. Red-cockaded Woodpecker Length, 74; wing, 3% (384-41) ; tail, 23; culmen, 7. Southern portion of the United States from Texas to California, and south to the table-lands of Mexico. 6. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker (400. Picoides drcticus). — An extreme northern, medium-sized, orange-crowned, black-backed, white-bellied woodpecker, with very small white spots on the otherwise black wings; outer tail feathers mainly white, and a line under the eye also white. The female has a black crown. FAM. XXII. WOODPECKERS 175 This active, restless bird takes long flights, with the character- istic undulating movements of woodpeckers in general, and at every glide gives out its shrill note, which sounds more like a mammal in pain, than like a bird. (Black-backed Woodpecker.) Length, 94; wing, 51 (5-53); tail, 33; cul- men, 14. Northern North America, south to New England, Michigan, and Idaho. 7. American Three-toed Woodpecker (401. Picoides americanus). — A north- ern bird, similar to the last, but hay- ing the center of the back cross-barred with black and white; the sides are also barred. The orange spot is found only in the crown of the male, the Jemale having a black and white spotted crown. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker Length, 83; wing, 43 (43-43) ; tail, 834; culmen, 11. Northern North America, east of the Rocky eae south to ieee and New York. Like most of the woodpeckers it is not migratory. 8. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (402. Sphyrdpicus varius).— A small, rather common, scarlet- crowned, mot- tled-backed, yellowish-bellied wood- pecker, with much white on the wings, and black on the breast. The mot- tling of the back is of black and yel- lowish. The wings are black, with many spots of white on the quills, and the coverts are mainly white. The tail is more or less barred with black and white. The male has a red : throat, and the female a white one. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4 The crown of the female is some- 176 KEY AND DESCRIPTION times black. This migratory woodpecker is a noisy bird dur- ing the breeding season in the north, but during the rest of the year is seldom seen; it lives in the densely foliaged trees and is seldom heard, as its notes are very weak. This bird, as its name indicates, feeds mainly on the juices of trees, and so probably does more harm than good. Length, 8i; wing, 47 (48-51); tail, 31; culmen, 1. Eastern North America; breeding from Massachusetts northward, and wintering from Virginia to Central America. 9. Pileated Woodpecker (405. Ceophicus piledtus). — A large, southern, red-crested, black-bodied, dark-billed woodpecker, with the sides of the head and the neck mainly white. When flying, much white can be seen on the wings, as the basal half of the feathers is white. The female lacks red on the fore part of the crown. While most woodpeckers have an undu- lating flight, this one moves in a direct course. This bird was formerly distrib- uted generally over the wooded regions of North America, but is now becoming very rare except in the wilder sections. (Logcock.) Length, 13-19; wing, 9 (8-10) ; tail, 7; cul- men, 13-2}. North America; very rare in the settled portions of the Eastern States. 10. Red-headed Woodpecker (406. Mela- nérpes erythrocéphalus). — A common, me- dium-sized, black-backed, white-rumped, white-bellied woodpecker, with the whole head and neck bright red. The secondary quills are white, forming a large white wing patch. The young has a grayish-brown head and neck, more or less mixed with brownish, and the back and wings are somewhat barred. It is a noisy, active bird, with ability to resist the most extreme cold of the Northern States in winter, if food is abundant. Pileated Woodpecker FAM. XXII. WOODPECKERS 17 Length, 91; wing, 54 (51-83) ; tail, 8}; culmen, 14. United States from the Rocky Mountains eastward; breeding throughout and north into Canada, and winter- ing irregularly through- out, but more abundantly in the Southern States. 11. Lewis’s Wood- pecker (408. Melaner- pes torqudtus).— An extreme western, red- & bellied, bronze-black- — backed, red-faced woodpecker, with a bluish-gray band around theneck. The erown and the neck above the gray band mee. black. The wings, tail, back, and crissum are a rich irl- descent green-black. Length, 11; wing, 62 (63-7) ; tail, 44; culmen, 14. Western United States from the Black Hills to the Pacific; wintering in western Texas, and casual in Kansas. 12. Red-bellied - Woodpecker (409. Me- lanérpes carolinus). — A southern, medi- um-sized, “ ladder- backed,” whitish-bel-. lied woodpecker, with ) the crown and back Red-bellied Woodpecker neck bright scarlet, and the breast and belly often tinged with red. The black and white bars of the back and wings are numerous and distinct. The female lacks the red on the center of the crown, this being replaced by an APGAR’S BIRDS. — 12 Red-headed Woodpecker 178 KEY AND DESCRIPTION ashy color. This is a common southern bird, peculiarly spas- modie in its movements along a tree trunk. Length, 9}; wing, 5} (4/-53) ; tail, 31; culmen, 11. Eastern and southern United States, north casually to Massachusetts, southern Michi- gan, and eastern Kansas. Not migratory. 13. Golden-fronted Woodpecker (410. Melanérpes azrifrons). —A southern Texas species, similar to the last, but with the belly yellowish instead of reddish, the male having the crown but not the back neck red. In the female the red crown is wanting, but both sexes have the back neck more or less yellow or orange in the form of a band, and the forehead golden-yel- low, giving the name to the species. ‘The head and under part are ashy-gray. Length, 10; wing, 5} (5-53); tail, 35; culmen, 11. Central Texas and south to the city of Mexico. 14, Flicker (412. Coldptes aurdtus).— A common, brown- backed, white-rumped woodpecker, with a scarlet band across the back of the head, a golden lining to the wings and tail, a black crescent on the breast below the reddish throat, and a light-colored belly, thickly spot- ted with round black dots. When at rest, this bird can easily be recog- nized by the red crescent on the back ~ of the head and the black crescent on the breast ; when flying, by the white rump and the golden lining to the wings. It often perches on limbs. Its peculiar habits, notes, and colors have given it nearly two-score names, the commonest of which are here given. (Golden-winged Woodpecker ; Yellow-hammer; Pigeon Woodpecker; High-hole; Tucker; Clape.) Flicker FAM. XXIII. KINGFISHERS 179 Length, 121; wing, 6 (51-63); tail, 44; culmen, 13. North America from the Plains eastward, breeding throughout and wintering mainly south of the Middle States. ORDER IV. CUCKOOS, KINGFISHERS, ETC. (COCCYGES). An order of tropical, Old World birds containing families differing widely in their characteristics, and classified together in one miscellaneous group only because they belong under no other order, and it would be inconvenient to classify each family by itself. We have representatives belonging to three of these families. FAMILY XXIII. KINGFISHERS (ALCEDINIDZ&) A large family (nearly 200 species, mainly Malayan) of chiefly tropical birds. The American species are solitary and exclusively fish-eating birds, found only near the water. A few Old World species feed upon insects, snails, etc., and lve in the forests, though most of them have the habits of our forms. They are heavy-straight-billed, large-headed, bright-colored birds, with small feet and short tails. Key to the Species * Wing, 5-7 long; culmen about 2....... gee Pea 1. Belted Kingfisher. * Wing, 3-4 long; culmen less than 2 ............ 2. Texas Kingfisher. * Wing over 7 long; culmen over 3. Ringed Kingfisher (390-1. Céryle torquata). A Mexican species casually found in southern Texas. 1. Belted Kingfisher (390. Céryle dlcyon).— A noisy, short- tailed, large-straight-billed, crested, blue-backed bird, with white lower parts and bluish band across the breast. The wing quills and tail feathers are black, more or less blotched and barred with white. The female is similar, but has a brown band across the belly. A common inhabitant of the wooded shores of streams and lakes, where its harsh, rattling cry can 180 KEY AND DESCRIPTION often be heard. When watching for fish, which form its only food, it sits on some support projecting over the water and can readily be recognized by the large, crested head and short tail. Length, 11-14 ; wing, 61 (6-61); tail, 4; cul- men,2. Throughout North America; breeding from the southern border of the United States, and wintering from the Mid- dle States to Panama. ; 2. Texas Kingfisher Belted Kingfisher (391. Céryle ameri- cana septentriondlis). —A small, bronze-green kingfisher with the collar and belly white. The female has the green band across the breast re- placed by a rufous one. Length, 8; wing, 3}; tail, 2%; culmen, 1%. Southern Texas to Panama. FAMILY XXIV. TROGONS (TROGONID2) A family (50 species) of brilliantly colored, tropical birds represented in southern Texas by the following: 1. Coppery-tailed Trogon (389. Trdgon ambiquus).— A beauti- ful, long-tailed, red-bellied bird, with the back and breast golden- green, face black, and a white collar between the carmine belly and the golden-green of the throat. Bill serrated.t The middle tail feathers of coppery-green give the species its name. Length, 114; wing, 51; tail, 7; culmen, }. Southern and Central Mexico, north to southern Texas. FAMILY XXV. CUCKOOS, ANIS, ETC. (CUCULIDA) This large, tropical family (200 species) of birds includes species of various forms, colors, and habits, so that it has been separated into about ten subfamilies. All have two toes in FAM. XXV. CUCKOOS, ANIS, ETC. 181 front, and two behind,? more or less downwardly curved bills, and elongated, rounded, to strongly graduated tails. Our birds belong to three of these subfamilies. Only the Old World cuckoos use the nests of other birds in which to place their eggs. The anis are very peculiar in their nesting habits; several females join together and build a single nest for all their eggs and then take turns in the work of incubation. Key to the Species * Bill nearly as high as long, and much flattened sideways.? (C.) * Bill elongated, only about a third as high at base as long. (A.) A. Bill nearly straight almost to the tip when it is abruptly decurved ; tail 10 or more long. Western ground bird...... 2. Road-runner. A. Bill regularly curved downward for nearly its full length ;# tail, 8 or less long. (B.) B. Bill nearly black throughout ; wings with little or no cinnamon color. I i ia uke as Sere Selly Ne aie OE 5. Black-billed Cuckoo. B. Bill with much yellow below; belly white ; wings with much cinna- ILE TELE Me Se Ss eee eee eer 4. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. B. Bill yellow below ; belly tawny or buffy...... 0. Mangrove Cuckoo. C. Upper mandible smooth or slightly wrinkled .............. 1. Ani. C. Upper mandible with several distinct grooves parallel with the top BBLME DES: 2053. on). dagen «5 + = oes Groove-billed Ani (1). 1. Ani (883. Crotéphaga ani). — A long-tailed, large, south- ern, bronze-black bird, with a large, much compressed bill. The back shows steel-blue reflections, the lower parts are a dull black, and the tail is much rounded. ‘This is a ground- living bird. Length, 12-15; wing, 53 (53-6); tail, 8; tarsus, 14; culmen, 1}. West Indies and eastern South America, casual in Florida and Louisi- ana, and accidental near Philadelphia. The Groove-billed Ani (584. Cro- téphaga sulciréstris), of Mexico and Texas, is similar to the last, but with a grooved bill. Length, 12-15; wing, 6; tail, 8. ju @ 2 ¥ 182 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 2. Road-runner (385. Geocdccyx californidnus).— A large, long-tailed, crested, coarse-plumaged, ground bird, with the body striped with buffy and bronze-brown, somewhat glossed with green. Skin around the eye naked. (Ground Cuckoo.) Length, 20-24 ; wing, 63 (61-7) ; tail, 10-12; tarsus, 2; culmen, 2. Kansas and Colorado to California, and south to central Mexico. 3. Mangrove Cuckoo (386. Coccyzus minor). —This rare sum- mer resident of the extreme south is similar to the next, but with the ear coverts black and the under parts a rich buff. Length, 121; wing, 5} (5-6) ; tail, 7; culmen, 1. Florida, Louisiana, and West Indies to northern South America. Maynard’s Cuckoo (386. C.m. maynard?) differs from the last in having the lower parts a pale buff instead of ochraceous buff. Dimensions a little less. Bahamas and the Florida Keys. 4. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (887. Coccyzus americanus). — A common, long, slender, long-tailed, brownish-gray bird, with a slender, curved bill and con- spicuously white-tipped outer tail feathers. The under parts are whitish, the wings have much cinnamon color, and the under mandible is yellow at base. This bird destroys great numbers of that pest of our trees, — the tent caterpillar. Its notes are a harsh, grating cl-uck, cl-uck varied by cow, cow. (Rain “ crow.’) Yellow-billed Cuckoo Length, 12; wing, 53 (53-6) ; tail, 6; tarsus, 1; culmen, 1. Eastern North America; breeding from Florida to Canada and Minnesota, and wintering south of the United States to Central America. 5. Black-billed Cuckoo (888. Coccyzus erythrophthdlmus). — A bird similar to the last in form, colors, and habits, but with less white and no black on the tail, the under mandible black, and no cinnamon on the wings. The voice is less harsh. FAM. XXVI. PARROTS AND PAROQUETS 183 Length, 113; wing, 54 (51-52) ; tail,6}; culmen, 1. North America from the Rocky Mountains eastward; breeding from the Gulf of Mexico to Labrador, and wintering south of the United States to northern South America. ORDER V. PARROTS, MACAWS, ETC. (PSITTACI) An order of about 500 species of almost exclusively tropical birds, here represented by only one, belonging to: FAMILY XXVI. PARROTS AND PAROQUETS (PSITTACID2) A large family (400 species) of tropical, gaudily colored, harsh-voiced, hooked and cered-billed birds; having feet with two toes in front and two behind, which they use for walking, elimbing, and as hands. Their discordant voices are, in most species, readily trained to utter the words of human speech. They are inhabitants of dense forests. When necessary, they fly well. They live upon fruits and seeds. 1. Carolina Paroquet (382. Condrus carolinénsis). — A rare, southern, green paroquet, with a yellow head and neck, and bright orange fore- head and cheeks. The bend of the wing is also orange. The young have the head, neck, and bend of wing also green. This, our only repre- sentative of the par- rots, was formerly found as far north as the Great Lakes, but is becoming every year more rare and local even in Florida, Arkansas, and Indian Territory, the only divisions of the United States where it has recently been found. Carolina Paroquet Length, 12}; wing, 7} (7-8); tail, 6}. 184 - KEY AND DESCRIPTION ORDER VI. BIRDS OF PREY (RAPTORES) An order of usually large, rapacious, land birds, with hooked and cered bills; living exclusively upon animal food. They are found in all lands, and form several well-marked families. Some are night-flying (owls), some are carrion-eating (buzzards and vultures), some live mainly on mammals, fish, and birds (eagles and larger hawks), and some eat mice and insects (the smaller hawks). FAMILY XXVII. HORNED OWLS, HOOT OWLS, ETC. (BUBONID 2) A large family (200 species) of owls, with rounded eye disks and toe nails, without saw-like teeth. It contains all our species except one, the barn owl. The owls differ from all other birds in having the face so broadened that both eyes look forward instead of sidewise, and they are so surrounded by radiating feathers as to make these features of the head seem larger. The eyes are immovable in their sockets, so that the whole head has to be turned when the bird wishes to look in a new direction. This gives a live specimen a very strange appear- ance. Many-of the birds of this family have tufts of erectile feathers appearing like external ears and popularly called ear tufts... These birds are regarded by many with superstitious awe because of their uncanny appearance, their strange actions, and their harsh, hooting, weird voices. Key to the Species * Wing, 53-74 long; tarsus partly bare of feathers and twice as long as the, middle tHe. ces heey eee sce re Rn a 11. Burrowing Owl. * Wing, 3-41 long; tarsus partly bare and but little longer than the Middle 106.0). 2ckeika Gea es Sait. See ee 13. Elf Owl. * Tarsus fully feathered. (A.) A. Head with conspicuous ear tufts or horns.! (F.) A. Head without ear tufts.2 (B.) B. Wing, 15-19 long. (E.) B. Wing, 11-14 long. (D.) B. Wing} BAl0 tong ec, ao eae 10. American Hawk Owl. FAM. XXVIII. HORNED OWLS, ETC. 185 B. Wing,.3-8 long (C.) Be VN TT OO: NOMA ta nisiebetssh« wiajeiece stone) a) « al 5. Richardson’s Owl. c. Wing, oo long... eee .6. Saw-whet Owl. C. Wing, 3- LB long ; ioe Ts danas “einer ds at not longer than MUNG ML OC Ment Mere, yr sha waste es ats 12. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. D. Belly with longitudinal stripes ; back and breast with cross bars.... wo ge RENE So & OSS ORIG On SO er aa a Pe ek 3. Barred Owl. D. Belly and back with longitudinal stripes (there are small, possibly unnoticed ear tufts of few feathers.) ........... 2. Short-eared Owl. D. Belly and back dotted with black ; the nail of the middle claw has a saw-like ridge on the inner side, so this species belongs to the next family « face heanl shaped? ......-..a.. American Barn Owl, p. 192. Bo Plumage chiefly white; tailrounded)....0.... 2... 9. Snowy Owl. E. Plumage mottled and barred with blackish and whitish........... 3 hisses 19 RES ee eC NY SET oe RE Le ore 4. Great Gray Owl. F. Reiter Heke MOTNE wre cocel'po ara bie, 6 6 ays Sriore, iss aim) a aie avis 8. Great Horned Owl. BPMN VR OKO ION Gea) jars Pd Se eae e a eal oo a wld ohne thas 7. Screech Owl. F. Wing, 11-15 long. (G.) ~ G. Ear tufts large, of 8-12 feathers..... 1. American Long-eared Owl. G. Ear tufts small, of few feathers............... 2. Short-eared Owl. 1. American Long-eared Owl (366. Asio wilsonidnus). —A large, common, night-flying, long-eared, brownish, mottled owl, with the lower parts lighter, streaked on the breast and barred on the belly. The ear tufts are an inch or more long, nearly black, with a light border: During the daytime, this tame bird is usually to be found in deep, and, by preference, ever- green forests. Its food consists mainly of mice and other small mammals. Length, 13-16 ; wing, 113 (11-12); | tail, 6; tarsus, ae culmen, 1. Tem- % perate North America south to central Mexico ; breeding throughout. 2. Short-eared Owl (567. Asio accipitrinus). — A large, ochrace- ous, brown mottled, and streaked, me marsh-living owl, with ear tufts Shoi-nared Owl 186 KEY AND DESCRIPTION so small as often to be unnoticed. There is much of buffy tints, especially on the lower parts, which are streaked on both breast and belly. This inhabitant of wet, grassy places is fearless and will allow itself to be almost stepped upon before it will fly. Like the last, it feeds principally upon mice. Length, 14-17; wing, 123 (12-18); tail, 6; tarsus, 13; culmen, 1}. Found in almost all lands; breeding in North America, locally from Virginia northward. 3. Barred Owl (368. Syrnium nebuldsum).— A large, night- flying, much-barred, brownish, hooting owl, without ear tufts. The cross bars are fine and numerous on all parts of this bird, except the belly and sides, which are white, broadly streaked with blackish. Most owls have light, usually yellow eyes, but the barred owl’s eyes are nearly black. This inhabitant of large, dense woods is the one whose hooting call can be heard nearly a mile —whoo- whoo-who0-whdd-ah. Its notes are more frequently heard soon after dark and before sunrise, but during moon- light nights it may be heard all night, and occasionally even during the day. Its food consists of small mammals, 4s insects, and birds. (Hoot Owl; Amer- Barred Owl ican Wood Owl.) Length, 17-25; wing, 131 (12-14); tail, 9; culmen, 1}. United States from Nebraska and Texas eastward, north to Quebec; breeding throughout. The Florida Barred Owl (368. S. n. alleni) differs in hay- ing the toes almost bare of feathers ; a few bristly feathers are to be found along the outer side of the middle toe only. South Carolina to Texas, near the coast. 4. Great Gray Owl (370 Scotidptex cinérea).— A northern, very large, yellow-eyed, ashy-brown, mottled owl, without ear FAM. XXVIII. HORNED OWLS, ETC. 187 tufts. The under parts are pale gray, streaked on the breast, and barred on the belly and sides with dark brown. This immense owl of the Arctic regions is practically found only within the United States, very irregularly in winter. (Spec- tral Owl.) Length, 24-30 ; wing, 17 (16-18) ; tail, 12; culmen, 14. Arctic America, strag- gling southward in winter to southern New England, New Jersey, Illinois, and Idaho. 5. Richardson’s Owl (571. Nyctala téngmalmi richardsoni).— A small, northern, night-flying, yellow-eyed, white-spotted, brown owl, without Great Gray Owl ear tufts. The under parts are white, thickly, but very irregularly, streaked with brown. This, like the last, is an in- Saw-whet Owl habitant of northern regions, sel- dom seen in our Northern States, and only in winter. (Arctic American Saw-whet Owl.) Length, 9-12 ; wing, 7 (61-71); tail, 41; tarsus, 1; culmen, 1. Arctic America; breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, and winter- ing south to our northern range of states. 6. Saw-whet Owl (372. Nyctala acadica).— A very small, yellow- eyed, night-flying, brownish-mot- tled owl, without ear tufts. The head is finely streaked, and the back spotted with white. The under parts are white, heavily streaked with light and dark 188 KEY. AND DESCRIPTION brown. This is a night-flying bird, passing its time during the day among dense trees. It gets its name from a resemblance of its notes to the noise made in filing a saw. Mice form its main food. (Acadian Owl.) Length, 8; wing, 54 (51-52) ; tail, 2; ; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. North America ; breeding from the Middle States northward (south to Mexico, in the mountains), and wandering irregularly southward in winter. °7 (. Screech Owl (3873. Mégascops dsio).— A very common, small, night-flying owl, with conspicuous ear tufts, and weird, whistling notes. It is found in varie- ties of two colors, distinctly reddish and distinctly grayish. The back is finely streaked and dappled; the under parts are white-streaked, blotched and barred with dark colors, giving them a varie- gated appearance. The young is more regularly barred than the adult. This owl prefers orchards near human habi- tations, to the wild woods, for its home. Its food consists of insects, mice, and birds. Length, 7}-10; wing, 64 (6-71) ; tail, 31; culmen, 7. North America from the Plains eastward, south to Georgia, and north to New Brunswick and Minnesota; practically resi- dent throughout. The Florida Screech Owl (373%. M. a. floridanus), of South Carolina to Louisiana, mainly near the coast, is a smaller bird, with the colors deeper, and the markings. more distinct. Wing, 6; tail, 3. The Texas Screech Owl (375>. MW. a. trichépsis), of southern Texas to Central America, has the small size of the Florida bird, and the two phases of color of the common screech owl, but is more regularly streaked and barred ; thus it lacks the blotchy appearance which is so characteristic of the northern form. Screech Owl 8. Great Horned Owl (375. Bubo virginidnus).— A very large, yellow-eyed, long-eared, finely mottled, brownish owl, usually marked with a white collar. The under parts are reddish-buff barred with black. This bird inhabits dense forests of the sparsely settled sections, and is probably the only owl that FAM. XXVII. HORNED OWLS, ETC. 189 kills poultry and game birds in any great numbers, though even this one is more apt to feed on the smaller mammals. It can scream in a most terrifying manner as well as whdd- wh6600. (Hoot Owl; Cat Owl.) Length, 18-25 ; wing, 151 (141-17); tail, — 83; tarsus, 21; culmen,1}. North America from the Mississippi Valley eastward, north to Labrador and south to Central America. The Western Horned Owl (375*. B. v. sub- arcticus), of the western United States from the Great Plains westward (and east casually to Illinois), is lighter in color, having the buff markings changed to gray or white. The Arctic Horned Owl (875>. B. v. drcticus), of arctic America south to South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho, has much whiter ‘: plumage, the under parts being pure white Oca HomietsOwl with very restricted dark markings. 9. Snowy Owl (376. Nyctea nyctea).— A very large, mottled, white owl, with densely feathered feet and no ear tufts. The female is more heavily barred. It isa day- flying, yellow-eyed owl, found in the United States only in winter. Though a day-flying owl, it 1s more active in the early morning and evening. In the United States it is more apt to be found in marshy flats bordering bays and rivers, and along the seashore. Length, 20-27 ; wing, 17 (153-183) ; tail, 91; tarsus, 2; culmen,1{. Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere ; breeding north of the United States, migrating in winter to the Middle States and straggling to South Carolina and Snowy Owl Texas, 190 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 10. American Hawk Owl (877°. Suirnia aula cdparoch).—A medium-sized, day-flying, much-mottled, grayish-brown owl,with a long and rounded tail and no ear tufts. The breast and belly are regularly barred with reddish-black upon a white ground; across the upper breast there is a more or less per- fect dark band. The upper parts of the back and head are marked ¢ with round white spots. This is as much a day- flying bird as any of the hawks, and its shrill cry is frequently uttered while on the wing. Its perch is usually on some dead-topped tree in an open place. (Day Owl.) American Hawk Owl Length, 143-173; wing, 9; tail, 7; tarsus, 1; culmen, 14. Aretic America; breeding north of the United States, and wintering south to the northern border states. 11. Burrowing Owl ® (378. Spedtyto cunicu- laria hypogéa). — A small, burrowing, day- flying, grayish-brown owl, without ear tufts, but with excessively long legs that are nearly bare of feath- ers. The brown of Baroy the back is both spot- ted and barred with whitish, and the buff-colored under parts are barred with grayish-brown except on the throat. This bird " ‘sharply streaked with whitish. FAM. XXVIII. HORNED OWLS, ETC. 191 lives in the deserted holes or burrows of “prairie dogs” and other quadrupeds, including foxes and badgers. Length, 10; wing, 64 (53-72) ; tail, 31; tarsus, 12; culmen, 3. West- ern United States, including the Great Plains, north to southern British America and south to Central America. Accidental in New York and Massachusetts. The Florida Burrowing Owl (878%. S. c. floridana) of southern Florida and the Bahamas is much like the last, but averages slightly smaller; the legs are even more nearly free from feathers ; the lower parts have a more purely white ground color, and the upper parts a sepia-brown with pure white dottings. 12. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (580. Glaucidium phalenoides. — A very small, southwestern, olive-brown, or reddish owl, with- out ear tufts, and with a chestnut-red or white tail crossed by about eight blackish-brown bars. The top of the head is The olive-brown or reddish of the back is mainly free from markings excepting the shoul ders, which have large, round, white spots. This small spe- cies, like the screech owl, is found in some varieties, —a grayish-brown, a red one and some that are intermediate in color. Sometimes the red is so intense and -uniform as to de- stroy the barring of the tail and the wings. (Ferruginous y z aome Owl.) Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Length, 63; wing, 4 (31-41) ; tail, 3; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Texas to Arizona and south to southern Brazil. 13. Elf Owl (381. Micropdllas whitneyi).— A very small, western, mottled, and grayish or grayish-brown owl, without ear tufts and with a white or whitish, more or less interrupted, collar around the neck. The lower parts are white, with more 192 KEY AND DESCRIPTION or less longitudinal blotches of brownish or rusty color. The tarsus 1s longer than the middle toe, very bristly with hairs in front, and naked behind. Length, 6; wing, 4} (4-44) ; tail, 21; tarsus, 7; culmen, ;4. Southern Texas to southern California, and south to Mexico. FAMILY XXVIII. BARN OWLS (STRIGIDA) A very small family (8 species) of owls, with triangular- shaped eye disks, a saw-toothed nail to the middle toe, and very downy plumage. Our only species is so nocturnal in its arab and in the daytime so well able to hide from obser- i vation, that, though not rare, it is sel- dom seen. The peculiar form of face, due to the eye disks, gives it some- what the appearance of a monkey. 1. American Barn Owl (865. Strix pratincola). — A large night-flying, monkey-faced, black-eyed, brownish owl, with fine mottlings of white and black and no ear tufts. It has been said to appear like a closely hooded, toothless old woman with a hooked nose. Its food consists almost entirely of mice and other small mammals. Length, 15-21; wing, 13} (121-14) ; tail, 61; tarsus, 22; culmen, 14. United States, more daa south of New York; breed- ing from Pennsylvania southward, and very rare in southern New Eng- land. Not migratory. American Barn Owl FAMILY XXIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, VULTURES, ETC. (FAL- CONID#) This is the largest family (850 species) of the birds of prey (Raptores), and representatives are found in all lands. The American species can be naturally divided into seven groups, FAM. XXIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 193 under which divisions the peculiarities will here be given. (1) Kites. Slender, graceful, small birds of prey with very long, pointed wings, often forked tails, and slender, weak bills... They are particularly birds of the air, and in their method of flying remind one of swallows by their grace and ease of movement. Nos. 1-4. (2) Harriers. Hawks with long legs, unnotched, lengthened bills,? long wings and tail, and slender form, having the feathers radiating around the eyes, ruff-like, somewhat imitating the owls. No. 5. (3) Hawks. A large group of medium to small birds of prey with short, stout bills,? long, nearly square tails, and long bare legs. They have wonderful powers of flight, and rarely fail to capture their prey, which consists chiefly of small quadrupeds and birds. Nos. 6-8. (4) Buzzards and Eagles. A large group of medium to large-sized birds of prey with heavy bodies and majnly toothless bills. They are inferior in power of flight to the hawks or falcons, and usually capture their prey by stealth rather than by open fight like most other birds of the family. In many species the tarsus is more or less feath- ered; in some, the feathering extends to the toes. Buzzards, Nos. 9-20; Eagles, 21-23. (5) Falcons. A large group of me- dium to small, but strong, birds of prey with toothed bills,* long, strong wings, short, stiff, rounded tails, short legs, and stout nails (talons) to the strong toes. This is the most typical group of the family, and includes the bravest and most daring of birds. They capture their prey with the most sudden and violent of movements. It includes our smallest species. Nos. 24-32. (6) Caracaras. A small group of sub-tropical, vulture- like, sluggish, mainly terrestrifl birds of prey, with short, toothless bills, long necks, and fully feathered heads. No. 33. (7) Osprey. This probably consists of but one species, of world- wide distribution, —namely, the well-known fish hawk or osprey, aN cB @ 3 4 APGAR’S BIRDS, —13 194 KEY AND DESCRIPTION of which the peculiarities are given in the specific description. No. 34. Practically, in this whole family the female is the larger al stronger bird. Where dimensions are given, the smaller num- bers refer to the male and the larger to the female. Key to the Species * Nails (talons) all of the same length, narrowed and rounded on the lower side ; wing, 17-22 long ; scales of the tarsus small, rounded !.. wis 6,5 Soman Peete mle w olor wie fe, adaiei a oie wheat ar es coe eee 33. American Osprey. * Nails of graduated length, the hind one longest, the outer shortest. (A.) A. Tarsus densely feathered all around and down to the toes; wing, Bt OOS. cin ieimaixyh he spate es sain Dain Ris oe eee 21. Golden Eagle. A. Tarsus feathered to the toes in front but with a bare strip behind ; wing, 15-20 long. (P.) A. Tarsus bare for at least one third of its length. (B.) B. Wing over 19 long; cae under 16 long ; head not crested........... Se er ER Te ee ee Pe oe cane 23. Bald Eagle. B. Wing over 19 long ; tail over 16 long; head conspicuously crested ; LOK AB eis iene in is he Rice's ie We eh eee eee ee 22. Harpy Eagle. B. Wing under 18 long. (C.) C. An extreme southern, ground bird, with the front of the tarsus covered with numerous rounded scales; wing, 141-16} long; culmen, Tt or-more lone ses sens 32. Audubon’ s Caracara. C. Tail deeply forked (6 inches or more) ; wing, 15-18 long......... MP er ee yes peewee Sry) ey 4 1. Swallow-tailed Kite. C. Wing, 7 or more times as long as the tarsus; bill with no sharp teeth or notches; nostril elongated and without inner bony tubercle ; tail at most but slightly notched. (0.) C. Wing about 7 times as long as the tarsus ; bill with a sharp notch and tooth back of the tip ; nostril circular and with an inner bony tubercle ;2 wing over 11 long. (N.) C. Wing, 6 or less times as long as the tarsus. (D.) D. General plumage black, with almost no portions of lighter color except some bands on the tail. (M.) D. Upper tail coverts white; base of tail white also in some of the species. (L.) D. With neither the general plumage black nor the upper tail coverts white. (E.) FAM. XXIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 195 E. Nostril circular and with a conspicuous central bony tubercle ;? upper mandible with a strong tooth and notch back of the hooked mp: (J..) E. Nostril oval and the upper mandible without more than one lobe or tooth, and that not a strong one.? (F.) F. Tail about 3 as long as the wing. (I.) F. Tail not over 2 as long as the wing. (G.) G. Outer web of the primaries with white, buffy, or reddish spots; four outer primaries notched on the inner web ;* wing, 73-10 long..... ES oe Gifu) Gioia stale. «in oe eee es atl ane 11. Red-shouldered Hawk. G. Under parts white, very slightly if at all streaked ; upper parts Meamyeblack: HWIOTIGA.<”. ...c¥e5 <6 5 ote a o's 16. Short-tailed Hawk. G. Notas above. (H.) H. Four outer primaries notched on the inner web ;# tail generally quite ESL a o SSE Re, em a eee 10. Red-tailed Hawk. H. Three outer primaries notched ;° wing, 14-18 long................ Sop: Ee a okies Medea viel sss niet se eles os 4. SWalnson’s Hawk: H. Three outer primaries notched ; wing, 94-12 long.................. EEE SA Sis bjs as alesis wh ares nts wove 15. Broad-winged Hawk. I. Wing under 9 long; tail square®........ 6. Sharp-skinned Hawk. Peewaine,.5:—11 long ; tail rounded’? ..........%.. 7. Cooper’s Hawk. preemies ELT IAP LONG ne eee cc ee eee eee 8. American Goshawk. J. Wing, 11-17 long; only one primary notched on the inner web.’ (N.) J. Wing, 93-114 long ; two primaries notched ; southern Texas........ Nr cr aca a Sie) cyan © veal vise "hee, ood 30. Alpomado Falcon. J. Wing, 5-94 long; two primaries notched. (K.) K. Back or belly with more or less of bright brownish-red........... Se ee 31. American Sparrow Hawk or Cuban Sparrow Hawk. K. Back bluish slate color, or blackish and without bright rufous.... SUE a nee ee 28. Pigeon Hawk or 29. Richardson’s Merlin. L. Tail gray, barred with blackish ; wing, 18-16 long; common....... I eee cE wy fev auab aise a a Sma vdis aes oy 2% _....0. Marsh Harrier. L. Tail mainly white but much barred ; wing, 14-18 long; Texas...... Le ty tl RS I an ee 15. Sennett’s White-tailed Hawk. L. Tail zoned black and white ; extreme southwestern hawk with wing Be eR ies ei oa ace eer = sa Veale last seabed ot vao%s 18. Mexican Goshawk. M. Base and tip of tail white; shoulders and tibia chestnut; wing, lo WORE 2" WESLCEM 7-00 0 <2 W-airirneee co Se wes 9. Harris’s Hawk. M. Three white bands across the tail at base, tip, and center; Texas = eS oe 12. Zone-tailed Hawk or 17. Mexican Black Hawk. M. Wing, 10-13 long; Florida ; black phase of. .16. Short-tailed Hawk. S Aas 7 er SS S eg {Sy Z= Ss = 5 6 ri 8 196 KEY AND DESCRIPTION M. Wing, 144-174; western ; black phase of..14. Swainson’s Hawk. M. Wing, 154-163; northeastern ; black variety under.............. PP er rte, fee at. SO Se aa 25. Gray Gyrfalcon. N. Tarsus hardly at all feathered at the upper part....27. Duck Hawk. Tarsus feathered less than half way down in front; back grayish- DEG WIT 3. ab oa a Os eco eietis Sti pats wea ieee are 26. Prairie Falcon. N. Tarsus feathered over half way down in front and on the sides..... RN Fo. hoy wind a ai as age co 24. White Gyrfalcon. 25. Gray Gyrfalcon. | 0. Tail white without bars and square tipped; wing, 11-14 long..... Kapa teh stds Wigighin apes obras © itn Os ae ieee chen 2. White-tailed Kite. | O. Tail white at base and whitish at tip; tail coverts above and below | mainly white ; upper mandible lengthened and hooked; culmen, | 1 or more long ; wing, 12-16 long; Florida....4. Everglade Kite. | O. Slaty-blue above, gray below; tail black, unbarred .............. steppe aie Ae BXs ms NCEaa Le has Golatole oe ts Re Caer 3. Mississippi Kite. P. Legs bright brownish-red with black bars.20. Ferruginous Rough-leg. P. Legs more or less buffy without brownish-red.............:ee0s. welt 6. touseieMair ates Sa kanneae ie 2 Arle, ces 19. American Rough-legged Hawk. 1. Swallow-tailed Kite (327. Elanoides forficitus). — A beau- tiful, large, glossy, bluish-black kite, with the head, rump, and under parts white, and the tail deeply forked. The neck and under wing coverts are also white. This is a graceful bird, generally seen on the eo wing, where its move- ments remind one of Swallow-tailed Kite those of a swallow. It is remarkable in that it can drink as well as eat, while coursing through the air. Common in the south. Length, 20-25 ; wing, 164 (151-173) ; tail, 133; tarsus, 1}; culmen, 1. Interior United States, west to the Great Bigian north to North Carolina and Minnesota; casual to New England and Manitoba; breeding locally throughout its regular range, and wintering in Central and South America. 2. White-tailed Kite (828. Elanus leucwrus).— An ashy- backed, white-headed, white-tailed, white-bellied kite, with the wing coverts conspicuously black. The young have the whites FAM. XXIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 197 more or less marked with reddish-brown, and the tail with an ashy bar near the tip. The tarsus is feathered half way down in front, and the ex- posed portion is finely reticulated. This is one of the strongest of the kites; its food consist- ing of birds, quadru- peds, reptiles, and in- sects. Common in & marshy regions, west wy a of the Mississippi. ba (Black-shouldered oi Kite.) White-tailed Kite Length, 15-17 ; wing, 123 (114-133) ; tail, 7; tarsus, 12; culmen, kh. Southern United States ; Hreeding north to South Carolina and southern Illinois, and south throughout most of South America. Casual in Michi- gan. It winters south of our territory. 3. Mississippi Kite (329. Ictinia mississippiénsis).— A kite ~ with slate-colored wings and back, light gray head, neck, and belly, and black, unbarred tail. The primaries are blotched with much chestnut. The young lacks the chestnut of the wings, has the head more or less streaked with - black and white, and the tail marked with a few white, irregular bars. Length, 138-153 ; wing, 114 (103- 23); tail, 64; tarsus, 14 ; cul- men, ~. Southern United States east of the Rocky Mountains; breeding north to South Carolina, southern Illinois, and = Kansas, and ae in Mississippi Kite the tropics. 4. Everglade Kite (530. Rostrhdmus socidbilis).— A dark, slate-colored kite, with the upper tail coverts and the base of 198 KEY AND DESCRIPTION the tail white; the tip of the tail is somewhat whitened and notched; the upper mandible is peculiarly lengthened and hooked. This bird acts much like a gull, flying over the shallow, fresh waters of southern Florida; it dives for snails, which form its main food. (Snail-hawk.) Length, 17; wing, 14 (13-15) ; tail, 74; tarsus, 2; culmen, 1}. Florida, Cuba, and eastern Mexico, south to the Argentine Republic. 5. Marsh Hawk (331. Circus hudsdnius).—A large, com- mon, ashy-colored or gray hawk, with white tail coverts, and white belly, spotted or barred with reddish. The primaries are blackish, and the tail is silvery- gray, irregularly barred with blackish. The fe male has a brownish back, head, and neck, darker primaries and tail, and the under parts more buffy, streaked on the belly with blackish. This is a common, low-flying hawk of the open coun- ‘try, easily determined by the white tail coverts. It may often be found perching on a low elevation, or even in the grass. (Marsh Harrier.) Marsh Hawk Length, 18-24; wing, 144 (13-16); tail, 94; tarsus, 3; culmen, 1 nearly. North America; breeding throughout, south to Panama. 6. Sharp-shinned Hawk (352. Accipiter vélox).— A common, long, square-tailed, medium-sized, dark-brownish or slate-colored hawk, with much-barred, buffy under parts. The tail has blackish cross-bars and a white tip; the primaries are also barred with blackish. The young has brownish markings on FAM. XIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 199 the back, and blackish streaks or spots on the whitish lower parts. This is a fearless, swift, low-flying hawk, living mainly on birds, including poultry. Length, 10-14 ; wing, 74 (6-9) ; tail, 5-8; tar- sus, 2; culmen, 2. North America, south to Panama ; breeding throughout. 7. Cooper’s Hawk (333. . B. b. calurus) of North America, west of the Rocky Mountains (casual in Illinois), is a nearly evenly colored, dark chocolate-brown hawk, with the red tail crossed by several black bars. Harlan’s Hawk (3374. B. b. hdrlani) of the Gulf States (casually north to Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Kansas) is nearly uniform black, with the tail rather longitudinally mottled with dusky and white, and having more or less of the red tinge and the zone of black near the tip. (Black Warrior.) 11. Red-shouldered Hawk (3359. Biteo linedtus). — A common hawk, with much brownish-red on head, shoulders, breast, and belly. The tail and primaries are black, with broad bars of white. The throat is streaked with blackish, and the breast and belly are much barred with white or whitish. The young is very different and hard to determine; above plain, dark brown, with little indication of the red shoulders; head, neck, and under parts are nearly white, fully streaked with dark brown; tail and wing quills brown, crossed with many in- distinct, lighter and darker bars. Four primaries .are notched on the inner web. This is a bird of well-watered woods, living on small quadrupeds, insects, and reptiles, in the order given. (Misap- plied names: Hen Hawk; Chicken Hawk.) Length, 173-22; wing, 111-141; tail, 8-10; tarsus, 3; culmen,1. North America from the Plains eastward, ie aw north to Manitoba and Nova Scotia, south to Mexico; Red-shouldered breeding throughout. The Florida Red-shouldered Hawk Hawk (3399. B. 1. dlleni) of South Carolina to Texas, mainly coastwise, is a smaller hawk, with a streaked, grayish-white head, grayish throat, indis- tinctly barred, buffy under parts and no red shoulders. 202 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 12. Zone-tailed Hawk (340. Buteo abbrevidtus).— A south- western glossy-black to blackish-brown hawk; the tail has three slate-colored bands above, and three pure white ones below. The young has a grayish-brown tail crossed above with numerous oblique black bands, and showing below mainly the white inner webs. When disturbed, the feathers of this hawk show much white, especially on the head and breast, as much of the plumage is pure white at base. Length, 183-214; wing, 15-174; tail, 84-103; tarsus, 2}; culmen, 1. Texas to southern California, south to northern South Aimerica. 13. Sennett’s White-tailed Hawk (541. Buteo albicaudatus sénnetti). — A Texas, ashy or lead-colored, short-tailed hawk, with the tail coverts, tail, and entire under parts white, and the wing coverts chestnut. The tail has numerous narrow, broken, zig-zag lines, and a broad black band near the tip. The young is a brownish-black bird, with a grayish tail, becom- ing darker near the tip. This hawk, like the last species, has white bases to many of the feathers, which show when the plumage is dis- ~. turbed. Length, 238; wing, 141-18 ; tail, 7-10; tar- sus, 3}; culmen, 18. Southern Texas and southward into Mexico. 14. Swainson’s Hawk (342. Buteo swainsont). — A western, dark -col- ored hawk, very va- riable in color, but usually with conspic- uous dark patches on the sides of breast, and many (8-12) dark tail bars. The breast has a large, cinnamon-red patch; the Swainson’s Hawk i. FAM. XXIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 203 primaries are unbarred, and the three outer ones are notched on the inner web; the belly is much blotched and barred with blackish, whitish, and buffy markings. There is a very dark (melanistic) form of this bird, in which the whole plumage is evenly blackish. Of course there are birds of intermediate colors. ‘The size and the peculiar primaries as above given are distinct enough to fix the species. Length, 19-22; wing, 141-171; tail, 8-10; tarsus, 24; culmen, i. Western North America from Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Texas to the Pacific, north to the Arctic regions, and south to the Argentine Republic ; breeding throughout its North American range. Casual to Massachu- setts and Maine. 15. Broad-winged Hawk (343. Biteo latissimus).— A dark- colored hawk, with grayish tail, crossed by two broad, dark bars; under parts brownish, heavily barred. The primaries are without red- dish markings, and the three outer ones are notched on the inner web. -The young has a grayish-brown tail, crossed by three to five indistinct black bars, but has the narrow whitish tip of the adult. A slug- gish, unsuspicious hawk, feeding on in- sects, small mammals, batrachians, and reptiles. Length, 13-17 ; wing, 10-111 ; tail, 6}-8; tar- sus, 2}; culmen, 3. Eastern North America north to New Brunswick, south to northern South America; breeding throughout its United States range. 16. Short-tailed Hawk (544. Biteo bra- chytirus). — A rare, Florida, slaty-gray to grayish-brown hawk, with all under parts pure white, except some brownish markings on the sides of the breast. The grayish tail is barred with black and narrowly tipped with white. The young has the under parts washed Broad-winged Hawk with buffy. This species, like No. 14, is found in a very dark 204 KEY AND DESCRIPTION (melanistic) phase, in which nearly the whole plumage is a somewhat glossy black. Length, 15-18 ; wing, 103-13; tail, 6-74, tarsus, 2+; culmen, 3. South America north to Florida, where it breeds. 17. Mexican Black Hawk (545. Urubitinga anthracina).—A southern Texas, coal-black hawk, with a central broad white band across the tail, and a white tip; the ends of the upper tail coverts are also white. The young is mottled blackish- brown above and streaked buffy below; the tail is crossed with about seven bands of blackish and grayish. Length, 21-23; wing, 15-16; tail, 8-11; tarsus, 34; culmen, 1}. SCM ee South eaten north a southern ieee 18. Mexican Goshawk (546. . F. r. obso- letus) of Labrador is casually found as far south as Long Island. This, as its common name indicates, is a very dark- colored gyrfalcon. The upper and lower parts are an unbarred slaty- black; even the tail is nearly unbarred. All the gyrfalcons are rare in the United States. Gray Gyrfalcon 26. Prairie Falcon (355. Falco mexicanus).— A bold, grace- ful, low-flying, western, grayish-brown falcon, with the lower parts white, streaked and spotted with the color of the back. The primaries and the inner webs of all but the middle tail feathers are blotched or barred with buffy. The young has buffy margins to the feathers of the upper parts. This, as its 20 1: KEY AND DESCRIPTION common name indicates, is a bird of the plains west of the Mississippi. Length, 16-20; wing, 12-141; tail, 64-9; tarsus, 2; culmen,1. West- ern United States from the eastern border of the Plains to the Pacific ; breeding throughout. Casual east to Illinois. 27. Duck Hawk (356. Fdlco pere- grinus dnatum).— A dark, bluish- slate-colored hawk, with the under parts cream-buff, much spotted with black, except on the breast; tail indistinctly barred with black- ish and tipped with a narrow, white band. The young has the blackish upper parts margined with orange- buffy, and the under side of the tail barred with the same. This is a beautiful, swift-flying, daring bird generally found near the water, as it feeds mainly on ducks eee Ealou and other. water birds. No bird can fly swiftly enough to escape its talons. (Peregrine Falcon; Great-footed Hawk.) Length, 14-20; wing, 111-15; tail, 6-9; tarsus, 2; culmen, 1. North America, and south to central South America; breeding locally over most of its United States range. 28. Pigeon Hawk (357. Fdlco columba- rius).—A small, slate-blue hawk, with all the under parts light creamy or brownish, much © i streaked with dark ; tail with three or four broad, lighter-colored bars, and the ere ~ FAM. XX1IX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 209 neck usually with a rusty collar. The primaries are barred with white. The young has the upper parts blackish and the barring of the primaries reddish- yellow. The pigeon hawk has a resemblance to the wild pigeon both when perching and whenin flight. It is to be found in the open country, near the edge of woods, especially where there are large bodies of water. Its food consists mainly of small birds and insects. (American Merlin.) Length, 10-13; wing, 71-81; tail, 51; tarsus, 13; culmen, 4 or more. North America; breeding north of the United States, and wintering through most of the states and into northern South America. 29. Richardson’s Merlin (358. ; _ Fédleo richardsonii). — A western, Pigeon Hawk very small, bluish - gray - backed hawk, with the lower parts including the front of the head whitish, much streaked with brown to black, especially on the breast and sides. The chin and throat are about the only por- tions without any shaft streaks on the feathers; even the brown back is so marked with black. Tail with five blackish, five grayish, and one terminal white band. The female has the back more earthy-brown in color, and the outer webs of the quills marked with buffy spots (the male has these spots light- grayish.) (Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk.) Length, 10-183; wing, 74-91; tail, 43-61; tarsus, 14; culmen, } or more. North America from the Mississippi to the Pacific, north into the British Possessions, and south to Texas and probably Mexico. 30. Aplomado Falcon (359. Fdlco fusco-ceruléscens). — A Texas, medium-sized, heavy-billed, lead-colored falcon, with the chin, throat, and breast unspotted white; sides and a APGAR’S BIRDS, — 14 210 KEY AND DESCRIPTION broad belly band blackish-barred, and the thighs and lower tail coverts rusty or reddish-brown; tail tipped with white and crossed by about eight narrow, wltite bands. The young is duller colored, with the back inclined to brownish. Length, 15-18; wing, 91-11}; tail, 6}-8$; tarsus, 13; culmen, 1. South America north to southern Texas and Arizona. 31. American Sparrow Hawk (360. Fdlco sparvérius).— A common, beautiful, little hawk, with much chestnut on back and tail, and usually on crown also. The wings are slaty- blue, with black and white barred prima- ries, and the tail has a black band near the white tip. The white cheek has a black patch both in front and behind it. The under parts are buffy, very é heavily streaked with darker in the female. The wing coverts are slaty-blue in the male, and chest- nut, barred with black, in the female. With almost all other — hawks the male is much the smaller bird, but in this species there is but little, if any, variation in size. Generally the sexes are colored alike, but in this case there is a decided difference in markings. ‘This is an insect-eating hawk, though mice and small birds form part of its diet. (Rusty-crowned Falcon; Killy Hawk.) Length, 83-12; wing, 63-8; tail, 41-6 ; tarsus, 13; culmen, }. North America from the Rocky Mountains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf States to Hudson Bay, and wintering from New Jersey southward. The. Cuban Sparrow Hawk (361. Falco dominicénsis), which has been found casually in southern Florida, has the rufous coloring only on the breast American Sparrow Hawk FAM. XXIX. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 241. and neighboring lower parts ; the female and young male have a touch of the same tint on the back. plain on the cheek of the American sparrow hawk, is hardly to be noticed in the Cuban species. The Cuban bird has a conspic- uous white line over the eye, wanting in the other. There is a color phase of the Cuban sparrow hawk, in which the usual rufous coloring of the under parts is lacking. 32. Audubon’s Cara- cara (362. Poliborus chériway). — An ex- treme southern, large, dark-colored bird, strong in flight, with The so-called ‘‘ mustache ’’ stripe, which is so Audubon's Caracara bare, red skin on face, buffy neck and breast, and white tail, tipped and barred with black. These birds associate with the American Osprey buzzards and vultures, feeding on carrion as they do, but in their flight there is no resemblance. Besides the carrion, they eat many kinds of reptiles, which they capture for themselves. Length, 20-25; wing, 143-164; tail, 8-10; tarsus, 34; culmen, 13. Florida, Texas, and Arizona, south to northern South America ; breeding in all sections of the United States where found. 33. American Osprey (364. Pdndion haliaétus carolinénsis). — A large, black- ish-backed, white-bellied bird, with much white on top of head and upper neck. Tail with six to eight obscure bands, more distinct below. It is seen flying slowly over the water of our coasts, wae 2 | KEY AND DESCRIPTION watching for the fish which form its only food. When its prey is seen, it closes its wings and drops with wonderful velocity into the water, and generally it secures the fish ob- served. Its food is usually eaten while the bird is perched on some favorite tree in the vicinity of its fishing grounds. These birds live in colonies of greater or less size, and return each year to their old nesting place. (Fish Hawk.) Length, 20-25; wing, 17-21; tail, 7-10; tarsus, 21; culmen, 14. North America and northern South America; breeding throughout its North American range, and wintering along the South Atlantic States and south- ward. FAMILY XXX. AMERICAN VULTURES (CATHARTIDA) A small family (8 species) of New World vultures of large size, living upon decaying flesh, and having the head and much of the neck bare of feathers.’ Our species are in size and appearance much like turkeys. The bill is more lengthened and weaker than in the other fami- lies of birds —' of prey (Raptores), and the feathers are very dark and dull colored. In all the ‘southern states these birds can usually be seen sailing in great circles in the air. 1. Turkey Vulture (3825. Cathdrtes atro). —A very large black bird, with bare neck and head, seen abun- dantly in the Southern States, soaring in graceful circles with outstretched wings, throughout the day. During life the skin Turkey Vulture FAM. XXX. AMERICAN VULTURES 213 of the head and neck, and the base of the bill are bright red. The tail rounded and the nostril large and broad. The edges of the glossy-black feathers are brownish. This is a very useful bird, as its only food is dead and decaying animal matter. In southern towns this and the next species are depended upon to keep the streets free from carrion. (Turkey Buzzard.) Length, 26-32; wing, 20-24; tail, 101-12; tarsus, 2}; culmen, 24. Temperate North America (and all of South America) from New Jersey, Ohio, and British Columbia south to Patagonia; breeding and wintering about throughout. 2. Black Vulture (826. Catharista atrdta).—A bird similar to the last, but smaller, stouter, and blacker; the bare skin of head and neck and base of bill is also blackish. Its heavier weight and _ shorter wings make it more labored in flight, so the flapping of the wings is more fre- quent. This differ- ence in flying, the rel- atively short, square — tail, the silvery under sume - surface of the wing “amamm quills and the small and narrow nostril will enable any one to distinguish this bird from the last. The black vulture is much more common near the seacoast, and decidedly more _abundant in cities and towns. Black Vulture Length, 22-27; wing, 164-174; tail, 74-84; tarsus, 3; culmen, 21. South Atlantic and Gulf States, and southward throughout most of South America ; breeding in the United States from North Carolina to Texas, northward in the Mississippi Valley to Illinois and Kansas, and straggling to New England and South Dakota. 214 KEY AND DESCRIPTION ORDER VII. PIGEONS, ETC. (COLUMBAR) An order represented, in our region, only by the following: ‘FAMILY XXXI. PIGEONS (COLUMBIDA) This large family (300 species) of land birds, found in the warmer regions of all portions of the earth, is represented in the eastern United States by but few species, only four being found north of southern Texas and southern Florida. ‘They cannot be said to frequent any particular kind of haunt; many live most of the time on the ground, some are tree birds, some seek open places, while others are to be found only in forests. They are short-billed, small, round-headed, plump-bodied, short-legged, smooth-plumaged birds, with a peculiar, more or less iridescent, grayish and brownish colora- tion. In one way they are very different in habit from other birds; they hold the bill in the water till they finish drinking, instead of raising the head at each mouthful. Most species produce a whistling sound of the wings while in flight. Key to the Species * Wings, 7-9 long. (D.) * Wings, 5-7 long. (A.) * Wings, 3-4 long; tail shorter than the wings, 23-3 long.............. er res re Sse Seta 8. Ground Dove. * Wings, 3-4 long; tail longer than the wings, 33-43 long. 9. Inca Dove. A. Tail about the length of the wings, 51 or more. 4. Mourning Dove. A. Tail nearly two inches shorter than the wings; southern doves, mainly of Florida and Texas. (B.) B. Forehead white, changing to bluish-gray on the crown............. Ue Pee NaS UR SR a as ..- 6. White-fronted Dove. B. Forehead not white. (C.) C. A conspicuous white patch on the wing coverts...........++..ss:: Gio ue see iia so esl oy Sh kee 7. White- winged Dove. C. No white wing patch or white stripe under the eye .. .4s...%.25eee EE ee meee ee a ene hy Re 5. Zenaida Dove. C. No white wing patch, but a biead white band under the eye...... a posit vkipe hystoateange! ae Roel cavikeVaseied Eidiags cae Oe iar a tater 10 and 11. Quail Doves. D. Tail as long as the wings...............:......0. Passenger Pigeon. FAM. XXXII. PIGEONS ZI5 D. Tail an inch and a half shorter than the wings. (E.) E. Neck all around of the same color and without metallic gloss...... OSES ete Jay: . oS Se ee 1. Red-billed Pigeon. E. Top of head white or pale buffy ; hind neck with a cape of metallic bronze; each feather of the cape edged with velvety black....... Fe Eee Be 8 es 2. White-crowned Pigeon. 1. Red-billed Pigeon (315. Colimba flavirédstris).— A dark, richly colored pigeon of Texas, with the head, neck, and breast a purplish wine-color, and the back olive-brown with a bronzy gloss. Other portions of the body more or less slate-colored. Tail rounded and without white tips to its feathers. Base of bill red in life. Length, 14; wing, 73; tail, 54; tarsus, {; culmen, only 3, because of the curious extension of the frontal feathers. Arizona to Texas, and southward to Central America. 2. White-crowned Pigeon (514. Columba leucocéphala). — A large, rare, southern, rich-slate-colored pigeon, with a white crown (pale buffy on the female), and greenish, metallic reflec- tions on the hind neck. ‘The feathers of this “cape” are edged with velvety black, and have a bronzy luster. Length, 12-14; wing, 74 (7-73); tail, 53; culmen, 3. Southern Florida, West Indies, and coast of Honduras. 3. Passenger Pigeon (315. Ectopistes migratorius). — A large, long-tailed, slate-blue-backed pigeon, with the lower parts chestnut-colored to- _ ward the chin, and © whitish toward the tail. Tail pointed, and the outer (un- der) feathers with much white; sides of the neck with a purplish iridescence. . The female has the Eeernger Pigeon upper parts less iridescent, and the lower parts decidedly grayish. Probably the largest number of birds of any kind 216 KEY AND DESCRIPTION ever seen together were in the flocks of passenger pigeons early in the nineteenth century; single flocks were carefully esti- mated, and declared to contain more birds than there are human inhabitants on the whole earth. Now at the close of the century they are practically extinct. (Wild Pigeon.) Length, 15-17; wing, 84 (7$-8}) ; tail, 8}; culmen ¢. North America from the Great Plains eastward and north to Hudson Bay ; breeding now only along the northern border of the United States and in Canada. Stragglers have been found as far west as Washington. 4. Mourning Dove (316. Zenaidura macroura).— A very com- mon, pointed-tailed, brownish-backed, ground dove, with brown- ish to yellow or buff under parts. The sides of neck are brightly iridescent, with a small, black mark below the ear. Tail feathers with a black bar, and the outer (under) ones tipped with white. This species resem- bles the last in ap- pearance, but is much smaller. During the breeding season, these birds are usually in single pairs in open woodlands. Later in the season they are to be found in grain fields in flocks, sometimes of great size. The peculiarly sad coo-0-coo- o-oing of the male has led to the application of the common name. (Wild Dove; Turtle Dove.) Length, 11-13; wing, 53; tail, 53; tarsus, 3; culmen, 3. Temperate North America ; breeding from southern Canada southward, and wintering from southern Pennsylvania to Panama. Mourning Dove 5. Zenaida Dove (317. Zendida zendida).— A rare, extreme southern, short-square-tailed, olive-brown-backed, reddish-bel- lied dove, with the secondary wing quills tipped with white, and the outer tail feathers having a black band near the ashy ¢ FAM. XXXI. PIGEONS 217 tips. The neck has a metallic iridescence, and a velvety black spot on the sides. Though the bird is often found on the branches of trees, it spends most of its time on the ground. Length, 10}; wing, 61; tail, 44; culmen, 3. Florida Keys, Bahamas, West Indies, and coast of Yucatan. 6. White-fronted Dove (318. Leptdétila fulvivéntris brachijp- tera). — An extreme southern, large, silky, brownish-olive- backed dove, with much of the head and neck iridescently coppery-purplish, but the forehead white, and the top of the head bluish with a “bloom.” Belly and chin are pure white, fore breast wine-color, and other under parts more or less shaded with the tint of the back. The outer (under) tail feathers are slate-colored, tipped with white. Length, 12; wing, 64; tail, 43; tarsus, 1}; culmen, 3. Mexico and Central America, north to southern Texas. 7. White-winged Dove (319. Melopélia leucdéptera).— An ex- treme southwestern, common, generally bluish-ashy dove, with ° a large white blotch on the wings, which are formed of the wing coverts and the tips of the secondary quills. The mid- dle tail feathers are much like those of the back, but the outer (under) ones are slaty, with conspicuous white tips. The sides of the head and neck are iridescent with golden-green, and marked with a steel-blue spot. The wing quills are mainly black, but somewhat white-edged. Length, 12; wing, 6} (64-63) ; tail, 43; tarsus, 2; culmen, . South- ern border of the United States, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and south- ward to Central America and the West Indies; straggling north to Colorado. 8. Ground Dove (820. Columbigalhna passerina terréstris). — A common, very small, southern, ground-living, grayish-olive- backed, purplish-red-bellied dove, with a gloss of blue on the head and neck. “Female grayish below instead of purplish. This fearless bird can be found almost everywhere in the south, from city streets to dense pine growths, but is more common near the coast, 218 KEY AND DESCRIPTION Length, 62; wing, 3}; tail, 23; tarsus, 3; culmen, }. South Atlantic and Gulf States, West Indies, and northern South America ; breeding from South Carolina to Louisiana. _ 9. Inca Dove (821. Scardafélla inca). — A Texas dove, with a peculiar scaled appearance due to the crescent-shaped black marks on most of the feathers, especially abundant on the belly. The upper parts are grayish-brown, and the lower parts ashy-lilac in front and ochraceous at the back. There is much rich chest- nut on the wings; the middle tail feathers are like those of the back, but the outer (under) ones are blackish, with white tips. (Scaled Dove.) Length, 8; wing, 33; tail, 4; tarsus, 4; cul- men, nearly 3. Mexico, north to Texas and Ari- zona, and south to Cen- tral America. 10. Key West Quail- Dove (322. Geotrygon martinica). — A rare, Florida, very irides- . cent, wine-red dove, with the under parts lighter and more creamy, and, toward the tail, white. A plain white band below the eyes. ‘This is a ground dove found in wooded regions. Ground Dove Length, 11; wing, 61; tail, 5; culmen, 4. A West Indian dove, found on the Florida Keys in the summer. 11. Blue-headed Quail-Dove (323. Starnenas cyanocéphala). —A rare, Florida, blue-crowned, black-throated, chocolate- backed, cream-buff-bellied dove, with a white line beneath the eye. This quail-dove is much like the last, both in habits and FAM. XXXII. CURASSOWS 219 appearance, and they both get their common name from the fact that in form they resemble the quail. They have short, broad tails, without white tips to the under feathers. Length, 11; wing, 5}; tail, 41; culmen, }. Cuba and accidentally on the Florida Keys. ORDER VIII. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS (GALLINA) The birds of this order derive their name from their charac- teristic habit of scratching the ground in search of food, which trait is almost exclusively confined to them. Nearly all of our representatives belong to the Grouse Family. FAMILY XXXII. CURASSOWS (CRACID A) This small family (15 species) of tropical American birds is represented, in southern Texas, by the following: | 1. Chachalaca (811. Ortalis vétula maccdlli).— A crested, long-tailed, large, slender, generally olive-green-colored, ground bird, with naked sides to the head, and naked stripes on the chin. The tail is a bright lustrous green, and the under parts are least bright and least green. The outer (under) tail feathers are tipped with whitish. A peculiar bird, easily domesticated, and very noisy in the breeding season, with notes which are expressed in its name. Length, 20-24; wing, 8 (71-9); tail, 9-11; tarsus, 2; culmen, 2. Mexico and Central America, north to southern Texas. FAMILY XXXIIJ. PHEASANTS, TURKEYS, ETC. (PHASIA- NID) | This family (nearly 100 species) of Old World fowl in- cludes all our birds of the barnyard, except the ducks, the geese, and the pigeons. They have one distinctive difference from the members of the next family in that the males have spurs on their legs. Our only native species is the following: 1. Wild Turkey (810. Meledgris gallopdvo).— A very large, broad-tailed, lustrous-plumaged, game bird, with head and 220 KEY AND DESCRIPTION a upper neck bare of feathers, and with more or less of erectile processes on the bare portions. The breast. is furnished with a tuft of hair-like feathers, and the tail feathers and upper tail coverts are tipped with chestnut. The common domestic turkey has white tips to the tail feath- ers and tail coverts. This noble game bird of wooded regions is the original of the domestic race, and is becoming each year more rare. This wild species is divided into four varieties, the form given and the three following. Length, 40-50 ; wing, 18-22; tail, 16-19. United States from Sd . _ Chesapeake Bay south- ———————EeEe————————— ward to the Gulf of Wild Turkey Mexico and westward to the Plains. The Mex- ican Turkey (510%. J/. g. mexicdna) of the southwest, from Texas to Arizona, and southward into Mexico, has the upper tail coverts tipped with buffy white. The Florida Wild Turkey (310. MW. g. oscedla) of southern Florida is a smaller, and darker bird. ‘The primaries are much less regularly barred with white. The Rio Grande Turkey (310°. MW g. élliott) of the lowlands of Texas and northeastern Mexico can be dis- tinguished from all the others by the dark buff edgings on the tail, and upper and lower tail coverts, in contrast with the white on the same parts of the Mexican turkey, and the deep, dark, reddish-chestnut of the com- mon wild turkey. The brilliantly colored European and Ring-necked Pheasants have been introduced and more or less acclimated in several of the states. The males are 36 long and the females 25 long. The females are plainly colored. As most of the specimens are hybrid forms descrip- tions would be of little value. eT |e FAM. XXXIV. GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. 221 * FAMILY XXXIV. GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. (TETRA- ONIDZ) A large family (100 or more species) of game birds of all countries, living almost entirely on the ground, and having mainly brown and gray colors. They have the habit of hiding rather than flying to escape the gunners, and, if it were not for the ability of dogs to detect their presence, they would generally escape the fowler’s shot. When they fly, their flight is rapid, accompanied by a whirring noise caused by the beating of their small, concave wings. Like the hens of the barnyard they scratch the ground to obtain their food, which consists of worms, insects, seeds, etc. They are generally large birds with short bills, heavy bodies, short, more or less feathered legs, and, in many species, rather long tails. (For European Pheasants, see p. 220.) Key to the Species * Wing, 10 or more long; tail stiff and pointed and about as long as the ME tN elas cit ee Jc alee kek ew els meee 11. Sage Grouse. * Wing, 8-10 long. (C.) * Wing, 6-8 long. (B.) * Wing, 4-6 long; tarsus bare of feathers. (A.) A. Tail less than an inch shorter than the wing; Texas............. 5 Sic cere StS RR ER Ra ere apn 8 ee 2. Scaled Partridge. A. Tail about 2 inches shorter than the wing; common.1. Bob-white. A. Tail nearly 3 inches shorter than the wing; Texas.............- Se conta s, area aatt sw Se Ss tees aoe 3. Massena Partridge. B. Tarsus bare of feathers for half its length........ 6. Ruffed Grouse. B. Tarsus entirely feathered, but the toes bare...... 5. Canada Grouse. = Yarsus and toes entirely feathered ............---:5 7. Ptarmigans. C. Tail about 2 inches shorter than the wings and square............ MO he SNe Se P ete fe cee tse Ruacl eens lage ae SU wl tae 4. Dusky Grouse. C. Tail, 34-5 inches shorter than the wings. (D.) D. Tail pointed, wedge-shaped ; tarsus full feathered................. a ips: 6 pid a whe mini aa aeipte ob ia sb 10. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. D. Tail rounded. (E#.) E. Tarsus full feathered, no bare stripe behind...... 8. Prairie Hens. E. Tarsus scantly feathered, exposingabare stripe behind........... DR sh Oh ae fie RM Aaa MS Sia vos, sa, kG 9. Lesser Prairie Hen. 222 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 2 J 1. Bob-white (289. Colinus virginidnus).— A common grass- inhabiting, brownish-mottled, white-throated, game bird, with the belly much lighter than the back. The female has a_ buff throat patch instead of the white of the male. The notes bob- white so often heard in spring are given by this bird. In sum- mer, the crown is blacker, and the buffy markings lighter than in winter. The tints of the back have much of reddish- brown and chestnut, and the lower breast and belly are white barred with black. (Quail; Virginia Par- tridge.) Length, 10; wing, 4} (41-43) ; tail, 2}; tarsus, 1}; culmen, 2. United States from Kansas eastward and north to southern Ontario. It is also found locally in many places west of the Rocky Mountains, even to the Pacific. The Florida Bob-white (289. C. v. floridanus) of Florida is a smaller bird, with darker plumage, especially with more black on the back. The regular northern bob-white will occasionally take to the trees when flushed, but the Florida bird is more apt to do so. The Texan Bob-white (289>. C. v. texanus) of Texas and Mexico is a small bird like the last, but paler, having much gray and tawny in the plumage. Bob-white 2. Scaled Partridge (293. Callipépla squamdta).— A Texas, crested, bluish-lead-colored quail, with the neck and most under parts peculiarly “scaled” by crescent-shaped black tips to all the feathers. The crest is dark brown, ending in pure white, and the back belly orange-brown. (Blue Quail.) Length, 10-12; wing, 43 (44-5) ; tail, 41; tarsus, 11. Table-lands of -Mexico, north to central Texas and southern Arizona. FAM.’ XXXIV. GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. 228 3. Massena Partridge (296. Cyrtonyx montezime).— A Texas, crested, short-tailed, brownish and purplish quail, with the sides of the head and neck fantastically marked with black and white stripes, and the sides of the body crowded with numerous round white dots on a dark ground. The middle line of breast and belly is mahogany-colored, the under tail coverts are black, and the crest is brown. The female lacks the peculiar black and white stripes of the head, and the sides are mottled instead of dotted. The prevailing color of the female is pinkish-cinnamon. Length, 9; wing, 42; tail, 2; tarsus, 11. Table-lands of Mexico, north to western Tens and Arizona. 3 4. Dusky Grouse (297. Dendrdgapus obscurus).—A large, Rocky Mountain, dark brown to blackish grouse, with slate- colored belly, a rather short, broad tail, near- ly white throat patch, and red, bare skin around the eyes. This bird is finely mottled with lighter tints ev- erywhere, and the tail is tipped with a dis- tinct gray band.- Length, 18-24; wing, : 91 (81 “10); tail, 7 ; cul- Scaled Partridge men, 3. Rocky Moun- tains from central Montana east to the Black Hills of South Dakota and west to Nevada. 5. Canada Grouse (298. Dendrdgapus canadénsis). — A large, northern, forest-living, short-billed, dark-colored grouse, with much white mottling, especially on thé under parts. There are brown tips to the tail feathers and a red patch of bare. skin over the eves. The female is much browner, especially on the head and neck. These birds have the upper parts much barred with blacks, grays, and browns. They are com- 224 KEY AND DESCRIPTION mon in the evergreen forests of the north, and are usually resi- dent where found. (Spruce Partridge.) Length, 143-17 ; wing, 7 (64-73) ; tail, 5; culmen, 4. Northern por- tions of Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and New England, and north- ward and westward to Alaska. 6. Ruffed Grouse (300. Bondsa wmbéllus). — A large, common, woodland-living, brown-mottled grouse, with a glossy black ruff of feathers on each side of the neck, and a dark band near the end of the broad, fan- shaped tail. The fe- male has the neck ruff much smaller. The male produces a loud “drumming” noise by rapidly beating the air with his wings. This bird is improper- ly called “ partridge ” in the New England States, and just as im- properly “pheasant ” Se a in the Middle and oe Southern States. Length, 153-19 ; wing, 73 (7-73) ; tail, 61; culmen, 3. United States from Minnesota eastward, north to southern Canada and south to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The Canadian Ruffed Grouse (300%. B. wu. togata), of the spruce forests of the northern portions of New York and New England, north to the southern portion of Hudson Bay, and west- ward to Oregon and British Columbia, differs in having the upper parts gray rather than reddish-brown, and the lower parts, including the breast and belly, fully barred. ¢. Willow Ptarmigan (501. Lagdpus lagopus). — An extreme northern, large ptarmigan with blackish outer tail feathers, and a coloration of body depending on the season. In winter the whole body is white; in summer the back, head, and neck are mottled in browns or rufous. The female in summer has the plumage more regularly and more fully barred with rufous. : FAM. XXXIV. GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. 225 This is an abundant bird in the Arctic regions, but does not nest farther south than central Labrador, though in winter it migrates southward, even into northern New York. The ptarmigans have the toes fully feathered. Length, 14-17 ; wing, 74; tail, 4}; culmen, +. Northern portions of the northern hem- isphere; south in winter occasionally _ into the northern border of the United States. The Rock Ptarmigan (302. Lagopus rupéstiis),of Arctic Amer- ica south to the Gulf of. St. Lawrence, has in winter the outer tail feathers blackish, generally tipped “a ee *. with white, and the lores —— i black, while the rest of the ru plumage is pure white. In summer it has mottled and barred grayish plumage with almost no rufous. Welch’s Ptarmigan (805. Lagopus wélchi), of Newfoundland, has in win- ter the whole tail blackish, except the white tips of the central feathers, and the lores black, while the rest of the plumage is white. In summer the upper parts are black with wavy lines of buff and white, and the belly white. Probably none but the Willow Ptarmigan has ever been found in the United States. Willow Ptarmigan 8. Prairie Hen (3805. Tympanichus americdnus).— A large, eround-living, short-tailed, very much mottled, brownish, some- what crested grouse, with a tuft of ten or . more, narrow, stiff- ened, mottled, black feathers on the side of the neck, under which there is a patch of bare, inflat- able, yellow skin. The peculiar neck feathers have their Prairie Hen tips rounded, and APGAR’S BIRDS, — 15 226 KEY AND DESCRIPTION the rounded, blackish tail is white tipped. The female has the neck tufts much smaller. This is a bird of the open prairies, rarely found, except during severe storms, within timbered tracts. (Pinnated Grouse; Prairie Chicken.) Length, 17-19 ; wing, 9 (83-93); tail, 4 ; tarsus, 2; culmen, 2. Prairies of the Mississippi Valley, south to Louisiana, east to Ohio, north to Ontario, and west to Nebraska. The Heath Hen (306. Tympanichus cupido), of Martha’s Vineyard (formerly New England and Middle States), differs from the last in that the neck tufts consist of less than ten pointed feathers. There are but few (less than 100) of these birds left on the island. 9. Lesser Prairie Hen (307. Tympanichus pallidicinctus).— A southwestern bird similar to the common prairie hen in dimen- sions of parts, but paler and browner in color, and with the tarsus much less fully feathered. The darker bars of the back appear in sets of threes, there being a continuous broad bar inclosed between two narrower and darker ones in each set. From Texas to Kansas along the eastern edge of the Great Plains. 10. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse (308°. Pedioccetes [ ped-i-e-se-tes] phasianéllus campéstris).— A large, northwestern, sharp-tailed, very much mottled, brownish grouse, with the central tail feathers projecting and rounded at tip, and the outer ones sharp- pointed. There are no neck tufts of peculiar feathers, but the breast has many V-shaped, black marks. The middle of the belly is white. This is a somewhat migratory bird, living in the open prairies in summer, and in wooded tracts in winter. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse Length, 15-19; wing, 8}; tail, 43; culmen, 3. Plains and prairies of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, east to Illinois, and south to New Mexico. FAM. XXXV. JACANAS pasa ‘11. Sage Grouse (309. Centrocércus urophasidnus).— A very large, western, much-mottled, dark-colored grouse, with long, sharp-pointed tail feathers, and having inflatable, bare skin on the sides of the breast. The female has a shorter tail. Length, 24-30; wing, 12 (103-138); tail, 8-18; culmen, 13. Sage- brush regions of the Rocky Mountains, east to North Dakota, Nebraska, and Colorado, south to New Mexico, and west to California. ORDER IX. SHORE BIRDS (LIMICOLA) A large order of plover-like and snipe-like birds, usually found in open places, near the water. They are most of them small; they have slender and frequently long bills, small and, as a rule, fully feathered heads, long-pointed wings, short tails, and long legs, with more or less of the tibia exposed and bare of feathers. A few species have the legs short and the tibia fully feathered. The hind toe is short and elevated, or completely wanting (with one exception, the jacana of the first family). With us this order is represented by seven families. FAMILY XXXV. JACANAS (JACANIDZ) A small family (10 species) of peculiar, somewhat plover-like, wading birds, with very long toes and long, straight claws, the hind claw fully as long as 1 the toe.’ , 1. Mexican Jacana (288. Jacdna spindsa).— A small, Texas, long-legged, long-toed, purplish-chestnut-colored, wading bird with a horny, yellow spur on the bend of the wing, and a pecul- iar, yellow, leaf-like lobe of skin extending on the forehead from the plover-like bill. The rich chestnut color is brightest on the wings and tail, and darkest on the back, breast, and sides. The young is grayish-brown above, buffy below, and has but little of the frontal lobe of skin. Length, 8}; wing, 5 (44-5!) ; tail very short and soft ; tarsus, 2 ; mid- dle toe and nail, 2}; culmen,1!. Southern Texas, Mexico, and Central America. 228 KEY AND DESCRIPTION FAMILY XXXVI. OYSTER-CATCHERS (HEMATOPODIDA) The birds of this small family (10 species) are found only on the outer beaches of ocean shores, searching for the ae shellfish left by the receding tide. They are large birds, with stout, long, hard bills,’ stout, rather short legs, and pointed tails. Our one species has but three toes. 1 1. American Oyster-catcher (286. Hemdtopus pallidtus).— A large, shy, rather solitary, long, red-billed, three-toed, seacoast bird, with black head, neck, and back, and white belly. There is a large, white ‘pateh on the center of the wing and also ontherump. When disturbed, it gives a shrill ery and flies to a great distance. It runs swiftly or walks in a stately manner, and feeds mainly on bivalves, which it opens with its long, strong bill. ere corg Length, 17-21; wing, American Oyster-catcher 103 (10-12) ; tail, 43; tarsus, 23 ; culmen, 3-4. Seacoast of America, from New Jersey to Patagonia (occasionally north to Massachusetts) ; breeding along the Southern States, and wintering south of the United States. FAMILY XXXVII. TURNSTONES, ETC. (APHRIZIDZ) A small family (4 species) of seacoast birds of rather small size, short, hard bill, and (for shore birds) short legs. 1. Turnstone (283. Arendria intérpres).— A common, shore- living, stout-billed, brightly marked bird, with a back marked like calico, and a white belly with a black breast patch. The center of the back, as seen while flying with scapulars separated, FAM. XXXVIII. PLOVERS 929 is white. In summer there is much rufous, black, and white on the upper parts; in winter the bright, reddish-brown is lacking, and the colors of the back are mainly blacks and grays. This bird is often seen turning over stones and shells along the outer shore for food. (Calicoback.) Length, 91; wing, 6; tail, 2}; tarsus, 1; cul- men, {. Along nearly all shores of lakes, rivers, eietone and oceans. In the New World, from Greenland to the southern part of South America. More or less common along the great rivers and lakes of the interior; breeding in the Arctic regions, and wintering mainly south of the equator. FAMILY XXXVIII. PLOVERS (CHARADRIID 2) This large family (100 species) of snipe-like birds with long wings, short, pigeon-shaped bills,’ and (in most spe- cies) three toes, is represented throughout the world, . though qnly eight species are found in North America. <== These are short-billed, round-headed, short-necked, plump-bodied, long-winged, short-tailed, wading birds with (in most species) rather short legs for waders, and but three toes. Many species inhabit the shores of water, both salt and fresh, but some are found on the dryest plains. They move rapidly when running or flying, and their note is a mellow whistle. 1 Key to the Species * A hind toe present about + long. — ad Without Cfest yi i.6\f w «ermine ene Mena Nie 1. American Avocet. * Bill less than 3 long and but slightly curved upward ; only two of the toes connected by webbing‘................. 2. Black-necked Stilt. 1. American Avo- cet (225. Recurviré- stra americana). — A very long-legged, slender - billed, al- most white-bodied, wading bird, with dark wings, having large, white bands formed of the coverts and secondaries. The long bill is decidedly summer the head and neck are cinnamon- American Avocet curved upward. In > FAM. XL. AVOCETS AND STILTS 951 red. Common in the interior along the shores of shallow ponds, rare eastward. (Blue Stocking.) _ Length, 16-20 ; wing, 84 (73-9) ; tail, 34; tarsus, 382; culmen, 33. North America; breeding from Illinois (rarely from Texas) north to fhe Great Slave Lake and wintering along the Gulf coast to Central America. 2. Black-necked Stilt (226. Himdntopus mexicdnus).— An ex- ceedingly long-legged, long-billed, black and white wading bird of the shallow ponds. The black begins back of the forehead and extends along the neck and. back to the tail; the wings are also black. The white in- cludes the fore- : head, all lower parts, and most of the tail. The black is glossy and somewhat greenish. This graceful bird is especially fond of wading in shallow, salt- marsh ponds. During the breed- ing season it is very noisy, with a sharp click-like note, which is often given out while on the wing. Its long wings enable this bird to fly well, and it has the habit common in the whole order (Limicole) of exhibiting alternately the upper and lower side of the body. With this bird, which is so black above and white below, this change of position adds much to the beauty of its movement. (Lawyer ; Liong-shanks.) Length, 134-15}; wing, 9 (83-93); tail, 3; tarsus, 44; culmen, 23. United States ; breeding from Texas, irregularly, in the interior to the northern ede rare on the Atlantic coast north of Florida. South in winter to Brazil. Black-necked Stilt 252 KEY AND DESCRIPTION FAMILY XLI. PHALAROPES (PHALAROPODIDA) This is a small family (8 species) of small, brightly colored, long, slender-billed, long-legged, swimming and wading birds, which, on shore, appear like sandpipers. They have lobed toes! like the grebes and coots. In this group the 2s sexual characteristics are almost completely reversed. The female is the larger and the brighter colored and does the courting of her mate. When the eggs are laid her duties are about over; the male performs most, if not all, of the duties of incubation. Soon after the young are hatched they are able to swim and find their own food. 1 Key to the Species * RIL Overy LODE t). layes de We sie sos ee eles 3. Wilson’s Phalarope. * Bill under 1} long. (A.) A. Bill stout and with a flattened tip ;2 wing over 4? long Syke. Go eS RE 0 3 Sepia SR ane ate, Ares net ae oe 1. Red Phalarope. A. Bill very slender and not flattened ; wing under 4# long 2 eh See rs ee tan a tant: ee 2. Northern Phalarope. 1. Red Phalarope (222.. Crymédphilus fulicdrius).—In sum- mer a red-bodied, gray-winged, black-backed, small, ocean- swimming bird with much black and white on the head. In winter a grayish- backed, white-bellied bird with washings of red on_ head, wings, rump, and tail. This is mainly an inhabitant of the ocean at some dis- tance from land, and rarely comes to shore except after storms. In the autumn it is occasionally seen on the western lakes and rivers. It keeps in flocks, swimming like a duck or walking on floating seaweed FAM. XLI. PHALAROPES 253 as though it were land. The toes have broad, rounded lobes. (Gray Phalarope.) Length, 73-83; wing, 5} (5-53) ; tail, 2}; tarsus, 7; culmen, 7. North- ern parts of the northern hemisphere ; breeding far north, and wintering irregularly south to the Middle States, Ohio Valley, and Cape St. Lucas. 2. Northern Phalarope (223. Phaldropus lobdtus).—In sum- mer a common, small, ocean-swimming, slender-billed, brightly marked and colored | bird, with much of red, black, white, and gray in its plum- age. In winter the upper parts are gray- ish and white. This bird is often seen in great numbers on the ocean, scores of miles from shore, but is rarely seen =a on land except in Northern Phalarope its breeding region of the far north. Like the last species, its toes are furnished with broad, rounded lobes. (Red-necked Phalarope.) Length, 7-8; wing, 44 (4-43) ; tail, 2; tarsus, 7; culmen, 7. Northern hemisphere ; breeding in the far north, and wintering south to the tropics. 3. Wilson’s Phalarope (224. Phaldropus tricolor).— This in- land phalarope has its back ashy colored, with two stripes ex- tending from the bill past the eyes along the sides of the back to the rump, black in front, changing to hr noe ee . chestnut near.the tail. Wilson’s Phalarope Its lower parts are 254 KEY AND DESCRIPTION white, with a chestnut tint on the sides of the neck. The male is much duller. The small size, lobate toes, slender bill, and swimming habits will readily distinguish this bird from any other in the inland regions. Length, 8-10; wing, 5 (43-5}); tail, 24; tarsus, 14; culmen, 1}. Temperate America, mainly inland; breeding from Illinois and Utah, north into the British Provinces, and wintering south to Patagonia. ORDER X. RAILS, CRANES, ETC. (PALUDICOLA) An order of wading birds, differing widely in external pecul- larities, but associated together because of structural charac- teristics. FAMILY XLII. RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS (RALLID2) This large family (180 species) of mainly marsh-living birds is readily divided into three groups, both by habits and ex- ternal peculiarities. (1) The Rails form the largest and most characteristic of these subfamilies. They have short bills, narrow, compressed bodies, long toes, and short, upwardly turned tails. They inhabit marshes closely covered with reeds and rushes, and their peculiarly narrow bodies fit them to pass without trouble anywhere they wish between the plants, and their long toes enable them to walk with ease and safety over the softest mud, or even over floating weeds. (2) The Gallinules are brightly marked, chicken-like birds of marshes and reed- grown borders of ponds and lakes. They swim well and appear in their swimming like coots, which they also resemble in having a horny shield or plate on the forehead;* but they are like the rails in having long toes without lobes along their edges. (3) The Coots are swimming birds the size of small ducks, with the legs much longer, and the toes lobed ? instead PAM. XLU.\ BAILS, GALLINULES, ETC. 2590 of webbed. There is a horny plate on the forehead.’ They inhabit creeks and rivers which are surrounded with just such marshes and reed-grown shores as are the dwelling places of rails. The ecoots are nearly exclusively swimming birds, almost as much so as ducks. The rails swim but. little, and the gallinules are intermediate. Key to the Species * Forehead with a shield-like, horny extension of the bill ;} under tail coverts white ; wing over 61 long. (E.) * No horny extension of the bill on the forehead. (A.) A. Bill slender, decurved,* 2 or more long. (D.) A. Bill slender, decurved,? 14-13 long.............. 4, Virginia Rail. A. Bill stout, not decurved, i or — long. (B. ) B. Wing over 5 long; Old World species, rare in America.......... EE 8 de fe a hae aah ee he pu dea SR ek Ss 8. Corn Crake. B. Wing under 5d long. (C.) C. Feathers of the back black with broad, buffy borders ............ METS cies Shae lore’ vot ,«Gaia Satake oe ss 6. Yellow Rail. Go; back olive-brown ; wing over 4 long... .. 2.0)... 0-2... 5. Sora. C. Back blackish with round, white spots; wing, 24-33............. ERODE eats ois Cals ei SoS ata men Sialn wie agin es > oe Black Rail. D. Upper parts rich olive-brown, streaked with black; flanks black barred with white ; wings generally over 6 long and with rufous STS aga SO ot Sas ie eee es eee 1. King Rail. D. Upper parts grayish streaked with black; flanks not black, though RaArECh With WHALISI: 5). 6) 5<). Gj 2 dye dienes sable 2 and 3 Clapper Rails. E. Most of the head and all under parts purplish-blue (mottled with white in the young) ; back olive-green (washed with brownish in SMR OTNON) oes! cs iw dye xis Geesa elie) oa ace'a a Rls wh = Bee oy 9. Purple Gallinule. E. Generally slate-colored above, with conspicuous white streaks on the flanks ; toes without lobes along their edges erevrereeesees sees eens SM eet Ce A et 21 oho s) sina Sine aie a wie Keine « 10. Florida Gallinule. E. Slate-colored, with white tips to the secondary quills; toes with MEG. MNCMINEATIOUS LOWES? .\. .' o.< 6: 0 we ss cos oc ee enne eee 11. Coot. 1. King Rail (208. Rdillus élegans). — A large, brightly col- ored, long-billed, cinnamon-red-breasted, olive-brown- to black- backed, distinctly blotched, fresh-water, marsh rail with sides more or less barred with black and white. The wing coverts are brownish-red. The downy young are glossy black. This, like most of the rails, rarely flies when it is possible for it to 256 KEY AND DESCRIPTION run and hide in its sedgy home, and so, though it is — marked, it is rarely seen. Length, 16-19; wing, 64 (6-7); tarsus, 2}; culmen, 23. Eastern United States, in fresh-water marshes; breeding north to Missouri and Connecticut and wintering from Virginia southward. Occasionally north to Wisconsin, Ontario, and Maine. 2. Clapper Rail (211. Rdillus crépitans).— A large, pale-col- ored, olive-gray, salt-marsh rail with yellowish-brown breast, whitish throat, and more or less white-barred belly and sides. Downy young are glossy black. This salt-marsh inhabitant takes the place of the last species of the fresh marshes. In the south it is also found in the mangrove swamps. (Mud Hen.) Length, 14-16; wing, 5% (5}-6}) ; tail, 2}; tarsus, 2; culmen, 2-23. Salt-water marshes of the Eastern and Southern States ; breeding from Connecticut southward and wintering in small numbers over about the same range. Casual north to Massachusetts. The Louisiana Clapper Rail (211%. R. c. saturdtus) of Louisiana is a darker-colored bird having the back broadly striped with brownish-black and the breast more cinna- mon-colored. 3. Florida Clapper Rail (211-1. Rdllus scdttii). — This species differs from No. 2 in having the feathers of the back almost black with olive-gray margins, the neck and breast dark cinna- mon-red, and the belly and flanks black. These colors give it much the appearance of the king rail, but it lacks the rufous wing coverts of that bird. Length, 14; wing, 54; tarsus, 13; culmen, 23. Western coast of Florida. 4. Virginia Rail (212. Rdllus virginidnus).— A small, common, brightly colored, short-tailed, long-billed, cinnamon-breasted, brown-backed, distinctly marked rail of both fresh and salt marshes. The sides are somewhat barred with black and white, the wing coverts brownish-red, belly like the breast, and the throat white. The back proper has very dark centers to the feathers. The common morning and evening note of this bird is a grunting sound much like that of a hungry pig. FAM. XLII. RAILS, GALLINULES, ETC. 257 Like all the rails, it is a difficult bird to observe because of its ability as a skulker. Length, 8-104; wing, 41 (4-48) ; tail, 13; tar- sus, 13; culmen, 13. North America; breed- ing from Illinois and Pennsylvania, north to Manitoba and Labra- dor, and wintering from about the same states southward to Central America. 5. Sora (214. Por- zana carolina). — A common, short- tailed, short-billed, long-legged, olive- brown, marsh bird or rail, with many white lines and dashes on the back and wings. The under parts are slaty-gray, changing to white near the tail, the flanks being barred with black and white. The feathers of the back have darker centers and lighter edges. The adult has black about the base of the bill, on the crown, and down the middle - of the neck; the - young lacks these . Sigg nit - black marks and APGAR’S BIRDS, —17 Virginia Rail 258 KEY AND DESCRIPTION has the breast washed with cinnamon. Fresh-water marshes inhabited by these birds in summer are vocal during the late afternoon and early night with whistled ker-wees and loud rolling whinnies. Were it not for these cries, many places in- habited by these birds might remain unexplored. (Carolina Rail; Common Crake.) Length, 83; wing, 44 (4-43) ; tail, 2; tarsus, 1}; culmen, 3. North America ; breeding from Illinois and New York north to Hudson Bay, and wintering from South Carolina to northern South America. 6. Yellow Rail (215. Porzdna noveboracensis). — A rare, very shy, small, short-billed, much mottled, brownish-yellow rail with the under parts much lighter and less blotched than the back. The feathers of the back have almost black centers, ochraceous buff borders, and more or less of white bars. The sides are barred with dark and white, and the middle of the belly is almost pure white. Its notes have been compared to those of the frogs. (Yellow Crake.) Length, 7; wing, 33 (8-33); tail, 14; tarsus, 1; culmen, 4. North America; breeding from the Middle States, north to Nova Scotia and Hudson Bay, and wintering south to Cuba. Not so rare east as west of the Rocky Mountains. 7. Black Rail (216. Porzdna jamaicénsis).— A rare, very small, short-billed, very dark-colored, somewhat speckled rail. Its general color is brownish-black, and the markings are mainly white. There is some reddish-brown on the back neck and slate-color on the head and breast. (Little Black Crake.) Length, 53; wing, 2? (24-34) ; tail, 13; tarsus, 7; culmen, 4. United States ; breeding north to Massachusetts, Illinois, and Oregon, and winter- ing south to western South America. 8. Corn Crake (217. Crea crex).— A large, Old World short- billed, brownish-buff rail with much of brownish-red on the wings. The feathers of the back have almost black centers, the sides are barred with white, and the middle of the belly is wholly white. This bird is of only casual occurrence in eastern North America. Length, 104; wing, 53; tail, 2; tarsus, 14; culmen, 7. Very rare. FAM. XLIU. RAILS, GALLINULES, ETC. 259 9. Purple Gallinule (218. Jondrnis martinica).— A short-tailed, long-legged, brilliantly purplish-blue, chicken-like, marsh bird with very long toes, enabling it to walk on the floating leaves. The back itself is a shining olive-green, the under tail coverts white, bill with much red, and the legs yellow. The young has much brownish on the back, white mottlings below and bill without red. Length, 13 ; wing, 74 (62-74) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 22; culmen, 17. South Atlantic and Gulf States; breeding as far north as southern Illinois and South Carolina, straying rarely to Maine and Wisconsin, and wintering from Florida to Brazil. 10. Florida Gallinule (219. Gallintla galedta).— A common, southern, dark slate-colored, chicken-like, marsh bird with long toes like the last spe- cies. The front half of the bird is nearly black and the rest brownish, except the white under tail cov- erts, edge of wing, and streaks on the flanks. The bill is red and the legs are yellow in life. (Com- mon Gallinule; Red- Beez Ss billed Mud-hen.) Florida Length, 181; wing, 7 (64-74) ; tail, 23; tarsus, 21; culmen, 13. Tem- perate and tropical America; breeding north to Canada and wintering from the Gulf States to Brazil. SB. Gallinule 11. American Coot (221. Filica americdna).—A common, large, noisy, short-tailed, short-billed, long-legged, dark slate- colored, swimming bird, with white under tail coverts, white bill, and blackish head and neck. The long toes have broad, scalloped lobes along their edges. When swimming, this bird bobs its head in a.peculiar manner; when disturbed, it partly flies and partly swims just over the surface of the 260 KEY AND DESCRIPTION water, giving out a characteristic pattering noise. (Mud Hen; Crow “Duck”; Blue Peter.) American Coot Length, 15; wing, 74 (7-73); tail, 2; tarsus, 21; culmen, 13. “North America, north to New Brunswick and Alaska ; breeding locally through- out, and wintering from the Middle States to Central America. FAMILY XLII. COURLANS (ARAMID 2) . A small family (2 species) of large, rail-like birds, with habits like those of the herons. We have only the fol- ; , lowing: . 1. Limpkin (207. Aramus gigdnteus). — heat), with’a black mask 02 2... 05 0.6 keen ce dae he 2 os Se ee nae Maryland Yellow-Throat, p. 93. _J. Sides streaked with black ; a white line over the eye ; two white wane bars s5./2.... eee acre ..1.Yellow-throated Warbler, p. 86. Vv. Slender brown. bird, with long, sharp-pointed tail feathers®......... I ety) Oa Sah. 5, ONS a lee ee Brown Creeper, p. 63. * Slender bird, everywhere streaked with black and white............ ao eS WA ee ee Black and White Warbler, p. 76. Vv. Short-tailed creeper, with much black and. white in the plumage ; os Ses a head.downward as often as upward.......... 02.000 cows RE Ree. ooo sica Sos iS et. White-breasted Nuthatch, p. 59. w. Iridescent or glossy-backed swallows. (Z.) W. Dull-colored birds, without iridescence.. (X.) X. Sooty-brown bird, with very short tail, much shorter than the wings PREPS Mette, LISS Caw REL, Se Ulin She Chimney Swift, p. 167. X. Mouse-colored swallows, with not especially short tails. . (Y.) Y. Under parts white, with a brownish band across breast.......... RES Lo cease none es o Bank Swallow, p. 107. Y- Throat aaeebeeast brownish ; bellywwhites 222.0. 220.0022. .0AS. IE Sere sie co tia De te A. Sue Rough-winged Swallow, p. 107. Z. Steel-blue-backed swallow, with the throat and breast chestnut ; tail Meieeiy forked rs. Sls ee eels cues Barn Swallow, p. 106. Z. Back steel-blue ; rump chestnut; tail nearly even; head, throat, and breast chestnut...... EES W eence Br speci oie 39 Cliff Swallow, p. 105. Z. Blackish-green-backed swallow, with all lower parts white ; tail nearly EUET, Ls SRR Saal Tree Swallow, p. 106. Key to Birds between the English Sparrow and Robin in Size The numbers refer to the pages where the birds are described. * Creeping birds upon the trunks of trees. (N.) * Birds practically always seen on the wing. (M.) * Ground birds, with slender bills and plainly spotted breasts. (K.) * Decidedly crested, seal-brown birds with yellow tips to the tail feathers ERM aie tes AIT. eA OIE Slur s ole be do ot Waxwings, p. 103. * Not asabove. (A.) A. With a conspicuous amount of bright yellow or orange in the plumage. (J.) 364 THE STUDY OF BIRDS IN THE FIELD With decided red in the plumage.. (I.) With decided blue. (H.) Black bird, with a brown head and neck......... Cowbird, p. 144. With large amounts of both black and white, but no bright red. (G.) Not as above. (B.) ; With head, back, and tail black, and belly chestnut......... oa 5 Oa SP ake: Aare Sang bea See Ry errant Me Ryan, Seep.) Orchard Oriole, p. 147. Slate-colored bird, with chestnut patch under the tail. ..Catbird, p. 65. Winter bird, mainly white in color, but more or less washed with DEOWD. ../ls os 26) A aot ob ee ae ee ee Snowflake, p. 121. Ground bird, with pinkish-brown back, white belly, and black cres- cent on breastinic) (ce eee eee eee Horned Lark, p. 156. Brown to olive, unstreaked birds, with gray breasts. These birds have the habit of sitting on a perch, watching for insects, which, when seen, are captured on the wing with a characteristic click of the bill, the bird 'returning.to the old perch. (F.) B. Streaked, brownish, heavy-billed, sparrow-like birds. (C.) PRRee Dow ww oD C. With acute-pointed tail feathers,! and no white anywhere ........ web ikea wie eels te ALE PRR ae he ie Bobolink, p. 144. C. Outer feathers of the tail with much white. ...:. yellow under parts, and a black crescent on the breast...............+- He Rare Takase a as Seeaboely sees ae ee ee Meadowlark, p. 147. A. Very much mottled, short-legged birds, with a white or buffy collar around the CHromiees ojo. css Seman Chuck-will’s-widow, p. 169. B. Black, without iridescence................ The Crows, pp. 155, 156. B. Black, glossy, and iridescent............... Purple Grackle, p. 150. C. Large-headed bird, with a heavy, long, straight bill, and two bluish bands across the breast.s 2. .0c jaws cwon > Belted Kingfisher, p. 179. C. Tail and wings heavily barred’ with black; a black band across’ breast. ecu Va woe aie oa Oe ees a ee Blue Jay, p. 153. D. Tail long, and when expanded, fan-shaped; a ruff of black feathers on the lower part of the side neck............. Ruffed Grouse, p. 224. D. Tail extending but little beyond the tips of the wings when closed ; a tuft of feathers higher up on the side neck. — Bie Raic: Oh ia tigt wkd Bre te we oraats Hp chia aon oneness Prairie Be p. 226, KEY TO BIRDS IN THE FIELD 369 E. With square tails;® size generally larger than the crow........ TE ae ee act t rS ce hee pei SE Ee Gulls, pp. 329-333. E. With forked tails,? and usually not larger than the crows......... BOO E Pie Sets hata ee Miele Presa s fee Siar de sie ahs) CLHS) PDirosesond. Key to the Owls The numbers refer to the pages where the birds are described. * Owls with conspicuous ear tufts !° and yellow eyes. (F.) * Owls without ear tufts,!! and black or yellow eyes. (A.) A. Large, 12 inches or more long. (C.) A. Small, less than 12 inches long; back spotted with white. (B.) B. Ground-burrowing, day owls, of the south and west, with very long legs, nearly naked of feathers....The Burrowing Owls, pp. 190, 191. B. Short-legged owl, less than 9 inches long, with the head streaked, -and the back spotted with white............. Saw-whet Owl, p. 187. B. A northern, winter, short-legged owl, nearly a foot long, with both head and back spotted with white......... Richardson’s Owl, p. 187. C. Eyes black or nearly so. (E.) C. Eyes distinctly yellow. (D.) D. A very large, winter owl, with nearly white plumage............... err eee SP ONE ee IP Ga ae Snowy Owl, p. 189. D. A very large, grayish-mottled owl, with the white lower parts broadly streaked on the breast, and irregularly barred with blackish on the MoM aAMOISIUCS Joma eet St ee eee Great Gray Owl, p. 186. D. A medium-sized, day-flying, long-tailed, somewhat hawk- fie owl, with the back dark, sooty-brown, and the head and neck much merapotied with WhItG. 22.2... 065.8s65 6s os American Hawk Owl, p. 190. D. A medium-sized, dull orange to buffy owl, with darker streaks. This owl has short, and usually unnoticed, ear tufts................... MRE RE PRC Le etieet Selle y's Wea ay band chs eet es, « Short-eared Owl, p. 185. E. Large owl, with curious, heart-shaped, monkey-like face.!2 This is a spotted and speckled light-colored bird......... Barn Owl, p. 192. E. A large, oseie hooting owl, with the back anh breast much barred, and the belly and sides streaked.. Barred Owl, p. 186. F. A common, small, brownish-gray or oe owl, less than 12 inches JUS og Soe .. A eee as em Screech Owl, p. 188. F. Owls over 12 inches long. (G.) G. A very large, heavy owl, with ear tufts! two inches long, and dark, mottled back ; the belly is rusty buff, barred with black.......... 5s oS GORE Es uO Sa) eR ee eee Great Horned Owl, p. 188. APGAR’S BIRDS. — 24 370 THE STUDY OF BIRDS IN THE FIELD G. A medium-sized, conspicuously eared owl (ear tufts 1 inch long), with dark brownish back mottled with white and- orange. The lower parts buffy, streaked on the breast, and barred on the sides and. belly quis oa6 he a eee ee oe American Long-eared Owl, p. 185. G. A medium-sized, inconspicuously eared owl, with both breast and — belly streaked. The general plumage is dull orange to buffy...... ere re err opm eye Short-eared Owl, p. 186. Key to the Hawks, etc. The numbers refer to the pages where the birds are described. * Bird of prey, with long, deeply forked tail.1 Swallow-tailed Kite, p. 196. * Small, less than 14 inches long. (E.) * Large hawks, 14-25 inches long. (A.) * Very large birds of prey, over 25 long. .Eagles, p. 205. Vultures, p. 212. A. Hawk with densely feathered legs; plumage usually dark-colored. . CES RA aie SA AN I 3.00 erties American Rough-legged Hawk, p. 204. A. Tarsus bare for at least one third its length. (B.) B. Plumage with a conspicuous amount of rusty red. (D.) B. Without rusty red. (C.) C. A long-tailed hawk, with the upper tail coverts entirely white. An inhabitant-of marshy places... ...\..<>-.-.'sjss Marsh Hawk, p. 198. C. A fishing hawk, with the head, neck, and lower parts white. This bird is usually seen flying over large bodies of water and frequently — dashing down for its fish food........... American Osprey, p. 211. C. All upper parts slate-colored and nearly uniform ; the sides of head — with peculiar ‘‘ mustache ’’ blotches.......... Duck Hawk, p. 208. D. Shoulders conspicuously rusty red ; tail black, with about four broad white bands, and white tip........... Red-shouldered Hawk, p. 201. — D. Tail rusty red, with a narrow black band near the tip, but the tip white ; upper breast streaked buffy and brown; lower belly white, Withgut Streaks. . > «sax ecees os See ee Red-tailed Hawk, p. 200. D. A blackish-crowned, medium-sized hawk, with a much rounded ashy- gray tail crossed by blackish bands and a white tip................. ; Sipe Ak a gine puetceahig sb ia bisects nate a Re Cooper’s Hawk, p. 199. D. A medium-sized hawk, with the under parts heavily barred with rusty PEEL eae sx ode ce ees ter i ee oe Broad-winged Hawk, p. 203. E. A long-tailed, bluish-gray-backed hawk, with the lower parts whitish, barred on the sides and breast with rusty red or brown........... Perak cake btw a aleran, w oben See eee Sharp-shinned Hawk, p. 198. E. A very small hawk, with much rusty red on the back and usually ON ENE: GHW... « \oiew x, -tslnneteiane see American Sparrow Hawk, p. 210. E. A small hawk, with slaty-blue back, a rusty collar on the neck, and : about three whitish bars on the tail, and a white tip............-. Sire ibaa ste ere RT Sasha ARE CLS oh Ripe ies aR Pigeon Hawk, p. 208. KEY TO BIRDS IN THE FIELD General Key to the Groups of Water Birds This Key is a very general one. ‘The illustrations in Part II. are believed to serve better for the identification of most water birds, seen at a distance, than any field keys that could be prepared. The object of this Key is to state concisely the general characteristics of each group and refer the learner to the pages where descriptions and engravings can be found. * Shore birds, with round heads, short, pigeon-like bills,? short necks, and stout bodies. These are found near both salt and fresh water ponds and streams. None are over 12 inches long. Because of the short- ness of the bill, a few of the sandpipers might be looked for here, Pepcemiuy those found on pp. 247-and 248... ko. dese eee cee ee ces 2 eo helt gee ene eae Plovers, pp. 229-253. Turnstone, p. 228. * Shore birds, with slender and usually elongated bills,? and generally long legs and necks. These are found abundantly on marshes, meadows, and along the shores. The plumage is generally of mottled brown color: -The length varies from 6 to 25 inches.......-.......+ — Bill long and curved downward.............25: ey p. 249. -— Bill long and curved upward .............. Pee Sudeie acne. s SP Sa a aca eid, ands wasters Godwits, p. 244. Avocets, pp. 250, 251. oastraioht and Ob VaryiMe 1ENGtA: . 26. ssc. ees cee ee ee ene sn ae Snipes, Sandpipers, pp. 237-249. Phalaropes, p. 252. * Reedy marsh birds, with long legs, long toes, and narrow bodies. Plain- colored, generally skulking birds, hiding in the most inaccessible places, and thus difficult to see. ‘They are noisy birds, with penetrat- ing voices of varied character which have been likened to those of pigs, frogs, chickens, etc. The length of the different species varies meommis—le) INCHES, oe. eee ee es we Rails, p. 255. Gallinules, p. 259. * Swamp birds of large size, with long necks, long, strong bills,4 and long legs. They are often seen standing on one leg. These are brightly marked and in the breeding season beautifully crested birds.....:... 15 3 eee Bitterns, p. 264. Herons, pp. 265-270. Cranes, p. 261. * Small swimming birds, which on shore seem much like sandpipers..... Ta tata ea ied Sale Siocea swe we 8h Phalaropes, p. 252. * Swimming birds, with stout, flattened bodies, large heads, and usually broad, depressed bills.° These are generally large birds found swim- ming in all waters. When flying they move through the air with wonderful velocity ....... . Sea Ducks, pp. 286-296. River Ducks, pp. 297-803. Fish Ducks, p. 304. Geese, p. 280. Swans, p. 279. = an } A en ee nee =? af aa i= 4 ' e a te tA of Ws THE STUDY OF BIRDS IN THE FIELD 7 * Swimming and diving birds, with almost no tails. Heads pec crested in the breeding season. Body held nearly erect when s' ing — >. — Neck SHOTE. 5) terete isaeia'= ¥ apres takes eee eee Auks, pp. 338-é SS Negk 16ne: oo, eee cee. son eae Loons, p. 342. Groban - ; * Very long-winged, flying, and swimming birds, seen usually in the ai over the water along all shores. 4 — Smaller birds, with forked tails, and the head so held as to point downward when flying ; voices shrill........ Terns, pp. 322 — Larger birds, with even tail and the head held in line with the body when flying ; voices hoarse............ Gulls, pp. 329-336. boAde TAN. PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS FOR DIS- PLAY, OT STUDY: WHETHER it is better to have skins or mounted birds depends entirely upon the use they are to serve, the number there are to be, and the room at disposal for their preservation. For beginners in ornithology, mounted birds show far more than skins. project; cut off the leg at this point either with the knife or, better, with a pair of scissors. Reverse the position of the bird and sever the other leg. 4. The next step is a difficult one; the body is to be cut off at the base of the tail, without ues the skin, loosening the — tail feathers, or opening the body cavity so that the entrails can escape. First separate the skin from the body as far back as_ you well can with the side of the knife and your fingers; place the thumb and first finger of the left hand between the skin and the body near the tail; and, holding the second or third finger above the tail (that is, on the lower side of the bird as_ you hold it), to feel for the action of the scissors so as not to cut through the skin, cut carefully between the bones and entirely sever the flesh. 5. Hold the bird so that it rests with its breastbone on the SKINNING 377 table and its belly toward your right, and press the skin away - from the back, turning it inside out as you proceed. In the work at this stage you will find that as soon as the skin is partly past the rump it will be well to hold the rump with the right hand and with the fingers of the left gently press the skin from the flesh. You will soon reach the wings, and _ your specimen will look as in : the second illustration.” 6. With scissors cut off the wing bones close to the body. At this stage there is danger from profuse bleeding, and the meal must be used very freely. The blood must not be allowed to touch the feathers. Continue the skinning up the neck and over the head. The skinning of the neck is easy, but care must be taken as you press the skin loose from the skull. You will soon have the bird and skin as shown in the third illustration,’ and the skin of the right ear, as shown in the figure, is to be carefully pulled from its socket by the aid of the point of the knife; afterwards remove the _ skin from the other ear. 7 | 7. The eyes now come into view, and the membrane which 378 PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS joins the eyeball and skin is to be carefully cut with the scis- sors. In this process the eyelids must not be injured nor the eyeballs ruptured. The skin is next pressed from the skull about to the bill. The eyes are now fully exposed and can be readily removed without rupture by the aid of the rounded end of the commercial steel pen. | 8. With the scissors cut off the back part of the skull obliquely, as shown in the next figure,* and pull away the body, neck, and tongue from the skin. This oblique cutting with the scissors is performed by four cuts, — one across the roof of the mouth, two obliquely upward along the sides of the skull, and the last across the top just above the neck. Next remove the brain with the rounded end of the steel pen. This can often be done without rupturing the surrounding membrane. If the tongue was not pulled out with the neck it must now be removed, together with all the fleshy parts about the base of the skull. 9. Pull the leg and wing bones out the proper distance from the skin and cut away all the flesh possible. The illustration * will show how far to pull and what to remove. The base of the tail needs also to be cleaned of superfluous flesh. 10. The skin is now ready to be treated. With the small brush, paint the arsenic mixture over every part of the skin and bones, being especially careful to leave a full supply wher- ever there is flesh. (See caution in regard to this poison on page 387.) } 11. Nearly fill the eye sockets with small, twisted-up wads of cotton, and plaster them even full of clay in about the plastic STUFFING Pe AO condition used by pottery workers. In the center of the clay, on each side, place the head of a mourning pin, or a glass eye. It is well to place a little clay in the top of the skull also, as the neck wire will be much more firmly held in place by this addition. 12. The skin is now to be turned right side out, and the first step —that of getting the skin of the head properly and smoothly over the skull — is difficult for a beginner. Place the thumb of the left hand just where the skull is cut off, and with the tip of the fingers gradually and slowly work the skin ~ upward and backward over the most bulging portions. As soon as you can reach the bill from within the skin take hold of it, and almost immediately the whole skin will be reversed. 13. Take hold of the ends of legs and wings and pull them into place. Shake the whole skin while holding by the bill. Lift up the skin from the skull and thus give it a chance to take its exact old position. The proper adjustment of all feathers depends entirely upon the proper adjustment of the skin. The feathers will come right if you get the skin right. The first arrangement of the eyelids around the glass eyes should now be attended to. The tweezers will be found useful for this purpose. Stuffing. —14. The wires needed should first be cut and both ends of each sharpened with the file. A bird should _ be successfully mounted with the wings closed before any attempt is made to mount one with the wings spread. For the closed wing form, three wires 7 inches long and one 4 inches long are needed. For a spread wing, two additional wing wires about 5 inches long will be necessary. 15. A body is next to be made of tow. It should be in size and shape as nearly as possible lke the one taken from the bird. Take a mass of tow in your hand; two or three trials will show how much is needed. Wind this with thread in all possible directions, and at the same time press it into form by the thumb and fingers of your left hand. Compare constantly with the bird’s body. If any portion proves too ~ Se EE ERT See 2 380 PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS small, add alittle tow to the part and continue the winding. — In the end, you should have a very firm, smooth body with thread nearly covering its surface. Pass‘one of the long wires through this body from the front end; then the protruding © end should be passed back — and its tip clinched into the body. Next, wind the > neck end smoothly with cotton and tie a thread — around the part which is to enter the skull. See that the position, length, and size of the neck are like that of the bird. — You will now have an object in shape much lke the fifth figure.° The dotted lines show how the wire goes through the body and is firmly clinched. 16. The other two wires, 7 inches long, are now to be passed up the legs. Start the wire at the place of the join- ing of the toes, and slide it along the back of the tarsal bone to the joint; pull the tibia bone through the opening in the — skin in such a way that you can get the wire past the joint ‘and along the tibia bone. Both legs are of course to be fixed in the same way. : 17. The prepared body is now to be placed in the skin. First introduce the sharp end of the neck wire into the neck, — and carefully guide it so that it will enter the skull. Pass it through the skull somewhere near the forehead. Then care- fully pull the skin over the body till the tail readily slips” past the posterior end of it. 7 18. The next step is the fastening of the leg wires into the body. Slide the wires up and down the legs till they move freely ; then pass them one at a time into the body just where the knee was found on the bird before skinned. The exact place is almost the center lengthwise and one fourth from the lower-side, — the spot marked with a small circle on the fifth figure.” The wire is to be passed through and back and then clinched. When both leg wires are fastened the bird will appear as shown in the sixth figure.® ‘i STUFFING 381 19. After a little lifting of the skin, pulling out of the wings, and sliding up of the legs, so that the upper end of the tibia bone comes to its proper position against the body, close the skin along the belly and, if necessary, sew it with a stitch or two. The legs extend out straight behind, and in this condition the bird is to be placed on the stand. The two holes for the leg wires should be | about one inch apart. These holes are made with the small brad awl. Introduce the leg wires, and, when the feet rest properly on the crosspiece, bend the wires below so that the bird is held firmly. 20. The bird is now to be given position and form. First bend the leg wires at the heel and knee; then slide down the head so that the neck is not too long, and give the head and neck their proper position and form. 21. The last wire is next to be used to set the tail. Bend it | upon itself so as to make a staple-like form about a half inch wide and nearly 2 inches long. Pass this through the skin at the base of and under the tail and then into the body, and bend it, if necessary, so that the tail will rest upon it and hide it. The under tail coverts will hide the wire. Lift the wings, stretch them out, and move them back against the body till you find the feathers taking proper position around them. Pin each in place with about three pins. In fixing the second wing, care must be taken that it matches the one already fastened. Wherever any feathers seem out of place or twisted, 382 PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS a proper use of the tweezers in lifting the skin and pulling the twisted feathers will make them all right. Go over the whole - surface of the body — practice will give you the knack — and get all the plumage in shape. Leave the feathers some- what open and fluffy, as is natural for this bird. The legs and neck are to be bent till the position of body suits you. Your first bird will be apt to have too long a neck and too much of its legs exposed. As arule, the tibiz of the sparrows do not show at all, and even the heel is well within the feathers. _ 22. Before putting the ~ bird away to dry, most writers on taxidermy ad- vise the winding of the whole surface with thread, so that the shrinking of the skin over the rough body — will not force the feathers into poor positions. If this — is done, the thread should be so lightly drawn as to barely touch the feathers. The usual method is to stick a number of pins into the body; hook a loop of thread around one of these pins, and then wind it back and forth from pin to pin in all diree- tions till all the plumage is properly held in place. If there is a well-formed, smooth body, and each part of the skin occupies its proper place on that body, the drying of | the skin will not twist or displace the feathers. A well mounted bird needs but little, if any, winding. There is apt to be too much of this work, to the detriment of the specimen. | Let the feathers have a natural, that is, generally, an open — appearance. Watch a caged canary, and see the different STUFFING 383 positions it takes, and the frequency with which its feathers are rufiled. 23. The bird, whether wound with thread or not, should be left for several days to dry in some place free ee from dust. The thread poe a should then be re fixing of the leg fe ae wires. When a success- ful flying bird has been prepared,’ a slight modification vt tee of the plan will en- i able the student to give a male the strutting position.? After this he is ready to undertake the mounting of birds in all kinds of natural atti- tudes. Probably as difficult a one as any is that - gathering food from the ground.” GENERAL HINTS ABOUT THE MOUNTING OF BIRDS Cleaning blood from feathers.— No matter how small the shot used, there will occasionally be blood spots to be removed. This can be easily done when the blood is fresh. In the worst of cases, with the blood dry and the feathers white, the stains can all be removed if sufficient time and care be given to the work. Wash the spots thoroughly with warm water (and soap” also if necessary), and dry with abundance of plaster of Paris. After the moisture has been all absorbed, the plaster is to be completely dusted from the feathers. Birds difficult to skin. — Birds with large heads and small necks, as the ducks and woodpeckers, will not allow the neck skin to pass over the head. In these cases, the skin of the neck has to be so split open as to allow the head to be skinned and the brain to be removed. Birds with firm, close feathers, — se lt Ch HINTS ABOUT MOUNTING 385 as the doves, need to be skinned while perfectly fresh, and with great care, or the plumage will come off from the skin in patches. All large birds are difficult to skin, and many of them need the constant use of the knife to separate the skin from the flesh. All such birds should be suspended from some support by passing a hook (a bent wire nail forms a good one) through the rump: ‘The bird should be suspended as soon as the tail is severed, and then the skinning should be started along the back (stages 4 and 5). Stuffing for large birds. — Excelsior is the best material for all large bodies, although a little good tow spread over its sur- face and thoroughly wound down makes it still better. Legs and wings. — All birds with the tibia exposed should have the leg wire and tibia bone wound together with the proper amount of cotton (stage 16). The wings of large birds are also better if cotton is wound around the bones to take the place of the flesh removed. Necks. — Most birds need to have the neck stuffed out. This is done with the long wire set in a handle. Either chopped tow or cotton is forced into the mouth and down the throat (stage 21). Sizes of wire. — The size of wire needed depends more upon the length of the legs and of the neck than upon the size of the body; thus a crane should have much heavier wire than a loon, and the yellow-legs needs as large wire as the blue-winged teal. The sizes given in the following table are those of the “stand- ard wire gauge.” Birp No. oF WIRE Birp No. OF WIRE OMTINEITOS. .......9Be.-..: 28 | Ducks and Long-legged Snipe. ..16 Kinglets and Warblers......... 24.) “Swans and. Geése .4540 :2sfeieen 14 CEL SS RA eae eee 2) womaller Herons s: - us canes 12 oS ES a eee 20 Marcer Heronstau20 deere aes 10 PmMEtEVG SMIPES... . ........-.18 Bird eyes. — Most bird eyes are practically black, and for these, glass-headed mourning pins are both good and cheap. A few birds have peculiarly colored eyes, yellow, blue, red, APGAR’S BIRDS. — 25 386 PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS white, etc., and for these especially made glass bird eyes should be purchased. Care should be taken that eyes of the proper color are procured for each bird. Shot for large birds. — Hunters who merely shoot to kil 1 generally use shot of large size. The ornithologist, who desires: good specimens or none, will soon find that very small shot will do. Even ducks, whose plumage is so abundant and close, ean be killed with No. 8 or No. 10 shot. The author once secured a surf scoter with dust shot. Of course this was possi- ble only under unusual circumstances. The bird flew from under a bank in a line directly away from the author, and had reached a distance of only a few feet when aimed at. : Stretching the skin. — The skin should not be stretched. In skinning large birds, suspended from a hook, the weight of material, if allowed to hang down upon the neck, will cause the skin to lengthen, and thus distort the shape. This should be carefully guarded against. Do not pull the skin from the flesh, but rather press with the fingers and work with the knife so that there is no stain upon the skin itself. Spread wings and crests. — While the bird is drying, some support must be given to spreading parts, or they will droop in such a way as to render the bird unsightly. Cotton, held in place by wire or pins, is the best material for this purpose. _ Spreading the tail feathers.—If the tail feathers are to be widely spread, or, in fact, spread at all, a piece of wire bent upon itself in the form of a staple, and placed across the tail, with one prong above and the other below, can be so manipu- lated with the fingers as to hold the feathers in place till the bird is dry. Another method is to pass a fine-pointed wire through all the feathers near their bases (through the hollow portion), and move each feather along this wire till its position is satisfactory. A third plan is to reverse the position of each feather before setting it away to dry. Bring the central feather below and force each outer pair above the preceding pair. After the bird is dry the feathers are snapped back into their proper places. HINTS ABOUT MOUNTING 387 Birds for study and analysis. —If the birds are to be used in elass work, the toes should be carefully spread apart and held in place by pins till dry, so that the amount of growing to- gether of joints and the amount of webbing, if any, can be easily determined. The mouth should also be left slightly open. A good plan is to place a piece of a wooden toothpick between the mandibles, and, if necessary, pass a needle and thread through the nostrils and tie the thread under the bill. To insure the slight elevation of the wings necessary to determine the char- acter of the first primary, place a little cotton under their lower edges before introducing the pins to hold them in place. Bird stands. — Ground birds and water birds should be placed on flat boards, while most perching birds are better if placed on bird stands, like the one shown in the illustration of the mounted English sparrow (p. 382). If the birds are to be handled by students, the bottoms in all cases should be large enough to preclude the possibility of their being upset. Finishing the specimen. — After the bird is thoroughly dry, all the projecting wires, pins, etc., are to be carefully cut off. The wire-cutting pincers must work well, so as to completely sever the wires below the surface feathers. Any twisting or bending of the wires in an attempt to break off the parts which the cutting pliers have left will be sure to disturb and injure some part of the specimen. Bare skin. — The bill, legs, and other parts not covered with feathers will change color and lose brightness; so, sometimes these parts are painted and varnished. In some eases a little of this work is necessary, but generally it is not advisable. Poison. — Great care must be taken not to get the arsenic into any cut there may be on the hands. If there are any Openings in the skin they should be covered with strips of court-plaster. As soon as possible after finishing a bird, the hands should be thoroughly washed and all material carefully removed from under the nails. Sewing the skin together. — All large birds need to have the skin along the abdomen carefully sewed together. 388 PREPARATION OF BIRD SPECIMENS Determination of sex. — The sex of the specimens should be determined by dissection. The sexual organs are situated be- tween the intestines and the backbone at about the middle of the body, but somewhat on the left side. These organs are large and easily recognized in the spring. The male organs (the testes) are two in number, light, yellowish-white in color somewhat elongated in form, and, in the English sparrow, in spring, about the size of large peas.’ The female organs (the ovaries) are clusters of different sized, globular, grape- ee like parts, united together in a membrane.” The English sparrow is a good species to learn from, because the plumage of the head and neck enables one to distinguish the sex before dissection. The best place to cut the body open is along the left side; the 1 by lifting the intestines the sexual organs can be seen. By beginning in the spring and opening a sparrow of each sex each month throughout the year a better knowledge of these organs will be obtained, and an easier recognition of them in all conditions than by any amount of description or illustration. — Cleaning eggs. Instruments, etc., needed. —'Two or three egg drills of different sizes; two or three blow-pipes of different sizés; a very slender pair of scissors made for the purpose; light spring forceps; a hook formed of a bent needle mounted in a handle; a basin of water; some cotton. The proper instru- ments can be obtained from any of the dealers in naturalists’ supplies. If the egg is fresh a small hole, a little larger than the pol ni of the smallest blow-pipe, should be carefully drilled in the side. Introduce the blow-pipe about a sixteenth of an inch, and blow gently and steadily till the contents are removed. Fill th 7 mouth with water and blow this into and out from the egg so as to rinse it thoroughly. Place the egg with the hole dow ward on some cotton to dry. If the egg contains an embryo it will be necessary to dri a larger hole in the side so that the hook, scissors, and foreapil can be used as they are needed. Afterwards thoroughly rinse 2 COLLECTION OF NESTS 389 and drain the shell as above described. The work in this case should be performed over the basin of water so as to catch the ege if it slips from the fingers. As stated in Part I no eggs should ever be gathered till the species of bird has been identified with certainty. On the egg, near the hole, mark with a lead pencil the number of the bird according to the A. O. U. check list. This is the number within the parenthesis next to the scientific name in Part II. Collecting and preserving nests. — Such well-woven nests as those of the orioles and vireos should be removed from the plant by cutting the branches to which they are attached. These will keep in good condition without any preparation. Others need to be kept from falling to pieces by some artificial support. A good and easy method is to sew loosely with brown thread back and forth over all parts of the nest. An- other plan is to make a supporting basket out of annealed wire. GLOSSARY * Aberrant. Deviating from the usual character. Acute. Ending in a well-defined angle, usually a sharp one. Angulated. Forming an angle ; applied to the mouth of birds ® g when the direction of the gape suddenly changes at the S rictus. Ashy. A bluish-gray color; about the color of wood ashes. Axillary plumes. A distinct tuft of feathers, under the wing where it joins the body. Back. As generally restricted, the upper part of the body of the bird, half way along the mass of flesh (see p. 40) ; as used in Part IL, most of the upper parts, but usually not including wings, tail, or crown. . Barred. With cross bands of distinct colors. Base. The part of bill or quill attached to the flesh. Belly. The under parts back of the breast, but not including the tail coverts (see p. 40). Blotched. Furnished with rounded spots of a different color. Blunt. Rounded ; the opposite of acute. Booted. Applied to the tarsus of birds when the usual scales Me along the front are so grown together as to seem con- tinuous. Bristles. Small hair-like feathers. Bronzy. Havingametallicappear- ~~ —— ance like tarnished brass. Buffy. A light, dull, brownish-yellow. zd x = Ss 1The terms defined in Part I. include all that are generally used in bird descriptions. The words in this glossary are supplementary to those in Part I. and are intended chiefly for use in connection with field study of birds. 391 392 GLOSSARY Cap. The top of the head when of a distinct color. ; Cere.