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BiFds sf SHfeaFi©

Being a list of Birds observed in the Province of

Ontario, with an Account of their Habits.

Distribution, Nests, Eggs, &c..

-BY-

THOMAS MclLWRAITH,

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ONTARIO DISTRICT

FOR THE

MIGRATION COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN
ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

PUBLISHED BY THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION.

1»:

HAMILTON:
A. Lawsom & Co., Printers, io York Street.

1886.

1 1

( .
1

Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year one
thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven, by the Hamilton Association, in
the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. .

In American Merganser, No. 31, for "nest on the ground "
read " nests in trees."

Since the article on the Curlew Sandpiper was printed, it
has been ascertained that an individual of this species was shot
near Toronto by Mr. Loane, and is now in the rooms of the
Toronto Gun Club.

INTRODUCTION.

On the 2nd of April, 1885 1 had the honor of reading before the
Hamilton Association, a paper on " Birds and Bird Matters." which
will be found in the following pages. At the same time I promised
to prepare for the association, a list of all the different species of
birds which have been observed in Ontario, with some account of their
distribution, habits, nests, eggs, etc. At the time this promise was
made, a Committee of the American Ornithologists Union, composed
of Messrs. Coues, Allen, Ridgeway, Brewster and Henshaw, was
busily engaged revising the classification and nomenclature of North
American birds ; this work, which involved a vast amount of labor
and research, and took nearly three years in completion, has now
been finished, and the result is before the public in a volume,
entitled the "Code of Nomenclature and Check List of North
American Birds," familiarlly known as the A, O. U. Check List.

The work has been well received, and will no doubt be the text
book used by all Students of American Ornithology for many years
to come. >

My promised list of the Birds of Ontario was delayed for a time,
in order to have it in accordance with the new arrangement, which
has now been done. It may surpriie some to find that the order in
which the different species are presented is the reverse of what it
used IP be, that the Thrushes and Blue Birds which used to htjirst on
the list, are now the last to be named, while the Grebes and Loons
which used to be last, are now placed Jirst. This change in the
arrangement comes £ little awkward, but after all it seems the most
natural way to treat the subject chronologically, and as we get used
to the plan, it will no doubt be found most convenient.

INTRODUCTION
Although familiar for the past thirty years with most of the birds
described, I have had but little experience in writing their history,
and while so engaged have had frequent occasion to apply toothers
for information and advice ; in every case I received a prompt and
hearty response, even beyond what I could have anticipated.

To all who have thus contributed to the work, I now beg to
tender my best thanks ; to Dr. Coues I am under special obligation
for permission to use his writings, of which I have taken full advan-
tage, most of the technical descriptions being from his pen.

Valuable aid has also been received from J. A. Allen, President
of the American Ornithologists Union, and from Messrs. Ridgeway,
Merriam, Brewster and Wheaton, I have received useful suggestions.
In Canada comparatively little attention has been given to the study
of Ornithology, yet. Dr. Gamier, of Lucknow, W. E. Saunders, of
London, W. L Scott and Geo. R, White, of Ottawa, and others
have readily responded to all enquiries regarding the birds of their
respective districts. I do not suppose that the list in its present form
is complete, but look forward to having it increased by the addition
of such casual visitors, or rare summer residents as may have escaped
observation.

Should this list furnish a starting point for some future Ornitho-
logist when preparing a more comprehensive work on the subject,
or supply to such as may desire it, the means of identifying any
bird that may be found in Ontario ; or be the means of leading any
of our young people to turn occasionally from the excitement of city
life to seek for rest and recreation among the deep and mysterious
haunts of the Black Squirrel and the Blue Jay, the writer will feel
amply repaid for all the labor he has bestowed on it.

Ca.hndrae, )

Hamilton, August 20th, 1886 )

T. McILWRAITH.

li '

ON BIF^DS AND BII^D MAITIFEI^S.

By Thomas Mcilwraith.

Although the subjects brought before the Association during
the present session have been both numerous and varied, it is some-
what remarkable that no branch of the animal kingdom has yet
come up for consideration. With the view of introducing this
department of Natural History, and thinking that it might be a
pleasing change for you to pass from the consideration of sewage
and other unsavory, though all important subjects, which have
recently engaged your attention, T have availed myself of the oppor-
tunity offered, of asking you to spend an hour with me among the
birds. The subject is a very attractive one, the objects which it
embraces being always near us, varied in form, beautiful in color,
and possessed of the most wonderful instincts, to mark the exercise
of which is a continual source of delight.

A treatise on Ornithology, in the highest meaning of the term,
is beyond the scope of this paper, as it would require us to go back
half-way through the geological periods, where we would find the
early forms of bird life very different from those we see around us
at present.

It is not my purpose to follow the subject in this direction, nor
to attempt giving you a highly scientific dissertation, made unintelli-
gible by the use of unpronounceable technicalities. I would much

BIKPS OF

■ 1

I-

,.'

prrfer taking a cursory glance at what has been written about
American birds from the dale of the earliest records we have on the
subject up to the present time, — calling jour attention to a few of
the more remarkable species found near this city ; and leaving with
the Association a list of all the birds which have been observed in
Ontario, with special reference to those found in our near neighbor-
hood. This list, I hope, may be ustful to the rising generation of
Ornithologists, serving as tinie rolls on, to show by comparison what
changes take place in the number and distribution of the different
species. So long ago as 18<!(t, I read a similar paper, and presented
to this Association a similar list, which subsequently appeared in
the Canadian jfonrnal for that year ; but so many changes have,
since that time, been made in the nomenclature, and in the arrange-
ment of the different groups, that we would not now be able to
recognize the birds by the names then given them. These frequent
changes have been a constant source of annoyance to the students
who, after getting fairly familiar with the system, and having
occasion to leave it for a short time, may find on his return that he
will have to begin all over again, and learn to recognize his old
friends by new names — an experience which is certainly very dis-
couraging, and yet when we consider how these changes are brought
about, it seems hardly possible for the present to avoid the difficulty.

To such as have given even a limited amount of attention to
the subject, it will be apparent that among birds there exists certain
natural groups or families, the members of which are related to each
other. Classification undertakes to separate and set apart each of
those groups by itself, under a special family name, and did we
know all the birds in existence, and in what ways they resemble each
other, and in what ways they differ, the work would be comparatively
easy ; but unfortunately, here as elsewhere, human knowledge is
incomplete, and the results are defective for want of proper data.
Besides the difficulties arising from defective knowledge of the
subject, it is evident that the arrangement of the groups can be
carried out in different ways, as viewed from different standpoints :
One may take as the basis of his system the formation of the bill
and feet, while another, ignoring these points, may class together
only such birds as resemble each other in their anatomical structure,
and each of these systematists having his followers writing and

ONTAHIO

publishing under the system they favor most, produce the confusion
so much complained of.

The subject of classification is now under consideration by a
committee of the most able living Ornithologists, and it is to be
hoped that their labors will result in the arrangement of a system of
universal application which will be practically permanent.

As regards American birds, there are at present two different
lists of names before the public, — one by l)r Elliot Coues, a most
accomplished scholar and brilliant writer, and another by Mr. Kobt.
Kidt!;cway, the accurate, careful curator of the bird department c(
the .Smithsonian liisiitution. Either of these might be <;uite
suiruicni were the other out of the way, but having tivo only leads
to contusion.

In most of the older systems it was customary to place the birds
of prey first on the list, in consideration of their great size and
strength, the noble (?) eagle occupying a place in the foiemost
ranks ; better accjuaintance with these birds shows us, however, that
they do not possess the noble qualities attributed to them, that they
are slovenly and irregular in their habits, often gorging themselves
with carrion, and remaining for days in a state of dozing stupidity
till the calls of hunger again force them out in search of things new
and old.

I think it was Professor Lilgeborg of Upsala, who first advo-
cated the view that the birds entitled to the highest rank should be
those which are possessed of the greate . amount of nervous
irritability, and have all bird like peculiarities most fully developed.
When we consider that these peculiarities include swimming on the
water, hopping on the ground, perching on trees, hopping nimbly
from branch to branch, and making their presence known by their
characteristic and melodious voices, we readily see the justice of
giving the first place to the passeres, or perching birds, all of which
have a much higher organization than the birds of prey. This
arrangement is adopted generally by both Dr Coues and Mr.
Ridgeway, yet they differ slightly in detail, one giving the first place
to our familiar garden songster, the Robin, and the other to the
Wood Thrush, a handsome bird of shy and retiring habits, seldom
seen except in its favorite haunts in the bush. These and similar
differences occur all through the arrangements which we hope soon
to see reconciled.

BIRDS Oh

The birds of North America are understood to be all such an
are tound north of the Mexican border, and it is quite interesting
to look back and observe at what rate the published record ut species
has increased, as well as the causts which have led to these results.
No doubt many of the common species were observed by the early
settlers in the country, and while raising their primitive homes with
tiieir minds still full of memories of the old land, finding a bird
with a red breast coming familiarly near, he would naturally get the
name of *' Robin " after the familiar " Robin Red Breast " who was
80 much a favorite at home, but for some such circumstances our
Robin might with gi eater propriety have been called the Red-
breasted Thrush. *

In these earlv days the hardy pioneers would have little time to
devote to the study of birds, and still less to record the result of such
observation, but as the country became better known, and the faci-
lities for reaching it were increased, travellers, adventurers, mission-
aries and others made frequent visits from foreign countries, and,
as usual took home glowing accounts of the natural productions of
the new land. Dr Coues, who has made a careful search for
records of this description, gives in his new " K / to North
American Birds " the names of quite a number of books published
between the years llJOO and 1700, in which special reference is
made to the birds of the districts visited by the writers. The N atural
History of Caroliia, Florida, etc., by Mark Catesby, published in
parts, is the first in which any definite number of birds is mentioned.
It was brought out in 1731, and by taking into account some
additional species named in the appendix, the total number is
brought up to 113.

In 1771 J. R. Forster published a tract entitled " A Catalogue
ol the Animals of North America, " in which he mentions 302 birds,
but they are not described, nor even named correctly.

In 1787, Pennant and Latham followed, the result of whose
combined labors was the description of 500 species of American
birds.

About this time Gmelin was busy compiling and transcribing
the works of his predecessors, but he did not discover anything new
in the connection, and, according to Dr. Coues, it is to Catesb) ,

ONT\KI<)

Edwards, Forster, Pennant, I-atham and Bartram, that the credit
lielongs of making Nortli American Ornithology what it was at this
period.

The name of Bartram will always be respected fr«m his connec-
tion with Wilson, yet Bartram himself was an advanced Ornithologist
for the time, and published a list of the birds of the Eastern United
States, naming many species as new, which, it is believed, were
credited by subsequent authors to Wil.son.

Prior to 1704, Alexander Wilson lived in his native town of
Paisley, in Renfrewshire, Scotland, where he followed his father's
steps as a hand loom weaver. For a time he turned packman, but
the venture was not a success. He had also courted the Muses,
and had vritten several pieces, which were so well received as for a
time to be attributed to Burns. In 1780, while carrying the pack,
he .idded to his wares a prospectus of a volume of his poems, in
which he said "if the {^idUir should fail to be favored with sale,
then I hope you'll encourage the poet" But he did not succeed in
either capacity, and, in 17!'-t he came to America, where he was
onre m')re a weaver, a pedlar, and a school-master. It was here, on
the banks of the Schuylkill, that he enjoyed the society of Bartram,
•^hich was no doubt instrumental in deciding his future course in
life, and in all his troubles he received sympathy and encourage-
ment from this venerable friend and aident lover of nature The
period of Wilson's labors here was br'ght but brief. The first
volume of his work appeared in 1808, and he died in 1813, before
the work was finished. With a cheaj) gun, hardly safe, with which
to secure his specimens, and only common paper on which to trace
his illustrations, he followed the subject with enthusiasm and perse-
verance, which earned for him a reputation far ahead of all
competitors at the time ; even now he is regarded as the father of
American Ornithology, and many of his descriptions of the birds
are still quoted as the best which have appeared on the subject.
After the untimely death of Wilson the work was carried on and
completed by his associate Ond, who brought out the eighth and
ninth volumes in I8U. In this work about 280 species of birds
were fully and faithfully described, and many of them shown in
colored illustration.

In 1824 Prince Lucien Bonaparte contributed to the jfounial

9

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id

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of the Philadelphia Academy, a series of critical articles on Wilson's
American Ornithology. These referred chiefly to the nomenclature,
a subject to which Wilson paid but little attention. During the ten
years succeeding the above date, several editions of Wilson's work
appeared, each containing the changes in the nomenclature sug-
gested by Bonaparte, and having descriptions of such new species
as had from time to time been brought to light. Bonajjarte's
principal work was his " Ameiican Ornithology" published in 1833,
in which the number of species described was 3()(). In 1838 he
published in London his " Geographical and Comparative List of
the Birds of Europe and North America," in which the number of
species was farther raised to 471. The Fniiiin liorcali Anuricaiia
was now in course of ]>ublication. The volume descriptive of the
birds, which appeared in 1831, not only described many hitherto
unknown species, but contained a vast amount of valuable informa-
tion regarding the nests, eggs, and habits of the birds in their
northern homes, about which little or nothing had hitherto been
known.

In the mean-time John James Audubon,, a man of high culture,
ample means, and a large amount of material to start with, was busy
preparing his great work, the first volume of which appeared in
1827, but was not completed until 1839. The number of birds
described was 50(5, nearly every species being shown in a colored
illustration.

The attention of Ornithologists was now turned to the west,
and a most valuable contribution was made to the subject by Mr.
John Cassin, who published in 185(5 a ^eautiful book entitled
" Illustration of the Birds of California^," illustrated with fifty
colored plates.

In 1858 appeared the celebrated 9th volume of • Pacific Rail-
road Reports," which overturned the whole previous form of the
subject. 'J'he number of specimens sent in by the different survey-
ing parties was very great, and nearly all different species from those
already known in the east. These, with the reports referring to
them, were placed in the hands of Professor Baird, who, with the
assistance of Messrs. Cassin and Geo. N. Lawrence, revised the
whole subject, and introducing for the sake of comparison the
eastern species already known, made the volume a complete expos-

zo

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enclature,
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ONI AKIO.

ition of all that was known up to that time of the birds of America,
north of Mexico, and bringing up the list of described species to 744.

In 1874 Dr. Coues, then a surgeon in the U. S. Army, published
a check list, which included such additional species as had been
added since the former date, bringing up the number to 778.

In 1880 Mr. Ridgeway, in making out a catalogue of the
specimens in the Smithsonian Institute, labelled as North American,
found that they numbered 024, but it is thought that many were
thus included which were collected beyond the limits.

In 1882 Dr. Coues published a second edition of his check list,
in which the number is increased to 8.SS, and in his new key
published in 1884, the number is reduced to 878. So the numbers
stand at present, and as we do not now expect to have many new
species added, any change which takes place will probably be a
reduction, caused by condensing the groups, which many think are
at present too much divided.

Nothing of late years has happened, so well calculated to advance
the interest of this subject, as the result of a meeting which was
held in the Museum of Natural History, in the Central Park, New
York, in September, 1883. The meeting, which was called by
circular, was composed of a few of the leading amateur and profes-
sional Ornithologists of North America, There were jiresent one
fi-Dm Ontario, one from New Brunswick, and about twenty from
different States in the Union. The meeting was a most enjoyable
one, as it brought together many who were known to each other by
correspondence, ?nd yet had never personally met. It remained in
session for three days, with Dr. Coues as Chairman, and Mr. K. P.
Ihcknell as Secretary. The proceedings resulted in the formation
of an American Ornithologist's Union, now familiarly known as the
A. O. U., with a constitution and by laws similar to those of the
British Association of similar name. J. A. Allen, of Cambridge,
Mass., was elected President, and Dr. C. H. Merriam, of Locust
(irove, N Y., Secretary. Committees were formed to report on the
following subjects at the next meeting ;^Nomenclature and Classi-
fication, Migration, Osteology, on the desirability or otherwise of
encouraging the English Sparrow, and Distribution of Species. At
the close it was decided, in consideration of the importance of the

II

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BIKDS OF

proceedings, and of the enjoyment they had atlorded, to have all
those present photographed in a group, which was subsequently
carried out successfully by Bogardus, of Broadway.

At the second meeting of the Union, held in the same place in
September, 1884, the committee on Nomenclature reported progress
but had not yet completed their labors. The hope was expressed
that by next September a system of classification and nomenclature
will be agreed on, which will be practically permanent, and save the
annoyance arising from the frequent changes already referred to.

The committee on the desirability or otherwise of encouraging
the English Sparrow, reported that they had taken evidence on the
subject from every State where he was located, and the vote was
almost unanimously against him ; but he is here now, and the
committee taking a merciful view of his case, did not at present
recommend any violent measures for his extinction, but suggest that
no more houses be put up fur the accommodation of the birds, that
those who have been in the habit of affording them food and shelter
should discontinue doing so, and that in all States where they have
not yet appeared, every means should be used to keep them out.
If thus left to themselves for a few years, it would be seen whether
the severity of the climate or other causes would be sufficient to
keep them within proper bounds ; if not, an aggressive movement
could then be made against them.

On behalf of the committee on Migration, Dr. Merriam reported
that on taking office as Chairman, he had at once issued circulars
calling for observers tu note and report on the movements of the
birds during the season of migration, and that he had now nearly 700
at different points in the States and Canada ; besides which, every
lighthouse keeper in both countries had instructions from their
departments, to furnish a record of all birds destroyed by flying
against the glass at night, with the date and name of birds so killed
as far as possible.

The amount of information furnished on these subjects was so
great that the Chairman found it impossible to present it in proper
shape without the use of maps, which he hoped within a short time
to be able to supply. He presented an abstract from the reports
referring to the movements of one or two representative birds from

12

ONTARIO

the time they crossed the southern boundary till they reached their
northern limits. But the most interesting facts relating to the subject
were brought forward to show the great destruction which takes
place among the birds by flying against the lighthouses. It is known
that migrations take place mostly during the night, the day being
spent in seeking rest and refreshment. The smaller birds do not
like to cross the lakes, but are found in great numbers flitting along
the shores, or following the course of the larger rivers, the Missis-
sippi valley in this way becoming the great highway of the travellers
during the season of migration. By looking at the map of the
State of Michigan, it will be observed that northern bound birds
entering that state from the south, finding themselves hemmed in
between Lakes Michigan and Huron, and naturally gather into a
cul de sac to cross at the Straits of Mackinac, which they no doubt
do in vast numbers. " In lake Huron, at the eastern end of the
straits, and midway between the shores, lies Spectacle Reef, on
which is erected a lighthouse eighty-six feet above the water level.
The light is of the second order, and shows alternately a red and
white flash every 29 seconds, which is seen in clear weather at a
distance of sixteen and a half miles. The lighthouse is surrounded
by a wooden platform 85 feet square. The keeper of the light, Mr.
William Marshall, has been there seven years, and states that during
the season of migration, on misty and rainy nights large numbers of
birds strike and are killed. On one morning he picked up one hun-
dred and fifty on the pier surrounding the tower, and thinks that ten
times that number fell outside the platform into the water. A
package of these, which were forwarded for identification, showed
them to be such birds as we are accustomed to see passing north
during the spring. A similar report furnished by the keeper of the
lighthouse at Sombrero Key, Plorida Reefs, shows that as many as
200 sometimes strike during one nij^ht." The circulars of instruc-
tions and tabular work are again in the hands of observers for the
spring work of 188.7, and farther south many entries have no doubt
already been made. Profiting by the experience of last year, the
work has now been better systemized, and more information will
be gained with less trouble. In the course of a year or two we will
no dolibt be able to say where all the species spend the winter,
when they leave their winter quarters for the north, at what rate they

13

HIKDS U\

travel, and how far north they go ; but whether we will find out
what excites within birds the desire to migrate, and how they are
able to oarrv out these desires with such precision and regularity,
is very doubtful.

Having thus reviewed the subject generally, if we turn our
attention homeward we find that in an ornithological point of view,
Hamilton is favorably situated, its surroundings being such as will
attract birds of all classes. In the country we find highly cultivated
fields alternating with clumps of mixed bush and rocky gullies, while
the bay, with its sandy shores and marshy inlets' provides ample
food and shelter for the waders and swimmers. Here, too, we are
favorably situated for observing the movements of the migratory
armies in the spring, and have done so wilh results similar to those
already described.

Pressing on toward the north through Ohio early in May, the
birds meet the south shore of Lake Erie, and following its course
crowd in perfect swarms along the Niagara River until they strike the
shore of Lake Ontario at right angles. Here, most likely a separa-
tion takes place, some following the line ci the lake shore eastward,
while the greater number most likely take the western route, and
are seen flitting from bush to bush along the beach, where for
a few days in May they almost rival the sandflies in number, and
that is saying a good deal. That some attempt to cross the lake is
evident from their frequently flying on board vessels which are pas-
ing up and down at that season, and the fact of these individuals
being generally much exhausted, would imply that many fall short
of the north shore and perish in the water. The spring of i882 is
memorable as one in which the birds on their northern journey
received a severe and sudden check. On the 9th of May the season
was unusually favorable, and the migratory wave was rolling along
at its height, v/hen a severe north-easter set in during the night
accompanied by cold drizzly, sletty rain. This forced the birds to
descend from upper air and seek shelter wherever it could be found.
In the rr.^rning my garden was full of warblers, all in their glowing
nuptial dress, but dull and draggled, not knowing where to turn. I
collected more rare specimens in my garden that morning than I
ever did anywhere else in the same time. This would seem to be

14

ON lAKU)

an unfortunate resting-place for the birds, but others fared quite as
bad elsewhere, for when a little daughter of Mr. Smith, who keeps
the Ocean House went down to play by the lake shore in the morn-
ing, she returned in a few minutes with her pinafore full of little dead
birds whi ;h were being washed up from the lake all along the shore.

In formt. r years it was the custom with those who wished a collection
of birds to have them mounted and placed in glass cases, but the
mounting in very many instances failed to satisfy those who were
familiar with the appearance of the birds in life; besides which,
they took up too much room, and always suffered by transportation.
This mode is now practised mostly by public museums, where the
specimens remain permanently, and are under the care of a curator.
The plan now followed by amateur collectors is to skin and preserve
the specimen, filling out the skin with cotton to about the natural
size, so as to make the bird look as if newly killed. In this way
they are kept in trays in a cabinet, where they are easy of access for
measurement or examination, besides which, through the facilities
offered for transportation by mail, an exchange of duplicates can at
very small cost be made by collectors residing at far distant points.
On the table there are now brought together in this way specimens
from Alaska to Texas, and from New Brunswick to California, as
well as many intermediate points.

The month of May, above all others in the year, is the one
enjoyed by collectors, the birds bting now arrayed in their richest
dress, and excursions to the woods in pursuit of them offering so
pleasing a change after our long, hard winter has passed away.
There is no group of our small birds so interesting as the Warblers,
which, though they do not differ much in size, yet vary greatly in
plumage, some of them, such as the Blackburnian and Black and
Yellow being exceedingly beautiful, while others are so extremely
rare everywhere that the securing of one is an event of the season.
Among the latter class I may name the Cape May, of which I got
two specimens at the beach one morning in May, 1884.

The nam.e of John Cassin has already been mentioned in this
paper as a representative Ornithologist of his time. Hear what he
says about the birds we are describing : —

" Bird collecting " says Mr. Cassin, " is the ultimate refinement*
the ne plus ultra of all the sports of the field. It is attended with

15

HfHDS Ol'

I

all the excitement, and requires all the skill of other shooting with a
much higher degree of theoretical information, and consequent
gratification in its exercise. Personal activity, (not necessarily to be
exerted over so great a space as in game bird shooting, but in a
much greater diversity of locality), coolness, steadiness of hand*
quickness of eye and of ear — especially the latter; in fact all the
accomplishments of a first rate shot will be of service, and some of
them are indispensable to successful collecting. The main reliance,
however, is on the ear for the detection of birds by their notes, and
involves a knowledge the more accurate and discriminating the
better, which can only be acquired by experience, and always
characterizes the true woodsman, whether naturalist or hunter.

•' This ability is of incomparable value to the collector, whether
in the tangled forest, the deep recesses of the swamp, on the sea-
coast, or in the clear woodlands, on mountain or prairie ; it advises
him of whatever birds may be there, and atTords him a higher grati-
fication, announcing the presence of a bird he does not know. We
know no more exquisite pleasure than to hear in the woods the note
of a bird which is new to us. It is in the latter case that the culti-
vatf d quickness of tlie eye of the experienced collector is especially
important, and his coolness and steadiness of nerve is fully tested.
It will not do to be flustered. But in fact, all these qualities must
be possessed for the acquirement of the smaller species of birds
found in our woods. Some species, especially the Warblers, are
constantly in motion in the i)ursuit of insects, and are most frequently
met with in the tops of trees ; they are, morever, only to be killed
with the finest shot, or they are spcjiled for specim.;ns. The
obtaining of these little birds always requires the most careful and
skilful shooting,

With us the Warblers arrive with remarkable regularity about the
10th of May. Should the season be a late one, they may be observed
at this time gleaning their scanty fare among the almost leafless
branches, ; or again, if early, the leaves may be opening out by the
first of the month, yet the little birds do not appear till their regular
time. As the first flocks arrive they rest and recruit for a day or
two, and then pass on to make room for others who arrive and take
their places. So the stream flows on until the Queen's Birthday,
(May 24). About this time the Black Poll arrives, and when it goes

16

"

.

ONTARIO.

the migratory season may he considered over, for it is always
the last of this class to arrive in spring. Thrushes, Orioles,
Tanagers and Flycatchers are now here in full life, and the
busy collector can hardly take time to sleep, Init if he does he
sees flocks of desirable species rise before his excited vision.
Not till the middle of June, when the birds are all nesting, does
he lay aside the gun and take time to count his treasures.

The Sparrows, as a class, are also well represented near the
city; some of them, such as the Fox Colored, VViiite Crowned
and White Throated, being very handsome birtls, which visit
us in spring and fall, but do not remain during the sununer or
winter. The best known of this group is the English Sparrow,
which has been looked upon as an outsider, but it is here now
for good (or bad, as the case may be), and is entitled to a place
among the others of its class. With all writers on American
birds, it is at present very unpopular, the principal charges
brought against it being those of eating the fruit buds, and of
driving away our native birds. Some time ago I gave an
account of my observations on this subject, which appeared
elsewhere, but may be worth repeating here. It was in the
summer of 1874 that I first noticed a pair of these birds about
the outhouses, and in a few days they became quite familiar,
having evidently made up their minds to stay with us. I made
them welcome for old acquaintancesake, and thinking they would
make good settlers, was going to put up a house for them, when
it became apparent that they were providing for themselves in
a manner quite characteristic. On a peak of the stal lo was a
bo.x occupied by a pair ot Swallows, who were at that time en-
gaged in rearing their young, and of this box the Sparrows
seemed determined to get possession. The Swallows resisted
their attacks with great spirit, and their outcries bringing a linst
of friends to their assistance, the intruders were for a time
driven off, but only to return with renewed energy and per-
severance. The Swallows were now sorely beset, for one had
to remain on guard while the c*^her went in search of supplies.
Still they managed to hold the fort, till the enemy, watching his
opportunity, made a strategic movement from the rear, and
darted into the box. Quicker than 1 can tell it, he reappeared

17

BIRDS OF

with a Callow Swallow hanging by the nape of the neck in his
bill, dropped it on the ground, and soon dragged out another
amid the distressing cries of the Swallows, who, seeing their
hopes so C(Jinpletely blighted, sat mute and mournful on the
ridge of the house for a short time and then departed, leaving
the Sparrows in undisputed possession of the box. There they
remained and raised some young ones during the sunniier.

By the spring of the following year the numbers had in-
creased, and they began to roost under the verandah, which
brought frequent complaints from the sanitary department, and
a protest was made against their being allowed to lodge thore.
Still, in view of the prospective riddance of insect pests from
the garden, matters were arranged with the least possible dis-
turbance to the birds, and we even stood by and saw them dis-
lodge a pair of House Wrens, who had for years been in possession
of a box provided for them in an apple tree in the garden. So
the second year wore on, no further notice being taken of the
Sparrows, though we remarked that they were getting more
numerous.

I had missed the sprightly song and lively manners of the
Wrens, and in the sprmg when they came round again seeking
admission to their old home, I killed the Sparrows which were
in possession, in order to give the Wrens a chance, and they at
once took advantage of it, and commenced to carry up sticks in
their usual industrous manner. They had occupied the prem-
ises for two days only, when they were dislodged. Again the
intruders were killed off, and domestic felicity reigned for three
days, when a third pair of Sparrows came along bent on the
same object, and if possible more overbearing and determined
than their predecessors. This time I thought of a different
mode of accomplishing the object in view, and taking down the
box at night nailed a shingle over the end, bored with a centre-
bit a hole just large enough to admit the Wrens, but too small
for the Sparrows, and put the box back into its place. Early
in the morning the assault was renewed, but the Wrens found at
once that they were masters of the situation, and never were
two birds more delighted. From his perch aloft the male
poured forth torrents of scorn and ridicule, while the female

i8

ONTARIO

inside the box fairly danced with (1( light, and I almost fancied
she made faces at the enemy as he stiiif;ff;lcd inefTcctiially to
gain admission, or sullenly but fruitlessly tried to widen the
aperture.

Shortly after this dispute was settled, I noticed ten or
twelve Sparrows quietly at work at the grape vines, and feeling
pleased at the havoc they were apparently making among the
insects passed on, speculating on the increase of fruit 1 should
have. In the afternoon they had moved to another trellis, and
I thought " Well, they are doing the work systematically, and
no doubt effectually." l^ut shortly afterwards, while jiassing the
vines where they conunenced, 1 observed a slight dcbrh of
greenery on the ground. This led to an examination which
showed, to my intense mortification, that the heart had been
eaten out of every fruit bud where the birds had been, and noth-
ing was left but the outside leaves. The report of firearms was
heard several times in the garden that afternoon, many dead
and wounded Sparrows were left to the care of the cats, and
every crevice where the birds were known to breed was closed
up at once.

Since then the Wrens have held possession of their box, and
with a little attention I can keep the Sparrows out of the garden,
for they find plenty of provender around the stables ; but they
are still on the increase, and if this continues in the future as in
the past, the time is not far distant when the streets and stable
yards will not furnish food enough, and there is no doubt that
they will then betake themselves to the fields and gardens, and
appropriate whatever suits them. This is the serious view of
the subject which has called for legislation in other countries,
and may do so here unless some unexpected check arises to pre-
vent the necessity for it. In the meantime it is well that all
parties having the opportunity, should take notes of the move-
ments and increase of the birds for future consideration.

One of our most showy birds, and one which seems to
enjoy the society of man, is the Baltimore Oriole, whose clear,
flute-like notes are usually heard around our dwellings for the
first time in spring about the 8th of May, soon after which the

19

BIRDS OF

curious purse-like nest may be observed suspended from the
slender twij^s of a nei;j;hl)orinf; tree. There are seven different
species of Orioles peculiar to North America, all of them very
handsome birds with a general family resemblance. Formerly
we had only one species with us, but in the sprinj; of TS83 I
found that several pairs of Orchanl Orioles were breeding at
diHcrent points around the city. I hoped that this addition to
our garden birds would be permanent, but last year not one was
noticed. The Orchard Oriole is the smaller bird of the two, and
where the Baltimore is orange it is rich chesnut-brown.

Another showy, dashing, familiar bird is the Blue Jay —
better known around the farm house than in the city. He is a
gay, rollicking fellow, always ready for plunder or mischief.
The greater number move south at the approach of winter, but
a few remain in the pine woods, whence they issue on mild days
to sun themselves among the tree toj)s. They are somewhat
gregarious in their habits, and even in the breeding season have
a custom of going about in guerilla bands of four or five, visiting
the farm house in the early morning, seeking a chance to suck
eggs, and woe betide the unlucky Owl whom they happen to
come across on any of these excursions! His peace for that
day is over, for the excitement is often kept up till darkness
forces the Jays to retire.

There is another Jay found in Canada which has not been
noticed so far south as Hamilton. This is the Canada Jay, a
constant hanger on about the lumber camps, where he picks
up bits of m3at or other refuse from the table. His taste for
raw meat is so well known that the lumbermen have given him
the names of " Butcher's Boy," " Meat Bird," etc. He is very
common in the district of Muskoka, which is his southern limit
in this part of the country. This species is strictly confined to
the'north, and has the singular habit of building its nest during
the winter, and raising its young as early as March, while the
ground is still covered with snow. There are eighteen different
Jays described as North American, but the greater number of
these are found on the Pacific coast.

The Woodpeckers, as a class, move off at the advance of
civilization, and when the country becomes clear of heavy tim-

20

ONTARIO.

ber very few are seen. In the district of Muskoka there are tracts
whicli the fire has gone through, leaving many large trees killed
and going to decay. These places are described by my corres-
l)ondent, Mr. Tisdall, as a perfect paradise for Woodpeckers.
There the large black Logcuck is quite conunon, and the Arctic
Three-toed species is a constant resident. The Raven is also
frequently seen in that district, and during the winter I saw a
fine specimen of the great Cinereous Owl, which had been sent
down to Hamilton from one of the villages.

The Owls are not a numerous family, but all those peculiar
to the eastern part of the continent have been found near
Hamilton, though some of them are of very rare occurrence, the
most recent addition to the list being the Barn Owl, stri.v
flaniinea, a specmien of which was shot by young Mr. Reid,
gardener, near the cemetery, in 18S2. This harmless mouser is
believed to be identical with the British bird of the same name,
whose history is so strongly colored by superstition ; poets and
historians, ancient and modern, uniformly associating his name
with evil. In the writmgs of Shakespeare frequent allusion is
made to the Owl as a bird of ill repute; thus in connection with
the omens which preceded the death of Caesar, it is said that
" Yesterday the bird of night did sit even at noonday upon the
market place, hooting and shrieking." In describing the memor-
able midnight ride, when Thomas Graham of the farm of Shan-
ter, wasprivilegedto get a glimpse of the proceedings of a social
science meeting of the moving spirits of the time, the poet
Burns implies that the bird was in the habit of keeping bad
company : " Kirk Allowa was drawin' nigh, whaur ghaists and
hoolets nichtly cry."

In the rural districts of Scotland, where superstition still
lingers, the "hoolet" is regarded with aversion, and his visits
to the farm house are looked upon as forerunners of disaster to
the family. Its cry, when heard at night, is described in the
literature of the country as most appalling. Thus, in a song by
Tannahill, the fellow townsman and brother poet of Wilson, the
hero is entreating admission to the chamber of his lady love,
and in describing his uncomfortable position outside, mentions
among other causes that the " cry o' hoolets makes me eerie."

ai

pi
i'

:\i

>]

n'KDS OF

I have listened attontivcly to the cry of this and othi-r Owls, hut
havo not noticed anjthin^' ^^() teriifjinK ahont them. A sliort
time ago I heard the serenade of the Great Horned 0\vl, down
near Stoney Creek, under the mountain. It \vaHl()ud and harsh,
and struck me at the time as resemblinc the neighing of a colt.
Such sounds, when heard unexpectedly at night in a lonely
place, are not calcu'atetl to inspire courage in a breast already
depresseil with superstitiious fear; hut the effect produced must
to a great extent depend on the train of thought passing through
the mind of the hearer at the time, for though many a stalwart
Scot has quailed at the cry of the " hoolet," it is a matter of
history that the sons of that romantic land, when roused to
enthusiasm by similar sounds extorted from the national instru-
ment, have performed deeds of personal valor which will live in
song and story so long as poets and historians seek such themes.

In our country we have no birds of evil omen, and the Owl
is given his proper place in science and literature. Longfellow
speaks of him as " a grave bird ; a monk who chants midnight
mass in the great temple of nature." The object of his visits to
the farm house is well understood, and if they are followed by
disaster it i?> usually to the poultry or to the bird himself, if the
farmer's boys can so dnect it.

Towards the little Screech Owl the feeling is quite differ-
ent. When the weather gets severe he frequently takes up his
quarters inside the barn, and remains there undisturbed till the
weather softens in the spring, when he again betakes hmiself to
the woods. During the day he sits on the cross-beams, glower-
ing at the people as they come and go, but at night he is most
active in the pursuit of mice, which at that season form his
favorite fare.

There is no doubt that before the country was settled, the
sheltered watersof Burlington Bay were a favorite resting place
for the vast crowds of waterfowl which annually pass to and
from their breedingplacesinthenorth, but now that they are sur-
rounded by railroads, and constantly dotted with steam or sail-
ing craft moving around for trade or pleasure, these visits are
fewer and of shorter duration than in former years. Gulls,
Grebes, Loons and Ducks in large flocks are still observed in

32

ONTARIO

sprinj,' anil fall. In the still saiini'T evenings, the bumping
sound of the JJittern is frc(iuently heard coining up from tlie
iiiarsli, and the little Bittern is common enough in suitable
places all around the bay.

Occasionally Swans and Geese are seen, most frequently in
spring, about tin: time the ice is breaking up, and in March,
i(SS4, five white Pelicans spent a short lime in the oprn water
near the canal, but such visits are made only by birds who seem
bewildered by foggy weather or exhausted by adverse winds.

In the month f)f May the bay is visited by flocks of the Velvet
Duck, oidetnidiics^ldiuii. Their large size and jet black plumage
make them conspicuous objects on the water in the bright sunny
days of the early summer, iiut, strange to say, they are not long
here before individuals are noticed dead on the Heach, and the
mortality increases so much during their stay that I have counted
as many as ten or a dozen in a walk of two miles along the shore.
The birds are all in excellent condition, and I have hearil of no
satisfactory cause for the occurrence. The fatality seems
to be confined to this species, and was first observed twoor three
years ago, but since that time it has been rather on the increase.
I have not heard of its being noticed elsewhere, which would
imply that the birds die from the effects of something which they
find in the baj-. Whether the paper, recently read by Dr.
Chittenden on the evil effects of allowing the city sewers to
empty themselves into its waters, throws any light on the subject
is a matter well worthy of consideration, for if there is anything
being mixed with tlie water which causes death to the birds it
cannot be conducive to the health of the people.

I have glanced but lightly at the history of a few of the many
species of birds to be found in the neighborhood, but should
farther information be wanted regarding any particular species,
I shall have pleasure in referring to the list which will henceforth
be in the library of the association, and I hope the time is not
far distant when the library will contain not only the names of
the birds, but that preserved specunens of the birds themselves
will be found within the cabinets in the museum.

{Read before the Hamilton Association, April 2nd, 1885.)

as

A DESCRIPTION OF THE

-=3eBlI^DS OP ONTAI^IO,sft-

-BY-

TH02^-A-S 35w^Cl3Li"^7;7"^-A-I'm.

Order PYGOPODES. Diving Birds.

Suborder PODICIPEDES. Grebes and Loons.

Family PODICIPID.E. Grebes.

Genus COLYMBUS Linn.

Subgenus COLYMBUS.

1 COLYMBUS HOLBOELLII (Reinh.). 2

HolboeU'B Grebe.

Tarsus about four-fifths the micidle toe and claw ; bill little shorter ih, in
tarsus ; crests and ruff moderately developed. Length, about i8 ; wings, 7--8 ,
bill, ig to nearly 2; t.irsus, 3 ; middle toe and claw, 215. Adult: — Front and
sides of neck rich brownish-red ; throat and sidesof head ashy, whitening where
it joins the dark color of the crown, the feathers slii^htly ruffed ; top of head
with its slifrht occipital crest, upper-paits generally, and wings dark-brown
the feathers of the back paler edged ; primaries brown ; part of inner quills
white ; lower parts pale silver\-ash, the sides watered or obscurely mottled,
sometimes obviously speckled with dusky ; bill black, mv)re or less yellow at
base. The young will be recognized by these last characters, joined with the
peculiar dimensions and proportions.

H.AB. North America at large, including Greenland. Also Eastern
Siberia, and southward to Japan. Breeds in high latitudes, migrating south
in winter.

The eggs are said to be dull white, clouded with buff or pale green.

I i-

1 ?.

BiKDS OF

This species raises its young in high latitudes, and in winter
goes south as far as Pennsylvania. In spring and fall it is seen
on most of the waters of Ontario, though it is not as numerous
as other two representatives of the family ; it is a regular
visitor at Hamilton Bay, but only remains for a few days,
and being somewhat difficult of approach is not often obtained ;
during the summer or winter it has not been observed. For
many j'ears the young of this species was described as the
Crested Grebe, owing to the close resemblance it bears to the
British bird of that name. Dr. Brewer was the first to point out
the error which is now corrected in all modern works on Ameri-
can Ornithology.

Subgenus DYTES Kaup.

2 COLYMBUS AURITUS Linn. 3

Horned Grebe

Tarsus about equal to the middle toe without its claw ; bill much shorter
than the head, little more than half the tarsus, compressed, higher than wide
at the nostrils, rather obtuse ; crests and ruff's hij^hly developed. Small, length,
about 14; extent, 24 ; wing, 6 or less; bill, about J ; tarsus, ij. Adult: —
Above, dark-brown, the feathers paler edged; below, silvery-white, the sides
mixed dusky an J reddish ; most of the secondaries white ; fore neck and up-
per breast brownish-red ; head glossy black, including the rutt ; a broad band
over the eye, to and including occipital crests, brownish-yellow ; bill black,
yellow-tippeJ. The young differ as in other species, but always recognizable
by the above measurements and proportions.

Hab. Northern hemisphere. Breeds from the Northern United States
northward.

Eggs two, whitish shaded with green.

Generally distributed, breeding in all suitable places throughout
the country, notably at St. Clair flats ; little if any attempt is
made to build a nest, the eggs being simply deposited
close together on a clump of bog which is usually afloat,
so that the young when hatched may be said to tumble out of
the shell mto the water. Arrives in spring as soon as the ice
begins to break up and remains quite late in the fall, individuals
being occasionally seen on Lake Ontario during the winter.

26

ONTAKIO.
3COLYMBUSNIGRICOLLISCALIFORNICUS(Heerm.).4
American Eared Orebe.

Adult male : — Long ear tufts of rich, yellowish-brown ; hend and neck all
round, black ; upper parts greyish-black; sides, chestnut ; lower parts, silvery
grey; primaries, dark chestnut ; secondaries, white, dusky at the base ; length
13 inches. Young similar, the ear tufts wanting, and the colors generally duller.

The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the preceding species.

H.\B. Northern and Western North America, from the Mississippi
valley westward.

I mention this as an Ontario species on the authority of
Dr. Garnier of Lucknow, Bruce Co., who informs me that a
specimen was sent to him in the flesh from Colpoys Bay, as
being something different from those usually seen at that point;
it was too far gone for preservation when received, but the Dr.,
who has long been an ardent collector, assures me that he is quite
satisfied of the correctness of his identification.

This species is comparativel}' a new acquaintance to
American Ornithologists, for although described by Audubon, it
was not foimd by him. It is now known to breed in Texas, Kan-
sas, Illinois, Dakota and Colorado, so that we need not be sur-
prised if a straggler is now and then wafted this far out of its or-
dinary course.

Genus PODILYMBUS Lesson.

4 PODILYMBUS PODICEPS (Linn.). 6
Pied-billed Grebe.

Length 12 to 14 ; wing, about 5 ; bill, i or less ; tarsus, ij. Adult : —
bill bluish, dusky on the ridge, encircled with a black bar ; throat with a long
blackpatch; upper-parts blackish-brown ; primaries ashy-brown, secondaries,
ashy and white ; lower-parts silky-white, more or less mottled or obscured
with dusky ; the lower neck in front, fore breast and sides, washed with rusty.
Young lacking the throat-patch and peculiar marks of the bill, otherwise not
particularly different ; in a very early plumage with the head curiously strip-
ed.

Hab. British Provinces southward to Brazil, Buenos Ayres, and Chili,
including West Indies and the Bermudas, breeding nearly throughout its
range.

«7

II

I /

BIHDS Ol*
Nest a few matted rushes on the bog. Eggs usually whitish, clouded
with brown.

The Dab Chick is not quite as numerous as the Horned
Grebe, neither is it as hardy, being a Httle later in arriving in
spring, and disappearing in the fall at the first touch of frost.
It is generally distributed, and is the only one of the family
which breeds in Hamilton Bay, where it may often be seen
in the inlets in sunnner accompanied by its young with their
curiously striped necks. From its small size and confiding
manners it is not much disturbed, but if alarmed has a con-
venient habit of sinking quietly under water, the point of the
bill being the last part to disappear.

Family URINATORID/E. Loons.

Genus URINATOR Cuvier.

5 URINATOR IMBER (Gunn.). 7

Loon

Black ; below from the breast white, with dark touches on the sides and
vent ; back with numerous square white spots ; head and neck iridescent with
violet and green, having a patch of sharp white streaks on each side of the
neck and an jt her on the throat ; bill black. Young: — Dark gray above, the
feathers with paler edges ; below, white from the bill, the sides dusky ; bill
yellowish-green and dusky. Length, 7J--3 feet ; e.xtent, about 4 ; wing, about
14 inches; tarsus, 3 or more; longest toe and claw, 4 or more; bill, 3 or less,
at base i deep and i wide, the culmen, commissure and gonys all gently
curved.

Had. Northern part of Northern hemisphere. In North America breeds
from the northern tier of States northward ; ranges in winter south to the
Gulf of Mexico.

Nest among the flags near the water's edge. Eggs dull greenish yellow
with numerous spots of brown.

The Loon, on account of its large size, is conspicious where-
ever it appears, and its loud and melancholy cry is often heard
at nignt during rough weather when the bird itself is invisible.
Many pairs raise their young by the remote lakes and ponds
throughout the country but they all retire further south to spend
the winter ; as soon as the ice disappears they return, mostly in

a8

ONTARIO
pairs, and by the end of May have made choice of their summer
resid'jnce. The Loon, in common witli some other waterfowl,
has a curious habit when its curiosity is excited by any thing it
does not understand, of pointing its bill straight upwards, and
turning its head rapidly round in every direction as if trying thus
to solve the mystery under consideration. Once, when in my
shooting skiff, behind the rushes, drifting down the Bay before
a light wind, I came upon a pair of these birds feeding about
20 yards apart ; they did not take much notice of what must
have seemed to them to be a clump of floating rushes, and being
close enough to one of them I thought to secure it, but the cap
snapped, when the birds hearmg the noise, and still seeing nothing
living.rushed together and got their bills up as described for a con-
sultation, and so close did they keep to each other that I shot
them both dead at forty yards with the second barrel.

6 URINATOR ARCTICUS (Linn.). 9

Black-tbroated Loon,

Back and under-parts much as in the last species ; upper part of head
and hind neck, bluish-ash or hoar3-graj- ; fore neck purplish-black. The
young resemble those of that species but will be known by their inferior size.
Length, under a.J feet ; extent, about 3 ; wing, 13 or less ; tarsus, 3 ; bill,
about 2^.

Hab. Northern part of the Northern hemisphere. In North America mi-
grating south in winter to the Northern United States.

This is a much more northern bird than the preceding, it
being very seldom met with in the United States, and then mostly
in winter in immature plumage. In its migratory course it no
doubt visits the waters of Ontario, and should be looked for by
those who have opportunities of doing so. A pair of these birds
which were found in the neighbourhood of Toronto, were in-
cluded in a collection which was .sent to the Paris Exhibition in
1866, and I once saw another in Hamilton Bay under circum-
stances which prevented me from shooting it though I was quite
close enough, and satisfied of its identity. It was on a still, dull
day in the early part of April, the ice on the Bay was broken up
and floating about in loose flakes. Waterfowl of different

29

*:-3

V

. i

HIKDS ()|-

kinds were cominjT rapidly in and pitchingdown in the open water.
I was out in my shooting skiff in search of specimens when it
suddenly blew np from the East and I was caught among the
the drifting ice ; everything in the skiff got soaking wet ;
I broke both paddles trying to force a passage, and for a time
was at the mercy of the elements. While drifting along in this
condition I came close to a Black-throated Diver in similiar
trouble, it being caught among the ice unable to rise, and
evidently afraid to dive not knowing where it might come up.
We looked sympathizingly at each other, it uttered a low whin-
ing cry, and we drifted apart ; I got safe to land, and it is
to be hoped the rare bird reached the open water and got off in
safety; we did not meet again. From not having seen the species
recently or heard of its capture by others it may be considered
a ver}' rare visitor to these inland waters. In Dr. Wheaton's
exhaustive report on the birds of Ohio, mention is made of an
individual being shot in Sandusky Bay in the fall of 1880 ; but
the line of its migratory course is probably more along the sea
coast.

7 URINATOR LUMME (Gunn). 11

Red-throated Loon.

Blackish , below white, dark along the sides and on the vent and crissum;
most of head and fore-neck bluish-gray, the throat with a large c/ifs//««< patch;
hind neck sharply streaked with white on a blackish ground, bill black.
Young ha%'e not these marks on the head and neck, but a profusion of small,
sharp, circular or oval white spots on the back. Size of the last, or rather
less.

Hab. Northern part of Northern hemisphere, migrating southward in
winter nearly across the United States.

Breeds in high latitude. Eggs, two in number, pale green.

Audubon found this species breeding at Labrador, and in
*' ^ Fc.''>ia Boreali-Americana it is spoken of as "frequenting
;<e -b' res of Hudson Bay up to the extremity of Melville Pen-
In .ula." • . ,

30

\M

§:.

ON TAKIl)

Large numbers of these birds visit the waters of Southern
Ontario in March and April, about the time of the breaking up
of the ice ; yet an adult with the red throat patch is scarcely
ever seen ; the one in my collection was procured out on Lake
Ontario at midsummer, having tor some reason failed to follow
the flocks to the far north. In the fall very few are seen, their
route to the south being in some other direction.

All the birds of this class have a most ungainly gait on land,
and when surprised away from the water are often taken by the
hand before they can get up to fly ; on the water or ttndet its sur-
face their motions are exceedingly graceful.

Dr. Coues when speaking in his " Birds of the North-west "
of the familiarity of the Pacific Black-throated Diver in the
harbour of San Pedro, in Southern California, saj^s : "They
even came up to the wharves, and played* about as unconcerned
as domestic ducks ; they constantly swam around the vessels
lying at anchor in the harbour, and all their motions both on,
and under, the clear water could be studied to as much advan-
tage as if the birds had been pla ed in artificial tanks for the
purpose. Now two or thr>^e would ride lightly over the surface,
with the neck gracefully curved, propelled with idle strokes of
their broad paddles to this side or to that, one leg after the
other stretched at ease almost horizontally backwards, while
their flashing eyes first directed upwards with curious sidelong
glances, then peering into the depths below, sought for some at-
tractive morsel. In an instant, with the peculiar motion im-
possible to describe, they would disappear beneath the surface,
leaving a little foam and bubbles to mark where they went down,
and I could follow their course under water ; see them shoot
with marvelous swiftness through the limpid element, as, urged
by powerful strokes of the webbed feet and beats of the half
open wings, they Jlew rather than swam ; see them dart out the
arrow-like bill, transfix an unlucky fish and lightly rise to the
surface again. While under water the bubbles of air carried
down with them cling to the leathers, and they seem be-spangled
with glittering jewels, borrowed for the time from their
native element, and lightly parted with when they leave it,
when they arrange their feathers with a shiver, shaking off the

31

it
i I

MIKDS OF

last Sparkling drop, the feathers look as dry as if tlie bird had
never been under the water ; the fish is swallowed headforemost
with a peculiar jerking motion, and the bird again swims at ease
with the same graceful curve of the neck."

Family ALCID^E. Auks, Murres, and Puffins.

Subfamily FRATERCULIN.E. Puffins.

Genus FRATERCULA Brisson.

1 '

I

:i

' 1

;i -i

■!

8 FRATEI^ULA ARCTICA (Linn.). 13

Common PuiFin.

Adult tunic : — Kntire upper parts, and a collar passing round the fore
neck, black ; sides of the head and throat greyish-white; lower parts white ;
a homy protuberance on the upper eyelid. In the young the white of the
plumage is shaded with dusky, and the curiously shaped bill is less fully de-
veloped. Length 13 inches.

Hab. Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, breeding from France
and the Bay of Fundy northward, South in winter to Long Island and occasion-
ally farther.

Nest in a burrow underground, or in a hole among the rocks, one egg,
brownish white.

The Puffin is essentially a bird of the sea coast, which it
seldom leaves except under stress of weather. They breed in
immense numbers in Labrador, Newfoundland, and sparingly
in the Bay of Fundy. In winter they scatter along the sea coast
and are found as far South as Long Island. In the report of
The Ottawa Field Naturalists Club for 1882 and 1883, it is stated
that "A young bird of this species was shot on the Ottawa,
towards the end of October, 1881. It had probably been blown
inland by a severe storm which took place some days previous."
This is the only Ontario record we have of its occurrence so far
from the sea.

3«

Jl.

«»NT\K1().

- Subfamily PHALERIN.E.
Genus CEPPHUS Pallas.
9. CEPPHUS GRYLLE (Linn.).
Blaek Ottillemot.

27.

Adult male: — In full plumage, black, shaded with dull greeiv; a white
patch on the wings. In all other stages a marbled mixture of black and
white. Length 13 inches.

Hab. Coasts of Northern Europe, south to Denmark and British Islands.
Coast of Maine, south in winter to Philadelphia ; Newfoundland (?)

Eggs laid on the rocks near the sea, 3 in number, sea-green blotched with
brown.

There is an oH record of an individual of this and the suc-
ceeding species being found in the Bay in a state of extreme
exhaustion about twenty-five years ago. I did not see the birds
but enquired into the circumstance at the time and considered
the report correct. As none of this family have been observed
since that time, these two can only be regarded as waifs carried
away against their wishes by the force of the wind.

• .15

Subfamily ALCIN^E.
Genus URIA Brisson.
10. URIA LOMVIA (Linn.). 31.
Brunnich's Murre.

Adult male : — Head and neck brown, upper-parts, greyish-brown, secon-
daries tipped wi^h white, lower-parts white from the throat downwards.
Length 17 inches.

Hab Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans ;
south on the Atlantic coast of North America to New Jersey, breeding from
the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward.

Eggs on the clifts near the sea — pale green.

Found on the Bay under circumstances similar to the pre-
ceeding.

33

a:

MiKf^s or
Order LONGIPENNES. Long-winged Swimmers.

Family STERCORARIID^. Skuas and Jaegers.

11. STERCORARIUS POMARINUS (Temm.). 36.
Pomarin* Jaeger.

Middle tail feathers finally projecting about four inches, broad to the tip.
Length, about 20 inches ; wing, 14; bill, ii--ij; tarsus about 2. Adult: —
Back, wings, tail, crissum and lower belly brownish-black ; below from bill
to belly, and neck all round, pure white, excepting accuminate feathers of
sides of neck, which are pale yellow ; quills whitish basally, their shafts
largely white ; tarsi above blue, below, with the toes and webs black. Not
quite adult: — As before, but breast with dark spots, sides of the body with
dark bars, blackish of lower belly interrupted ; feet black. Younger: — Whole
under parts, with upper wings and tail-coverts variously marked with white
and dark ; feet blotched with yellow. Young: — Whole plumage transversely
barred with dark-brown and rufous : feet mostly yellow. Dusk stage (com-
ing next after the barred plumage just given ?) ; fuliginous, unicolor ; blackish-
brown all over, quite black on the head, rather sooty-brown on the belly ;
sides of the neck slightly shaded with yellow.

Hab. Seas and inland wafers of northern portion of the Northern hem-
isphere ; chiefly maritime. South in North America to the Great Lakes and
New Jersey.

Eggs two or three, grayish-olive with black spots.
The Pomarine Skua is occasionally seen in company with
the large gulls which spend a short time during the severity of
winter around the west end of Lake Ontario, following the fish-
ing boats and picking up such loose fish as are shaken out of
• the nets. It is spoken of by the Fishermen as a bird of a most
overbearing, tyranical disposition, one which they would gladly
punish, but on these trying trips all hands are occupied with
matters of too much importance, to think of shooting gulls.

1 :

i ! I)

■ '!

Family LARID^E. Gulls and Terns.

Subfamily LARINiE. Gulls.

Genus GAVIA Boie.

12. GAVIA ALBA (Gunn). 39.

Ivorjr 60U.

Adult male : — Pure white all over; quills of the primaries yellow, feet
and legs black, bill dull greenish ; yellow at the tip. Young, plumage clouded

34

(IN l\KH).

with dusky. Primaries and tail feathers, spotted with dusky. Length 20
inches.

Hab. Arctic Seas, south in winter on the Atlantic^coast of North Ameri-
ca to Labrador and Newfoundland, Not yet found on the coast of the
Pacific.

Receiving interesting accounts from the Fishermen of pure
white gulls which follow their boats out on the Lake, I tried
in vain for two seasons to persuade them to take my large single
gim, and bring me a specimen. Finally I got them to attach a
long line to the stern of one of the boats, with a hook at the end,
bated with a ciscoe ; in this way they succeeded in getting me a
fine adult male of the Ivory Gull the only one I ever obtained.

Genus RISSA Leach.

13. RISSA TRIDACTYLA (Linn.). 40.

Kittiwake.

Hind toe only appearing as a minute knob, its claw abortive. Mantle
rather dark grayish-bluu ; first primary with the whole outer web, and the
entire end for about two inches, black ; next one, with the end black about as
far, but outer web elsewhere light, and a white speck at extreme tip ; on the rest
of the primaries that have black, this color decreases in extent proportionally
to the shortening of the quills, so that the base of the black on all is in the
same line when the wings are closed (a patte.-n peculiar to the species of
Rissa) ; and these all have white apex. Bill yellow, usually clouded with
olivaceous ; feet dusky olivaceous. Rather small ; 16-18 ; wing, 12 ; bill, i^-
li ; tarsus about the same ; middle toe and claw longer ; tail usually slightly
emarginate. In winter, nape and hind neck shaded with the color of the
mantle. Young: — Bill black ; a black bar on the tail, another across the neck
behind ; wings and tail variously patched with black ; dark spots before and
behind the eyes ; quills mostly black.

Hab. Arctic Regions, south on the Atlantic coast in winterto the Great
Lakes and the Middle States

Eggs on cliffs overhanging the water.

This species breeds in suitable places from the Gulf of
St. Lawrence north to the shores of the Arctic Seas. It is quite
common on Lake Ontario, making its appearance early in the
fall and remaining over the winter. Even in summer should it
blow up for a day or two from the east a few Kittiwakes may
be seen soaring aloft as if seeking a sheltered resting place ; as
soon as the weather moderates they again disappear.

35

^ i

HiKHs or
14. LARUS GLAUCUS (Brunn).
Olaneous Oull.

42.

Adult: — Plumage pure white except the mantle which is grayish-blue,
Bill gamboge yellow with a carmine patch toward the end of the lower man-
dible ; feet flesh colour. In the young the upper-parts are yellowish-white,
mottled with pale brown; breast and lower-parts grey; tail white mottled with
brown, length 27 inches.

Hab. Arctic Regions, south in winter in North America to the Great
Lakes and Long Island. North Pacific.

Duringthe winter months the "Burgomaster," asthis species
is usually named, may be seen roaming around the shores of
Lake Ontario, seeking what it may devour, and is not very
scrupulous either as regards quantity or quality. In the Fauna
Boreali-Atttericann, it is described as being "notoriously greedy
and voracious, preying not only on fish and birds but on carrion
of every kind; one which was killed in Capt. Ross's expedition,
disgorged an auk when it was struck, and on dissection was
found to have another in its stomach."

In March when the days begin to lengthen, and the ice be-
gins to soften, these large gulls rise fiom Lake Ontario, and
soaring around in wide circles at a great height pass away toward
the north.

In the spring of 1884 a specimen of the Glaucous Gull was
shot near Toronto, by Mr. George Guest of that city.

15.

Genus LARUS Linn^us.
LARUS MARINUS (Linn.).
Great Black-backed OuIL

47.

Feet flesh -colored ; bill yellow with red spot. Mantle blackish slate-
color ; first primary with the end white for 2-3 inches ; second primary with
a white sub-apical spot, and like the remaining ones that are crossed with
black, having the tip white (when not quite mature, the first, with small
white tip and sub-apical spot, the second with white tip alone). In winter,
head and neck streaked with dusky. Young : — Whitish, variously washed,
mottled and patched with brown or dusky ; quills and tail black, with or
without white tips ; bill black. Very large ; length 30 inches ; wing, 18J ;
bill above 2^.

36

:i

ON I AKIO
Hab. Coast of the North Atlantic ; south in winter to Long Island and
Italy.

Nest on the ground, eggs, three, drab, blotched with brownish black.

This large and powerful gull is often seen by the Lake
Ontario fishermen following the boats, but always at a safe
distance. It grtctlily devours such dead or dying fish as may
be shaken clear of the nets, and furiously drives off any of the
smaller gulls which would seek to share the spoil. It has evi-
dently a wholesome dread of man, but is not acquainted with all
his ways, the specimen in my collection having been poisoned
by swallowing a bait which was intended for a Bald Eagle.

LARUS ARGENTATUS SMITHSONIANUS Coues.

10. American Hem n|F Gull. 61. a.

Feet flesh-color : bill yellow with red s\yOt ; mantle pale dull blue
(darker than in Uucopdrus, hut nothing like the deep slate oi marinus, much
the same as in all the rest of the species); primaries mark^jd as in marinus
(but the great majority of specimens will be found to have the not quite
mature or final condition); length, 22-27 • wings 15-18 ; tarsus, 2J-2J ; bill,
about 2j long, about ij-J deep a base, and about the same at the protuberance.
In winter ; head and hind neck streaked with dusky. Young; — At first almost
entirely fuscous or sooty-brown, the feathers of the back, white-tipped or
not ; size at the minimum above given. As its grows old, it gradually lightens ;
the head, neck and under parts are usually quite whitish, before the markings
of the quills are apparent, and before the blue begins to show, as it does in
patches, mixed with brown ; the black on the tail narrows to a bar, at the
same time the primaries are assuming their characters, but this bar disappears
before the primaries gain their perfect pattern. At one time the bill is flesh-
color or yellowish, black-tipped

I^AB. North America generally, breeding on the Atlantic coast frcm
Maine northward ; in winter south to Cuba and Lower California.

Eggs, three, greenish-gray, blotched with dark brown.

This is the most abundant bird of its class on the inland
lakes, it may be seen at nearly all seasons of the year either
soaring in wide circles overhead or passing along in front of the
wharves always on the alert to examine any offal which may be
thrown overboard from the vessels. It breeds abundantly along
the sea coast and also in suitable places inland, as shown by

37

w

■\" \

HIKDS Ol'

the following which occurs in the transactions of the Ottawa
P'ield Naturalist Club for 1881. " On this excursion, which was
held about the 21st of May, we succeeded in discoveririg on one
of the many small lakes near the Cave, a nest of the common
Gull (Larus argcntatus) but we were unfortunately too late, as
not only were the eggs hatched, but the young had already left
the nest ; from this fact it is probable that, with this spt cies, the
period of incubation is very early in the season. The. nest, which
was very shallow, was built almost altogether of dried moss, and
was placed on the top of a small rock which stood about a foot
and a half out of the water towards one end of the lake.,"

J7. LARUS DELAWARENSI3 Ord. 54.

RiDK-bUle! Gull.

Adult plumngc precisely like that of the Herring Gull, and its changes
substantially the same ; bill grccnish-yt'Wovi, encircled with a black band near
the end, usually complete, sometimes defective, the tip and most of the cut-
ting edges of the bill yellow ; in high condition, the angle of the month Jind
and a small spot biji.lj thn black, re 1 ; feet olivaceous, obscured with dusky
or bluish, and partly yellow ; the webs b; ight chrome. Notably smaller than
argcntatus; length usually 18-20 inches; extent, about ^8; wing, about 15;
bill, loirftfr 2, and only about J deep at the protuberance, tarsus, about ■:,
obviously longer than the middle toe.

Hab. North America at large ; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico.

Eggs 4 ; dark cream color, blotched with purple, umber, and black.

This is one of the common Gulls which frequent Lake
Ontario during the winter, whose numbers helpto make up the
vast crowd which is frequently seen assembled on the edge of
the ice at the western extremity of the Lake, or in Hamilton
Bay, near the canal.

In all stages of plumage it bears a strong resemblance to the
Herring Gull, but the ring round the bill and its smaller size
serve as distinguishmg marks.

59-

18. LARUS FRANKLINII Sw. & Rich.

Franklin's Gull

Adult male: — Eyelids, neck, rump, tail and lower parts white, the latter
with the under-part of the wings, deeply tinged with rich rosy red; hood,

38

ONTAfUO

black, descending downwards on the nape and throat; mantle and wings,
bluish-Rrey; a band of black crosses the five outer primaries near the end, an
the quills fealhers are tipped with white. Youtig, changing with age as in
other birds of this class. Length 15 inches.

Hab. Interior of North America, breeding chiefly north of the United
States ; south in winter to South America.

Eggs, four, greenish-gray with numerous brown markings, heaviest at the
larger end.

When questioning that indefatigable sportsman, John Dynes,
about the rare birds he had seen on his many excursions round
the bay, he told me of a gull with a pink breast, which he had
sometimes sec n in the fall, and finally in October, 1865, he
brought me one of the birds tluis referred to, which proved to
be of this species; subsequently I shot another in the month of
April, about the time the ice was breaking up ; the latter was in
a more advanced stage of plumage, but neither was mature.

These are the only individuals I have heard of occur-
ring here, their line of migration being probably more toward
the Missisippi, as, according to Dr. Coues, they are not foimd
on the Atlantic coast. Professor Macoun found them at Gull
Lake in various stages of plumage.

19. LARUS PHILADELPHIA (Ord). 60.

Bonaparte's Oull.

Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. Small ; 12-14 ; wing, oJ-iSJ;
tarsus, ij^ ; bill, 1J--1J, very slender, like a Tern's. Adult in summer ■ — Hill
black ; mantle pearly blue, much paler than in atricilla ; hood slaty-plumbeous
with white touches on the eyelids ; many wing-coverts white ; feet chrome-
yellow, tinged with coral red; webs vermilion. Primaries finally : — The first
5-6 with the shafts white except at tip ; first white, white outer web and ex-
treme tip black ; second white, more broadly crossed with black ; 3d to 6th-
8th with the black successively decreasing. In winter no hood, but a dark
auricular spot. Youtt/r; — Mottled and patched abcve with brown or grey,
and usually a dusky bar on the wing ; the tail with a bl.ick bar, the primaries
with more black, the bill dusky, much of the lower mandible flesh colored or
yellowish, as are the feet.

Hab. Whole of North America, breeding mostly north of the United
States ; south in •."•"ter to Mexico and Central America.
Eggs scarcely known.

MIKDS <)J'

About the middle of May this dainty httle Gull arrives in
small flocks, and for a week or two enlivens the shores of the
Bay with its airy gambols, but soon passes on farther north to
its breeding grounds. In the fall it returns, subdued in dress
and manners, remains till the weather begins to get cold, and
then retires to the South to spend the winter.

It has a wide distribution, being found at some period of
the year at almost every point on the continent. Speaking of
this species in the •' Birds of the Northwest," Dr. Coues says ;
'• This little Gull holds its own, from the Labrador crags,
against which the waves of an angered ocean ceaselessly beat,
to the low, sandy shores of the Gulf, caressed by the soothing bil-
lows of a tropical sea."

Subfamily STERNIN^E Terns.
Genus STERNA Linn^us.
SuRGENus THALASSEUS Boie.
20. STERNA TSCHEGRAVA Lepech. 64.

Caspian Tern.

Adult male ; Crown, sides of the head, and hind head, black, glossed with
green, back and wings, light bluish-gray, the outer primaries dark bluish-gray
on the inner webs, upper tail coverts and tail grayish-white, neck and lower
parts pure white, bill rich vermilion, legs and feet black, tail slightly forked.
Young mottled and barred with dull brown. Length 20 inches.

Hab. Nearly cosmopolitan ; in North America breeding southward to
Virginia, Lake Michigan, Nevada, and California.

Eggs, two, laid in a hollow in the sand ; pale olive buff, marked with
spots of dark brown.

The harsh cry, long pointed wings, and coral red bill of this
species, at once attract the attention of any one who may happen
to be close enough for observation. In spring, when at liberty
to move about, they visit Hamilton Bay in small numbers, and
are seen fishing, about the mouths of the inlets or more frequent-
ly basking in the sun on a sandy point which runs out into the

40

ONlAKKt.

baj' opposite Dynes' place. In the fall they pay a similar visit,
but at this season they are less attractive in appearance, the bill
having lost much of its brilliancy, and the plumage being com-
paratively dull.

21. STERNA SANDVICENSIS ACUFLAVIDA (Cabot.). fi7.

Cabot's Tern.

Bill rather longer than the head, slender, black, with the tip yellow,
mouth inside, deep blue ; feet, black ; wings longer than the tail, which is
deeply forked ; upper part of the head and hind neck, bluish-black ; sides of
the head, neck all round, and rest of the lower parts, white ; the sides and
breast tinged with pink ; fore part of the back, scapulars and upper surface
of the wings pale bluish-gray, the tips and greater part of the inner web of
the scapulars and quills, white, as are the rump and tail ; the four outer quills
blackish, but covered with light gray down on the outer webs, and over a con-
siderable portion of the inner, their shafts white. Length, 15-16 ; wing, 12-50.

Eggs, two to three, dropped on the diy sand, rather pointed, yellowish
drab, spotted with dark and reddish brown.

The usual habitat of this species is so far to the south of us
that I would hesitate to include it in this list, but for the conclu-
sive evidence we have of its being taken within our limits.

In the spring of 1882, Dr. Garnier noticed three terns of this
species coursing around a mill-pond not far from his residence
at Lucknow. The Dr. attended to them at once, the result was
that one went clear off toward Lake Huron, another wriggled
with difficulty after it, and the third fell dead on the pond. I
afterward saw this specimen mounted, and satisfied myself of its
identity. It is difficult to account for birds wandering away at
times beyond their usual limit, yet we might with as much truth
say that it is difficult to account for birds so regularly keeping
within certain limits, but when those of this class find themselves
farther from home than they intended, it does not cost them
much labour to correct the mistake.

22.

69.

Subgenus STERNA.

STERNA FORSTERI Nutt.

Fomter'B Tern.

Like the next ; larger, tail longer than wings. Wingof adult, g^-ioj ;
tail, 6J~8, thus often beyond the extreme of hirundo, and nearly as in

4«

i#l

j

ll

' i

BIRDS OF

piiradisaca ; bill, i)j (ii-i|), and about 2-5 deep at base (in hirundo rarely if
ever so deep); tarsus seldom down to | ; whole foot, about 2. Little or no
plumbeous wash below ; inner web of the outer tail feather darker than outer
web of the same Young and winter birds may be distinguished from hirundo
at gunshot range ; the black cap is almost entirely wanting, and in its place
i i a broad black band an each side of the head through the eye ; several
lateral tail feathers are largely dusky on the inner webs ; their outer webs are
white.

Hab. North America generally, breeding from Manitoba southward, in
the United States to Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and California ; in winter
southward to Brazil.

Eggs, two to three, drab, blotched and spotted with brown of different
shades.

Said to breed in suitable places from Texas to the Fur coun-
tries; on Lake Ontario it is only a casual visitor in spring and
fall, but it breeds abundantly in the marshes along the River
St. Clair. In general appearance it bears a close resemblance
to the next species, but the difference is readily seen by referring
to the peculiar markings of the tail feathers.

2:1. STERNA HIRUNDO Linn. 70.
Common Tern.

Bill red, blackening on the terminal third, the very point usually light ,
feet coral red Mantle pearly grayish-blue ; primary shafts white except at the
end ; below white, washed with pale pearly plumbeous blanching on throat
and lower belly. Tail mostly white, the outer web of the outer feather dark-
er than inner web of the same. Length of male, 14J (13— 16) ; extent, 31
(29-32); wing, loj (yj-iij); tail, 6 (5-7); tarsus, J (§--5); bill, 1J--1J ; whole
foot, averaging i^ ; female rather less; averaging toward these minima; young
birds may show a little smaller, in length of tail particularly, and so of total
length ; length, 12 or more ; wing, cj or mor'^ ; tail, 4 or more; bill, ij or more
In winter this species does not appear to loje the black-cap, contrary to a
nearly universal rule. Young: — Bill mostly dusky, but much of the under
mandible yellowish; feet simply yellowish ; cap more or less defective ; back
and wings patched and barred with grey and light brown, the bluish showing
imperfectly if at all, but this color shading much of the tail ; usually a blackish
bar along the lesser coverts, and several tail feathers dusky on the outer web;
below, pure white, or with "ery little plumbeous shade.

Hab. Greater part of Northern hemisphere and Africa. In North
America chiefly confined to the Eastern Province, breeding from the Arctic
coast, somewhat irregularly, to Florida and Texas, and wintering northward
to Virginia.

42

Hi

ONTARIO.

Eggs, two or three deposited in a hollow in the sand, light brown, tinged
with green and blotched with dark brown.

The Sea Swallow, as this species has often been called, is

common to both continents, and has been foimd breeding as far

north as Greenland and Spitzbergen ; its return to its summer

haunts is hailed as a sure indication that winter is really gone,

and for a time many a quiet bay and inlet is enlivened by its

presence.

" Swift by the window skims the Tern,
On liKht and glancing wing,
And every sound which rises up
Gives token of the Spring."

At Hamilton Bay it makes its appearance about the loth of
May, and in company with the black-headed Gulls, in merry
groups go careering around the shores, or settle on the sand
bars to rest and plume their feathers in the sun. By the end of
the month they have all gone to the St. Clair marshes or some
such place to raise their yoimg ; again paying us a short visit
in the Fall on their way South.

24. STERNA PARADIS/EA Brunn. T1.
Arctic Tern.

Bill, carmine; Feet, vermillion ; plumage, like that of //(>;/»(/«. but much
darker below, the plumbeous wash so heavy that these parts are scarcely
paler than the mantle; crissum, pure white; throat and sides of the neck,
white or tinged with gray. In winter, cap defective ; in young the same,
upper parts patched with gray, brown or rufus ; under parts paler or white ;
a dark bar on the wing; outer webs of several tail feathers, dusky ; bill
blackish or dusky red with yellow on the under mandible; feet dull orange,
smaller than hirmido, but tail much longer, Length, 14-17, wing, 10-12;
tail 5-8 ; bill, i. 20-1. 40.

Hab. Northern hemisphere ; in North .Vmerica breeding from Massa-
chussetts to the Arctic Regions, and wintering southward to Virginia and
California. *

Eggs 2 to 3 ; laid on the bare rock ; drab, spotted and dashed with brown
of different shades.

For several reasons the Terns which visit Ontario are less
known than birds belonging to other classes ; they are not
sought after by sportsmen, and at present the number of collect-

43

,

i fe

m

BIRDS OF

ors is so few, that the Sea Swallows (as they are here called,)
are little molested ; then there are several species such as the
Common Tern, Forster's Tern, and the one we are now con-
sidering, which resemble each other so closely, that the differ-
ence can only be made out on careful examination by one who
is familiar with the subject. As compared with the Common
Tern, the present species is a bird of more slender make, the
tail feather • > usually much longer, and the under parts of a
much darker s/.ade..

In the spring and fall, liocks of Terns resembling each other
in general appearance are seen frequenting Hamilton Bay, and
the inlets along t;}'e shores of Lake Ontario, considering the
range of thi - :, . -^ n is likely that it is here with the others,
but among the f;. a ■ ' 'i i have killed, I have not found any.

In the collection oi h'rC.^ got together under direction of the
late Proi. Hinc ;s, and sei -^ the Paris Exhibition in 1867, a
pair of Aichc TOcrns . •." :i.c,'. /! ".'Mch were said to have been
procured near Toronto.

Subgenus STERNULA Boie.

25. STERNA ANTILLARUM (Less.). 74.

Least Tern.

Bill yellow, usually tipped with black. Mantle pale pearly grayish-blue,
unchanged on the rump and tail; a white frontal crescent, separating the
black from the bill, bounded below by :•. biack loral stripe reaching the bill;
shafts of two or more outer primaries black on the upper surface, white under-
neath ; feet orange. Young: — Cap too defective to show the crescent; bill
aark, much of the under mandible pale ; feet obscured. Very small, only
8-9; wing, 6-6i ; tail, 2-3J ; bill, i-ij; tarsus, %.

Hab. Northern South America, Northward to California and New Eng-
Irn 1, and casually to Labrador, breeding nearly throughout its range.

Eggs, 2 to 3 ; variable in color ; usually drab, speckled with lilac and
brown ; left in a slight depression in the dry beach sand beyond the reach of
water.

This is a refined minature of the Common Tern, and a very
handsome, active little bird ; it is common along the sea coast
to the south of us but probably does not often come as far north

44

ONTARIO

as Lake Ontario. Dr. Wheaton mentions it as of irregular
occurrence on Lake Erie, and Dr. Brodie reports it as being
found near Toronto. In the month of October, several years
ago, I shot an immature specimen as it rose from a piece of drift
wood in Hamilton Bay, during a southerly blow of several days
duration, which is the only time I have ever seen the species here.

Genus HYDROCHELIDON Boie.

HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA SURINAMENSIS (Gmel.).

26. Black Terr. 77.

Adult in breeding plumage ; head, neck and under parts, uniform jet'
black ; back, wings and tail plumbeous ; primaries unstriped ; crissum pure
white ; bill black. In winter and young birds, the black is mostly replaced
by white on the forehead, sides of head and under parts, the crown, occiput
and neck behind, with the sides under the wings, being dusky-gray ; a dark
auricular patch and another before the eye ; in a very early stage, the upper-
parts are varied with dull brown. Small ; wing, 8—9, little less than the whole
length ot the bird ; tail, 3J, simply forked; bill, i--i|; tarsus, jj ; middle toe
and claw, ij.

Hab. Temperate and tropical America. From Alaska and the Fur
countries to Chili, breeding from the middle United States northward.

No nest. Eggs, on the bog, two or three, brownish olive, splashed and
spotted with brown.

Common to both Continents, extending its migrations far
north ; it has been found in Iceland, and according to Richard-
son is known to breed in the fur countries. It enters Southern
Ontario early in May and often visits the various feeding
resorts along the route, in company with the smaller Gulls, and
retires to the marshes to raise its young. At St. Clair flats it
breeds abundantly, its eggs being often seen apparently neglect-
ed, yet they are said to be covered by the female at night and in
rough weather.

In the fall it is again seen moving about with its young, but
seems rather tender as it is one of the first to retire to the South

45

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k

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HIKDS OF

Family SULID^E. Gannets.
Genus SULA BRISSON.
Subgenus DYSPORUS Illiger.
27. SULA BASSANA (Linn.). 117.
Gannet.

Adult male ; White, the head and hind neck, tinged with yellowish
brown, primaries black. Young dark-brown spotted with white, lower parts
grayish white. Length, 30 inches.

Had. Coasts of the North Atlantic, south in winter to the Gulf of Mexico
and Africa : breeds from Maine and the British Islands northward.

Breeds in communities on rocks near the sea. One egg, pale greenish
blue.

Although a bird of powerful flight, the Solan Goose seldom
wanders far from the sea. The only record we have of its oc-
currence in Southern Ontario is that of a single individual
which was found in Hamilton Bay, in a state of extreme exhaus-
tion, after a severe " north-ea: te."

It has many favorite breeding places along the coast from

Maine northward, one of the most extensive of which is " Gannet

Rock" in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the birds sit on the

ledges in such numbers as to give the rock, when viewed from a

distance the appearance of being covered with snow.

Family PHALACROCORACID^E. Cormorants.

Genus PHALACROCORAX Brisson.

Subgenus PHALACROCORAX.

28. PHALACROCORAX CARBO (Linn.). 119.

Cormorant
General plumage, black, glossed with blue, a white patch on the throat
and another on the s^des of the body ; in summer the head is crested with
long narrow feathers which fall off when the breeding season is over, the white
patch on the throat and sides also disappear about the same time. Length,
36 inches.

Hab. Coasts of the North Atlantic, south in winter on the coast of the
United States, casually to the Carolinas ; breeding (formerly) from Massa-
chusetts northward.

Nest on precipitous rocks, built of sticks and sea-weed, kept in a filthy
condition from the refuse of the larder, etc. Eggs, three to four, pale bluish
green.

46

ONTARIO

Although the Cormorants are generally birds of the sea-coast,
yet when not specially engaged at home, they make periodical
excursions to the lakes, where no doubt they find the change of
food and scenery very agreeable ; in spring and fall they are
occasionally seen on Hamilton Bay, following their usual avoca-
tion of fi.shing. Not long since I looked at one through a
powerful glass as he sat on the buoy out off the wharves, and
^ould not but admire the graceful motions of his long, lithe neck,
as he preened his plumage in conscious safety ; perhaps at that
distance the inspection was more pleasant than it might have
been closer by, as these birds, though apparentlj' cleanly, carry
with them a most unsavory odor.

29. PHALACROCORAX DILOPHUS (Sw. & Rich.). 120.
Double-crcbitid Cormorant,

Tail of twelve feathers ; gular sac convex or nearly straight-edged behind.
Glossy greenish-black ; feathers of the back and wings coppery. gray, black-
shafted, black-edged ; adult with curly black latirnl crests, and in the breeil-
ing season other filamentous white ones over the eyes and along the sides of
the neck ; white flank-patch, not observed in the specimens examined, but
probably occurring; gular sac and lores orange. Eyes green. Length, 30-33
inches; wing, 12 or more ; tail, 6 or more ; bill along gape, 3J , tarsus a little
over 2. Young, plain dark-brown, paler or grayish (even white on the breast)
below, without head plumes.

Hab. Eastern coast of North America, breeding from the Bay of Fundy
northward ; southward in the interior to the Great Lakes and Wisconsin.

Eggs, two to three, bluish green.

This, like the preceding species, occasionally visits the inland
lakes, and is distinguished by its smaller size and richer plumage.
The specimen in my collection I shot off Huckleberry Point, as
it rose from a partially submerged stump, which it had used for a
short time as a fishing station. All the Cormorants have the
reputation of being voracious feeders, and they certainly have a
very nimble way of catching and swallowing their prey, yet it is
not hkely that they consume more than other birds of similar
size.

47

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30.

RIKOS t)K

Family PELECANID/E.
Subgenus CYRTOPELICANUS Reichendach.
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHOS Gmel. 125.
American White Pelicao.

White ; occiput and breast yellow ; primaries, theircoverts, bastard quills
and many secondaries black ; bill, sac, lores and feet yellow. Len^'th, about 4
feet ; expanse, 7-0 : win^, 2; bill, i or more ; tail, i ; normally 24-feathered.

Hab. Temperate North America, north in the interior to about Lat.
61 , south to Central America : now rare or accidental in the Northeastern
States ; abundant in the Middle Province and along the Gulf coast ; common
on the coasc of California and Western Mexico.

Nest on the ground or in a low bush near the water. KgR^i °^^ to three,
dull white.

Early in the niontli of May, 1864, five of these larpfe, odd-
looking birds were observed on Hamilton Bay, and were accord-
ed such attention as is usually given to visitors of this description.
John Dynes was the first to give them a salute, and captured
two of their nimiber, one of which came into my possession, the
other three remained for a day or two, but were much disturbed,
and finally got away. On the 13th March, 1S84, a similar visit
was made by a like number, about the time the ice was brea'^ing
up. Mr. Smith, who was in charge of the Ocean House at the
time, saw them flying heavily up the lake. They seemed much
exhausted, and, on alighting on the ice near the edge of the
water, at once squatted flat, with the head resting between the
shoulders. On two or three rifle bullets being landed imcom-
fortably near them, they agam got up reluctantly, and went off
east down the lake, hugging the shore for shelter from the wind,
which was blowing fresh at the time.

I have heard of specimens being captured at other points in
Ontario, but as we are a long way east of their line of migration,
all of these can only be regarded as stragglers driven from their
course by high winds or bewildered bj' foggy weather.

Professor Macoun found them breeding at Old Wives, Gull
and Long Lakes in the Northwest.

48

ONTAKKi.

Order ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers.

Family ANATID^. Ducks, Geese, and Swans.

Subfamily MERGIN/E. Mergansers.

Genus MERGANSER Brisson.

31. MERGANSER AMERICANUS (Cass.). 129

American Merfraaser. •

Nostrils nearly median ; frontal feathers reaching beyond those on sides
of bill; male with the head scarcely crested, glossy green; back and wings
black and white, latter crossed by one black bar : under parts salmon-colored;
length, about 24 ; wing, 11 , female smaller, occipital crest better developed,
but still flimsy ; head and neck reddish-brown ; back parts of the male ashy
gray ; less white on the wing; under parts less tinted with salmon.

Hab. North America generally, breeding south to the Northern United
States.

Nest on the ground, built of weeds and moss, and lined with down. Eggs
six to eight, buffer dark cream.

This is the largest, and by many considered the handsomest
of the three Saw-bills which visit us ; it is never plentiful, being
more a bird of the sea-coast, but is usually seen singly or in
pairs among the flocks of waterfowl which crowd up from the
South as soon as the ice begins to move in the lakes and rivers
in spring.

In the fall they are again observed in company with their
young, which at this stage all resemble the female in plumage.
The flesh of the Saw-bills being fishy, the gunners often allow
them to pass when a Blue-bill or a Red-head would not get so
easily off.

32. MERGANSER SERRATOR (Linn.). 130.
Red-breasted Herg^anser.

Nostrils sub-basal ; frontal feathers not reaching beyond those on sides of
bill ; a long, thin, pointed crest in both sexes. Smaller than the last ; wing,
8-9 ; general coloration, sexual difference the same, but the male with the
jugulum rich reddish-brown, black-streaked, the sides conspicuously finely
waved with black, a white, black-bordered mark in front of the wing, and the
wing crossed by two black bars.

' J "i

w ..f;

49

ilfi:

HIKDS OK
Hab. Northern portions of Northern hemisphere ; south, in winter,
throughout thu United States.

Nest among the weeds, built of grass, and warmly lined with down. Eggs,
nine to ten, creamy buff.

Rather more numerous than the preceding, being often seen
in spring and fall in flocks of six or eight, fishing about the
mouths of the inlets in Hamilton Bay.

This species is common to both continents, and breeds on
the rocky islets on many of the inland lochs in the north of
Scotland. All the young birds appear for the first season in the
plumage of the female, but the male can readily be distinguished
by a peculiar bony enlargement in the windpipe, which does not.
occur in the opposite sex.

It is said that in this and the preceding species, as soon as
the female has completed her set of eggs, the male has the un-
gallant habit of ignoring all family responsibilities, and leaves
the entire care of the youngsters to their mother, who leads them
carefully to the water, and gives them their first lesson at a very
early age. . . ,

Genus LOPHODYTES Reichenbach.

1 !',
; i;

33. LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS (Linn.). 131.
Hooded Merg^anser.

Nostrils sub-basal ; frontal feathers reaching beyond those on sides of
bill ; a compact erect, semicircular, laterally compressed crest in the male,
smaller and less rounded in the female ; male, black, including two crescents
in front of wing, and bar across speculum ; under parts, centre of crest,
speculum and stripes on tertials white ; sides chestnut, black-barred; length,
18-19 ; wing, 8 ; female smaller ; head and neck brown ; chin whitish ; back
and sides dark-brown, the feathers with paler edges ; white on the wing less,
bill reddish at base below.

Hab. North America generally, south to Mexico and Cuba, breeding
nearly throughout its range.

Nest in a hole in a tree or stump. Eggs, six to eight, buff or dark cream
color. ,,

This beautiful little Saw-bill is a regular visitor at Hamilton

50

ONTAHIO.

Bay where it spends a short time in the beginning of April,
before retiring to its more remote breeding grounds.

The habit of raising its young in a hole in a tree seems rather
a singular one for a bird of this class, but in this rettred position
the female spends the anxious hours of incubation, beyond the
reach of danger, to which she might elsewhere be exposed. As
soon as the young are old enough to bear transportation, she
takes them one after another by the nape of the neck and drops
them gently into the water. Like the other Saw-bills, this
species feeds on fish, on account of which its flesh is not con-
sidered a delicacy.

Subfamily ANATINvE. River Ducks,
Genus ANAS Linnaeus.
34. ANAS BOSCHAS Linn. 132.
Mallardt

Male with the head and upper neck, glossy green, succeeded 1 a white
ring ; breast, purplish-chesnut ; tail feathers mostly whitish ; greater wing-
coverts tipped with black and white, the speculum violet ; feet orange red ;
female with the wing as in the male ; head, neck and un ler-parts pale ochrey
speckled and streaked with dusky. Length, about 24 ; wing, 10-12.

Hab. Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere; ii. \merica si uth to
Panama and Cuba, breeding southward to the northern border of the
United States.

Nest on the ground, built of dry grass, lined with feathers. Eggs, eight
to ten, dull drab color.

This, the parent of the domestic duck, is an abundant species
and widely distributed, but is found in greatest numbers at cer-
tain points where its food abounds. At Hamilton Bay it occurs
sparingly during the migratory season, but at Rond Eau, at
Long Point on Lake Erie, and at the flats along the river St.
Clair it assembles in vast flocks in the fail to feed on the wild
rice. At the latter place a few pairs remain during summer and
rear their young, but the greater body pass farther north.

A few years since Mr. John Bates, whose farm is on the
shore of Hamilton Bay near the Waterworks, noticed a female of
the species late in the fall, associating with his tame ducks; it was
shy, and kept away from the house for a time, but as the season

3X

i I ^t«fl

ri> I

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ii I

BIKDS OK

advanced, and the water got frozen over, it came into the sheds
and remained permanently with the others. In the spring it
built a nest in an out of the way place, and in due time came
forth followed by a brood of young ones, which in time grew
up and '.:red with domestic species. Mr. Bates pointed out to
me some ofthe stock which he always could recognize by their sit-
ting deeper in the water, by their comparatively long slim neck, and
by a certain wild look of suspicion and mistrust which clung to
them through several generations. Mr. Bates thought the indi-
vidual referred to had been wounded in the wing, and thus
incapacitated for performing the usual journey south.

35. ANAS OBSCURA Gmel. 133.

Black Duck.

1 1!;

iSii'

Size of the Mallard, and resembling the female of that species, but darker
and without decided white anywhere except under the wings. Tail 16-18,
feathered.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to Utah and Texas, north to Labra-
dor, breeding southward to the Northern United States.

Nest on the ground, built of grass, weeds and feathers. Eggs, eight to ten
yellowish drab.

Although there are several other ducks darker in color than
this species, yet it is still the " Black Duck" of the gunners all
over the continent, and is excelled by no other in the excellence
of its flesh. It is not as plentiful throughout Ontario as the
Mallard, being more a bird of the sea-coast, frequenting the salt
marshes along the coast of Maine, where it breeds abundantly ;
a few pairs have also been found mating in the marsh along the
River St. Clair, but such occurrences are by no means common,

We are told that long ago the Black Duck was a regular
visitor to the marshy inlets around Hamilton Bay, but now there
is so much to disturb, and so little to attract them, that their
visits are few and far between.

5a

hi

ONTARIO

Subgenus CHAULELASMUS Bonaparte.

.J«. ANAS STREPERA Linn. 136.

OadwaU.

Male with most of the plumage barred or half-ringed with black and
white or whitish; middle coverts chestnut, greater coverts black, speculum white;
female known by these wing marks. Length, ig-22 ; wing, lo-ii.

Hab. Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America breeds chiefly within
the United States.

Nest usually on the ground, sometimes in trees. Eggs, buffer dull cream
color.

The Gadwall is rare throughout Ontario ; when a large mix-
ed lot of ducks is sent down in the fall from any of the shooting
stations in the west, one pair or two may sometimes be picked
out, but that is all.

The pair in my collection were shot in Hamilton Bay many
years ago, since that time I have not heard of any being obtained
there. It seems rather a tender species, and does not go as far
north as some others. It is common to both continents, but it is
nowhere abundant.

Subgenus MARECA Stephens,

37. ANAS AMERICANA Gmel. 137.

Baldpate.

Bill and feet grayish-blue, top of head white, or nearly so, plain or speck-
led, its sides and the neck more or less speckled ; abroad green patch on sides
of head; fore breast light-brownish; belly pure white; crissum abruptly
black, middle and greater coverts white, the latter black-tipped ; speculum
green, black bordered ; length, 20-22 ; wing, 11 ; tail, 5 ; tarsus, 2; bill, ij-i^ :
female known by the wing markings.

Had. North America, from the Arctic Ocean south to Guatemala and
Cuba.

Eggs, eight to twelve, pale buff.

Resembles the preceding in appearance, but can always bo
distinguished by the creamy white crown which has suggcsteii
for the species the familiar name of" Baldpate." It is also more
abundant, being often seen in flocks of fifty to one hundred during

53

mm

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i

1

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;

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HIRDS C)l'

the season of migration. It has a wide breeding range through-
out the United States and British America. At the St. Clair
flats it has often been seen at midsummer, but so far I have no
record of its nest or eggs having been found there. It seems
rather tender, and is one of the first to retire to the south in the
fall.

i

Subgenus NETTION Kaup.
38. ANAS CAROLINENSIS Gmelin. 139.

Green-winced Teal.

Head and upper neck chesnut, with a broad glossy green band on each
side, uniting and blackening on the nape ; under parts white or whitish, the
fore-breast with circular black spots ; upper parts and flanks closely waved
with blackish and white ; a white crescent in front of the wing ; crissum black,
varied with white or creamy ; speculum rich green bordered in front with buffy
tips of the greater coverts, behind with light tips of secondaries ; no blue on
the wing ; bill black ; feet gray. Female differs in the head markings, but
those of the wing are the same. Small ; length, 14-15 ; wing, 7^ ; tail a ; bill,
I J ; tarsus, ij.

Hab. North America, chiefly breeding north of the United States, and
migrating south to Honduras and Cuba.

Nest on the ground, built of dried grass, and lined with feathers. Eggs,
usually eight, pale dull green.

This dainty little duck visits us in considerable numbers
in April ; and in September is again seen while on its way south.
It was found by Professor Macoun breeding in Grand Valley
near the Assinaboine, and most likely does so in intermediate
districts, though to what extent is not at present known. It is
one of the first to return from the north, and is eagerly sought
for at the shooting stations on account of the delicacy of its flesh.

i

Subgenus QUERQUEDULA Stehhens.

39. ANAS DISCORS Linn. 140.

Blae-wingped Teal.

Head and neck of the male blackish plumbeous, darkest on the crown,
usually with purplish iridescence , a white crescent in front of the eye ; under
parts thickly dark spotted ; wing coverts sky-blue, the greater white-tipped

54

ONTARIO
speculum green, white-tipped ; axillars and most under wing coverts white ;
scapulars striped with tawny and blue, or dark green ; fore-back barred ; rump
and tail dark, plain ; crissum black ; bill black, feet dusky yellow ; female
with head and neck altogether diflFerent; under parts much paler and obscurely
spotted, but known by the wing marks.

Hab. North America in general, but chiefly the Eastern Province ; north
to Alaska, and south to the West Indies and Northern South America ; breeds
from the Northern United States northward.

Nest composed of dry grass and weeds, lined with feathers. Eggs, eight,
dull green.

At Hamilton very few of this species are seen in spring, but
in the fall they often appear in flocks of considerable size, and
during their short stay afford good sport to the gunners, who
lay in wait for them in the evening near their feeding ground.

At St. Clair I have seen them in June, evidently mated, and
was told that a few pairs still breed there, though the number
of summer residents is small as compared with former years.

In Grand Valley, along the banks of the Assinaboine, Prof.
Macoun found them extremely abundant, and breeding in suitable
places throughout the district.

Genus SPATULA Boie.
40. SPATULA CLYPEATA (Linn.). 142.
Shoveller.

Bill as above with very numerous and prominent laminae. Head and
neck of male, green ; fore-breast white, belly purplish-chesnut ; wing coverts,
blue ; speculum green bordered with black and white ; some scapulars blue,
others green, all white-striped ; bill blackish ; feet red. Female known by
bill and wings.

Hab. Northern Hemisphere. In North America breeding from Alaska
to Texas ; not abundant on the Atlantic coast.

Nest on the ground. Eggs, eight, greenish gray.

An adult male Shoveller procured in the month of May makes
a handsome specimen for the cabinet, as there are few of our
waterfowl as gaily attired ; the large spoonbill somewhat spoils
his beauty of proportion, but it serves as a distinguishing mark for
individuals of the species, of any age or sex.

35

Vi. '

BIRDS OF

It is not common in Ontario, but is occasionally found by the
gunners steering up some sluggish creek, or sifting the mud along
its shores ; as its flesh is held in high estimation for the table,
it is never allowed to get avsray when it can be stopped.

It breeds in the Northwest, and was observed by Prof.
Macoun in great numbers in the creeks and pools near the
Assinaboine in September and October.

41.

Genus DAFILA Stephens.

DAFILA ACUTA (Linn.). 14.S.
Pintail.

Tail cuneate, when fully developed the central feathers projecting and
nearly equalling the wing ; much shorter and not so narrow in the female and
young, four to nine inches long ; wing, ii, total length about 24. Bill, black
and blue, feet grayish blue, head and upper neck dark brown, with green and
purple gloss, sides of neck with a long white stripe, lower neck and under
parts white, dorsal line of neck black, passing into the gray of the back, which,
like the sides, is vermiculated with black ; speculum greenish-purple, anter-
iorly bordered by buff tips of tii". greater coverts, elsewhere by black and
white ; tertials and scapulars black and silvery ; female and young with the
whole head and neck speckled or finely streaked with dark brown, and grayish
or yellowish-brown ; below dusky freckled ; above blackish, all the feathers
pale-edged ; only a trace ot the speculum between the white or whitish tips of
the greater coverts and secondaries.

Hab. Northern hemisphere. In North America breeds from the north-
ern parts of the United States northward, and migrates south to Panama and
Cuba.

Nest on the ground. Eggs, eight to twelve, dull grayish olive.

An abundant migrant in spring and fall, and one of the most
graceful m its movements, either on land or water. At Hamil-
ton its visits are of short duration, as it seems to prefer running
streams. According to Mr. Saunders, a few pairs breed at St.
Clair, but the great body pass the summer much farther north.

Genus AIX Boie.
42. AIX SPONSA (Linn.). 14.4.
Wood Duck.

Male : Head crested, metalic green and pui-ple ; line above and behind
the eye, white ; throat white ; above, coppery black with a gloss of green and
purple ; beneath white, upper part of the breast, chestnut ; sides bufify, very

56

ONTARIO.

finely variegated with black ; the shoulder bordered also with black ; covert
and quills with mere a fewer tips and shades of white and purple. Female :
chestnut of the neck detached and dull ; sides not striped ; head and neck
dull. Bill reddish, edges dusky. Legs and feet yellowish, iris red. Length,
19 ; extent, 27-50 ; wing, 9.

Hab. Temperate North America, breeding throughout its range.

Nest in a hole in a tree. Eggs about twelve in nuniber, pale buff slightly
tinged with green.

This, the most beautiful of all our waterfowl, is very gener-
ally distributed throughout the country, arriving from the south
about the time the ice disappears from our lakes and rivers, and
again retiring early in the fall. Owing to the great beauty of the
male these birds are much sought after by all classes of sports-
men, and are now seldom seen except near the retired ponds and
marshes where they breed. Twenty-five years ago I have seen
them leading out their young from one of the inlets of the Dun-
das marsh ; they were also known at that time to breed near
Gage's inlet, but of late years they have been observed only as pass-
ing migrants in spring and fall. The Wood Duck has frequently
been domesticated, and adds greatly to the interest and beauty
of an artificial pond in a pleasure ground.

Genus AYTHYA Boie.

43. AYTHYA AMERICANA (Eyt.). U6.
Redhead.

Bill dull blue with a black belt at end, broad and depressed, shorter than
head (2 or less) the nostrils within its basal half; color of head rich, pure chest-
nut, with bronzy or red reflections, in the female, plain brown ; body anteriorly,
rump and tail coverts black, in the female dark brown, back, scapulars and
sides plumbeous-white, finely waved with unbroken black lines, less distinct
in the female ; speculum, bluish-ash. Length, about 20; wing g-io ; tarsus,

Hab. North America, breeding from California and Maine northward,
Nest like that of a Coot, composed of broken bits of rushes on a elump of
bog, often afloat. Eggs, seven to eight, dull buff.

The Redhead is one of the most abundant species which visits
Lake Ontario, and, judging by the numbers which are sent down
from the shooting stations farther west, it seems to be equally so
at other points. They are strong hardy birds, and a heavy
charge skilfully aimed, is necessary to stop them when on the

57

BIRDS OF

Wing". During the past two seasons a flock of loo to 150
remained in Lake Ontario all winter, about half a mile from the
shore, opposite the village of Burlington ; the birds spent most
of their time at one particular place, sometimes diving, or again
sitting at rest on the water, and always close together, as
if for greater warmth. When the weather moderated in March
they shifted about for a few days and then went off to the north-
west, the course taken by most waterfowl when leaving this
point in spring. Great numbers are said to spend the summer
in Manitoba.

41. AYTHYA VALLISNERIA (Wils.). 147.
CanTaa-back,

\m

Similar to the preceding, but bill blackish, high at the base and narrow
throughout, not shorter than head (two and a half or more), the nostrils at its
middle ; head much obscured with dusky ; black waved lines of the back
sparse and broken up into dots, the whitish thus predominating.

Hab. Nearly all of North America, breeding from the Northwestern
States northward to Alaska.

Breeds in the Northwest. Nest and eggs similar to those of the Redhead.

The Canvas-back occurs with us occasionally in limited num-
bers ; it resembles the Redhead in many ways, but can readily
be distinguished by its low forehead and by the sooty color of
the head and upper part of the neck. Its mode of diving is also
peculiar, as before going under the water it throws itself upward
and forward, thus describing a curve as if seeking to gain im-
petus in the descent, just as boys sometimes do when taking a
header off a point not much above the water level.

Its reputation as a table duck is very high, but the excellence
is attained only when the birds have for some time been feeding
on wild celery, of which they are very fond ; when that is not
available they are no better for the table than Redheads or Blue,
bills.

58

ONTAKJC).

Subgenus FULIGULA Stephens.

45. AYTHYA MARILA NEARCTICA Stejn. 147.

American Scaup Duek.

Male with the head, neck and body anteriorly black, the former with a
green gloss ; back and sides whitish, finely waved in zig-zag with bl.ick ; below,
and speculum of wing white ; bill dull blue with black nail ; legs plumbeous.
Female with the head and anterior parts brown, and other black parts of the
male, rather brown; face pure white. Length, about 20 ; wing, 9.

Hab. North America, breeding far north.

Nest of weeds and dry grass, lined with down, placed on the ground.
Eggs, dull drab.

This and the next species, which are nearly allied, are the
ducks most frequently met with in Southern Ontario, where
they are known as Blue-bills. In the fall they remain in Ham-
ilton Bay till they are frozen out, and in spring, even before the
bay is open, they appear outside on Lake Ontario and
make frequent excursions inward to watch for the moving of
ice. In spring many remain in the bay till about the first of May,
by which time they seem all to be paired, but I have no record
of their having been found breeding, and think it likely that
nearly all spend the summer to the north of the Province.

46. AYTHYA AFFINIS (Eyt.). 149.
Lesser Scaup Duck.

Extremely similar to the preceding, but smaller, about 16 ; wing 8 ; gloss
of head chiefly purple ; flanks and scapulars less closely waved with black (?)
It is very difficult to define this bird specifically, and it may be simply a small
southern form ; but it appears to preserve its characters though constantly
associated with the last.

Hab. North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the United
States, migrating south to Guatemala and the West Indies.

Closely resembles the preceding except in being considerably
less in size.

According to Dr. Coues, it is a more southerly bird, not breed-
ing so far north, and going farther south in winter.

In Southern Ontario it is about equal in abundance with the
preceding, with which it is often associated, but it does not leave
Hamilton Bay till about the middle of May which would lead
us to suppose that it does not go so far north to breed as some
of the others.

59

I'l:

i'', !

BIRDS OF
In the fall it arrives before the preceding species and does

not remain so late.

47.

150.

AYTHYA COLLARIS (Donov.).
Ring^-necked Duck.

Similar to the foregoing, but an orange-brown ring ronnd the neck ; spec-
ulum gray ; back nearly uniform blackish ; bill black, pale at base and near
tip ; female with head and neck brown, and no collar, but loral space and
chin whitish, as is a ring around eye ; bill plain dusky. In size between the
foregoing.

Hab. North America, breeding far north, and migrating south to Guat-
emala and the West Indies.

Nest on the ground, composed of grass and moss. Eggs, eight to ten,
pale green.

This handsome little Duck is not as common as either of
the preceding ; while here it resembles the Teal in its habits,
being partial to the marsh, rather than the open water, on
account of which the gunners have given it the name of Pond
Blue-bill.

As compared with the Blue-bills, it seems more tender, the
feathers are of a softer texture, and it neither comes as early in
spring nor remains as late in the fall.

Genus GLAUCIONETTA Stejneger.
GLAUCIONETTA CLANGULA AMERICANA (Bonai.).

48. American Oolden-ey«. 161.

Male with the head and upper neck glossy green, and a white oval or
rounded loral spot, not touching the base of the bill throughout ; lower neck
all round, lower parts, including sides, most of the scapulars, wing coverts
and secondaries, white ; the whiteof outer surface of wings continuous ; lining
of wings and axillars dark ; most of upper parts black ; no waving on the back
or sides ; bill black with pale or yellow end, with nostrils in anterior half ;
feet orange, webs dusky ; eyes yellow ; head uniformly puffy. Female with
head snuff-brown, and no white patch in front of the eye, and white of wings
not always continuous. Length, 16-19 ; wing, 8-g.

Hab. North America, breeding from Maine and the British Provinces
northward ; in winter south to Cuba.

Said to nest in trees.

A regular visitor at Hamilton Bay during the spring and fall
migrations. While here they do not keep by themselves, but

60

\U

ONTARIO

seek the society of whatever species may be at hand ; they are
very watchful and difficult of approach. If any of my readers
have ever tried to scull up behind the rushes towards a bunch
of Blus-bills, among which were one or two Golden-eyes, and suc-
ceeded in getting a shot, they have had much better luck than
I have had; more frequently before getting within loo yards I
would hear the whistling of the Golden-eye's wings, and loo'^ing
up see them going off with the others following. Like many
others which are known in Southern Ontario only as visitors in
spring and fall, the Golden-eyes breed in suitable places
throughout the North-West Territory.

In Ontario it is not an abundant species, though a few are
seen every season.

'.n:

49. GLAUCIONETTA ISLANDICA (Gm.). 152.
Barrow's Golden-eye.

Very similar to the preceding, differing chiefly in being larger in size ;
gloss of the head purple and violet ; loral spot larger ; white on the wing
divided by a dark bar ; feathers on the hind head lengthened into a crest : bill
blotched with red. Length 19-22 ; wing, 9-10. The female can probably not
be distinguished from the preceding.

Hab. Northern North America, south in winter to New York, Illinois,
and Utah ; breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, and south in
the Rocky Mountains to Colorado.

Dr. Gamier, who resides at Lucknow, near the south end of
Lake Huron, reports having found this species occasionally in
wmter in the inlets along the lake shore. The Dr. is not in har-
mony in all things with the modern school of Ornithologists, and
thinks this a case of unnecessary sub-division, at all events he
claims having found both forms, which is likely correct, as the
present species is found on Lake Michigan, which is within easy
reach of the point which the Dr. refers to. It has also been
taken at Toronto, and at Hamilton I am aware of three being
obtained, one of which came into my possession ; they may,
however, be more common than we are aware of, as the Hun-
ters do not trouble the Whistlewings if anything more suitable
for the table is in view.

i '

,1

61

f'T

BIRDS OF
Genus CHARITONETTA Stejneger.

50. CHARITONETTA ALBEOLA (Linn.)- 1M.
Buflle-headed Duck.

Somewh.it simil.ir to the foregoing in color, but male with the he«cl par-
ticularly puffy, of varied rich iridescence, with a large white auricular patch
confluent with its fellow on the nape ; small ; length, 14-16 ; wing, 6-7 ; bill,
I, with nostrils in its basal hnU ; /einale still smaller, an insignificant looking
duck, with head scarcely puffy, dark gray with traces of the white auricular
patch.

Hah. North America ; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. Breeds
from Maine northward, through the fur countries and Alaska.

Dr. Coues (Birds N. W., 575) describes the nest of this duck as placed in
the hollow of a dead tree, and composed of feathers. The eggs are described
as varying from buff to a creamy-white or grayish-olive color.

The Buffle-heads are common at all the shooting stations in
Southern Ontario in spring and fall, though owing to their small
size they are not much sought after. The male in
full spring dress is a very handsome little fellow, and, like many
other animals of diminutive proportions, seems to feel himself
as big as any of those about him. I have in my collection a
young male of this species of a uniform cream color, which was
shot in the bay a few years since. In the fall tliey do not
remain as late as the Blue-bills or Redheads, but move south at
the first indicationof cold weather.

Genus CLANGULA Leach.

61. CLANGULA HYEMALIS (Linn.). 1-54.

Old Squaw ; Long-tailed Duck.

Tail of fourteen narrow pointed feathers, in the male in summer the cen-
tral ones very slender and much elongated, nearly or quite equalling the wing ,
nail of bill occupying the whole tip ; seasonal changes remarkable. Male in
summer with the back and the long narrowly lanceolate scapulars varied with
reddish-brown, wanting in winter, when this color is exchanged for pearly-
gray or white ; general color blackish or very dark brown, below from the
breast abruptly white ; no white on the wing ; sides of head plumbeous-gray,
in winter the head, neck, and body anteriorly white, but the gray cheek-patch,
persistent, and a large dark patch below this ; bill at all 'jeasons black, broaJly

62

1\L-

ONTARIO

oninge barred. Fvmalc without lengthened scapulars or tail feathers, the
bill dusky greenish, and otherwise difterent ; hut recognized by presence of
head and neck patches, and absence of white on the wing. Length, 15-20 or
more, according to tail ; wing, 8-9.

Hah. Northern hemisphere ; in North America south to the I'ufomac
and the Ohio ; breeds far northward.

Nest on the ground. Eggs six to seven, drab color.

Vast numbers of "cowheens" (as these birds are called here)

spend the winter in Lake Ontario, out on the deep water away

from the shore. Even there they are not free from danf,'er, as
great numbers get entangled in the gill nets. Passing along the

beach in winter, strings of drowned, draggled cowheens may be
seen dangling from the clothes lines about the fisherman's out-
houses, where I have frequently heard the fishermen, when trying
to force a sale, declare positively, that if buried in the earth for
twenty-four hours before being prepared for the table, that these
birds are excellent eating, notwithstanding all of which the sup-
j)ly keeps still ahead of the demand, and numbers are turned
over to the pigs, a sorrowful end for the beautiful, lively Clan-
guln liycnialis.

Genus HISTRIONICS Lesson.

5l'. HISTRIONICUS HISTRIONICUS, (Linn.). 155. '

Harlequin Duck.

Bill very small and short, tapering to the tip, which is wholly occupied
by the nail, and with a membraneous lobe at its base, tertiaries curly ; plum-
age singularly patched with different colors. Male, deep bluish lead color,
browner below, sides of the head and of the body posteriorly chestnut , coro-
nal stripe and tail, black ; a white patch at the base of the bill, and another
on the side of the occiput, of breast and of tail, two transverse ones on side of
neck forming a nearly complete ring, and several on the wings ; a white jug-
ular collar ; speculum violet and purple. Female, dark brown, paler below, a
white patch on auriculars and before the eye; length 15-18 inches; wing 8.

Hab. Northern North America, breeding from Newfoundland, the Rocky
Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada northward ; south in winter to the middle
states and California.

Nest composed of weeds and grass lined with down from the breast of
the owner, it is usually placed in a hollow tree or stump not far from the
water ; eggs, 6 to 8, pale green.

63

UIHDS OK

The Harlequin is found on the northern shores of Europe,
Asia, and North America. In the latter country it breeds spar-
ingly in Maine, and in the north-west to Alaska. It has also
been found in the northern Rocky Mountains and the Sierra
Nevada ; in winter it descends to the Middle States and
California.

With these facts before us we might naturally expect to hear
of the species being seen occasionally in Ontario, but of such
occurrences the records are very few.

William Loane, of Toronto, reports having killed a
pair near that city in the spring of 1865 and in the fall of 1881
he killed another, a female, which is now in the rooms of the
Toronto Gun Club.

One of the residents on the Beach, near Hamilton, told me
5 cm 3 years ago of having seen a pair there in spring, the male
in full plumage was correctly described by my informant, and
spoken of as the most " dapper little drake " he had ever seen.
The name Harlcfpiin is suggested by the peculiar markings on
the head of the male which are supposed to resemble those often
assumed by the clown in a circus.

Genus SOMATERIA Leach.

Subgenus SOMATERIA.

63. SOMATERIA DRESSERI Sharpe. 160.

American Eider.

Bill with long club-shaped frontal processes extending in a line with the
culmen upon the sides of the forehead, divided by a broad feathered inter-
space. Male in breeding attire, white, creamy-tinted on breast and washed with
green on the head ; under-parts from the breast, lower back, rump, tail,
quills, and large forked patch on the crown, black. Female with the bill less
developed, general plumage an extremely variable shade of reddish-brown or
ochrey-brown, speckled, mottled and barred with darker ; male in certain
stages resembling female. Length, about 2 feet ; wing, 11-12 inches.

Hab. Atlantic coast of North America, from Maine to Northern La
dor, south in winter to the Delaware.

Nest on the ground, composed of dry grass, moss and sea weed, lined
with down and feathers ; eggs, 6 to 10, drab, tinged with green.

64

ONTARIO.

The Eider-Duck is essentially a bird of the sea coast, breeding
abundantly along the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Its visits to these inland waters are made during the season of
migration, when the movements of ;dl migratory birds arc con-
siderably affected by the prevailing winds. On Lake Ontario
it is only a casual visitor in winter, and seldom if ever seen there
in mature plumage.

The one in my collection is a young male in the garb of the
female ; I shot it from the pier of the canal at the entrance to
the bay a few years since, they were seen more or less all that
winter, but they were known to be " fishy " and there being
nothing attractive in their dress, very few were killed, though
they allowed a nearer approach than other waterfowl are dis-
posed to do.

54 SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS (Linn.). 162.

King^ Eider.

Bill with broad squarish, nearly vertical frontal processes bulging angu-
larly out of line with culmen. Male in breeding attire, black, including a
forked chin-patch, a fronial band, and small space round eye; and the neck
and fore-parts of the body, part of inter-scapulars, of wing coverts and of
lining of wings, and a flank patch, white, creamy on the jugulum, greenish
on sides of head ; crown and nape, fine bluish-ash. Female resembling that
of the Common Eider, but bill different. Size of the last or rather less.

Hab. Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic
regions ; in North America, south casually in winter to New Jersey and the
Great Lakes.

' iiention this species more as a bird to be looked for, than
whi*. h has actually been taken in Ontario, as I have no pes-
1 record of its occurrence within the province : that it has

b 11 here and passed unnoticed may fairly be presumed, when
we consider that it was taken by Giraud at Long I sic.:. J, and
Mr. Allen mentions in his notes that as many as eighteen were
taken in Lai Erie near Buffalo in Nov., 1879. A pair were in
the collectio iit from Toronto to Paris in 1867, but I am not

65

BIRDS OF

certain of their being taken in Ontario. It ifi of circnmpolar
distribution, breeding al)undanlly around the shores of the Arctic
sea ; when coming south in winter the Hne of migration is mostly
along the Pacific coast, where it is observed in great numbers as
far south as the Aleutian Islands.

The peculiarities of its bill serve readily to distinguish it from
the other Eiders.

Genus OIDEMIA Fleming.
Subgenus OIDEMIA.
55. OIDEMIA AMERICANA (Sw. & Rich.). 163.

American Scoter.

Plumage of male entirely black ; bill black, the gibbosity orange.
Female sooty-brown, paUir below, becoming gras ish-white on thelx;lly, there
dusky-speckled, on the sides and flanks dusky-waved; throat and sides of
head mostly continuous whitish ; bill all black ; feet livid olivaceous, with
black webs. iU <//»■, nearly 2 feet ; wing,abou. loinches; female, i8-ig inches.

Had. Coasts and larger lakes of Northern North America ; breeds in
Labrador and the northern interior ; south in winter to New Jersey, the
Great Lakes and California.

Nest on the ground. Hggs, 6 to 8 ; buff color.

This is another of the Sea-Ducks which breeds in large num-
bers at Labrador and elsewhere along the coast, visiting the
larger lakes in the interior occasionally during the season of
migration. On Hamilton Bay it is sometimes observed in com-
pany with others of its class, but there being nothing in its
appearance or history to commend it to popular favor, it is gen-
erally allowed to pass unmolested.

66

ONTARIO.

Subgenus MELANITTA Boie.

66. OIDEMIA DEGLANDI Bonah. 165.

White-winged Scoter,

Male : Black, with a large white wing-patch, and another under the eye ;
feet, orange-red, with dusky webs. Bill, black, broadly orange-tipped ; size
of the last or rather larger ; female, smaller, sooty-brown, pale-grayish below,
with much whitish about he.id, but showing white speculum ; bill all black.

Hab. Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the Fur
Countries ; south in winter to the Middle States, Southern Illinois, and
Southern California.

Unlike the preceding, the Velvet Ducks vi.sit Lake Ontario
in large flocks in the spring, and usuallyreniaintwo or three weeks
before retiring to their breeding places. They are large, heavy
birds, and their jet black color makes them look at a distance
larger than they really are.

While moving about from one part of the bay to another,
they fly heavily at no great height above the water, but they
have not the restless habits of some other ducks, and if not dis-
turbetl will remain for days together feeding near the same spot.

For the past five years during their visits a good many are
foimd dead along the shore. Whether they bring the cause of
their death with them when they come here, or whether the
emptying of the city sewage and the refuse of the oil refineries
into the bay is in anyway connected with the mortality referred
to has not yet been determined.

They arrive about the end of April, and by the 2otii of May
are all gone.

hid

m

,n-.

Subgenus PKLIONETTA Kaup.

67. OIDEMIA PERSPICILLATA (Linn.). 166.

Surf Scoter.

Bill narrowly encroached upon by tliu frontal feathers, on the culnien,
nearly or (juile to the nostrils, but not at all upon its sides, about as long as
the he.id, with the nail narrowed anteriorly, the swelling lateral as well as
superior ; nostrils beyond its middle ; bill of male orange-red, whitish on the
sides ; with a large circular black base. I'lumage of the Male : — Black, with

67

BIRDS OF

a patch of white on the forehead and another on the nape, none on the wing.
About the size of a Scoter. Female : — Smaller ; bill black ; feet, dark, tinged
with reddish, webs black ; plumage, sooty-brown, below silvery-gray, two
whitish patches on each side of the head.

Hab. Coasts and larger inland waters of Northern North America ; in
winter south to the Carolinas, the Ohio River, and Lower California.

According to Audubon this species breeds on the coast of Labrador,
making a nest of grass lined with feathers. The eggs, 4 to 6 in number, are
whitish, and are hatched in July.

The Surf Scoter is found on Lake Ontario mostly in spring
in company with the preceding which it resembles in habits, the
clear white patches in marked contrast to the deep black of the
plumage, serving even at a distance to mark its presence in a
flock. It is never numerous, though more frequently seen than
the Scoter.

Genus ERISMATURA Bonaparte.
58. ERISMATURA RUBIDA (Wils.). 167.
Rndd J Duck.

The male in {perfect plumage with neck all round, and the upper-parts
brownish-red, the lower-parts silky-white watered with dusky, the chin and
sides of the head dead-white, the crown and nape black, but not often seen in
this condition in the United States ; as generally observed, and the female at
all times, brown above, finely dotted and waved with dusky, paler and duller
below with undulations and sometimes a slight tawny tinge, as also occurs
on the side of head ; crown and nape dark-brown ; crissum always white.
Length, 14-17 ; wing, 5-6 ; tarsus, ij.

Hab. North America in general, south to Cuba, Guatemala and
Northern South America, breeding throughout most of its North American
range.

I once saw a waggon load of Ruddy Ducks exposed for sale
in the Hamilton market ; it was in the month of May, and a
large flock had got entangled in the nets in Lake Ontario, where
they had tarried for rest and refreshment while on their way to
their summer haunts farther north. The fishermen, regardless
of grammar and other considerations, still maintain that " all is
fish that comes in the net," and they tried hard to make the

68

ONTARIO.

most of their haul, but although the birds attracted a good deal
of attention from their bright blue bills and rich brown plumage,
they did not meet with a ready sale. A few pairs visit us reg-
ularly in the spring and fall : I have seen them at St. Clair in
June, evidently mated, and was told that they breed sparingly
throughout the marsh there.

Subfamily ANSERINiE. Geese.

Genus CHEN Boie.

69. CHEN HYPERBOREA NIVALIS (FoRST.). 169a.

Greater Snow Oooae.

Bill with laminae very prominent, owing to arching of the the edges of the
bill. Adult plumage pure white, but in most specimens the head washed
with rusty-red ; primaries broadly black-tipped ; bill, lake-red with white
nail ; feet the same with dark claws. " Young, dull bluish or pale lead col-
ored on the head and upper part of the body" (Cassin). Length, about 30 ;
wing, 17-ig ; tail, 5^-6 ; bill, 2^ : tarsus, 3J|,

Hab. North America, breeding far north, and migrating south in win-
ter, chiefly along the Atlantic coast, reaching Cuba.

The Snow Goose is widely distributed throughout the conti-
nent, raising its young in high latitudes, and retiring to the south
at the approach of winter. During the latter season vast flocks
are found along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and sparingly
along the Atlantic sea-board. In Ontario it can only be regard-
ed as a casual visitor during the season of migration, and, as it
is seldom that more than two or three are seen together,
they are looked upon as stragglers from the main body, whose
line of migration is chiefly along the Mississippi or the Pacific
coast. The specimen in my collection was killed at the Beach
in the month of December a few years since, while making its
way toward the open water in Lake Ontario.

Genus ANSER Brisson.

60. ANSER ALBIFRONS GAMBELI (Hartl.). 171 a.

AatericMi Whlte^toatod Ctooee.

Lamina: of bill moderately exposed ; tail normally of sixteen feathers.
Under-parts white or gray, extensively blotched with black ; back dark-gray;

69

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BIRDS OF

with paler or brownish edging of the feathers; upper tail-coverts white ; head
and neck grayish-brown, the forehead conspicuously pure white (in the
adult ; dark in some states) ; bill pale-lake ; feet orange, with pale claws.
Length, about 27 inches ; wing, if<-i8 ; tail, 5-6 ; tarsus, 2I-3 ; middle toe and
claw about the same. Only differs from the European in an average longer
bill (i|-2 instead of i^-ij.

Hab. North America, breeding far northward ; in winter south to
Mexico and Cuba,

The eggs of this species are dull greenish yellow with obscure darker
tints. They measure 3.00 by 2 00.

Like the preceding, this species is only a casual visitor to
Ontario, the vast flocks which annually leave their breeding
grounds in the north at the approach of winter, apparently pre-
ferring to make their southern journey along the western coast
rather than by the Atlantic or the interior ; stragglers have been
observed at the different shooting stations, where they are looked
upon as rare. The specimen in my collection was killed at St.
Clair flats ; it is an immature male. ■

61.

Genus BRANTA Scopoli.

BRANTA CANADENSIS (Linn.).
Canada Goose.

m

Tail normally eighteen feathers. Grayish-brown, below paler or whitish
gray, bleaching on the crissum, all the feathers with lighter edges ; head and
neck black, with a broad white patch on the throat mounting each side of the
head ; tail black with white upper coverts. Length, about 36 ; wing, 18-20 ;
tail. 6i-7i ; bill, i|-2 ; tarsus, usually over 3.

Hab. Temperate North America, breeding in the Northern United
States and British Provinces ; south in winter to Mexico.

Nest usually on the ground, sometimes in trees. Eggs 5 to 6 ; pale dull
green.

This is the wild goose of Canada, the bird we see in April
nassing to the northwest in V-sha. d columns, whose hoarse
honking we listen to ,wjth pleasure as a sure indication that
brighter skies and wa^uppr weather are close at hand.

A few are seen every season at the shooting stations at St.
Clair and along the north shore of Lake Erie, but if the weather

70

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is favorable, the flocks usually pass over us without stopping.
The Canada Goose is less boreal in its range than some of the
others of its class. Individual pairs have been found nesting at
different points in the Middle States ; Professor Macoun found
them breeding abundantly in the Northwest, and Dr. Coues
mentions the singular fact of their being observed in the " Upper
Missouri and Yellowstone regions breeding in trees.''

I have known instances of their being domesticated, but they
always retained the wild habit of skulking off to conceal their
eggs in some out of the way place.

BRANTA CANADENSIS HUTCHINSII (Sw.& Rich.).

62. Hutchins's Goose. 17S a.

Tail sixteen-feathered. Colors exactly as in the Canada Goose, but size
less. Length, about 2^ feet ; wing, 15-17; tail, 5-6; bill, iJ-iS ; tarsus
rather under 3.

Hab. North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, and migrating south
in winter, chiefly through the Western United States and Mississippi
Valley.

Apparently a small race of the preceding, which has been
raised to the rank of a separate sub-species, in which position it is
as easily considered as in any other. Where the Canada Goose
ends and the Hutchins's begins is at times difficult to determine.
Small geese are occasionally seen with the last groups of the
others which pass in spring ; but they are fewer in number and
less frequently obtained. I once saw a fine pair of these birds
in the hands of a local taxidermist where they had been left
to be '^stuffed,'' and with such vigor had the operation been per-
formed that when finished it would have been a hard matter for
any one to have told to which species the birds originally
belonged.

The Hutchins's Goose has not been found nesting within the
limits of the United States, being apparently more northern in
its range than the preceding.

71

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BIRDS OF
63. BRANTA BERNICLA (Linn.). 173.

Brani .

Head, neck, body anteriorly, quills and tail black ; a small patch of
white streaks on the middle of the neck, and usually white touches on the
under eyelid and chin ; upper tail-coverts white ; back brownish-gray, under
parts the same but paler, and fading into white on lower belly and crissum ;
black of jugulum well-defined against the color of the breast ; length 2 feet ;
wing, 13 ; tail, 5 ; bill, i 1-3 ; tarsus, 2^.

Hab. Northern parts of Northern hemisphere ; in North America
chiefly the Atlantic coast ; rare in the Interior, or away from salt water

Breeds in high latitudes.

Another casual visitor to the waters of Ontario, where it is
less frequently seen than either of the other geese. It is by no
means a scarce species, but seems partial to the sea coast. In
the list of the birds of Western Ontario it is mentioned as a
" rather rare migrant." I have only seen it once, flying
past, out of reach.

Subfamily CYGNIN^E. Swans.

Genus OLOR Wagler.

64. OLOR COLUMBL\NUS (Ord.). 180.

Whistling Swan.

Size and color of the next species except a yellow spot on bill near
base. Bill not longer than the head ; nostrils median. Tail (normally) of
twenty feathers.

Hab. The whole of North America, breeding far nor^h.

Eggs 2 to 5 ; dull white stained with brown.

These beautiful birds, never at any time abundant, are now
very seldom seen in Ontario. I once saw four in full adult
plumage come up Lake Ontario on a very stormy afternoon
toward the end of March •, they evidently expected to find rest

72

ONTARIO

and shelter in the bay, but there being only a small patch of
open water near the canal they wheeled round and went off east
again. On another occasion a family of four visited tlie bay in
the fall ; they were not allowed to remain long undisturbed, and
one young bird was so disabled by a pellet of shot in the wing
as to prevent it leaving with the others, it could still take care
of itself, however, and remained till the bay froze over, when it
walked ashore and was captured in an exhausted condition by
one of the fishermen.

65. OLOR BUCCINATOR (Rich.). 181.

Trumpeter ^S waa.

Adult plumage entirely white ; younger the head and neck washed with a
rusty-brown ; still younger, gray or ashy. Bill and feet black. Length
4-5 feet. Tail (normally) of twenty-four feathers. No yellow spots on bill
which is rathei longer than the head, the nostrils fairly in its basal half.

Hab. Chiefly the interior of North America, from the Gulf coast to the
Fur Countries, breeding from towa and Dakota northward ; west to the
Pacific coast, but rare or casual on the Atlantic.

Eggs 2 to 5 ; dull white stained with brown, shell rough.

Swans are seen nearly every spring and fall at one or other of
the shooting stations in Western Ontario, but the points of
specific distinction are so inconspicuous that unless the birds
are secured it is difficult to tell to which species they belong.
Dr. Ganrier reports having taken one at Mitchell's bay. There
was one in the collection sent from Toronto to Paris in 1S67
and I have seen two which were killed at Long Point in Lake
Erie.

The highway of this species from North to South is evi-
dently by the Mississippi Valley, where it is quite common dur-
ing the period of migration, those we see here being stragglers
off the route.

73

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BIRDS OF

Order HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc.

Suborder IBIDES. Spoonbills and Ibises.

Family IBIDID^. Ibises.

Genus PLEGADIS Kaup.

66. PLEGADIS AUTUMNALIS (Hasselq.). 186.

GI0M7 Ibia.
Plumage rich dark-chestnut, changing to glossy dark-greon with purplish
reflections on the head, wings and elsewhere ; bill dark ; yoi.ng similar, much
duller, or grayish brown, especially on the head and neck which are white
streaked. Claws slender, nearly straight ; head bare only about the eyes and
between the forks of the jaw. Lengtn, about 2 feet ; wing, lo-n ; tail, 4 ;
bill, 4J ; tarsus, 3 1-3 ; middle toe and claw, 3.

Hab. Northern Old World, West Indies, and Eastern United States.
Only locally abundant, and of iridgular distribution in America.

The eggs of the Glossy Ibis measure from 1-90 by 1-45 to 2-10 by 1-50,
and are of a dull greenish-blue color, without markings. The number usually
deposited is believed to be three.

About the end of May, 1857, Mr. John Bates, whose farm
adjoins the creek near the Hamilton waterworks, saw two tired
looking birds which he took to be Curlews, circling round with
the evident intention of alighting near the creek. Mr. Bates's
gun was always in order, and none in the neighborhood at that
time knew better how to use it. In a few minutes he
picked up a pair of Glossy Ibises, the only birds of the kind
which have been observed in Ontario. This pair, which subse-
quently came into my possession, w re male and female in fine
adult plumage ; they are not common anywhere on the Ameri-
can continent. Wilson knew nothing of the species nor was it
known to naturalists till after his death.

Suborder HERODII. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, etc.

Family ARDE^D^E. Herons, Bitterns, etc.

Subfamily BOTAURIN^E. Bitterns.

Genus BOTAURUS Hermann.

Subgenus BOTAURUS.

67. BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS (Montag.). 190.

American Bittern,

Plumage of upper part singularly freckled with brown of various shades,
blackish, tawny and whitish ; neck and under-parts ochrey or tawny-white.

74

ONTARIO.

Each feather marked with a brown dark-edged stripe, the throat line white,
with brown streaks ; a velvety-black patch on each side of the neck above ;
crown dull-brown, with buft superciliary stripe ; tail brown ; quills greenish-
black, with a glaucous shade, brown tipped ; bill black and yellowish, legs
greenish, soles, yellow ; length, 23-28 ; wing, 10-13 i tail, 4i ; bill, about 3 ;
tarsus, about 3^.

Hab. Temperate North America, south to Guatemala and the West
Indies.

The nest of the Bittern is placed on the ground ; the eggs, three to five
in number, are brownish-drab, measuring about 2-00 by 1-50.

A common summer resident, foimd in all suitable places
throughout the country, where during the early summer may be
heard the pecuhar clunking sound which has gained for the
species the not inappropriate name of " Stake Driver." It sel-
dom leaves the marsh where it makes its home and finds its
favorite tare of fish, frogs and lizards. It drops readily to a
light charge of shot, but when wounded makes a fierce resist-
ance, raising the feathers of the head and neck and striking
straight at the eye of a dog with its sharp-pointed bill. It
arrives as soon as the flags begin to show green, about the end
of April, and leaves again for the south toward the end of Sep-
tember, or later, according to the weather.

Subgenus ARDETTA Gray.

68. BOTAURUS EXILIS (Gmel.). 191.

Least Bittern.

No peculiar feathers, but those of the lower neck, long and loose, as in
the Bittern ; size very small ; 11-14 inches long ; wing, 4-5 ; tail, 2 or less ;
bill, 2 or less ; tarsus, about i§. Male with the slightly crested crown, back
and tail, glossy greenish-black ; neck behind, most of the wing-coverts, and
outer edges of inner quills, rich chestnut, other wing-coverts, brownish-yel-
low ; front and sides of neck and under-parts, brownish-yellow varied with
white along the throat line, the sides of the breast with a blackish-brown
patch ; bill and lores mostly pale yellow, the culmen blackish ; eyes and soles
yellow ; legs greenish-yellow ; female with the black of the back entirely, that
of the crown mostly or wholly replaced by rich purplish-chestnut ; the edges
of the scapulars forming a brownish-white stripe on either side.

Hab. Temperate North America, from the British Provinces to the
West Indies and Brazil.

■i£^i! ill ''.Bi

t 1

75

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BIRDS OF
Nest among the rushes.
Kggs, 3 to 5 ; white with a bluish tinge.

This diminutive Bittern, though seemingly slender, and tender,
is not only generally distributed in Southern Ontario, but has been
reported by Professor Macoun as " common throughout the
country" in the North West. At Hamilton Bay it is a regular
summer resident, raising its young in the most retired
parts of the marsh. The nest is large for the size of the bird,
a platform being made for its support by bending down the
flags till they cross each other a foot or more above the water
level. The whole affair is very loose and readily falls asunder
at the close of the season. The Little Bittern is not supposed
to be as plentiful as its big brother, but from its retiring habits
may be more so than we are aware of. It is seldom seen ex-
cept by those who invade its favorite haunts ; when disturbed
it rises without note or noise of any kind, and with a wavering
uncertain flight passes off for a short distance and again drops
among the rushes. It airives about the end of May and leaves
early in September.

Subfamily ARDEIN/E. Herons and Egrets.

Genus ARDEA Linn.
Subgenus ARDEA.

69. ARDEA HERODIAS Linn. 194
Great Blue Heron.

Back without peculiar plumes at any season, but scapulars lengthened
and lanceolate ; an occipital crest, two feathers of which are long and filam-
entous ; long loose feathers on the lower neck. Length, about four feet ; ex-
tent, 6 ; bill, 5j inches ; tarsus, 6J ; middle toe and claw, 5 ; wing, 18-20 ;
tail, 7. Female much smaller than male. Adult of both sexes grayish-blue
above, the neck pale purplish-brown with a white throat-line, the head black
with a white frontal patch ; the under-parts mostly black, streaked with
white ; tibia, edge of wing and some of the lower neck feathers orange-brown ;
bill and eyes yellow, culmen dusky, lores and legs greenish. The young
differ considerably but are never white and cannot be confounded with any
of the succeeding.

76

ONTARIO.

Hab. North America, from the Arctic regions southward to the West
Indies and Northern South America.

Nests usually in trees, sometimes in rocks.

Eggs 2 or 3 ; elliptical light, dull K^eenish-blue.

As the Great Blue Heron breeds in communities it is not
often seen durinp; the summer except in the vicinity of the
Heronry. In the fall when the young birds are able to shift for
themselves they disperse over the country, their tall gaunt
figures being often seen standing motionless watching for eels
by the shore of some muddy creek. In the report of the ornith-
ological branch of the Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club, for 1883,
is a most interesting account of a visit paid by a number cf
members of the club to a Heronry situated on the bank of the
river about 25 miles from the city ; limited space will admit only
of a short extract, as follows ; " The Heronry is located in the
centre of a thick swamp which, on the occasion of our first visit
was so deeply submerged as to bar all ingress. On the igth of
July, however, the water was but knee deep. After proceeding
about half a mile into the swamp our attention was arrested by
a peculiar sound which we at first thought proceeded from some
distant saw-mill or steamer on the river. As we advanced, how-
ever, the sound resolved itself into the most extraordinary noises,
some of which resembled the yelping of dogs or foxes. On
penetrating still deeper into the swamp, we discovered that the
noises proceeded from immense numbers of Herons, some
perched on branches of trees, some sitting on the nests and
others flying overhead. The uproar was almost deafening
and the odor arising from the filth with which the trees and
ground was covered was extremely disagreeable. We tramped
all through the Heronry and calculated that it must extend
about half a mile in each direction. The nests were all of the
same pattern, great cumbersome piles of sticks, about a foot
thick, with but a very shallow cavity and no lining.

'♦ The birds were very tame, making no attempt to fly until we
began to climb the trees on which they were ; and even then
they moved lazily off and manifested little or no alarm at our
near approach to their young."

77

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BIRDS OF

The adult Heron is an exceedingly wary bird and is seldom
obtained except when it happens to fly above some hunter who
is concealed among the rushes watching for ducks.

When thus brought down from above with neck, wings and
legs getting all mixed up it presents a most ragged appearance,
but when seen alive at shooting distance the graceful move-
ments of the long, lithe neck, with its pointed plumes present a
sight we all like to look upon.

Subgenus HERODIAS Boie.

70. ARDEA EGRETTA Gmel. 196.

ilimericaA E|r>*«t.

Adult with a long occipital crest of decomposed feathers and similar dorsal
plumes, latter recurved when perfect ; similar, but not recurved plumes on
the lower neck, which is bare behind : lores, eyes and toes yellow ; bill and
legs black, former yellow at base, latter yellow at lower part behind. Plum-
age always entirely white. Length, 24 ; wing, 11-12 ; bill, 3 ; tarsus, 3J-4.

Hab. Temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey, Minnesota,
and Oregon south to Patagonia ; casually on the Atlantic coast to Nova
Scotia.

I have only one record of the occurrence of this species
in Ontario ; it is from Dr. Gamier, and I give it in his own
words, as follows :

" Garzetta Candidissima, Little White Heron, is also some-
times seen here, but I think rarely. I never saw it myself.
One was shot by a Frenchman named David Leguis, in 1870,
at Mitchell's Bay, at least so he declared to me positively, and I
have no reason to dispute him, as in these matters he was
reliable enough."

This is a Southern bird but I think it will yet be found as
an occasional straggler along our Southern border.

71.

197.

Subgenus GARZETTA Kaup.

ARDEA CANDIDISSIMA Gmel.

Saowy Heron.

No obviously lengthened feathers on the head at any time ; in the breed-
ing season, back with very long plumes of decomposed feathers drooping far

78

ONTARIO.

beyond the tail ; neck closely feathered ; plumage entirely white at all sea-
sons ; legs and feet black. Length, i()--\2 inches (not including the dorsal
train) ; wing, 16-17 ; bill, nearly 5 ; tarsus, nearly 6.

Hah. Temperate and tropical America, from Long Island and Oregon
south to Buenos Ayres ; casual on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia.

Nest in trees.

Eggs, 3 to 4 ; pnle greenish-blue.

Although this species has been frequently taken in Ontario. I
have no record of it being found nesting within our limits.
Several specimens sent to me from Rond Eau and other points
on the north shore of Lake Erie were all immature. Dr.
Wheaton, in his report on the birds of Ohio remarks that only
young birds had been seen there, which rather confirms Dr.
Coues' remarks in the " Birds of the Northwest," to the effect
that " a certain northward migration takes place in summer
among some southerly birds of this class which on leaving the
nest seem for a time to wander away in the wrong direction."
Tliere is, however, a record in the Atik, vol. 11, page no, Jan-
uary 1885, of a pair having been observed at Rockcliffe, on the
Ottawa river, in the spring of 1883. The male was shot by Mr.
S. H. Mclntyre, and is now in the Museum of the Geological
Survey at Ottawa. After being deprived of her mate the
female was seen about the place for a day or two and then she
went away. The record states that these were the only two
birds of the kind ever seen at that point.

Subgenus BUTORIDES Blvth.

72. ARDEA VIRESCENS Linn. 20L

Green Heron.

Adult in the breeding season with the crown, long soft occipital crest,
and lengthened narrow feathers of the back, lustrous dark-green, sometimes
with a bronzy iridescence, and on the back often with a glaucous cast ;
wing-coverts green, with conspicuous tawny edgings ; neck purplish-
chestnut, the throat-line variegated with dusky or whitish ; nnder-parts
mostly dark brownish-ash, belly variegated with white ; quills and tail
greenish-dusky with a glaucous shade, edge of the wing white ; some of the
quills usually white-tipped ; bill greenish-black, much under mandible yel-
low ; lores and iris yellow ; legs greenish-yellow ; lower neck with lengthened

79

naffl^n

!i#!!''

hi

nsi'i !';iil

BIRDS OF

feathers in front, a bare space behind. Young with the head less crested,
the back without long plumes, but glossy-greenish, neck merely reddish-
brown, and whole under-parts white, variegated with tawny and dark-brown.
Length, 1G-18 ; wing, about 7 ; bill, 2^ ; tarsus, 2 ; middk .oe and claw about
the same ; tibia bare i or less.

Hab. Canada and Oregon southward to Northurn South America and
West Indies ; rare or absent in the Middle Province.

Nest composed of twigs, placed in a bush or low tree in a swamp or by
the bank of a stream. Eggs 3 to 6 ; pale greenish-blue.

This handsome httle Heron finds its northern Hniit along
the Southern border of Ontario. According to Dr. Macalhim
it breeds regularly on the banks of the Grand River near Dunn-
ville, and has also been observed occasionally at Hamilton, and
at the St. Clair flats, Like ihe others of its class the Green
Heron feeds mostly at night, and is seldom seen abroad by day
except by t^.ose who have occasion to invade its marshy haunts ;
on this accvjant it may be more numerous than it is supposed to
be. It arrives about the end of April and leaves for the south
again in September.

Genus NYCTICORAX Stephens.

Subgenus NYCTICORAX.

73. NYCTICORAX NYCTICORAX N^VIUS (Bodd.). 202.

Black-crowned Night Heron

No peculiar feathers excepting two or three ',ery long filamentous plumes
springing from the occiput gen'^rally imbricated in one bundle ; bill very
stout ; tarsi reticulate below in front ; length, about 2 feet ; wing, 12-14
inches ; bill, tarsus and middle toe, about 3. Ci nn, scapulars and inter-
scapulars very dark glossy-green ; general plumage bluish-gray, more or It^ss
tinged with lilac ; forehead, threat-line and most under-parts whitish ;
occipital plui.:es white : bill black ; loies greenish ; eyes red ; feet yellow.
FoM/i^ very cifferent ; lackingtheplurr.es; grayish-b;own, paler below, ex-
tensively speckled with white ; quills chocolate-brown, white-tipped.

Hab. America, frcm the British Possessions southward to the Falkland
Islands, including part of the West Indies.

Breeds in communities, returning to the same place year after year.
Nest, a large loose platform of twigs, placed well up in a tall tree.

Eggs 4 to 6 ; pale greenish-blue.

i(i;

80

ONTARIO,

In Ontario the Night Heron or "Quawk," as it is commonly
called, is not generally distributed ; though stragglers are oc-
casionally seen at different points throughout the Province, yet
their breeding places are by no means common, the vicinity of
the sea being evidently preferred to the interior.

Along the banks of the lower St. Lawrence they breed in
immense numbers, every tree in certain districts having several
nests among its boughs ; when viewed from a distance the trees
have the appearance of being heavily coated with dirty white-
wash, and the entire vegetation underneath them is killed by the
accumulated droppings of the birds.

Though somewhat untidy in their surroundings at home the
birds themselves when seen in spring plumage are very hand-
some, the fiery red eye and long flowing plumes giving them
quite an interesting appearance.

t:^i

Order PALUDICOL/E. Cranes, Rails, etc.
Suborder GRUES. Cranes.

Family GRUTD^. Cranes.

Genus GRUS Pallas.

74. GRUS MEXICANA (Mull.).
Sandhill Crane.

206.

A(tult with the bare part of head forking behin to receive a pointed ex-
tension of the occipital feathers, not reaching on ' .e sides below the eyes,
aiiu sparsely hairy. Ijill moderately stcuit, with nearly straight and scarcely
ascending gony.-, that part of the under mandible not so deep as the upper at
the same place. Adult plumage plumbeous gray never whitening ; primaries,
their coverts and alula, blackish. Yoiin,'^ with head feathered, and plumage
varied with rusty-brown. Kather smaller than the last.

H.^B. Southern half of North America ; nov/ rare near the Atlantic
coast, except in Georgia and Florida.

Eggs 2 ; light brownish-drab, marked except at the grea'.er end with
blotches of dull chocolate-brown, shell rough, with numerous warty eleva-
tions.

I am indebted to Dr. Garnier, of Lucknow, for the only

8i

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jjii

BIRDS OF

record I have of the occurrence of the Sandhill Crane in On-
tario, Writing under date D -. 6, 1884, he says : " Ab .ut 22
years ago a pair of these birds spent the summer in the marshes
near Murphy's landing, County Kent ; later in the season they
were seen stalking about accompanied by two young, and finally
all disappeared as the weather grew cold,"

" In 1881 a pair spent the summer near mud creek in the
same locality, and were often seen by the people residing there.
On the ist Nov,, Mr, Jos, Martin, while out shooting in his
canoe, suddenly came upon them at short distance. He killed
one dead, and the other being hard hit dropped on a shaking
bog close by, Mr. Martin brought me the dead one, and next
day I went with him in search of its mate. We saw it lying
quite dead on the bog, but though my partner and I tried hard
to force our way to where it was we were compelled to give it up,
to my very great regret." These are the only well authenticated
instances of the occurrence of the Sandhill Crane in Ontario,
that I know of.

These large and interesting birds are now quite rare in the
East, but are common enough further west, where they go a
long way north, as Prof. Macoun found both the present species
and the White Crane breeding near Moose Mountains in the
Northwest.

Suborder RALLI. Rails, Gallinules, Coots, etc.

Family RALLID^E. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots, etc.

Subfamily RALLIN^E, Rails.

Genus RALLUS Linn^us.

75.

208.

RALLUS ELEGANS Aud.

Kins Rail.

Above brownish-black ; variegated with olive-brown, becoming rich
chestnut on the wing-coverts ; under parts rich rufous or cinnamon-brown,
usually paler on the middle of the belly and whitening on the throat ; flanks
and dxillars blackish, white-barred. Length, about la ; wing, 5-6 ; tail, 2-2J ,
bill, 2j ; tarsus, 2 : middle toe and claw, 2J. FemaU- smaller.

8?

ONTARIO.

Hab. Fresh water marshes of the Eastern Province of the United
States, from the Middle States, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kansas
southward. Casually north to Massachusetts, Maine and Ontario.

Nest a rude mass of reeds and grass, on marshy ground close to the
water.

Eggs 6 to 12 ; buff or cream color, speckled and blotched with reddish-
brown .

This large and handsome Rail which, until recently, was
considered to be only a casual visitor to Ontario, is now known
to breed plentifidly in the marshes all along the river St Clair ;
it has also been found at other points in Southern Ontario, but
the St. Clair flats seem to be its favorite breeding place. The
extent of the marsh, and the almost stagnant water seem to suit
the taste of these birds, and here they spend the summer and
raise their young without being disturbed

They are seldom seen on the wing but get ve^y noisy and
r- .. ! before rain, keeping up an incessant cackling, which
i^eM: I than anything else — gives an idea of the number which
arc w... ing about under cover of the rushes.

They arrive from the south early in May and leave again in
September.

76. RALLUS VIRGINIANUS Linn. 212.
Virn^inia Rail.

Coloration exactly as in ilc^ans, of which it is a perfect miniature.
Length, SJ-ioi ; wing about 4 ; tail about ij ; bill, ij-ig ; tarsus, i^-ii ;
middle toe, ij-ij.

Hab. North America, from British Provinces south to Guatemala and
Cuba.

Nest in a tuft of reeds or rushes, some of them being bent down to
assist in forming the structure which is usually placed close to the water.

Eggs 6 to 9 ; buff or creamy, speckled and blotched with reddish-brown.

Although this cannot be said to be a numerous species, it
is very generally distributed, being found in all suitable
places throughout the Province. When not disturbed it may
be seen quietly wading m the shallow ponds in search of its

83

III

BIRDS OF

food, which consists of aquatic insects, snails, worms, and the
seeds of such grasses as grow near its haunts, but if alarmed it
at once takes itself to the rushes and passes with such swiftness
along the covered runways which interlace the rush beds that it
will thus elude the pursuit of an active dog, knd so avoid ex-
posing itseii to the aim of the sportsman.

It breeds regularly along the south shore of Hamilton Bay
where it arrives early in May and leaves again in September.

Genus PORZANA Vieillot.

Subgenus PORZANA.

77. PORZANA CAROLINA (Linn.). 214.

Sora.

Above, olive-brown, varied with black, with numerous sharp white
streaks and specks ; flanks, axillars and lining of wings, barred with white
and blackish ; belly whitish ; crissum rufescent. Adult with the face and
central line of the throat black, the rest of the throat, line over eye, and
especially the breast more or less intensely slate-gray, the sides of the breast
usually with some obsolete whitish barring and speckling ; young without the
black, the throat whitish, the breast brown. Length, 8-g ; wing, ^-4^ ; tail,
about 2 ; bill, g-J ; tirsus, ij ; middle toe and claw, ij.

Hab. Temperate North America, but most common in the Eastern
Province, breeding chiefly northward. South to West Indies and Northern
South America.

Builds a rude nest ot grass and rushes on the ground near the water.

Eggs 8 to lo ; dull drab, marked with reddish-brown,

Here as elsewhere the Sora is the most numerous of the
Rail family, and is found breeding in all suitable places
throughout the coiuitry. Many also pass up north, and when
they return in the fall accompanied by their young they linger
in the marshes along the southern border till they are found
swarming everywhere ; they are very sensitive of cold and a
sportsman may have good Rail shooting till late in the evening,
but should a sharp frost set in during tht night he
may return in the morning and find that the birds have all left.

They arrive early in May and remain till the firs : frost.

84

ONTARIO.
Subgenus COTURNICOPS Bonaparte.
78. PORZANA NOVEBORACENSIS (Gm.).

Yellow Rail.

215.

Above, varied with blackish and ochrey-brov^n, and thi<. 'v marked with
narrow white semicircles and transverse bass ; below, pale ochrey-brown,
fading on the belly, deepest on the breas, where many of the feathers aie
tipped with dark brown ; flanks rufous with many white bars ; lining of the
wing, white ; a brownish-yellow streak over the eye ; length about 6 inches.

Hab. Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and Hudson's Bay
west to Utah and Nevada. No extra-limital record excej-t Cuba and the
Bermudas.

Nest like that of the other Rails.

Eggs 6 to S ; dark buff color, marked with reddish spots at the greater
end.

We know little of this bird, partly because it belongs to a
class much given to keeping out of sight, but chiefly because it
is a rare species everywhere ; during the present year I saw a
fine mounted specimen in the store of Mr. Cross, taxidermist,
Toronto. It was got in the marsh near that city, and I have
heard of another which a few years since was got near the same
place and is now in the public museum at Ottawa. The greater
number of specirr.ons of the Yellow Rail now in existence have
been found in New England, but that may be owing to the
greater number of collectors there. It would be well for ovjr
Canadian sportsmen to look out for the species when visiting
its haunts, as from its general resemblance to the Sora it may
readily be overlooked.

.Mi

19.

Subfamily GALLINULIN.E.

Genus GALLINULA Brisson.

GALLINULA GALEATA (Light.).
Florida Gallinule.

219.

Head, neck and underparts grayish-black, darkest on the former, paler
or whitening on the belly ; back brownish-olive ; wings and tail dusky ,
crissiim, edge of wing, and stripes on the flanks, white ; bill, frontal plate,
and ring around tibiae red, the former tipped with yellow ; tarsi and toes

85

BIRDS OF

greenish ; 12-15 long ; wing, 6^-7^ ; tail, 3J ; gape af bill, about ij ; tarsus'
abont 2.

Hab. Temperate and tropical America from Canada to Brazil and
Chili.

Nest amass of broken, rotten reeds and rushes, with a slight hollow in
the centre ; it is seldom much above water level and often afloat. " :

Eggs 10 to 12 ; brownish-buff, thickly spotted with reddish-brown.

A common summer resident breeding in suitable places
throughout Southern Ontario. Near Hamilton it is quite com-
mon, a few pairs generally spending the summer in the Water-
down Creek, and also in the DundaS Marsh. Its retired haunts
are seldom invaded during the summer months, the mosquitoes
being a bar to the intrusion of visitors, and its fiesh not being
in demand for the table it is not much disturbed. It arrives
early in May and leaves toward the end of September.

Subfamily FULICIN^.

Genus FULICA Linn/eus.

80. FULICA AMERICANA Gmel. 221.

American Coot.

Dark slat< iler or grayish below, blackening on the head and neck,
tinged \ h olu> m the back ; crissum, whole edge of wing, and top of the
secondaries whi bill white or flesh-colored, marked with reddish-black
near the end ; ttet dull olivaceous ; yuitng similar, paler and duller. Length,
about 14 ; wing, 7-8 ; tail, 2 ; bill from the gape, ij-ii ; tarsus, about 2 ;
middle toe and claw, about 3.

Hab. North America, from Greenland and Alaska southward to West
Indies and Central America.

Nest of vegetable rubbish from the marsh, often afloat and fastened to
the rushes like the Grebes, but sometimes on dry ground back from the water.

Eggs 10 to 12 : clear clay color dotted minutely with dark brown.

Not so generally distributed as the last named species. It
breeds abundantly at St. Clair, but at Hamilton is only a
migratory visitor in spring and fall. It is a hardy bird, often
arriving in spring before the ice is quite away, and again linger-
ing late in the fall as if unwilling to depart. They are some-

36

ONTARIO.

times by amateur gunners mistaken for Ducks, and in this way a
few lose their lives, but except in such cases they are not
molested — Mud Hens generally not heirtg looked upon as game.

81.

Order LIMICOL^. Shore Birds.

Family PHALAROPODID/E.

Genus CRYMOPHILUS Vikii.lot.

CRYMOPHILUS FULICARIUS (Linn.)- 222.

Red Phalarope.

Adult with the under-parts purplish chestnut of variable intensity, white

in the young ; above variegated with blackish and tawny. Length, 7-8

inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2| ; bill, i, yellowish, black-tipped ; tarsus, '^, greenish

Hab. Northern parts of Northern hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic
regions and migrating south in winter ; in the United States south to the
Middle States, Ohio, Illinois, and Cape St. Lucas ; chiefly maritime,

Nest a hollow in the ground lined with dry grass.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; variable in color, dsually brownish-olive spotted or blotched
with daik chocolate-brown.

Vast numbers of Phalaropes breed in Spitzbergen and on
the shores of the Polar Sea. At t^^e approach of winter they
retire to the south, but in these migratory journeys they follow
the line of the sea coast so that the stragglers we see inland are
most likely bewildered by fcg or driven by storm away from
their associates and their regular course.

Dr. Garnier saw a flock of six, one of which he secured at
Mitchell's Bay, near St.* Clair, in the fall of 1880, and on the
17th of November, 1882, Mr. Brooks, of Milton, shot a single
bird which he found swimming alone on Hamilton Bay, a little
way out from Dynes's place. These are the onlj'^ records I have
of the occurrence of the species in Southern Ontario.

Genus PHALAROPUS Brisson.

Subgenus PHALAROPUS.

82. PHALAROPUS LOBATUS (Linn.). 223.

Northern Phalarope.

Adult, dark opaque-ash or grayish-black, the back variegated with
tawny ; upper .Ail-coverts and nnder-parts mostly white ; side of the head

87

' !l

smmm

mmm

BIRDS OF

and aeck with a broad stripe of rich chestnut, generally meeting on the jugu«
lum ; breast otherwise with ashy-gray ; younfr lacking the chestnut. Length,
about 7 inches ; wing, 4^ ; tail, 2 ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe each, under i,
black.

Hab. Northern portions of Northern hemisphere, breeding in Arctic
latitudes ; south in winter to the tropics.

Nest a hollow in the ground lined with dry grass.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; similar to those of the Red Phalarope but smaller.

Like the preceding this is a bird of the sea coast. Though
singly or in pairs it is sometimes seen inland during the season
of migration. The two m my collection were found in the fall
on one of the inlets of Hamilton Bay,

In the list of the birds of Western Ontario mention is made
of three having been taken in Middlesex, and one found dead
at Mitchell's Bay in 1882.

While this was passing through the press K. C. Mcllwraith
shot a young male of this species as it rose from one of the in-
lets which run from the Bay up to the Beach road near
Hamilton.

Subgenus STEGANOPUS Vieillot.
83. PHALAROPUS TRICOLOR (Vieill.). 224.

Wilson's Phalarope*

Adult ashy ; upper tail-coverts and under-parts white ; a black stripe
from the eye down the side of the neck spreading into rich purplish-chestnut
which also variegates the back and shades the throat ; young lacking these
last colors. Length, g-io ; wing, 5 ; tail, ;2 ; bill, tarsus and middle toe, each
over I, black,

Hab. Temperate North America, chiefly the interior, breeding from
Northern Illinois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region ; south in
winter to Brazil and Patagonia.

Nest in moist meadows.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; variable in pattern, usually brownish-drab, marked with
splashes, spots, and scratches, of chocolatts-brown.

This is the largest of the Phalaropes and the handsomest cf all
our Waders. Unlike the others of its class it is rare along the
sea coast but common inland ; its line of migration being along

88

ONTARIO

the Mississippi valley ; another peculiarity of the species is
that the female is the largest and most gaily attired, and from
choice or necessity the eggs are incubated by the male. In
some other respects their domestic relations are not in accord-
ance with the recognized rules of propriety, but as it is not
always safe for outsiders to interfere in such matters we will
leave that part of the history without further comment.

Bemg a bird of the prairie ponds it is but a straggler in
Ontario. The only record I have of its occurrence is the
notice in the list of the Birds of Western Ontario, of one having
been taken at Mitchell's Bay in 1882. It was observed by
Prof. Macoun in the Northwest breeding in the marshes east of
Moose Mountain.

Family RECURVIROSTRID^:.
Gknus RECURVIROSTRA Linn^us.

84. RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA Gm. 225.

American Avocet.

White ; back and wings with much black ; head and neck cinnamon-
brown in the adult, ashy in the young , bill black, 3J to gape ; legs blue : eyes
red. Length, 16-18 ; wing, 7-8 ; tail, 3J ; tarsus, 3J.

Hab. Temperate North America, from the Saskatchewan and (ireat
Slave Lake south, in winter, to Guat'jmala and the Wesi Indies. Rare in the
Eastern Province.

Eggs variable in size and markings, usually brownish-drab, marked
with spots of chocolate-brown.

This is another delicate inland Wader, rare on the sea coast,
but abundant in the Mississippi valley. Stragglers appear
occasionally at far distant points, and are at once identified by
tiieir peculiar markings and awl-shaped bill. I am aware of
three individuals having been taken at different times at Rond
Eau, on the north shore of Lake Erie, but these are all I have
heard of in Ontario. Prof. Macoun found it abundant on the
brackish ponds and marshes of the Northwest.

89

W

11

BIRDS OF
Family SCOLOPACIDiE. Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.
Genus PHILOHELA Gray.
85. PHILOHELA MINOR (Gmel.). 228.
American Woodcock.

Above variegated and harmoniously blended black, brown, gray and
russet ; below pale warm brown of variable shade. Length, male, lo-ii ;
femalf, ii-t2 ; extent, 16-18 ; wing, 4J-5 ; bill. 2J-3 ; tarsus, ij ; middle toe
and claw, iij ; weight, 5-g ounces.

H.Mi. Kastern Province of North America, north to the British
Provinces, west to Dakota, Kansas, etc. ; breeding throughout its range. No
extralimital records.

The nest, which is composed of a few dead leaves, is usually placed at
the root of a tree, or in a clump of weeds.

.Kggs 3 to 4 ; grayish-brown marked with spots and blotches of lilac and
chocolate.

The Woodcock is a summer resident in Soutliern Ontario in
uncertain numbers, appearing about the time the snow is going
out of sight. In the fall it is much sought after by sportsmen
with varying success. Occasionally good bags are made but in
this respect no two seasons are alike. The fall of 1885 was one
of the poor seasons, very few being obtained.

The birds seem to be paired on their arrival in spring, and
at once select a site for the nest, which is usually placed in dense
woods or swampy thickets ; when the breeding season is over
they change their places of resort and are often found in corn
fields, orchards, and moist places where they feed mostly during
the night. They remain as long as the ground is soft enough
for them to probe, after which they retire to the south.

'lii

Genus GALLINAGO Leach.
86. GALLINAGO DELICATA (Ord). 230.

Wilson's Snipe.

Crown black with a pale middle stripe ; back varied with black, bright
bay and tawny, the latter forming two lengthwise stripes on the scapulars ;
neck and breast speckled with brown and dusky ; lining of wings barred with
black and white ; tail usually of 16 feathers, barred with black, white and

90

8'

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white
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I I

ONTARIO.

chestnut ; sides waved with dusky ; belly dull white; quills blackish, the
outer white edged. Length, 9-1 1 ; wing, 44-5^ ; bill, about aj ; whole naked
portion of leg and foot, about 3.

Hah. North and Middle America, breeding from Northern United
States northward ; south in winter to West Indies and Northern South
America.

Nest usually a depression in a grassy meadow.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; grayish-olive, heavily marked with umber-brown and
irregular lines of black.

This is tlie Snipe of America, although the name is often
crroneoiisl}' applied to other species. It is sometimes called
English Snipe, owing to the close resemblance it bears to the
British bird, but those who have compared the two species
state positively that they are different in their markings, besides
which the American Snipe has 16 tail feathers, whereas the
English bird has only 14.

In Southern Ontario it is found in considerable numbers in
spring and fall, and it is also said to breed sparingly through-
out the coimtry.

In the List of Birds of Western Ontario it is stated that
"many breed in the St. Clair marshes," and mention is made of
a pair having been shot thereon the 17th of May, 1882.

Wherever it appears it is eagerly sought after both on ac-
count of the excellency of its f^esh and the enjoyment it affords
to the sportsman. It arrives toward the end of April, passes
north for the summer and in the fall remains here till October.

Genus MACRORHAMPHUS Leach.

87. MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS (Gmel.). 23L

Doivitcher.

Tail and its coverts, at all seasons, conspicuously barred with black and
white (or tawny), lining of the wings and axillars the same; quills dusky,
shaft of first primary, and tips of the secondaries, except long inner ones,
white ; bill and feet greenish-black. In summer, brownish-black above,
variegated with bay ; below brownish-red, variegated with dusky ; a tawny

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BIRDS OF

superciliary stripe, and a dark one from the bill to the eye. In winter, plain
gray above, and on the breast, with few or no traces of black and bay, the
belly, line over eye and under eyelid white. Length, lo-ii ; wing, 5-5^; tail,
2 J ; bill, about 2^ ; tarsus, ij ; middle toe and claw, i^. A variety of this
{M. scolopaceus Lawrence) is almost a foot long, the bill upward of three
inches.

Hab. Atlantic coast of North America, breeding far north.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; identical in appearance with those of the common Snipe.

Although this species is said to be abundant along the sea
coast and also in the Mississippi valley during the season of
migration, it can only be regarded as a straggler in Ontario.
The specimen in my collection is the only one I have ever found
near Hamilton. In the List of Birds of Western Ontario it is
spoken of as rare ; and in Lr. Wheaton's exhaustive list of the
birds of Ohio the writer says he never saw it in that State but
has had it reported as a rare spring and fall migrant.

In their habits the Red-breasted Snipe very much resemble
some of the Sandpipers, associating in large flocks, and feed-
ing in exposed places, without much fear or suspicion,
which often leads to great slaughter in their ranks. Their flesh
is held in high estimation ; and in the south where they spend
the wiuter they are often exposed for sale in the markets.

Genus MICROPALAMA Baird.

88. MICROPALAMA HIMANTOPUS(BoNAP.). 233.

Stilt Sandpiper.

Adult in summer, above blackish, each feather edged and tipped with
white and ta*ny or bay, which on the scapulars becomes scalloped ; auri-
culars chestnut ; a dusky line from bill to eve, and a light reddish super-
ciliary line ; upper tail-coverts white with dusky bars ; primaries dusky with
blackish tips ; tail-feathers ashy-gray, their edge and a central field white ;
under-parts mixed reddish, black and whitish, in streaks on the jugulum,
elsewhere in bars ; bill and feet greenish-black. Young and adult in winter,
ashy-gray above, with or without traces of black and bay, the feathers
with white edging ; line over the eye and under-parts white ; the jugulum
and sides suffused with the color of the back, and streaked with dusky ; legs
usually pale. Length, 8-9 inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2 J ; bill and iarsus, both i J-
ij ; middle toe, i.

92

ONTARIO.

Hab. Eastern Province of North America, breeding north of the United
States, and migrating in winter to the West Indies, Central and South
America.

I h& /e some scruples about including this species in my list,
as I have no record of its having been taken within the
Province, and yet when we consider that it breeds to the north
of us, and winters far to the south, there can be no reasonable
doubt that it passes through Ontario, but being rather a scarce
species may have escaped the notice of sportsmen or it may
have been taken and no record made of the occurrence. I
anticipate that when this list is made public I will learn
of birds having been found in Ontario which are not in-
cluded here for the simple reason that I had not heard of it.
There being no convenient way of placing such records before
the public, they drop out of sight and are forgotten.

It is to be hoped that the writer of the next list of the birds
of Ontario will in this way have many additions to make to
the present one.

While this article was in the hands of the printer
Mr. Cross, taxidermist, of Toronto sends me a bird for
identification which proves to be this species. It is
one of two which were shot near Toronto about the 25th of
June last by Mr. Heinrich. Mr. Cross has made a happy hit
in the mounting of them. They look like a pair of miniature
Curlews.

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Genus TRINGA Linn-€us.
Subgenus TRINGA.
89. TRINGA CANUTUS Linn. 2.A.
^ Knot.

Bill equalling or rather exceeding the head, comparatively stout ; adult
in summer : above, brownish-black, each feather tipped with ashy-white, ,ind
tinged with reddish on scapulars ; l)elow, uniform brownish-red, much as in
the Robin, fading into white on the flanks and crissum ; up}ier tail-coverts
white with dusky bars, tail fteathers and secondaries grayish-ash with white
edges ; quills blackish, gray on the inner webs and with white shafts ; bill

93

1-

BIRDS OF

and feet blackish. Young : above, clear ash, with numerous black and white
semicircles ; below white, more or less tinged with reddish, dusky speckled
on breast, wavy barred on sides. Length, lo-ii ; wing, 6-6^ ; tail, 2^, nearly
square ; bill about i) (very variable).

Hab. Nearly cosmopolitan. Breeds in high northern lattitudes, but
visits the Southern Hemisphere during its migrations.

This is the largest and handsomest of th6 Sandpipers ;
though said to be common along the sea coast it is only an occa-
sional visitor inland. The specimen in my collection I killed
many years since on the muddy shore of one of the inlets of the
bay. I did not see it again till May, 1884, when K. C. Mcll-
wraith killed four very fine specimens m a moist vegetable
garden on the beach. Dr. Wheaton met with it only once in
Ohio, and it is not mentioned in the List of the Birds of Western
Ontario, from which it may be inferred that we are not on the
line of its migrations. In distribution it has a wide range ;
in the fall large flocks, which are supposed to come from Ice-
land visit the east coast of Scotland. It is also reported from
Australia, New Zealand and South America

Subgenus ARQUATELLA Baird.

90. TRINGA MARITIMA Brunn. 235.
Purple Sajtdpiper,

Bill little longer than the head, much longer than the tarsus, straight or
nearly so ; tibial feathers long, reaching to the joints ; though the legs are
really bare a little way above ; adult, above ashy-black with purplish and
violet reflections, most of the feathers with pale or white edgings ; second-
aries mostly white ; line over eye, eye-lids and under-parts white, the breast
and jugulum a pale cast of the color of the back, and sides marked with the
same. In winter, and most immature birds, the colors are similar but much
duller ; very young birds have tawny edgings above, and are mottled with
ashy and dusky below. Length, 8-g inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2|, rounded; bill,
i^ ; tarsus, f ; middle toe, i, or a little more. f

Hab. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere ; in North
America chiefly the northeastern portions breeding in the high north,
migrating in winter to the Eastern and Middle States, the Great Lakes, and
the shores of the larger streams in the Mississippi Valley. /

The eggs are said to be four in number ; clay-color, shaded with olive
and marked with rich umber-brown.

94

ONTARIO.

This, like the preceding speciPS; is common to both conti-
nents, p.nd is of circump'jiar distribution. If it was in the
habit of passing this way it did so without being observed till
the 31st of Oct., 1885, when one individual was killed at the
Beach by K. C. Mcllwraith. This is the only record we
have of it in the Province.

As its name [Maritima) implies, it is a bird of the sea coast,
but though a Sandpiper, it is not so fond of the sandy shores as
it is of the rocky ledges covered with sea weeds, where it no
doubt finds something to suit its taste. The name purple
might lead a stranger to expect this to be a bird of showy
colors, but in general appearance it is perhaps the least so of its
class, and might be described as about the size and make of the
Black-heart, dull slaty-blue above, belly and vent white. Seen
when in full plumage the feathers feel soft and silky for a bird
of this class, and in certain rays of light seem slightly glossed
with puiple.

Subgenus ACTODROMAS Kaup.
91. TRINGA MACULATA Vieill. 339.
Pectoral Sandpiper.

Coloration much as in Baird's Sandpiper, but crown noticeably different
from cervix ; chestnut edgings of scapulars straight-edged ; chin whitish,
definitely contrasted with the heavily ashy-shaded and sharply dusky-
streaked jugulum. Large. Length, 8J-9 inches ; wing, 5-5J ; bill, tarsus and
middle toe with claw, about i^ ; bill and feet greenish.

Hab. The whole of North America, the West Indies, and the greater
part of South America. Breeds in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence
in Europe.

While on their extended migratory lourney in spring and
fall, these birds rest and refresh themselves on the marshes and
lake shores of Ontario, where they are frequently observed by
sportsmen in flocks of considerable size.

Near Hamilton they are not of regular occurrence, though
they occasionally appear in the fall in goodly numbers, and if the
weather keeps soft, remain till October.

.^]i

BIRDS OF

While here they frequent the grassy meadows and muddy
inlets near the Bay, being very seldom noticed on the sand.

Like several others of the same class this species has a wide
geographical distribution, being found in Iceland, Europe and
Asia.

92. TRINGA FUSCICOLLIS Vieill. 240.

f

Whlte-nuip«d Saadpiper.

Size, medium. Upper tail-coverts white ; feet b!ack ; bill black, light-
colored at base below ; coloration otherwise much as in the preceding species.
An ashy wash on the jugulum is hardly perceptible except in young birds,
and then it is slight ; the streaks are very numerous, broad and distinct,
extending as specks nearly or quite to the bill, and as shaft lines along the
sides.

Hab. Eastern Province of North America, breeding in the high north.
In winter, the West Indies, Central and South America, south to the Falk-
land Islands. Occasional in Europe.

Several of our Sandpipers resemble each ot.ier so much in
general appearance that by the gunner they are considered as
all of one sort and treated alike — that is they are tied in bunches
by the neck or legs and handed over to be prepared for the
table. With the collector it is different, every individual is
carefully examined as to species, sex, age, and condition, so
that nothing may be lost that is worth preserving. In the
present species the white rump is always a distinguishing mark,
most conspicuous while the birds are on the wing. Inland it is
not very common, but a few are usually seen associating with
the others during the season of migration. The pair in my collec-
tion I found on the sandy shore of Lake Ontario near the Bur-
lington canal.

93. TRINGA BAIRDII (Coues). 241.
BaJrd's Sandpiper.

Adult Male : bill wholly black, small and slender, slightly shorter than
the head, just as long as the tarsus or as the middle toe and claw, slightly
expanded or lancet shaped at the end, the point acute ; grooves long, narrow

ONTARIO.

deep ; feathers on the side of lower mandible evidently reaching further than
those on upper. Upper parts brownish-black (deepest on the rump and
middle upper tail-coverts, and lightest on the neck behind), each feather
bordered and tipped with pale brownish-yellow, the tipping of the scapulars
broadest and nearly white, their marginings broad and brightest in tint,
making several deep scallops toward the shafts of the feathers. Only the
outer series black, the others plain gray, with paler margins. Jugulum
tinged with light, dull yellowish-brown, spotted and streaked with ill-defined
blackish markings, as are also the sides under the wings. Throat and other
under parts whUe, unmarked. Feet black, like the bill. Length, 7-25 ;
extent, 15-25 ; wing, 4-90 ; bill, 85 ; tarsus, middle toe and claw, the same.
The female is entirely similar, but slightly larger. The young have the upper
parts wholly light brownish-ash, darker on the rump, and all the feathers
with a dark field, and pale or whitish edging ; waves of brownish black on
the scapulars. Jugulum and breast suffused with dull, light reddish-brown ;
the spotting small, sparse, and very indistinct.

Hab. The whole of North and South America, but chiefly the interior
of North and the western portions of South America. Rare along the Atlantic
coast, and not yet recorded from the Pacific coast

Known to breed only in the Arctic regions.

Eggs, 3 to4 ; clay color, spotted with rich umber-brown.

Dr. Coues, in his new Key to North American Birds, says
that " this is the most abundant small Sandpiper in some parts
of the West during migrations," yet it has not been found on
the Pacific coast and is quite rare on the Atlantic. The only
record we have of its occurrence in Ontario is that of a fine
specimen now in my collection which was shot at the Beach on
the 25th of Atigust, 1885, by K. C. Mcllwraith. It was singled
out among a flock of small Sandpipers by its peculiar erratic
Snipe-like flight, and on being secured its dainty little body
was picked up with feelings which only the enthusiastic
collector can understand.

It is named after S. F. Baird, of the Smithsonian institution,
and, so far as known, is peculiar to the American continent.

On the 23rd of August, 1886, while this article was in the
printer's '>ands, the locality where the -.pecimen herein referred
to was obtained was again visited, and strange to say another
individual of the species was got at the same place, imder
similar circumstances. On the ist of September the place was

'Jf . --v'

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BIRDS OF

agfain visited and two more were obtained, but on two subse-
quent visits made within a day or two no more were seen.
Those who are observant of the migratory movements of the
birds must have been often astonished to see with what per-
sistent regularity certain birds appear at certain places at a
given time. In the present instance these are the only birds of
the kind we have ever seen or heard of in Ontario, yet they
were all found within a few yards of the same spot, and within
ten days of the same date in different years.

94. TRINGA MINUTILLA Vieill. 242.

Least Sandpiper.

Upper parts in summer with each feather blackish centrally, edged with
bright bay, and tipped with ashy or white ; in winter and in the young simply
ashy ; tail feathers gray with whitish edges, the central blackish, usually
with reddish edges, crown not conspicuously different from hind neck ;
chestnut edgings of scapulars usually scalloped ; below white, the jugulum
with dusky streaks and an ashy or brownish suffusion ; bill black ; legs dusky
greenish. Smallest of the Sandpipers ; length, 5J-6 inches ; wing, 3^-3^ ;
tail, 2 or less ; bill, tarsus and middle toe with claw, about {.

Hab. Whole of North and South America, breeding north of the United
States. Accidental in Europe.

The appearance of this, the smallest of the Sandpipers,
always excites a feeling of pity as he is seen hurrying along the
sand in rear of his big brothers, uttering his feeble "peep" as
if begging them to leave a little for him.

Tn Ontario it is a common species, found in all suitable
places in spring and fall, but its breeding ground is far north,
and little, if anything, is known of its nest or eggs. Some might
say that is a matter of no consequence ; here is what Dr. Coues
says about it in his Birds of the Northwest : " Fogs hang low
and heavy over rock-girdled Labrador. Angry waves, palled
with rage, exhaust themselves to encroach upon the stern
shores, and sink back howling into the depths. Winds shriek
as they course from crag to crag in mad career, till the humble
mosses that clothe the rocks crouch lower still in fear. Over-
head the Sea Gulls scream as they winnow, and the Murres all

96

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silent ply eager oars to escape the blast. What is here to
entice the steps of the delicate birds ? Yet they have come,
urged by resistless impulse, and have made a nest on the
ground in some half-sheltered nook. The material was ready
at hand in the mossy covering of the earth, and little care or
thought was needed to fashion a little bunch into a little home.

" Four eggs are laid (they are bufTy-yellow, spotted over with
brown and drab), with the points together that they may take
up less room and be more warmly covered. There is need of
this — such large eggs for so small a bird. As we draw near,
the mother sees us, and nestles closer still over her treasures,
quite hiding them in the covering of her breast, and watches us
with timid eyes, all anxiety for the safety of what is dearer to
her than her own life. Her mate stands motionless but not
unmoved, hard by, not venturing even to chirp the note of
encouragement and sympathy she loves to hear.

"Alas, hope fades, and dies out, leaving only fear ; there is no
further concealment — we are almost upon the nest — almost
trodden upon she springs up with a piteous cry and flies a
little distance, re-alighting, almost beside herself with grief ; for
she knows only too well what is to be feared at such a time.
If there were hope for her that her nest was undiscovered, she
might dissimulate and try to entice us away by those touching
deceits which maternal love inspires. But we are actually
bending over her treasures, and deception would be in vain ;
her grief is too great to be witnessed unmoved, still less por-
trayed ; nor can we, deaf to her beseeching, change it to
despair. We have seen and admired her home — there is no
excuse for making it desolate ; we have not so much as touched
one of the precious eggs, and will leave them to her renewed
and patient care."

Subgenus PELIDNA Cuvier.

95. TRINGA ALPINA PACIFICA (Coues). 243 a.

Red*Baeked Sandpiper.

Adult in Bummer : above chestnut, each feather with a central black
field, and most of them whitish-tipped, rump and upper tai!-eoverts blackish,

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BIRDS OF

tail feathers and wing coverts ashy-^ray, quills dusky with pale shafts,
iiecondaries mostly white, artil inner primaries tx'.f{e<l with the same ; under-
parts white, belly with a broad jet black area, breast and jugulum thickly
itrcaked with dusky : bill and feet black. Adult in winter, and young '■
above, plain ash-gray, with dark shaft, with or without red or black traces ;
below white, little or no trace of black on the Ixslly ; jugulum with a few
dusky streaks and an ashy sufTufion. Length, K-q inches ; wing, 4^-5 ; tail,
2-2^ ; bill, i^-ij, longer than head, compressed at base, rather depressed at
the end ; tibia bare about ^ ; tarsus, i, or rather less.

Hab. North-America in general, breeding (ax north, and straggling to
eastern coast of Asia. • ,

This is the Black-heart Plover of sportsmen. It is a regular
Visitor in Ontario in the season of migration, appearing on the
shores of Lake Ontario with wonderful regularity on the
Queen's birthday, (May 24th), as if to afford sport to our
gimners on that Canadian holiday. It is much in favor with
those who are fond of killing a great number of birds at once,
as it usually appears in large compact flocks and is not very
difficult of approach. I once saw seventy-six killed or wounded
with the discharge of two barrels. They had jtist arrived on the
shore, and seeming tired after a long flight, settled on a partially
submerged log near the water's edge, from which they were
unwilling to rise, and allowed the gunner to do as stated, to his
extreme delight. It did not occur to one, when looking at so
large a number of dead and wounded birds, that any very
commendable feat had been accomplished, but so it was con-
sidered at the time, and so it will be again, I presume, with that
class of sportsmen, but the like opportunity may not soon occur
again, as the number of Blackhearts which now visit that
locality is very small.

06. TRINGA FERRUGINEABrunn. 2i4.
Curlew Sandpiper.

Adult : crown of the head and entire upper parts greenish-black, each
feather tipped and indented with yellowish-red ; wing-coverts ashy-brown,
each feather with dusky shaft line and reddish edging. Upper tail-coverts
white, with broad dusky bars, tinged at their extremities with reddish.

100

ONTARIO.

Tail, pale (C'lyp w'tl^ Rreenish reflection. Sides of the neck and entire under-
par's uniform deep brownish-red ; under taii-coverts barred with dusky ;
axillars and und)^r winK-coverts white ; bill and feet greenish-black.

Hab. Old World in general ; occasional in Kastern North America.

So far as at present known, the Curlew Sandpiper is only a
stragK'cr on the American continent, about ten or a dozen
being all the recorded captures ; it is quite a common Hritish
species, and like others peculiar to those eastern lands, may
occasionally be wafted westward against its inclinations, but no
nest of the species has yet been foimd on this side of the
Atlantic.

In 1867, the Hoard of Arts of Western Canada prepared a
" catalogue of birds observed in the country," in connection
with the collection which, during that year, was sent to the
Paris exhibition. The Curlew Sandpiper is named in the
catalogue, but no specimen was available for the collection. I
have mentioned it here, chiefly with the view of placing the
technical description in the hands of those interested, so that
they may be able to identify the species should they at any
time fall in with it.

Genus E.REUNETEF illiger.

97. EREUNETES PUSILLUS (Linn.). 246.

Semipalmated Sandpiper.

Adult in summer : above variegated with black, bay and ashy or white,
each feather with a black field, reddish edge and whitish tip ; rump and
upper tail-coverts, except the lateral ones, blackish ; tail feathers ashy-gray,
the central darker ; primaries dusky, the shaft of the first white ; a dusky line
from the bill to the eye, and a white superciliary line ; below, pure white,
usually rufescent on the breast, and with more or less dusky speckling on the
throat, breast and sides usually wanting ; in winter the upj^er parts mostly
plain ashy-gray ; but in any plumage or under any variation the species is
known by its small size and semi-palmated feet. Length, 5i-6J inches ;
wing, 4^-3} ; tarsus, and middle toe and claw, about i ; bill variable from i
to i^, averaging J.

Hab. Eastern Province of North America, breeding north of the
United States ; south in winter to the West Indies and South America.

toi

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I'll!

11 '^'^

BIRDS OF

Nnst, a depression in the ground, in or near some moist place ; lined with
withered ktmu.

Krrs 3 to 4 ; variable in color, usually clay color, blotched or spotted
with umber-brown,

A very al)umlant species during the season of migration,
throngint; alike the shores of the sea, and those of our inland
lakes and marshes.

They visit the shores of Hamilton Bay in spring and fall in
considerable numbers, but are so much disturbed by amateur
gunners that they soon seek for more retired feeding grotmds
elsewhere.

Some, but probably not all of them, breed far north, as they
are here till the end of May and return again with their young
by the end of August. They are usually found associating with
the Least Sandpiper, which they much resemble in general
appearance, but the semipalmated toes of the present species is
always a sure distinguishing mark.

Genus CALIDRIS Cuvier.
98. CALIDRIS ARENARIA (Linn.). 248.
StLnderUng.

Adult in summer : head, neck and upper parts varied with black, ashy
and brifiht reddish ; below from the breast pure white ; tail except central
feathers light-ash, nearly white ; primaries gray with blackish edges and tips,
the shafts of all and bases of most white ; secondaries white except a space at
the end, and greater coverts broadly white tipped ; bill and feet black.
Adult in winter, and young, nc reddish ; speckled with black and white,
sometimes tawny tinged on the jugulum. Length, 7^-8 ; wing, 4J-5 ; tail,
2j ; bill, about t ; tarsus, i or lather less ; middle toe and claw, J.

Hab. Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in the Arctic and Subarctic
r^ions, migrating, in America, south to Chili and Patagonia.

A species of very wide geographical distribution, being found
in suitable places nearly all over the world.

It visits the shores of the great lakes in Ontario during the
season of migration, and appears in different dress according to
age or the season of the year. In spring the breast and fore-

102

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neck are tinged with pale rufus, but in autumn the whole lower
parts are as white as snow. It is a very active species, and
when f-jeding along the shore, shows great celerity in following
the receding wave, or keeping clear of the next one that rolls
up on the Heach. When wounded in the wing, it will run with
great swiftness, and even take to the water and swim well. In
spring their visits to Hamilton Bay are uncertain and of short
duration, but on the return trip they appear about the end of
August and are found all through the fall.

Genus LIMOSA Brisson.

99. LIMOSA FEDOA (Linn.). 249.

Marbled Oodwit.

Tail barred throughout with black and rufous, rump and upper tail-
coverts like the back ; no pure white anywhere. General plumage rufous or
cinnamon-brown ; below, nearly unmarked and ot very variable shade,
usually deepest on the lining of the wing ; above, variegated with black and
brown or gray ; quills rufous and black ; bill flesh-colored largely tipped with
black; feet dark. Large; length, 16-22 ; wing, about 9 ; tail, about 3^ ; bill,
4-5; tibia bare i-ij; tarsus, 2J-3J , ij. "tout;

Hab. North America ; breeding in tie interior (Missouri region and
northward), migrating in winter southward to Central America and Cuba.

Nest on the prairie.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; olive-drab spotted with various shades of umber-brown.

The Marbled Godwit is occasionally seen singly or in pairs on
the lake shores of Ontario during the season of migration, but
these can only be regarded as stragglers, as we learn that in
spring it passes Up the Mississippi Valley in flocks of consider-
able size, and has been found nesting in Iowa, Minnesota and
Dakota. It was also found by Prof. Macoun " feeding in large
flocks along the Salt marshes at Old Wives Lakes and other
points" in the Northwest.

It is a handsome bird. In general appearance resembling the
Curlews, from which, however, it can readily be distinguished
by its straight bill.

103

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K...JH^Bi

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BIRDS OF

From its large size and the delicacy of its flesh, it is held in
esteem by sportsmen who do not let it pass within reach.

It used to visit the Beach at Hamilton regularly in spring
and fall, hut of late years has been rarely seen.

100.

LJMOSA H^.MASTICA (Linn.). 251.

Hudsonian Oodwit.

Tail black, largely white at base, its coverts mostly white ; rump
blackish ; lining of wings extensively blackish ; under-parts in the breeding
searon intense rufous (chiefly barred) with dusky ; head neck and upper
parts brownish-black, variegated with gray, reddish and usually some
whitish sjieckling ; quills blackish, more or less white at the base. Young
antl apparently winter sjiecimens much paler, tawny-whitish below, more
gray above. Considerably smaller than the foregoing, about 15 ; wing, 8 or
less ; bill, 3J or less ; tarsus, 2^ or less.

Hab. Eastern North America and the whole of Middle and South
America. Breeds only in the high north.

Eggs 4 ; olive-drab with dark spots,

Less abundant than the preceding. This species seems to
prefer the line of the Atlantic for its migrations, but is also
noticed inland in smaller numbers. I have seen it in spring at
St. Clair flats, and also on the shores of Hamilton Bay, where
the specimen in my collection was obtained.

It is not known to breed anywhere within the limits of the
United States, and Prof. Macoun in recording its presence in
the Northwest speaks of it as "less abundant than the pre-
ceding and more to the north."

In spring, the prevailing color of the plumage is rich chest-
nut-red, crossed with wavy lines of black. In the fall, it is less
attractive, being mostly ashy-gray.

101,

Genus TOTANUS Bechstein.
Subgenus GLOTTIS Koch.
TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUS (Gmel.). 264.
Greater Yellow-legs,

Bill; straight or slightlj 'lent upwards, very slender, grooved half its
length or less, black : legs long and slender, yellow. In summer, ashy-brown,

104

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above varied with black and speckled with whitish, below white, jugulum
streaked, and breast, sides and crissum sjieckled or barred with blackish,
these latter marks fewer or wanting in winter and in the young; upper tail
coverts white with dark bars ; tail feathers marbled or barred with ashy or
white ; quills blackish. Large ; length, over 12 ; wing, over 7 ; tail, 3 or
more ; bill, 2 or more ; tarsus, about 2J ; middle toe and claw, 1} ; tibia
bare, ij.

Hab, America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic-
portions of North America, and migrating south to Chili and Buenos Ayres.

In spring even before the ice is quite gone from the lakes
and rivers of Ontario, the shrill piercing cry of this bird may
be heard overhead as it circles round in search of some quiet
marshy inlet as a temporary resting place.

At this season but a short stay is made, as it passes quicklj'
on to its breeding place in the far north. As early as the end
of August the birds again appear, toned down in dress and
manners accompanied by their families, many falling the vic-
tims of misplaced confidence by exposing themselves within
reach of the ever-ready breech-loader which at this season of
the year seems omnipresent in all the marshes.

Like others of its class this species is an occasional visitor
at the Beach near Hamilton, but the visits of all this class of
birds at that point are now of less frequent occurrence and of
shorter duration than in former years.

102. TOTANUS FLAVIPES (Gmel.). 255.
Yellow-legs.

A miniature of the last ; colors precisely the same ; legs comparatively
longer ; bill grooved rather further. Length, under 12 ; wing, under 7 ; tail
under 2 ; tarsus, about 2 ; middle toe and claw, and bare tibia, each ij.

Hab. America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic
districts, and migrating south in winter to Southern South Anierica. Less
common in the Western than in the Hastern Province of North America.

Nest a slight depression in the gronnd, lined with dried grass or leaves.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; variable in color, usually clay-color, blotched or spotted
with umber-brown.

103

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BIRDS OF

In color, haunts, and habits, this species closely resembles
the preceding, the difference in size serving at all times to dis-
tinguish one from the other ; both are esteemed for the table,
and are therefore sought tor by the gunners and often exposed
for sale in the market. When one is wounded from a flock, the
others raise a great outcry and remain near it so long that their
ranks are often still farther thinned before they move ofl*. Alone
or in company with the preceding this species pays a passing
visit to the shores of Hamilton Bay in spring and fall.

Subgenus RHYACOPHILUS Kaup.
103. TOTANUS SOLITARIUS (Wils.). 256.

8olltai7 SsAdplper.

Bill perfectly straight, very slender, grooved little beyond its middle
Dark lustrous olive-brown, streaked on the head and neck, elsewhere finely
speckled with whitish ; jugulum and sides of neck with brownish suffusion
and dusky streaks ; rump and upper tail coverts like the back ; tail, axillars
and lining of wings beautifully barred with black and white ; quills entirely
blackish ; bill and feet very dark olive-green ; young duller above, less
speckled, jugulum merely suflused with grayish brown. Length, 8-9 ; wing,
5 ; tail 2j ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe, each about i-i^ ; tibiae bare |.

Hab. North Am.>rica, breeding throughout the temperate portions
^i.iore commonly northward), and migrating southward as far as Brazil and
Peru.

Information regarding the nest and eggs of this species is still much
desired.

As its name implies, this is a solitary bird, nowhere abun-
dant, yet widely distributed. It is seen during the summer
months in Southern Ontario. Prof. Macoun reports it as '* of
frequent occurrence on the plains" of the Northwest, and it has
been found in Alaska.

In the List of Birds of Western Ontario, published in the
Canadian Sportsmen and Naturalist for November 1882, it is
stated that " in the summer of 1879 this bird bred very com-
monly along the streams in Middlesex, but, has since then been
quite rare. Most of those I have seen near Hamilton have got
up unexpectedly from some pool by the roadside, frequently from

106

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places where cattle have been in the habit of visiting to obtain
water. I have not seen more than two together. In thei^
motions they are quiet and sedate, but have the habit peculiar
to others of this class, of nervously jerking their hinder parts in
a manner apparently satisfactory to themselves, though what
particular purpose is served by it, is not to us apparent. From
having seen this species in all the summer months, I have
placed a on the list as a rare summer resident here.

Genus SYMPHEMIA Rafinesque.
10-t. SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA (Gmel.). 258.

WUlet.

Bill straight, comparatively stout, grooved little if any more than half its
length. In summer, gray above, with numerous black marks, white below,
the jugulum streaked, the breast, sides and crissum barred or with arrow
jhaped marks of dusky (in winter, and in young birds, all these dark marks
few or wanting, except on jugulum) ; upper tail-coverts, most of the
secondaries, and basal half of primaries, white ; ends of primaries, their
coverts, lining of wings, and axillars, black ; bill bluish or dark. Toes with
two conspicuous basal webs. Length, 12-16 ; wing, 7-8; tail, 2J-3 ; bill or
tarsus, 2-2| ; tibia bare, i or more, middle toe and claw, 1J-2. •

Hab. Temperate North America, south to the West Indies and Brazil.

Nest in a tussock of grass in the marsh, just above water level.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; usually clay color, splashed or spotted with varying shades
of umber brown,

Very little is known of this species in Ontario. On two
occasions I have seen it brought in by gunners from the marsh,
but have not met with it alive. That it passes this way in
spring and fall is probable, as it breeds generally throughout the
United States as far north as Dakota, and has also been
observed in the Northwest by Prof. Macoun. In general
appearance it resembles the Greater Yellow Shanks, but in the
present species the legs are bluish-lead color. The Willets are
very wary birds, and along the sea coast, where they are more
common and much sought after, decoys are used to attract
them within range. In the fall they are said to get extremely
fat and are much prized for the table.

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BIRDS OF
Genus PAVONCELLA Leach.

105. PAVONCELLA PUGNAX Linn. 260.

Ruir.

Above varied with black, rufous, and gray, the scapulars and tertials
exhibiting these colors in oblique bands. Beneath, white, varied on the
jugulum and throat ; primaries, dark-brown, with greenish reflection above ;
the inner webs finely mottled towards the base. Outer three tail-feathers
plain, the remainder transversely barred. Bill, brown ; sides of rump, white,
legs yellow. Male in spring dress with the feathers of the neck greatly
developed into a ruff ; the face covered with reddish papillae. Length about
lo inches ; wing, 6-40 ; tail, 2-60 ; bill, 1-25.

Hab. Northern parts of the Old World, straying occasionally to
Eastern North America.

A wanderer from the Old World, which has been frequently
obtained on Long Island, on the coast of New England and in
the Middle States.

The fact of a specimen having been killed on the island near
Toronto in the spring of 1882, gives me the privilege of record-
ing it as a rare visitor to Ontario. This is farther inland than
any of the others occurred, and the probabilities are that it will
not often b5 found so far from the sea. The specimen referred
to is apparently a young male in nearly perfect plumage, and is
now mounted, and in the possession of Mr. Young, of Toronto.

1

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Genus BARTRAMIA Lesson.

106. BARTRAMIA LONGICAUDA (Bechst.). 261.

Bartramian Saudpiper.

Above blackish, witli a slight greenish reflection, variegated with tawny
and whitish ; below, pale tawny of varymg shade, bleaching on throat and
belly ; jugulum with streaks, breast and sides with arrowheads and bars of
blackish ; axillars rrd lining of wings pure white, black-barred ; quills blackish,
with white-bars on the inner webs ; tail varied with tawny, black and white,
chiefly in bars, bill and legs pale, former black-tipped. Length ii-i3 inches;
wing, 6-7 ; tail, 3-4 ; bill, i-ij ; middle toe and claw about the same; tarsus,
about 2.

108

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Hab. Eastern North America, north to Nova Scotia and Alaska, breed-
ing throughout its North American range; migrating in winter southward, as
far even as Southern South A.Tierica. Occasional in Europe.

Nest on the prairie.

Eg^ s 4, clay color, marked all over with small spots of umber brown,
most numerous at the larger end.

The Field Plover, as this species is frequently called, is now
very seldom seen in Ontario, though the older sportsmen tell us
that in former times it was often observed in the pasture fields in
sprmg and fall. The few that I have noticed near Hamilton, have
always been in such places, but these can only be regarded as
stragglers, bewildered by fog, or driven by adverse winds away
from their regular habitat. In all the country between the Miss-
issippi and the Rocky Mountains, this species is said to be exceed-
ingly abundant during the seasonsof migration, many remaining
to raise their young in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Dakota,
while large flocks pas? on for the same purpose, gomg as tar
north as the Yukon. According to Piof. Macoun, it is
abundant on the prairies of the Northwest, where it will afford
good sport and a table delicacy, to many a future settler in
that promising country.

Genus TRYNGITES Cabanis.

107

262.

TRYNGITES SUBRUFICOLLIS (Vieill.).

BulF-breasled Sandpiper.

Quills largely white on the inner web, and with beautiful black marbling
or mottling, best sec n from below ; tail unbarred, gray, the central feathers
darker, all with subterminal black edging and white tips ; crown and upper-
parts blackish, the feathers v/ith whitish or tawny edging, especially on the
wings ; sides of the head, neck all round and under-parts pale rufous, or
fawn-color, speckled on the neck and breast with dusky ; bill black ; feet,
greenish-yellow. Length, 7-8 ; wing, 5-5^ ; tail, 2J ; tarsus, ij ; middle toe
and claw, and bill, under an inch,

Hab. North America, especially in the interior ; breeds in the Yukon
district and the interior of British America, northward to the Arctic coast ;
South America in winter. Of frequent occurrence in Europe.

Nest a depression in the ground, lined with dry grass or leaves.

Eggs 4 ; clay-color, blotched or spotted with umber-brown

109

pw^

bikds of

In the early fall, I have several times met with these interest-
ing little birds, running among the short grass on the sandy
kiioUs, north of the canal at the Beach, but have not seen them
elsewhere.

They are said to breed in high lattitudes, a dozen sets of
eggs in the Smithsonian Institution, having all been collected
by Mr. Macfarlane in the Anderson River region, and along
the Arctic coast.

With this record before me, I was not a little surprised to
receive from Dr. G. A. Macallum, of Dunnville, Ont., a notice
of his having found a nest of the species near his home, a few
miles back from the north shore of Lake Erie. In answer to my
request for further particulars, I received a prompt and full
reply, from which the following is an extract : " About the
Buff breasted Sandpiper ; I find on turning up my notes that it
was taken June lo, 1879, when two of the eggs were hatched
and the other one chipped, which however I was able to make a
good specimen of, and it is now in my cabinet.

The female was shot, and with the two little fellows, stands in
my collection. The young are fawn-colored, with black spots
over the whole body ; the egg measures 1-25 x 95, is pyriform
in shape ; color, ground, buff, thickly covered with dark blotches
of two shades of brown, making the general appearance very
dark — almost as dark as the egg of Wilson's Snipe.

The nest was placed between two tussocks of grass on the
ground, a short distance from the banV of the river where the
ground is tolerably high, and where it is the custom to cut
marsh hay. The nest was of a decided shape, and was com-
posed of a fine moss or weed which grows between the tussocks
of marsh grass. This is the only case of its breeding here to
my knowledge."

This species not being common anywhere, there is not much
opportunity for obtaining positive information regarding its
distribution during the breeding season. It may be that the
case referred to by Dr. Macallum is an isolated one ; but it may
yet be found that, like its near relative Bartram's Sandpiper, the

no

ONTARIO

BufT-breasted has a wide geographical range, and that although
many pairs breed in the far north, a few remain and raise
their young in the middle districts. Those I obtained were got
on the 5th of September, 1885, and, though evidently young
birds, were in good plumage at that time.

Genus ACTITIS Illiger.

108. ACTITIS MACULARIA (Linn.). 263.

Spotted Sandpiper.

Above, olive (quaker-color, exactly as in the Cuckoo), with a coppery
lustre, finely varied with black ; line ovi>.r eye, and entire under-parts pure
white, with numerous sharp circular black spots, larger and more crowded in
the female than in the male, entirely wanting in very young birds ;
secondaries broadly white-tipped, and inner primaries with a white spot ;
most of the tail feathers like the back with sub-terminal black bar and white
tip ; bill pale-yellow, tipped with black ; feet flesh-color. Length, 7-8 ;
wing about 4 ; tail, about 2 ; bill, tarsus and middle toe, each about i.

Hau. North and South America, south to Brazil. Breeds throughout
temperate North America. Occasional in Europe.

N«st on the ground not far from water, composed of dried grass.

Kggs 4 ; clay-color, blotched with blackish-brown.

No bird of its class is so well known throughout Ontario as
the "Teeter Snipe."

Merry bands of children, getting out to the woods to pick
flowers in the early summer listen with delight to its soft "peet
weet," as it flits from point to point along the margin of the
stream, and find great amusement in watching the peculiar
jerky teetering motions which give rise to its common name.
It thus becomes associated in the mind of the rising generation
with the return of summer and its many outdoor enjoyments,
and so is always welcome. About the middle of April the Peet-
Weets cross our Southern boundary and are soon dispersed in
pairs all over the country, where they are heard and seen by
every brook-side till about the end of September, when they
move off to spend the winter in the Southern States. In the

lit

BIRDS OF

fall they get quite numerous, and many may be seen along the
lake shore at one time, yet they are not gregarious, each
individual choosing its own time to arise, and place to alight.
The female is rather larger and more heavily spotted than the
male.

Genus NUMENIUS Brisson.
100. NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS WiLS.
Lontr-biUed Curlew.

264.

Bill of extreme length and curvature, measuring from 5 to 8 or g inches ;
total length, about 2 feet ; wing a foot or less ; tail, about 4 ; tarsus, 2J to 2J.
Plumage very similar to that of the Godwit, prevailing tone rufous, of varing
intensity in different birds and in different parts of the same bird, usually
more intense under the wing than elsewhere ; below, the jugulum streaked,
and the breast and sides with arrow-heads and bars of dusky ; above, varie-
gated with black, especially on the crown, back and wmgs ; tail barred
throughout with black antl rufous ; secondaries rufous ; primaries blackish
and rufous ; no pare white anywhere ; bill black, the under mandible flesh-
colored for some distance ; legs dark.

Hab, Femperate North America, migrating south to Guatemala and
the West Indies. Breeds in the South Atlantic States, and in the interior
through most of its North American range.

Nest on the prairies.

Eggs 3 to 4 ; clay-color, blotched or spotted with umber-brown.

The Long-billed Curlew is a bird of the prairie rather than
the coast, though it is often met with along the shores of the
sea. It is said to breed in suitable places from Carolina
to Minnesota, but is spoken of by Prof. Macoun as rare in the
Northwest. In Ontario, it is occasionally seen along the shores
of the Lakes, but only as an irregular visitor and not in large
numbers. Among the veteran sportsmen near Hamilton, it is
spoken of as one of the kinds which have been scared away by the
railroads. Whether the snorting of the locomotive has anything
to do with the disappearance of the birds from their former
haunts is hard to say, but certain it is that the mnnber of
Waders and Swimmers we now see is small as compared with
former years.

iti

ONTARIO

110. NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS Lath. 2«i5.
Hudsonian Curlew.

Bill medium, 3 or 4 inches loriR ; lenj,'th, 16-18 ; wing, 9 , tail, 3J ; tarsus,
2J 24. riumaRe as in the last species in pattern, but general tane much
paler ; quills barred.

Hab. All of North and South America, including the West Indies ;
breels in the high north, and winters chiefly south of the United States.

Nest similar to the preceding.

Kggs similar in markings but smaller.

According to Dr. Coues, this species is less abundant than
either of the other two Curlews, yet at Hamilton it is, of the
three, most frequently observed. I was once on the Beach in
May, when there appeared to be a migratory movement of Hud-
sonian Curlews toward the North. They flew high, in regular
order like getjse and showed no inclination to alight till a boy
with a long shot brought down one, wing broken, from a pass-
ing flock.

Knowing the habits of the birds, he quickly tied it to a stake
in a moist meadow, and concealing himself close by, had good
shooting during the afternoon, as the loud outcry made by his
prisoner brought down every passing flock.

Of late years very few have been seen.

111. NUMENIUS BOREALIS (Forst.). 2«J(J.
Eskimo Curlew.

Bill small, under three inches long; length, 12-15 inches; wing, under
g; tail, 3 ; tarsus, 2. Plumage in tone and nattern almost exactly as in the
last species, but averaging more rufous, especially under the wings, and pri-
maries not barred.

Hab. Eastern Province of North America, breeding in the Arctic
regions, and migrating south to the southern extremity of South America.

Nest in open plains.

Eggs similar to the proceeding but smaller.

The Curlews all resemble each other in plumage, but in size
they vary considerably, this being the smallest of thethree. It is

"3

r

BIRDS OF

veryabundant in the remote regions which it frefjuents in summer,
and also along its niigrat(jry course from which it does not seem
to deviate nuich. On the Pacific coast it has not yet been ob-
served, and on the Atlantic shores it appears only in limited
numbers. The great highway of the species is through the
States just east of the Rocky Mountains, where it is seen in
innnense flocks in spring and fall. I once found myself unex-
pecteiUy in close proximity to a solitary individual on the shore
of the Beach near Hamilton, and secured it, but that is the only
record I have of its occurrence in Ontario.

Family CHARADRIID^ Plovi-rs.

Genus CHARADRIUS Linn.I'Us.,

Subgenus SQUATAROLA Cuvier.

112 CHARADRIUS SQUATAROLA (Linn.).

Black-bellied PloTer.

270.

Adult in breeding season (rarely seen in the United States) ; face and
entire unJer parts black ; upper parts variej^ated with black and white, or
ashy ; tail barred with black and white ; (]iiills dusky with larj^e white patches.
Adults at other times and young, below white more or less shaded with gray,
the throat and breast more or less speckled with dusky ; above blackish,
speckled with white or yellowish ; the rump white with dark bars, legs dull
bluish. Old birds changing show every grade, from a few i.solated feathers
on the under parts, to numerous large bl.'ick patclies. Length, 11-12; wing,
7 or more ; tail, 3 ; bill, i-ij ; tarsus, 2 ; middle toe and claw, i\ ; hind toe,
hardly ^■

H.\B. Nearly cos:no]5<ilitan, but chietl\ in the Northern Hemisphere,
breedin-; far north, and migrating south in winter ; in America to the West
Indies, Brazil, and New Grenada.

Eggs 4, dark clay color, blotched or spotted with brownish black.

Although of nearly cosmopolitan distribution, this large and
handsome Plover is nowhere abundant It has been foimd
breeding on the Arctic coast east of the Anderson River, where
its eggs were taken by Mr. McFarlane.

114

ONTARIO

In its migrations it prefers the sea coast on either side, to the
interior, but a few are also ol)ser\-ed inland.

At Hamilton it visits the Heach in spring and fall in limited
numbers. I once got two out of three very handsome individ-
tials which I saw there on the third of June. In the list of
lairds of Western Ontario, it is mentioned as a " common Mi-
grant" at St. Clair Flats.

113.

Subgenus CH.XRADRIUS Linn^f.us.
CIIARADRIUS DOMINICUS Mull. 272.
American Golden Plover.

riumaRo speckletl above, and in the bree;linj{ season Mack below, as in
the last species, but mnch of the specklincj bright yellow, and the
nimp and upper tail-coverts like the back ■ forehead, and a broad line over
the eye to the nape white ; tail feathers grayish-brown, with imperfect white
or ashy bars ; axillars, (,'ray or .-ishy. At other times, the nnder parts nearly
as in the last species. Length, lo-ii ; wing, 7 or less; tail, under 3 ; bill, i
or less.

Hah. Arctic America, migrating southward throughout North and South
America to Patagonia.

Nest composed of dry grass in a natural hollow in the ground.

Eggs 4, similar to those of the preceding species but not quite so large.

Aged gunners tell us that (uildcn Plo\ers used to follow
the line of the Detroit River in immense flocks, passing quickly
to the north in the spring, and lingering along the shores and in
the pasture fields on their return in the fall.

According to the list of Birds of Western Ontario, they are
stdl regidar visitors there, Imt only in small numbers. Near Ham-
ilton they liave never been common. Small flocks of immature
birds are seen passing south in the fall occasionally, but not
regularly.

The Golden Plover in full breeding plumage is a very hand-
some bird, but like the Snow Bird and some others which breed
in high latitude, they do not assume the nuptial dress till
they reach their northern home, antl by the time they get back
within the boimds of civilization thev have donned the sober

garb of winter.

ts t

"5

i' h .'i

!f m

lURDS OF

This species has, by some authors, been described as identical
with tlie British bird of the same name. Dr. Cones who has
nnide a careful comparison of the two, tells us they are different,
and, as one distinj(uishin^^ mark which is constant, mentions
that the lining; of the winjjs which is pure white in the European
bird, is, in the American species, ashy-f,'ray. This distinction I
have confirmed by specimens of each in my possession.

Genus .^GIALITIS Uoie.

Subgenus OXYECHUS Kkichenhach.

114. ^GIALITIS VOCIFEKA (Linn.). '2T\.

Killdeer.

Above (luiiker-brown witli a greenish tin^e, sometimes most of the feath-
ers tipped and ed^e 1 with oran>,'e brown ; rump and upper tail-coverts orange
brown ; most of tail feathers white at base and tip, suffused with oranfje-brown
in part of their len^^th and with 1-3 black bars ; secondaries mostly white,
and primaries with a white space ; a black bar across the crown, and two
black bands on the neck and breast ; forehead and entire under parts except
as stated, white; bill, black; feel, pale; eyelids, scarlet. Length, 9-10 inches;
wing, 6 or more ; tail, 34, much rounded ; tarsus, about i J.

Hab. Temperate North America, migrating in winter to the West
Indies, Central and Northern South y\merica.

Nest in the grass or shingle in the vicinity of water.

liggs 4, clay color marked with blackish-brown.

A noisy, well known bird, generally distributed throughout
Ontario, and abundant in the North-West. In April, even
before the snow is quite gone, the shrill cry of the Killdeer is
heard in the upper air as it circles aroimd, surveying its old
haunts, and selecting a bare spot on which to settle.

Its favorite resorts are pasture fields or waste places near
water, where it spends much of its time on the ground, some-
times running with great speed, and again sitting quietly as if
aware that it is more likely to escape observation in this way
than by moving. It can scarcely be called gregarious, yet, in
the fall, when the young birds are getting strong on the wing,
they may be seen in companies of ten, or a dozen, visiting the
muddy shores of streams and inlets, till about the end of Sep-
tember, when they all move off south.

116

ONTARIO
Sum.KNUs iEGIALITIS Hoik.

lift. ^GIALITIS SKMIFALMATA IJonah. 274.
Semipalaiatecl Plover.

Above dark ashy-brown with an olivaceous shade ; l)elow white ; very
broad coronal and pectoral black bars in the adult in spring, in fall and in
the young the coronal bar hanlly evident, the pectoral grayish-brown ; e<lges
of eyelids bright orange ; bill moilerately short and stout, orange or yellow,
black tipped ; legs yellowish ; toes conspicuously seinipalniate Length,
about 7 inches ; wing, 4J ; tail, about 2^ rounded.

Hab. Arctic and Subarctic America, migrating south throughout
tropical America, as far as lirazil and I'eru.

Nest a depression in the ground lined with dry grass.

Kggs 4 , cliiy-color, marked witit blackish-brown.

A solid, plump, little bird of very pleasing plumage, particu-
larly in spring when the colors are clear and decided. In com-
pany with other I^each birds, it is found along the shores of the
lakes in Ontario from the middle till the end of May. in the
fall it is again seen in increased munbers in similar places, till
about the end of September, when they disappear for the
season. Dr. Coues found the Ring Necks breeding abundantly
in Labrador, and mostly remaining there till the beginning of
September. The distance between their summer and winter
home is very great, but their flight is rapid, and as they seem
to know the way, the journey is quickly made.

116. iEGIALITlS MELODA (Ord). 277.

Pipinff Plover.

Above, very pale ashy-brown ; the black bands narrow, often imperfect ;
bill colored as in the last, bur shorter and stumpy ; edges of eyelids colored ;
no evident web between inner and middle toes, and only a slight one between
middle and outer. Length, about 7 inches ; v\ing, ^^ ; tad 2.

Hab. Eastern Province of North America, breeding from the coast of
New Jersey (at least formerly) northward ; in winter. West Indies.

Eggs 4 ; deposited among the shingle of the beach ; clay-color, marked
with spots of brownish-black, not exceeding a pin's head in size.

117

m i

w

niRDS OF

The Pipinf; Plover is a more Southern hinl th;m the King*
neck, and evidently does not penetrate far into C)ntario. i have
met with it at the Beach, hut onl\' on two occasions. It has
also been found on the islantl ;it at Toronto, hut is mor(> com-
mon along the north shor(> of Lake luii-, and Mr. Saunders
reports it a.^ breeding at Point Pelee, at the western eml of that
lake. When sitting quietly among the shingle of the beach, the
colors of this little bird harmonize so well with its surroundings
that quite a niunbiM- may \)o close at hand without being
observed. Tlie birds seem aware of this, anti when suspicious
of ilanger, sit perfectly still till it is tim<> to th-, when they rise
simultaneously and mo\e ofT with a soft, plaintive, })iping note.

117. /EGI.XLITIS NIVOSA C.vss. 278.

Snowy Plover.

.l/<i/(' in hrt'i'diiif,' dress ; iiliovf, jvile .^shy-gra\■, little darker than in
Htihidn. Toyi of head witli a fulvous tin^t!. A hroad black coronal har front
eve to eyiv A narrow black post-i>t'ular stripe, tending tc meet its fellow on
the nape, and thus encinle the lidvous .area. A briKi.l black ]iatch on eadi
side of the breast ; no sitjn of its completion abo\t> or below ; no complete
black loral stripe, but indication of such in a small dark patch on either side
of base of uiiper mandible. I'oreheail, continuous with liite o\er the eye,
sides of head, excepting the black post-ocular stripe, and whole nnder-parts

excepting the black lateral breast patches, snowv white

h'hitt

rniK'

CO

inplete around back of neck. I'rimaries blackish, especially at bases and
(>nds the intermediate extent fuscous ; shaft of first, white, of others white
for a space ; nearly all the primaries bk-aching toward bases of inner webs,
but only on some of the inner ones with a white area on outer webs

riiuaries, but white-tipped Cireater coverts

I'limarv coverts like tht

pr

like the liack, but white-tippeil Seciindaries, daik-brown, bleaching' inter

nally and basally uicre.isinge.vtent Irom without inwards

their

haft.'^

khitt

along their respective white portions. Terti.iries like back Several inter-

(liate tail R-athers like back, d.irki

toward ends ; two or three lateral

pairs entirelv white ; all the fe.ithers more pointed than usual. Hill slender
.•md acute, black. I.<',i;s, black. Length, d-so to 7-00; extent, 1.^-50 to
14-00 ; wing, 4-00 to 4-.;5 ; tail, 2-00 or less.

lI.Mi \Vt;stern Province of North .\merica ; in winter, both coasts of
Central .\merica, and Western South .\mericn to Chili

118

ONTARIO

The Snowy Plover is a western bird very seldom seen east
of the Rocky Mountains, and would not have been mentioned
here, but for the followinj; notice of it which ajipears in the
Auk, for Oct. 1S85. If is contributeil by Mr. Seton, of roroiUo.
" A specimen of this binl was shot hero by Mr. 1. Forman,
May, iSSo, ami is now in the rot)ins of tlu- Toronto Gun Club.
It was at the time in companN witli soiiu> ripin<^ Plovers. Tiii,-,
specimen answers in f^eneral to the ilescription in Coues's Key
and fully in rej^ard to tlu- bill ; it ililiVrs in beinj^ nuich lij^hter
in plumaj^'e. I had no opportunity lo make measmements, but
in the same case were Milotlti and wSV/////'<»//»(//«'and comparison
with these makes me almost certain that it is Cantiana. The
bill is noticeably long, black and sleniler. 1 never met the
binl before and have no material to aid me in settlinj^ the
point."

If Mr. Seton h:is correctly identiheil the specimen described,
it cavi only be rej,Mrded as a casual straggler from the far west
which may not be seen here again.

l\\Mii.v AIM IKIZID.'E. SuKi- Biuns and Tukmstonks.

SriiiAMii.v AKHN AKI IN.1'^ TruNsroNKs.

C.KNUs ARKNAKIA Hu isson.

118. ARI£NAR1A INT1:KPRI:S (Linn.). 283.

Turnstonet

Adult in suninu^r pioil ahovo with hliuk, wliiti-, liiDwn ami clit'stniil rcil,
tlie l.Utor color wanting in winter anil in VDuni; biiils , hcluw (idni tlu- bifast
(whicli is inmc or less coniplftfl)' liiatk) ihroat. ninst of tin' soiondaries,
most of tlu- pi'iniaiios, anil basi's and tips ol tlu- tail fi'ailuns whitt; , hill
black ; ft-i^t oiani^c ; length, 8-1) inclu's ; win:;. sA" , tail, i\ ; bill, ^, almost
ii'cnrvi'.l ; tarsns, 1 ; tibi;e bare but a lit tic way.

llvii Neatly cosmopolitan. In \nu'iua tiom I i'.ccnland an.l .M.isk.i to
the Straits of Mavjelian ; more or less common in the interioi ol North
.\merica, on the shores of the (ireat Lakes ami the larger rivers. Ureeits in
hij;!! latititiles.

In the " Hirds of Ohio," |)i. \\ In .Hou says that " Mr.
Sinnett observi'd this species on the coast ot Texas in the
brei>ding sea.son, and beiii ves that they bribed there. The eggs
are described as olive-green, with brown sp;)ts."

119

"i i'l

I-

'r-

ill

BIRDS OF

The beautifully marked Turnstone is a bird of nearly cos-
mopolitan distribution. It is found in America on both coasts,
and also in the interior. At Hamilton Beach it is a regular
visitor in spring and fall, though seldom more than two or three
are found together.

They are very sociable in their habits, mixing freel)- with
whatever other waders they chance to meet, and as they are
seen here till the end of the first week in June, it is probable
that they breed within the limits of Ontario.

They are again seen, young and old together, earl)' in Sep-
tember, and linger around the shores of the bay till the end of
that month, when they move farther south to spend the winter.

Order GALLING. Gallinaceous Birds.

Suborder PHASIANI. Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges,

Quails, etc

Family TETRAONID^E. Grouse, Partridges, etc.

Subfamily PERDICIN^. Partridges.

Genus COLINUS Lesson.

119. COLINUS VIRGINIANUS (Linn.). 289.
Bob' white.

Coronal feathers erectile but not forming a true crest. Forehead, super-
ciliary line and throat white, bordered with black ; crown, neck all round
and upper-part of breast brownish-red, other under-parts tawny-whitish, all
with more or fewer doubly crescentic black bars ; sides broadly streaked
with brownish-red ; upper-parts variegated with chestnut, black, gray and
tawny, the latter edging the inn^r quills. Female known by having the
throat buff instead of white, less black about the fore-parts, and general
colors less intense, rather smaller than the male. Length, 9-10 ; wing, 4^-5 ;
tail 2J-3.

Hab. Eastern United States and Gouthern Canada, from Southern
Ma ne to the South Atlantic and Gulf States, west to Dakota, Eastern Kan-
sas, and Eastern Texas.

Nest on the ground in a natural or excavated hollow, lined with grass or
leaves, usually sheltered by tall grass, weeds, bushes, or brush.

1 30

ONTARIO

Eggs, pure white, said to range in numbers from lo to 40, the larger lots
supposed to include contributions from several females ; 15 being considered
the usual set.

Bob-white may be claimed as a permanent resident in
Southern Ontario, which is the northern Hmit of his ran<;e, and
he has hard work to liold his own aj^ainst the many inflnences
which are continually operatinjL^ a<(ainst him. Birds of prey,
crows, jays, weasels, dogs, cats, mowinji; machines, and sports-
men of all classes tend to thin the ranks ; worse than all these
the vicissitudes of winter, spells of cold weatlier during which
the mercury gets down below zero, and occasional long con-
tinued deep snow, tell so severeh' against this little bird that
were it not for its wonderful capacity for increase it would soon
be exterminated.

The Quail follows in the wake of cultivation, and under
ordinary circumstances thrives best near the abode of tnan. It
is a good friend to the farmer, and is well entitled to his pro-
tection in return for the service it renders, not only in the con-
sumption of large quantities of tlie seeds of noxious weeds, but
also in the destruction of many sorts of insects whose ravages
among the crops are often verv severe and difficult to prevent.
A recent writer mentions having examitied the crop of one
which was killed as it rose from a potato patch, and found
it to contain seventy-five potato-bugs. This is only one of the
many instances illustrating the value of this bird to the farmer.

Were I a farmer, I would hang over my kitchen fire-place
the motto, inscribed in goodly characters : " Spare the Quail."

Many interesting articles have from time to time appeared
in sporting magazines concerning the cpiery — has the Quail the
power to withhold its scent ?

No one accjuaiuted with the habits of the birds will deny
that at times the l)est of dogs will f.ail to find them where the\
have been marked down, but how this happens is a subject
regartling which sportsmen still hold difierent opinions.

From among many instances given in illustration of the fact
we select the following by Dr. M. I''. Jones, an enthusiastic

121

^tlill

'Ki

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BIRDS OF

sportsman and naturalist : "A few years since I was out with
a friend, and we flushed a very large bevy, and marked them
down accurately on an elevated piece of ground in a woodland
pasture. The grass was short and there was not even a weed
or briar, but here and there a large tree. We moved forward
with three dogs, expectmg to bring on an engagement at once.
We made the dogs approach cautiously, giving them warning
that game was in the immediate vicinity, but they arrived at
the identical spot where we saw as many as thirty birds alight,
without making the least demonstration whatever that there
was anything unusual about the place. We knew better, and
made them go over and over, crossing and recrossing, until it
seemed every foot, every inch of ground had been most
thoroughlj' examined. We did this until two sportsmen and
three dogs gave up the pursuit. It was now past noon, and
we sat down on the grass, uncorked our canteens and opened
out our lunch. We were eating, talking and laughing, occa-
sionally rewarding the dogs with a cracker, when my friend by
way of sport said, " Look at old Tom, he is on a point." The
dog was Standing half up, half down, with his nose thrown
under his chest between his front legs. Sure enough he was on
a point, for there was the bird, with its bright black ej'es, only
partially concealed by a leaf, almost under the dog's body.
My friend put his hat over it and caught it without moving
from the dinner table. At that instant another dog made a
point within six inches of my feet. I saw the bird at once, and
tried to capture it with my hand, but it made its escape. This
was the signal for a general move and the whole covey now
arose from all around and about us. The concert of action in
the manner of going down, retaining their scent, remaining still
under the most trying circumstances, and the mode of leavmg
—all indicated an understanding and education by command
how to act in time of danger."

Some time ago the Government of Ontario passed an Act
prohibiting the killing of Quail under any circumstances for a
period of three years, which co-incident with mild winters had
the effect for a time of increasing the numbers, but again they
are greatly reduced and in need of protection which they well
deserve.

122

de a
and

This
now
n in
still

Act

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had

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well

ONTARIO.
Subfamily TETRAONIN.E. Grouse.

Genus DENDRAGAPUS Elliot.

Subgenus DENDRAGAPUS.

DENDRAGAPUS OBSCURUS RICHARDSONII (Sab.).

120 Richardson's Grouse. S97b.

Adult-male : Back and wings blackish-brown crossed with wi.vy lines of
slaty-gray, mixed with yellowish-brown on the scapulars. Long feathers of
the sides tipped with white, under-parts light slate-color, mi.xed with white
on the lower parts. Cheeks black ; chin and throat speckled with black
and white feathers on the sides of the neck slightly enlarged, covering a rudi-
mentary air sack. Tail brownish-black veined and marbled with gray, and
having a broad terminal band of the same color. Female smaller, more
varied and generally lighter in color, but having the under-parts and bar at
the end of the tail slate-gray as in the male. length, 20 to 22 inches ; wing,
9 to 10 ; tail, 7.

Hab.
America.

Rocky Mountains, from Central Montana northward into British

Eggs, creamy-buff, freckled all over with chocolate-brown.

For a notice of the occurrence of this species in Ontario, 1
am indebted to C. J. Banipton, of Saiilt St. Marie, who has
frequently seen it brought into market at that place.

It bears a strong resemblance to the Dusky Grouse (Den-
(Iragapus Obscurus (Say.), of which it is regarded as the
Northern form. The Dusky Grouse is fou.ntl chiefly on the
west coast as far south as New Mexico and the White Moun-
tains of Arizona. In the Rocky mountains toward the north,
it gradually assumes the peculiarities of the present species ;
but many intermediate individuals are found which cannot
positively be said to belong more to the one than to the other.

In Richardsonii, the tail feathers are longer and broader
than in Obscurus. The slate-colored bar at the end is smaller.
or wanting, and the general colors darker, specially so on the
throat.

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BIKDS OF
SuBGEN^Js CANACHITES Stejneser.
121. DENDRAGAPUS CANADENSIS (Linn.). 'iPH.

Canada Grouse.

Adult-male : Tail of sixteen feathers, rounJoil, black, with an oranRe-
brown bar al the end. Prevailing color, black, barred and spotted with
white on the lower parts, attul above crossed with wavy lines of tawny and
grey. Female smaller, varietjated all over with black, brown, white and
tawny. Tail bar as in the male but less decided. length, 16-00 ; wing 7 ;
tail, 5-50.

Hab. British .-Vmerica, east of the K(5cky Mountains, from Alaska
south to Northern Michigan, Northern New York, and Northern New Eng-
land.

Nest on the ground in secluded places, well concealed, built of twigs,
leaves, moss and grass.

Eggs 12 or more ; creamy-brown, sometimes dotted or blotched with a
darker shade.

When young birds of different species are cast loose from
parental oversight, and go out into the world on their own
account they are often very erral.c in their movements, are
frequently found in places where they have no business to be,
and sometimes thereby come to grief.

It was from some such cause as this that I once got a speci-
men i){ the Canada Cirouse in the Hamilton market. It was in
month of October, a farmer had seen this small dark-colored
bird m company with some Ruffed Grouse, and following them
up, singled it out as something new. They are not known to
breed anywhere near Hamilton, but are common in the pictur-
esque district of Muskoka, between the Georgian Bay and the
Ottawa River, where they breed and are resident.

They are plump, handsome little birds, but are not equal to
the Quail or the Ruffed Grouse for the table.

Genus BON ASA Stephens.
Vl-1. BONASA UMBELLUS (Linn.).
Ruffed Grouse.

300.

Sexes nearly alike ; variegated reddish or grayish-brown ; the back with
numerous oblong, pale, black-edged spots ; neck-tufts, glossy-black ; below,

12.1

ONTARIO

whitish barred with brown ; tail with a l)roaci subterminal black zone, and
tipped with gray. Length, 16-18 ; wing, 7-S.

Hab. Eastern United States, south to North Carolina, Georgia, Miss-
issippi, and Arkansas.

Nest in a hollosv in the ground, lined with grass or leaves ; often placed
by the; side of a log or stump.

Eggs, 8 to 12 ; cream-color, sometimes minutely spotted witli chocolate-
brown.

Notwithstanding the continual persecution to wliich tlu'
Ruffed Grouse is exposed, it is still a conunon species
throughout Ontario, breeding in all suitable places from the
shore of Lake Erie to the northern boundary of the Province,
and even in Alaska.

It is a robust, hardy bird, well able to stand the rigors of
our climate, and being exceedingly strong and active on the
wing, gets oftener away from the sportsman than any other
species he pursues. Occasionally when the birds are found
feeding among bushes of stunted growth, with a good dog a
fair bag maybe made, but to follow them ' through the tangled
masses of foliage and fallen trees where they are usually found
is attended with great fatigue, and usually very slim results.
The birdsget up with wonderful suddenness, and disappear as if
by magic ; besides which they seem always to rise at the wrong
time, from the wrong place, and to go off in the wrong direction
to suit the sportsman.

Much has been written regarding the mode in whicli this
bird produces the peculiar drumming sound so familiar to all
who have had occasion to visit its haunts, but it is now gener-
allv believed to be caused b}' the rapid vibr.itorv motion of the
wings beating the air, a similar sound being i)rod.iced in a
similar way by the Hummingbird, and also l)y the Night-
hawk. The Grouse in the spring-time produces this music as
a call to his lady fair, who, no doubt, tleliglits to liear it,, and
responds accordingly. It is also heard occasionally late in the
season, when he is possibly working off the exuberance of his
spirits after some happy experience in his sylvan life.

125

BIRDS OF

At different points throuf^hout its extensive habitat, this
species is subject to considerable variation in phnnage. This
has recently led to the formation of several sub-species, one of
which (l^onasa umbcllus togata) (Linn.), will, I daresay, be
found in Ontario, but between these new groups are always to
be found iiiterniedinte individuals which render the boundary
rather uncertain. All are more or less closuly related to the
old original Honasa mnbellus.

Genus LAGOPUS Brisson.

123. LAGOPUS LAGOPUS (Linn.). H0\.

Willow Ptarmig^an.

Bill stout, as high as the distance from the nasal groove to its tip. In
summer rufous, or orange-chestnut on the head and neck : the feathers of the
back black, barred rather closely with yellowish-brown and chestnut. In
winter white, the tail black tipped with white. Length, 15 to 17 ; wing,
about S ; tail, 5-50.

Hab. Arctic America, south to Sitka and Labrador.

Xest on the ground,

Eggs, 14 ; fawn color spotted with reddish-brown.

The Ptarmigans are found both in the old and new world,
as far north as vegetation extends, and so thoroughly boreal
are the}' in their habits, that they seldom come within even the
northern boundary of Ontario. C. J. Bampton, registrar
of the district of Algoma, who has furnished me with many
interesting notes regarding the birds of that remote district,
mentions the Willow Ptarmigan as a rare winter visitor at
Sault St. Marie.

12i. LAGOPUS RUPESTRIS (Gmel.).
Rock Ptarmig^an.

30-:

Bill slender, distance from the nasal groove to the tip greater than
height at base. In summer the feathers of back black, banded distinctly

126

ONTARIO

with )«llowish-brown and tipped with white. In winter white, the tail
black, tipped with white ; the male' with a black bar from the bill through
the eye. Len>,'th, 14 to 1 5 ; win),' 7 to 7-50 ; tail, 4-50.

Hab. Arctic America, from Alaska to Labrador.

Nest on the ground.

F.ggs, reddish-brown, spotted with darker brown.

Tliis is another northern species reported by Mr. Hampton
as being occasionally exposed in the winter time in the market
at Sault St. Marie. It resembles the preceding in general
appearance, bnt is rather less in size, and in winter plumage
the black band through the eye of the male serves at once to
decide his identity.

The Ptar(nigans have a most interesting history, their small
feet covered densely with hair-like feathers, the wonderful
changes which their plumage undergoes to match their
surroimdings, and their life amid the rigors of an arctic
wmter, are matters which invest the history of the group with
peculiar interest.

Genus TYMPANLXHUS Glogen.

125. TYMPANUCHUS AMERICANUS (Reich.). ;J05.

Prairie Hen

Above variegated with black, brown, tawny or ochrey, and white, the
latter especially on the wings ; below pretty regularly barred with dark
brown, white and tawny ; throat tawny a little speckled, or not : vent and
crissum mostly white ; quills fuscous with white spots on the outer webs ;
tail fuscous, with narrow or imperfect white or tawny bars and tips ; se.\es
alike in color, but the female smaller with shorter neck-tufts. Length, 16-18 ;
wing, 81) ; tail, about 5.

Hab. Prairies of the Mississippi Valley, south to Louisiana, east to
Kentucky and Indiana.

Nest on Mie ground, in a tuft of grass or small shrub.

Eggs, 8 to 12 ; pale greenisli-gray, sometimes minutely dotted with
brown.

Southern Ontario has no prairie which meets the require-
ments of the Prairie Chicken, and therefore the birds are not
here. From various sources I have heard of their being still

ilrJ='i

i

i'i

127

m

nir<r)S or

f(jiiii(l along tilt; scnilii wcsttTii fioiiticr, but their nmiiher.s are
on the d(,'creasc. In the List of IHrds of Western Ontario it is
stated that a few still breed at St. Clair. From VV. E.
\Vaf,'staff, one of the oldest and most re.spected settlers in the
County of Esse.\, I have a most interesting letter regarding tlie
birds he has observed during his long residence; tliere. Of this
sjiecies he says : " I liave never seen Prairie Chickens alive,
but have heard of their being seen in bands about Sandwich.
When I first came to Amherstburg, about 1840, I heard the old
sports tell of having killed tluni in the gardens of tlie town."

From the foregoing it would appear that the days of the
Prairie Chicken in Ontario are numliered. They afford
exc(!llent sport to the gunner, and the facilities for reaching
them in their remote haunts are now so much increased, that
year by year, even in the United States, they are being driven
to regions still more ?-emote.

In the first week in May, 1886, some young men were
practising flight shooting at such waterfowl as were passing
between the baj' and the lake near the canal at the Beach.
Presently a bird of difTerent flight and shape came buzzing
al(Mig, and was brought down by one of the gunners who was
greatly astonislied to find be had killed a male Prairie Chicken
in fine spring plumage. I came along shortly after and saw
the bird just as picked up. It had been going at a very rapid
rate, but whence it came, or vvhither bound, was not apparent.

liHI

Genus PEDIOC^TES Baird.

126. PEDIOC/ETES PHASIANELLUS (Linn.). :V>8.
Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Adult male : — A decuixccl ciust of narrow feathers ; a bare space on each
side of the neck capable of being inflated; tail short, much graduated, of
sixteen feathers, all of which are more or less concave, excepting the two
middle ones along the inner edge, obliquely and abruptly terminated, the
two middle projecting an inch beyond the rest. Upper parts variegated with
light yellowish-red, brownish-black and white, the latter in terminal
triangular or guttiform spots on the scapulars and wing-coverts ; quills
grayish-brown, primaries with white spots on the outer web ; secondaries

128

ONTARIO.

tipped and barred with white, tail white variegated at the base, the two
middle feathers like the back ; loral spare ami a band Iwjhind the eye
yellowish-white, a dusky streak under the eye ; throat reddish-white, with
dusky sjx)ls ; fore-parts and sides of the neck burred with reddish-white ;
on the breast the dusky sptits become first curved, then arrow-shajxid, and
so continue narrowinj,' on thi- liind pnrt of the breast and part of tlu- sides of
which the upper portion is Iwrred ; alxkniien, lower tail-cf)verts and axillars,
white ; tarsal feathers liRht brownish-Rray, faintly barred with whitish
/'"(•;;/<(/(• smaller, the tints of colors less bright. Length, 18-20; win^, H-y ;
middle feathers of the tail. 4-6 ; outer feathers, i.J.

Hab. British America, fn^m the northern shore of Lake Supx;rior and
British Columbia to Hudson's Hay Territory and Alaska.

Nest in a tuft of grass on the prairie.

Eggs, 5 to 12 , grayish-olive or drab color, minutely dotted with brown
spots the sieeof a pin's head.

Writing; from the Northwe.st Prof. Macoiin says of this
species : " This is the Prairie Chicken of our western plains,
the true Prairie Chicken not being observed here."

And Dr. Coues, \vritin<^ in the same strain, says : " This is
the Prairie Chicken of the whole Northwest, nsiially occurring
where the Pinnated Grouse does not, although the habitats of
the two species overlap to some extent." From the foregoing
it appears that while the present species occupied the North-
west, the Prairie Chicken flourished more in the south-east, but
that now both are being driven farther to the north-west, as the
prairies come under cultivation.

The Sharp-tail is abundant near Winnipeg, from which
point it has reached the Hamilton market. It is also reported
by Mr. Bampton as being found at Saidt: St. Marie.

Family PHASIANID^. Pheasants, etc.
Subfamily MELEAGRIN.E. Turkeys.
Genus MELEAGRIS Linn^iUs.
127 MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO Linn. 130.
Wild Turkey,

Naked skin of head and neck livid-blue; general color copper-bronze
with copper and green reflection, each feather with a narrow black border ;

129

liUiDS OF

all the (Hiills brown closfily burred with wliite ; tail chcHtmit barred with
black and a broad sublerininal black bar. Tip of tail feathers and upper
tail-coverts lighter chestnut. Length, j-4 feet.

Hab. United States, from S<juthern Canada to the Gulf coast, and west
tn the Plains, alon^ the timlwred river valleys ; formerly along the Atlantic
coast to Southern Maine.

Nest on the ground.

I'^K'K's, 10 to 15 ; dark bufTor cream color, thickly sprinkled with dark
umber-brown.

Witliiii the recollection of people still livinj;, Wild Turkeys
were comparatively coniiuon alonj; our south-western frontier.
Mr. Wagstair in his letter already referred to says : " Wild
Turkeys are getting scarce. They were once numerous in
Kent and Essex, going about in flocks, but the severe winter of
1842 almost exterminated them. About 1856 they had again
become nimierous, but are gradually getting fewer in number
as the settler's axe clears away the timber." In the List of
Birds of W^estern Ontario it is stated that a nest was found in
the County of Middlesex in 1878.

That veteran sportsman and naturalist, Dr. Garnier, of
Lucknow, writing under date of December nth, 1884, says:
•' I have killed several Wild Turkeys in the County of Kent,
and saw one there this season which I did not obtain.

On the 2ist of last October I had a female of this species in
my hands at Chatham station, which had just been killed near
by. About four years ago, at Leguis farm, near Mitchell's Bay,
I saw three gobblers, two of which I killed right and left, the
third was shot the same day by a boy from whom I bought it
for a dollar.

Most of the domestic Turkeys in that section are either the
wild species tamed or half-breeds, and are far superior in flavor
to the ordinary stock. In 1856 I killed two out of a large flock
within half a mile of Hagersville, which at that time consisted
of a waggon-shop, a toll-gate, postoffice, and a small shop called
' store.' I also got a set of nine eggs, and found the female
killed by a fox, lying close by, still warm but quite dead."

130

ONTARIO.

The Wild Turkey has never advaiiciil into Ontario much
beyond the southern bounchiry, the cHinate being evidently too
severe, and the l(Kality from other causes perhaps not very
attractive. The few which still remain are more hunted
as they i<e'Come more rare, and to all appearance the day is not
far distant when this valuable j^ame bird will be sought for in
vain in the Piovince of Ontario.

In the south a second species is found which is believ»!d to
l)e the parent of the domestic stock. It is more of a southern
bird, being found chiefly in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and
southward.

Okdkr COLiniUA':. PiGiiONS.

Family COLUMJMD.-'l-:. Pigeons.

Genus ECTOPISTES Swainson.

128. ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIUS (Linn.). 316.

Passenger Pig^eoD.

Adult-male : — Dull bliit; above with olivaceous tinge on back, below dull
purplish-red, whitening on vent and crissum ; sides of neck golden and ruby ;
some wing-coverts black-spotted ; quills blackish, with slaty, whitish and
rufous edging ; middle tail-feathers bluish-black, the others white or ashy,
the inner webs basally black with chestnut patch ; bill black ; feet coral-red ;
/cwrt/f and j'oH«/j' duller and more brownish or olivaceous above, below dull
grayish, with a tawny tinge anteriorly, or quite gray ; very young have the
feathers skirted with whitish ; length, 15-17 ; wing, 7-8 ; tail about the same.

Hab. Eastern North America, from Hudson's Bay southward, and west
to the Great Plains ; straggling westward to Nevada and Washington
Territory.

Nest on bushes or small trees, loosely built of twigs.

Hggs, I or 2 : pure white.

As its name implies, this is a migratory species, but it has
not, like man}' others, a regular migratory course which it
instinctively follows year after year in the same direction. On
the contrary, the movements of the Wild Pigeon are quite
irregular, and guided only by the instinct which directs the
birds in their search for food. A few straggling pairs are still

131

f i

1 i-'i

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BIRDS OF

found in the backwoods in Southern Ontario where they
probably breed, but the rising generation of sportsmen can have
but inadequate conceptions of the vast flocks of pigeons which
used in former years to pass over Hamilton.

They were annually looked for in April — the first who
observed them circulated the news, " The Pigeons are flying,"
and early in the morning a regular fusilade was heard all along
the edge of the mou.ntain, where at daylight the gunners had
taken up their stand at such points as the flocks were likely to
pass. These annual migrations seemed to attain their
maximum in 1854, " the year of the cholera." During that
season, from the middle of April till the end of June, flocks could
be seen in every hour of every day passing to the west. The
summer was unusually warm, and as the heat increar,ed the
birds seemed weak and languid with scarcely enough energy
left to rise above the houses. Vast numbers werr- killed, till,
fortunately for the birds, a rumor got abroad ihat eating too
many pigeons caused the cholera, after which they were
allowed to pass on their way unmolested.

After that year the flocks rapidly decreased in number, till at
present the annual migrations have enti.ely ceased.

The food of the species consists chiefly of beech nuts, wild
berries, and seeds of different kinds. These disappear as the
country comes more under cultivation, and the pigeons seek
the less settled districts, in search of their favorite fare. At
present we hear of them being exceedingly abundant in the
valley of the Upper Missisippi, and being quite hardy, they
probably extend up north into the " Great Lone Land."

Those who wish to see such flocks of pigeons as used to
pass over Ontario will have to follow them there, as, in all
probability, they will never be seen here again.

Genus ZENAIDURA Bonaparte.

129. ZENAIDURA MACROURA (Linn.). 316.

Honmingf Dove.

Brownish-olive, glossed with blue on the crown and nape ; below
purplish-red, becoming tawny white on the vent and crissum ; neck metallic-

132

'■'■ ;

ONTARIO

golden ; a velvety-black spot on the auriculars and others on the winj;-
coverts and scapulars ; middle tail feathers like back, the rest ash^-blue at
the base, then crossed by a black bar, then white or ashy-white ; bill very
slender, black ; feet carmine ; the female and young differ as in the wild
pigeon ; length, 11-13 ; wing, 5-6; tail, 6-7.

H\B. North America, from Southern Maine, Southern Canada, and
Oregon, south to Panama and the West Indies.

Nest usually in a tree or bush, sometimes on a log or on the ground,
composed mostly of twigs.

Eggs., 2 ; pure white.

The ^Tourning Dove breed.s sparingly throughout Southern
Ontario, hut is more common farther south. It feeds in the
open fields on berries, buckwheat, and the seeds of certain
weed;;, but on being disturbed seeks shelter in the nearest
woods.

It IS a gentle, timid species, and as it does not occur with
us in sufficient numbers to make it worth following, it is seldom
disturbed. It is one of the most difificidt birds the collector
undertakes to handle, the skin being so tender that should the
bird be brought down even from a moderate height the fall is
almost sure to burst the skin and destroy the specimen. For the
same reason the greatest care is necessary when preparing the
skin for the cabinet.

Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey.

Suborder SARCORHAMp-HI, American Vultures.

Family CATHARTID^^^ American Vulturi-.s.

Genus CATHARTES Illigkr.

1.30. CATHARTES AURA (Linn.). 325.

Turkey Vulture.

Blackish-brown ; quills ashy-gray on their under surface ; head red ; feet
flesh-colored ; bill white. Skin of the head corrugated, sparsely beset with
bristle-like feathers ; plumage commencing in a circle on the neck ; tail
rounded. Length, about 2J feet ; extent, 6 ; wing, 2 ; tail, i.

Hab. Temperate North America, from New Jersey, Ohio Valley,
Saskatc?i°wan region, and Washington Territory southward to T'atagonia.
Casual northward on the Atlantic coast to Maine.

i

Pi :

133

F

M

i. ,

m

BIRDS OF

Breeds generally in communities. Nest on the ground, or in a hollow
log or stump.

Eggs, usually 2 ; creamy white, spotted and blotched with different
shadi^s of brown.

So far as I am aware, the Turkey Buzzard has been observed
in Ontario, only in the south-western i^ortion of the Province.

Mr. Wagstaff, in the letter alr'^'ady quoted, says : " Turkey
Buzzards are frequently seen in Essex sailing around in search
of carrion." I once saw it at Baptiste Creek some years since,
but have not heard of it being seen farther east. Dr.
Coues sa5's : " This species has a curious habit of ' playing
possum' by simulating death when wounded and captured, the
feint being admirably executed and often long protracted."

Suborder FALCONES. Vultures Falcons, Hawks,
Buzzards, Eagles, Kites, Harriers, Etc.

Family FALCON ID^^. Vultures, Falcons, Hawks,

Eagles, etc

Subfamily ACCIPITRIN^'E. Kites, Buzzards, Hawks,
Goshawks, Eagles, etc.

Genus ELANOIDES Vieillot.

131. ELANOIDES PORFICATUS (Linn.). 327.

Swallow-tailed Kite.

Head, neck and under-parts white ; back, wings and tail lustrous black ;
feet greenish blue, claws pale. Length, _/i-H/«/t', 23-25 ; wing, 16-16J ; tail, 14 ;
male a little smaller.

Hab. Southern United States, especially in the interior, from Pennsyl-
vania and Minnesota southward, throughout Central and South America ;
westward to the Great Plains. Casua' eastward to Southern New England.
Accidental in England.

Nest on a tree ; constructed of sticks, hay, moss, etc.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; whitish, blotched and spotted with chestnut-brown.

In the course of its extensive wanderings, this bold, dashing
Kite has been known to visit Ontario. In the List of Birds of

134

ONTARIO

Western Ontario mention is made of a pair having spent a
summer about eight miles north-west of London, and there is
also a record of one having alighted on the top of a flagstaff at
Ottawa, when it was closely examined through a glass and
satisfactorily identified.

The food of this species consists chiefly of snakes, lizards,
grasshoppers, locusts, etc., which not being abundant in
Ontario readily accounts for the absence of the birds.
According to Audubon the Swallow-tailed Hawk feeds chiefly
on the wing, and having pounced on any prey on the ground,
rises with it and devours it while flying. " In calm weather,"
he farther observes, " they soar to an immense height, pursuing
the large insects called Mosquito Hawks, and performing the
most singular e\olutions that can be conceived, using their tail
with an elegance peculiar to themselves."

I

Genus CIRCUS Lacepede.
132. CIRCUS HUDSONIUS (Linn.
Marsh Hawk.

H31.

Adult-maU : — Pale bluish-ash, nearly unvaried, whitening below and on
upper tail-coverts ; quills blackish towards the end. Length, 16-18 ; wing,
14-15 ; tail; S-9 ; female larger, above dark-brown streaked with reddish-
brown, below the reverse of this ; tail banded with these colors ; immature
male is like the/emale though redder, but in any plumage the bird is known
by its white upper tail-coverts and generic characters.

Hab. North America in general, south to Panama.

Nest on the ground ; composed of twigs and dried grass.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; pale greenish-white, spotted or blotched with light brown.

In Ontario the Marsh Hawk in tiie red plumage is a well
known bird, but in the blue phase it is seldom seen. It arrives
from the south in April as soon as the ice is gone, and from
that time till November, it may usually be seen coursing over
the marshes and moist meadows m search of its food, which
consists of mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, worms, etc. It
breeds sparingly at the St. Clair Flats, becoming quite
numerous in the fall on the arrival of those which have bred

EM

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^35

BIRDS OF

farther north. It is said that during the excitement of the
breeding season, this bird has the singular habit of turning
summersaults in the air, I have never happened to see one in
this state of hilarity, all those observed being quite subdued in
their habits, seldom deviating from their daily occupation of
sailing over the marshes looking for mice.

Genus ACCIPITER Brisson,

Subgenus ACCIPITER.

V6:^. ACCIPITER VELOX (Wils.). 'dH2.

Sharp>8hinned Hawk.

Feet extremely slender ; bare portion of tarsus longer than middle toe ;
scutellae frequently fused, tail square. Above dark-brown (deepest on the
head, the occipital feathers showing white when disturbed), with an ashy or
plumbeous shade which increases with age, till the general cast is quite
bluish-ash ; below white or whitish, variously streaked with dark -brown and
rusty, finally changing to browrish-red (palest behind and slightly ashy
across the breast), with the white then only showing in narrow cross-bars;
chin, throat and crissum mostly white with blackish penciling ; wings and
tail barred with ashy and brown or blackish, the quills white-barred basally,
the tail whitish tipped ; bill dark ; claws black ; cere and feet yellow. Male,
IO-I2 ; wing, 6-7 ; tail, 5-6 -.fi'malf, 12-14 '■ wing, 7-8 ; whole foot, 3J or less.

Hab. North America in general, south to Panama.

Nest in trees.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; white, shaded with purple and splashed with brown.

A rather common sunimrr resident in Southern Ontario,
smaller in size than Cooper's Hawk, but similar in markings.
It lives chiefly on small birds, and nothing can exceed the
impetuosity with which it dashes down and captures them by
sheer power of flight. " Many have been the times," says
Audubon, '• when watching this vigilant, active and industrious
bird, have I seen it plunge headlong into a patch of briers, in
defiance of all thorny obstacles, and passing through, emerge
on the other side bearing off with exultation in its sharp claws
a finch or a sparrow which it had surprised at rest."

136

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Tliis species is much given to variation in size and
markings, making it difficult at times to distinguish between a
large Sharp-shinned and a small Cooper's Hawk. In the
present species the legs and feet are relativelj' longer and more
slender than in the other, the term sharp-shinned being
no misnomer. They all seem to retire from Ontario in the fall,
as none are observed during winter.

134. ACCIPITER COOPERl (Bonap.). 8;«.
Cooper's Hawk.

Feet moderately stout ; bare portion of tarsus shorter than mirldle toe ;
scutellae remaining distinct ; tail a little rounded. Colors and their chanj^es
as in A./iiscus ; larger, male, 16-18 ; wing, g-io ; tail, 7-8 ; female 18-20 ;
wing, lo-ii ; tail, 8-9. Whole foot 4 or more.

Hab. North America in general, south to Southern Mexico.

Nest in trees, mostly in evergreens.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; white tinged with green, sometimes faintly spotted with
brown.

This is one of the Chicken Hawks, and it well deserves the
name from the havoc it makes among the poultry. It is most
common in spring and fall, but sometimes appears suddenly in
the winter and shortens the days of Passer doniesticns when
nothing better is available.

Cooper's Hawk breeds sparingly throughout Southern
Ontario, apparently preferring the vicinity of large marshes,
where blackbirds, rails, etc., are easily obtained.

Extraordinary migrations of hawks are sometimes seen in
the fall, when for two or three days in succession, along a
certain section of country, individuals of this and the preceding
species will be continually in sight. Flocks of this description
have often been observed at Point Pelee, near the west end of
Lake Erie, where the birds probably gather when working their
way round the west end of the lake, in preference to going
across. Although a few remain during the winter, this species
is mostly migratorjs arriving in April and leaving in October.

137

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BIRDS OF
Subgenus ASTUR Lacepede.

135. ACCIPITER ATRICAPILLUS (Wils.). :^34.

American Goshawk. '

Adult dark bluish-slate blackening on the head, with a white superciliary
stripe ; tail with four broad dark bars ; below closely-barred with white and
pale-slate, and sharply streaked with blackish. Yoiinsr dark-brown above,
the feathers with pale edges, streaked with tawny-brown on the head
and C"^ . : below fulvous-white with oblong brown markings. Female, 2
fc: long ; ving, 14 inches ; tail, n ; male smaller.

Hab. Northern antl Eastern North America, breeding mostly north of
the United States, south in winter to the Middle States. Accidental in
England.

No^> ■;:: - is

Eggs, 3 lo ' : ' .'i vvhi'ie faintly blotched with brown.

The Goshawk .>:v' the Peregrine Falcon were both much
prized in 1 '*■ o'den li '.en hawking was a princely amuse-

ment in pAirop :, ciini '\-i. -,1 -i. spirit and courage which was
the admiration of lords and ladies fair in those ancient days
still characterize the birds in their native haunts. They
never fail to attract the attention of the sportsman, as
unencumbered by hood or bell, they carry terror and dismay
among the ranks of the waterfowl.

In Ontario the Goshawk is an irregular winter visitor, some-
times appearing in considerable numbers, and again being
altogether wanting for several years in succession. In the
young plumage it bears some resemblance to Cooper's Hawk,
but is always much larger in size, and is more bold and daring
in proportion, frequently carrying off poultry from the very
doors of houses in the suburbs of the city.

It is one of the handsomest species of the family. A small
sized adult male in my collection is the finest I have ever seen,
a perfect model in symmetry, the colors clear and
bright, and the whole plumage smooth and compact, admirably
suited for passing rapidly through the air with the least
possible resistance.

138

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136.

ONTARIO.

Genus BUTEO Cuvier.

BUTEO BOREALIS (Gmel.).

Red*tailed Hawk.

83

i.

Four outer qutlls emarginate on inner web. Adult, dark-brown above,
many feathers with pale or tawny margin;, and upper tail-coverts showing
much whitish ; below white or reddish-white, with various spots and streaks
of different shades of brown, generally forming an irregular zcne on the
abdomen ; tuil above bright chcstnut-rcd, with subterminal black zone and
narrow whitish tip, below pearly-gray ; wing-coverts dark ; young with the
tail grayish-brown barred with darker, the upper parts with tawny streaking.
A large stoutly-built Hawk, I'ciuale, 2} ; wing, 15^ ; tail, 8^ ; male, 20;
wing, 14 ; tail, 7.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to the Great Plains.

Nest placed on a high tree, composed of sticks, twigs, grass, moss, etc.

Eggs, 2 to 4 ; dull white blotched with rich brown.

This a large and powerful bird, strong of wing, and stout of
limb, jet incapable of performing the feats of dexterity common
to the Hawks and Falcons, It is most frequently seen sitting
bolt upright on a stub in a field, or by the edge of the woods,
carefully scrutinizing the ground below in search of young
birds or small quadrupeds on which it feeds. It is resident in
Ontario, being seen both in summer and winter, but is most
frequently observed during the period, of migration in spring
and fall, from which may be inferred that manj' individuals
spend the winter farther south. Occasionally in spring this
species maj^ be seen singljs or in pairs, soaring to a vast height,
sailing roimd in wide circles, apparently enjoying the
warm simshine and the return of life to the landscape below.

The Red-tail breeds in Southern Ontario, is generally
distributed throughout the province, and is included in the list
of birds observed by Prof. Macoun in the Northwest,

"''M

137. BUTEO LINEATUS (Gmel,).
Red-slM3ulclered Hawk.

;{3!).

Four outer primaries emarginate on inner web. General plumage of the
adult of a rich /«/»o«i cast ; above, reddish-brown, ♦he feathers, with dark-

139

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BIRDS OF

brown centres ; below a lighter shade of the same, witli narrow dark streaks
and white bars ; rjuills and tail l)lackish, conspicuously banded with pure
white; thf bend uf the tvinfr oruitirc-brown. K«//«^' plain dark brown above,
below white with dark streaks ; quills and tail barred with whitish. Nearly
as long as B. borcaUs, but not neirly so heavy ; tarsi more naked. Female,
22 ; wing, 14 ; tail, 9 ; male, 19 ; wing, 13 ; tail, 8 (average).

Hab. Eastern North America, west to Texas and the Plains, south to
the Gulf coast and Mexico.

Nest in trees
feathers.

composed of sticks ami twigs, lined with grass and a few

I-'ggs, 2 to 4 ; variable in color, usually dull white, blotched with rich
brown.

In Southern Ontario this species is a common summer
resident, breeding freely in the less settled parts of the country,
where it is more frequently seen than any other of the " Chicken
Hawks."

In the fall it becomes quite numerous, making occasional
predatory vTsits to the poultry yard, although it is usually
satisfied with smaller game. It is not included in the list of
birds observed b}' Prof. Macoim in the Northwest, and as it
does not occur with us in the winter, it is probably less hardy
than the Red-tail.

Like others of the family, this species varies greatly in
plumage according to circumstances. The young birds do not
show any of the rich reddish-orange of the adult, and were at one
time described as a separate species under the name of Winter
Falcon. From Western Texas to California, and south into
Mexico, the color'- get much brighter and more decided, which
has led to this western form being described as a subspecies
under the name oi Buteo lineatiis clegans (Cass.). Occasionally
we meet here with an adult in full plumage which might well be
included in this group, but generally all are much brighter in the
west.

las.

BUTEO SWAINSONI Bonap.
Swainson's Hawk.

342.

It is hardly possible, within the limited space at my disposal, to give
anything lilje a detailed description of the various phases of plumage which

140

ONTARIO

this interesting buzzard assumes, accordinjj to af^e, sex, or the season of the
year. Suflice it to say, that individuals differ so much from each other as to
have led to the description of about a ilozen diiferent individuals as now
species, all of which are now attributable to Biitco Swainsuni.

In measurement this species is about the same as its nearest relative, the
Red-tail, averaging about 20 inches in length by about 50 in extent, but is
less stoutly built, has the wings longer and more pointed, and it has only
three of the primaries eniarginate, whereas the Red-tail has four. The entire
upper parts are dark-brown, many of the feathers with tawny edgings, those
on the hea.l showing white when disturbeil. Tail feathers, ashy-gray cr<\ssed
with numerous dark bars, and tipped with yellowish-white. Upper tail
coverts, chestnut and white with blackish bars. Under-parts white, more or
less shaded with chestnut. A broad pectoral area of bright chestnut, usually
with a glacuos shade, and displaying sharp black shaft lines ; this area
contrasting strongly with the pure white throat.

In younger birds the upper parts are much as already described— the
lower parts, including the lining of the wings, are nearly uniform fawn color,
thickly spotted with blackish brown. These large dark spots for the most
part circular or guttiform, crowd across the fore-breast, scatter on the middle
belly, enlarge to cross bars on the flanks, become broad arrow heads on the
lower belly and tibia-, and are wanting on the throat. In all stages of
plumage the iris of the eye is brown.

Hab. Western North America, from Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkan.sas and
Texas to the Pacific coast ; north to the arctic regions, and south to Buenos
Ayres. Casual east to Massachusetts.

Nest in a bush or tree at a height varying from 10 to 40 feet from the
ground.

Dr. Cones gives an adtnirable liistory of this species in his
Birds of the Nox-thvvest (page 357), from which I will here
make a few extracts :

" This large hawk is very abundant in Northern Dakota
where it catne under my almost daily observation during the
summer of 1873. They were to be seen anywhere in the region
mentioned^even far out on the prairie, miles away from the
timber, circling overhead or perched on the bare ground. In
alighting it generally takes advantage of some little knoll
commanding a view around, though it has often no more
prominent place than a heap of dirt from a badger's hole, from
which to cast about for some nnprudent Gopher espied too far
from home, or still more ignoble game.

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The quarry of Swainson's fiuzzard is of a very humble
nature, I never saw one swoop upon wild fowl or grouse, and
thoufjh they often strike rabbits like the Red-tails, their prey is
usuall}' notliinj^ larger than Gophers. Though really strong
and sufficiently fierce birds, they lack the 'snap' of the Falcons
and Asturs, and I scarcely think they are smart enough
to catch little birds very often. I saw one make the attempt on
a Lark Bunting. The Hawk poised in the air at a height of
about 20 yards for fully a minute, fell heavily with an awkward
thrust of the talons — and missed. The little bird slipped off,
badly scared no doubt, but unhurt, while the enemy flapped
away sulkily, very likely to prowl around a Gopher hole for his
dinner, or take pot luck at grasshoppers."

From the foregoing it will be seen that the home of Swain-
son's Buzzard is on the ])rairies of the Northwest, while in
Ontario it is only a casual visitor. I first met with it at an
agricultural fair in Hamilton in iJ^Gf, where a young specimen
was observed in a collection which was competing for a prize.
Being called upon to name the species to which it belonged, I
turned to such works of reference as were available and made
it out to lie Bntco Bainli (Hoy.), which is now known to be the
young of Buteo Suaiiisoiti. Since that time I have occasionally
seen birds in similar plumage flying overhead, but did not again
meet with it close enough for examination till the present
sunmier (1886) when I saw one in the hands of a local
taxidermist where it had been left to be "stuffed." It too was
a 3'oung bird, but in fine plumage with the characteristic
markings fully displayed.

When we have more naturalists among our sportsmen, such
a bird as this will be more frequently brought to light. At
present should a hawk come along, when there is nothing better
in sight, it is killed in the interest of the game, but is seldom
picked up.

1;J9. BUTEO LATISSIMUS (Wils.). 343.

Broad-wlng^ed Hawk.

Three outer primaries emarginate on inner web. Above, umber-brown,
the feathers with paler, or even with fulvous or ashy-white edging, those of

142

ONTARIO

the hind head and nape cottony-white at base ; ([uills blackish, most of the
inner webs white, barred with dusky ; tail with three broad dark zones
alternating with narrow white ones, and white tipped ; consf>iciiuus dark
maxillary patches ; under parts white or tawny, variously streaked, spotted
or barred with rusty or rufous, this color usually pri%lominatinf; in atlidt
birds, when the white chiefly appears as oval or circular spots on each
feather ; throat generally whiter than elsewhere, narrowly darkdined. In
theyoiing tlie upper parts are duller brown, varied with white, the under-
parts tawny-whitish with linear and oblong dark spots, the tail grayish-brown
with numerous dark bars. Female, i8 ; wing, ii ; tail, 7 ; male less.

FIab. Eastern North America, from Njw Brunswick and the
Saskatchewan region to Texas and Mexico, and ther je southward to Central
America, Northern South America and the West Indies.

Nest in a tree, built of sticks and twigs, lined with grass and leaves.

This species was first described by Wilson who met with
two individuals in the woods near the Schuykill, and does not
appear to have seen it again.

In Southern Ontario the J3road-winged Hawk is often very
common in the spring. Toward the end of April or early in
May, should the weather be clear, great numbers are seen
soaring at a considerable height, and moving in circles toward
the Northwest.

About the same time, singly or in pairs, it may be met with
in the woods, usually sitting quietly on the lower branch of a
tree near some wet place, watching for frogs. A few pairs
remain during summer, but the greater number pass on to the
Northwest, and in winter none have been observed.

Genus ARCHIBUTEO Brehm.

ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS SANCTI-JOHANNIS (Gmel.).
140. American Rough-leffg^ed Hawk. 347 a.

Below, white, variously dark colored, and often with a broad black
abdominal zone ; but generally no ferruginous. Above, brown varying
from dark-chocolate in the adult to light umber in the young ; the back,
scapulars and shorter quills strongly cinereous. The head above more or
less white, dark streaked ; upper tail coverts and tail at base white, the
former tipped with blackish ; the latter barred near the tip with one, and
sometimes several bands of black ot dark-brown. In this plumage the bird

M3

HIRDS OF

has been known as A liifropus. the RonRh-lejiRtti Huzz.inl, while to a
melanotic variety of the same, found in this country only, the name snucti-
johiiiinis has been niven. This variety is entirely glossy-black, except the
occiput, forehead, throat, inner webs of quills, base of tail and broad tail-
bars, while. As it is now Renerallv conceded that these are varitities of the
same species, the original name, liif(t,piis is retained and the American form
considered a ReoRraphical variety of the Kuropean, characterized as variety
sancti-johatitiis. Length, about a feet ; win^, 10-17 '■ tail, 8-10.

Hah. Whole of North America north to Mexico, breeding chiefly north
of the United States.

Nest on trees or rocks.

Eggs, 3 to 4 ; soiled white, blotched with reddish-brov/n.

Another large and powerful bird, which, from some cause,
seems contented with very humble fare, living chiefly on mice,
lizards, frogs, etc., while its appearance woidd lead lis to
suppose it capable of capturing much larger game. It is some-
times found in a melanotic state, the plumage being nearly
black, and in this garb it was formerly described as a distinct
species, but this idea has now been abandoned.

It can always be recognized by the legs being feathered
down to the toes which are very short.

In Southern Ontario this is only a visitor during the season
of migration, being most plentiful in the fall, when it is often
seen frequenting the marshy shores of Hamilton Baj'. It has
not been observed during the breeding season, neither does it
occur in winter.

Speaking of this species Sir John Richardson says : "In
the softness and fullness of its plumage, its feathered legs, and
habits, this bird bears some resemblance to the Owls. It flies
slowly, sits for a long time on the bough of a tree watching for
frogs, mice, etc., and is often seen sailing over swampy pieces
of ground and himting for its prey by the subdued daylight
which illuminates ev 'n the midnight in the high parallels of
latitude."

144

ONTARIO

Gknus AQUILA Brisson.

Ul. AgUILA CHRYSAETOS (Linn.). 34!l.

Oolden Eagle.

Dark-brown with a purjilish gloss ; lanceolate feathers of head and neck
(,'oldcn-brc)wn ; (juills blackish ; in the young, tail wliite with a broad
terminal blark zone. About j feet long ; wing, upwards of 2 feet ; tail a foot
or more.

Had. North America south to Mexico.
World.

Northern parts of tho Old

Nest, an accumulation of sticks, usually placed on an inaccessible rocky
crag.

Kggs, 2 to 4 ; soiled white marked with brown.

This fierce and daring Eagle has its home among the rugged
and inaccessible cliffs of Canada east, hut in tlie fall it is .seen
following the flocks of waterfowl, which, at this season, visit tlie
lakes to rest and recruit themselves as they travel southward.
Some years ago I asked a boy, whose home I thouglit a
favorable point for getting birds of prey, to shoot any Hawks
or Owls he sa\/ and bring them to me. \ few d.ivs afterwards
I saw him approaching my house with a sack over his shoulder,
which, judging from the bulk, might contain a dozen hawks,
but great was my surprise when he shook out a fine large female
Golden Eagle which he had shot that morning as it flew over
the place where he happened to be standing.

Shortly afterwards I got a young male which was caught
near Stoney Creek. I have also seen several which were
procured near Toronto. Dark-brown Eagles are often observed
hovering along the shores of Lake Ontario during the fall, but
at a distance it is impossible to distinguish between this and
the young of the Bald Eagle, which is also uniform brown
throughout. The quickest way of identifying the species, on close
inspection, is by referring to the legs, which, in the Golden Eagle,
are feathered down to the toes, differing as much in this respect
from the Bald Eagle as the Rough-legged Buzzard does from
any of the other Hawks.

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BIRDS OF
Gknus HALI^ETUS Savign'y.

142. HALI^.P:TIIS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Linn.). 352

Bald £a«le.

Dark-brown ; head and tail white after the third year ; before this, these
parts like the rest of the plumage. About the size of the last species.
Immature birds average larger than adults.

Hab. North America at large, south to Mexico.

Nest of huge dimensions, built of sticks, placed on a tree.

Eggs, 2 ; soiled white.

This is more frequently seen than the preceding species, and
may be considered resident, as it is often observed during winter,
and breeds in suitable places throughout the country, usually on
or near the shore of a lake. In a letter from Dr. McCormick
dated Breeze Place, Pelee Island, June i2th, 1884, the writer
says : " I chanced to observe an interesting incident a few
days since, showing what looked very much like reasoning
powers in a Bald-headed Eagle. The wind was blowing quite
strong from the west, and the Eagle had caught a large fish.
Rising in the air with his dying prey in his talons, he tried to
fly directly to windward, towards his nest, but the wind was
too strong, and after several unsuccessful attempts he
dropped the fish (now dead) into the water. Then flying
off toward the north for some distance, apparently to try
the wind in that direction, and finding he could progress
more easily, he turned round, went back to the fish, took it up
again in his claws, and flying north with a beam w^ind made the
shore. Then in shelter of a friendly grove of trees, he flew awaj-
toward the w*est and his nest, with his scaly treasure, thus exercis-
ing what appeared to be a reasoning process of cause and effect."

A favorite haunt of this species used to be along the Niagara
River below the Falls, where they would sit on the dead trees
by the river bank and watch for any dead or dying animals that
came down the stream. This habit becoming known to
collectors, a constant watch was kept for the appearance of the
birds, man)' were picked off with the rifle, and although a few
still visit the old haunts, their numbers are greatly reduced.

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Twenty years ago, I knew a youth who shot one of these birds
Hb it flew over him while he lay concealed among the rushes on
the shore of Hamilton Bay watciiing for Ducks. On taking it
up he found an unusual appendage dangling from the
neck, which proved, on examination, to be the bleached skull of
a weasel. The teeth had the "death grip" of the skin of the
bird's throat, and the feathers near this place were much
confused and broken.

The Eagle had probably caught the weasel on the ground,
and rising with his prize, a struggle had ensued in the air, during
which the weasel had caught the bird by the throat and hung
there till he was squeezed and clawed to pieces.

Bald Eagles are, during some winters, common at the
Beach, where they pick up any dead fish and " Cowheens " that
are shaken out of the fishermen's nets. Knowing the habits of
the birds, the fishermen often capture them by placing a
poisoned carcase near the edge of the ice. The bait is sure to
be taken by the first Eagle which comes along, and usually the
bird dies before leaving the spot.

Subfamily FALCONIN/E. 1'\\lcons.
Genus FALCO Linnvius.
' Subgenus RHYNCHODON Nitzsch.
lt.3. FALCO PEREGRINUS ANATUM (Bonah.). :}.-)(].

Duck Hawk,

Tarsus feathered but little way down in front, elsewhere irregularly
reticulated in small pattern, not longer than middle toe ; ist <iuill alone
decidedly emarginate on inner web, not shorter than the 3rd Above blackish-
ash, with more or less evident paler waves ; below anil the forehead, white,
more or less fulvous tinge, and transverse bars of blackish ; conspicuous
black ear-patches. Yonu/;; with the colors not so intense and tending to
brown ; the tawny shade below stronger, the lower parts longitudinally
striped. Length, about 18 ; wing, 13-14 ; tail, 7-8.

Hab. North .\merica at large. ,

Nest, in a tree, or on a rock, or on the ground.

Eggs, 3 to 5 ; dull white, blotched with different shades of reddish-
brown.

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BIRDS OF

This is the Bullet Hawk, the terror of the Ducks and
admiration of the sportsmen at the shooting stations, where he
is often seen, either capturing game on his own account or
appropriating what has been killed by the gunner before he has
time to pick it up. As it is known to breed in Massachusetts,
on the coast of Labrador, and in Alaska, it will most likely be
found also to do so in suitable places in Ontario, but at present
we have no satisfactory record of the fact. The steep rocky
ledges which overhang the blue waters of Lake Superior offer
inducements which the birds will hardly overlook, and we
expect yet to hear of their being found breeding there.

While here the Peregrine is no loiterer, but follows the
migratory course of the waterfowl and fares sumptuously every
day. Ducks are his favorite game, and he need never be at a
loss, yet (by waj' of relish perhaps) we see him sometimes
scoop up a Sandpiper or a Mudhen, and pick its bones on an
elevation which commands a clear view for some distance around.
In Southern Ontario the Peregrine is seldom seen except in the
fall.

Subgenus .^SALON Kaup.

144. FALCO COLUMBARIUS Linn. 357.

Pigeon Hawk.

Tarsus scarcely feathered above, with the plates in front enlarged,
appearing like a double row of alternating scutella? (and often with a few true
scutella; at base) ; ist and 2nd quill emarginated on inner web.

Adult-tr.alc, above ashy-blue, sometimes almost blackish, sometimes
much paler ; below pale fulvous or ochreous, whitish on the throat, the
breast and sides with large oblong dark-brown spots with black shaft lines ;
the tibia; reddish, streaked with brown ; inner webs of primaries with about
eight transverse white or whitish spots ; tail tipped with white, and with the
outer feather whitening ; with a broad subterminal black zone and 3-4 black
bands alternating with whitish ; cere greenish-yellow. Female with the
upper parts ashy-brown ; the tail with 4-5 indistinct whitish bands ; about
13 ; wing, 8 ; tail, 5 ; male, smaller.

Hab. The whole of North America, south to the West Indies and
Northern South America.

Nest, in a hole in a tree, or on a branch, or on rocks.

Eggs, yellowish-brown, blotched with brown of a darker shade.

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ONTARIO.

This handsome httle Falcon is a miniatnre of the Peregrine,
and is quite its equal in courage and spirit, often attacking
birds of much greater weight than itself. It is not a common
species anywhere, and in Southern Ontario can only be regarded
as a migratory visitor in spring and fall. It is at all
times a difficult matter to define the precise breeding range of
birds that are rare everywhere, and regarding the summer
haunts of the Pigeon Hawk we have yet much to learn. As it
has been known to breed in Maine, and in Alaska, it is quite
likely to breed also in Ontario, where there is plenty of room
for it to do so without being observed. In the fall
when the Blackbirds get together in flocks, they are frequently
followed by the Little Corporal who takes his tribute without
much ceremony. I once saw him " stoop " on a flock as
they hurried toward the marsh for shelter. How closely they
huddled together, as if seeking mutual protection, but he went
right through the flock and came out on the other side with one
in each fist !

Subgenus TINNUNCULUS Vieillot.

145. FALCO SPARVERIUS Linn. 360.

American Sparrow Hawk.

Tarsus and quills as in columharius. Crown ashy-blue, with a chestnut
patch, sometimes small or altogether wanting, sometimes occupying nearly
all the crown ; conspicuous black maxillary and auricular patches, which
with three others around the nape make seven black places in all, but a part
of them often obscure or wanting ; back cinnamon-brown, in the male with
a few black spots or none, in the /t-mn/c with numerous black bars ; wing-
coverts in the male ashy-blue, with or without black spots, in Xhe female, like
the back ; quills in both sexes blackish with numerous pale or white bars on
inner webs ; tail chestnut, in the male with one broad black subterminal bar,
white tip, and outer feather mostly white with several black bars ; in the
female the whole tail with numerous imperfect black bars ; below white
variously tinged with bufi or tawny, in the male with a few small black spots
or none, in the female with many brown streaks ; throat and vent nearly
white and immaculate in both sexes ; bill dark-horn, cere and feet yellow to
bright orange ; lo-ii ; wing, 7 ; tail, 5, more or less.

Hab. Whole of North Anerica, south to Northern South America.

Eggs, 5 to 7 ; deposited in the hollow of a decayed limb, or deserted
Woodpecker's hole. In color variable, usually yellowish brown, blotched all
over with brown of a darker shade.

M9

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BIRDS OF

The peculiar and handsome markings of this Uttle Hawk-
serve, even at a distance, to prevent its being mistaken for
anyother species. Though sometimes seen near the farm-house
it does not bear the stigma of having felonious intentions
towards the occupants of the poultry yard, but is credited with
the destruction of large numbers of mice, and is therefore
regarded with favor by the farmer. It also feeds freely on
snakes, lizards, grasshoppers, etc., but has the true falcon
etiquette of taking only what is newly killed. It is generally
distributed throughout Ontario, arriving on the southern
frontier about the end of April, and leaving for the south in
September.

Genus POLYBORUS.

Subfamily PANDIONIN^. Ospreys.

Genus PANDION Savigny.

PANDION HALIAETUS CAROLINENSIS (Gmel.).

146. American Osprey. 364t

Plumage lacking after-shafts, compact, imbricated, oily to resist water ;
that of the legs short and close, not forming the flowing tufts seen in most
other genera, that of the head lengthened, acuminate ; primary coverts stiff
and acuminate, Feet immensely large and strong, the tarsus entirely naked,
granular-reticulate, the toes all of the same length, unwebbed at base, very
scabrous underneath, the outer versatile ; claws very large, rounded under-
neath Hook of the bill long, nostrils touching edge of cere. Above dark-
brown ; most of the head and neck and the under-parts white, latter some-
times with a tawny shade, and streaked with brown. . Length, 2 feet ; wing,
16-18 inches ; tail, 8-10.

Hab. North America, from Hudson's Bay and Alaska, south to the
West Indies and Northern South America.

Nest in a tree ; composed of sticks, often very bulky, from annual
additions

Eggs, 2 to 4 ; variable in color, usually creamy-brown, blotched with
various darker shades of brown.

The FishHawkis generally distribu'.'-'d t'lKnighout Ontario,
breeding by the lakes and rivers in the less thickly settled parts
of the country. Along the sea coast it is more abundant,
frequently breeding in communities of several himdreds. In

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such cases the nests are placed indifTerently on rocks or trees,
and sometimes the eggs have been deposited on the sand.
Near such breeding places the Bald Eagle has every oppor-
tunity of tyrannizing over the Fish Hawks, and compelling them
to drop the fish they have just caught. On the inland waters
of Ontario the Bald Eagle is of less frequent occurrence, and
the Osprey is allowed to enjoy the results of his industry in
peace.

The Fish Hawk arrives in Ontario as soon as the ice breaks
up in the spring, and in the fall remams fishing along the
shores till November.

Suborder STRIGES. Owls.

Family STRIGID^. Barn Owls.

Genus STRIX Linn.^us.

147. STRIX PRATINCOLA Bonap. 3(15.

American Barn Owl.

Tawny or fulvous brown, delicately clouded or marbled witii ashy or
white, and speckled with brownish-black ; below, a varying sh.ide from
nearly a pure white to fulvous, with sparse sharp blackish speckling ; face
white to purplish-brown, darker or black about the eyes, the disk bordered
with dark-brown ; wings and tail barred with brown, and finely mottled liko
the back ; bill whitish ; toes yellowish. I^ength, female, 17 ; wing. 13 ; tail,
5j ; male rather less.

Hab. Warmer parts of North America, from the Middle States, Ohio
Valley and California southward through Mexico.

Breeds in hollow trees, frequently in the tower of a church or other
high buildings.

Eggs, 3 to 6 ; soiled white.

Although this species, so much like the Barn Owl of Britain,
has long been known as an American bird, coming as far north
as Massachusetts, it is only within the past few years that it
has been observed in Canada. In May, 1882, a specimen was
killed by young Mr. Reid, gardener, York street, Hamilton,
and in the fall of the same year another was found in an empty
outhouse near the canal leading to Dundas. On calling the

BIRDS OF

attention of Dr. Gamier, of Lucknow, to these facts, he
mentioned having seen one several years before near where he
Hves, and f»om Mr, C. J. Bampton comes a report of his having
seen two individuals near Sault St. Marie. Compared with
the British Barn Owl, the American species is a little larger,
but by many they are regarded as identical. The British bird
is noted for its partiality for ruinous church towers and other
lonely places. Strange to say, Mr. Reid's specimen was killed
in the cemetery, while one of those seen by Mr. Bampton was
perched on the cross on the spire of the Catholic church.

It has a sharp inquisitive visage, and is said to be an expert
mouser. In Ontario it can be regarded only as an accidental
visitor from the south.

Family BUBONID^. Horned Owls, etc.

Genus ASIO Brisson.

148.

366.

ASIO WILSONIANUS (Less.).
American Long-eared Owl.

General plumage above a variegation of dark-brown, fulvous and whitish,
in small pattern ; breast more fulvous, belly whiter, the former sharply
striped, the latter striped and elaborately barred with blackish ; quills and
tail mottled and closely barred with fulvous and dark-brown ; face pale,
with black touches and eye patches ; bill and claws blackish. Ear-tufts of
8-12 feathers. Length, :4-i5 ; wing, 11-12 ; tail, 5-6.

Hab. Temperate North America.

Nest of sticks loosely put together, lined with a few feathers, variable as
to situation, frequently in a tbick evergreen.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; round, white.

The Long-eared Owl is strictly nocturnal in its habits,
and is seldom seen abroad by day, except when disturbed in its
retirement among the evergreens. So far as I have observed, it
is not a common species in Ontario, but from its retiring habits
it may be more so than we are aware. Those observed near
Hamilton have been found in the fall, the season when birds of
all kinds wander away from their summer resort, before retiring
south to spend the winter. Along the sea coast it is more

152

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common, and in New England resides throughout the year.
That it breeds in Ontario is vouched for by Mr. Robert ElHot,
who found a nest near his home at Bryanston during the
summer of the present year (1886).

liO.

367.

ASIO ACCIPITRINUS (Pall.).
Short-eared Owl.

Fulvous or buffy-brown, paler or whitey-brown below ; breast and upper
parts broadly and thickly streaked with dark-brown ; belly usually sparsely
streaked with the same, but not barred crosswise ; quills and tail buff, with
few dark bands and mottling ; facial area, legs and crissum pale, unmarked ;
eye-patch blackish ; ear-tufts of from 3-6 feathers. Size of Wilsonianiis.

Hab. Throughout North America ; nearly cosmopolitan.

Nest, on the ground ; consisting of a few sticks, blades of grass and
feathers, loosely thrown together.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; white, nearly round.

This is a much more common species than the preceding,
and probably more northern in its range. I have reports of its
occurrence at different points throughout Ontario, and it was
observed m the Northwest by Prof. Macoun. It is less
nocturnal in its habits than the preceding, and is somewhat
gregarious, being occasionally seen during the day in the falh
in flocks of 10 or 12, hunting in company. It has not been mj"
fortune to fall in with any of those migratory groups, but I
have observed the species skimming noiselessly over the inlets
and moist meadows along the shores of Hamilton Bay.

It is a most expert mouser, destroying large numbers of the
farmers' foes, and is therefore entitled to his protection, but all
birds of prey are regarded as enemies by the sportsman, who
allows none to pass that come within his reach.

150.

Genus SYRNIUM Savigny.
SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM (Fokst,
Barred Owl.

368.

Above cinerous-brown, barred with white, often tinged with fulvous ;
below similar, paler, the markings in bars on the breast, in streaks elsewhere ;

153

BIRDS OF

(juills and tail feathers barred with brown and white with an ashy or fulvous
tinge. Length, about i8 ; wing, 13-14 ; tail, g.

Hab. Eastern United States, west to Minnesota and Texas, north to
Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Nest, in a hollow tree, or in the deserted nest of a hawk or crow.

Eggs, 2 to 4 ; round, white.

Along the southern boundary of Ontario the Barred Owl is
by no means rare, but fartlier north I have not heard of it
being observed. * It does not occur west of the Rocky Moun-
tains, but is very abundant along the south Atlantic and Gulf
States. It is occasionally seen abroad by day, but at such times
its sight seems to be rather uncertain, so that the capture
of the small animals on which it feeds is accomplished
during the hours of darkness.

Regarding its uncertain vision by day, Mr. Giraud, in his
Birds of Long Island, says : " My friend, Mr, J. G. Bell,
informs me that when on a collecting tour in South Carolina,
and while looking for the blue- winged yellow warbler whose
note he had a moment before heard, he was startled by feeling
a sudden pressure on his gun. Judge of his surprise when he
perceived perched on the barrels a Barred Owl, which, at the
same moment, discovered its mistake, but too late to correct the
fatal error, as it was shot down by the astonished gunner."

Audubon mentions seeing one alight on the back of a cow,
which it left so suddenly, when the cow moved, as to
show that it had mistaken the object on which it perched for
something else.

In former years I used to find the Barred Owl regularly
every fall in the ravines along the south shore of the Dundas
Marsh, but now many of the pines and hemlocks which formed
an inviting retreat are cut down, and the bird has sought for
greater seclusion elsewhere. Its black eyes are at all times a
ready mark to distinguish it from any other member of its
family.

154

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Genus ULULA Cuvier.

151. ULULA CINEREA (Gmel.). :^T0.

Great Gray Owl.

Above, cinereous-brown, mottled in waves with cinereous white , below,
these colors rather paler, disposed in streaks on the breast, in bars elsewhere ;
quills and tail with five or six darker and lighter bars ; the great disk
similarly marked in regular concentric rings. An immense owl, one of the
largest of all, much exceeding any other of this country. Length, 2j feet;
wing, ij ; tail, a foot or more

H.\B. Arctic America, straggling southward, in winter, to the northern
border of the United States.

Nest, in trees, composed of sticks and t\\ igs, lined with moss and a few
feathers.

Eggs, 3 to 4 ; not quite round, white.

This beautifully marked and solemn-looking bird is usually
described as the largest of North American Owls, but it can
only be regarded so by measurement, as in weight, strength
and ferocity it is inferior to either the Snow}' or the Great
Horned Owl. The lengthy tail, and the long loose feathers with
which its body is densel}- clothed, gives it the appearance of a
very large bird of prey, but when closely examined, the legs,
claws and bill are smaller and weaker than those of either of
the two species named.

The Great Gray Owl is said to be more northern in its
range than even the Snowy Owl. In Southern Ontario it is a
casual visitor in the winter only. I have had two individuals
brought to me which were got near Hamilton, and have seen
several in the hands of other parties. During the present
wmter I saw one which was sent down from Muskoka, where
it was shot in the woods in the month of December.

la I

Genus NYCTALA Brehm.

NYCTALA TENGMALMI RICHARDSON! (Bonap.).

168. Richardson's Owl. 371.

Upper-parts, grayish-brown, tinged with olive ; feathers of the head and
neck spotted with white ; scapulars, quills and tail also with white spots ;

155

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BIRDS OF

ruft'and lower parts, yellowish-white, throat white. Male, ii inches :/(f»«a/^,
12 inches.

Hab. Arctic Amarica, south occasionally in winter into the Northern
United States.

Nest in trees.

Eggs, 2 ; round, white.

This comparatively small and timid-lookiiif;' owl is perhaps
more hyperborean in its range than any of the others we have
had tinder consideration, inasmuch as the records of its occur-
rence do not extend so far south as those of either the Great
Gray or the Snowy Owl. It is warmly clad in a dense coat of
soft, silky feathers, which, no doubt, enables it to withstand the
severity of the winter. In the matter of food, it evidently finds
a supply, as the species is spoken of by Sir John Richardson as
being abundant in the region of the Saskatchewan, yet only a
very few come as far south as Southern Ontario. The two in
my collection were both found during winter in the neighbor-
hood of Toronto, besides which 1 have very few records of its
being observed anywhere throughout the country.

153. NYCTALA ACADICA (Gmel.), 372.

Saw-whet Owl.

Size, small. Bill, black, the cere tumid, the circular nostrils presenting
anteriorly. Above chocolate-brown, spotted with white, the tail with
transverse white bars ; facial area and forehead variegated with white, the
face and superciliary line grayish-white ; the lower parts white with streaks
of the color of the back. Length, 7^-8 ; wing, 5J ; tail, 3§.

Hab. North America at large, breeding from the Middle States
northward.

Nest, in a hole in a tree.

Eggs, 4 106 ; round, white.

This is the smallest member of the family found east of the
Rocky Mountains. For some reason all the owls are of irregular
occurrence in the settled parts of the coimtry. I have seen as
many as six or eight of this species in one winter, and again
for several years have not seen one. Without being migratory,

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in the ordinary sense of the word, 1 think it is highly prol)able
that during the fall these birds associate in groups, and move
from one section of the coimtry to another in search of food.
In this way a good many may be observed at one point, while
for many miles around they may be altogether absent.

The "Saw- whet" is evidently partial to a medium
temperature, as it is most common in the northern states,
and does not penetrate far into British America. In the
opposite direction, it has been found breeding as far south as
Mexico, but mostly in the wooded mountain ranges. In
Southern Ontario, these birds are most at home in the thick
shelter of the evergreens in the depths of the woods, but when
deep snow covers the ground they are often found in the barn,
or other outhouse near the farmer's dwelling, where they are
forced to seek for food and shelter when their supply outside
is cut off.

! I

Genus MEGASCOPS Kaup.
154. MEGASCOPS ASIO (Linn.).
Screech Owl.

M73.

One plumage : general aspect gray, paler or whitish below. Above,
speckled with blackish, below patched with the same ; wings and tail dark-
barred ; usually a lightish scapular area.

Another ; general aspect brownish-red, with sharp black streaks ;
below rufous-white, variegated ; quills and tail with rufous and dark bars.
These plumages shade insensibly into each other, and it has been determined
that they bear no definite relations to age, sex or season. Length, about lo ;
wing, 7 : tail, 3^.

Hab. Temperate Eastern North America, south to Georgia, and west
to the Plains. Accidental in England.

Nest, in a hole in a tree ; lined with feathers.

This is the most abundant of the Owls in this part of the
coimtry, yet, like the others, it is of very irregular occurrence.
I have met with it once or twice in the woods in summer, but
it is most frequently seen in winter, when the ground is covered
with snow. It is then forced to approach the dwellings of man
in search of food, and during some winters there is scarcely a
farm in the country which has not its Screech Owl in the barn.

157

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BIRDS or

There it sits on a rafter, snoozing away the hours of daylight,
occasionally opening its round, yellow, cat-like eyes, and
glowering at the farm hands as they move about like shadows
below. After dark it is all alive, not a mouse can stir without
being observed, and so quick and noiseless is the flight of the
bird that few escape which expose themselves. It thus renders
good service to the farmer, in consideration of which it is
protected by the more intelligent of that class, but is persecuted
almost to extinction by the " hoys."

As will be seen by the description of the markings given
above, intlividuals of this species assume different phasej; of
plumage, and are spoken of as the "red" ami "gray." For
many years great dilTerence of opinion prevailed on this sid)ject,
some believing the red bird to be the male, and vicf versa. It
is now fully understood that the color is entirely independent of
age, sex or season. It is one of those seeming incgidarities
which we find in nature, and all we can do is to bear witness
to the fact without being able to tell the reason of it.

During the long winter of 1883-4, I kept a record of the
birds of this species I heard of, in or near Hamilton, and the
total number reached 40. In 1884-5 they were less common,
and (luring 1885-6 I am not aware of a single individual being
observed.

Genus BUBO Cuviek.

155. BUBO VIRGINIANUS (Gmel.). :]75.

Great Homed Owl.

Distinguished by its lartjc size, in connection with the conspicuous ear
tufts ; the other species of similar dimensions are tuftless. The pUimage
varies interminably, and no concise description will meet all its phases ; it is
a variegation of blackish, with dark and light-brown, and fulvous A whit
collar is the most constant color mark. Length, about 2 feet ; win?; 14
inches ; tail, 9-10.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to the Mississippi Valle a fioni

Labrador south to Costa Rica.

Nest, if any, m a hollow tree, or cleft of a rock

Eggs, 2 ; round, white.

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The Great Horned Owl is well known in Ontario, beinj,'
generally distribnteil thronj^jhout the province. Dnrinj^ the day
it hides away in tlu- ilecp inipenctrahle parts of the woods, hut
at ni;;lit sallies forth in (pust of prey, and does not hesitate to
rob tlie hen roost, returning' for that jinrpose nij^'ht after ni^^dit,
unless stopped by a snap shot in the dark, or cau^dit in a trap
i)aited for the purpose. Individuals vary greatly in phnnage,
so much so that they have been described as distinct species.
Near Hamilton 1 have found them varying from ligiit silvery-
gray U> ileep fulvous-brown, I once obtained a very handsome
specimen in the latter dress which I was unable to utilize from
its having been recently in contact with a skunk. li is strictly
nocturnal in its habits, yet, when obliged by the attention of
crows or other (hsturbing causes to move during the day, it
makes good use of its eyes, and getscjuickly away to the nearest
thicket for shelter.

Gknus NYCTEA Sthphkns.

ISO. NVCTEA NYCTEA (Linn.). :{7»i

Snowy Owl.

I'ure white with more or fewer blackish niarkin;^s Length, nearly 2
feet ; wing, 17 inches ; tail, 10.

Hab. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North
America breeding mostly north of the United States ; in winter migrating
south to the Middle States, straggling to South Carolina, Texas and the
Jieiinudas,

Nest, on the ground, or on rocks.

Eggs, 5 to 10 ; laid at intervals, so that the nest may contain young
birds and fresh eggs at the same time. {Cotifs An).

An irregidar winter visitor to Ontario, sometimes appearing
in considerable numbers, and again entirely absent for several
years in succession. Near Hamilton its favorite resort is on
the Beach, or along the shore of the bay, where it may be seen
sitting watchful on the top of a nuiskrat :.oap> o- pile of drift-
wood, frequently turning its head right round to look out for
approaching danger. It hunts by day as well as at night, but
is m< active in the morning and evening. I once saw a large

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female make several attempts to capture a woimded Duck,
which was swimming in a patch of open water among the ice
on the bay near the canal. The Owl skimmed along close to
the ice and tried in passing to grasp the Duck, which quickly
went under water and appeared again cautiously at a different
place. The Owl passed several times over the pond in this
way, resting alternately on the pier of the canal and on the
shore, till getting into a favorable position I shot it on one of
the return trips, and subsequently I also shot the Duck on
which I had a first claim.

The number of these birds which occasionally descend from
the north in the early part of the winter must be very great,
for their migrations extend over a wide extent of country, and
at Hamilton, which is only one of the points they pass, I have
known of as many as thirty being captured in a single season.
During the winter the}' are seen as far south as Texas and the
Carolinas. How interesting it would be to know how many of
these individuals which travel so far south are permitted to
return.

Ghnus SURNIA Dumeril.

157. SURNIA ULULA CAPAROCH (Mull.). 377a.

American Hawk Owl.

Dark-brown above more or less thickly speckled with white : below
closely barred with brown and whitish, the throat alone streaked ; quills and
tail with numerous white bars ; face ashy, margined with black. Length,
about i6 inches ; wing, g ; tail, 7. graduated, the lateral feathers 2 inches
shorter than the central.

Hab. Arcti" America, migrating in winter to the northern border of the
United States. Occasional in England.

Nest of sticks, grass, moss and feathers ; in trees or on rocks.

Eggs, 4 to 7 ; soiled white.

In Southern Ontario the Hawk Owl can only be regarded as
a rare winter visitor. Farther north it seems more common,
as I have heard of it being frequently seen in the district of
Muskoka. While here in winter it has no particular haunt,
but takes the country as it comes, like a Hawk, and is evidently

160

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as sharp in the sight, as it is active on the wing. The two in
my collection were obtained in the neighborhood of this city.

The Hawk Owl, like some other boreal birds of prey,
occasionally comes south in the winter in large numbers, and is
welcomed by collectors wherever it appears. These extensive
migrations occur most frequently in the east. In Quebec,
some years since, in the month of March, I saw them exposed
in the market day after day, and when coming west by rail I
noticed many perched on trees near the track.

Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, etc

Suborder CUCULI. Cuckoos, etc

Family CUCULID.^. Cuckoos, Anis, etc

Subfamily COCCYGIN.4i. American Cuckoos.

Genus COCCYZUS Virh lot.

158. COCCYZL'S AMERICANUS (Linn.). 3b7.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Above as in the last ; below pure white. Wings oxtensiveh- cinnamon-
rufous on inner webs of the quills. Central tail feathers like the back, the
rest black with large white tips, the outermost usually edged with white.
Bill extensively yellow below and on the sides. Size of the next.

Hab. Temperate North America, from New Brunswick, C?anada,
Minnesota, Nevada and ()re}i;on, south to Costa Rica and the West Indies.
Less common from the eastern border of the Plains westward.

* Nest, on a bough, or in the fork of a low tree ; composed of twigs, leaves,

and soft vegetable material.

Kggs, 4 to 8 ; pale greenish.

It is a well-known fact that the British Cuckoo entirely
Ignores family responsibilities by depositing its eggs in the nest
of a bird of a different species, and with a pleasant "^ cuckoo''
bids good-bye to the whole connection.

The two kinds we have in Canada are not so totallv
depraved. They usually build a nest and bring up a family,
but even to them the duty does not seem to be a congenial one,
and they are sometimes known to slip an e^^ into each

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Others nests or into that of a different species. The nest they
build is of the most temporary description, and the eggs are
deposited in such a desultory manner, that it is no uncommon
occurrence to lind fresh eggs and young birds therein at the same
time.

Of the two Cuckoos we have in Ontario, the Yellow-biUed
seems the more southern, apparently finding its northern limit
along our southern border, where it is rather scarce and not
generally distributed.

150. COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (Wils.). 388.

Black-billed Cuckoo.

Above uniform satiny olive-gray, or "quaker color," with bronzy reflec-
tions. Below pure white, sometimes with a faint tawny tinge on the fore
parts. Wings with little or no rufous. Lateral feathers not contrasting with
the central, their lips fur a short distance blackish, then obscurely white.
Bill blackish except occasionally a trace of yellowish below. Eye-lids red ;
bare circum-ocular space purplish. Length, 11-12 ; wing, 5-5^ ; tail, f)-6J ;
bill, under i.

Hab Eastern North America, from Labrador and Manitoba south to
the West Indies and the valley of the Amazon ; west to the Rocky Moun-
tains. Accidental in the British Islands and Italy.

Nest, loosely constructed of twigs, grass, strips of bark, leaves, etc.,
placed in a bush.

Eggs, 2 to 5 ; light greenish -blue.

The Black-billed Cuckoo is a regular summer resident in
Ontario, where it arrives about the end of May, after which its
peculiar note may often be heard, especially before rain, and its
lithe slim form be seen gliding noiselessly among the evergreens.
Though not an abundant species, it is generally distributed
throughout the province, and well known to the country people
as the rain-crow.

The food of the Cuckoos consists chiefly of caterpillars, with
an occasional change to ripe fruit in the season. They also
stand charged with sucking the eggs of other birds. They
retire to the south early in September.

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Suborder ALCYONES. Kingfishers.

Family ALCEDINIDyK. Kingmshers.

Genus CERYLE Boie.

Subgenus STREPTOCERYLE Bonaparte.

160. CERYLE ALCYON (Linn.). 3J>0.

Belted Kingfisher.

Upper parts, broad pectoral bar, and sides under wings, dull blue with
fine black shaft lines ; lower eyelid, spot before eye, a cervical collar and
under-parts, except as said, pure white ; the female with a chestnut belly
band, and the sides of the same color, quills and tail feathers black, speckled,
blotched and barred with white on the inner webs ; outer webs of the
secondaries and tail feathers like the back ; wing-coverts frequently sprinkled
with white ; bill black, pale at base below ; feet dark, l.ength, 12 or more :
wing, about 6 ; tail, 3 J ; whole foot, .J ; bill, about 2J.

Hab. North America, south to Panama and the West Indies.

Nest, none.

Eggs, 6 to 8 ; white, deposited in an enlargement at the end of a tminel,
4 to 8 feet deep, dug by the bird into a sand bank or gravel pit.

The Kingfisher is generallj^ distributed throughout Ontario.
It arrives early in April, and soon makes its presence known by
its loud rattling crj-, as it dashes along and perches on a
horizontal bough overhanging the river. On some such point
of observation it usually waits and watches for its scaly prey,
but when passing over open water of greater extent it is often
observed to check its course, hover Hawk-like at some distance
above the surface, and then dash into the water after the manner
of a Tern. If a fish is secured it is carried in the bill to some
convenient perch, on which it is hammered till dead, and then
swallowed head downwards.

The Kingfisher is a strong flier, and is sometimes seen
careering at a considerable height as if tor exercise.

They remain in their summer haunts till the end of
September, when they all move farther south.

163

|if ':'$.

U

X^"

M; ''I

m
[i;;
I?

BIRDS OF

Order PICI. Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc.

Family PICID^. Woodpeckers.

Genus DRYOBATES Boie.

161. DRYOBATES VILLOSUS (Linn.). 39^.

Hairy Woodpecker.

Back black, with a long white stripe ; quills and wing coverts with a
profusion of white spots , four middle tail feathers black, next pair black and
white, next two pairs white ; under-parts white ; crown and sides of head
black, with a white stripe ovf and behind the eye, another from the nasal
feathers running below the eye to spread on the side of the neck, and a
scarlet nuchal band in the male, wanting in the female , young with the crown
mostly red or bronzy, or even yellowish. Length, g-io ; wing, nearly 5 ;
tail, 3j.

Hab. Middle portion of the Eastern United States, from the Atlantic
coast to the Great Plains.

Nest, in a hole in a tree.

Eggs, 5 to 6 ; pure white,

A resident, though not very abundant species, noticed more
frequently in winter than in summer. It is generally
distributed through Southern Ontario, and was also noted by
Prof. Macoun in the Northwest. Individuals vary much in
size, those found in the north being the largest.

The Hairy Woodpecker is one of the most retiring of the
family, spending much of its time in the solitudes of the woods,
and when these are thinned out or cleared away, inoving to
regions still more remote. It is a strong, hardy, active bird,
and the noise it makes while hammering on a tree, when heard
in the stillness of the woods, might well be supposed to be
produced by a bird of much greater size.

162. DRYOBATES UBESCENS (Linn.). 394.

Downy Woodpecker.

Coloration exactly as in P. villosus except the outer tail feathers are
barred with black and white. Length, 6-7 ; wing, under 4 ; tail, under 3.

164

ONTARIO.

Hab. Northern and Kastern North America, from British Columbia
and the eastern edge of the Plains northward and eastward,

Nest, a hole in a tree.

Eggs, 5 to 6 ; pure white.

A miniature of the preceding species which it resembles in
habits as well as in appearance, although it is of a more
sociable disposition, often being found in winter in company
with the Chicadees and Brown Creepers. It is also an
occasional visitor to the orchard, where it goes over the apple
trees carefully, examining all injured or decayed parts in search
of insects.

it is commonly known as the little Sapsucker, but the name
is incorrectly applied, for any holes drilled by this species are
made while it is in search of insects, those which allow the sap
of the tree to e.xude being the work of the Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker.

Like its big brother, the Downy Woodpecker is a resident
species, but more plentiful in spring and fall than in summer,
the numbers being increased at those seasons by passing
migrants.

w

t^

Genus PICOIDES Lacepede.
163. PicoiDES ARCTICUS (Swains.). 400.
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker

Crown with a yellow patch in the male. Back uniform black, sides of
head striped, of body barred with black and white ; quills with white spots ;
tail feathers unbarred, the outer white, the central black. Length, 8-9 ;
wing, 4J-5 ; tail, 3J-4.

H.\B. Northern North America, from the arctic regions south to the
northern border of the United States ; much further south in the western
part of the United States (Nevada, California), along the mountain ranges.

Nesting, habits and eggs, so far as known, similar to those of other
Woodpeckers.

This is a truly northern bird, seldom, even in winter, coming
as far south as the southern border of Ontario. In November,
1859, I killed one on a pine tree on the south shore of Duodas

165

I I

m

BIRDS OP-

Marsh, which is the only time I have ever seen it aHve. I
have heard of one or two others being obtained in Southern
Ontario, but as the species is common farther north, these can
only be regarded as wanderers.

In the district of Muskoka it is resident and quite common,
frequenting certain tracts of country which the fire has gone
through and left the trees standing dead and decaying. It
belongs to a small group, the meuibers of which have only three
toes. Whether this is a special adaptation of the bird to its
life among the pines is not apparent, but it seems quite as
able to shift for itself with three toes as its near relatives
are with four.

1(J4. PICOIDES AMERICANUS Brehm. 401.

American Three-toed Woodpecker.

Three-toed ; entire upper-parts g.ossy, bluish-black with a few spots of
white on the wing quills. Below, white from the bill to the tail ; the sides,
flanks and lining of the wings barred with black. Four middle tail feathers
black, the rest white. Male' with a square patch of yellow on the crown,
wanting in the/cniale, bill and feet dull blue. Length, 9-10 inches.

H\R. Northern North Ameiica, from the Arctic regions southward, in
winter, to the Northern States.

Nesting, habits and eggs as in the other Woodpeckers.

This is a more northern species than even the preceding,
and nowhere so abimdant. The two are often seen in company,
and were found by Dr. Merriam breeding in the same district in
northern New York, but strange to say, the present species
has not been found in Muskoka, where the other is common
and resident. During the past two years ni}' friend Mr.
Tisdall has been much m the woods in that district, and though
he has seen scores of the black-backed during that time, he has
never once met with the other. The only record I have of
its occurrence in Ontario is that of a single female which was
obtained near Ottawa, and is now m the collection of Mr.
White of that city. Mention is made in the List of Birds of
Western Ontario of one being found near London, but Mr.

166

ONTARIO.

Saunders informs me that the record is now believed to be
incorrect. In the far west it is said to be common on the
mountains of Colorado, but differs from the eastern form in
having an uninterrupted stripe of white down the back, on
;iccount of which it has been ranked as a separate species under
the name dorsnlis or pole-back.

Gknus SPHYRAPICUS Baird.
10\5. SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS (Linn.). 402.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Crown crimson, bordered all around with black ; chin, throat and breast
l)lack, enclosing a large crimson patch on the former in the iimlc, in the
fciimlc this patch white ; sides of head with a line starting from the nasal
feathers and dividing the black of the throat from a trans-ocular black stripe,
this separated from the black of crown by a white post-ocular stripe ; all
these stripes frequently yellowish ; under parts dingy yellow, brownish and
with sagittate dusky marks on the sides ; back variegated with black and
yellowish-brown ; wings black with large oblique white bir on the coverts,
the (jiiills with numerous paired white spots on the edge of both webs ; tail
black, most of the feathers white edged, the inner webs of the middle pair
and the upper coverts mostly white. Yoiiiiir birds lack the definite black
areas of the head and breast and the crimson throat patch, these parts being
mottled-gray, .\bout, 8^ ; wing, 4J-5.

Hab. North America north and east of the Great Plains, south to the
West Indies, Mexico and Guatemala.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; white ; deposited in a hole in a tree.

In Ontario this beautiful species is strictly migratory, not
having been observed during winter, but from the fact of its
being seen late in the fall and again early in spring we infer
that it does not go far south.

It is decidedl}- a Sapsucker, the rows of holes we see
pierced in the bark of sound, growing trees being mostly made
by this species. It is not endowed with the long, extensile
tongue peculiar to many of the Woodpeckers, but feeds largely
on insects, which it finds on the outer bark of the trees or
catches on the wing. It has been accused of doing serious
injury to growing trees, by girdling them to get at the inner bark

167

BIRDS OF

on which it is said to feed. Dr. King, of River Falls, in his
"Economic Relations of our Birds" exonerates it from this
charge, and says that in the stomachs of thirty specimens
which he examined he found in only six a small amount of
material resemhling the inner bark of trees, and further adds :
" no instance in which the hark of trees has been stripped ofll"
by these birds has come under my observation, nor do I know
of a single case in which their puncturings of the bark have
been fatal or even appreciably injurious to the tree." In
Southern Ontario a few remain and raise their young, but the
majority go farther north.

Gknus CEOPHLCEUS Cabanis.

160. CEOPHLCEUS PILEATUS (Linn.). 405.

Pileated Woodpecker.

black ; the heiad, neck and \vinf,'s niiicli varied with white or pale
yellowish ; l)ill dark ; iiialr scarlet crested, scarlet inoiistached : fnualc with
the crest half black, half scarlet, antl no nia.xillary patches, Length, 15-iy ;
wing, .S^-io ; tail, 6-7.

Hab. l'\)rmerly, whole wooded region of North America : now rare or
extirpated in the nic'ire thickly settled parts of the Eastern States.

Nest, a hole in the trunk or limb of a tall tree.

Kggs, 4 to (1 ; oval : white.

This is one of the .grand old aborigines who retire before
the advance of civilization. It used (so we are told) to be
common near Hamilton, but seclusion among heavy timber is
necessary for its existence, and such must now be sought for in
regions more remote.

It is not strictl\- a northern species, being foimd resident in
suitable localities both north and south, but varies considerabh-
in size according to latitude, the northern individuals, as usual
in such cases, being the largest. Many spend the winter in the
burnt tracts m Muskoka, and in spring disperse over the
country to breed in the solitude they seem to like.

They are wild, shy birds, difficult of approach, but their loud
hammering is at all times a guide to those who wish to follow
them in the woods. A nest was taken in the countv of
Middlesex, in May, 1885, by Mr. Robt. Elliot.

16S

ONTARIO
Genus MELANICKPES Swainson.
SuuGKNUs MKLANERPHS.
1H7. MKLANKRPESERYTHROCEPH ALUS (Linn.). 40(3.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
(llossy blue-black : rump, secondaries an<i under-parts from the breast

pure

t-liite

primaries anrl tail feathers black ; whole head, neck and breast

crimson in both sexes, grayish-brown in the young ; about y ; win^, 5^ ;
tail, 3i-

Hab. United States, west to the Rocky Mountains, stragf^ling westward
to Salt Lake Valley ; rare or local east of the Hudson River.

Nest, in a hole in a tree, varying greatly in height.

Eggs, 4 to 6 : white

In Ontario the Red-headed Woodpecker is a summer
resident only, arriving early in May and leaving again in
September. It is quite common and perhaps the best known
of any of the Woodpeckers, both on accoimt of its decided
markings, and from its habit of visiting the orchard during the
season of ripe fruit. It is also an expert fly-catcher, frequently
taking its position on the top of a dead pine, from which it
darts out after the passing insect in true flj -catcher style.
Though a very showy bird when seen in the woods, it does not
look so well in collections, the red of the head evidently fading
after death.

Subgenus CENTURUS Swainson.

168. MELANERPES CAROLINUSiLiNN.i. iO!».
Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Hack and wings, except larger quills, closely bandetl with black and
white ; primaries with large white blotches near the base, and usually a few
smaller spots. Whole crown and nape scarlet in the male, partly so in the
female ; sides of head and underparts grayish-white, usually with a yellow
shade, reddening; on bell}- ; flanks and crissum with sagittate-black marks ;

169

BIRDS OF

tail black, one or two iHiter feathers while harred ; inner web of central
feathers wliite with black spots, outer web of sani bl;iik with a white space
next the shaft tor most of its len>;th ; while ■ irt^doiiiinaliiig on the rump.
LcnRlh, i;-io ; win^;, about s . lail, about (jj.

Hab Eastern United States, to the Kocky Mountains ; rare or
accidental east of the Hudsou I<iver. ,

Nest, a hole in a tree

Ej^gs, 4 to t) ; white.

This lumdsonie species is jfradiialh becouiin;; more cominoii
ill Southern Ontario, and hke some others, surh as the Lark,
I'^incli, Orchard Oriole and Roiigh-win.ti;ed Swallow, it evidently
makes its entrance to the province round the west end of Lake
iCrie, for it has become quite common near London and farthei
west, while I have found it only twice near 1 lamilton.

It is rather retiring in its habits, raising its young in the
solitude of the woods, and seldom coming near the farm house.
It is possible a few may remain over tlx' wmter, for 1 had a tine
male sent down from near London in March c^f the present
year (iS86), ,'hile the weather was still (juite cold and m)
spring birds had arrived.

(il.NUS COLAPTES SWAINSON.

101.1. fOLAPTES AURATUS (Linn.
Flicker.

U2

Back, wing-coverls ahd innerniost (juills olivaceous-brown tiiickly
barred with black. Hump) snowv-white. Quills and lail Rolden-yellow
underneath, and shafts of this color. A scarlet nuchal crescent ami larj;e
black pectoral crescent in both sexes ; imih' with black maxillary patches,
wantinj,' in thu/ciKalc, head and nape ash ; chin, throat and breast lilac-
brown ; under-parts with numerous round black spots ; sides tinged with
creamy-brown; belly with yelknvish About lo inches long : wing, about o ;
tail, 4.Jt.

II.JiB. Northern and Eastern North .\nierica, west lo the eastern slope
of the Rocky Mountains and Alaska. Occasional on the Pacific slope, from
California north wanl. .\ccideiital in Europe.

Nest, a hole in a tree.

Eggs. 5 tt.i 7 : white.

170

ONTARIO

Karly in April, it llw wcathci is mild, the loud cackling call
of the "1 liglioldcf " mav bo heard from iiisjK'rch at the top of a
tall dead limb, wlu-rc he watches to welcome his comrades as
thev hourly arrive frc^iii the srjiith. I'or a week or two at this
season they are ver\ abundant, but many soon pass on farther
north, and the others ari' distributed over the country, so that
thev are less fre(]uentl\ seiMi.

In habits this species <lin"ers considerably from all tlie other
members of the famil\-. it is more terrestrial, being often
observed on the ground, demolishing ant hills and devouring
the inmates, for which achievement its curved bill and long
slimy tongue are admirably adaptcnl. It is also fond of fruit,
and of corn, either gnen or ripe.

It is by no means confined to the forest, but is often seen
peeping from its hole in a stub by the roadside. When
alighting, on a tree it perches on a bough in the ordinarv
maimer, being seldom seen clinging to the trunk like other
members of the family, except when entering its nest. In
Southern Ontario it is seen till late in October, but has not
been observed during the winter.

Okokr M.XCROCM IRIiS. (ioArsucKF-t<s. Swiits. irrc.

SuBouni-R C APR I MULO 1 . CjOArsucKKKs. ktc.

Family CAPRI MULGID.4<:. ("toatsiickkrs, f.tc.

C.F.NUs ANTROSTOMUS Gom.i).

170. ANTROSTOMUS VOCIFERUS (Wiis. I. 417.

Whip-poor-will.

(ieneral color of llie iippev-paits, dark brownish-firay, streaked and
minutely sprinkled witli hrowiiisli-hlark Quills and coverts dark brown,
spotted in bars with lisbt brownisli-rcid Four middle tail feathers like those
<if the back, the three lateral white in their terminal half Tliroat and breast
similar to the back with a transverse band of white on the foreneck : rest of
the lower-parts paler than above and mottled. Female similar, but with the
lateral tail feathers reddish-white tcnvard the tip only, and the band across
the forehead pale vellowish-br(.)wn,

Hab l-'astern United States to the Plains, south to ( ■u.'itemal,!

i

IT

niHDS f)F

KRgy, 2 ; marblwl .iiul cloudod like tho pliim.inc of th(! birds ; deposited
in a hollow or a rotten lo^, ni on the i^ruund on a dry hank anionj; leaves.

This well-known bird crosses llie Southern frontier of
Onl.uio iibout tin- luth .)f May, and should the weather he
inild its loud and well-known cry is soon heard at night at
many different points throuf,diout the counti}". It is seldom
seen abroad by day, except when disturbed from its restinj^ place
in some shady j^art cjf the woods, when it glides olT noiselessly like
a great moth. Disliking the glare of the light it avoids the
city, but not unfrecpienliy perches on the roof of the farm house,
startling the inmates with its cry, which is there heard with
great distinctness.

This is the only song of the bird, and it is kept up
during the breeding season, after which it is seldom heard.
We see so little of these birds that it is difficult to tell exactly
at what time they leave us, but it is most likely early in
September that they "fold their tents like the Arabs, and as
silently steal away."

Cjknus CflORDElLES Swainson.

ITl. ClIOKDEILES VIRGINIANUS (Gmki..). 420.

Nighthawk.

Above mottled with black, brown, Rray and tawny, the former in excess ;
below from the breast transversely barred with blackish and white or pale
fulvous , throat in the iiuile with a large white, in thu fcmci I c tawny, cross-
bar ; tail blackish, with distant pale marbled cross-bars and a large white
spot (wanting in the fi-mnli') on one or both webs of all the feathers toward
the end ; quills dusky, unmarked except by one large white spot on five outer
I)rimaries about midway between their base and tip ; in the female this area
is restricted or not pun. white. Length, about g ; wing, 8 ; tail, 5.

Hab. N'orthern and liastern North America, east of the (ireat I'lains,
south through tropical .\merica to Buenos Ayres.

Mggs, 2 ; veined and freckled with lavender and gray ; deposited on
rocks or on the ground, or among the gravel of a flat-roofed house in the city.

A well-known and abundant summer resident, arriving from
the south early in May. Though a Nighthawk, it is often seen
abroad by day during cloudy weather, and in the evening, just

172

ONTARIO.

as the sun is sinking below the liorizon, numbers of these birds
are occasionally seen careering arouml high overlu-ad, uttering
their j)eculiar cry, so readily recognized, yet so difticult either
to imitate or describe. While thus in the exercise of its most
wonderful powers of flight, and performing many gracijful
aerial evolutions, it will suddenly change its course and plunge
headlong downwards with great rapidity, producing at the same
time a singular booming sound which can be heard for some
distance. Again, as quickly, with a few bold strokes of its long
pointed wings, it will rise'to its former height, and dash hither
and thither as before.

Foets, in all ages, liave stmg the praises of their favorite birds,
and even now, from the unpoetic plains of Chatham, comes the
following lines on the habit of the Nighthawk, just describeil :

" With widespread wings and (inivering boom,
Descending through the deepening gloom,
I.ii<e phimmet falhng from the sky,
Where some poor moth may vainly try
A goal to win —
' He holds him with his glittering eye'
And scoops him in."

Towards the end of August, when the first frosts begin to
cut off their supply ox insect food, large gatherings of Night-
hawks may be seen in the evenings moving toward the south-
west, not in regular order like Ducks or Pigeons, but skimming,
darting and crossing each other in every imaginable direction,
but still with a general tendency toward the south, till darkness
hides them from our view.

Suborder CYPSELI. Swifts.

Family MICROFODIDiE. Swifts.

Subfamily CtL^i^TURIN/E. Spink-tailkd Swifts.

Genus CH^TURA Stephens.

172. CH^TURA FELAGICA (Linn.). 428.

Chimney Swift.

Sooty-brown with faint greenish gloss above, below paler, becoming gray
on the throat ; wings black. Length, about 5 : wing the same : tai), 2 or less.

173

n

s

HIIU1S OF

Hah

I'.istciii Niulli Aincric.'i,

lorth

(1.

il the I

11 r

1 passing south of the riiit(;(1 S'.-itt's in

Ci'iintrios. wi'st to tliv I'lains, am
winter.

\est. .'I linskel of twij^s glued together r ' io the .-.idc of th.c cliimnc;
other support hv th

le saliva o

f the bird.

i'".gf,'S, ( to 3 ; pint; white

he Switt is

lat(" coimT, and whilo licrc six'ins ever

anxious to make tip for lost lime, l)ein<f cx)nstaiUl\' on the winjf,
dartiii{.( al>out with jj^reat rapidity, sonietinies high overliead,
sometimes skiniming tlie surface of the pond, often so ch)sely
as to he able to sip from tlie water as it passes over it, or snap
up the insects wliicli luncr on thv. surface.

Tlie original nesting place of the Swifts was in a hollow tree,
often of large iliameter, and frecjnented vear after year by a

great many of the birds.

hilt

now []\c\ seem to jirefer a city

chimnev. There they r()C)St and fasten their curious basket
p >st to till' wall a few fe(>t down, to be out f)f reach of the rays

f bird life it is to watch the

oi tile sun.

.\ fn

le exniDition o

Switts, in theexfuiug about sunset, citcling a few times round
the cliimney, raising their wings aboye their backs and
dropjiing like sluittle-cpcks down to their nest, near which they
spend the night cl

mgm'f to the wall with then claws.

sharp spines at the end of the tail f<vithers. ))ressed against the
surface, form their chiet suitport.

The} arrive about the loth of May. auvl k>a\c' for the south
earl\- in September,

SUHOKIU'R I'KOC I I I 1^.. 1 I I'MMINOHIKDS.

Family TR( )(1U ILl D.i",. IIi'mminc.hikd.-..

C.KMis TKOCHILI'S LiNN.Kus.

Suiuii-Nts THOCHll.US.

i7;{. TKOCHIU'S COI. CHRIS Linn. 'I2S.

Ruby-throated Hummin|rbird.

Miilr wiili the tail lorked. its fe.ithers all narrow and pointi;d , no scales
on crowti ; metallic goiyet reflecting nili\ red, etc ; aiiove golden green

•74

ONTARIO,

helow white, the sides i^^Vf.v.n . vviii^s ;ii\(l tail dusky-purplisli. Tho fiiiutir
lacking Ihe K<»'K'et ; the throat white; the tail somewhat (loutjle-rounded,
with black bars, and the outer feai hers white-tipped Length, >,\ ; wiiit;. iji .

ill.

II

l'".asterii Ndith .\inenca to tlu: I'lains. iioith to the l'"iir roiimries

<1 sduili, in winter, toCub.aanc

1 V

eragua.

Nest, a beautiltil specimen ol bird architecture, usu.illy placed on the

iioi izoii

tal b

ich of a tree in the orchai

(ouiposec

1 of

'rav hcuens,

lined

,ith the softest i)lant dow

I'

kk;-

iiure w lull', h

lush

leii with pink while fresh

Tlic I Iiiniinin':l>iiils 1)00111 to arrive towards tlir middle of

M

i\, ;uid by the (mu

1 of the month when th(> lilacs ar

e 111 hidom

thev are (jnite numerous. A.boiit this time many pass on to

while others eno;a,i,^' in tiie same ofciij)ation

breed farther noil h.

Here

111 September tiiey again become common, showing a

strong liking tor the Uiipatieiis ftilvd, or

W1l(

1 balsam, which

rows abundaiitK' in moist places, and later they crowd about

the bii;iioiii(i or tnimpet-creepei

MIS IS

late tloweriiu

plant, and the linv l)irds, as though loth to leave it, are seen as
laie as the middle of September rifling it of its swi-ets.

There are about sixteen different species of 1 lummingbirds
now kiu)wn as North American, but this is the oiilv
east of the Mississip])i River, 'riioiigh small

one

fomu

IS ver\
"If wh'

})ugnacicjtis, ottei'. attacking f)irds much larger tliaii itself wlio
may \'eiitur'- near its nest. On s ,.di occasions it produces an
angry buzzing souiul with its wii.gs, but it has no voice.- save a
weak cliirp, like a cricket or grasshopper.

Okdkk P.ASSERICS. I'i:kci!inc. IJirds.

.SuHouni-R ("L.AMA'rOKlCS. .Sonoi.i:ss I'l.KtuiNG liiuus.

I'amiiv TYR.ANN I D.IO. Tykan i 1''i,ycaii hi- ks.

(ii-NUS MllADLUS SwAiNsoN.

174. Mii.xi'i.iis loK'bic.vrrs ((iMi:i.). n;:.

Seisaor-tailed Flycatc'aer.

I'irst primary aloiu; .:marginate ; crown patch, oranj;e or scarlet Iloary
ash, paler or white below, sides at the insertion of the wings scarlet or bk)04l

«75

BIRDS OF

red, and other parts of the body tinged with the same, a shade paler ; wings
blackish, gi^nerally with whitish edgings ; tail black, several outer feathers
extensively white or rosy ; wing, about 4)1 ; tail, over i" inches long.

Hab. Texas and Indian Territory, casually north to Kansas and
Missouri ; south to Central America. Accidental in Virginia, New Jersey,
New England, Manitoba, and at York Factory, Hudson's Bay.

Nest, like the King-birds.

EgTs, 4 to 5 ; white blotched with reddish and lilac shell-spots

The home of this beautiful bird is in Texas, but it is
evidenlly much given to wandering, appearing unexpectedly at
points far distant from its usual habitat.

The only record I have of its occurrence in Ontario is
furnished bj- Dr. Garnier, of Lucknow, Bruce County, who
reports having seen one near his place some years since. He
had no means of securing the bird, but saw it by the roadside
as he drove past, opening and closing its tail feathers with the
usual scissor-like motion.

It was also found in the Northwest by Prof. Bell of the
geological survey. Such visits can only be regarded as
accidental, for the species does not regularly come so far north.

s*

Genus TYRANNUS Civier.

175. TYRANNUS TYRANNU • (Linn.). 444.

Kingbird.

Two outer primaries obviously attenuate. Above blackish, darker on ihe
head ; crpwn with a flame colored patch ; below pure white, the breast
shaded with plumbeous ; wings dusky, with much whitish edging ; tail
black, broadly and rather sharply tipped with white, the outer feathers
sometimes edged with the same. Bill and feet black Young \.ithout the
patch ; very young birds show rufous edging of the wings and tail. Length,
about 8 inches ; wing, 4;} ; tail, 3.? : bill, under 1.

H.AB. Eastern North America, from the British Provinces south to
Central and South America. Rare west of the Rocky Mountains (Utah,
Nevada, Washington Territory, etc.)

Nest, '.arge ft)r the size of the bird, placed on the horizontal bough of an
isolated tree ; composed of vegetable fibrous materials and slieep's wool
compactly woven together.

176

ONTARIO.

KfJKs, 4 to 6 ; creamy nr rosy-white, siJotttd and blotched with reddish,
brown and lilac shell-spots.

The Kinfi^bird arrives in Ontario from the south about the
loth of May, and from that time till it leaves again in
September it is one of the most familiar birds in the rural
districts. It is generally distributed, each pair taking
possession of a certain "limit," which is valiantly defended
against all intruders, no bird however large being permitted to
come with impunit}' near where the Kingbird's treasures are
deposited. It is partial to pasture fields, a favorite perch being
the top of a dry mullein stalk. Here the male sits like a
sentmel, issuing his sharp note of warning, and occasionalh
darting off to secure a passing insect. When the breeding
season is over and the young are able to shift for themselves,
he gets over his local attachments and (juietly takes his insect
fare wherever he can find it, allowing other birds to do the
same.

Gfnus MYIARCHUS Cabanis.

:: :it;' 11

m

'^-(

nt;. MYIARCHUS CRINITUS (Linn.). 45'i.
Crested Flycatcher.

breast
; tail
thers
t the
ngth,

th to
Utah,

of fin

Decidedly olivaceous above, a little browner on the head, where the
feathers have dark centres ; throat and fore-breast pure dark ash, rest of
under-parts bright yellow, the two colors meeting abruptly ; primaries
margined on both edges with chestnut : secondaries and coverts edged and
tipped with yellowish-white ; tail, with all the feathers but the central pair,
chestnut on the whole of the inner web, e.xcepting. perhaps, a very narrow
stripe next the shaft , outer web of outer feathers edged with yellowish ; the
middle feathers, outer webs of the rest, and wings, e,\cept as stated, dusky
brown. Very young birds have rufous skirting of many feathers, in addition
to the chestnut above described, but this soon disappears. I.ength. SJ-gj
wing and tail, about 4 ; hill and tarsus, each ^

Hah. I'^astern United States and Southern Canada, west to the Plains,
south through tiastern Mexico to Costa Rica

Nest, in hollow of tree.;, soinetimes in the deserted hole of a Wood-
pecker ; composed of straw, leaves, rootlets and other vegetable materials

177

n r,

BIRDS OF

■ iL'f is alwavs tf) be foiinil the c,ist-of( skins

of snakes.

Ep^^s, 4 to 5 , li,L;ht buffy-lnowti, streaked lengthwise by lines and
markings of purplish and darker brown.

I'his sj)ccics docs not penetrate tar noitli into Ontario, hut
is a regular siininier resident along the southern frontier, where
it irrives earlv in May, and soon makes it'^ prf^sence known hv
its lond note olwarning, which is heard among the tree tops long
befoie the bird is visible.

Dr. Wheaton in his " Birds of Ohio " states that this species
is very niniieroiis near Cohniibiis, where the. country being
well cleared and the usual breeding [.^laces difhciilt to find, the
birds have taken to the use of boxes put up for Bluebirds anil
Martins, and have been observed to dispossess the legitimate
owners. It has also been noticed that the snake skins are left
out where the nests :\rc in boxes.

(iF.NUS S.WOi^NlS BoNAHAKM".

177. SAYORMS I'IKEBE (L.vrn.). loO.
Phoebe.

Dull oil vacc'Mis-brown ; tlie head much darker fusc()us-i)rn\vn, almost
blackish, usually in inarked contrast with the back : below soiled whitish, or
palest ] ossible yellow, ]iarticularly on the belly ; the s'des and the breast „
nearly or (juite across, shaded with gra) ish-brown ; wings and tail tlusk) ,
the outer tail feather, inner secondaries and usually the wing coverts edged
with whitish : a whitish ring around the eye ; bill and feet black, varies
greatly in shade. The foregoing is the average spring condition. As the
summer passes, the plumage becomes much duller and darker brown from
wearing of the feathers, and then, after the moult, fall specimens are much
brighter than in spring, the under-parts being fretjuently decidedly yellow,
at least on the belly. Very young birds have some feathers edged with
rusty, particularly on the edges of the wing and tail feathers. Length, 6J-7 ;
wing and tail, j- ^A.

Hab Eastern North .\nierica. from the British Provinces south to
Ivastern Mexico and Cuba, wintering from the S .uth .\tlantic and Gulf
States southward.

Nest, under bridges or projection about (»uthouses , composed of
vegetable material mixed with nin 1 and frescoed with moss.

Eggs, 4 to 5 usualh pure white, soiiietimes faintly spotted.

i7»

ONTAHTO

This is one of the^ earliest hrirhin<jfers of spiin,t;-, ;ni(l it:;
quick (|ucrulous notes ;ire hailed witli joy, as a prelude to the
grand concert of bird nuisic wliicli is soon to follow.

Marh' in April the nude Pee-wee ajipears in his former
haunts, and hein.u; soon joined 1)\- his nate the\ at once h.egin
to repair their old n(>st or to select the site for a new one.
They are partial to the societ\ of man, anil their habits, as
shown in their nestinjjj, have been somewhat chanj;ed b\ this
taste. The original typical nest of the Pee-wee. we are told.
was placed on a ledge under a projecting rock, over whicli
water trickled, the nest itself often being damp with the spra\.
We still see one occasionalh in such a position, but more
frequently it is placed on the beams of a bridge beneath the
eaves of a deserted house, or under the verandah or the projection
of an outhouse. They raise two broods in the season, and
retire to the south in September.

C.KNi^s (:(,)i\T()PrS Cahanms.
178. (X)NT()prS POKi: \L1S (Swains. i. 4."):i.
Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Dusky oli\aci;<jus-l)r<>\vn, usually ilarker on the crown, where the
leathers have black centres, and paler on the ..itles : chin, throat, iiellv,
crissuni and middle liiie of tin; breast whiti!, more or les.s tinned with
yellowish , wings an 1 tail blackish, unmarked, excepting,,' inconspicuous
j;fayish-brown tips of the wing coverts, :aul some whitish edging oi' the inner
<iuills ; feet and upper mandible black, lower mandible mostl\ velhjwish
The olive-brown lielow has a peculiar sfiniky appearance hardly seen in
other species, and extends almost entirely across the Lrcast. A peciili ^r tuft
oi white fluffy feathers on the Hanks Yoiiitfr birds have the featheis,
especially of the wings and tail, skirt-xl with rufous. Length, 7-8 ; wing,
.<a'42> remarkably pointed ; sec(jriu (juill longest, supported nearly to the
end by the first and thinl, the fourth aljriiptly shorter : tail, about _\ ; tarsus,
midlle toe and claw together about \\

Hab. North America, breeding Iroui the lujrthern and the higher
mountainous parts of the United -Mates iKiitliward In winter south to
Central America and Colombia.

Xest, a shallow structure composed of wee>;s, twigs, rootlets, strip.s of
bark, etc., loosel\ put together : saddled on a hough or pl.iced in a fork hii'.h
up in a tree

I ggs, 3 to 4 ; creamv-white, speckled with reddish-brovvn

17.J

I

inr

BIRDS OF

So far as at present known, this species is rare in Ontario,
and not very abundant anywhere. Towards the end of May,
18S4, when (hivinfr along the edge of a swamp north of the
village of Millgrove, I noticed a bird on the blasted top of a
tall pine, and stopping the horse at once recognized the
species by the loud 0-whee-o, 0-wliee-o, so correctly described
as the note of this species by Dr. Merriani in his " Birds of
Connecticut." I tried to reach it with a charge of No. 8, and
it came down perpendicularly into the brush, but whether dead,
wounded or unhurt I never knew, for I did not see it again.
That was the only time I ever saw the species alive.

It has a wide distribution, having been found breeding in
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and north on the Saskatchewan,
near Cumberland House. In the west it has been observed in

Colorado and along the Columbia river.

179.

CONTOPUS VIRENS (Linn.).
Wood Pewee.

461.

Olivaceous-brown, rather darker on the head, below with the sides
washed with a paler shade of the same nearly or quite across the breast ;
the throat and belly whitish, more or less tinged with dull yellowish ; under
tail coverts the same, usually streaked with dusky ; tail and wings blackish,
the former unmarked, the inner quills edged and the coverts tipped with
whitish ; feet and upper mandil)le black, under mandible usually yellow,
Si times dusky. Spring specimens are purer olivaceous. Early fall birds
are brighter yellow below. In summer, before the now worn feathers are
ren wed, quite brown and ding\ whitish. Ver\ young birds have the wing-
bars and pale edging of (juills tinged with rusty, the feathers of the upper-
parts skirted, and the lower plumage tinged with the same ; but in any
plumage the species may be known from all the birds of the following genus
by tliese dimensions. Length, 6-6^ ; wing, 3j-jJ ; tai', about J, not longer
than the hill.

Hab. Eastern North .\merica to the plains, and from Southern Canada
southward.

Nest, composed of bark fibre, rootlets and grass, finished with lichens ;
(in the outside it is compact and firm round the edge, but flat in form, and
rather loose in the bottom. It is sometimes saddled on a bough, moi
frequently placed on the fork of a twig 10 or 12 feet or more from the ground.

Eggs, 3 or 4 ; creamy-white, blotched and variegated .<'. the larger end
with reddish-brown.

»8o

1

ONTARIO.

This species resembles the Plioebo in iippearance, b.it
is smaller and has an erect Hawk-like attitnde,\vhen seen perched
on a dead tvvifj on the outer limb of a tree. It is a late comer,
being seldom seen before the middle of May, after which its
prolonged melancholy notes may be heard alike in the woods
and orchards till the end of August, when the birds move south.
To human ears the notes of the male appear to be the out-
pourings of settled sorrow, but to his mate the impressions
conveyed may be very different.

The Wood Pewee is a less hardy bird than the PhcEbe. It
is not so numerous in Ontario, neither does it penetrate so far
north.

;i ''

Genus EMPIDONAX Cahanis.

180. EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTRIS Baird. 4(53.

Yellcw-bellied Flycatcher.

Above olive green, clear continuous and uniform as in ncndictis, or even
brighter ; below not merely yellowish, as in the foregoing, but emphatically
ycllo'w, bright and pure on the belly, shaded on the sides and anteriorly with
a paler tint of the color of the back ; eye-rings and vvi"g-markings yellow ;
under manditjle yellow ; feet black. In respect of color, this species differs
materially from all the rest ; none of them, even in their autumnal yellowest,
(juite match it. Size of Traillii or rather less ; feet proportioned as in
acadicus ; bill nearly as in minimus, but rather larger ; first quill usually
equal to sixth.

H.\B. East^eru North America to the I'lains, and from Southern
Labrador south through Eastern Me.\ico to Panama, breeding from the
Northern States northward.

Nest, in a mossy bank ; composed mostly of mos ■, with a few twigs and
withered leaves, and lined with black wiry rootlets and dry grass.

Eggs, 4 ; creamy- white, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and a
few black markings chiefly near the larger end.

Several of the small Flj'catchers resemble each other so
closely :hat it is often difficult for the general observer to
kietjtify them correctly. The clear yellow of theundcr-parts of

i8i

Pf

BIRDS ()!■

the pic;sc;iU species serves to distiiif^uisli it fV(Mn the others, but
it is everywhere scarce and httle known excejit to collectors.

Near Hamilton I have noticetl one or two every sprinf,^
and sometimes also in the fall. Dining the smnnier it has not
been observed.

it is onlv withni the past five years tlua correct information
has been obtained regarding the nest and eggs of this sjiecies.
one of the first and liest descriptions being given b\ Mr.
Pnrdie in the Nnttall Bulletin for October, icSycS. The nest in
this case was placed among the roots of an npturtied tree.

All the nests 1 have seen describeti have been found in
Maine, but the species will no doubt yet be found breeding in
Ontario and elsewliere in the interior.

181. ICMTIDONAX FUSILLUS Tl-J Alld J 1 lAi'u.). -I6(;a.

Traill's Flycatcher.

Above olixti-lirowii, lighter and iluUer hrovviiish (jostcriorly, darker
anteriorly, owing to obviously dusky centres of the coronal feathers : below
nearly as in acadiius, but darker, the olive-gray shading ([uite .-icross the
breast ; wing-markings grayish-white with slight yellowish or tawn\ shade ,
under mandible pale ; upper mandible and feet black Averaging a little
less than nauliiiis, 5.]-() ; wing, 2I5-2;,'. more roimdeil, its tip only reaching
about 5 of rai inch beyond the secontlaries. formed by 2d, 3(1 and 4th
quills ;is before, but 5th not so much sliorter (h.inily or not .f of an inch), the
first ranging between 5th and Tith , tail, 2J ; tarsus, 3 as before, hut middle
toe an I claw three-tifths, the feet thus differentlv proportioned owing to
length of the toes

Hm! Kastern North America, l)reeding from the Midille States
iS(3Uthern Illinois and Missouri) northward ; in winter south to C'entral
America.

Nest, in an upright fork, firmly secured in its place with the stringy
fibres of bark, deeply cupped, composed chiefly of vegetable fibres, lined with
dry grass and thistle down.

Eggs, J to 4 ; creamy-white, blotched, chiefly toward the larger end,
wit'i reddish-brown.

known in Ontario, the
' server, the

iry

Traill's Flycatcher is not much k
mmiber of collectors being few. By the
bird may readily be mistaken for others of its class which it

182

ONTARIO.

closely resembles. Mr. Siiuiuleis has fuiiiul il iie.ir LoiuId;.
and 1 have met with it now and then in the moist scclinK' 1
ravines by the sliore of tlie Onndas Marsh, but it is i)v no
means common.

In former years, confusion existed in the minds of different
authors rej^ardinf^f the history and ilistribution of the small
l'"lycatchers, and in my list, published in i<S66, the .Acatlian
l-'lycatcher is included as a rare summer resident near Hamilton.
Since that time I have had it frequently reported as occurriiif^
at different i)oints m the provinc \ but I have been compelled
to reject all of these records as incorrect, and to conclude that it
is \er\' doubtful if the Acadian Flvcatcher ever enters Ontario.

1S2. KMFIDONAX MINIMUS I'.aiko. 4(i7.
Least Flycatcher.

Colors almost exactly as in Traillii ; iiHuall) , however, olive-^ray rather
than olive-brown ; the wing markings, eye-ring and loral feathers plain
grayish-white ; the whole anterior parts oltep willi a slight ashy cast ; under
mandible ordinarily dusky ; feel black. It is a smaller bird than Traillii,
and not so stoutlv built ; the wing-tip projects only about h an inch beyond
the secondaries ; the 5th quill is but a little shorter than the ^th, the ist apt
to be nearer the fith than 5th ; the feet are differently [iroportioned, being
much as in acadicus ; the bill is obviously uniier h inch long Length, 5-5-25 ,
wing, 2-60 or less; tail, about 2-25.

H.\B. Kastern North America, south in winter to (entinl .America.
Breeds from the Northern States northward.

Nest, m the fork of a saplin.g or tree ; comp^osed of vegetable fibre and
wilted weeds, with a compact lining of plant down, horse hair and line grass.

Kggs, 3 to 4 , usually pure white, occasif)nally a set or part of a set are
found dotted with dusky.

The Least Flycatcher is very conmion throu^diout Ontario,
and is mentioned among the birds found by Frof. Macoun in
the Northwest Territory. It arrives near Hamilton about the
end of the hrst week in May, soon after which its short, sharp
call, ''Clu'bec," is heard by the outer edge of the woods, and even
in the citv orchards it takes its location and raises its familv.
As soon as the yoimg ones are able to flv the birds disperse

183

BIRDS OF

more gent rally over the country, and art; in no liaste to retire,
hut linj^^er till the cold weather cuts oH their supply of food.

As the correct indcntificatiou of the small I'Mycatcht^rs is
often a jiuzzle to the amateur I will {,Mve Dr. ('.ones' instruc-
tions which may be of use in this connection:

" E. Acadicus — Nest, in the trees, in horizontal forks, thin.
saucer-sha}»cd, open-worked ; eggs, creamy-white, boldly
spotted.

E. Traillii — Nest, in tree.s, in upright crotch, deeply cupped,
more or less compact walled ; eggs, creamy-white, boldly
spotted.

K. A'linimus — Nest, in trees, in upright crotch, deeply
cupped, compact walled ; eggs, immaculate white.

K. Flaviventris — Nest, on the ground or near it, deeply
cupped, thick and bulky ; eggs, white, spotted. "

SuBORUKK OSCINES. Song Hirus.
Family ALAUDID^*:. Larks.
Genus OTOCORIS Bonaparte.
lS;i. OTOCORIS ALPESTRIS (Linn.).
Horned Lark

474.

Adult : abovt.' brown, tinned with pinkish, brightest on the nape, lesser
wing-coverts and tail-coverts; other upper-parts gray, the centre of the
feathers dusky. Below white, tinged with dusky on the sides, anteriorlv
with sulphur-yellow. A large black area on the l)reast. Sides of the head,
and whole of the throat, sulphury-yellow, with a crescentic mark of black
below each eye, and a black bar across the forehead, and thence along the
side of the crown, prolonged into a tuft or " horn."

Middle tail-feathers like the back, the others black, the outer web of the
outer pair whitish Bill blackish, livid blue at base below ; feet black. In
winter, at which season it is observed in Southern Ontario, the colors are
paler and much leas decided. Length, 7 to 7-50 ; fi-nuilc smaller.

Hah. Northeastern North America, Greenland and northern parts of
the Old World ; in winter south in the Eastern United States to the
Carolinas, Illinois, etc.

Nest, a slight depression in the ground lined with grass.

Kggs. 4 to 5 ; grayish-white, marked with spots of brownish-purple.

184

DNTAUIO

I'Ik! Shore Lark, witli wiiic.h 1 hticainc aciiuaiiUcil lutiU\-
tivf years aj^o, is a rare winter visitor in Ontario, only a k-\\
beinf^ observed. They usually are found in company with the
Snowbirds, and ate tlioronf,dily terrestrial in their habits, seldom
alightinj( anywhcn.- but on the f,M()und. While here they spend
most of their time, durinj; the short days "f winter, searchiiij,'
for their daily fare on bare {fravcUy patches, from which the
snow has been blown away. ( )(:casi(jnally tt^ward the end of
March, just before leavinf^, I have seen the male settle himself
on a hillock and war;)le out a ple.'isinj,' Larkdike son^;, which is
prob.ablv ^iven with more power and pathos later in the season
near his {^'rassy home, with his mate for an audience.

This is th(> northern type of the famil}-, ami it is Ix-lievcd to
be identical with the British biril of the same name. In
Ontario it is as rare as formerly, its breeding place beinj,' far to
the north and east, but uc have now a pale race which sjtends
the sununei with us, a description of which will tollow this.

184. OTOC:OklS .XLPblSTKlS I'K ATlCOl ..\ H i nsii. 474 b.

Prairie Horned Lark.

Aditll-iiiali- in sprinj,', posterior p<irti(.)n of the crown, occiput, nape,
sides of the neck an<l bi'east, lesser \vinf,'-coverts and shorter upper fail
coverts, light vinaceous ; back, scapulars and rump gra\ ish-hrown : tlie
feathers with darker centres, becoming d.'irker and much niore distinct on
the rump ; middle-wing coverts light vinaceous terminall}-, brownish-gra\
basally Wings (except as described), grayish-brown, the feathers with
paler edges, outer primaries with outer web chiefly white Middle pair of
tail feathers light-brown (paler on edges), the central jiortion (longitudiiialh )
iiuich darker, approaching dusky ; remaining tail feathers uniform l)lack. tin-
outer pair with exterior webs broadlv edged with white Longer upper tail-
coverts light-brown edged with whitisli and marked with a broad lanceclate
streak of dusky. Forehead (for about 15 (if an inch) \ellow ish-w hite, this
continued b.'ick in a broad supercilliary strijieof nearly jiure white ; fore-part
of crown (for aliout .^5 of an inch) deep black, continued lateralK back to
and including the ear-like tufts ; lores, suborbital region, anrl brfiad patch on
cheeks (with convex posterior oiUline) ileep l)latk. jugular crescent also deep
black, this extending to lower part of throat ; chin and throat pale straw
yellow, gr.'idually fading into white on sides of fore-neck : anterior half of
ear-coverts white, posterior half drab-gray, each portion forming a crescent-
shaped patch. Lower parts posterior to the jugnlum crescent pure white,
the sides of the breast light vinaceous, the sides similar but brown and

185

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 873-4503

:/.

BIRDS OF

indistinctly streake i with darker. Upper mandible plumbeous-black, lower,
bluish-plumlHious ; iris d'^cp-brown ; legs and feet brownish-black Size,
slightly less than the preceding.

Hah Upper Mi.ssissippi Valley and the region of the Gre?'. Lakes.

Nest, a hollow in the ground, lined with grass

Eggs, 4 to 5 . dull white marked with spots of brown and purple.

As near as I can remember this species first appeared in
Ontario about the year 1868. It was noticed at once as being
different from our winter visitor, being less in size and its plum-
age having the washed-out look peculiar to the Prairie birds.
Smce that time it has increased annually imtil it has becomequite
established. I think they do not all leave in the fall, but that a
few remam and associate with the northern form, which arrives
from the north early in the winter. Great numbers appear in
l-'ebruaryor early in March, and should the season be late they
swarm in the road tracks and bare places everywhere, waiting
for the disappearing of the snow, and even before it is quite gone
many pairs commence building their nests. Soon the flocks
separate, the birds scatter in pairs over the country, and are not
again seen in such numbers until the following season.

There are now eight different species of the Genus Otocoris,
described as being found in North America. They have all a
strong family likeness, but differ sufficiently to warrant specific
distinction, though several of the groups are of very recent
formation. They are found mostly in the west and south-west,
only two species having, till now, been observed in Ontario.

Family CORVID^. Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc.
Subfamily GARRULIN/E. Magpies and Jays.

Genus PICA Brisson.

185. PICA PICA HUDSONICA. (Sab.). 475.

American Maggie.

bill black , head, neck, fore-part of the breast and back, black, glossed
with green and blue ; middle of the back, greyish-white ; scapulars, white ;

186

ONTARIO

smaller wing coverts, black secondary and primary coverts, glossed with
green ond blue; primaries, black, glossed with green, their inner webs white
except at the end ; secondaries bright blue changing to green, the inner webs
greenish-black ; tail, glossed with green, changing; to hluish-purple and dark-
green at the end ; breast and sides, pure white , legs, abciomen, lower tail-
coverts, black Length, 18-20 inches.

Hah Northern and Western North America, casually east and south to
Michigan (accidently in Northern Illinois in winter) and the Plains, and in
the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Arizona.

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Nest, in a tree, 10 or 12 feet or more from the ground ; built of coarse
sticks, plastered with mud and lined with hair, feathers and other soft
materials

Kggs. 5 or 6; greenish, thickly shaded and dashed with purplish-brown.

The gaud}', garrulous Magpie is, on the American continent,
pecuHar to the north and west, and is mentioned as a bird of
Ontario on the authority of Mr. C. J. Bampton, Registrar of the
District of Algoma, who reports it as a rare winter visitor at
Sault St. Marie. It has been seen by surveying parties along
the northern tier of States, and is said to be possessed of all
the accomplishinentoi attributed to the British Magpie, whose
history has been so often written. Mr. Trippe, who found it
breeding in Colorado, describes the nest as having two aper-
tures, one at each side, so that when the bird enters by the front
it leaves by the one at the back, and while sitting on the nest the
long tail projects outside.

The Magpie is a gay, dashing fellow, whom we always like
to see in his native haunts, and we would welcome him to the
woods of Southern Ontario should his curiosity lead him this
way.

In the rural districts of Scotland these birds are regarded
with suspicion, from the belief that they know more than birds
ought to know. They are supposed to indicate future joy 01
sorrow to the wayfarer, according to the number he sees together,
the idea being thus expressed in popular rhyme : one, mirth ;
two, grief; three, a wedding ; four, a death.

J 87

I

III

^4

^

HIKDS OF

Genus CYANOCITTA Stkicklano.
18<i. CYANOCITTA CRISTATA. (Linn.). 477.

Blue Jay.

I'urplish-hlue; below p.ilc: Kr<iy, whitening on the throat, lielly and cris-
suin : a black collar across the lower throat anil up the sides of the neck and
head l)ehind the crest, and a black frontlet bordered with whitish ; wings
and tail, pure rich blue, with black bars, the greater coverts, secondaries and
tail feathers, except the central, broadly tipped with pure white ; tail, much
roun le;l, the graduation over an inch I^ength, 11-12 ; wing, 5^ ; tail, 5J.

Hab. Kastern \(n-th America to the Plains, and from the Fur Countries
south to Florida and Eastern Texas

Nest, in tre!-!s or bushes, built of sticks, lined with weeds, grasses and
other soft material.

Kgs{s, 5 to 6 ; variable in color, usually clay color with brown spots.

This species is common throughout Ontario, and may be
considered resident, for though tlie greater number migrate in
the fall, a few always remain and art heard squalling
among the ever,5reens any mild day in the depth of winter.

Notwithstanding his gaudy altire, the J a) is not a favorite,
which is probably owing to his having many traits of character
peculiar to the " bad boy," being always ready for sport or
spoil. He frequently visits the farm house for purposes of
plunder, and when so engaged works silently and diligently till
his object is attained. He then gets off to the woods as quickly
as possible, where he may afterwards be heard chuckling to him-
self over his success.

There is a swampy spot in a clmnp of bush in West riam-
boro* where a colony of Blue Jays has spent the winter for several
seasons, and they seem to have lots of fun even in the sever-
est weather. I have occasionally called in when passing, and
have found amusemsnt listening to their varied notes
issued in quite a colloquial strain. Sometimes the birds
are on the ground, busily gathering nuts with which to replen-
ish their storehouses, but if a scout arrives with some
interesting intelligence, off goes the whole troop, each
individual apparently knowing the object of the excursion.
On the return notes are compared, and I almost fancy

188

ONTARIO.

1 hear them laugh at their narrow escapes and hidicrous
exploits. On such occasions I know I am often the subject of
remark, but if I keep (piiet they do not seem to object much to
my presence.

CiRNiJs FERISOKBUS Honapartk.

1S7. FEK1S()KEUSCAN.\DP:NSIS (Linn.). 484.

Canada Jay.

Upper parts dull lt;aden-gray , lower, tluU yellowish-white ; forehead
yellowish-white . hind-part of the head and neck, grayish-black ; throat and
baufi passing round the neck, grayish-white : secondary (juills and tail
feathers narrowly tipped with white , voting , dull slate color, paler on the
abdomen, darker on the head, the white tips of the wings and tail duller than
in the adult. Length, lo to ii inches.

Hah Northern New lingl.uul, Michigan and tanada, northward to
.Arctic America.

Nest, on the branch of an evergreen , composed of twigs and grass, linetl
with feathers.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; grayish-white, marked with yellowish-brown.

The Indian name for this bird is IVis-Ka-Tjaii, which
pronoimced by an Englisli tongue soimils much like " Whiskey
)ohn." Through familiarity this has become " Whiskey Jack,"
the name by which the bird is best known in the districts he
frequents. The Canada Jay is found in high latitudes,
from Labrador to the Pacific Coast. It is quite common
in the District of Muskoka, wlic^ it breeds and is resi-
dent. I have also heard of one indivitlual being taken at
Oshawa, but have no record of its having been seen farther
south in Ontario.

In the Birds of the Northwest, Dr. Coucs, (juoting from Mr.
Trippe, says : " During the warmer months the Canada Jay
frequents the darkest forests of spruce, occasionally flying a
little way above the trees. It is quite tame, coming about the
mining camps to pick up whatever is thrown out in the way of
food, and evincing much of the curiosity that is characteristic

189

' I
i ■

I
I

Bn<DS OF

of the family. In winter its supply of food is very precarious,
and it is often reduced to mere skin and bones. At such times
it will frequently weigh no .more than a plump Sparrow or
Snowbird, rnd '.mdoubtedly it sometimes starves to death.
During the latter part of the autumn, its hoarse croaking is
almost the only sound to be heard in the cold, sombre forests
which lie near the timber line."

188.

Subfamily CORVIN^:. Crows.

Cenus CORVUS LiNNMius.

CORVUS CORAX SINUATIJS (Wagi.i.

American Raven.

48<).

Kntire lustrous black ; throat feathers acute, lengthened and discon-
nected Length, about 2 feet ; wing, 16-18 inches ; tail, 10.

Hab. Continent of North America, from the .\rctic regions to Guate-
mala, but local and not common in the United States east of the Mississippi
River.

Nest, on high trees or inaccessible cliffs.

Kggs, 4 to 5 ; greenish, dotted, blotched and clouded with purplish and
blackish-brown.

Few birds are so widely distributed over the face of the
earth, and few have obtained so great a share of notoriety as
the Raven, that "grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominoun
bird of yore." In Sotithern Ontario it is now seldom
seen. The specimen in my collection was obtamed at
St. Clair Flats some years since, where it was reported as an
occasional visitor in the fall. Wilson, when speaking of this
species, says : "On the lakes, and particularly in tlie neighbor-
hood of Niagara Falls, they are numerous, and it is a remark-
able fact that where they so abound the common Crow seldom
appears. 1 had an opportunity of observing this myself in a
journey along the shores of Lake Erie and Ontario during the
month of August and September. The Ravens were seen
every day, but I did not see or hear a single crow within
several miles of the lakes." Since the days of Wilson the case
has been reversed, and any one travelling now round the lakes
named will see Crows in plenty, old and yoimg, but not a single

190

ONTARIO.

Riiven. They are said to be common in the rocky region of
Muskoka, where tliey j)rol)al)ly nest on the clifTs. They are
helieved to continue mated for life, and are often
heard expressing their feehngs of conjugal attachment in what
to human ears sounds but a dismal croak.

18!».

488.

CORVUS AMERICANUS Aud.
American Crow.

Color uniform lustrous black, including the bill and feet ; nasal bristles
about half as Ion;,' as the bill, throat feathers oval and blended ; no naked
space on cheeks, length, 18-20 ; wing, 1.5-14 ; tail, about 8 ; bill, 1-75.

Hah. North .\merica, from the I'ur Countries to Mexico.

Nest, in trees, built of sticks and twigs, lined with moss and strips of bark

Eggs, 4 to f) ; green, spotted and blotched with blackish-brown.

While the Raven prefers to frequent the uncleared parts of
the coimtry, the Crow delights in the cultivated districts, where,
in the opinion of the farmer, his services coidd well be
dispensed with. Though e.xposed to continued persecution, he
knows the range of the gun accurately, and is wide awake to
the intention of all sorts of ambuscades planned for his destruc-
tion, so that he thrives and increases in number as the country
gets more thickl}' settled. The Crows mostly leave us at the
approach of cold weather, yet should the carcase of a dead
animal be e.xposed, even in the depth of winter, it is curious to
observe how quickly it will be visited by a few individuals of
this species, which are probably remaining in sheltered parts of
the woods, and have some means of fintling out where a feast is
to be had. Early in April the northern migration begins, and
the birds may be seen daily, singly, in pairs, or in loose
straggling flocks, passing toward the north-west.

F.^Mii.v ICTERIDyE. Blackbirds, Oriolks, etc.

Genus DOLICHONYX Swainson.

190. DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS(LiNN.). 494.

Bobolink.

Male in spring, black , cervix buff , scapulars, rump <ind upper tail-
coverts ashy-white ; interscapulars streaked with black, buff, and ashy ;

191

m

l!i!:';l^

'^11

^'1

ill

(■''■>■' ■

BIRDS OF

outer quills edged with yellowish ; bill blackish-horn : feet brown Malf in
fall, /fOTrt/*- and _yo«w/;', entirely different in color; yellowish-brown above,
brownish-yellow below : crown and bask conspicuously, nape, rump and sides
less broadly streaked with black ; crown with a median and lateral light
stripe : wings and tail blackish, pale edged ; bill brown. The ;««/<? changing
shows C(n fused characters of both sexes Length, t'j-ji ; wing, 2J-4 ; tail,
?J-3 , tarsus, about i ; middle toe and claw, about i|.

Hab. Kastern North America to the ("ireat I'lains . north to southern
Canada ; south in winter to the West Indies and South America. Breeds
from the Middle States northward, and winters south f)f the United States

Nest, a cup-shaped hollow in the ground in a hay field ; lined with
withered grass.

Kggs, 4 to 5 ; brownish-white, heavily blotched and clouded with
chocolate-brown, making the general appearance very dark.

In Southern Ontario the merry, rollicking; l^obolink is well
known to all who have occasion to pass by the clover
fields or tnoist meadows in s;nnmer. He attracts
attention then by his fantastic dress of black and
white, as well as by his p;ay and festive manner, while he
seeks to cheer and charm his modest helpmate, who, in humble
garb of yellowish-brown, spends much of her time concealed
among the grass. Toward the close of the season, the holiday
dress and manners of the juale are laid aside, and by the
time the birds are ready to iepart, male and female, young and
old, are all clad alike in uniform brownish-yellow. The merry,
jingling notes are succeeded by a simple cliiiik which serves to
keep the flocks together, and is often heard overhead at night
in the early part of September. In the south, where thev get
very fat, they are " illed in great numbers for the table.

Genus MOLOTHRUS Swainson.

191. MOLOTHRUS ATER iBodd.
Oowbird.

495.

Male, iridescent black ; head and neck purplish-brown Ftituile.
smaller, an obscure-looking bird, nearly uniform dusky grayish-brown, but
rather paler below, and appearing somewhat streaky, owing to darker shaft
lines on nearly all the feathers ; bill and feet black in both sexes. Length,
7J-8 ; wing, over 4 ; tail, over 3.

198

ONTARIO

Hab. United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, north into
Southern British America, south, in winter, into Mexico.

Nest, none.

I£ggs, deposited in the nest ot another bird , liull white, thickly dotted,
and sometimes blotched, with brown , number uncertain

In Soiitlieni Ontario nearly all the Cowhirds are nii{,'ratory,
l)iit on two occasions I have sec^n them located here in winter.
There were in each instance ten or a dozen birds which stayed
by the farmhouse tiiey had selected for their winter residence,
and roosted on the beams above the cattle in the cow-hoiise.
Early in April the migratory flocks arrive from the south, and
soon they are seen in small solitary parties, chiefly in pasture
fields and by the banks of streams all over the country.

At this interesting season of the year, when all other
birds are mated and are striving to make each other happy in
the faithful discharge of their various domestic duties, the Cow-
birds, despising all family relations, keep roving about, enjoying
themselves after their own free love fashion, with no pref(.>rence
for any locality save that where food is most easily obtained.
The deportment of the male at this season is most ludicrous.
With the viev/ of pleasing his female associate of the hour, he
puffs himself out to nearly doidile his usual size and makes the
most violent contortions .seeking to express his feelings in
song, but like individuals of the human species whom we some-
times meet he is "tongue-tied," and can only give utterance to
a few spluttering nott.s.

As the time for laying draws near the female leaves her
associates, and manifesting much uneasiness seeks diligenth'
for the nest of another bird to suit her purpose. This is usually
that of a bird smaller tlian herself, which the owner has just
finished and may have made therein a fust deposit. Into such
a nest the female Cowbird drops her egg, and leaving it, with
evident feelings of satisfaction, joins her comrades and thinks
no more about the matter. By tiie owners of the nest tin;
uitrusion is viewed with great dislike, and sliouM il loiilaiii no
eggs of their own it is frecjuentls' desertf.'d. Iliit .nioilier
e.xpedieiU to lid thi'inselvcs of the incumbr.tiRL' is soiiu'tiiiies

i.)j

i: jn

■it

BIRDS or

resorted to which shows a higher degree of iiitcHigeiice than
what we are accustomed to rail orcUnary instinct, h'inding 'hat
their newly iinished crailk- has been invaded, the birds huild a
floor over the obnoxious egg, leaving it to rot while tiieir own
are hatcheil on the new floor in the usual way.

Shoukl the owners of the nest have one or more eggs
deposited before that of the (!owbird appears, the intrusion
causes them nuich anxiet)' for an hour or two, but in the
majority of cases the situation is accepted, and the young Cow-
bird beuig first hatched the others do not come to maturity.
The foster parents are most attentive in supplying the wants of
the youngster till he is fit to shift for himself, when he leaves
them, apparently without thanks, and seeks the society of his own
kindred, though how he recognizes them as such is s(jmething we
have yet to learn.

Much speculation is indulged in regarding the cause of this
apparent irregularity in the habits of the Cowbird, and different
opinions are still held regarding it, but whatever other purpose
it may serve in the economy of nature, it must cause a very
large reduction in the number of the different species of birds
on which it entails the care of its young. Some idea may be
formed of the extent of this reduction by looking at the vast
flocks of Cowbirds swarming ni their favorite haunts in the fall,
and considering that for each bird in these flocks from three to
four of a different species have been prevented from coming to
maturity.

The number of species imposed upon by the Cowbird is
large, including Warblers, Vireos, Sparrows, Thrushes, blue-
birds, etc., but the one they most frequently select in this localit}'
is the Sunnner ^'ellowbird. On the prairies where the Cow-
birds are numerous and the number of foster parents limited,
it is said that in the month of June nearly every available nest
contains an egg of the Cowbird.

In Southern Ontario they disappear during July and August,
but usually return '.n vast flocks in September, when they
frequent the stubble fields and patches of wild rice by the edge
of the marshes.

•94

IS

iie-

lity

.o\v-

ited,

nest

list,
hey
:dge

ONTAkHJ.

Gkni's XANTIIOCICI'IIALIIS Honai'aktk.

XANTllOCIiPIIALUS XAN rilUCIUMI ALUS (Honai>.).

192. Yellow-headed Blackbird. 497.

Miili- l)l;ick, wliolo he.'ul (t!xci;pt lorcsl. iifck .iiiil (ipin'r hrcisl yellow,
and sometimes yellowish featlu-rs on tin; bflly .ird Iv.^^ , a lar>,'e white patch
on tilt' will),', fornic i hv tin; piiiii;ii\ .uitl a few of tlu; oiitfr socoiiilar) tovurts.
Fiiudlc ami \f'Hf; liiownish-lilaik, with liiili; or no white on tin; win^{, the
vellow restricted or obscured Ftiitnh inucli smaller than the male, about yj.
Length, lo-ii winn, 5i : tail .(.J.

Hab Wes^tern North America, from Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas to
the I'acific coast. Aciidental in the Atlantic Slates (Massachusutts, South
Carolina, I'lorida)

Nest, composed of aijiiatic f,'rassi's fastened to the reeds.

h^Ugs, ^ to 6 , nrayish-^;rei'n spotted witli reddish brown

A wanderer from the west, this haiidsoine lilackliird has
appeared from time to time at (hlTereiit points in the l'2astern
States. Tlie only record I have of its occurrence in Ontario is
that fjjiven by Mr. Seton in the Auk for October, 1SS5, as
follows : " This species has been ta jii a number of times in
company with the Red-win},'ed IMackbirds by Mr. Wni. Loane,
who describes it as the Californian Blackbird. The specimen
I examined was taken near Toronto by that f^'entleman, and it is
now in the possession of Mr. Jacobs, of Centre street."

Thoiif^h the Vellow-lieaded Blackbird is oidy a casual visitor,
I think it is quite probable that we ma\- yet s(H' it as a summer
resident in the {grassy meadows of Ontario. At present it
comes east as far as Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin,
while in a nortlierly direction it extends its mif^rations to the
interior of the Fur Countries, reaching the Saskatchewan about
the 2oth of May.

We should like to see iiim here, his yellow head making a
bright spot among the sombre plumaged Cowbirds and
Grackles.

"J5

hi '

i

i J I 'I

m

I IF

HIKDS Ol"

Grnus AC.KLAIUS Vikiiiot,

1!»;{. AC.ICLAIUS riKKNlClCUS (Linn.

4518.

Rad'wIniKecl Blackbird.

IB

%

Male uniform lustrous l)laLk , lesser winK-coverts scarlet, broadly
honli'n-d l)y brownish-yellow or brownish-white, the middle row of coverts
bt'inj; entirely of this color, ;ind sometimes the ^ri'-Tter row lik(nvise are
similar, producing a patch on the win>^ nearly as lartre as tlu' red one.
Occasionally there are traces of red on the cdj;e of the \s\n\i and below. Thf
fcmali- smaller, under H ; everywhere streaked ; above blarkish-bnnvn with
pale streaks, inclining on the head to form median and superciliary stripes ;
below whitish, with very many sharp dusky stre.iks ; the sides of the head,
throat and thi- bend of the wing tinged with reddish or fulvous. Tha younf(
mule at first like the /(»/<(/<•, but larger; apt to have a general i)uffy or
fulvous suffusion, and bright bay edgings of the feathers of the back, wings
and tail, and soon showini; black patches. Length, S-() ; wing, 4J-S ;
tail, 3i-4.

Hah. North America in general, from Great Slave Lake soutli to Costa

F<ica.

Nest, large for the si /e of the bird ; composed of rushes and sedges
loosely put together and lined with gr^iss and a few horse hairs ; usually
fastened to the bulrushes, sometimes placed in a bush or tussock of grass
near the ground

liggs, 4 to 5 ; pale blue, curiously marked with brown

This species is ffenerally distributed and breeds in suitable
places throughout the province. It is very common near
Hamilton, breeding abimdantly in the Diindas Marsh, and in
the reedy inlets all aroimd the shores of Hamilton Bay. As soon
as the young broods are able to fly, old and yoimg congregate
in flocks, frequenting the stidible fields and moist meadows
by day, and roosting at night among the reeds in the marsh.
As the season advances the numbers are increased b\' others
arriving from the north, and during October very large flocks
are observed in the places they frequent. Towards the end of
that month, if the weather gets cold, they all move off to the
south, and none have been observed here during the winter.

196

ONTARIO

in

i table
neai'

nd in
soon

lows

arsh.

thers
ocks
(1 of"

0 the

r.

Cknus STURN1<:LL.\ Vikimot.

104. STIJKNKLLA MAC.NA (Linn.). 501.

Keadowlark.

Above, the prcvailinR nspict brown. Kacb fcathi-r of the; back blackish,
with a terminal nildish-lirown area, and sharp brownish-yellow borders ,
neck similar, the p'ltfern smaller ; crown streaked with black and brown, and
with a pale median and superciliary stripe ; a blackish Wno behind eye ;
several lateral tail feathers whiti-, the others with the inn«T quills and winj;-
coverts barred or scolloped with black and brown or (,'ray. I".dg<! of wim;
spot over eye, and under-parts generally, bright yellow, the sides and
crissum rtaxen-brown, with numerous sharp blackish streaks ; the breast with
a larjje black crt-scent (obscure in the yoimi;) : bill horn-color ; feet li^lil
brown. I.en^'th, lo-ii : win^. 5 : tail. ^J : bill, ij lumitlf similai-.
smaller, ()J

Mah blastern United States and Southern Canada to thtr l'laii\s

Nest, on the ground, at the foot of a tuft of K'';e^s or weeds . lined with
dry grass, and sometimes partly arched over

Kgg.s, 4 to () , dotted and sprinkled with reddish-brown.

The Meadowlark is found in all s'litablc districts thron^dioiit
Ontario, and was observed by Prof. Macoini brcedinj; in the
grand valley of the Assinniboine in the Northwest. In the
southern portion of the j^rovince it is generally distributed
throughout the agricidtiiral districts, where its loud, clear,
litjnid notes are always associatetl in our minds with fields of
clover and new-mown hay. Here it may be considered
migratory, the greater number leaving iis in October to return
again in April, ye\. it is no luicommon thing to find one or two
remaining during the winter in sheltered situations. On the
7th of February, 1SS5, when the cold was intense and snow
covered the ground, I noticed an individual of this species
digging vigorously into a manure heaji at the Beach. When
examined he was found t) be in very poor condition, and lr)okcd
altogether as if he had been having a hard time. In the west
the Meadowlark resembles our eastern form so closely that it is
doubtful if any one, judging by appearance, can separate them
with certainty, but the song of the birds is so entirely difTerent,

197

III

'if

; u

lURPS OF

that chiefly on this account the wostfin bird has boon recorded
as a separate species under the name ot Slunnlla nia^na
ncj^lccta, or Western Meadowlark. thechv centr d phiins '"i)rniin}^
the boundary between the two.

t .\':"m

W

(jenus icterus Hrisson.
15)5. ICTERUS SPURIUS (Linn.

nOli.

Orchard Oriole.

Mdlf black ; lower brick, riimji, lesser wint^-coverts, and all under-parfs
from the thrixU, deep cliestiuit ; a whitish bar across the tips of greater
wing-coverts ; l)iil aiul feet blue-black. Tail gratiuated. Length, about 7 ;
wing, sk '■ t'1'1. 3- I'liiKili- smaller, ]ilain yellowish-olive above, yellowish
l)elow ; wings dusky ; tips of the coverts and edges of the inner tjuills,
whitish ; known from ihv. fciiialc of the other species by its small size and
very slender bill. Yuutig male at first like the fi'iiialc, afterwards showing
confused characters of both sexes ; in a particular stage it has a black mask
and tliroat.

1I.\B. United St.'ites, west to the I'lains. south, in winter, tf> Panama.

Nt;st, pensile composed of grass and other stringy iiiateri.ds ingenionsJv
woven together and lined with wool ;)r plant down, rather less in si/e and not
ipiite so deep in proportion to its width as that of the Baltimore.

I'.ggs, .) to Ci ; bluish-white, spotted and veini'd with brown.

On tlie I5lh of May. 1S65, I shot an iniinalure male of this
species in an orchard at the Beach, which was the first
record for Ontario. I did not see or Iiear of it aj^ain till the
siunmer of 1SS3, when they were observed breedinjf at different
points aroinul the city, but since that year they have not
appeared near tlamilton.

Mr. Saiunlers informs me that they breeil rej^ularly anil in
considerable munbers near Loiulon and west of that citv, from
which we infer that the species (Miters Ontario aromul
the west end t>f Eake Erie, and does not often come as
far east as Hamilton. Most likely it does not at present extend
its mif^ratiops in Ontario very far from the Lake ICrie
shore. The notes of the male are loud, clear and delivered with
j^reat energy as he sits perched on the bough of an apple tree,

lyS

ONTARIO

this

first

the

Mi 'lit

not

d in

Ironi

lund

as

U'lul

!rie

kith

lee.

oi sails from one tree in tlic orchard to anotlier. This species
would be a desirable ac(iiiisition to our garden birds, both on
acct)unt of his pleasing plumage of black and brown, and because
of the havcM' he makes among the insect pests which freijuent our
fruit trees.

SuHGKNus VPHANTI-:S Vikii.i.ot.

l!)(i. IfTlCRUS CiALlU'LA iLiNN.). 507.

Baltimore Oriole.

Malt-, with lu-ail and neck all roiiml, ami the l)ack, black ; iimip, iippor-
tail coverts, lesser winy-coverts, most of the t.iil fe.ithers, and all the iimler-
parts from the thro.it, lierv -orange, but of v.-uyin^; intensity r.cconlini; to age
anil se.'ison. Middle tail fe.ithers black, the middle and greater roverts .and
inner quills, more or less edged and tipped with white, but the whiti- on the
coverts not forming . I continuous patch ; bill and feet blue-black Length.
7J-8 ; tail, 3. I'liiitilc sm.ilU'r, and much paler, the black obscureil by olive,
sometimes entirely wanting The vonii/r entirely without the black on throat
and he.ad, otherwise colored nearly like the fi'iiialf.

H.\i). I'^astern United States, west nearly to the Rocky Mountains.

Nest, purse shaped ; pensile ; about 6 inches deep ; composed chielly of
vegetable fibre, with which is often intertwisted rags, paper, thread, twine
and other fortngn substances ; usu.illy suspended from the outer branches of
a tree, most frequenth' ;in elm, at a height of 10 to 50 feet from the ground

I'-ggs, ,) to 6 : white, faintly tinged with blue

The gay, dashing, (lashing Haltiinor(> Oriole seems to comt
the admiration so generally bestowed on him, and is much more
frequently seen among the ornamental trees in our parks and
pleasure grounds than in the more retired parts of the coimtry.
He arrives from the south with wonderful regularity about the
end of the first week in May, after which his clear flute-like
notes are heard at all hours of the day till the earl\ jiart of Jidy,
when with his wife and family he retires, probably to some shadv
region to avoid the extreirie heat oi smnmer. .'\t all events tlu>y
are not seen in Southern Ontario again till the beginning of
September, when they pay us a passing visit while on their wa\
to winter quartcMS. The species seems to be well distributed in
Ontario, for in the report of liie "Ottawa I'iild Natmalists'
Club" it is said to be common, arriving in that district about the
loth of May. It is also included in the list of birds observed at
Moose Mountain in the Northwest by Prof. Macoun.

199

; I n

I

'.ihl

HIRDS OF
Genus SCOLECOPHAGUS Swmnson,

in?. SCHOLECOFHAGUS CAROLINUS (Mull.). 509.

Rusty Blackbird.

Male in summer lustrous black, the reflections greenish, and not notice-
able different on the head ; but not ordinarily found in this condition in the
United States ; in general f^lossy black, nearly all the feathers skirted with
warm brown above and bro.vnish-yellow below, frequently continuous on
the foreparts ; the m:ilc of the first season, like the female, is entirely rusty-
brown above, the inner cjuills edged with the same ; a pale superciliary
stripe ; below, mixed rusty and grayish-black, the primaries and tail above
black ; bill and feet black at all times. Length, male about y ; win^, 44 ;
tail, 3J ; bill J ; female smaller.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to Alaska and the I'lains.
from Northern New England northward.

Breeds

Nest, a coarse structure, resting on a layer of twigs ; coinposed of grass
mixed with mud ; well formed inside and lined with fine grass and rootlets ;
usually placed in alder or similar bushes overhanging the water.

Flggs, 4 to 6 ; gray'sh-green marked with brown.

During the last week in April or the first in May according
to the weather, the Rusty Crackles are seen in small
flocks hurrying on to their breeding places farther north. Their
stay at this time is very short, and the collectors have but little
chance of securing a male in adult plumage, spring being the
only season when such can be had here, and even then only a
few in each flock have acquired their nuptial dress. They will
no doubt yet be found breeding in Ontario, although, owing to
the number of observers being small, the fact (so far as I know)
has not yet been recorded. Al>out the end of August or early
in September they return in flocks of much greater dimensions
than those which passed up in the sj^ring, and in company with
the Cowbirds and Redwings continue to frecjuent the plowed
fields, cornfields and wet places till the weather grts cold in
October, when thev all move off to tlie south and are not seen
again till spring.

ONTARIO.

Genus QUISCALUS Vieili.ot.

Subgenus QUISCALUS.

ins. QUISCALUS QUISCULA ^^NEUS (Ridgw.). 51 1 1).

Bronzed Crackle

Metallic tints, rich, deep and uniform. Head and neck all rDiind rich,
silky steel-blue, this strictly confined to these portions, and abruptly defined
behind, varying; in shade from an intense I'russian-blue to brassy-greenish,
the latter tint always, when present, most apparent on the neck, the hearl
always more violaceous ; lores velvety-black. Entire body, above and below,
uniform continuous metallic brassy-olive, varying to burnished golden
olivaceous-bronze, becoming gradually uniform metallic purplisl. ov reddish-
violet on wings and tail, the last more purplish ; primaries violet-black : bill.
tarsus and toes pure black, iris sulphur-yellow.

Length, 12-50 to 13-50 ; wing, 6-00 ; tail, 6-00 ; culmen, i-2f) ; tarsus.
1-32. Third and fourth quills longest and equal ; first shorter than fifth
projection of primaries beyond secondaries, 1-28 ; graduation nf the tail.
I -48. (Rldgii'ay.)

H.\n. From the Alleghanies and New England north antl west to
Hudson's Bay and the Rocky Mountains.

Nest, coarse and bulky ; composed of twigs and weeds, with a mixture
of mud ; often placed in a spruce or hemlock tree, sometimes in a bush over-
hanging the water, and occasionally in a hollow stub or desertetl Wood-
pecker's hole

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; smoky-blue with irregular dark brown blotches, lines and
spots.

The Bronzed Grackle was christened by Mr. Ridgway in the
Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Pliila-
delphia in June, i86g. Prior to tliat date Dr, Baird had
separated one as pecuHar to Florida, but all the others
were supposed to belong to the species named by Linn
as Qniscalus quiscula or Purple Grackle. Mr. Ridgway
on comparing a large number of specimens from different
points found the group to contain two well-defined species, and
his decision has now been generally adopted. (Jne, the original
Purple Grackle, is the more southern bird of the two, its
habitat being given as " Atlantic States from Florida to Long
Island," while our present species is said to extend from the
Alleghanies and New England, north and west to Hudson's

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Bay and llic Rocky Mountains. Since giving my attention to
this subject I have made a point of examining all available
mounted Crow U'lckbirds in public museums, country taverns,
etc., and find that all belong to the Bronzed division.

It is quite possible tha», c* few of the others may yet be
found along our southern border, but un(juestionably the Crow
Blackbird of Ontario is the Bronzed Grackle. They like to be
near water and are very common in the town of Gait, breeding
close to the houses along the banks of the river. There is a
colony established at East Hamilton, where they breed in the
Norway spruce trees near the residence of Mr. Barnes, who
protects tliem from being molested, whether wisely or not is
open to question, for there rests at their door the serious charge
of robbing the nests of small birds and destroying the eggs and
young, besides that of being very destructive to the sprouting
corn in spring-time.

Family FRINGILLID.^. Finches, Sparrows, etc.

Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES Brisson.

Subgenus HESPERIPHONA Bonaparte.

199. COCCOTHRAUSTES VESPERTINA (Coop.). 514.

Evening* Grosbeak

Dusky olivaceous, brighter behincl ; forehead, line over the eye and
muler tail coverts yellow ; crown, wings, tail and tibiae black ; the secondary
(luills mostly white ; bill greenish-yellow, of immense size, about J of an
inch long and nearly as deep. Length, 7.J-8.J ; wing, 4-4^ ; tail, 2^. The
female and young differ somewhat, but cannot be mistaken.

Hah. Western North America, east to Lake Superior, and casually to
Ohio and Ontario ; from the Fur Countries south into Mexico.

Nest and eggs unknown

This is a western species whose line of travel in the season
of migration seems to be along the Mississippi Valley, casually
coming as far east as Ontario.

I have heard of its being observed during the winter at St.
Cloud, St. Pauls and Minneapolis, and last winter I had a pair
sent me by mail in the flesh from Redwing, Minnesota. The

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first report of its appearance in Ontario was made by the late
Dr. T. J. Cottle, of Woodstock, who in the month of May,
1866, observed a flock ainonp^ the evergreens near hisrcsidence,
and obtained one or two of them.

Again, in 1871, they were noticed near London about the
same season, and several were procured, three of them coming
into my possession. I did not hear of the species again till the
17th of March, 1883, when enjojing a sleigh rule along a road
which runs through a swamp in West l'"land)oro' we came
unexpectedl}' upon two in the bush by the roadside and secured
them both.

I have also heard of a female having been obtained by the Rev.
Mr. Doel in Toronto, on the 25th of December, 1854, which
completes the record for Ontario so far as I kncnv. The
Evening Grosbeak is much })rized by collectors on account
of its rarity, its beaut}', and tb.e desire we have to know more
of its history.

Dr. Coues sfeaks of it as " A bird of distinguished appear-
ance, whose very name suggests the far away land of the
dipping sun, and the tuneful romance which the wild bird
throws around the fading light of the day. Clothed in striking
color contrasts of black, white and gold, he seems to repres(;nt
the allegory of diurnal transmutation, for his sabie pinions
close around the brightness of his vesture as night encon^passes
the golden hues of sunset, while the clear white space enfolded
in these tints foretell the dawn of the mornnv." Thus the
glowing words flow from the pen of an accurate observer
and graceful writer, while to the mass of the people
the beauties of bird life are a sealetl book. I)y far the larger
number of those who have the opportunities of observing our
wild birds in their native haunts belong to that practical class of
which the representative is Petet Bell, of whom it is written :

" A primrose b)- the river's brim
A yellow primrose \v;is to liim
And it was nothing more."

I once directed the attention of an intelligent, successful farmer,
whose speech betrayed his nationality, to a fine moimted speci-

203

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BIRDS OF

men of tlie bird we have been descril)ing. 1 pointed out the beauty
of its markings and related the interesting parts in its history,
but failed to excite any enthusiasm regarding it ; in fact the
only remark elicited was that it was " nnca thick i' the neb."

(I

Genus PINICOLA Vieillot.
200. PINICOLA P:NUCLP:AT0R (Linn.). 515.

Pine Grosbeak.

Miilf carmine-red, paler or whitish on the belly, darker and streaked
with dusky on the back ; winj^s and tail dusky, much e.lped with white, the
former with two white bars. Feirale, asliy-gray, paler below, marked with
brownish-yellow on the head and rump. Length, 8-9 ; wing, 4J ; tail, 4.

Hah. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding far
north ; in winter south, in North America, irregularly to the northern
United States. South in the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and in the
Sierra Nevada to California.

Nest, in a bush, four feet from the ground ; composed entirely of coarse
green moss.

Hgtjs, 2 ; slate-color, tinged with green, spotted and clouded with brown
and purple.

In Southern Ontario the Pine Grosbeak is an irregular
winter visitor, sometimes appearing in large flocks and again
being entirely absent for several years in succession. During
the winter of 1882-3, and also 1883-4, they were quite common
and were observed throughout the country wherever their
favorite red cedar or moimtain ash berries were to be found,
but since that time not one iias been seen. They are fine,
robust birds of a most sociable, gentle disposition. I have often
watched them feedmg in flocks, sometimes in places where
food was not over abundant, but never noticed a quarrel among
them, all being willing to share alike.

Very many of the individuals which visit us are
females or young males clad in a uniform garb of smoky-gray,
more or less tinged with greenish-yellow, but in every flock of
twenty or thirty there are two or three adult males in the
showy crimson dress, which, when seen with a background of

204

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the sombre foliage of the Norway spruce, forms a most attractive
object at this season of the year wlien the tide of bird life
is at its lowest ebb.

Our knowledge of the breeding habits of this species is as
yet very imperfect, the description given of the nest and
eggs being that of a supposed Grosbeak's nest which was found
in Maine by Mr. Boardman, but the birds to which the nest
belonged were not secured.

Mr. Trippe found them in Colorado in summer living up
near the timber line, and observed young birds fully feathered
and shifting for themselves in June, which gives the impression
that they must breed very early. I think it highly probable
that they may yet be found breeding in Ontario, for on the
occasion already referred to they appeared early in January, and
many were seen as late as April, so that they would not
have time to travel far before engaging in their domestic
duties.

Genus CARPODACUS Kaup.
201. CARPODACUS PURPUREUS (Gmel.). 517.

Purple Finch.

Male crimson rosy or purplish-red, most intense on the crown, fading
to white on the l>elly, mixed with dusky streaks on the back ; wings and tail
dusky, with reddish edgings, and the wing-coverts tipped with the same ;
lores and feathers all round the base of the bill hoaiy. Female and young
with no red ; olivaceous brown, brighter on the rump, the feathers above all
with paler edges, producing a streaked appearance ; below white, thickly
spotted and streaked with olive-brown, except on the middle of the belly and
under tail-coverts ; obscure whitish superciliary and maxillary lines. Young
males show every gradation between these extremes in gradually assuming
the male plumage, and are frequently brownish-yellow or bronzy below.
F^ength, 5J-6J ; wing, 3-3J ; tail, 2J-2J.

Hab. Eastern North America, from the Atlantic coast to the Plains.
Breeds from the Middle States no»thward.

Nest, usually but not always in an evergreen ; composed of weeds,
grass, strips of bark, vegetable fibre, etc., lined with hair.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; pale green, scrawled and spotted with dark-brown and
lilac, chiefly toward the larger end.

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In Southern Ontario the Purple Finch is most abundant
during the month of May. At this season tlie few which have
remained with us (hiring the winter put on their brightest
dress, and being joined by others wliich are daily arriving from
the south they make the orchards for a time quite lively with
their sprightly song. Their presence, however, could well be
dispensed with for they are observed at this lime to be very
destructive to the buds and blossoms of fruit trees. As the
season advances they get generally distributed over the country
and are not so often seen.

The male does not acquire the bright crimson dress till after
the second season. The young male in the garb of the female
being observed in full song has led to the belief that both sexes
sing alike but such is not the case. Crimson l-'inch would have
been a more appropriate name for this bird than Purple Finch, for
the color is certainly more crimson than purple.

Genus LOXIA Linn/t:us.

202. LOXIA CURVIROSTRA MINOR (BuKHM). mi.

American Crossbill.

Male bricky-red, wings blackish, unmarked ; female brownish-olive,
streaked and speckled with dusky, the rump saffron. Immature males
mottled with greenish and greenish-yellow. Length, about 6 ; wing, 3J ;
tail, 2^.

Hab. Northern North America, resident sparingly south in the
Eastern United States to Maryland and Tennessee, and in the Alleghanies ;
irregularly abundant in winter ; resident south in the Rocky Mountains to
Colorado.

Nest, among the twigs of a spruce ; composed of twigs, rootlets, lichens,
etc., lined with hair and feathers.

Eggs, 3 to 4 ; pale green, spotted toward the larger end with purple and
lilac.

Throughout Ontario the Crossbills are very erratic in their
movements, sometimes appearing unexpectedly in considerable
numbers in sections of the country where for several succeeding
years they will be entirely absent. Their time of nesting is
also imusual, the duties of incubation being performed while

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the ground is still covered with snow. Hence the younp being
soon set at liberty are often seen in flock;') (luite early in siiiu-
nier, and sometimes in the fall we hear their rattling call and
see them descend from upper air to visit a patch of sunflowers
on the seeds of which they feast with evident relish. Early in
spring, when food was less abundant, I have seen them
alight on the ground and dig the seeds from a squash which
had been left out during the winter.

Their favorite resorts, however, are the spruce and hemlock
trees, whose dark green foliage forms a fine back ground for
the rich red color of the male as he swings about in every
possible position, searching for food among the cones at the end
of the slender branches.

Itheir
rable
jding

k is

,'hile

203. LOXIA LEUCOPTERA Gmel. 522.
White-winged Crossbill.

Wings in both sexes with two conspicuous white bars ; male rosy-red,
female brownish-olive, streaked and specified with duslty, the rump saffron.
Length, about 6 ; wing, 3;\ ; tail, 2j.

Hab. Northern parts of North America, south into the United States
in winter. Breeds from Northern New England northward.

Nsst, similar to the preceding species.

Eggs, 3 to 4 ; pale blue, dotted toward the larger end with lilac and
purple.

This species resembles the preceding in its habits, but does
not appear in such large nimibers. They visit the same
localities, sometimes in company or again in separate flocks.
Both are quite unsuspicious, and when eagerly searching for
food among the pine cones they admit of a very near approach
without taking alarm. They vary much in plumage with age
and sex, but the present species can at all times be identified
by the white wing- bars.

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Gknus ACANTIIIS Bf.ciistkin.
ACANTHIS H0RNP:MANNII KXILIPKS (Couks).
204 Hoary Redpoll 627 a

Colors p.ile, tlio flaxen of linarius hloachinjj to whitish ; rump white or
rosy, entirely unstreaked in the adults ; breast pale rosy, and streaks on the
sides small and sparse ; bill very small with heavy plumules, feet small, the
middle toe and claw hardly eipial to the tarsus.

Length, 5-50 ; extent, 9 ; wing. 3 ; tail, 2-50.

Hah. Arctic America and Northeastern Asia.

So few Redpolls are taken from the vast flocks which in
some winters visit us from the north that it is imsafe to say how
rare or common any particular species may be. 1 have however
seen a good many in diflerent winters during the last
thirty years and have only seen one of this sjjccies. It was
killed by K. C. McUwraith at the Beach on the 6th of April,
1885, and on being picked up at once elicited the exclamations
which follow the capture of a rare bird. It was a male in fine
plumage, the feathers being fidl and soft, and beautifully tinted
with the rosy color peculiar to the race.

This species is said to inhabit the whole of boreal America,
but has seldom been found as far south as even the northern
tier of states.

i! il

205. ACANTHIS LINARIA (Linn.). 528.

Redpoll.

Upper parts streaked with dusky and flaxen in about equal amounts,
rump white or rosy, streaked with dusky ; below, streaked on the sides,
belly dull white ; bill mostly yellow ; feet blackish. Length, 5^-5! ; wing,
2|-3 ; tail, 2^-2^.

Hab. Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, south irregularly in
winter, in North America, to the Micdle United States (Washington, D. C,
Kansas, Southeastern Oregon).

Nest, in a low tree or bush ; composed of grass and moss, lined with
plant down.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; pale bluish-white, speckled with reddish-brown.

208

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Like our other winter birds, the Kcdpcjlls arc somewhat irref^ii-
lar in their visits, hut are more frequently seen tlian eitlier the
Grosheaks or ('rossbills. Sometimes they ajipear in October and
remain till kite in March, while in other seasons onlj an
occasional roving flock is seen during the winter, and
agam they are entirely absent. They are hardy, active, little
birds, and must consume a large quantity of seeds, which can
well be spared from the weedy places the birds frequent.

IJefore leaving in spring, the breast of the male assumes a
soft rosy tint, which adds greatl}' to his beauty when seen
among the snow.

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m\

20(). ACANTHIS LINARIA HOLHCELLII (Brkhm). .ViHa.

Holboairs Redpoll.

Like the lai.t ; length, 6 ; wing, 3-25 ; tail, 2-75 ; bill longer.

Hab Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, near the sea coast

I have occasionally found among the common Redpolls,
individuals of large size which answer to the description given
of this species. As they are never numerous, and have not
been observed in flocks by themselves, those we see may be
stragglers from the main body of their race, which is said to
keep well up to the north and east.

m

lounts,
sides,
wing,

irly in

d' C.

with

207. ACANTHIS LINARIA ROSTRATA (Coues). 528b.

Greater Redpoll.

Bill regularly conic, only moderately compressed and acute, as high as
long at the base ; color, black or yellow according to the season. Frontlet
black, overlaid with hoary, a recognized light superciliary stripe reaching to
the bill. Crimson cap over nearly all the crown. Upper-parts streaked with
brownish-black and white, the latter edging and tipping the feathers, this
white nearly pure, only slightly flaxen on the sides of the head and neck.
Wings and tail as in other species. Rump and entire under-parts, from the
sooty throat, white, free from spots ; the rump and breast rosy.

Hab Greenland and Northeastern North America, S(iuth irregularly in
winter to New England, New York and Northern Illinois.

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A'.xjilt tlic! year i86j, a friend wiio used to join nie in somt; of
inj' local collecting; tri|)s was in tlu? town of (jalt, ;ind sccinj; a
small flock of Uuf^c li};lit-colf)r< d Redpolls secureil two of the
lot and sent tlieni to nie in the llesh. 1 have neither before nor
since met with anv S(j larj^e anil hoary. One of them which I
still have, monnteil, si-enis to answer to the above description,
bnt the country from which the Redpolls come is larj^e enongh
to produce varying forms from different latitudes, and I think
it is open to (pieslion whether or not it is wise to divide them
into so many different species.

GicNUs SPINUS Kocii.

:>A)ii. SFINUS TRISTiS (Linn.). 52!).

American Goldflnch.

Male in sum ner, ricli yellow, ch;iiif;iii,i4 to whitish on the tail-coverts ; a
black patch on the crown ; win.t;s black, more or less edf^ed and barred with
wliite ; lesser wing-coverts yellow ; tail black, every feather with a white
spot ; bill and feet llesli-colored. In September the black cap disappears
and the general plumage clianges tu a pale flaxen-brown above and whitey-
brown below, with traces of the yellow, especially about the head ; this
continues till the following April or May. Fciinilc olivaceous, including the
crown ; below soiletl yellowish ; wings and tail iliisky, whitish-edged ; young
like X\\v female. Length, about 43 ; wing, 2.^ ; tail, 2.

Hah. North America generally, breeding southward to the middle
districts of the United States (to about the Potomac and Ohio Rivers,
Kansas and California), and wintering mostly south of tiie northern
bounilary of the Uniletl States.

Nest, a neat strong structure, resembling that of the Summer Yellow-
bird ; composed of miscellaneous soft materials firmly felted together and
lined with plant down ; usually placed in the upright fork of a tree or bush,
from <i to zo feet from the ground.

Mggs, 4 to () ; pale bluish-white, unmarked.

In Southern Ontario the Goldfinch may be considered a
resident species, for they nest throughout the country generally,
and even in the depth of winter are often met unexpectedly in
some favored locality where they find food and shelter. In the
severe winter of 1885-6, I came upon a colony of this kind in
West Flamboro', where several hundreds of the birds

2IO

ONTAKIf)

frequented a f,'ri)V(' of lieinlock, and jud},'inj4 by the aJiioiint ol
debris on tlic snow liiulcrneatb they must have been there all
winter. They were very lively, keeping,' uj> a continual
chatt(^rinK as they swajeil to and fro on the slender branches,
extractinj; the set-ds from the cones. Occasionally, wlwn
cheered by the mild rays of the wintry sun, some of the nudes
would come to the simny side of the tree and warble out a few
of their varied summer notes, but th(\v spent most of the short
wintry day in feedin;^ aiul dressin<,' their plnmaj^e. retiring,' eari\'
to the thick shelter of the ever^M-ei-ns.

At other seasons of the year they fr<'(pient the cullivatv'd
fields, orchards and j^ardens, and in the fall, when they are sec-n
in greatest numbers, they do good service in consuming the
seeds of the thistle and other noxious weeds. They are not in
any great haste to begin the duties of housekeejiing, and are
seen in flocks till towards the end i;f Maw About that time tlie\
pair off and are actively engaged in their domestic duties till some
time in August, when the males throw off their gaudy sununer
dress and join with the females and joung in making up ilu
flocks we see roving about the country in tlu'ir own wild wa\ .

209. SFINUS PINIJS (Wii.s.i
Pine Siskin.

r)3;!.

Bill exlriiinely acute , continuously streaked above with dusky and
olivaceous-brown or flaxen ; below with dusky and whitish, the whole
plumage in the breeding season more or less suffused with yellowish,
particularly bright on the rump ; the bases of the (]uills and tail feathers
extensively sulphury-yellow, and all these feathers more or less edgi.'d
externally with yellowish. Length, 43 ; wing, 2:,' ; tail, I'l

Har. North .Vmerica generally, breeding mostly north t)f the United
States and in the Rocky Mountain region : in winter south to thef'.nlf States
and Mexico

Nest, placed high in an evergreen.

PJggs, pale greenish, speckled with brown

The Siskin, or Pine Linnet, isa more northern bird than the
Goldfinch, and as a winter visitor in Southern Ontario is some-
tiines present and sometimes absent. Occasionally thej' appear

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in Octol)er in larj^e flocks, swarming on the rank weeds in
waste places, and lianf^ing on the alder bushes by the banks of
creeks and <,Mdlies. They avc. extreniclv restless, and in certain
districts the twittering sound of their voices will fill the air for
days together, till they rise and pass away like a cloud of
smoke, perhaps to be seen no more for the season. They are
said to have been found nesting in New York State, and also in
Massachusetts, but at present I have no record of their being
found so engaged in Ontario. As the country becomes more
explored we sliall have many such items to add to our present
stock of knowledge of the birds.

Gknus PLECTROrilHNAX Stkjnkgkk.

lilO. PLECTROPHICNAX NIVALIS (Linn.). 5:54.

Snowflake.

13111 small, truly conic, ruffe.] .u ha ;c : liiml claw decideilly curved. In
lireeding plnmas^e pure white, t!ie back, winj^s and tail variefjated with
l^Iack , bill and fe;n black. As generally seen in the United States, the white
is clouded with warm, clear brown, and the bill is brownish. Lenjj;th, about
7 ; wins, 4* ; tail, 2I.

\l\n. Northern parts of the Mortlunn Hemisphere, brecnlint; in the
arctic regions ; in North .Vmerica south in winter into the Northern United
States, irregularly to (ieorgia, Southern Illinois and Kansas.

Nest, on the ground ; compostui of grass and moss lined with feathers,
concealed by a tuft ot grass or projecting ledge of rock ; cavity deep ; sides
warm and thick.

i'"ggs, 4 : white, scrawled and spotted with brown.

The Snowbirds are om^ most regular visitors from the north,
and they come in greater nuud)ers than any of the other species
which descend from high latitudes to avoid the rigors of
winter. As early as the 20th of October, their tinkling, icy notes
may be hearil, but more frequently the birds are first observed
later in the season, driving with wild eccentric flight before the
earliest flurry of snow. By the shores of the lakes, on bare sandy
spots, thinly grown over with the Audropo<ro>i scoparhis, on the
seeds of which they freely feed, they may be found with toleral)le
certainty any time between the end of October and the first of

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April. Elsewhere throughout the country they are frequently
seen by the roadsides examining the tall weeds which appear in
waste places above the snow, or running in the road tracks
searching hurriedly for their scanty fare. Tiiey are exceedingly
restless, never remaining long in one place, and even when
feeding the flock will often arise without apparent cause of
alarm and go off as if never to return, but not unfre(]uently
they come swirhng back and alight on the spot from which
they have just arisen. Tl'.ere are one or two instances on
reconl of their nests and I'ggs having been found among the
highest mountain peaks in Massachusetts, but their breeding
ground is within the Arctic circle, from which they descend
over the northern portions of both continents, enlivening many
a dreary region with thei" sprightly presence? during the dull
days of winter, till reminded l)y the lengthening days and rising
temperature to return again to their northern home.

211.

GhNus CALCARIUS Bi-ciistkin.

CALCARIUS LAPFONICUS (Lin.v.).

Lapland Longnpur.

5:5().

Bill moik'ialo, unnifleil, but witli .i liltU; tuft of feathers at tlu" base of
tin; rictus ; hind claw strai}j;htisli, with its clif;it Kingcr than the iniddlo toe
and claw. Atliilt inah-, whole heail and tliroat jet l.'lack, bordered with
bnffy or whitish, whicii tornis a postocular line, separating tlu' bl.uk of the
crown from that of the sides of the head : a broad chestnut (H'rvie.il collar ;
upper parts in general, blackish, streaked with buffy or whitish that ('dges all
the feathers ; below, whitish, the breast and sitles black streakt;d ; wings,
duskv, the greater coverts and inner secondaries edged with dull bay ; tail,
dusky, with an oblique white area on the outer feathers ; bill, yellowish,
tipped with black ; legs and feet, black. Winter males show less black on the
heail, and the cervical chestnut didler ; the f'ciiKilf and i't/«;;,i,' have no con-
tinuous black on the head, antl the crown is streaked like the back, and there
are traces of the cervical collar. Length, d-i.^, wing, ij-j.i ; tail, 2.J-2;^.

IIah. Northern portions of the Northera Hemisphere, breeding far
north ; in North America south in winter to t!ie Nortliern United States,
irregularly to the Middle States, acciilentally to South Carolina and abundantly
in the interior to Kansas and C^olorado.

Nest, like that of the Snovvflake.

F!ggs, 4 to 5 ; greenish-grey, which color is nearly obscured by a heavy
mottling of chocolate-brown.

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BIRDS OF

Like the Snowflake, the ])rescnt species is common to hotli
continents. They come and f^o together and keej) company
wliile here; but at all times the Snouflakes far exceed the
others in numbers.

The male Longspur, in full breeding plumage, is a very
handsome bird. It is seldom found in Ontario in this dress, but
some years since two young men who were collecting at
Mitchell's Bay met with quite a large flock in tlie month of May
and got some very fine specimens, severalof which came into my
possession. All those I have met have been in winter dress, in
which state the colors are obscured by the black feathers of the
head and breast being tipped with yellowish-grey.

Ghnus POOC^TES Baird.
L'12. POOC/ETES GRAMINEUS (Gmel.). 540.
Vesper Sparroiv.

Thickly streaked evervwheru above, on sides and across breast ; no
yellow anywhere ; lesser wing-coverts, chestnut, and one to three outer tail
feathers part or wliolly white, Above, gicyish-brown, the streaking dusky
and brown with greyish-white; below, white, usually buffy-tinged, the
streaks very numerous on the fore-part and sides ; wing-coverts and inner
(^uills much edged and tipped with bay ; crown, like back, without median
stripe, line over and ring round e\e, whitish ; feet, pale. Length, ^l-Ci\ ;
wing, 2J-3J; tail, 24-2^'.

Hab. Eastern North America to the Plains, from Nova Scotia and
Ontario southward ; breeds from Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri northward.

Nest, a deep cup-shaped hollow in the ground, lined with grass.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; greyish-white, heavily clouded with chocolats-brown.

This is one of the " Gray Birds," and the most abimdant in
Ontario of the several species to which this name is applied.

Its song is very sweet and plaintive, and bemg most fre-
quently uttered in the evening about sundown it has gained for
the bird the appropriate name of Vesper Sparrow.

It is a summer resident, arriving in Southern Ontario toward
the end of April and soon becoming common all over the country.
The favorite perch of the male is the top of a fence post, and

214

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his nesting place among the grass close by. In the fall they
get to be al)iindant before leaving ; but from their habit of skulk-
ing among the rank weeds they are not so conspicuous as the
|-51ackbirds and other species which keep in flocks on the wing.
They move to the soutli in October, none having been ob-
served during the winter.

Genus AMMODRAMUS Swainson.

Subgenus PASSERCULUS Bonaparte.

AMMODRAMUS SANDWICHKNSIS SAVANNA (Wils.).

213. Savanna Sparrow. 643 a.

Above, bro\vnish-t;ray, strcakj 1 with l>lac'<ish, whitish-gray and pale
bay, the streaks largest on the inter-scapulars, smallest on the cervex, the
crown divided by an obscure whitish line ; superciliary line and edtje of wing,
yelloivish ; sometimes an obscure yellowish suffusion about the head. Below,
white, pure or with faint buffy shade, thickly streaked with dusky, the
individual spots edged with brown, mostly arrow-shaped, running in chains
aloni; the sides, and often aggregated in an obscure blotch on the breast
Wings and tail dusky, the wing-coverts and inner secondaries black edged
and tipped with bay. Length, 5Jr-5,' ; wing, 2.J-2:^- ; tall, 2-2^.

Had. Eastern Province of North America, breeding from the Northern
United States to Labrador and Hudson's Bay Territory.

Nest, composed of fine withered grass placed in a deep cup-shaped hole
in the ground.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; ground-color grayish, heavily clouded with chocolate-
brown.

This quiet, unobtrusive, little Sparrow may be seen and
heard in the moist meadows in spring and summer, but it is
not very plentiful anywhere.

Towards the end of August they become abundant along the
marsl:y sliores of Hamilton Bay, where they evidently find food
to suit their taste, and they continue to enjoy it till reminded by
the cool nights in September that it is time to be off to the south.
The specimens secured at this season are evidently northern bred
birds, being more fully developed in size and markings than
those which breed with us. Often when picking them up I

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BIRDS or

fancy I have {,'ot the Ipswich Spnrrow, but so far have not
succeeded in doing so. I still think the latter species will be
found near Hamilton, for we have several suitable resorts which
will in future be carefully watclied at the jiroper season.

Subgenus COTURNICULUS Bonapartk.

AMMODRAMUS SAVANNARUM PASSERINUS (Wils.).
214. Grasshopper Sparrow. 646.

Edge of wing conspicuously yellow ; lesser wing-coverts and short line
over the eye yellowish ; below, not or not evidently streaked, but fore-parts
and sides buff, fading to dull white on the belly, .\bove, singularly variegated
with black, gray, yellowish-brown, and a peculiar nurplish bay in short
streaks and specks, the crown being nearly black, with a sharp median
brownish-yellow line, the middle of the back chiefly black, with bay anc
brownish-yellow edgings of the feathers, the cervical region and rump chiefl)
gray, mixed with bay: wing-coverts and inner quills variegated like the
back ; feet pale. Young similar, not so buffy below, and with pectoral and
maxillary dusKy spots. Length, 4J-.5J ; wing, 2J ; tail, 2 or less, the
outstretched feet reaching to or beyond its end.

Hab. East.irn United States and Southern Canada to the Plains, south
to FlcfiJa, Cuba, I'orto Kico and coast of Central .\merica

Nest, a cup shaped hole in the earth, lined with dry grass.

Eggs, 4 to 6; crystal-white speckled with reddish-brown.

So far as at present known, the Grasshopper Sparrow is of
very rare occurrence in Ontario, the southern border seeming to
be the northern limit of its distribution.

Many years ago I killed a male, who was squeezing out his
wheezy notes from the top of a mullein stalk. Mr. Saimders
mentions having taken one near London, but these two cases
complete the record for Ontario.

It is named among the birds foimd in the Northwest by
I: rof . Macoun, but is not mentioned in Mr. Seton's list of the
Birds of Western Manitoba. It is much given to concealing
itself among the rank herbage, and viay in some localities be a
rare summer resident in Southern Ontario, but I do not expect
to see it here, except as a casual visitor.

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Genus CHONDESTES Swainson.

215. CHONDESTES GRAMMACUS (Say.). 5.V2.

Lark Sparrov^.

Head curiously variegated with chestnut, black and white ; crow.i
chestnut, blackening on the forehead, divided by a iiunlian stripe and
bounded by two lateral stripes of white ; a black line through am' another
below the eye, enclosing a white streak under the eye and the chestnut
au;iculars; next a sliarp black maxillary stripe, not (juite reaching the bill,
cutting off a white stripe from the white chin and throat A black blotch on
middle of breast. Under-parts white, faintly shadetl with grayish-brown;
the middle of the back with fine black streaks. Central tail-feathers like the
back, the rest jet black, broadly tipped with pure white in diminishing
amount from the latnral pair inward, and the outer web of outer pair entirely
white. Length, 6J-S ; wing, 3J ; tail, 3.

Hab. Mississippi Valley region, from Ohio, Illinois and Michigan to
the Plains, south to Eastern T(!xas Accidental near the Atlantic coast
(Massachusetts, Long Island, New Jersey and Washington, D. C.)

Nest, on the ground ; composed of dry grass.

Eggs, 4 to 7 ; white, irre^'ularly veined with dark.

In May, 1862, a pair of these birds were observed near
Hamilton, and the male was obtained and shown to nic slujrtly
afterwards.

I did not hear of the species again till the publication of the
List of Birds of Western Ontario in i<S82, in which it is j^iven
as " breeding, but rare." More recently, Mr. Saunders informs
me that it breeds regularly near London. In tlie spring oi
1885 I saw several on the Beach near Hamilton, and it is also
reported by Mr. Seton as having been observed near Toronto.

It is evidently like some others making its wa\ into Ontario
aroimd the west end of Lake Erie, and all lovers of birds will do
well to encourage it, for it is a sweet songster and a han(is(unc
little bird of confiding, pleasing manners.

Genus ZONOTRICHIA Swainson.
IMC. ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS (Foksi
White-Crowned Sparro^v.

;).54.

Adults of both sexes with the crown pure white, enclosing on either side
a broad black strijie that meets its fellow on the forehead and descends the

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lores to the level of the eyes, and bounded by another black stripe that starts
behind the eye and curves around the side of the hind head, nearly meeting
its fellow on the nape ; ecige of under eye-lid whitti. Or, we may say, crown
black, enclosinj:; a median white stripe and two lateral white stripes, all con-
fluent on the hind head. General color, a fine dark ash, paler below, white-
ning insensibly on the chin and belly, more brownish on the rump, changing
to (lull brownish on the flanks and crissum, the middle of the back streaked
with dark purplish-bay and ashy-white. No bright bay like that of albicullis
anywhere, except some edging on the wing-coverts and inner secondaries ;
middle and greater coverts tipped with white, forming two bars ; no yellow
anywhere; bill and feet redrlish. Youiiff birds have the black of the head
replaced by a very rich warm brown, the white of the head by pale brownish
and the general ash has a brownish suffusion and the back is more like
albicullis. Length, 6.25-7 ; extent, g. 20-10. 20 ; tail, 2.90-3.20.

Hab. North America at large, breeding chiefly in the Rocky Mountain
region (including Sierra Nevada) and northeast to Labrador.

Nest, on the ground among the bushes ; composed of grass and weeds,
intermixed with moss and lined with fine hair like grass and rootlets.

Eggs. 4 to 5 ; ground color, greyish-white, heavily clouded with choco-
late-brown. Very variable in pattern.

Tlie Whxtc-crowned Sparrow is a more northern bird than its
white-throated relative, but it does not arrive so early in spring,
seldom appearing along our southern border before the first
week in Ma}'. During the two succeeding weeks it is very
conmion among the brambles and thorn bushes by the way-
sides.

They travel in small companies of ten or twelve, the in-
dividual: ki:eping each other in view as they skulk from one
brush pile to another to avoid being observed. By the 25th of
May they have all gone north, apparently /cir north, for I have
no record of their having been found breeding in Ontario.

In the fall they are again seen on the return trip, but not in
such great numbers as in the spring, and none have been ob-
served to winter witiiin our limits.

:i7.

558.

ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS (Gmkl.).

White-throated Sparrow.

Adult-maU, with the crown black, divided by a median white stripe,
bounded by a white superciliary line and yellow spot from the nostril to the
eye ; bolow this a black stripe through the eye : below this a maxillary black

ii8

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ONTARIO.

stripe bounding? the indefinitely [)iire white lhi(;at, shaq)!)' contrasteil with
the dark ash of the breast and sides of the neck and head Edf^c of wing
yellow. Back continuously streaked with black, chestnut and fulvous-
white ; rump ashy, unmarked. Wings much edged with b.-iv, the white tips
of the median and greater coverts forming two conspicuous bars ; quills and
tail-feathers dusky, with pale edges. Below white, shaded with ashy-brown
on sides, the ash deeper and purer on the breast ; bill dark ; feet pale.
Female and immature birds with the black of head replaced by brown, the
white of throat less conspicuously contrasted with the duller ash of
surrounding parts, and frecjuently with obscure dusky streaks on the breast
and sides. Length, 6^-7^ ; wings and tail, each about 3.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to the Plains, north to Labrador
and the Fur Countries. Breeds in Northern Michigan, Northern New York
and Northern New England, and winters from the Middle States southward.

■

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Nest, among the bushes, on or near the ground ; composed of weeds,
grass and moss, lined with fibre and thread-like rootlets.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; variable in color and pattern, usually grayish-white,
clouded and blotched with chocolate-brown

These beautiful Sparrows make their appearance in
Southern Ontario about the 20th of April, and till the middle
of May are seen among the shrubbery and imderbush, workiu};
their way in small flocks towards their summer residence to the
north of us. Great numbers are said to go right on to the Fur
Countries, but many no doubt find suitable nesting places in
the intermediate districts. I first foimd them breeding near a
retired pond surrounded by tamaracks, in the township of
Diunfries, about thirty miles north-west of Hamilton. It was
towards the close of a warm day in the early part of July, and
the slanting rays of the setting sun were gilding the tops
of the tamaracks, while underneath the still waters of
the pond, enclosed in a deep natural basin, were shrouded
in gloom. There was little to break the stillness, till
a bird, mounting to the topmost twig of one of the trees, his
bill pointing upwards, his tail hanging limp and motionless,
and his whole attitude indicating languor and v/eariness,
drawled out the plaintive, familiar " Old Tom Peabody, Pea-
body." This song harmonized so perfectly with the surround-
ings that we felt at once he was at home. The hour, the

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attitude, and above all the fooling of weariness expressed in the
plaintive not('s of the bird, reminded me strongly at the time of
the Yellow-liamnier of I3ritain.

Allan Brooks has also found this species breeding at Milton,
a few miles north of the west end of Lake Ontario, but such
cases are by no means common in this district. In the fall they
are again seen in limited numbers, but at that season the
plumage of the male has lost much of its brightness, and young
and ()\i\, male and female resemble each other in appearance.

Their food, which consists chiefly of seeds, is obtained on or
near the ground. During October they are seen travelling from
one brush pile to another, and by the end of that month they
are gone for the season.

il

Genus SPIZELLA Bonaparte.
218. SPIZELLA MONTICOLA (Gmkl.). r).-)9.

Tree Sparrow.

Bill black above, yellow below ; legs brown, toes black : no black on
forehead ; crown chestnut (in winter specimens the feathers usually skirted
with gray) bordered by a grayish-white superciliary and loral line, and some
vague chestnut marks on sides of head ; below, impurely whitish, tinged
with ashy anteriorly, washed with pale brownish posteriorly ; the middle of
the breast with an obscure dusky blotch ; middle of back boldly streaked
with black, bay and flaxen ; middle and lesser wing-coverts black, edged
with bav ami tipped with white, forming two conspicuous cross bars ; inner
secondaries similarly variegated ; other quills and tail-feathers dusky, with
pale edges, Length, 6 ; wing and tail, nearly 3.

Hai3. Eastern North America, westward to the Plains, and from the
Arctic Ocean south, in winter, to the Carolinas, Kentucky and Eastern
Kansas Breeds north of the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains.

Nest, indifferently on the ground or in a tree or bush.

Eggs, bluish-green, speckled and blotched with reddish-brown.

In Southern Ontario the Tree Sparrow is a regular winter
visitor, arriving from the north during the month of October,
and remaining over the winter in sheltered hollows or among
tlie brush and weeds by the banks of streams. In appearance

220

ONTARIO.

it (Iocs not look like a hardy bird, yet while here it is exceed-
ingly lively and cheerful, its silvery tinkling notes being
freciuently heard iluring the coldest snaps in winter. At the
approach of spring they all move off to the north, and none are
observed during summer.

219. SPIZELLA 50CIALIS (Wils.). 5nO.
Chippini; Sparrow.

AJitlt, bill black ; feet pale ; ciiAvn chestnut, extreme forehead black, a
grayish-white superciliary line, below this a blackish stripe throiif,'h eye and
over auricul. rs. Below, a variable shade of pale ash, nearly uniform and
entirely unmarked ; back streaked with black, dull bay and Rrayish-brown ;
inner secondaries and wing coverts similarly variec.ated, the tips of the
greater and lesser coverts forming whitish bars ; r\mip ashy, with slight
blackish streaks ; primaries and tail dusky, the bill pale brown, and the head
lacking definite black. Length, 5-5J ; wing, about alj ; tail, rather less.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to the Rocky Mountains, north to
Great Slave I^ake, and south to Hastern Mexico.

Nest, in a bush or among the vines ; composed of rootlets and fine grass
lined with horse hair.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; pale bluish-green, dotted, speckled or scrawled with dark
brown.

Prior to the advent of the House S])arrow, the Chipper was
the most familiar and best known bird around our dwellings,
and though now in the minority it still builds its nest in the
garden, and comes familiarly near the door to pick up crumbs
for the support of its family.

It is very generally distributed over Ontario, being found near
the dwellings of rich and poor alike ; in the shade trees in the
city as well as in weed}' corners and thorn bushes in the
pasture field.

It arrives from the south about the end of April, and at once
begins building its nest. It is most diligent in the discharge
of its varied domestic duties during the summer, and when the
young are able to shift for themselves, old and young get
together in flocks, and about the end of October all move off to
the south.

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221

BIRDS OF

220. SPIZELLA PUSILLA (Wils.). 603.

Field Sparrow.

Bill pale reddish ; feet very p;de ; crown dull chestnut ; no decided
black or whitish about head. Below white, unmarked, but much washed
with pale brown on breast and sides ; sides of head and neck with some
vague brown markings ; all the ashy parts of sucialis replaced by pale
brownish. Back bright bay, vith black streaks and some pale flaxen
edgings ; inner secondaries similarly variegated ; tips of median and greater
coverts forming decided whitish cross-bars. Size of sucialis, but more nearly
the colors of luonticula. Young, for a short time, streaked below as in socialis.

Hab. Eastern United States and Southern Canada, west to the Plains

Nest, on the ground, or near it, in a low bush ; composed of grass and
rootlets, lined with fine grass and hair.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; greenish-white, variously marked wiih reddish-brown.

The Field Sparrow is sparingly distributed in suitable places
in Southern Ontario, which probably forms its northern limit.
It arrives from the south during the first week in May, and
soon makes its presence known by its pleasing ditty which is
heard from the top of a low tree or bush in the pasture field.
It resembles the Chipper in size, but is more like the Tree
Sparrow in coloring. The cinnamon tinted bill is always a
ready mark by which to distinguish it from any other of the
small Sparrows.

It raises two broods in the season and retires to the south
in September.

Genus JUNCO Wagler.
221. JUNCO HYEMALIS (Linn.). 567.
Slate-colored Junco.

Blackish-ash, below abruptly pure white from the breast. Two to three
outer tail-feathers white. Bill flesh-colored. In the female, and in fact in
most fall and winter specimens, the upper parts have a more grayish, or even
a decidedly brownish cast, and the inner quills are edged with pale bay
Length, 6-6J ; wing and tail, about 3.

Hab. North America at large, but chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains,
breeding from the higher parts of the Alleghanies and Northern New York
and Northern New England northward. South in winter to the Gulf States.

222

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ONTARIO.

Nest, on the Rroiind, r.iroly in a busli above it , composed of strips of
bark, grass and rootlets, lined with moss and hair.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; greenish-white, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown.

In Soiitliern Ontario tlic " White Bill," as this species is
familiarly called, may fairly be considered resident, for
althoii^di it is most numerous in April and October, yet it
breeds commonly throughout the coimtry, and a few are always
observed remaining during the winter.

It is a very familiar species, showing a marked partiality
for rocky ravines, quarries and stone heaps. It is also com-
mon by the roadsides, and in gullies and other imculti-
vated places, but in the dense bush it is seldom seen,
imtil we come to a spot where men and horses have been at
work felling and hauling timber. In such a place at all seasons,
its white tail feathers arc almost sure to be seen flirting about
among the brush. The ordinary note of this species is a
simple "c////'," like the sound produced by striking two pebbles
together, but in the spring the male has a rather pleasing little
song, with which he cheers his mate while they are fitting up
their home.

Genus MELOSPIZA Baird.

222. MELOSPIZA FASCIATA (Gmel.). 581.

Song Sparrow.

Below white, slightly shaded with brownish on the flanks and crissum,
breast and sides with numerous dusky streaks, with brown edges, coalescing
to form a pectoral blotch and maxillary stripes bounding the throat ; crown
dull bay, with fine black streaks, divided and bounded on either side by
ashy-whitish lines ; vague brown or dusky and whitish markings on the
sides of the head ; the interscaoular streaks black, with bay and asiiy-white
edgings ; rump and cervix grayish-brown, with merely a few bay marks ;
wings with dull bay edgings, the coverts and inner quills marked like the
interscapulars ; tail obviously longer than the wings, pale brown, with
darker shaft lines on the middle feathers at least, and often with obsolete
wavy markings. Length, 6-6J ; wing, about 2j ; tail, about 3.

Hab. Eastern United States to the Plains, breeding from Virginia and
the northern portion of the Lake States northward.

223

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HIKDS OK

Nest, on the ground, more rarely on a low tree or biisli , conipfjsed of
rootlets and leaves, lined with fun; grass and occasionally some horse hair.

KgRs, 4 to 5 ; very variable in marking, us\ially grayish or greenish-
white, blotched or spotted with brown, the shades of which difter greatly in
different specimens.

Tills is an aliintlant siiiniiier resident, and one which seeks
the society of man, being found wlierever hmnan habitations
have been raised within its range. Large numbers pass on to
tlie nortli in April, retinning again in October on their way
south, but they do not all leave us. While getting on or off
the ice on Hamilton Bay in the depth of winter, I have several
times been surprised by seeing a Song Sparrow rise from among
the flags, which at that season have a roof of snow, and no doid)t
afibrd a comfortable shelter to the little birds. In the same
locality, on a comparatively mild day in the middle of winter, 1
have seen a male of this species mount to the top of a bulrush
and warble forth his plciasing familiar notes, perhaps in
appreciation of the rising temperature.

In the " Birds of Ohio " Dr. Wheaton mentions the

following singular instance of the strong attachment which this

species has for its nest. " Some laborers, who were cutting

grass on a railroad track near Columbus, found a nest of this

species on the embankment, and though rather a delicate piece

of work for this class of men to undertake, they moved it from

its original site among the grass and placed it gently, but loosely,

on the fork of a horizontal limb of a maple sapling three feet

from the trunk. Instead of deserting the nest as many birds

would have done, or attempting to fasten it to the limb on

which it had been placed, the Sparrows brought long stems

of timothy grass and twisted them together and around a limb

extending over the nest at a distance of one and a half feet.

The lower ends of these stems were firmy fastened into the rim

of the nest, and other stems were woven in transversely, form-

a complete basket. The whole structure resembled an inverted

balloon, and in this remarkable construction the eggs were

hatched and the young safely raised. After the nest was

deserted, I found the guy ropes sufficiently strong to bear up

the nest, after the limb on which it was placed had been
removed."

224

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ONTARIO

223. M1<:L()SIMZA LINCOLN I (Auu.). rm.

Lincoln's Sparrow

Below white, breast baiileJ anil sides often shaded with yellowish ; every-
where, except on lh(! belly, tiucklv nn 1 sh;irply stro.iked with dusky , above
l?rayish-brown, (-rown an 1 l),ick with blackisli, brownish an 1 paler stre.iks,
tail grayish -brown, the feathers usually showing blackish shaft lines; wings
the saint!, the covi-rts anrl inniiniuills blackish, with bavanii whitisii edgings ;
no yellow on wind's or hi-i I Iy!n;4th, 5J ; wing and tail, about z^.

H.\ri. Mortli America at large, bree ling chielly north of the United
States and in the higher parts of the Rocky Mountains ; south in winter to
(ruateniala.

Nest, on the ground ; compose 1 of grass throughout, the finest used for
lining inside

liggs, 4 to 6, grayish-white clouded with brown

Nest an 1 eggs scarcely distinguishalile from those of the Song Sparrow.

This retiring little Sparrtnv is almost unknown in tiie east,
although it has been fonnd at a number of dilferent points, and
from its retiring habits may he more common than we think it is.

Audubon found it first in Labrador, the young being able to
fly on 4th of July. It has occasionally [)een captured durmg
the season of migration, chiefly in Massacliusettsand Connecti-
cut, and there is in a Bulletin of the Nuttal Club, i87(S, an
account of a nest being found by Mr. Bagg in Hamilton Co., N. Y.

Ontario was without a record of this species till the 23rd of
May, 1885, wlicn K. C. Mcllwraith got intoa bird wave which had
been stopped at the Beach by a head wind during the previous
night, and from a crowd composed of different classes in large
niunbers, picked out two Lincoln's Sparrows, and on the 25th
he got other two at the same place. Since that time Mr.
Geo. R. White reports having taken one at Ottawa, and Mr.
Saunders has also secured one at London.

In the west the history of the species is entirely different.
Mr. Trippc, writing from Colorado, says : " Lincoln's I'inch is
abundant and migratory, it breeds from about g.500 or 10.000
feet up to the timber line. It arrives at Idaho Springs early in
May and soon becomes very common, haunting the thickets and
brush heaps by the brooks, and behaving very much like the

225

■ill;!

;.;i(it*

m

mif

muns oi-

Soii^;' S|);irn)\v. Diiiiiij; tlu' luccdiiij; scisoii it is iiiost ;iliiiii(l;mt
Miuoii},' tlic liiislu's iic.ii .111(1 ;il)(ivc timlicr line, iicsliiif^ as lii^'li
as il (ail IiikI the 'ii Iter n| willnws and jiiiiipt'is. I\'ca|)|)cai iii|^
ill llir vall(\s ill ()it(>l)<i il liii/^cis 1)\ tlic i.ticaiiis loi a lew
weeks and tlieii disa|i|iears."

It is also said to l)e ahiiiidaiit in s|)iiii^' and fall in Iowa, and
Mr. Iv'iilf^way repoits it as winteiin^^in ^;reat niinihei s in Sontli-
cni Illinois.

I'! ''ifl

221. MI':i.()SI'I/.A C. I'.OK'C. lANA (I. ami.). aSl.
Swamp Sparrow.

Ciouii liii^lll l>My 111 ( li'-',liuil , lil.K kiiiilif; nil llir l(i|'lir,i(l, (illcn \\ illl
.'111 (ilis( lire lurili, III :i'.|i\ liliciiinl ilsiKilly -.I I >',iKi'il \\ il li I il;i( k , .civix, sides
of lie.'iil ;inil Mcek ;iiiil iIk' liri';i',i .ii.iniih .i.Iin, willi v.i^Mie ikii k :iiii i( iikir

.lllil lll.ixilkliy in llkillK"'. ill'' klllii linlltlilillj^ llic wllitisll ellin. l'l(';isln n(
till! hrc.ist oliseileldly 'illejks. Iiellv whitish, r.iihs, tklllks .lliil eiissiliii
strongly sliaded with Ihduii iimi i.iinlly '.I K.ikrd , li.it k ;iiid i>iiii|i hinvvn,
r.'itliiT d.iikcr tliaii the '.idi-., Iioldly 'ilrcaki'd willi hku k and p.de hiowii nr
^lavish \Vin«s so stron^;ly ed^jcd witli l>ii);lil '>.i\ .e. In .'iiipcar ahiin-.l iini
Inliniy nl the. color when viewed (lose, lull iii'ii I set niidaiii . slinwiii;; lil.uk
sv il li wliil r.h edj^iiiK , t.iil likewise slrnii).;lv e. I;eil with liay and usual I v show-
iii^; Mark ihalt lines l''iirl liei' di .1 iin^uished (Vnin its .illies by the rinphasis
ni the l)l,i( k, li.iy and ash l.eiij;lli. ',} d , wiilj^; .ind tail, .' | .'.\

IIaii j'.'.slern Nnrth ,\tiii'ri(.i In llie I'kiins, .lecidenlly In IH.ih, nmlh
In Ihc Hiitisli rrnvinces, iiKlinliiif^ Newlnnndland ;ini| l.alnadnr Hieeds
frnin the Nnrtiiciii Slates nutlliwaid, and winters in the Middle; St.ileH at)d
southward

Ni'sl , nn till- t; 1 1 111 II (I III a iiioi ,1 pl.n c, soiiieliini-s in .i tussock oi ^jijiss or
low liiish ; enmpnsi'd oi weeds, ^;r,iss ami rnotlets, lined with (inelibidiis
sulislaiu <s.

I'.HK^. I to'', f^rayish white, spei kled with reddish hiMwn

I'liis is, |)('ilia|)S, the le.isl known ol .in\ ol oiii < (Hiiinon
Sparrows, lot it seldom (<iiiics within leac li ol the oidin.ii y
obscrvci , ;illd e\'eii l)\' tlii' (ollet loi it is,i|)t to lie ovei looked,
unless lie knows its haunts. ,iiid j;oes on piiipose to seek il. it
is very coiiimon hy the iJioies ol ILiinilton llay, where il may
lie seen skiilkiii{< alon^ the lini' wlieic land and watei meet, and
ii dislurhcd al uiu;i' liitjcs ilsell anioiij^ the tank heil>a{;c ul the

ONTAKIO

marsli. Occisioii.illy, dmiii}^ the cxcitciiiciit ol the iii.iliii;^' sea-
son, a male will iiiDiiiil a hiilriisli and warble out liis not iiii-
pleasaiil soiif,', Uiil iiinsl ol their lime is s|ieii( in |)la<<'S wliieh
aiR (lillu nil 1)1 access eilliei by land di water, and so lliey aic
S(!idoni seen.

They a!ii\c lioni the sontli eaily in May and leave again in
()(lol)el, none heni^; oliseived dniin{< winter.

m

(li.Niis rASSICI^ICl.LA SwAiNsoN.

'Jlia. rASSiClv'i'LLA I LI AC A (Mkuk.j. f.Mi^.

Fox Sparrow.

( iclH'i'.'il ( oIdi' fi'i I ii);iii('(iiis (II rii'.t y kiI, |uii("iI ;iii(I lirlKli<">l ihi iIic i iiin|)
tail ami win);'>, on lin' hiIht ii|i|ii'| jiail'. a]i|ii.ii in;.; a'< '•licalr; laiil on an a'Jiy
Uroiiiiil ; hi'lovv wliili- \ari(iii'.ly lull lliuljy maiUi'd, cxci'iil nil tin- belly and
crisaiiii, with ni.l y iivl, llir maikiii;* aiiiciiiirl v iiilhi- liiriii ol ililliiiit ( oiillii-
<'iil l)|(ili III"., nil till' liiiMit ami siili", ( Diia-.l mi; cliiillyol '.liari) '.affiliate
?4|)()t'. ami |i'iiiili-i| '.licak'. . lip', nl iiiiililli- and >;i(mIit ((iviTis (i)iiiiiii).; I wi)
wllilisli wiiiK bar. , ii|i|H'r niamlililc dark, lower mostly yellow, leet pale.
I.i-n^lli, ii:^ y| . wiii^.; .iini l.iil. ea( h ( (M iiime.

IIaii r^e.lein .\ciilli .\iiirii(,i, wi-,l 1(1 the I 'l.i i ii'i aiid Al.i'.ka (V, lliey of
the Yukon lo the I'aiidi), and tioni the Ai( I ic ( "oast south to tin- (Wilf
Slates Hreeds noilli of (he United Slates, winters chielly south of th(!
I'oloinai and ( )liio Ki vers.

Nest, iii(lillcicnlly, on llief.idiind dy •', a tree, compoied of ni.iss, moss
.111(1 (iliroiis roots, lined with li.iir and leathers.

I'-KK''. '1 '" ''. nr''''ni'.li while lliit klv spolte(| with rusty brown

This laif^e .111(1 handsoiiie S|)ai low hieeds in the not tli ;itid
winteis in the south, hiil by what p.ii liciilai loiile il passes
between the two points I am .it a loss to determiii'.-, lor in this
p.irt ol ( )nl,irio it is seldom seen.

in the London list il is iiieiil ioiied as "i.ire diiiiii^^ mitral ion,
4 Of 5 s|)e( iineiis taken." In .ill my i.imbles I li.ive only met

with it .1 lew tillK'S, .and bill olM e h.l ve I lle.inl il llllel lis li(ll,

musical notes, wliii h .iic the; adniiiation oi all who hear them.
SpeaUiii^' of this species, Dr. Cones, in his lUrdsol the Noith-
west, says: " Diiiinj; the siiiiny days whic h pr<'(e('U' th<'ir depai
lure lh(! mail's are lond ol perciiiiif,' on thi; to]) of a .small tret; or

m

m^

BIRDS OF

biisli to warble a few exquisitely sweet notes, the overtures of
the joyous music which, later in the year, enlivens the northern
soliaides whitlier the birds resort to breed." The nest has not
been found within the limits of the United States or Ontario, so
far as I am aware, but in the list of Birds of Western Manitoba
Mr. Seton mentions itas breeding? abundantly on Duck Mountain.

II:

GkNUS PIPILO ViElLLOT.

22fi. FIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (Linn.). 587.

Towhee.

Adult male, black, belly white, sides chestnut, crissum fulvous-brown ,
primaries and inner secondaries with white touches on the outer webs ; outer
tail feathers with the outer web and nearly the terminal half of the inner web
white, the next two or three with white spots, decreasing in size ; bill black-
ish ; feet pale brown ; iris red in the adult, white or creamy in \h<i ymiug,
and generally in winter specimens. Female, rich warm brown where the male
is black ; otherwise similar Very yuuiiir birds are stn^ake 1 brown and
dusky above, below whitish, tinged with brown and streaked with dusky
Length, male, 8J ; wing, 3J ; tail, 4 ; female rather less

Hab. l''astern United States and Southern Canada, west to the Plains

Nest, on the ground, more rarely in a bush or sapling ; a rude structure,
composed of grape-vine bark, weed stalks, leaves and grass; lined with fine
vegetable fibre.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; white, thickly freckled with reddish -brown.

This species lias a more northern ranj^e than we have been
in the habit of attributing^ to it, for it is mentioned both by Prof.
Macoun and Mr. Seton as being common in the Northwest
Territory. In Southern Ontario it arrives from the south about
the ist of May, the males coming on a few days ahead of the
females. Much of their time is spent on the ground, scratching
and rustling about among the withered leaves in search of seeds
and insects. During the pairing time, the male will frequently
rise from the scruli bush to the lower branch of a tree and sing
his original song in his best style, accompanying the performance
with many a jerk and flirt of his long handsome tail, which
sliows to advantage on these occasionc. If we sit down to

228

ONTARIO

watch his motions for a littk; we may be favored witli a ghmpse
of the female stealing through the underbrush, but except under
such circumstances she is rarely seen.

During the heat of summer the loud ringing " Towhee" which
has given the birds their common name is discontinued, and
they spend their time quietly in the shade. In September it is
again heard, perhaps as a bugle note to call the flocks together
before starting for the south. We have no record of any being
observed during winter.

been

ll'rof.

(west

bout

If the

hing

ieeds

;ntly

Ising

lince

hich

n to

Genus CARDINALIS Bonaparte.

227. CARDINALIS CARDINALIS (Linn.). 59:5.

Cardinal.

Male, rich vermillion or rosy-red, obFcured with ashy on the back ; face
black ; bill reddish ; feet brown. Fcir.alc, ashy-brown, paler below, with
evident traces of the red on the crest, wings, tail and under parts, l.ength,
8-g ; wing, about 3IJ ; tail, 4.

H.AB Eastern United Slates, north to New Jersey and the Ohio Valley
(casually farther), west to the Plains.

Nest, in a bush or low tree near the ground, usually not far from water.
C'omposed of bark, leaves, grass and rootlets rather loosely put together.

liggs, 4 to 5 i white, thickly spotted with dark reddish-brown often
wreathed round the larger end

The Cardinal can only be regarded as a casual visitor along
our south-western border. It is quite common in Ohio, and as
might be expected a few occasionalh- cross the lake. Mr.
Norval reports one or two being found at Port Rowan, and Dr.
Macallum mentions that a few are seen every siunmer along
the lake shore south of Dimnvillc, where they are suppf>sfd to
breed among the evergreens. They make showy, interesting
cage birds, on accoimt of which great numbers are caught in
trap cages and sold in the southern markets.

229

■# ■

:iU

BIRDS OF

Gknus HABIA Rkichenbach.

228. HABIA LUDOVICIANA (Linn.). 595.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Adult male, with head and neck all round and most of the upper parts
black, thj rump, iippjr tail-coverts and under parts white, the breast and
under wing-coverts exquisite carmine or rose-red ; wings and tail black,
variegated with white ; bill pale ; feet dark. Female, above streaked with
blackish and olive or flaxen-brown with median white coronal and supercili-
ary line ; below white, more or less tinged with fulvous and streaked with
dusky ; under wing-coverts saffron -yellow ; upper coverts and inner quills
with a white spot at end ; bill brown. Youiii; males at first resemble the
female. Length, 7^-8J ; wing, about 4 ; tail, about 3^.

Hab. Eastern United States and Southern Canada, west to the eastern
border of the Pliiins, south in winter to Cuba, Central .\mericaand Northern
South America.

Nest, in a low tree ; composed of twigs, vegetable fibre and grass, rather
loosely put together.

Eggs, 3 to 4 ; greenish-white, thickly spotted with reddish-brown.

This robust and gaily attired songster arrives from the south
about the loth of May, and soon its rich, roIHng song is heard
in the treesand thickets where it spends the summer. It breeds
regularly along the southern border of Ontario, and has also
been found in Labrador and in the Red River Valley. Its
favorite haimts are along the wooded banks of streams, where
even at noonday, when most otlier birds are silent, the male in
the shade of the luxuriant u liage cheers his mate during the
tedious hours of incubation vvith the song she loves to hear.
Its food consists of seeds, buds and berries ; but it also takes a
variety of insects, and is one of the few birds which visit the
potato patch and snap up the potato bugs. On this account
alone it is entitled to our protection ; but it is also one of the
most attractive birds which visit the shrubbery, and would be
most welcome if it could be taught to consider itself protected
and come nearer to our dwellings.

Before retiring m the fall the males lose the greater portion
of their black, but retain the carmine on the breast and under
wing-coverts.

230

Irtion
Inder

(WTAKIO.

Genus PASSKRINA VniiLLor.

220. PASSERINA CYANEA (Linn.)- ^^^S.
Indigo Bunting.

Adult mall', indigo bluu, intense and constant on the head, filancinx
greenish, with different lights on other parts ; wings and tail hl.ickish, glossed
with greenish-blue feathers around base of bill black ; bill dark above,
rather paler below, with acurious black stripealongthegonys. Fcmali', above
plain warm brown ; below whitey-brown, obsoletuly streaky on the breast
and sides; wing-coverts and inner quills pale edged, but not whitish ; upper
mandible blackish, lower pale, with the black stripe just mentioned. The
young male is like the female, but soon shows blue traces, and afterwards is
blue, with white variegation below. Length, 5J ; wing, 2^ ; tail, 2^

H.\B. Eastern United States, south in winter to Veragua.

Nest, in a bush, composed of leaves and grass

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; white, tinged with blue, sometimes speckled with reddish-
brown.

About the 15th of May the Indif:jo arrives from the south
and at once commences to dehver his musical messaf^o, such as
it is, with considerable animation. While so enga<;t-.d he is
usually perched on the ui')per twif,^ of a dead lind) within hearing
of the female, who is of retiring habits and seeks to elude
observation among tlie briars and underbrush.

It is rather a tender species, and probablv does not penetrate
far north into Ontario. It is not mentioned either by Prof.
Macoun or Mr. Seton as having been seen by them in the North-
west, and by the middle of Sej)tend)crthe\' have all disappeared
from Southern Ontario. The rich plumage and lively manners
of the male make him quite conspicious while here ; a favorite
resort of the species near Hamilton being about the railroad
track, near the waterworks reservoir.

Individuals vary considerably in the regularity of their
coloring and in the intensity of the blue, but a male in rich
spring plumage is a very handsome little bird.

BIRDS OF

Gf.nus SPIZA Bonapartk,

230. SPIZA AMERICANA (Gmel.). <)04.

Dickcissel.

Mr .-'.bove grayish-brown, the middle of the back streikod with black,
■' f:. hi ,i' neck ashy, becoming' on the crown yellowish-olive, with black
touches , a yellow superciliary line and maxillary touch of the same ; eyelid
white ; ear-coverts ashy ; chin white ; throat with a large jet-black patch ;
underparts in general white, shaded on the sides, extensively tinged with
yellow on the breast and belly ; edge of wing yellow ; lesser and middle
coverts ric'/ ..'.-.estnut, the other coverts and inner secondaries edged with
paler, ' , a.. , hjin-blue; feet brown. Female smaller; above like the
male, but '.^i<' ' neck plainer; below less tinged with yellow, the black
throat pnt ^^ watng and replaced by sparse sharp maxillary and pectoral

"Jtreaks. Length, 6.' ->

o', 2j- ; tail. 2j.

TiAB. 'j;asf . ll.vry. ■ ; '~ the Rocky Mountains, north to Massa-
chusetts, New York, W'scons. m:; .Minnesota, and south in winter through
Central America to Northern South America.

Nest, on the ground or in a low bush, built of leaves and fine grass.

m^'

t ■ i

\\i'i-'

in-

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; greenish-white, sometimes speckled with reddish-brown.

The only record we have at present of the Black-throated
Bunting as a bird of Ontario is that furnished by Mr. Saunders
in the " Auk " for July, 1885, page 307. The writer describes
finding the species in June, 1884, at Point Pelee, at the west end
of Lake Erie. The birds were tolerably common and evidently
breeding, one or two pairs being in every field within a limited
district, but it was only after considerable waiting and watching
that the party succeeded in discovering a nest with 5 fresh eggs.

It is just possible that *' Dickcissel," like some others, having
reached the north shore of Lake Erie may come along as far as
Lake Ontario, but it is rather a weakly, tender species, and we
hardly e.xpect to see it much northof the present limit, although
there are several records of its capture in Massachusetts and
Connecticut.

232

■

if

ONTARIO
GkNUS PIRANGA VlEILLOT.

231. r^IRANGA ERYTHROMELAS (Vimm..). fiOS.

;iS:

Scarlet Tanacrer.

Malf, scarlet, with bLick wings and tail ; bill and feet dark. Fctmile,
clear olivc-frrccn, below clear grcciiish-yclloiv ; winfjs and tail dusky, edged
with olive. Young male at first like the female; afterwards variegated with
red, green and black. I^ength, 7-7A ; wing, 4 ; tail, 3.

H.\B. ['Eastern United States, west to the Plains and north to Southern
Canada. In winter, the West Indies, Central .\merica and Northern South
.-\merica.

Nest, on the horizontal limb of a low tree on the outskirts of the bush ; a
shallow, saucer-shaped structure, composed of vine-bark, rootlets and leaves,
lined with vegetable fibre.

Kggs, 3 to 5 ; dull gieenish-blue, spotted with reddish-brown and lilac.

The Scarlet Tanager is one of our most brilliant colored
l)ird.s, but hi.s rich plumage is all he has to commend him to
popular favor, for he is neither handsome in form nor elo(]uent in
tongue. Still he sings his song as well as he can, and it probabh
pleases his female for whose gratification it is intendetl, so
we will let him pass. In Ontario the species is peculiar to the
south and makes but a short stay, arriving about the loth of
Maj' and leaving again about the middle of Sejitember.

In the fall the bright scarlet of the male's plumage is replaced
by green, but he retains the black on wings and tail.

The food of the species consists chiefly of insects, in the
capture of which they exhibit considerable dexteritv . In the
fall, when the wild berries are ripe, they take to them witli
evident relish, and tliough tlujy usually keep to the retired parts
of the woods, sometimes at this season they visit the farmer's
raspberry patch in such numbers that they leave but few for
household use.

In Southern Ontario they are generally distributed but
nowhere abundant.

'33

Ill'

BIRDS OF
2;{2. FIHANGA RUBRA (Linn.). niO.

Summer Tanaj^er

Male, rich rose-red f)r vermillion, including,' wings and tail ; the wings,
howe-ver, dusky f)r> the inner wehs ; hill rather pale; feet darker. Female,
dull hruh'itiih-ulive; below dull brunniish-ycllow. FtiHH^' ;«(//t' like the female ;
the male changing plinnage, shows red and green confused in irregular patches,
but no black. Tiie female, with general resiMiibiance to female rubra, is dis-
tinguished by the dull brownish, ochre or buffy tinge, the greenish and
yellowish of rubra being much purer; the hill and feet also are generally
much paler in erythronielas Size of rubra or rather larger.

Hab. Eastern United States to the Plains, north to Southern New
Jersey and Southern Illinois, casually north to Connecticut and Ontario, and
accidently to Nova Scotia. In winter, Cuba, Central America and Northern
South America.

Nest, on the horizontal bough of a tree; composed of strips of bark,
rootlets and grass, lined with line grass and fibre.

Eggs, 3 to 5 ; dull greenish-blue, spotted with reddish-brown.

We sometimes meet in the humbler walks of life people
with little education, who, from a natural love of the subject, are
wonderfulh' correct in their observation of the birds.

A man of this class, who, at the time I speak of, lived near
a clump of bush on the niomitain above the reservoir, three
miles east of Hamilton, told me that one summer while he lived
there a number o'' red birds, which had not black wings and tail
like the common kind, bred in that bush. I felt sure he was
describing the Summer Red Bird, and looked through that bush
with interest every subsequent spring, butit wasnot till May, 1885,
that I found the first and only individual of the species I ever
saw in Canada. It was a female in fine adult plumage, and was
among a group of Scarlet Tanagers, which apparently had
just arrived from the south, and were enjoying the last rays of
the setting sun which gilded the topmost twigs of a dead tree
in the bush already referred to. Individuals have been found
straggling as far north as Massachusetts and Connecticut, but
the home of the species is farther south, and the above is the
only record for Ontario.

234

ONTARIO.

Family HIRUNDINID^ Swallows.

Genus PROG NIC J^oik,

23:!. FROGNI-: SUHIS (Linn.). «ill.

near

three

lived

id tail

le was

bush

ICS85,

ever

d was

had

ays of

d tree

ound

t. but

the

Purple Martin.

Lustrous bhic-bl.'ick. The foiiialL- and yoiin^ are much duller above, and
more or less wliitc below, streaked with f^ray Length, 7 or mort; : wint;.
nearly 6 ; tail, 3.J, simply forked.

Hab. Temperate North America, south to Me.xico

Nest, of hay, straw, bits of twine and paper, lined with feathers.

Eggs 4 ; pure white.

The Purple Martin arrives in Southern Ontario about the
loth of May, and tliough generally distributed is nowhere abun-
dant. Its orifjinal nesting place was in a knot-hole or othei
hollow in a tree, but now, seeking the society of man, it raises its
3'oung in bo.xes put up for its accommodation, or in the
interstices of the gothic architecture of our citj' buildmgs.

Its flight is rapid and its aerial evolutions often e.xtremeh
graceful, while at other times it may be seen sailing Hawk-like
with very little action of the wings.

They are general favorites in town and country, and are
made welcome everywhere. Before leaving in the fall thev
have a grand gathering, which is thus described by Dr.
Wheaton in the "Birds of Ohio :"

" After the breeding season is over, the.se birds congregate
towards night in large flocks, and having selected a suitable
cornice on some high building make preparations for spending
the night. The retiring ceremony is very formal, to judge from
the number of times they alight and arise again, all the while
keeping up a noisy chatter. It is not until t\\ ilight deepens
into evening that all are huddled together in silence and slumber,
and their slumbers are often disturbed by some \c)ungster falling
out of bed amid the derisive laughter of his neighltors, which
is changed to petulant scolding as he clambers over them to
regain his perch, tumbling others down as he does so. All at

ill.

835

HIRDS OF

once the scene of last night's disturbance is quite and deserted,
as the birds have flown to other lands, where they find less
crowded beds and sjiorter, warmer nights."

if

pii

^.

: 1^:;

y

t « >

'.I

il-
ls

Genus PICTROCHELIDON Cauanis.
?.:U. FETROCHIiLIDON LUNII'KONS (Say.).

Cliff Swallow.

012.

I.ustrous steel-blue; forehead whitish or brown ; rump rufous ; chin,
throat and sides of head chestnut ; a steel-blue spot on the throat ; bre.ist,
sides and generally a cervical collar rusty-f,'ray, whitenin;,' on the belly.
Youn/r, sufficiently similar. I-en{^th, 5; wing, 4^; tail, 2J.

Had. North .\merica at large, and south to Brazil and Paraguay.

Nest, a flask-shaped building of mud, lined with wool, feathers and bits
of straw.

Eggs, 4 or 5 ; white, spotted with reddish-brown.

Early in May the Cliff Swallow crosses the southern
border of Ontario, and gradually works its way up to the far
north, breeding in colonies in suitable places all over the coun-
try. In towns and villages the nests are placed under the eaves
of outhouses ; in the country they are fastened under projecting
ledges of rock and hard embankments. The birds are of an
amiable, sociable disposition, as many as fifty families being
sometimes observed in a colony without the slightest sign of
quarrelling. Two broods are raised in the season, and by the
end of August they begin to move off and are seen no more
till spring. Tliey are somewhat fastidious in their choice of a
nesting place, and on this account are not equally abundant at
all points, but still they are very numerous throughout the
Province.

Genus CHELIDON Forster.
285. CHELIDON ERYTHROGASTER (BoDD.). 613.

Barn Swallow.

Lustrous steel-blue ; below rufous or pale chestnut of varying shade ;
forehead, chin and throat deep chestnut ; breast with an imperfect steel-blue

236

ONTARIO.

G12.

collar. Tail with white spots on the inner web of all the feathers, exa pt tiu'
inner pair. Sexes alike, young less lustrous, much paler below, tail simptv
forked. Win^, 4j--)if '• '^''' 2J to 5.

Hab. North .\iiii;rica in K^Mieral from the I'ur Countries southwaril to
the West Indies, (.'.entral America and South America.

Nest, in a barn or other outbuilding; ; composed of pellets of mud and bits
of straw, and lined with feathers.

Eggs, 4 or 5 ; white, spotted with reddish-brown.

Wliile tlie Cliff Swallow chooses to fix its nest outside the
building under the eaves, the present spc -;ies prefers tlie inside,
where its dwelling is seen attached to the beams and rafters.

They too arc to sonic extent gregarious, as many as twenty
or thirty pairs being often found nesting together in the s^'mc
outhouse.

The Swallows as a class, from their great rapidity of flight
and graceful aerial evolutions, are the most easily recognized of
all our birds, and this species is perhaps the most accomplished
of the group. It is seen skimming over the fields and
meadows at a rate which leaves the lightning express far behind,
when suddenly checking its course it will dart, with surprising
rapidity, to right or left in pursuit of some passing insect. It
likes to be near a still sheltered pond, where it can drink and
bathe while on the wing, and beautiful it is, on a still summer
evening, to see these birds take their plunge bath, and almost
without checking their speed rise gracefully from the surface,
shake sparkling drops from their burnished backs, and continue
their airy gambols till the fading light calls them to their humble
home. They arrive in Ontario early in May, and are generally
distributed over the country during summer ; but about the end of
August they begin to move toward the south and soon have all
disappeared.

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shade ;
eel-blue

Genus TACHYCINETA Cabanis.
236. TACHYCINETA BICOLOR ( Vieill.). 614.

Tree Swallow.

Lustrous green ; below pure white. Young similiar, not so glossy Length,
6-6J; wing, 5 ; tail, 2J.

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Hah. NnrJb America at laif,'(!, from the Fur Conntries southward, in
winter to the West Indies and Central America.

Nest, of leaves and grass, lined with down and feathers

EgK". white, unspotted.

A coininon summer resident, arriving early in May and
leaving about the middle of September.

The White-bellied Swallows must at times have had con-
siderable trouble in tinding suitable places for their summer
residence, but it may be that like people who move (jft( n they have
come toliketheoccupation of house lumting. Theoriginal nesting
place was a hole in a tree or stub n<!ar water, but as the birds
are incapable of making such an excavation themselves they
had to search for a natural aperture, or the deserted hole of a
Woodpecker to suit their purpose, the fmding of which must
have been to some extent accidental. As the country became
settled, and the Swallow trees were cleared away, the birds be-
took themselves to breeding in boxes, which in the east were put
up in great ninribers for their accommodation, but on the advent
of the linglish Sparrow many jiairs of Swallows were summarily
ejected from the boxes, and were obliged to retire to the remote
parts of the country and resume their primitive habit of nesting
in trees. On this account they are not so common in towns and
villages as they were some years ago, but are more generally
distributed throughout the country. In Southern Ontario they
are seen in greatest numbers during the season of migration.

Genus CLIVICOLA Forster.

'i;i7. CLIVICOLA RIPARIA (Linn.
Bank Swallow.

61H.

Lustreless ^ray, with a pectoral band of the same ; otht;r under parts
white. Sexes exactly alike. Young similiar, the feathers often skirted with
rusty or whitish. Length, 4^-4$ ; wing, 3I-4 ; tail, 2.

Hab. Northern Hemisphere ; in America, south to the West Indies
Central America and Northern South America.

Nest, a few bits of straw and some feathers placed at the end of a tunnel,
2 to 4 feet deep, dug by the birds in a sand bank.

Eggs, 5 ; pure white.

238

ONTARIO

and

parts
with

A common summer resident, breeilinvf ;d)imdantly in suitable
places all overthe country. They arrive about tlie«Midof April and
leave in September, both dates beinj; dependent, to some extent,
on the weather.

Near Hamilton this species is very abundant, a favorite
nestinf^ place jjeiu}^ in the f^ravel bank which is cut throuj^h to
form the cauid to Dunilas. There are also many sand banks
around the bay shore, perforated to an extent which shows that
rtocks of younf( ones are raised there every summer.

Dr. VVlu^aton, in the " Birds of Ohio," mentions that this
species, from being a common sunnner resident in the iimnediate
vicinity of Columbus, has become only a passing migrant in spring
and fall. This he attributes partly to tlie frequent disturbance of the
nesting places by freshets, and partly to the advent of the Rough-
winged Swallow, which is comparatively a new species at
Columbus, but is rapidly increasing in numbers. The
Bank Swallows are sprightly little birds, greatly attached to their
homes, and we hope that nothing will happen here to cause
them to change their residence.

Genus STELGIDOPTERYX Baird.

238. STELGIDOPTERYX SERRIPENNIS (Aud.). (IIT.

Rough-winf^ed Swallow.

Lustreless brownish-gra''-, p.iler below, whifenn^ on the belly. Rather
larger than the last. Hooklets on outer web of outer primary wanting, or
much weaker in the fema'c.

Hab. United States at large (in the Eastern States north to Connecti-
cut), south to Guatemala.

Nest, in holes dug by the birds in the sandy banks of creeks and rivers,
a few straws and feathers at the end of the excavation representing the nest

Eggs, 5 to 6 ; pure white.

This species seems to be gradually advancing from west to
east, for we hear every now and then of its being observed at
points in the Eastern States where it has not before been
noticed. I have no record of it from any part of Ontario except
from London, where Mr. Saunders has found it breeding for the

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239

BIRDS OF

past year or two. It isnot so decidedl}' attached tothesandor gravel
bank for a breeding place as the Bank Swallow, the nests
having been found in crevices of rocks, on beams under bridges,
.md even in a hole in a brick wall.

It bears a verj' close resemblance to the Bank Swallow, and
as there are not many of them killed, it is possible the Rough-
winged species may be more common than we think. When
closely examined, the curious little booklets on the outer
web of the first primary, which are most full}' developed in the
male, are always sufficient to identify the species.

Family AMPELID/E. VVaxwings, etc.

Subfamily AMPKLIN/E. Waxwings.

Genus AMP1"3LIS LiNN>iius.

239 AMPELIS GARRULUS (Linn'.). (518.

Bohemian Waxwin^.

(icneral color brownish-asli, shatling insensibl)- from the clear ash of the
tail and its upper coverts and .-iiinp into a reddish-tinj:;ed ash anteriorly, this
peculiar tint heightening on the head, especially on the forehead and sides of
the head, into orange-brown. A narrow frontal line, and broader bar through
the e)e, with the chin and tlnviat sooty-black, not sharply bordered with
>vhite ; no yellowish on belly ; under tail-coverts orange-brown or chestnut ;
tcil :-..'i, deepening to blackish-ash towards the end, broadly tipped with rich
yellow ; wings ashy-blackish ; primaries tippeii (c'linfly on the outer webs)
with sharp spaces of yellow or white, or both ; secondaries with white spaces
at the ends of the outer webs, the shafts usually ending with enlargeil, horny,
red appendages ; primary coverts tipped with white ; bill blackish-plumbeous,
often paler at base below; feel black; sexes alike. Length, 7 or 8 inches;
wing, about 4J ; tail, 2^.

II.\B. Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America,
south in winter, irregularly, to the Northern United States.

Nest and eggs, so far as known, similar to the succceeding species

This handsome, eccentric, garrulous wanderer is common to
the high latitudes of both continents, often appearing unexpect-
edly in very large flocks, and disappearing quite as mysteriously,
not to be seen again for many years in succession.

240

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ONTARIO,

The Ontario records are mostly of small flocks which
occasionally visit us ihnin<^ the winter, and feed on the herries
of the red cedar or the mountain ash. Sometimes tliey move
by themselves, and sometimes in company with llie Pine (iros-
beaks ; the Waxwings taking the pulpy part of the herrit^s and
the Grosbeaks preferring the hard seeds. The nest of this
species was found by Mr. Kennicott on lh(> Yukon, and bv Mr.
Mcl'^arlane on the Anderson Ri\i'r, but when we reail the
accounts of tlie vast flocks which iuive been schmi by travellers
we have to admit that it is little we know of their summer
haunts and homes.

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240. .\MPEL1S CEDRORUM (Vikii.i.
Cedar Waxwing.

(ilM.

General color as in /,'-<i/'r;///(.s-. Undertail-coverts whitish ; littleornoorange-
brown about head ; no white on wings ; chin black, sh.'ulinf; grachially into
the color of the throrU ; a black frontal, loral and traiisocnlar stripe as in
garnthts, but this boniered on the forehead with whitish ; a white touch on
lower eyelid ; feathers on side of lower jaw white ; abdomen soiled yellowish ;
tail tipped with yellow. Length, 7-7A ; wing, about y{.

Hab. North America at large, from the I'ur (Countries southward. In
winter south to Ciualeniala and the West Indies.

Nest, large, built in the orchard or in a low tree in tlie bush ; composed
of twigs, bark, leaves, rootlets, etc., lined with line grass, hair or wool.

ICggs, 4 to 6 ; pale blue, spottetl ami blotched with brownish-black.

The Cedar Bird is generally distributed throughout Ontario,
it is a resident species, being here both insmnmer and winter, and
yet it is so uncertam in its movements that its presence at a
particidar point at a given time cannot be counted upon with any
degree of certainty. Thcv do not begin housekeeping tint''
quite late in the season, anil may be sei'ii visiting the orchard in
flocks up to the end of May. At this sc^ason their food consists
chiefly of insects, some kinds of which thev cleverly capltne on
the wing. They are also accr(!dited with the destruction of large
numbers of canker worms and other noxious insects. As the
season advances they show a great liking for fruit, especially
cherries, with which they often cram themselves till they can
hardly maintain their balance on the branches. In the fall and

241

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.,,111

BIRDS OF

winter the berries of the poke weed, red cedar and mountain
ash afford them a bountiful supply of food. Their voice is
heard only in a weak call note, easily recognized yet difficult
to describe.

In many individuals the secondaries finish with a hard
horny appendage, having the appearance of red sealing-wax.
This is not indicative of age or sex, but is most frequently found
in tiie adult male, and in some instances the tail-feathers are
similarly tipped. The use of these appendages is unknown
to us.

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Family LANIID^. Shrikes.
Genus LANIUS Linn/eus.
241. LANIUS HOREALIS (Vieill.).
Noiiheru Shrike.

621.

Clear bluish-ash, blanchiii}^ on the rump and scapulars ; below white,
always vermiculated with line wavy blackish lines ; a black bar along side of
the head, not meeting its fellow across forehead, interrupted by a white cres-
cent on under eyelid, and bordererl above by hoary white that also occupies
the extreme forehead ; wings and tail bl.ick, the former with a large spot near
base of primaries; and the tips of most of the quills white, the latter with
nearly all the feathers broadly tippetl with white, and with concealed white
bars; bill and feet black. Length, g-io; wing, 4^ ; tail rather more. The
young are similar, but none of the colors are so fme or so intense ; the entire
plumage has a brownish suffusion, and the bill is flesh-colored at base.

Hab. Northern North America, south in winter to the middle portions
of the United States (Washington, D. C, Kentucky, Kansas Colorado,
Arizona, Northern California).

Nest, rested on a platform of sticks and twigs in a low tree or bush ;
composed of weeds, rootlets, bark strips, moss and fine grass.

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; the ground color is greenish -gray, but this is almost hid-
den by the profuse markings of purple and reddish-brown.

In Southern Ontario a few individuals of the species are
seen every winter. They arrive from the north in October, and
remain with us if the weather is mild, but if it becomes severe
about the end of the year they disappear and are not observed
again until March. They like the open cotmtry, usually taking

242

In

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ONTARIO.

(f-'^ their position, sentinel like, on the topmost twig of a low tree
or bush from which they notice all that moves within a certain
radius.

I once saw a pair of these birds unite to hunt down an un-
fortunate Junco. It took shelter in a patcli of scrubby brush,
and the Shrikes, not being able to clutch it as a Hawk would
have done, sought to wear it out by fright and fatigue. As
there were two of them taking the work by turns, they would
probably have succee<led had 1 not stopped the proceedings by
collecting the two Shrikes, and so saving the life of the Junco.
They, no doubt, breed in the northern portion of the Province,
but in the south I have not heard of their being found so
engaged.

242. LANUS LUDOVICIANUS (Linn.). 022.

Logrgerhead Shrike.

Slate colored, slightly whitish on the rump ami scapulars; below white,
with a few obscure wavy black lines, or none ; black bar on one side of the
head, meeting its fellow across the forehead, not interrupted by white on under
eyelid, and scarcely or not bordered above by hoary white ; otherwise like
borealis in color, but smaller ; 8-8.J ; wirg, about 4 ; tail, rather more.

Hab. Eastern United States, north to Maine, west to the Prairies of the
Upper Mississippi Valley.

Nest, in a tree or bush not often morethan 15 feet from the ground, the
middle of a thorn being often selected.

The eggs cannot with certainty be distinguished from those of the VVhite-
rumped Shrike.

Tliis and the ne.\l spccii-s resend)le each other so closely as
to raise a doid)t in the minds of many whether or not they
should ever have been separated. Dr. C,()U(;s in his "New Key"
says on this subject : " iCxtreme examples of Excubitorides look
very different {vonxLudovU'uimis proper, but the two are observed
to melt into eacli other when manj' specimens are compared, so
that no specific characters can be assigned." All those I have
found near Hamilton agree best with the description given of
Excubitorides, but there are other observers who think we have
both kinds, and some believe we have Ludoviciniiiis only. As

243

nil

BIRDS OF

a guide to a proper understanding of the matter I have given
the technical descriptions of both, but hold my own opinion
that of the two onlv Kxctibitorides has been found in Ontario.

LANIUS LUDOVICIANUS KXCUBITORIDES (Swains.).
S43. White rumped Shrike. 622 a.

With the size; and essential ciiaracters of head stripe of var. liidovicianus.
and the under parts, as in that species, not or not ohvioush' waved, but with
the clear li^ht asliv upper parts and hoary whitish superciliary line, scapu-
lars and rump of horcdlis.

Hab Western United States, east to the Middle and New England
Breeding as far north as Northern New York and Northern New England
Rare or local east of the Alleghanies.

Nest, in a tree or hush, seldom more than lo feet from the ground :
exteriorly built of prickly twigs, interwoven with strips of bark, rags, twine
and rootlets, lined with Fine grass and pieces of cotton waste picked up on
the railroad track.

Eggs, 4 to f), light grayish color, spotted with yellowish-brown

Tiesides the great northern Butcher Bird [Lanins Borealis)
there are two Shrikes, smaller in size, described as North
American. One is the Loggerhead Shrike of the south-east,
and the other the White-nniiped Shrike, which was originally
described as a western species, but has of late years been
extending its territory to the eastward, north of the Logger-
head's range. Taking examples from the south-east to compare
with those from the north-west the difference is seen at once,
but as they approach each other in habitat they also approach
each other so closely in appearance that we are almost brought
to the conclusion that they are simply different races of the
same bird which should not have been separated. Those found
in Ontario areof the western race. They were first observed about
1860, and have since become quite common, extending north to
the banks of the Sasketchewan, where they were observed by
Prof. Macoun. The species is also included in Mr. Seton's list of
the " Birds of Western Manitoba," and is said to be " abundant
all over " froiti May till September.

344

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ONTARIO.

In Southern Ontario the httle Shrike is not found in the city
nor in the dense bush, its favorite haunts being along tlie roadsides
in the open country, where it may often be seen on a fence post
or on the telegrapli wire by tlie railway track. My first acquaint-
ance with this bird at its home was made on one fjf my Satur-
day afternoon excursions, shortly after its first appearance in
this part of the country. While driving along a back road east
of the cii}', my attention was attracted bv an ancient negro, who,
with a table fork fastened to the end of a fishing pole, was poking
vigorously into the centre f)f a very large, dense tliorn-bush near
his shanty. Getting over the fence to find out what he was doing,
I was informed that a little Chicken Hawk had its nest in there
and that it had killed twoof his}oungchickens. Lookingalongthe
pole I saw in the heart of the dense bush a Shrike's nest with
some 3'oung ones, which one of the old birds was valiantly
defendmg, biting at the end of the fork when it came too near
the youngsters. Taking the pole from his hand I worked it into
the bush, but it broke before I got it out which put an end for
the time to hostilities. I tried to convince my colored friend
that he was mistaken about the bird having killed his chickens,
for this kind lived only on grasshoppers and crickets, but he
insisted that it was a Chicken Hawk, giving emphasis to the name
by the use of several profane adjectives, and vowing he would have
him out before night, even if he should have to burn him out.
The appearance of the bush the next time I passed that way
indicated that he had carried out his threat.

My opinion regarding the food of this species, which I gave
in good faith at the time, I have since had occasion to change, and
to believe that after all Sambo was probably right on the subject.
During the past twenty-five years no one could have gone a few
miles into the country in an}- direction near Hamilton, during
June, July or August, without seeing one or more pairs of these
birds in suitable places, until the present year iS86, during \> i .'ch
not one has been observed. It may be that the exodus is only
local and temporary ; we shall watch for the birds with
interest next spring.

245

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151

BIRDS OF

Family VIREONID.E. Vireos.

Genus VIREO Vieillot.

Subgenus VIREOSYLVIA Bonaparte.

24i. VIREO OLIVACEUS (Linn.). 624.

Red -eyed Vireo.

Above olive-green ; crown ash, edged on each side with a blackish line,
below this a white superciliary line, below this again a dusky stripe through
the eye ; under parts white, faintly shaded with olive along sides, and tinged
with olive on under wing and tail-coverts ; wings and tail dusky, edged with
olive outside, with whitish inside ; bill dusky, pale below ; feet leaden-olive :
eyes red; no spurious quill. Length, 5^-6J ; wing, 3J-3J ; tail, 2J-2A; bill,
about § ; tarsus, J.

Hab. Eastern North America, to the Rocky Mountains, north to the
Arctic regions.

Nest, pensile, fastened by the rim to a horizontal fork, 10 to 25 feet from
the ground ; a thin light structure, composed of bark strips, pine needles,
wasp's nest, paper and fine grass, felted and apparently pasted together.

Eggs, 3 to 5; pure white, sometimes having a rosy blush or a few dark
spots toward the larger end.

A very common summer resident, whose loud, clear notes
are heard in the outskirts of the woods at all hours of the day.
Even during the sultry month of July, when most other song-
sters sing only in the morning or evening, the Red-eye
keeps on all day with tireless energy. In Ontario it is the
most numerous species of the family, arriving early in May and
leaving in September. In the early part of the season its food
consists entirely of insects, which it is at all times ready to cap-
ture, either on the wing or otherwise. In the fall it partakes of
raspberries, the berries of the poke weed and of other wild plants,
withthejuiceof which its plumage is often found tobestained. It
is frequently imposed upon by the Cowbird, whose young ones it
rears as tenderly as if they were its own. Large numbers
spend the v.'inter in the Gulf States, and many go even farther
south.

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245. VIREO PHILADELPHICUS (Cass.). ()2().

Philadelphia Vireo.

Above dull olive-green, brightening on the rump, fading insensibly into
ashy on the crown, which is not bordered with blackish ; a dull white super-

246

W'*'f

y into
super-

ONTARIO.

ciliary line ; below palest possible yellowish, whitening on throat and belly,
slightly olive-shaded on sides; sometimes a slight creamy or bufty shade
throughout the underparts ; no obvious wing bars ; no spurious quill
Length, 4:^-5^ ; wing, about 23 : tail, about 2.} ; bill, hardly or about ^ ,
tarsus, )}.

Hab. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay ; south, in winter,
to Costa Rica.

The only record of the nest and eg^s of this species I have
ever seen is pubHshed by Mr. E. R. T. Seton in the "Auk" for
July, 1885. He says : " On the gth of June, 1884, while camped
near Duck Mountain, I found a nest of this species. It was
hung from a forked twig, about 8 feet from the ground, in a
willow which was the reverse of dense, as it grew in the shade
of a poplar grove. The nest was pensile, as is usual with the
genus ; formed of fine grass and birch bark. The eggs w'ere 4
in number, and presented no obvious difference from those of
the Red-eyed Vireo, but unfortunately they were destroyed by
an accident before thej' were measured."

The owners were not secured.

Very many of the more recent additions to the list of our
American birds have been made by the discovery that within
certain well-known groups were individuals differing in some
respects from the others. If these differences were found to be
uncertain and irregular they received only a passing notice, but
if they were found to be constant they were made the basis on
which to build a new species.

Thus, although the American Vireos had passed in review
before many distinguished ornithologists, it was not until 1842
that John Cassin found one closely resembling several of the
others, and yet differing in some respects from all of them.

In 1851 he published a description of the bird he had found,
pointed out its peculiarities, claimed for it specific distinction,
and named it after the city near which he first observed it.
For many succeeding years it was again lost sight of, most
likely because no one was lookmg for it, but as the number of
collectors increased and rare birds were sought after, the species
was again observed, and at far distant points, giving it an exten-

247

i, :!i

m V

nruDs OF

sive range from north to south, and west to tlie iniddle of thf
continent. How relatively rare it is would be unsafe to say, for
it is difficidt to identify it without close inspection, to accom-
plish which might recpiire the slaughter of Warbling Vireos
enough to excite the ire of the Audubon Club.

Some time in the early part of i<SiS3, I took up casually the
Bulletin of the Nutlall Ornithological Club and read therein a
charming article by Wm. Brewster on the distribution of ihis
Vireo in the Eastern States. It showed the little bird to be
more connnon and more witlely distributed than was first sup-
posed, and left on my mind the impression that it must pass
through Ontario.

In May when the Vireos began to arri ve I scrutinized them close-
ly, cind the first I shot on suspicion proved to be of this species and
was I believe the first record for Ontario. When seen in the woods
it looked rather smaller than the Warbling Vireo, was more
solid and compact in the plumage, and was noticeably tinged
underneath with yellow. From these features in its general
appearance I have since recognized it both in spring and fall. 1
have also heard of its being taken at other points in Ontario,
but have no record of its being found breeding within the Province.

2^(5. VIREO GILVUS (Vihill). 621.
Warbling Vireo.

Primaries ten, tiie exposed portion of the first of which is one-third or
less of the second, no obvious wing-b.'irs, no blackish stripe along the side of
the crown, and no abrupt contrast between color of back and crown. Upper
parts greenish, with an ashy shade, rather brighter on the rump a*^ d edgings
of the wings and tail, anteriorly shading insensibly into ashy on the crown.
Ash of crown bordered immediately by a whitish superciliary and loral line ;
region immediately before and behind the eye dusky ash. Below sordid
white with faint yellowish (sometimes creamy or buffy) tinge, more obviously
'shaded along the sides with a dilution of the color of the back. Quills and
tail-feathers fuscous, with narrow external edgings as above said, and broader
whitish edging of the inner webr ; the wing-coverts without obvious whitish
tipping. Bill dark horn color above, paler below ; feet plumbeous ; iris
brown. Length, 5 inches, or rather more ; wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.25 ; bill, .40 ;
tarsus, .67.

248

ONTARIO.

Hab. Nortli America in general, from tlu; I'ur Countries to Mexico

Nest antl cuK^ closely resembling those of the Red-eye, but usually placet!
at a greater distance from the ground.

This amiable little songster is very coininon in vSoiithern
Ontario, from the end of the first week in May till the beginning
of Sej^teinber. Although less abiuidant than the Reil-eye, it is
probably known to a greater number of ])eople, owing to the
preference it shows for isolated ornamental trees in parks and
gardens, and the shade trees in cities. Its song is soft, sulidued
and flowing, like the murmuring of "a hidden brook in the leafy
month of June."

There is another little Vireo I wish to mention here, for I
believe it will yet be found at some point on oiu" southern
frontier, but I cannot include it in the list, having no well
authenticated record of its being found in the Province. This
is the White-eyed Vireo (Vin'o Novcbonuciisis). Its haunts are
different from those of any other memlier of the family, it being
partial to dense shrubbery or low tangled thickets, where, like
the Yellow-breasted-chat, it hops about and scolds vehemently
at any intruder who dares to venture too near its nest.

ilf

Subgenus LAN I VIREO Baird.

247. VIREO I'LAVIERONS (Vikill.). (>2H.

Yellow-throated Vireo.

Above rich olive-green, crown the same or even brighter, rump insensibly
shading into bluish-ash ; below bright yellow, belly and crissum abruptly
white, sides anteriorly shaded with olive, posteriorly with plumbeous; extreme
forehead, superciliary line and ring around eye yellow; lores dusky;
wings dusky, with the inner secondaries broadly white-edged, and two broad
white bars across tijis of greater and median coverts ; tail dusky, nearly all the
feathers completely encircled with white-edging , bill and feet dark leaden-blue ;
no spurious quill. Length, si^-f) ; wing, about 3 ; tail, only about 2I.

Hab Eastern United States; south, in winter, to ("osta Rica.

The position and frame work of the nest of this species is similar to that
of the Ked-eye, but its appearance' and comfort are greatly ijicreased by an
artistic outside coating of gray moss, intertwisted with the silk of caterpillars.

The eggs are not with certainty distinguishable from those of the Red Eye.

249

^i^

UIKHS OF

This is a summer resident in Southern Ontnrio, but is by no
means common. It seems partial to the beech woods, and being
more retirin.'.'f than the precetUng and less noisj' than the Red-
eye it is not nnich observed. It is by some considered the
handsomest of all our Vireos, and a male in full si)ring plumage
is jileasing to look at, but I prefer the succeeding species. The
Yellow-throated Vireo, thouf^h not abundant, seems to be gener-
ally distributed throughout Ontario. It has been found at
Ottawa by Mr. White; at London Mr. Saunders reports it as a
common suni:ner resident; and it is also included in Mr. Seton's
list of Birds of the Northwest Territory.

248. VIREO SOLITARIUS (Wils.). ()29.
Blue-hea.ded Vireo.

Above olive-Rreen ; crown and sirlos of hc.'id bluish-ash in marked con-
trast ; a broad white line from nostrils to and around eye and a dusky loral
line; below white, flanks washed with olivaceous, and auxilarics and crissum
pale yellow ; winj^s .-uid tail dusk)', most of the feathers ec'.ged with white or
whitish, and two conspicuous bars of the same across tips of middle
and f,'reat coverts ; bill anrl feet blackish horn-color. Lenrrth, 5^-5^ ; wing,
2iJ-3 ; tail, 2.f-2)j ; spurious quill, A-^, about J as long as second.

II.M!. Eastern United States to the Plains. In winter south to Mexico
and C.uatemala.

j\est and eggs, similar to those of the other Vireos; resembling those of
the Yellow-throat more than either of the others.

This is a stout, hardy-looking bird, apparently better
adai)ted to Vwv in the north than any other member of the
famih'. It arrives from the south with the earliest of the
Warblers, and in some years it is quite common during the
first half of Mav, after which it is not seen again till the fall.
While here it is much among the evergreens, leisurely seeking
its food, and is usually silent, but when at home it is said to
have a very pleasant song.

Family MNIOTILTID^:. Wood-Warblers.
Genus MNIOTILTA Vieillot.
249. MNIOTILTA VARIA (Linn.). 63G.
Black and White Warbler

Entirely white and black, in streaks exci pt on the belly. Tail white
spotted ; wings white barred Length, about 5 ; wing, 2^ ; tail, 2J.

250

ONTARIO

letter
f the

the
g the

fall.
!king
Id to

white

Hab I'lastcrn United States to the Plains, north to Fort Simiisoii,
south in winti.'r to ("ciiiral America and the Wrst Indies.

Nest, on tlie (ground . built of bark filire, >,'r,iss and leaves, lined with
plant down or hair,

K>,'KS, 4 to (> ; cre.iniy-white, sjiotted ,ind sprinkled with reddish-brown

Tills dainty litth- bird, formeily known as the I Hack iiid
White Creeper, has now been named the I Hack and White-
Wnrhlcr, but as it is ninch \uoic ^i\v.n io creep i ii<i than to warbl-
!U<r, it is likely that with the ordinary observer it will retain its
fornuir name as long as it retains its creeping habit. It
arrivt;s in Soiitliern Ontario dining the last (la\s of .\i)ril, and
even before the leaves are expanded its neat, decided attire
of black and white is observed in striking contrast to the didl
coloreil bark of the trees, around which it got'S creeping with
wonderful celerity in search of its favorite insect food. It becomes
very common during the fust half of May, after which the nmn-
bcrs agam decrease, many having passed farther north, and
only a few remaining to spend the siunmer and raise their
yoimg in Southern Ontario, The note of the male is sharj) and
penetrating, resembling the sound made in sharpening a hue saw.

The Black and White Warbler is a typical re})resentative of
the family of Wood- Warblers, whicli is remarkable for the num-
ber of its members, as well as for the riclmess and variety of
their dress. There is, perhaps, no group of small birds which
so much interests the collector, or furnishes so many attractive
specimens to his cabinet, as the one we have just been
considering.

Some of the members of this family are so rare that the
capture of one is the event of a lite time. To get any of them
in perfect plumage they must be collected during the sjiring
migration, and that season is so short and uncertain that if a
chance is missed in May another may not occur for a year.

Game birds are followed by sportsmen with much enthusiasm
and varying success, though Ruffed Grouse, W'oodcock, and
Quail are now so scarce in the more settled parts of the country
that it is hardly worth while searching for them,

251

iri:

1^

( f

BIRDS OF

Our inland lakes and rivers are, at certain seasons, visited
by crowds of Waterfowl, and the hunter, hidden behind his
screen ofrushes in the marsh, delights tohear the hoarse honkinf^
of an old fj^ander as he liads on his A shaped flock of (ieese, or
to see the flocks of Ducks wheelinj^ around and pitching down
into th(! ojien water beside his decoys. At Long Point, and
other shooting places where the Ducks have been protected,
the nundxr killed in a day is often very large. Dull, windy
weather with light showers of rain is preferred. If the hunter
is fortunate in c hoosing a good point at which to screen his
boat among the rushes he may remain there all day, and if the
Ducks are moving about he needs only to load as quick as he is
able and kill as many as he can, the proof of his success being
th'-' number he brings home at night.

Not so with the h'ield Ornithologist, whose pursuits I have
always felt to be more refined and elevatmg than those of the
ordinary sportsman. ,\s soon as the winter of our northern
clime relaxes its grasp, and the season of flowers and brighter
skies returns, he enters the woods as if by appointment, and
hears among the expanding buds the familiar voice of many a
feathered friend just returned from winter quarters. The meeting
is pleasant and the birds pass on. The walk is enjoxable, the
bush is fragrant and freckled with early spring flowers, the loud
warning note of the Great Crested Fly-catcher is heard in the
tree tops. Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, etc., are there
in brilliant plumage and full of life, but a note is heard or a
glimpse is seen of 5;omething rare, and then is the time for the
collector to exercise his skill. He must not fire when the bird
is too close or he will destroy it. He must not let it get out of
reach or he may lose it. He must not be flurried or he may
miss it, and if he brings it down he must carefully mark the
spot where it fell and get there as quick as he can, forif tlu hi:
is only wounded it may flutter away and hide itself,
if it falls dead it ma}' be covered with a leaf and not se. igain
unless the spot where it fell is carefully marked.

All seasons have their attractions, but the month of Maj
above all others is enjoyed by the collector, and bright and
rare are the feathered gems he then brings from the woods to
enrich his cabinet.

252

ONTARIO

Gknus HKLMIN'mOlMlILA Ridgvvay.

HELMINTIIOPIIILA CIIkYSOl'TKUA (Linn.).

250 Golden-wing:ed Warbler 648.

Male, in spring, slaty-blue, paler or whitish below whcrr frequently tinged
with yellowish ; crown and two wing-bars rich yellow ; broad stripe on side of
head throu^'h eye, and lar^e patch on the thrf)at black; both these border(?d
with white; si^veral tail-fcatlurs white blotched. Hillblack Hack and winfjs
frequently glossed with yellowish-olive in young bir<ls in which the black
markings are somewhat obscure. Length, } 75 ; extent, 7.50; wing, 2.40 ;
tail, 2 00.

Mah Eastern United States; Central America in winter.

Nest, on the ground; built of dry leaves and grape-vine bark, lined with
fine grass and horse hair.

Figgs, 4 ; pure white, spotted with reddish-brown.

A trim and beautifully marked species, very seldom seen in
Ontario and not abimdant anywhere, being spoken of as one of
the rarer Warblers in the I'2astern States, which is the habitat
of the species. Mr. Saunders mentions it as rather conmion
near London, where it breeds and is generally distributed.
From tliis I infer that it is one of those birds which enter On-
tario at the south-west corner, and having crossed the boimdar\
do not care to penetrate farther into the Dominion. I have met
with it on two occasions near Hamilton, and have also heard of
its being noticed at Port Rowan. It is an exceedingly active,
restless species, and is most frequently found among the low
shrubbery on the moist ground near some creek or marshy inlet.

It is first observed about the loth of May, and disappears
early in September.

\\

mv

•251. HELMINTilOPHILA RUFICAPILLA (Wils.). 045.

Nashville Warbler.

Above olive-green, brighter on the rump, cV^ngmg to pure ash on the
head; belovvr bright yellotv, paler on the belly, olive shaded on the sides;
crown with a more or less concealed chestnut patch ; lores and ring round the
eye le; no superciliary line; /rm<i/<r and autumnal specimens have the
hea lossed with olive, and the crown patch may be wanting. Length.
4* wing, 2j-2^ ; tail, 13-2.

253

m

m

m

BIRDS OF

Hab. Eastern North Americ.i to tliu I'l.UTis, north to thi; I'lir Countries,
breeilin;; from tlu; Northern United States northward. Mexico in winter.

Nest, on the (^ronnd ; composed of withered leaves and strips of bark,
lined with fine ^;rass, pine needles or liair.

l"f,'},'s, 4 ; white, speckleii with lilac or reddish-brown.

The Nashville Warbler, aitlioiit^^h an abmuiant species,
is not verv regular in its visits to this ]\nt of Ontario; being
soniclinies with ns in considerable ntunbers clnrin,t( the season of
migration, and again binng almost or altogether absent. When
they pass this way in the spring a ftnv pairs usually remain
over the summer with us, but the greater number go on farther
north. In the hdl they are again seen in limited mnnbers,
working their way southward in company with their young,
whicii are distinguished by the absence of the crown patch. In
this part of Ontario we never see as great a nr.mber of Warblers
in the fall as we do in sjiring. Either tlu>y are less conspicuous
on accoimt of the time of their migration extending over a longer
period, or the}' have some other return route by which the
majority find their wav south.

k'' i^

^■''•'

:i52. HliLMINTHOPHILA CELATA (Say.). ()4i;.

Orangpe-crowned Warbler.

Above olive-^reen, ratlier briiditest on the rump, ncvir ashy on the head ;
below grcenish-ycllo'iv , washed with olive on the sides ; crown with a more or
less concealed uriiiifre-bru7i<ii patch (sometimes wanting) ; eye ring and ob-
scure sufjerciliary line wanting. Length, 4.80-5.20: extent, 7.40-7.75; v.ing,
2.30-2,50.

H.Mi. I'-.-istern North .Viiicrica (ran,-, however, in the North-eistern
United States), bret.ding as far northwani as the Yukon and Mackenzie
River districts, and southward through the Rock) Mountains, and wintering
in the South Atlantic and (iuU States and Mexico.

Nest, on the grouiul ; composed of leaves, bark fibre and fine grass

Eggs, 4 to 6 ; white, marked with spots and blotches of reddish-brown

The range of this species is chiefly along the west coast or
middle district of the continent. In the east it occurs rarel}. As
a straggler I have met with it only on two occasions, the lattei
being on the nth May, 1886, when a specimen was taken at the

254

Irltl

ONTARIO

Be.'icli by K. C. MclKvraith. Mr. Saunders mentions having
obtained two near I^ondon, and Mr. Allan Brooks has got one
in Milton.

U is a vc>r\' plainly attired species, antl may readily be over-
looked, for there is nothing in its dress or manner to attract
attention, but on clos(^ examination the color .of the crown patch
is a distinguishing mark not likely to be mistaken. The se.xes
closely n^semble each other, and the young are like them,
except that they ilo not always have tlie brown crown patch
till after tlie first year.

25:{. HELMINTHOPHILA IMCREGRINA (Wils.). 647.

Tennessee Warbler

01ive-gn!i!ii, brighter buliiiul, hut m:vin- iiuito yellow on the tail-coverts,
more or less ashy towards and on the head, no croicii f'atcli , below white,
oflen glossed with yellowish, but never q.iite \t'llow ; ;i ring round the eve,
ancl superciliruy line whitish, fri.'(|uently an obscure whitisli spot on outer
tail feriihers ; lores dusky , in the female and yonii!^ the olivaceous glosses
(he whole upper parts, r.ength, .(.^-.1:^ : icins^, (ilnuit 2:1 • '"'/■ 2 or less

This comp.tr.itive length of wing and tail, with oth(;r characti^rs, prob
ablv alwa\s distinguishes this species from the foregoing,

IIab. I'^astern North .Xnunica, breeding from Northern New York and
Northern New I'.ngland northward to Hudson's Bay 'I'erritory . ("entral
America in winter.

Nest, on or near the ground ; built of grasses, mosses and bark strips,
lined with fine grass and hair.

liggs, 4 ; white, with markings of reddish-brown about the larger end.

The Tennessee Warbler breeds in tlu' Hudson's Bay
Territory, where it is by no means rare, but the line
of its migration seems to be along the Mississippi Valley,
so that in the east it is seldom seen. I have only met

im ^

!■ i!

witl

1 it twice, once in spring

and

.again

in the fall

It is probable

that

a few visit us with the

migr

atory

birds (n'ery season, but

like

one or two

others it may owe its safety to

its plain

attire,

bein

g allowed to

pass, while

one

of more gaudy

plumage

wotd(i

be s

topjied.

255

BIRDS OF

The discovery of this species is due to Wilson, who found it
on the banks of the Cumberland River in the State of Tennessee,
and who speaks of it asrare, for he met with it again only on two
occasions.

w

I''

Genus COMPSOTHLYPIS Cabanis.

254. COMPSOTHLYPIS AMERICANA (L:nn.). (548.

Parula Warbler.

Male, in spring, above blue, back with a golden-brown patch, throat and
breast yellow, with a rich bro.vn or blackish patch, the former sometimes
extending along the sides ; belly, eyolids, two wing-bars and several tail
spots white ; lorei black ; upper mandible black, lower flesh-colore 1 ; female,
in spring, with the bluj less bright, back and throat patches not so well
defined ; young, with thesa patches obscure or wanting, but always recogniz-
able by the other jnarks and very small size. Length, 4J-4I ; wing, 2J ;
tail, if.

H.\B. Eastern United States, west to the Plains, north to Canada, and
south in winter to the West Indies and Central America.

Nest, globular, with a hole in the side, suspended from the end of a
bough, often 20 feet or more from the ground ; composed of hanging mosses,
so as often to look like on excavation made in the side of a bunch of moss.

Eggs, creamy-white, with spots of lilac and brown.

This small and neatly dressed species is very common during
the spring migration, when it may be seen in the tops of the
tallest trees often hanging back downward like a Titmouse,
searching for insects among the opening leaves. In winter it
withdraws entirely from Canada, and even from the Uniteil
States, great numbers being at that season observed in the West
Indies.

On the return trip in spring a few pairs stop by the way, but
the majority pass on still farther north to breed. I have not
heard of the nest being found in Ontario, but I have the impression
that this and many others of the same family will yet be found
breeding in the picturesque District of Muskoka, between the
Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River.

256

ONTARIO

West

but

not

3sion

hand

the

Genus DENDROICA Gray.

Subgenus PERISSOGLOSSA Baird.

2.V5. DENDROICA TIGRINA (Gmel.). 650.

Cape May Warbler.

Male, in spring, back yellowish-olive with dark spots ; crown blackish,
more or less interrupted with brownish ; car patch oraiigc-hrujcn; chin, throat
and posterior portion of a \oliowish superciliary line, tingerl with the same ;
a black loral line, rump anil under parts rich yellow, paler on belly and crissum'
the breast and sides streaked with black ; winj^-bars fused into a large whitish
patch ; tail blotches large, on three pairs of retrices ; bill and feet black.
Female, in spring, somewhat similar, but lacks the distinctive head markings :
the under parts are paler and less streaked ; the tail spots small or obscure ;
the white on the wing less. Youni^, an insigni (leant looking bird, resembling
an overgrown Ruby-crowne.l Kinglet without its crest ; obscure greenish-olive
above, rump olive-yellow, under parts yellowish-white; breast and sides with
the streaks obscure or obsolete ; little or no white on wings, which are edged
with yellowish ; tail spots very small. Length, 5-5,^ ; wing, 2J ; tail, 2^

H.\B. r-!astern North America, north to Hudson's Bay Territory, west
to the Plains. Breeds from Northern Now Englanrl northward and also in
Jamaica ; winters in the West Indies.

Nest, fastened to the outermost twigs of a cedar bough al)out j feet
from the ground, composed of minute twigsof dried spruce, grasses and straw-
berry vines woven together with spider webs The rim is neatly formed and
the lining is entirely ot horse hair.

Elggs, creamy white; marked with lilac and reddish-brown

This rare and beautiful Warbler is peculiar to tl.e east, not
yet having been found west of the Mississippi. In the Eastern
States it is got occasionally, but is so rare that it is always
regarded as a prize, and the collector who recognizes in the woods
the orange ear-coverts and striped lireast of tliis species is not
likely soon to forget the tingling sensation which passes up to
his finger ends at the time.

I have altogether found six in Ontario, but the time of their
capture extended over a ggod manj^ years. The above descrip-
tion of the nest and eggs is condensed from an accoimt given by
Montague Chamberlain in "The Auk" for January, 1HS5, of the
finding of a nest on the northern boimdary of New Hnmswick
in the siunmer of 1882.

■!57

256.

BIRDS OF

SuBGKNUs DENDROICA Gray.
DENDROICA ESTIVA (Gmel.).
Yellow Warbler.

♦i52.

Golden-yellow ; back olive-yellow, frequently with obsolete brownish
streaks ; breast and sides streaked with orange-brown, which sometimes
tinges the crown ; wings and tail dusky, the latter marked with yellow
blotches; bill dark blue. Female and young paler; less or not streaked
below. Length, 5^; wing, 2'^; tail, 2J.

Hab. North America at large, south in winter to Central America and
Northern South America.

Nest, placed in the crotch of a small tree or bush ; composed of a variety
of soft, elastic materials, including wool, hair, moss, bark fibre and plant
down, closely felted together.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; grayish-white, spotted and blotched with different shades
of reddish-brown

This is, perhaps, the best known of all the Warbler family,
its nest being more frequently found in a lilac bush in the gar-
den than in any more retired situation. About the loth of May
it arrives from the south, and soon makes its presence known
by its sprightly notes, the males being in full song at the time
of their arrival.

It spends much of its time picking small caterpillars off the
foliage of the willows, and is a general favorite on account of its
sociable disposition and confiding manners. Unfortunately for
its domestic comfort, it is often reluctantly compelled to become
the foster parent of a young Cowbird, but it does not always
accept the situation. After the obnoxious egg has been deposited,
it has been known to raise the sides of the nest an inch higher,
build a second bottom over the top of the egg, and raise its
own brood above, leaving the Cowbird egg to rot in the
basement.

257.

DENDROICA CA':RULESCENS ( Gmkl.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.

(;54.

Male, in spring, above uniform slaty-blue, the perfucl continuity of which is
only interrupted, in very high plumages, by a few black dorsal streaks ; below
pure white ; the sides of the head to above the eyes, the chin, throat and whole

258

ONTARIO

ler,

Its

the

sides of the body continuously jet black ; wing-bars wanting (the coverts being
black, edged with h\\\e),bnt a lar^c tvhitf spot at the base a/ the primaries ;
quill feathers blackish, outwardly edged with bluish, the inner ones mostly
white on their inner webs ; tail with the ordinary white blotches, the central
feathers edged with bluish ; bill black ; feet dark. Young male, similar, but
the blue glossed with olivaceous, and the black interrupted and restricted.
Female entirely different ; dull olive-greenish with faint bluish shade, below
pale soiled yellowish ; recognizable by the white spot at the base of the
primaries, which, though it may be reduced to a mere speck, is always evident,
at least on pushing aside the primary coverts ; tail blotches small or obscure :
feet rather pale. Length, about 5 ; wing, 2^ ; tail, 2J.

Hab. Eastern North America to the Plains, breeding fron Northern New
Kngland and Northern New York northward, and in the Alleghanies to
Northern Georgia, West Indies in winter.

Nest, placed in the fork of a bush near the ground ; composed of grape-
vine bark and rootlets, lined with vegetable fibre and horse hair.

Eggs, 3 to 5, creamy-white with a few spot^ of reddish-brown toward the
larger end

During the spring migration this species is always fairly
represented, and some seasons it exceeds in numbers any other
group of the family to which it belongs. It arrives about the
loth of May, and continues common till the 25th, by which time
those boimd for the north have disappeared. I have heard of
individuals being seen in the woods in sunmier, and think it quite
likely that a few pairs breed in suitable places in the southern
part of the Province, but the majority unquestionably go farther
north. While here the favorite haimt of the species is in the
open woods, but it also visits the orchard, and is often seen
among the lilac bushes in search of its insect food. In the fall
it is in the woods during the greater part of September, after
which it disappears and is seen no more till the following spring.

ch is
slow
hole

258. DENDROICA CORONATA (Linn.). Gfift.
Myrtle Warbler.

Male, in spring, slaty-blue streaked with black ; breast and sides mostly
black ; throat and belly pure white, immaculate ; rump, central crown patch
and sides of breast sharply yellow, there being thus/o/o- definite yellow places,
sides of head black ; eyelids and superciliary line white ; ordinary white
wing-bars and tail-blotches ; bill and feet black ; male in winter and /Vwra//'

11^"

259

BIRDS 0|-

^i'-

: ■!

n

■f :

■ -.1

■ ■ -I

m I

in suiiimiir similar, but sl.itc color ll;^,s pure or (juite hrownisli Yoiinfr. quite
i)rovvn ;il)ov(;, ohscurciy strcalscd hclow I.ciif^tl), S^-Vi '■ w'lif,', 3; tail, 2^

Il\ii ICasti;rn Xortli Aiiu'rica cliicth, straL,',t,']inj; more or less com-
monly svi'Stwaril to the I'acilic, l)r(!e(ls from tli(! Xorllicrn I'liited States
nortliuard, and winters from the Middle Slates an<l the Ohio Valley south-
ward to the \V(,'st Indies and Central Amcrira

Nest, m a low tree or bush , compos('(l chiefly of liemlock twigs and
lined with ti-athers.

Ivygs, I, to 3 , while, marki.'il with browtii-,h-purple.

riic; lainiliar \'cllo\v Kniup is the fiist of tlu; laiiiilv to arrive
in sprin;/, often appearing earl\' in April, and for a time is ihv.
one most frt-qnentiy met with in tin,' woods, where it is observed
|);issing in loose flocks among the upper branches of the trees.

I')\' the middle of Ma\- lhe\- Iiave niosth disappeared, and
are not again se(;n in Southern Ontario till the end of September.
They linger late in th<' fall as if unwilling to leave, and many
probabh- do not go nmch btnond -)ur south(;rn boundary, though
none have been known to remain here over the vvinti:r. On
the Pacific coast this sj)ecies h.is been replaced by Dciulroica
A luiithoui !Au<hd)(jn's Warbler). These two s])ccics resemble
each other very clcjseK, the principh' diHerence being that in the
western species the ihrcjat isvt7/o?r, while in oursit is 7c7n'ff. Our
eastern s])ecies has fretpienth' been found on t\\v. Pacificcoast, but
in the east the western one has onl\' once been observed, the
record being of a spec;imen taken near C"aml)ridge, Mass., on
the 15th Nov , 1S76.

I

2.')9. I)ENDR0IC:A maculosa (Gmki..
Magnolia Warbler.

ti:)7.

Male, Ml spring', b.ack black, the leathers mort; or l(;ss skirted with fjlivc;
rump vcllow : cro'tvn clear <isli. bordered by Idack in front to the <;yes, behind
the eyi-'s l)\' a white stripe; forehead and sides of the head black, continuous
with that of the back, (Miclosin;^' the while under eyelid ; entire under parts
(excc]5t 7chite under tail-coverts) rich yellow, thickly sticaked across the breast
and alon^ the sides with black, the pectoral streaks crowded and cutting off
the definitely l)oun(ied immaculate yellow throat from the yellow of the
other under parts , wing-bars white, generally fustid into one patch ; t.ail
spots small, rcclaiiffular, at the middle of the tail and on all the feathers except

260

") u

ON r \U'ii)

the central piiir : l)ill lil.-icU , feet liinwn luniah , m spniiL;, (iiiitc siriiil.ir
black f)f hack rciliicivl t:i spots in tlir ^r.-ui^li-dlivc : asli of bead washed willi
olive ; other head markings obscure . black streaks below stnaller and fewer
V'o«;;^' (itiite different , upper [larls ashv-olive ; no In ad marking's whatever.

and strc'alss below wanting or eonrnied to a fi

iiies alon^' th(! sides.

I)nt ;dwa\s known by the _i'(7/e;,' runip, in ( (iiine( I ion with extensiveb' or coni-
pl(ttel\' ycll<}U' iiiiihr piirts {fxcv.pl white under tail-covertsi and small tail
sjxjts near th(Mniddl(M)f all the feathers except the central Small. 5 inches
or less . wiuj,'. ^A . tail, j

Hah r,,i-.lern .XfJith America 10 the l),isc ol the Kock\' Mountains,
breeding,' from Northern .New l-'.n.uland, .Noriliern New VorI< and Northern
MichiL;an to Hudson's liay Tmritory In winter, liahamas, Cuba and
('entrai .Xmerica

Nest, placed in a low spruce or lu'udock. a few feet abo\-e the f,'round
composed of twiL;s, rootlets and ^irass, and lined with horse hair

ICf,'gs, .j . dull white, marked with lilac and brown

Tins is l)\- iii;m\' cunsidcrcd tlic most ^•.■iil\- drcisscd of the
Warbler faiiiilv. In Soiitlicrn Ontario it is a mi^M^ant in s])rinf(
and fall and nsiialh' quite niinicrons. brom its rcinaininj.^ near
llamiltcjii till late in Ma\ and .ipiiearin^^ aJ^^•lin about the end of
.■\n<.,Mist, we ina\- infer that some of the nnmlxis whifh pass in
spriiif.^ l)r(u;d at ii) Ljie.tt di-itmei!. Mr. C. |. ^'olln^^ of the
Colle<.(iat<^ Institnte, Perth, mention-. ha\in;^f found a nest of this
species in his neii;hl)oihood on the i st July, ••'s-'s^. The de-
scription of tlie nest, its jjosition, and the four c^'^s it contained
corrc'spond exacth with that <,d\-eii liv others who have; seen
them elsewhere. So far as I ha\c oliser\fd this is not one of
the hi<,di fliers, l)ein.!.( seldom seen ainonj^^ the tree tops, hut
mostly m yoim^ woods, particularly e'vei<,M'ei;ns, where its colors
show to advanta;,^: against the haek-gioimd of dark foliage.

iii

^=|1

^5'i

2t;o. Di':NDR()l(:.\ ( .l KIMJ-:.\ i Wn.s.). CaS'.
Cerulean Warbler.

Male, in sjiring, azure-blue, with black str(;aks, below pure white, breast and
sifles with blue orblue-black streaks ; two white win^;-bars ; tail blotches small,
but f)ccupyinK every feather, except perhaps the central pair, bill black; feet
dark i'cmaU' and yoi. ■;,' with the blue strongl)nlossed with j^reenish, , and
the white soiled will; ycdiowish ; a yellowis 1 eye-rint4 and superciliary line
Length. 4-44

261

>^

HIKDS OF

Hah. l'"asturn Uiiitcil States jnul Southern Canad;i to the Plains. Rare
or casual east of Central Now York and the Allefthanies Cuba (rare) and
Central America in winter.

Nest, in the outer fork of a branch, 20 to 50 feet from the f,'round ; com-
posed of bark strips, grass and rootlets, and lined with fine grass and fibre ,
outside are many pieces of gray moss fristened with spider's silk.

Kggs, 4; creamy-white blotched with brown.

The Cerulean Warbler is, 1 think, a regular siirnnier resident
in Southern Ontar.o, hut is somewhat local in its distribution.
One spring I searched for it carefullj' near Hamilton without
seeing a single individual, while across the bay, foiu' miles off,
Mr. Dickson reported it as quite common, and breeding in the
woods near tlie Waterdown station of the Grand Trunk Railway.
Its home and haunts are among the upper branches of the trees,
and except on a blustering rainy day it is seldom seen among
the lower branches. Its song is almost identical with that ol
the Parula Warbler, but in that species it rises to a slightly
higher key at the close, while the Cerulean's ditty is imiform
throughout. The colors of the bird are ver}' pleasing when it
is seen in a good light, fluttering among the topmost twigs of a
beech or maple, the aziu'e-blue and silvery-white seeming like a
slired wafted from the drapery of the sky. Dr. Wheaton men-
tions the species as alnmdant in Ohio, but elsewhere it is con-
sidered rare.

t\ i

2(11. DENDROICA PENNSYLVANICA (Linn.). (i59.
Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Male, in spring, back streaked with black and pale yellow ( sometimes
ashy or whitish), whole crouni pure ycllozv, immediately bordered with white,
then enclosed in black ; sides of head and neck and whole under parts /iwrf
white, the former with an irregular black crescent before the eye, one horn
extending Ijackward over the eye to border the yellow crown and be dissipated
on the sides of the nape, the other reaching downward and backward to con-
nect with a chain of pure chestnut streaks that run the whole length of the
body, the under eyelid and jiuriculars being left white ; wing-bands generally
fused into one large patch, and like the edging of the inner secondaries, much
tinged with yellow; tail spots white as usual; bill blackish ; feet brown
Female, in spring, quite similar ; colors less pure ; black loral crescent obscure
or wanting; chestnut streaks thinner Fowwg-, above, including the crown.

262

ONTARIO

clear yellowish-green, pertectly uniform or back with slight duskv touches ,
no distinct head-markings ; l)elow entirely white from bill to tail, or else show-
ing a trace of chestnut streaks on the sides ; K'iuffhtiiids chai- yfUou\ as in the
adult ; this is a diagnostic feature, shared by no other species, taken in con-
nection with the continuously white under parts ; bill light colored belou
Length, 5-5}- ; wing, 2^ ; tail, z.

Hah I'"ast(.'rn United States and Southern Canada, west to the IMains,
breeding southward to Central Illinois .iml in the Appalachian Highlantls,
probably to Northern Georgia. Visits the Uahainas and Central America in
winter.

Nest, in the fork of a busli or sapling, 3 to IS feet from the ground ; com-
posed of bark strips and grass, and lined with plant down and hair.

Eggs, 4 to 5; creamy-white with re.ldisii-brown marking

A common summer residcmt, hroecliiif; in siiit;iltle places near
the city and tlirouf^hoiit the country, and raisin<.( two hrooils in
the season. It is very partial to briar patches, but sometimes
goes gleaninj^ for insects amonj; the Irciis, when the blendini; of
its varied plumage with the fresh spring foliage produces a very
pleasing effect. It arrives from tiie south abotit the loth of
May, and departs early in September.

much
prown.
Dscure
Irown,

2<)2. DENDROICA CASTANEA (Wils.). i\m.
Bay-breasted Warbler.

Male, in spring, back thickly streaked with black and grayish-olive ;/()>-<;-
head and sides of head black, i'nc!usi)i<r a lari^e deep chestnut patch; a duller
chestnut (exactly likea Blue-bir<rs breast) occupies the whole chin and throat,
and extends, r.iore or less interrupted, along the entire sides of tiie body ; rest
of under parts ochrey or buffy-whitish, a similar bnffy area behind the ears ;
wing-bars and tail-spots ordinary ; bill and fed bl.ickish. The fniKile, in spring
is more olivaceous than the male, with the markings less pronoimccMl, but
always shows evident chestnut coloration, and probably traces of it persist in
all «(/«/< birds in the fall. Tht: youus^. ho. sever, so closely resenible young
striata that it is sometimes impossible to diuinguish tliem with certainty
Castanea is, however, tinged with huffy or ochrey below, instead of the clear
pale yellowish of s/r/d^f; moreover, cv/i^i«f(i is usually not streaked on the
sides at all. Size of striata.

Hah Eastern North .Vinerica, north to Hudson's Bay. Breeds from
Northern New England and Northern Michigan northward ; winters in
Central America

f!

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BIRDS OF

Nest, in a hemlock tree, 15 or 20 feet from the j^round ; composed of larch
twigs and moss, woven together with spider silk, and lined with fibrous roots

Eggs, 4; bluish-green, thickly spotted with lihic and brown.

My observations of this species agree with what has been
pubHshed rei^arthng it b}' tliose who have observed it in the
Eastern States. I liave found it abundant in spring some years,
and in otliers rare or entirely wanting, while in the fall it is
always scarce, if it is seen at all. This has lead to the belief
that the species does not always follow the same line of migration
in spring, and that in the fall the return trip is made along a
line to the west of us, the few we see being only stragglers from
the main body. It is a late comer, being seldom seen till after
the middle of May ; and is less active in its movements than other
members of the familj'. It is seldom seen on the groimdornear
it, usually keeping among the upper branches of tlu; trees.

The only time I ever saw more tiian three or four together
was in the spring of 1885, when I observed a flock of fifty or
more feeding m a clump of willows overhanging an inlet of the.
bay.

2f«. DENDROICA STRIATA (Fokst.). ()6I.
Black-poll Warbler.

Male, in spring, upper parts thickly streaked with black and olivaceous-
ash ; 7vholc crown pure black ; head below the level of the eyes and whole under
parts white, the sides thickly marketl with black streaks crowding forward on
the sides of the neck to form two stripes that converge to meet at base of the
bill, cutting off the white of the cheeks from that of the throat ; wing-bars and
tail-blotches white; inner secondaries white edged; primaries usually edged
externally with olive; feet and other mandible flesh color or pale yellowish ;
upper mandible black. Female, in spring, upper parts, including the crown,
greenish-olive, both thickly and rather sharply black streaked; white of under
parts soiled anteriorly with very pale olivaceous-yellow, the streaks smaller
and not so crowded as in the male. Young closely resembling the adult
female, but a brighter and more greenish-olive above with fewer streaks, often
obsolete on the crown ; below more or less tinged with pale greenish-yellow,
the streaks very obscure, sometimes altogether wanting ; under tail-coverts
usually pure white ; a yellowish superciliary line ; wing-bars tinged with the
same color. Length, 5J-5J; wing, 2^-3 ; tail, 2-2J.

264

f)N lAKlO.

Hab. Eastern Nortli Ami'iic.i to the Rocky Mmintains, north to Ciroen-
Ian 1, the Barren Grounds ami Alaska, breeding from Northern New England
northward. South in winter to Northern South ATnerica.

Nest, in an evergrt;c*:\, S or lo feet froin tii ; ),'i'"'i»d ; built of larch twigs
woven to^i'iher with moss and grass, and linjl with line grass.

Eggs, 5 ; white, spotted with purple and reddi.sh-brown

The Black-poll is a regular visitor in Southern Ontario m
spring and fall. It is the last of the family to arrive from the
south, being seldom seen before tlu; joth of May. Its stay at this
time is of short duration, and when it goes the collector con-
siders the Warbler season is over. In the fall tliey are again seen
in increased miinbers, many being in the yoimg plumage, and
not in such haste to depart, althougl) none remain over the
winter.

The musical powers, if they have any, are not exercised in
this latitude, the birds while here being mostly silent. They
feed largely on winged insects, which are never plentiful till the
end of May, and this may account for the Black-polls being late
in arriving in spring.

•i«4. DENDROICA BLACKBURNI^:. (Gmel.). (;f!2.
Blackburnian Warbler.

Mule, in spring, back black, more or less interrupted with yellowish ,
crown black, with a central orange spot; a broad black stripe through the eye,
enclosing the orange under eyelid; rest of head, with whole throat, most bril-
liant orange or flame color; other under parts whitish, more or less tingcti
with yellow, and sides streaked with black ; wing-bars fused into a large white
patch ; tail blotches white, occupying nearly all the outer feathers; bill and
feet dark. Female and young male, upper parts olive and black, streaked ;
superciliary line and throat clear yellow, fading insensibly on the breast ; lower
eyelid yellow, confined in the dusky ear-patch; wing patch resolved into two
bars; tail blotches nearly as extensive as in the adult male, the outer feathers
showing white on the outer web.s at base. Length, 5| ; wing, 2§ ; tail, 2|.

Hab. Eastern North America to the Plains, breeding from the northern
and more elevated parts of the Eastern United States northward; in winter,
south to the Bahamas, Central America and Northern South America.

Nest, in an evergreen, 20 feet from the ground; built of twigs, grass and
moss, and lined with fine fibre, hair and feathers.

265

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BIRDS OF

This "flying gem," clad in black and orange of the richest
shade, is hy many regarded as the most gaily attired of all the
Warblers. It is a regular visitor in spring and fall, and though
not abundant is very generally distributed.

From its lingering late in spring and appearing early in
Sej)tember, it probably does not go much farther north to spend
the summer, but at that season it has not been observed in
Southern Ontario. One of the few errors made by Wilson was
his description of the young of the Blackburnian Warbler as a
different species, which he named the Hemlock Warbler. He
was for a time followed by other writers, till further observation
brought out the truth. Like most of its class this species crosses
the southern frontier during the early part of May, and is again
seen passing south in September.

ly

'Ill

2«5. DENDROICA VIRENS (Gmkl.). «<;7.
Black-throated Qraen Warbler.

Male, in spring, back and crown clear yellow-olive, forehead, superciliary
line, sides of head rich yellow (in very high plumage, middle of back with
dusky marks, and dusky or dark olive lines through eyes, auriculars, and even
bordering the crown) ; chin, throat and breast jet black, ]irolonged behind in
streaks on the sides ; other under parts white, usually yellow-tinged ; wings
and tail dusky, the former with two white bars and much white edging, the
latter with outer feathers nearly all white ; bill and feet blackish ; male in the
fall -Mid female in the spring similar, but black restricted, interrupted or veiled
with yellow ; _>'0M«i'- similar to the female, but the black more restricted or
wanting altogether, except afew streaks along the sides. Length, about 5 ;
wing, 2^ ; tail, 2J.

Hab. Eastern North America to the Plains, north to Hudson's Bay
Territory ; breeding from the Northern United States northward. In winter,
south to Cuba and Panama. Accidental in Greenland and Europe.

Nest, small, neat, compact, placed in a fork of a pine tree, near the end
of a branch, often 20 to 50 feet from the ground ; composed of twigs, strips of
vine bark and dried grass, and lined with vegetable fibre and horse hair.

ERgs. 3 to 4 ; creamy-white, marked with reddish-brown, mostly toward
the larger end.

The Black-throated Green Warbler is a regular visitor in
spring and fall. It appears a few days earlier in spring than

266

ONTAKH)

some others of its class, ami soon aiinouiices its arrival l)y tlu"
frcciueiit utterance of its cliaracterislic notes, whicii are readily
recognized when heard in the woods, but diffuult to translate
into our language. When the Warblers are on their migrator)
journey they use trees of all kinds as resting places, but while
seeking food this species evidently prefers the pines, anil
is most freipuMitly seen among thehighcr branches. In the fall
they are active as ever in their movements, but are mostly silent.
except in the utterance of a simple chirp to advise each other ol
their whereabouts.

2(iC. DENDKOICA VIGOKSIl (Auo.i. »i71.
Pine Warbler.

Uniform yellowish-olive above, yellow below, paler or white on belly and
under tail-cnverts, shaded and sometimes obsoletely streaked with tlarker on
the sides; superciliary line ye'low; winfi-ham 7i'liitv ; tail blotclu-s conjiiit-d tv
two outer pairs of feathers, large, oblique. Female and _)'o//«/^ similar, duller,
sometimes merely olive-Krnv above and soiled-whitish below. The varia
tions in precise shade are inter.iiinnble, but the species may always be known
by the lack of any special sharp markings wh.itever, except the superciliary
line, and by the combination of white winfj-bars with larfje oblique tail spot.s
confined to the two outer pairs of feathers. Length, 5J to nearly r> inches

Hab. Kastern United States to the Plains, north to Ontario and New
Brunswick, winteriuR in the South .Atlantic and (iulf States, and the iiahamas

Nest, in a pine tree, well up from the ground ; built of strips of bark, root-
lets and grass, and lined with plant down, hair and feathers.

F^ggs, usually 4 ; white, tinged with pink and spotted with reddish-biown

The Pine-creeping Warbler is not remarkable for either the
gaiety of dress or activity- of movement which distinguish most
of the others of its class. It is a large, quiet Warbler, yellowish-
green above and greenish-^-ellow below, and is most frequenti)'
observed creeping on the trimks or branches of the pine trees
searchmg for insects amon;^ the crevices of the bark. It does
not seem to be generally distributed, for Dr. Wheaton speaks
of it as being rare in Ohio, and Mr. Saunders has not met with
it near London, while at Hamilton it is rather a common species,
and raises its young near the city every season.

267

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I I

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F^IRDS OK

It arrives from ilic scuitli (juitc curl) in spriiif^, and for a
time is quiet, !>nl as the weatlicr .t^ct*-" .-armcr the male indulges
in a rather pleasant little song, reseiiibling that of the Chipping
Sparrow. In the fall thc\- disappear about the middle of
.September.

2G7. I)L:NDK()1(:.\ palm a rum (('.mki..|
Palm Warbler.

mi.

Adult mall', in spri'ii;, lic:nc.ith \(;llo\visli-\vhitc, tin,L,'eil with yellow, the
throat ;in(l cris^iiini deopcning in!o <;,'iriibo,!.;e ; sides of the ncxk. sides ami en-
tirr hrrast streaked with uiiiher-hrow.., tinL,'ed with rusty, the shafts of the
feathers d.irkiT ; a d'stinct s'lo Tcili.irv strip'; of clear vellow ; pikMitn uni-
form rich chestnut, darker iK^xt the bill, when divided medially by a short
rr,(\ indi.stinct streak .if yellow ; u[iper jiarts in ,G;eneral olive-;',r;iv, deepening
i'.io yellowish olive-.^reen on the upper tail-covi:rts ; t. ail -feat hers dusky,
ed^'ed externally with paleolive-ycllowish, the two outer pairs with their inner
webs broadly tipped with white ; wings dusky, the rimi^es edged like the
tail-feathers w-ith yellowish olivc;-','reen, both rows of coverts tipped with pale
gra)ish-l)uff, fcjrnun,,; nither distini't indications of two bands. Wing, 2.55:
tail, 2 30.

IIab. Northern in'erior to Cireat Slavi; Lake ; in winter and in migra-
tions, Mississipjii Valley and (iulf States, including Western and Southern
I'lorida and the West Indies. Casual in the .Atlantic States.

l''rom tlu? way in which western birds creep up into Ontario
around the west end of Lake luit I think it highly probable
that this specie's wdl be found here. 1 have noticed some indi-
viduals much brighter in the yellow than others, hut at present
tlie nimiber of specimens av;dl;i;)le for comparison is so small
that 1 cannot say positively that we have both species, and have
some doubts as to whether tlie recognized authorities have
acted wisely in makin,f the separation.

.?• I

DENDROICA PALMARUM H^ POCilRYSEA (Ridgw.).

268. Yellow Palm Warbler 672 a.

Adult male, in spring, entire lower parts ,ind a cijnspicuous superciliary
stripe bright yellow, entirely continuous and imiform beneath ; entire sides
marked with broad stieaks of deepchi^stnat, these most distinct on the sides

268

ONTARIO.

of the breast; auricular mixeil olive and cher,tuut (the Matter prevailing),
somewhat darker iniiiieiliatcly behind the eye ; lore with an indistinct duskv
streak; entire pileuin rich clustniit, becoming; darker nt^xt the bill when
divided inediall\' by a short and rather indistinct yellow streak; rest of llie
upper parts olive, tin!;;ed with brown on the back and brightening' into
yellowish olive-green on the rump an;l upper tail-coverts, the latter having
shaft streaks of reddish-chestnut ; t;ul-ff;ilhers dusky, edged externallv with
yellowish-olive, the inn(?r webs of the two outer l<'alhc:rs lircadK' tippeil with
white; wings duskv, all the feathers ed;;. d with ])ali' brownish-olive, this
elging rather widest on the ends of tlie mi Idle and greater coverts,
where, however, they do not fmin any indicatiuu of b.ands. Wing, 2.0^:
tail, 2.50.

Hah. Atlantic States nnitn to Mndson's ]ia\ . Dreeds from New l.iruns-
wick and Xov.a Scotia northward ; wint<'rs in thi' South .Atlantic and (iulf
States.

Nest, on the ground ; built of bark fibre, u;rass and moss, and lineil with
hair antl leathers.

Eggs, creamy-wliite, blotched with reddish-brown at tiie larger end.

As this iiitercs'iiii; bird is s;iicl lu be abundant in the
Eastern States as far west as the Plains, we should expect to
find it also i)lentiful in Ontario, but I have not so observed it
near Hamilton. Occasionalh', late in the fall or early in sj)rinj^,
it is seen runniu<; about on the i;roiind, by the ro.''dsides or in
bare weedy fields, but it is not at anvtiine abumlaii., and some-
times alto,'.jethei' absent. It is verv dilTerent, in many respects,
from the ccher me:iibers of tliegx ^up in which it has been placed;
its building its nest on the grounil and the jerky motions of its
tail suggesting relationship with the Tit Lark.

Some ten years ago, while e.xaiiiining a large series of sj)eci-
mens of this species in tlu' National Mus(Mim, Mr. Ridgway
observetl a w'ide difference in the inten,->ity ot the coh.riiig of
different individuals in the group. .An examination, as to the
localities from which they had been obtained, showed that the
highly colored individuals uere? from theeast of the .Mleghanies,
while those in plainer attire were all from farther west. A com-
parison of specimens in the possession nl diiieK.nt collectors in
these districts showed that the differences referred to were con-
stant, and apparently a Geographical race, which has led to
the variety we are now considering being described as a sub-

z6g

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BIRDS OF

species, under the name of Dendroica Pahnarnm Hypochrysea :
the original Dendroica Pahiiarus of Gmelin being supposed to be
the plain colored form observed in the west. I have described
both, so that collectors may satisfy themselves as to whether
we have here the eastern form, or the western, or both.

ir

Gknus SEIURUS Swainson.
2(!!). SEIURUS AUROCAPILLUS (Lin.n-.). ^74.

Oven Bird.

Crown orange-brown, bordered witli two black stripes, no superciliary
line. .\bove bright olive-green ; below pure white, thickly spotted with
dusky on breast and sides; a narrow maxiliary line of blackish ; under wing-
coverts tinged with yellow ; a white eye-ring ; legs flesh color Sexes alike :
young similar. Length, 5^-6J ; wing, 3; tail, 2§.

Hab. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay Territory and Alaska .
breeding from Kansas, the Ohio Valley and Virgmia northward. In winter,
Southern Florida, the West Indies and Central America.

Nest, on the ground, usually on a sloping hank, frequently roofed over
with an entrance at the side ; composed of twigs, leaves and moss, and lined
with fine grass and hair.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; creamy-white, spotted with reddish-brown

The Oven Bird, so called from its habit ^f building its nest
somew^hat in the form of an oven, is a summer resident in
Ontario, and is very generally distributed, being found in suit-
able })laccs all over the country, from the early part of May till
the beginning of September. To see it walking gingerly on the
ground, jerking its tail after the manner of the Tit Lark, conveys
tile impression of a very quiet, retiring, little bird, witJi clear,
handsome markings, but should it mou.it to one of the middle
branches of a tree it is astonishing to observe with what
emphasis and energy it delivers its notes. With a little help
from tlie imagination its song resembles the word teacher,
frequentlv repeated with increasing emphasis. This loud,
clear call may often lie heard in the moist woods during the
month of May, but ♦^he bird is said to have also another song
more soft and musical, wliirh may be reserved for special
occasions, for 1 have not met with any one who has heard it.

270

IP

ONTARIO.

270. SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS (Gmel.). 675.

Water-Thrush.

Kntire upper parts deep olivaceous-brown ; conspicuous superciliary line
yellowish; below white, more or less tinged with pale je//o?«';s/i, thickly and
sharply spotted with the color of the back, except on lower belly and crissum ;
feet dark. I.ength, 5^-6; wing, 2^ ; tail, 2J ; /;///, about ^.

Hab. Eastern United States to Illinois, and northward to Arctic America;
breeding from the Northern United States northward South in winter to
the West Indies and Northern South America.

Nest, on the ground ; built of leaves, moss and graLses, and lined with
fine grass and rootlets.

I'^ggs, 4 to 6; of crystalline whiteness, marked with reddish-brown.

This inhabitant of the moist woods and swampy thickets is
found in all suitable places throughout the coimtry, but it has
not the loud decided notes of the Oven Bird, and is therefore
less known though quite as abundant. It is terrestrial in its
habits, being often seen walking with careful steps by the edge
of the pools, or along wet logs, nervously jerking its tail, after
the manner of the Teeter Snipe.

In appearance it closely resembles the next species, with
which it has often been confoimded, but the distinction, once
clearly understood, is afterwards readily recognized. In the
present species the throat and breast are streaked from the bill
downwards, while in the next the throat is always unstreaked.

271. SEIURUS MOTACILLA (Vieill.). f;76.

Louisiana Water-Thrnsh.

Very similar to the last ; rather largei , averaging about 6, with the wing 3 ,
bill especially longer and stoi'ter, over J, and tarsus nearly i. Under parts
white, only faintly tinged, and chiefly on the fl-inks and crissum, with buffy-
yellow ; the streaks sparse, pale and not very sharp; throat, as well as belly
and crissum, unmarked ; legs pale

Hab. Eastern United States, north to Southern New England and Michi-
gan, west to the Plains. In winter. West Indies, Southern ?/Iexico and
Central America.

271

i';::ii

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m

BIRDS OF

Nest, on tht! f,'round ; cotnposed of twigs, moss and leaves, and lined with
fine f^rpss and the fur of some fjuadruped.

Eggs, 4 ; white, tinge 1 witli rose color and li.<,'htly marked with reddish-
brown.

Southern Ontario is perhaps the northern limit of this species,
and even there it is not generally distribute^, iviy first acquaint-
ance with it was early on a brif,dit May morning, a good many
years ago. I had gone out under the mountain, west of Hamilton,
and was crossing a deep ravine, which there cut througJi the
mountain \/all, when I heard fartlier up the glen the clear, rich,
liquid notes of a bird that was then entirely new to me. Follow-
ing, witli some difficulty, the course of the stream, which war
heard trickling beneath the moss-grown rocks in the bottom of
the ravine, I came, at length, in sight of lluMuusician. He was
on the prostrate trunk of a tree, which, years before, had fallen
and i)ridged over the chasm, but was now moss-grown and going
to decay, and on this carpeted platform he moved about with
mincing steps, often turning around with a jerk of the tail and
uttering his characteristic notes with such energy that, for a time,
the whole ravine seemed filled with the somid. I have seen the
species many times since then, but the recollection of our first
meeting has lingered long in my memory, and this particular
bird still occupies a prominent place in my collection.

The Large-billed, or Louisiana Water-Thrush as it is now
called, is by no means so common a bird in Ontario as the pre-
ceeding ; yet along the southern border of the Province, where-
ever there is a rocky ravine, its loud, clear notes are almost sure
to be heard in the spring, mingling with the sound of the falling
water. It arrives from the south early in May and leaves in
September.

Genus GEOTHLYPIS Cabanis.

Subgenus OPORORNLS Baird.

272. GEOTin^YPlS AGILI^ (Wii.s.|. 67H.

Connecticut Warbler.

Above olive-green, becoming ashy on the he id ; below, from the breast,
yellow olive-shaded on the side rhin, throat and breast grayish-ash; a

272

II
a
ir
ta

w
bl

5i

ta
er

wi

ONTARIO

whitish riiif,' round est;; winj^s and tail unmarke;!, f^lossed with olivi; ; under
mandible and feet prde ; no decided marking's anywhere. F^en^th, 3J : wing,
2j ; tail, 2.

Hab. Eastern North America, breeding rfh of the; Unitixl States.

Nest and eggs unknown

The Connecticut Warblt^r was discovored by Wilson, and
namcil by him after tlie State in whicli he found it. It is a
widely distributed species but is nowhere abundant, though it
seems to be more common in the west than in tlie eastern por-
tion of its habitat. It is of sin-, retiring habits, frequenting low,
swampy places and keeping near the groimd.

On one or two occasions I have nu^t with the adidts in
spring, and have seen them again in the fall accompanied with
their j-oung. In tlu ir haunts and habits they closely resemble
the Mourning Warbler, and in certain stages of plumage they
are also like each other in appearance, but the present species
can always be recognized by its wings, which are longer and
more pointed.

This species undotd)tedly breeds in Ontario, and as the nest
and eggs are still miknown to naturalists there is here a prize
which our Canatli'^n boys should try tc secure. I foimd the
young in August, and they certainly looked as if ibey had
not travelled far.

breast ,
tash ; a

^73. GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA (Wils.). (iTil.

MourniTig^ Warbler.

Bright olive, below clear yellow ; on the head the olive passes insensib!)
into ash : in high plumage the throat and breast are black, but are generally
ash showing black traces, the feathers being black, skirted with ash, produc-
ing a peculiar apjicarance suggestive of the birds wearing crape ; wings and
tail unmarked, glossed with olive ; under mandible and feet flesh color ; no
white about eyes. Young birds have little or no ashy on the head and no
black on the throat, thus nearly resembling the Opurornis agiits. Le/i(,th.
Sjsi ; wmg and tail, each about 2^.

Hab. Hasteri: North America to the Plains ; breeding from the moun-
tainous portions of Pennsylvania, New England and New York, and North-
ern Michigan northward. Central America and Northern South America in
winter

273

BIRDS OF

Mest, on or ne.ir the f,'n)iiii.l , buill ■>( leaves ami weed stalks, and lined
with fine black rootlets.

I^MaS, 3 ; " light flesh color uniformly speckle.! with line brown specks."

Very little is yet known of tlie nest and ej.^f,fs of tlie Mourn-
ing Warbler. The above description is given by John Burroughs
of a nest found by him in New York State, which is farther
south than these birds usually spend the suninier.

Some years since, when waiting for the train at: a way station
on the Kincardine branch of the G. T. R., I strolled into the
neighboring woods to pass the time. Sitting on a prostrate log
on the sunny side of a ravine, birds of man\- kinds fluttering about
me, a pair of Mourning Warblers soon attracted attention by the
ilispleasure and anxiety they manifested at being disturbed. I
changed my position, and the female moved cautiously toward
the place I had left. A few minutes more ami certainly 1
should have seen tlie nest, but the engine whistle soimded,
and being some distance from the station I had to leave.
Next day as the train slowly passed the place the male was
again observed singing on his former perch.

Any one who has given attention to the movements of the
birds for a number of years, must have been surprised at the per-
sistent regularity with which certain species appear at particu-
lar pi ires at a given time, especially in spring.

I'oi many years after I comiiienced collecting birds, I con-
sidere'> the Mourning Warbler only a straggler in this part of
Ontario, having met with it but on two occasions. More recently I
have carefully studied the topographical aspect of the neighbor-
hood with special reference to the habits of the bird . and have
calculated where certain species should be found at certain dates.
One result of this was, that on two visits made to a particular
place in May, 1885, K. C. Mcllwraith t)btained nine Mourning
Warblers in a /ery short time. In the spring of t8cS6 they were
again observed at the same place, but were not molested. The
name Mournin^r does not refer to the manners of the bird, for it
sings with much spirit and is quite lively in its movements, but
was suggested by the ashy tips to the black feathers of the
throat, resembling the effect produced by wearing crape.

2. '4

ONTARIO

274. GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS (Linn.). ()81.
Maryland Yellow-throat.

Male, in spring, olivi-'-gieen ratliur grayer anteriorly ; forehead and a
broad band tliroiigh the eye to the neck pure black, bordered above with
hoars -ash ; cliin, throat, jircast, under tail-coverts and edge of wing rich yel-
low, fading into whitish on the belly; wings and tail unmarked, glossed with
olive; bill black ; feet flesli colored Fanalc, in spring, without the definite
black and ash of the head ; the- crown generally brownish, the\ellow jiale and
restricted. '\'hv. youiit^ m general resemble the female, at anv rate lacking the
head markings of the male; but are sometimes biiffy-brownish below, some-
times almost clear yellow. Length, j,'l-^ ; wing and tail, lA-zJ-

H.\n. Eastern United States, mainly east of the Alleghanies, north to
Ontario anrl N'o\a Scotia, breeding from Georgia northward In winter,
South Atlantic and Gulf States, and the West Indies.

Nest, on the ground ; composed of leaves and grass, and lined with fine
withered grass.

Eggs, 4 to ft; white, thickly sprinkled with reddish-brown.

The Mar3land Yellow-throat is widely hut somewhat
irreffiilarh' distributed. I have heard its familiar notes on ihe
hanks of the St. Lawrence, near Quebec ; hj' the marsh)- ponds
between Gait and Paris I have found it breedinjf abimdantly :
but near Hami.!ton, where there are places equally suitable for
its simimer residence, so far as we can judge, it is only observed
as a casual migrant in spring and fall. It is a very livel) little
bird, and makes its summer haunts ring with its loud, clear
" whit-ti-tee" often repeated, which once heard is not soon for-
gotten by any one who has an ear for bird music. It arrives
during the first week in May, and disappears about th.e end of
August.

Genus ICTF2RIA Vieillot.

275. ICTERIA VIRENS (Linn.). <J8;{.

Yellow-breasted Chat.

Bright olive-green ; below golden-yellow, belly abruptly white ; lore black,
isolating the white under eyelid from a white superciliary line above and a
short maxillary linchelow ; wingsand tail unmarked, glossed with oiiv-e ; bill and
ff^t hhie-black, fnnnlc and ^cii/wj"- similar, colors less bright length, 7-7^,
wing, about ^ tail, about t,\

275

I!!,

m

I 1:1 i!

%

mivDs OF

Hab. Kastcrp United Statos to t'.' I'lains, iioith to Ontario and South-
ern New l''nj,'lan(l, south in winter to I'-.i'-itc'rn Mexico aivl (inatcniala.

Nest, in a thicket, m the iiprif,'lit forli of a sapling, 3 to () feet from the
ground ; composed of leaves, strijis of j; rape \iiie bark and grass, lined with
line witliered grass and rd)r('

ICggs, j to 4, very smooth, white, spiottetl ami blotclied with several shades
of reddish-brown.

I-5ii(l collecting is atU nded with all the excitement of other
speculations, the very iincertaint)' as to the amount of success
attainable t(MKlin;.,f to increast; the feeling'.

Lajin;,^ aside accidents by gmi, boat or bugg}', much time
and labor are sometimes expended with very slim results, while
on the other hand the prizes are often obtained quite unexpect-
edly. On the iGthof May, 1HS4, I went for a short excursion
to the woods, impressed with the feehng that i had lately spent
too much time collecting common species which I already had,
and that by a more careful inspection of the birds I came across
I should have a better chance of finding something new. I in-
spef^ed quite a number that afternoon, but came back witliout
a specimen of any kind, and as it began to rain I got home
tlioroughly ilamped, and unhitched my horse, firm in the belief
that the subject v/as unworthv tiie attention I was giving it.
Just then 1 noticed an olive-backed bird lying dead on the
ground close b\-, and on picking it up found it to be the decay-
ing body of a Yellow-breasted Chat, which had probably been
killed by flying against the telegraph wire which passed over
where it was found. It had evidently been there for two or
three days, and I must have passed close to it several times
daily. It was too far gone for preservation, so I had to console
myself with its being the first record of the species in Canada.
A week or so afterwards when visiting Mr. Dickson, who is
Station-master on the G. T. R. at Waterdown, he pointed out
to me an old, unused mill-race, grown up with briars and bram-
bles, where the day before he had seen a pair of Chats mated.
Mr. Dickson was collecting at tlie time, and was greatly sur-
prised at their suddenly appearing within ten feet of where he
was standing, but on liis moving backward, with a view of get-

276

ONTAKIO.

tingtoa safer shooting distance, they disappeared in the thicket
and did not again become visible, tliough they kept up tlieir
scolding as long as he rcinainod near tlu' place,

A pair of this spt.'cies was also found by Mr. Saunders breed-
ing on the north shore of Lake luie, near I'oint Pelee, which
completes the record for (Ontario so far as 1 have heard.

I.

Gknus sylvan I a Nuttai..

270. SYLVANL\ MITRATA (Gmki..). (5^4.

Hooded Warbler.

Clear yellow-olive ; bolow lich yclUtw sh.iJed .-ilunt,' the sides, whole head
and neck piiie black, enclosing a l)road ^ol Icn mask across forehead and
through eyes ; winj;s nnmarked, glossed with olive; tail with large white
blotches on the two outer pairs of feathers; hill black ; feet flesh col(jr.
Female, with no black on the head ; that of the crown replaced by olive, that
of the throat by yellow. Youiiff male, with the black nnich restricted and in-
terrupted, if not wholly wanting, as in the female. Length, 5-5.J ; wing, about
2J ; tail, about 2|.

H.MJ. l"astern United States, west to the Plains, north and east to
Michigan Southern New York and Southern New luigland. In winter, West
Indies, ICastern Mexico and Central America.

Nest, in a low bush or tree, a few feet from the ground ; built of leaves and
coar.se grasses, and lined with (ine grass and horse hair.

Eggs, 4 ; white, tinged with flesh color and marked with reddish-brown.

The Hooded Warbler is a southern species which rarely crosses
our southern Ixjnler. Mr. Norval reports finding it occasion-
ally at Port Rowan, on the north shore of Lake Lrie, and I once
found a young male near Hamilton. It was toward the end of
May, there had b^en a big bird-wave during the i)rcvious night.
and this one had apparently got carried away in the crowd.
It is a most expert fiy-catcher, very active on the wing, and has
the habit of flirting its tail after the manner of the Redstart.
Its favorite haunts are in tliick briary patches and among imder-
brush, where it finds food and shelter for itself and family.

There has been consider able discussion regarding the plum-
age oi the fcinale of this species, which has apparently subsided

277

'■1 1

1

i

1

BIRDS OF

into the l)elief that in mature adult birds the sexes are nearly
alike, hut that the feuiale is longer in acquiring the black of the
head and throat, and is sometimes found with it imperfectly
developed or entirely wanting.

■ i I.

SYLVANIA PUSILLA (Wils.). (JS.").
Wilson's Warbler.

Clear yellow-olivu , crown glossy bluo-black ; forehead, sides of head and
entire under parts clear yellow; wini^s and tail plain, glossed with olive;
upper mandible dark, under pale ; feet brown. Female and young simi\ar :
colors not so bright, the black cap obscure. Small; 43-5; wing, about 2j,
tail, about 2.

Hab. Eastern North .Vmerica, west to and including the Rocky Mount-
ains, north to Hudson's Bay Territory and Alaska. Breeds chiefly north of
the United States, migrating south to Mastern Mexico and Central America.

Nest, a hollow in the ground ; lined with fine grass and horse hair

Eggs, 5 ; dull white, freckled with rusty-brown and liliac.

Wilson's Fly-catcher passes through Southern Ontario on its
way to the north, in company with the Mourning Warblers and
other late migrants. Like some of the others it has certain
resting jilaces, where it appears regularly in limited numbers
every spring, but strangers unacquainted with its haunts might
ransack the country for miles without seeing a single specimen.
The greatest number go far north to spend the summer, but it
is probable that a few remain in intermediate districts, for Mr.
Geo. R. White found a pair nesting in his garden in Ottawa.
This is the only record of the kind I have for Ontario.

In " New England Bird Life, " part L, page 172, is an account
of a nest found l^y Mr. D. H. Minot on Pike's Peak, 11,000 feet
up, near timber line. The nest and eggs were as described
above.

!11

m

nil

278. SYLVANIA CANADENSIS (Linn.). 686.
Canadian Warbler.

Bluish-ash ; crown speckled with lanceolate black marks, crowded and
generally continuous on the forehead ; the latter divided lengthwise by a
slight yellow line : short superciliary line and edges of eyelids yellow ; lores

278

ONTARIO.

black, continuous with blaci< under the eye. and tliis passing as a chain ot
black streaks down the side of tlie neck, and prettily encircling the throat
like a necklace; exceptinj^ these streaks and the white undt-r tail-coverts the
entire under parts are clear yellow ; wings and tail unniarke 1 ; feet (lesh
color; in the female and young the black is obscure or miicii restricted, and
the back may be slightly glossed with olive Length, .ibmit 5^ ; wing, d\ .
tail, 2.i

H.\u. Eastern North .\merica, westward to the I'lains and nortii to
Newfoundland, Southern Labrador and Lake Winnipeg; south, in winter, to
Central America and Northern South .\inerica.

Nest, on the ground in a tusst)ck of grass or weeds ; composed of fibre,
rootlets, leaves and pine needles.

Eggs, 5; white, "beautifully in.irked with dots and small blotches of
blended-brown, purple and violet, varying in shades and tints and grouped in
a wreath around the larger end."

From the 15th to the 25th of May this species is verj' com-
mon in all suitable places in Southern Ontario. After the latter
date the numbers are much reduced, but a few remain to spend
the summer, while the bulk of the species goes farther north.
When here their manners resemble those of the Cireen Black
Cap, with which they are often found in company, and they
prefer briary tickets, through which they pass nimbly, picking
up their insect fare as they go. In the fall they are less fre-
quently seen, returning south, perhaps, by some other route.
They are first seen about the middle of May, and disappear
toward the end of August.

If

Genus SETOPHAGA Swainson.

279. SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA (Linn.). 687.

American Redstart.

Male, lustrous blue-black, belly and cris.sum white, sides of the breast,
large spot at bases of the remiges, and basal half of the tail-feathers (ex-
cept the middle pair) yi^A-j-oz-rtHn-r, belly often tinged with the same. Female,
olivaceous, ashier on the head, entirely white below, wings and tail blackish,
with the flame color of the male represented by yellow. Yuiing nuile like the
female, but browner, the yellow of an orange hue. From the circimistance
that many spring males are shot in the general plumage of the female, but
showing irregular isolated black patches, it is probable that the species
requires at least two years to gain its perfect plumage. Length, 5 J ; wing and
tail, about 2^.

279

<^y!o.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14SB0

(716) 872-4503

4.

iV

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HIHDS OF

Hab North America, north to Fort Simpson, west regularly to the
Great Hasin, casually Id th^- Pacific coast, brecdinj; from the middle portion
of the United Slates northward In winter, the VV<;st Indies, and from South-
ern Mexico throuRh Central America to Northern South America
f

Nest, in the fork of a s liilini; 6 to 20 fnut from the jjroun I ; composed of

grape vine bark, grasses and weeds, anil lined with fine grass, horse hair or
plant down

Mggs, 4 to 5 ; grayish-white, dotted with brown, lavender and purple.

The Kedst.'irt is one of the most active and restless httle birds
found in the bush, where its fjlawinjj j^arb of black and orange
shines to great ail vantage among the fresh green leaves. It is
generally distributed throughout Ontario, and from its manners
and markings is well known to all who give any attention to the
binls. In spring it arrives from the loth to the 15th of May, the
first to appt;ar being the adult male in full costume, after which
come the females and young males in plumage nearly alike.
While here they are nut higher fliers, but like to disport them-
selves among the middle and lower branches of deciduous trees,
from which they dart oil in pursuit of passing insects, making
the clickmg o[ the bill distinctly heard.

The male is so decided in his markings that he is not likely
to be mistaken for any other species. The female is plainer,
but has i'.e habit of opening and closing the tail feathers, which
serves, even at a distance, to indicate the species to which she
belongs.

After the end of August they are seldom seen.

Family MOTACILLIDyE. Wagtails.

Genus ANTHUS Bechstein.

Subgenus ANTHUS.

280. ANTHUS PP:NSILVANICUS(L\th.). «!>7.

Anerlean Pipit.

Points of wings formed by the four outer primaries, the fifth being
abruptly shorter Mind claw nearly straight, nearly or quite equal to its digit.
Above dark brown with a slight olive shade, most of the feathers with dusky
centres ; eyelids, superciliary line and under parts pale bufly or ochrey-brown,

380

ONTAklO

variable in shade, breast and si.los of neck .and !)oiiy tliickly strc'nl«!(l wiili
dusky ; winj-s and tail blackish, inner secondaries pale edj^ed ; one or more
outer tail feathers wholly or partly whid- l.eiij^th. abnut (>.J : winR, 3^ ; tail,

Hah. North America at lar^'c; breudinK in the hi);iit,r partsol the I<ock\
Mountains and subarctic districts ; and wintering in the (julf States, Mexico
and Central Ann rica Accidental in l.nrope

Nest, a cavity in the ^-roiind ; lin<sl thickly with ciarso dry j:rass

E^gs, 4 to 3 ; dark chocolate, with spots and .'.treaks of bl.u k

In spriiij; and fall Idosc straj^'j^Miii}; flocks of I'lpits arc soni
on the commons, cilluM" scavcliiiit,' for footl on the {.jround or in
sliort staf^i's woikinj; their way to tluir l)rieclin^' ^jroiuuis in the
far not til, thoii^li how they ever f^et there is a wonder to any
one wlio notices their weak and vaciilatinf^ flif^ht.

In spring tliey pass alon!:^ very quickly, hut in ihr lall they
are seen in flocks 1)\ the shoK^sof muddy ponds or creeks, or in
moist nieadows in the open country, nervously jeikiii;; (h(ir tails
after the maniu'r of the \\"al(>r-'I'hriishes. Their onl\ Udti while
liere is a weak, timid "ciifcp"' uttered v.hile on the wini;.

On the 20th of July, 1S71. Mr. Allen found Nounj; hirds of
this species, scarcely' able to fly, on Mount Lincoln, I'ark
County, Colorado, among the snow fields above timber line.

Dr. Cones fotmd them breeding abundantly on th(> coast of
Labrador, and noticed tiieir habit of resorting to the sea shore
at low tiile, there to ramble about in company witli thr Sand-
pipers in search of food.

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Family TROGLODYTID/K. Wkkns, Thrashkrs, etc

SUUFAMILV MIMIX/i;. TlIKASUKKS.

Genus MIMUS Hoie.

281. MIMUS POL^(.F. OTTOS (Linn.). 7o;{.

Mockinicbird.

Wings considerably shorter than t.'iil ; above ashy-gray, l)clow whitish,
wings and tail blackish, the foiniir with two whili win^-bars and large white
spot at basi- of jiriniaries, latter with i to 3 outer feathers more or less white
length, g-io; wing, about 4 ; tail, about 5

z8i

[iP

HIKDS OI-

Had, Unitt!il Staters, sdiiiIi into Mexico h'art; from New Jersey, the
Valli'v of tlic Oliio, Coloraiio and ( alifoinia ncrthwanl.

Nesi, ill liiislies and low trees ; cotnposetl of twigs, leaves, grass, etc., put
toRfther in a slovi'iily manner.

Kr^js, .) to <i . blnisli j;r(;rn, heavily marked witli several shades of brown.

Amoiifi birds, as amoiiL; iiicii, iiicliviiliials dilFcr greatly
in natural ability, sonio briiiL,^ niiicli iiiuic liif^^hly cntlowr-.l
than otlic! .■; and llirir j^ifts arc also as varied. Sonic, repres(>ntinf,'
till! ai"chil(.'cts of the couiinunitN', excel in Imildinfj; their homes,
which liavo not only all the necessary rcfiuirements for the
comfort and safety ol the inni.ites, bnt exhibit a skill and taste
in their construction, and in the selection and arranj^enient of
the inateiials, which never fail to excite our admiration. One
of the most complete nests which come under our observation
is that built by the Summer Yellowdiird. It is oft(>n plac(,'d in
the fork ofa lilac bush near our houses, and is not only Inxnrionsly
conifortai)lc, but it is so well put tof;ethcr that it stands the
blasts of winter and is in j^ood shape in the following spring,
though the birds do not use it a second season, but are seen
tugging jiieces out of the f)ld to help to build tlie new. yXnother
interesting specimen of bird architecture is tli(> curious, pensile,
pursedike nest of the naltimme ( )rioI(!, which is (juitc a familiar
object as it is seen swaying at the end of a slender twig of a
drooping dm, while in the solitudes of a cedar swamp the
Winter \Vr(-n provides a wonderfully cosy home forher numerous
family in the centre of a ball tif grcien moss.

Others may be n-gardiul as the poets, the musicians of the
featlu'ied tribes, and it would be a curious study for us to try to find
out whether those who cannot sing enjoy the singing of those
who can. To human ears tiu" mehnh' of many of the birds is as
pleasing jierhaps as it is to their own species, and in this re-
spect there is none more fascinating than the Mockingbiril,
whose rapturous music excites admiration wherever it is heard.

One of America's most gifted poets, who evidently knew and
appreciateil tlu; musical powers of tiie bird, thus describes it in
words well wo-.thy of the subject. The scene is on the lower
Mississippi, a bantl of exiles is descending the river on a still
evening in the early summer.

283

DNTAKIO

'Softlv thi; t^vcnin^j came, Tlu' iiii froni tlu> western lioii/cn

Lik

o a ina'ician cxti ik

le.l h

IS f^Diilcr

1 wand o'er the landscajw

Then from a nciiilihcuinn tliickct. the M(itkini.'l)iri!. wiMcst of siriRers.
Swiiij^ini,' alf)ft (Hi a willow s; ia\ ll:ai huiij; o'er the water.
Shook from his little tliroat siicli floods ol delicious music.
That the wliole air and the woo, Is and the waves seemi-d silent to listen
Plaintive at I'lrst wen; the tones and sad ; tlien soaiinK to madness
Seemixl they to follow or fjnide tlie n \el of frenzied IJacchanles,
Single notes were then licard in sorrowful, low Inmentation ,
Till, havinji ^;athered them all, he fliini; theni ahroad in <U;rision,
As when after a storm, a jjust of wind thronj,di tin,' tnie tops
Shakes ilown the rattling rain in a crystal shower nn tln' lir.iaclies "

In tlic Soutliciii States the MdckiiiiLjMnl is ,'i roiist.nit resi-
dent, OccasionalK a pair come (artlier north and spend the simi-
iner. hut as soon as the yoiinf,' an- aMe for llu' jor.ine\ tht.'V
airiin retiri; to the south, in the " Birds of Lon^' Ishmd," Mr.
Giraiid mentions it as an occasional summei resident llieie, and
sjM-aks of a pair havin{,( sjient a siunmer near the beach at li},'g
Harbor. "The mah-," he sa\ s, " liei ;ime thepetof the icsidents,
to whom it also seemed much attached, and, as if in return
for the attention they paid to his wants, lie poured hithhis
cliarmin;^ me!od\', which on calm, bright ni.L;hls, blending' with
the subdued voice of tlu; (jce.in, niuUred the scene < lu hantiiif;
beyond tiie powers of description."

In Ontario the Mnckinfjjjiird is best known as a ca^r bird,
numbers beinf,' occasionally broii^dit from the south in capti\ ity.
and when exposed for sale are readiiv beuj^ht i;p b\' those who
are fond of featliered jK^ts. b'.ven in coiifint nient it set n^s to
retain all its natural power and enerf,;y .is ;i sontrster, and b( iu},'
of a sociable, familiar disj^osition, soon f,'ets attai bed to those
who are in the habit of alteiuliii},,' to its wants. .\iih u^ .\nieri-
can birtls it has been justly styled the " I'rince of Musicians."
Indeed, with the e\cej)tion of the r>iiti,sh Skvdark, whose },Mand
soarin},^ fli',(ht adds greatlv to tlie erieet of its musit . I know of
no bird in any country possessed of such ;i wonderful coinp.iss
of voice. Often while exercising its powers of mimicrx, it will
give so correct an imitation of tlie notes of other l)ird« that the
most retiring species will come from their haunts expecting to

283

I

BIRDS OF

meet their males, wIkmi suddenly they will be (hiven in fear
to the thicket l>\' as correct an imitation of tlu; harsh scream of
till' Hawk.

The followin}^ incident t^ives me the privile^^e of claiminj;
the species for Ontario, a pair Iiiviiil: spent the snmiiK^r of
18H3 near I l.niiilton.

I lad anyone, ae']uaintetl witli this neighborhood and vvith the
habits of the bird. b(;en askeil to suf,'t(est wIuti- it would most
likely be found, he woidd certainh' havi' said ICast Hamilton,
and it was there that Mr. ICaslwood lirst observed the male,
early in the season, in one of the Irafv lanes b(>tween
his residence and th(! nic untain. Mr. I-Iastwood was in
the habit of taking; cxiMcise on horseback in the early
mornim,', and seldom passed the place where.- the bird
was first reco^^ni/ed without ai,'ain seeiiif,' him on the dead
branch of a low tree which he had chosen as his perch. As the
season atlvanced these fre(]uent visits j^rc'w into somethin;,' like
personal friendship, for llic bird evidently recof ,ii/edhis visitor,
and if absent at fust would readily respond to a call, and mount-
ing; his usual perch would answer in his own ehxpient stvle.
! le also c.iiif^ht up many of the local sounds of tli'" neiLjhborlKHxl,
the crowin;,' of tlu; rooster, the cackling of the fowls, and the
notes of other birds were imitated with wonderfid correctness,
but sweetest of all were his own rich, fidl tones, which ^'ave a
new charm I0 that favortnl locality. Only once durinjj the
season was a •^limps(> oblaineil of the female, who was evideiitlv
cnf^at,'ed in domestic duties, thouf;li, with the view of making the
pair feel as much at home as possible, the nest was not souj^dit lor.

it was hoped that this pair or some of their family would
return the followin<; season to visit their okl frienils in Ontario,
but if they did they have not been observed, and this so far as
I am aware is the only instance of the species being observed in
Ontario.

•84

ONTARIO

iiUl
|io,

as
in

("iKNUs (.AIJCOSCOI'TI-S Camanis.
28J. GALliOSCOI'TES CAKOLINICNSIS (Linn.). Ti»I.

Catbird.

VVitiKS hut little shortiT tli.ia tail , >laik .^l.ito lolor, suinewliat lighter

liclow . crown of head an. I tail black
Length, S to y; wiiiK. vi' . tail, .\

mil

lor tail-rovorts ilark chestnut

II\n. Kast:;rn Unitcl Stat<'s aivl liritish rrovinctjs, west to and ii

ini- the Hockv Mnuiitai

n.-> , occasional on

U'IikI
till' raciCic coast Winters in the
Southern Statt;s. l^uha aiiil MiiMle Aiiiciiia to I'anania Accidental in

pe
Nest.

{X)sed

t, in a shruhhery or tliicki-t. a few fci-t abnvi the ground , com
of twigs, leaves, bark, rootlets, bits of tvvine or rags

EgRs, 4 to 5 , <l;irk bluish-green.

A very conmion siiniiiu>r rcsiclciit in SoiitluMii Ontario; and
in tin- Northwest it is said l)y I'loi. Macoun to be connnon
wlierevei there are bushes. This is a liiitl well entitled to our
protection, but, tnilortiinately, it is the subject ol an i^nor.mt
prejutlice, which leads to its beinj; persecuted especi.illy b\- Imys,
who would throw a stone at.i Catbird with iniieh tiie same feel-
ing that they would at a cat. Perhaps one of his most f.imiliar
notes may have orii,'inated the prejudice, but outside of tliis, it
shouUl be reniembeKxi that he ranks hi-^di asa s.<n.uster, coining
next in that respect to the Mockingbird .md tlie Thrasher.
He is one of tlve first to begin in llie mortiing. ami deliver^ his
message with so innch sprightliness .iiid vivacitx that we are
always pleased to hear him.

In the garden he is our best friend, destroying an innumerable
quantity of injurious insects, but we seldom think when enj<)\ing
our luxurious croj) of cherries or rasj)berries that we are largely
indebted fcjr such results t(» the much despiseil Catbird.

Genus IIARPORH VNCHUS CMiANis.

SuuGKNUs M1:THK1()1'T1:KIIS Rkichknuach.

28a. HARFORIIVXCIinS Rri'US (LiNN.i. 70.-..

Brown Thrasher.

Above reddish-brown , below white, witii more or less tawny tin^c; breast
an 1 sides spotted with dark brown ; throat and belly unspotted ; bill black
above, yellow below; feet pale ; ins yellow Lcnuth, n ; wing, 4 ; tail, 5 to 6

285

Jill

2-i!

m

Uab I'astcrn tJnifc-.'il Slatos, wrst fo tin- I<( clvV Mountains, north to
SoulliiTM Maine. Ontario .nd Manitoba, soiitli to tlic Ciiilf Statt-s, includinK
I'.astern Texas .Vcridi-ntal in l'.iirn]M

N'l'st, most friii'.K iitly plact-d in llir loik of a small ircf in a thicket, \ to
fi feet from th<; ^ronnd. sometimes liiniier, occasionally on tin- j;roiind ; inm-
pos(vl of twins, nrass, leaves and rootlets, lined with bark fibre and similar
substances

KkKS. 4 to 5; Rreenish-white, lliicklv spotted with lijiht reddisli-brown

The Hiown Tlirasln 1 is not sd al»iin(l;int as thr Catl'irH,
neither is it so (•f)iifi(iinf^ or familiar in its habits, seldom cominfj
near otir (l\v(>llinj,'s. It (leli!j;lils in the tan^'Ied, hriarv thicket,
in the depths of which it (hsappears as soon as it is awue of
he!n^ observed. Near I laniilton it is a common summer resident,
ajipearinix re;;iilarly a!u>ut the loth of Mav- At lirst they art-
seen stealinjjj (jnietlv thrtMij^h the nnderbrtish. or scratcliin*,'
atnonfj the withered l<\'i\('s like the Towhees, b'lt once arrived at
their bree(hn<^ place, the male i • heard from the topmost twig
of an isolated tree, pourinj,' f(M"th, morninij and evenin};, his
unrivalled strains of nnisic, which are heard long ere the per-
former can be seen.

So far as I have observed, the Thrasher is sonu what local in
its distribution, there being certain sections of countrv of con-
siderable extent, where, without apparent cause, it is entirely
wanting. About the end of September they all retire to the
south.

■2H

MinFAMii.Y TROf.IXMlYTIN F. Wkkns.

Genu.. TKOGLODYTICS V;Hn.i.oT.

Subgenus TROC.LODYTKS.

THOGL(U)YTi:S AI-.DON (Vim.!..). 721.

HouMe Wren.

Above brown, brighter behind; below nisty-brown or grayish-brown t)r
even grayish-white, every when; waved \\ it ii a darker sha<le, very plairdy on
wings, tail, flanks and under tail "overfs, bnasi apt to be darker than either
throat or belly I.engMi, .\l , winiis and t.iil, about 2.

Hab. Kastern United States and Southern Canada, west to Indiana
and Louisiana

a36

ONTARIO

Nest, in a hole or cnn'ico, the noi^'lihorhotHl of a dwelling preferred
compose. I of Iwi^s, leaves. |i;iir, fi:r.tliers, etc.

I-'giis, 7 to f) , white, very thickly spotletl with rei Id isli -brown

III the tliiiily scllkul pails of llic country where this Wren
has been observed, it breeds m any eoiivenient hoU' or crevice
in a tree or Iciue post li\ the ro;

dsid

e, and on account ol this

habit, and an iniaj^inary superiority in point ol si/e, those found
in such phices were; described as a separate species, and na.ned
bv Aiithibon tlic Wood Wren. The iiuhviihials procured in town

and coinitrv biiii^ subseciueii

tly l(

)Uiui to be

iihnt

ical

tl

us uaiuc

has for soiik; years been allowed to dii.j), and the birds having
taken kindh to the society of man are marly all furnished with
houses, or fiiuhnj^ other suitable nestin;^ places near our dwellin^^s
are liviuj,' almost ilonu'sticated. Thev are spri},ditl\', acti\e, little
birds, and do iJ^ood service by the destruction of insects, which
they find on the trees in the orchard or ai)out the otithouscs.
Heinj; possessed ol all the sc()ldin<( jnopensities peculiar to the
family, tlu'\- resent with f^reat spirit an\ intrusion in the nei^jh-
borhood of their dwellin;:;. Their {greatest enemy in tiiis respect
at present is the House Sparmw, who does not hesitate to eject
the Wniis when their pninises appear to suit his purpose.
This habit may in time drive the Wrens back to their original
mode of life in the woods.

SuiJGF.NUs ANOKTHL'RA Kknni!-.

285. TRUGLODYTKS HllCMALIS (Vikii.u). 7l'l'.

Winter Wreu.

Deep browp above, <larkest on the head, brij^htest on t)ie rump an.l tail,
obscurely waved with dusky and sciiuetiincs with whitish also ; tail like ninip ,
winj^s dusky, edt;i;d with color of back, and dark barred ; several out('r prim-
aries also whitish barred ; a superciliary line and obscure stre;iks on sides of
head and neck wliitish. liulow pale brown , belly, flanks and uniLr tailcoverts
strongly barred witii duskv. l.eni^ih, aijout 4 : wing, 2 or k .s : tail, i,Jorless

Hah. I^astern North .Vnu-rica i,'('nerally, breeding from the northern
parts of the United States northward, ami wintering from about its southern
breeding limit southward

287

IUkDS OF

Nest, a ball fif Kncn moss, warmly linnl with feathers . entrance by a hole

le.

at one sidi

KfjijH, 5 to (> . white, sprcklod with re Idish-brmvn

III S'liilluirn Oiitaiio tin- Winter Wren is most frrqiicntly
sfi-n diiriii;,' llic periods of nii>,'rali()n, Imt a few pairs remain ami
raise tiieir yoiinj,' in MiilaMe places throii<,M»()iil the country.
'I'licie is a wet tcdai swamp in West I'Mamboro' made imi)ene-
tralde l)y fallen timi»er, moss-^Towii and K<'i"f^ 1" decay. In the
stillness and i^loom of that iininviliiiL,' rij^ion I have listened to
the soil},' of the Wintci Wicii in the nii-nth (-f June, and have
tIioii},dit it one I if the most pleasinj; specimens of hird music we
ar<' privile^'eil to hear. Tim^ed it may he \*ith melancholy, but
there is a hoixfiil sprii^htliness about it which sei-nis toriseal)ove
the {^loom of the sui loiiulin;;;, and point to the brijfhter world
ontsiile. I h.ive not heard of the species beiiif^ observeil dminf^
winter, but ihcy airi\e from the soiuh early in Ajjril and linger
qnitelate in the f.ill. 1 )iirinjj the latter season they are frecjuently
seen in the city <,Mrdens, appearing; and disaj^pearing like mice
arotmd the roots of the bushes. In my bo\ ish davs I was

f.'imil

lar with the liannts ami lionics ot the common

.f th

W

ren,

tl

le

trui'lodvUs viili/dfis of Britain, on the •' banks and braes o' bonnie

I)

oon,

and inlieve it is identical in every respect with the

present species.

GiiNUs CISTOTIIORUS Cauanis.
Subgenus CISTOTIIORUS.
2S6. CISTOTIIORUS STICLLARIS (Light.).
Short-billed Marsh Wren

T2i.

Dark brown above, crown an^l middle of the back blackish, nearly
everywhere conspicuously slnnkcd with while ; below buffy-white, shading
into pale brown on llu.' sides and behind , win^js anil tail barred with blackish
and light brown; flanks barrel with dusky, throat and middle of belly
whitish. Length, .\S . win;; and tail, about i.J ; bill, not .J lonj; and very
slender . tarsus, middle toe and claw, together ij.

Hab Kaslern United States ;ind Southern Dritish Provinces, west to
the Flams Winters in the Gulf States anil southward

a88

1>NTAH10

Nest, similar to that nf tlie l.on); hilled •.(tecies. ))iii snmeiimes phiced
near the ^ronnil . no iinul iimvI in tin- stniclun;

I*'KK9. 6 •<> f^ pure \vhit»', unspotted

Never h.iviiif^ IripiMiicd to meet with the Shott-hillcil Marsli
WicM ill any of my excursions, I consiilcr it to l>e either locally
<iistril)iite(l or less alxindaiU than the I.oii<;-l)ilIed sp«!cies, which
is coiutnon m all the marshes in Sonthern Ontario.

Throu^^'hotit Nt)rthern New ICnj^'land the Short-billed species
is a coni'uon summer resident, and Mr. Seton speaks of it as
hein}^ " abundant all over" in \Vest(Tn Manitoba. It is prob-
able therefore that it is a summer n;sident in Ontario, but so
few people follow these little birds into their marshy hnimts
that, at present, their history here is somewhat obscnre. Mr.
Saunders says it is found in the m.irshes aloiifj the River St,
Clair, and he has a set of e^'j^s which w(>re taken in a marsh
near Toronto. .\s the number of rolU ctors increase we shall,
no doubt, learn more al)out these retiring little birds.

Subgenus TELMATODVTF.S C.khasis.

•JH7. CISTOTIIORUS PALU.^TKIS (Wiis.i. 725.

Lonf(-liilled Marsh Wren.

Dark brown above, crown iuul miildleof the back hh\c\<\^h, lutirly fvcrytvJu'rf
conspicuously streaked willt u>hilc; below buffy-wliite, shading into p.ile brown
on the sides anil behind, wini^s and tail barred with blackish and li>;ht brown ,
flanks barreil with dusky , throat and middle of belly whitish Lenj^th, 4J .
wing and tail, about ij ; bill, not ^ lon(4 and very slender; tarsus, middle toe
and claw, together ij

Hab. Southern British America and the United States south in winter
to Guatemala

Nest, a large globular mass of coarse grass and rushes loosely hiced
together, sometimes plastered with mud and fastened to the reeds ; warmly
lined with fine soft grass, entranci' bv a hole in one sifle

Kggs, () to 10; variable in shade, but usually so thickh spotteti with
chocolate-brown as to appear imiformly of that color

A common summer resident found in suitable places throuj^h-
out Ontario. Near Hamilton it breeds in all the inlets around

289

UII<|)S Ol

tlic hay, and it is srcii fr.nii tlic l»L-;,'iiininj,' ot May nil tin* fn<l of
August, iliiiiltiii>(, lioppii)}; ami swaying itsdl' to and lio amont^
the ri'cds ill all conci'ivaMf poslurrs. In tlu- spring it appears
to he eoiitiniially under j^reat nervous excitetuenl, .vliicii it works
oir in nest huildinf{, often lonstriutini^ two or three when only
one is recpiired. So lar;4e a niinihei of nests, when ohserveil,
^^ives till' impression that the hitds hreed in eolonies, !)nt I have
not noticed tliis to he the case. All the nests 1 have seen have
heeii so plated that tliey ccMiUI only he reacheil hy wading or in a
lioat, and sontetiines they were among the reeds on a (piaking
hog wheitr approach was impossihle.

Their mode of migration is a mystery. We are accustomed
to sa\ that they retire to the south j'arly in SeptemhtM, hut how
do they travel.' l)ti they rise in flocks hki' Sw.dlows and go ofl
di'iing the night, or do the) make the long jounuy from tin-
Saskat'diewan, where they were seen hy Kichardson, south U)
Guatemala, flitting singly or in pairs from hiuh to hush ? In
either case it is strange that they are seklom, if ever, seen except
in the marshy tracts where they spend the simimer.

Kamii.v CICRTIIIin/K. Cri-ki'Krs.

Gk.nus CEKTHIA Linn.i:us.

CERTHIA lAMILIAKIS AMI:KI( ANA (Honah.i.

S88 Brown Creeper. 786.

I'hiniui^i; alwvo sinful. irly b.iiivtl wiiii ilusky, wliilish, t;iwny or fulvous-
brown and bri};lit brown — I.-itter chiefly on tlu; rnnip . Inflow white, either
pure or soiled, and generally !>rownish washed behind; win^s dusky, oddly
varied with tawny or whitisli bars ami spots; tail plain, about si ; wirg and
tail, about 2'^

Hab. North .\merica in general . breeding from the northern and more
elevated parts of the United States northward, migrating southward in winter

Nest, nearly always in a crevice where the bark is partially separated
from the trunk of a tree

liggs, 5 to 8 ; dull white, spotted with reddish-brown.

This singular little hird is seen in Southern Ontario at nearly
all 'reasons, hut it is most ahundant during the period of migra-

290

ll

ONTARIO

lion. About the i'n<l of April ami hc^iiminn of May it l><'
conns (Hiitc roinmoii in tin- womls, an<l is sfcn (littinj,' likr a
j;rfat moth from tri'c to tree, or wiiidiii'^ its spiral wav upward
on a trunk, nticrni;^ Us siiiipU' note so dcst riptivc of the motion,
creep, creep, creep. In summer a pair may !«' scrn occasion-
ally in njorc favored spots, i-vidt-ntly ni-stinf^, hut at that season
they arc tpiito rare, h'arly in Septcmhrr they aj^ain become
nuujerous, m company with oth'-r mi^'iants who arc travelling
soiithwaid, and in the depth <>f wnitcr I have o('( .isioiiallv seen
them mixed up with a small hand composed of Chick. idees.
Downy Woodpeckers. Nuthatches and (ioldcn Crown Kinglets.
These birds s«'«'iii t<> find pleasure in each (Other's society, when
they sperul the short, sharp days of winter in sonic shelter«.'d
patch of cver>,'recns.

I''aMII.V I'AKII)/K. Nl'THATClIF.S ANP TiTS
SUUFAMIl.V SITTIN/E. NUTIIATCUKS.

CiF.Ni's SITTA I>iNN/i:its.
2H9. SITTA C AKOI.INKNSIS iLatm.)
White-breasted Nuthatch.

7J7.

Mark, rump and middle I. lil-feathtTs asliy-blue , crown and najx- ^Iobsv
black, restricted cr wanting; in the ycnnK and many fcni;des; tail, exre|)t as
above, black, spotted with white, iH.-neatli and sides of head wliit»\ (lanksand
tinder tail-coverts rusty-brown ; winRs \arie 1, bl.ick, blue and wliiti- l.ciijjth,
t), y.\n\i, jj , tail, i

Haii Sonthem Uritish I'rovinccs ami l.astcrn United States to the
Rocky Mountains

Nest, a hole in a tree, sonietinies a natural cavity, or aKain dn^ by tin-
birds with urcat labor: lined with hair and feathers

Eggs, 4 to 6; white, spotted thicklv with reddish-brown

This is one of the few birds which remain with us summer
and winter. It is qi:it<' a connnon species, well known to all

vho I

lave occasion to he in tlie woods in sprinfj, wlien it is

seen climbint,' nimbly about, or hanf^inj,j head downwards on the
bark of a tree. In the winter time the country lads who are
choj)piiit,' in the bush, listen with pleasure to its familiar quatik,

291

HIRDS OF

qiKink, which is often the only eviilence of animal life observed.
As a cliinher it has few equals, its lon;^ hind claw enabling it to
travel head downwards, a feat which the Woodpeckers do not
attempt. Its food consists chiefly of insects, which it finds
lurkinff in the crevices of the bark. It is also said to hide away
nuts and acorns in the holes of trees, a habit which may at first
have sujfgested its name.

290. SITTA CANADENSIS (Linn.). 728.
Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Above dark ashy-blue, tail as in caroliiinisis ; he\o\v rusty -brown: wings
plain; crown anrl nape f;lossy black, bordered by white sufjerciliary line; a
black line from bill throui,'h and wideninR beyond the eye.

Hab. North America at lar^e, breeding mostly north of the United
States, migrating south in winter

Nest, in a hole in a stub, about S inches deep, warmly lined with
down and feathers

Eggs, said to Ix- similar to those of the White-bellied Nuthatch, but rather
less in size.

As compared with the White-bellied Nuthatch, this is more
migratorv in its hal)its, being seen in Southern Ontario only in
spring and fall, and is not at any time numerous. I have been
accustomed to think that those we get in the fall with the red-
breast were in full plumage, but recent observers state that
when in mature dress the lower parts are dirty white.
Slightly shaded with i>rown on the sides, and that only
young birds have the lower parts uniform rusty-brown.
While here they are very active, showing a decided partiality
for the upper parts of pine trees, where they, no doubt, find
something to suit their taste. The note resembles that of the
White-bellied species, but is softer, weaker and more frequently
repeated. It arrives during the first week of May, and is lost
sight of again in September.

292

ONTARIO

Subfamily FARING. Titmice.
Genus PARUS Linnm-us.
Subgenus PARUS Linn/eus.
" 2!n. PARUS ATRICAPILLUS (Linn.). 7:}5.

Chickadee

Above brownish-ash ; crown and n.ipc, chin and throat lilack ; beneath
white, brownish on sides; vvini,' and tail-feathers more or less whitish edged.
Length, 5 : wing and tail, 2^

Hab. l-astern North America, north of the Potomac and Ohio Valleys.

Nest, a hole appropriated or dug by the birds in a dead tree or stump,
not usually very high up ; lined with hair, grass, moss, wool, feathers, etc.

Eggs, 6 to S ; white, speckled and spotted with reddish-brown, chiefly
toward the larger end.

In Southern Ontario tlie Chickaciee is one of our most
familiar resident birds. During the breeding season it retires
to the woods, but at other times it is seen in little troops visiting
the shade trees and orchards in the city, searching tiie crevices
for insects, and uttering its familiar chickadee, dec, dec, so well
known to all the boys. It has also another note, or rather two
notes, one quite high which drops suddenly to one much lower,
soft and prolonged, and probably both convey a meaning to
the ears for which they are intended. During the severity of
winter they are most frequently seen in tamarack swamps,
where they, no doubt, find both food and shelter.

^».,

292. PARUS HUDSONICUS (Forst.).
Hudsonian Chickadee.

740.

Crown, nape and upper prut:; m-nerally i !i\ir linir brown or ashy-brown,
with a slight shade of olive, the coloration (jiiite the same on back and crown,
and continuous, not being separated by any whitish nuchal interval ; throat
quite black, in restricted area, not extending backward on sides of neck, sep-
arated from the brown crown by silkv white on side ot the head, this white
not reaching back of the auriculars to the sides of the nape ; sides, flanks and
under tail-coverts washed with clull chesinut or rusty-brown ; other under
parts whitish , (]uills and tail-feathers lead color, as in other Titmice, scarcely
or slightly edged with whitish ; little or no concealed white on the rump
bill black ; feet dark Size of P atricapillus or rather less

293

BIRDS OF

Hab. Northern North America, from the more elevated parts of the
Northern United States (Northern New England, Northern New York.
Northern Michigan, etc.,) northward

The home of the Hiidsonian Tit, as its name implies, is in
the Hudson's Bay coimtry. It is also comn on in Labrador, and
I have seen it on the banks of the Lower St. Lawrence, travel-
ling in little troops from tree to tree, much after the manner of
our familiar Chickadee. I; is truly a northern species, but as
it has been foimd in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hamp-
shire, I think it will yet be ffxmd in the districts of I'arry Sound
and Muskoka. At present, the only record I have of its pre-
sence in Ontario is that piven by Mr. W, L. Scott, in "The
Auk" for April, 1H84, pap^s 157, where he mentions having seen
one quite near the cit\' of Ottawa, on the 31st October. In the
same article it is said to be a rare winter visitor to that
district.

Family SYLVIID,4i. Warblkrs, Kinglkts, Gnatcatchers.

Subfamily REGULIN.(4{. Kinglets.

Genus KEGULUS Cuvier.

29^. REGULUS SATRAPA (Light.). 748.

Golden-crowned Kinglet.

General color as in calendula. Crown bordered in front and on
sides by black, inclosing a yellow and flame-colored patch (in the male :
in the/cnialc tin? scarlet is wanting) ; extreme forehead and line over the eye
whitish. Youn/r, if ever without traces of black on the head, may be told
from the next species by smaller size and the presence of a tiny bristly feather
overlying the nostril ; this wanting in calendula. Size of calendula.

Hah North America generally, breeding in the northern and elevated
parts of the United States and northward, migrating south in winter to
Guatemala

Nest, in appearance resembling a ball of moss, it is open at the top, the
cavity \varmly lined with feathers ; fastened to the outer twig of a branch
6 to 8 feet from the ground.

Eggs, 10, ground color white, with numerous shell marks of purplish-
slate and a few superficial markings of deep buff, making the whole appear
of a cream color

294

ONTARIO.

An abundant winter resident, appealing in November and
remaining till April. During the severe weather in Feb-
ruary and March, when tiie mercury is near zero, it is really
surprising to see these tiny, feathered creatures, full (jf anima-
tion, flitting about among the evergreens, uttering their cheerful
notes of encouragement to their companions, and digging out
their ir>sect food from the crevices of the bark. On these
occasions they are usually accompanied by Chickadees,
Downy Woodpeckers and White-bellied Nuthatches, making
a merry company nowise discouraged by the severity of the
weather.

The Gold-crest is known to breed in Northern New England,
a nest containing young having been found by Mr. H. D. Minot
in a forest of evergreens and birches on the White Mountains of
New Hampshire, on the iGtii of July, 1876. I once met with a
pair, evidently mated, who were located in a swamp in West
Flamboro' about the end of June. I did not persevere in seek-
ing the nest, though I felt sure it was close at hand. That is
the only time I liave seen the species here in summer.

■ft

11

,151.

;i4

2m. REGULUS CALliNDULA (Linn.).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

749.

Above greenisli-olive, below whitish, wings and tail dusky, etlged with
greenish or yellowish; wing-coverts whitish tipped : crown with a rich scarlet
patch in both sexes (but wanting in both the first year), no black about head ;
bill and feet black. Length, 4-4^; wing, 2^-2^^ ; tail ij-ij.

Hab. North America, south to Guatemala, north to the Arctic coast,
breeding mostly north of the United States.

Nest, large for the size of the bird, a mass of matted hair, grass, moss
and feathers, placed on the bough of a tree

Eggs, unknown.

In Southern Ontario the Ruby-crown is a regular migrant in
spring and fall, but in summer or winter it has not been observed.

During the latter part of August and beginning of Septem-
ber, these little birds are exceedingly abundant, although from
their small size and the weak, lisping note tiny utter at this

295

BIRDS OF

season, their numbers can be estimated onlj- by close observa-
tion. I was once caught in the rain in the woods in the month
of April, and took shelter in a clump of evergreens, which I
found was in possession of a flock of Ruby-crowns. When the
clouds passed away and a light breeze shook the sparkling drops
from the foliage, I was delighted to hear some of the Kinglets
indulge in a song of cousitlerable compass and duration. It was
more full, soft and musical than anything I have ever heardfrom
so small a bird. At that season their sta}- is short ; sometimes
they are seen only during two or three days, but in the fall the}
travel more leisurely. Their breeding ground is far north.
The only description I have seen of a nest is that of one found
in Colorado. It was placed on the bough of a spruce about 15
feet from the ground, and contained five young birds and one egg.

Subfamily FOLIOPTILIN/^i^. Gnatcatchers.

Genus POLIOPTILA Sclater.

2!>.5. POLIOPTILA C.^RULKA (Linn.). 7")].

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

Above ashy-blue, bluer on the head, lighter on the rump , forehead and
line over eye black, wanting in the female ; rin;,' around the eye and under parts
whitish ; outer tail-feather, except at base, two-thirds the second and tip of
third white, rest of tail black. Length, ^ J ; wing, 2 ; tail, 2^

Hab. Middle and southern portions of the United States, from the
Atlantic to the Pacific, south in winter to Guatemala, Cuba and the Bahamas ,
rare north toward the Great Lakes, Southern New York and Southern New-
England, straggling north to Massachusetts and Maine.

Nest, a model of bird architecture, compact-walled and contracted at the
brim, elegantly stuccoed with lichens fixed to slender twigs at a height vary-
ing from 10 to 50 or Oo feet from the ground.

Kggs, 4 to 5: white, speckled with reddish, umber-brown and lilac.

The Gnatcn*^cher is, I believe, a regular summer resident in
Southern Ontario, tliough apparently locally distributed and
not very abundant. There is one particular patch of bush
where I usually see this species every spring, but elsewhere I have
not observed it. Mr. Dickson finds it regidarly at Waterdown,

296

ONTAKH)

and Mr. Saunders reports it as not very rare nrar London, ll
keeps mostly to the tops of tall trees, and niif;lit readdy be ovcr-
lool ed h\ any one not acquainted with its habits.

In the breedinf^ season it is said to have a pleasing song,
and it shows considerable spirit ui driving off intruders from the
neighborhood of its nest.

/I

Kamii.y TUKI)11)/1'2. TiiKusiiKS, Soi itaikks, Stonkciiais,

I-5lui:iuuds, f.tc.

SuBi-AMii.v TUKDIN/K. TiiKusnr:s.

Genus TURDUS Linn.i us.

Subgenus IIYLOCICIILA I'>aikd.

2!)»j TURDUS MUSTELINUS (Gmei..). 755.

Wood Thrush

Above bright tawny, shading into olive on rump and tail ; boncath whitt-,
eve^y\^ lure except thu at and belly, with large distinct spots of diisky ; bill
dusky above, yellowish below; legs flesh-colored Length, ylj^ inches: wing,
4; tail. 3.

Hab. F!astern United States to the Plains, north to Southern Michigan.
Ontario and Massachusetts, south in winter to Guatemala and Cuba

Nest, in a sapling or low tree, seldom more than 20 feet from the ground ,
composed of twigs, leaves, grass, rootlets and moss, cemented together with
clay.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; deep greenish-blue.

The Wood Thrush is a shy, retiring songster, little knovji
except to those who are fond of ranil)ling in the woods in spring
time. The favorite resort of the species is in moist beech
woods, where the clear, flute-like notes of the male m.i\ be
heard in the early morning, and also toward sunset, during the
months of May and June. Were the song of the Wood Thrush
continuous, the bird woidd take the highest rank anu ng the
songsters of the grove. Its tones are loud and fril of

liquid tendc

lerness
us is a matter of regret

but they suddenly break off short, which to

297

H.KDS Of"

l'2arly in May they arrive from the south, anil are soon
generally distributed over Southern Ontario ; but they arc ionie-
what fastidious in their choice of a suninier residence, and are
absent from many clumps of bush where we should expect to
find them. They avoid the dwellin},'s of man, and seem most at
home in the retirement of the woods, where they raise their
young. During Sejjtember they all move off to the south.

21>7.

TURDUS FUSCESCENS (Stki'h.).
Wilson's Thrush.

7o«i.

Above uniform tawny ; below white olive sliadeii on sides and strong ful-
vous tint on breast ; breast and sides of neck with small dusky spots. Length,
about 7 ; wing, 4; tail, 3,

Hah. Eastern United States to the I'lains, north to Manitoba, Ontario,
Anticosti and Newfoundland.

Nest, on or near the (ground; composed of grass, leaves and rootlets,
rather loosely put together.

Kggs, 4 to 5; greenish-blue, unspotted.

With the exception of the Robin, the Veery is the most
niunerous of the Thrashes which visit Southern Ontario. It
arrives here during the first week in May, and for a few days is
quite common in the woods everywhere. Many soon pass on
farther north to breed, but some remain and locate themselves
among the undergrowth in moist imcleared places, where they
spend the summer. On their first arrival they remain for a few
days quietly in the woods, but as soon as nesting begins the
clear, loud veery is heard at all hours of the day. The song has
a sharp metallic ring, and at first is pleasant to listen to, but
when heard in some favored locality, where several nales are
answering each other, it becomes monotonous through fre-
quent repetition. It is rather a tender bird, and is one of the
first to move off in the fall. The yoimg are able to shift for
themselves in August, and by the end of September all are gone.

298.

757.

TURDUS ALICIA (Baird.).

Gray-cheeked Thrush.

Similar to the preceding, but without any buffy tint about head, nor
yellowish ring around eye ; averaging a trifle larger, with longer, slenderer
bill.

298

ONTARIO

Hab. Eastern North America, west to the I'lains and Alaska, north to
the Arctic coast, south in winter to Costa Rica Breeds chiefly north of the
United States.

Nest and eggs, similar to those of the Olive-backed Thrush

It is still a qu'.'stion witli many Ornithologists wlicther this
shoiiltl be separated from the Olive-bark, or re<,'ai(letl as only a
variety of that species. The (Committee of the A. O. U. has
decided to separate it as above, and I quite aj^ree with tlie
decision, for the few I have found could be identified at once by
the description. When seen in the woods it resend)Ies the
Olive-liack so closely that, till well ac(iiianited with its .ippear-
ance, it is difificidt to tell tlu^ one tVom the other. On this
account we cannot with certainty sa\- which is the moreninnir-
ous ; but so far as I can jiidjjje, the proportion of the Gray-
cheeked species which pass this wav is not more than one to
two of the other. Dr. Cones rej^artls it as the northern form of
the Olive-back, and sn{:(pjests that this difference in the breeding
range produces the change in size and color, which are regarded
as specific distinctions. Like all the other Thrushes it most
likely is musical at home, but here it comes and goes in silence.

21)9. TURDUS USTL'LATUS SWAINSOMI (( ah.i.

Olive-backed Thnuh.

raSa.

Above unifor.n greenish-olive ; below whiti-. olive sh;uk\l on sides , sides
of head, throat, neck and breast strongly tinjjed with buff; breast ami throat
thickly marked with large dusky olive spots. Length, about 7 ; wing, 33 : tail, ^

H.\B. Kastern North America and westward to the Upper Columbiji
River and Mast Humboldt Mountains, stragglingto the Pacific coast Breeds
mostly north of the linited States

Nest, in a tree or bush, 6 or S feet from the ground ; composeii of rootlets,
leaves and moss

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; greenish-blue, freckled with browp

In Southern Ontario tii ' Olive-backeil Thrush is a regular
visitor during the season of migration, appearing in small
companies about the loth of Ma\, and remaining till about the
25th of the same month, after which none are seen till they return
in the fall. While here they fretpient low, moist woods, and

2yy

HIKDS OF

spend much (jf tlu'ir time on tlic {^Momul, wIkmc tlieir food at
this season is cvidcnily obtained. When at lionic, near their
nest, the niale is said to have a vei)- pleasinj; son<;, which he
takes deli<;lit in repeatinj^, but wliile here they have only a low,
soft call-note, easily recognized in the woods, but difficult to
describe.

The return trip begins toward the ( lul of SejJtendier, and
continues for about three weeks. At this time the I)irils move
leisurely, and as they fare sumptiously on differ'-nt sorts of
wild berries they get to be in excellent condition, both as regards
flesh and p'umagc;. We occasionally fall in with individuals of
this species much below theaverage size, and with the lower parts
more deeply suffused with buff. Dr.VVheaton has also observed
these little fellows, and suggc>sts that they may be a local,
southern-bred race. Tiu; distribution of this species during the
breeding season is not yet clearly defined, but in Southern Ontario
none have been observed except in spring and fall.

;i(l(l. TURDUS AONALASCHK.^^: PALLASII (Cau.). 75!) b.

Fermit Thruah.

\bove oliv'\ shawling int.' rufous on rump and tail ; below white, olive
siiad'; 1 on sid'^s , sides of head, eyelids, neck .ind breast strongly tin^jed with
buT; throat and bro.ist niarke 1 with large dusky-olive spots. Length, about
7i : wing, 3i : tail, ^.

H.vB Eastern Nortli America; breeding from the Korihern United
States northward, and wintering from the Northern States southward.

Nest, on the ground, sometimes slightly above it; composed of weeds,
leaves, rootlets and grass.

Eggs, 4 to 5 ; greeni.sh-blue, without spots.

The Hermit Thrush is a regular visitor in spring and fall,
arriving a few days before the Olive-back, and making but a
short sta}', although it probably does not go sc far north to
breed as the latter species. Referring to the tiermit, the follow-
ing occurs in the " List of Birds of Western Ontario :"
*' Found common in full song in a large swamp, June 22nd,
1882. No nest found, although it was undoubtedly breeding.
None observed in summer in any other locality."

300

ONTARIO

At hoinr, the liahits of tlie IhTinit arc in keeping with its
iiatno. Ainotifj; tlie dense.' shrnhhery in some retired spot it
builds its n(>st and raises its young; there too it pours forth its
sweet song on the "(lesirt air," where very few have heen priv-
ileged to hear it. During tlie seasons of migration the liirds
come more mto the open coinitry, but they are at all times shy
and fond of concealment. On these occasions they have onl\' a
simple call note, apparently used to t( II their companions wliere
tliev are.

Gi-Ms MKKL'I.A Lkacm.

•{(M. MKRULA MKiRATOKIA (Linn.). 7(il.

American Robin

Above cl.'irk olive-fjray, blackisli on lu;ad ami tail, helnw rccklish-brovvn,
thfDat, vent and under tail-coverts white, thn^U with black streaks; outer
piir of tail-fi; ithtirs whito lippjd ; bill dusky above, yellow below ; feet dark ,
very younf{ birds spotted above and below, Lenj.;th. <).J inches ; winf(, ^^ .
tail. 4l

Hab. Eastern North ,\merica to the Rockv Mountains, includin!? East
em Mexico and Alaska Breeds from near the southern border (?f the United
State; northward to the .Xrctic coast ; winters from Southern Canada and
the Northern States (irregularly) southward.

Nest, in a tree, fre pi<;ntly an apple tree in an orchard ; large and rough
looking; composed of twigs, grass and weeds cemented together with mud ,
lined with fine grass.

Eggs, 4 to .5 ; plain greenishd)lue, without spots.

The Robin is well known and widely distributed throughout
Ontario. In the south it is most abundant during the period of
migration, but great nimibers breed all over the Province, and
along the southern border it is no imcommon thing to meet with
individuals spending the w inter in sheltered hollows, from which
they are ready to start out ami hail the first indications of return-
ing spring. .\s theseason advances, northern bound individuals
of this species arrive from the south and pass on with little
delay, but those which are satisfied to remain at once become
engaged in the great business of the season, viz., raising their
young. The males are the first to arrive, and are occasionally

301

ill

HiKDs or

heard rehearsing their sumiiicr song, heing evidently somewhat
out of practice. In a few clays the females make tiieir appear-
ance and receive every attention.

The site for the nest is soon selected, and both hirds work
diligently till the structure is completed. The fust set of eggs
is layed in April, and during the tedious days of incubation the
male often mounts his perch to cheer his faithful mate with
what to her may seem delightful strains of music. On human
ears the song does not fall as a first-class performance, but it
is given with great earnestness and liberality, and is greeted
with welcome as the jirelude to the grand cijncert of bird music
which is soon to be lu^ard in the woods and fields all over the
country. At this season the food of the Robin consists chiefly
of worms and various insects. It is a finee.\hibiti(Mi of l)ird life
to seehim, early ii? the dewy morning, hop damtly over the newly
cut grass to where an earth worm is exposing himself near the
surface. With his head on one side the bird watches every
wriggle of the worni with intense interest ; if it is well clear of
the ground it is seized, and with a jerk throw-n clear of its hole,
but if only a part of the worm is exposed the course is diflerent ;
it is seized quickl)' and held firmly while it struggles hard to get
into its hole. Robin knows that now a sudden jerk will part the
animal and give him only a portion, but he knows how much
strain the material will bear, and so he holds on till the exhausted
worm relaxes its hold, is tossed out and pounded till fit for use.

As the season advances a second and even a /// ird brood of young
may be raised. The birds acquire a fondness for fruit, and now
come the charges against them of robbing the cherry tree. No
doubt they do take a few for themselves and families, but after
all they are entitled to some consideration on account of the
numbers of noxious insects which tiieydestrf)y in the garden, and
for my own part I would sacrifice a good many cherries rather
than not have the Robins around the house.

Those which travel to the far north have a different experi-
ence. Dr. Richardson tells us that " The male is one of the
loudest and most assidious songsters which frequent the Fur
Countries, beginning his chant immediately on his arrival.

302

ONTAHU)

Within the Arctic circle tlic woods are silent iliirin<; the hrifiht
Iif,'ht of nooiKhiy, but towards inidni^^lit when the sun travels
near tiic horizon, and the shades of the forest are lengthened,
the concert coinniences, and continues till 6 or 7 in the tnorning.
Nests have hcHMi found as hif,di as the 54th parallel of latitude
ahont the hej^inninj,' of June. The snow even tlien partially
covers the j^round, hut there are in tiiese hi<jh latitudes abund-
ance of berries o{ vdccitiiiiiii ii!^liffiiiflsnt)i and vi!<s idea, arbutus
alpina, ciupctsnin iiigritiii, and of some 'her plants, which, after
havin}^ been frozen up all winter, are exposed by the first melt-
ing of the snow, full of juice and in hi},di flavor, thus forming a
natural cache for the supply of tlu" birds on their arrival, soon
after which their insect food beconu's abundant."

In Southern Ontario lar^^e numbers are seen conp^refrating
together feeding on the berries of the mountain ash, poke weed,
red cedar, etc. If the weather is mild they remain till Novem-
ber, but usually we have a cold blast from the north in October,
which hustles them all off to their winter quarters in the south.

(jRNUS SIALIA SWAINSON.

'M2, SIALIA SIALIS (Linn.). 7<5H.

Bluebird

Male, uniform sky-blue above, reddish-brown below, lx;lly white Female,
duller. Young, spotted.

Hab Eastern United States to the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains,
north to Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia, south in winter from the
Middle States to the Gulf States and ('uba. Bermudas resident.

Nest, in natural or artificial holes in trees, stubs or posts, or in bird
boxes; composed of miscell,?.nu()us material, loosely put together

Eggs, 4 to C) ; pale blue, immarked

In former years the Bluebirds were among our most abundant
and familiar birds, raising their young near o.ir dwellings, and
returning year after year to occupy the bo?.es put up for their
accommodation. Since the advent of the English Sparrow, they
have been gradually decreasing in numbers, and are now seldom
seen near their old haunts, from which they have been driven by

303

MIHDS OF ONTARIO

that piif,'iiaci(jus tramp, passer domcst'uus. 'V\\v.\ arc still com-
mon tl)rc)ii;,'li<)iit the country, \vlu;rctlu'varet'vcry\vliir(' wilcoiiuul
as early liarl)iii^,'('rs of sprin;^', aii(' in tlic fall tlu-y linj^cr till late
in October, as if loth to depart. This species was a special
favorite with Wilson, on account of which it is often spoken of
as Wilson's Hluel)ir(l, io(listinf,'uish it from the Inilij^o bird, and
oneor two other species to which the name is sometimes applied.

That enthusiastic lover of birds has made it tlu; subject <}f
one of his pleasin^j poetical elTusions. in wliich he faithfully
descril>es many of its habits, amon-^st others its early arrival in
sprin;^'and reluctant departur(? in thefall. With a short extract
from this production I will say good-bye, for the present, to the
'♦ Birds of Ontario."

" When all tho ^ay scenes of tlur summor are o'er.
And autumn slow enters so silent .ind r.allow,
Anfl millions of warblers which charniod iis hiifore
Have lied in the train of the sun-seekiu;^ S^vallow.
The Bluebird forsaken, yet true to its home,
Still lins''rs and looks for a milder to-morrow.
Till forced by the [ri^;orsj of winter to roam,
It sings its adieu in a lone note of sorrow."

^•^

l>

Wm

GLOSSARY

OK riiCIINK Al. THKMS USi:i) IN THl' PKIU KPINC

DHSCKll'TlONS.

MEASUREMKNTS.

l.i;N(iTH Distanti' iHitwetM) the tip of tht." bill and tlu- (^iid of th<' lon>.'fsi

tail fi'atht-r.
I'lXTlCN'l' Distance between the tips ol tin- oiilsprtad win^s
I-KNOTH < )!' WINfl Distance from the carpal angle formed at the bf-nd

of the uiiiK '<> the end of the loiiKL-st primary
l.i;NC;rH Ol" tail Distance fn.iu the root- of the tail-ftaiherr. to the

end of the lon>;est one.
l.lA'tiTIF Ol" I II, I,. I'rom th(! tip of the upper inandihlr in the poitii

when; ii meets the feathers of tht; forehead.
I.KNCiTH Ol" T.XRSUS Distance from tiic point where the tar-,iis joins

tlie leK al)o\c to till! point where it joins tiic middle toe below
LKMCITII Ob" 'I'OblS Distance from the point last indicated alon^ the top

to the root of the claw
M'-NGTH Ol" CLAWS. Distance in a straiKht lm» from the point Insi

indicated to the tip of the claw

if

1

ALU'.KRANT. Deviatinji from ordinary character

ACUMlNATlv Taperin),' graihially to a point

\LHINISM State of whiteness— complete or partial arisint; from dedci

ency or entire lack of pi^jment in the sUin and its appendaj^es.
.\LULA Little wing. The bastard wing, composed of the feathers which

are set on the so-called thumb
\TT1CNUATE. Slender ami tapering toward a sharp point
.\XII,I..\KS Klongaled feathers on the siiles of the borly nndei the wings

B

HAND OK BAR .\n\ color mark transverse to ilu- lon>; axis of the bod\
IJI'^ND Ol" \VI\f; \ngle formed at carpus in the folded wing

GLOSSARY.

CAI-CARKOUS. Chalky.

CANTHUS. C'orner of the eye wlierc the lids meet.

CAROTID. Th(; principal blood vessel of the neck.

CARPAL .\N("iLl'!. Prominence at the wrist joint when wing is closed.

From this point to the end of tlie longest quill constitutes the " length

of wing."
CI'.RI'-. I'leshy covering of tlie bape of the bill.
CMRVICAL. Pertaining to the hind neck.
CHIN. Space between the forks of the lower jaws.
CLAVICLE. Collar bone.

COMMISSURK. Line where the two mandibles meet.
CRISSUM. Under tail-coverts.
CUi^MlCN. Ridge of upper mandible.
CUNKATL. Wedge-shaped. A cuneatetail has the middle feathers longest

DECIDUOUS. Temporary ; falling early.
PECOMl'OSI'lD. Separate; standing apart.
DKXTIROSTRAL. Having the bill toothed or notched.
DIAGNOSTIC. Distinctively characteristic.
nORSAl, Pertaining to the back.

E

EMARGIN \TE. Notched at the end ; slightly forked.
ERYTHRISM. A peculiar reddish state of plumage.

FALCATE. Sickle-shaped.

FEMORAL. Pertaining to the thigh.

FERRUGINOUS. Rusty-red.

FISSIROSTRAL. Having the bill cleft far beyond the base of its horny

part .
FGRFICATI-:. Deeply forked.
FULIGINOUS. Sooty-brown.
FULVOUS. Of a brownish-yellow color.
FURCATE. Forked
FUSCOUS. Of a dark grayish-brown color.

GIBBOUS. Swollen ; protuberant.

GONYS. Keel or lower outline of the bill so far as united.
GRADUATI'ID. Changing length at regular intervals.
GULAR. Pertaining to the upper fore neck.
GUTT.XTE Having drop-shaped spots.

ii.

GLOSSARY.
H

HALLUX The hind toe.

IMBRICATED. Fixed shingle-wise ; overlapping.
INTERSCAPULAR. Between the shoulclers

JUGULUM. Lower throat

LAMKLLA. A thin plate or scale such as are seen inside a duck's bill.

LANCEOLATE. Shaped like tlie head of a lance.

LARYNX. Adam's apple ; a hollow cartilaginous organ; a modification of

the windpipe.
LOBE. Membraneous flap chiefly on the toe.-j.
LORE. Space between the eye and the bill.

M

MAXILLAR. Pertaining to the upper jaw.

MELANISM. State of coloration arising from excess of dark pigment; a

frequent condition of Hawks.
MEMBRANE. Soft skinny covering of the bill of some birds.

N

NUCHA. The upper part of the hind neck next the hind head

O

OSCINES. A group of singing birds,
OCCIPUT. The hind head.

II

PALMATE. Web-footed.

PAR.\SITIC. Habitually making use of other birds nests.
PECTINATE. Having tooth-like projections like those of a comb
PECTORAL. Pertaining to the breast.
PLUMBi:OUS. Lead color.

PRIMARIES. The large, stiff quills growing on the first bone of the wing
usually nine or ten, sometimes eleven in number

REMIGES. Quillsof the wing.
RETRICES. Quills of the t.iil
RICTUS. Gape of the mouth

R

111.

GLOSSARY.

s

SAGfilTATH. Shapt^ti like an arrow-liencl

SCAPULARS, l-ont; feathtrs rising frtini the shoulders and covering the

sides of the back.
SKC'ONI').\l<llvS. Quills which grow on the seconcj bone of the wing.
SliCONDARY i:()VI:KTS The wing-feathers wliicli cover the bases of

the secon iary (juills
SEMll'AI.MA'n:. Having the leet half-webbed
SHRRATK. Toothed like a saw

SlMiC U LU M . A brightly cohned spot of the secondaries, especially of du cks .
SPURIOUS gUILL. The first primary when verv short
SUPKRCl LIARY Pertaining to the eyebrows,

T

T.\Ii.-(."OVl';R rS. The small feathers underlying or overlaying the base of

the tail.
TARSI. The shanks of th.; legs.
ri<!RTlALS. Feathers >vhich grow from the second lione of the wing at tlie

elL)<)w joint.
TIBIA The thigh

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

Anas bosclias, -(.i

obsciira, 33

strepera, 36

americana, 37

carolinensis, 38

discors, 39
Aix sponsa, 42
Aythya americana, 43

valiisneria, 44

marila nearctica, 45

affinis, 46

callaris, 47
Anser albifrons f:;anibeli, 60
Ardea hero lias, Cnj

egretta, 70

caiididissiina, 71

virescens, 72

Aciitis inacularia, loS
•Esiaiitis vocifera, 114.

scniipalmata, 1 15

ineloda, 1 if)

nivosa, 1 17
.\renaria intorprfs, iiS
Accipitor \clox, 133

cooperi, 13)

atricapillnH, 13-,

Archibiiteo hu'opus sanr.ti-Johannis,
140

.\qilila clirvsaetos, J41

Asio wils'jiiianus, i i^S

accipitrinus, 141)
.\ntrost(iinus vocifcrus, 170
Agelaius phocniceus, 193
Acatithis hornematinii exilipt's, 204

linaria. 205

linaria holbccllii, 20(1

linaria rostrata, 207

Aiuniodranuis sandwicln;nsis sava-
nna, 213

Aininodranuis savannarum passcri-
niis, 214

Ampelis garrulus, 239

cedrornm, 240

Antluis pensilvanicus, 280

B

, Branta canadensis, 61

! canadensis hutchinsii, <)2

bernicla, 63

, Botaurus lentiginosus, 07

1 exilis, 68

: Bartraniia lonRicauda. loii

I Bonasa unibellus, 122

i Biiteo borealis, 131.

j iineatiis, 137

1 swainsoni, 138

I , ■ •

i latissmnis, 139

Bubo virginianns, 155

Colymbus liolljoiUii. i

.uiritiis, 2

Nif<ricoilis calilornicus,
Coppliiis «rylle, y
( h.uittmetta albeola, so
Clangula hyenialis. si
Chen h) ]ii'rlioiia nivalis, 59
("ryini'plnlii.- fidicarius. Si
C'didi;?. arf.iiaria, <iS
t'l'aradrius s(]uatar'/la, i 12

dominicus, 1 13
Coliniis virginianus, 119
Cathartes aura 130

INDKX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMKS,

Circus hiulsonius, 132
Coccyzus anioricantis, 158

erytlirophthalmiis, 159
Ceryle alcyon, i(>o
Ceopli!cx.Mis pileatiis, 166
Colaples anratus, it'xj
Chordeiles virginianus, 171
Chajtura pela},'ica, 172
Contopus boreal is, 178

virens, 179
Cyanocitta cristata, 186
Corviis corax sinuatus, 188

amoricamis, iSy
Coccothraustos vespertina, 199
Carpodacus purpurcus, 201
Calcarius lapponiciis, 211
Chondestes grainmacus, 215
Cardinalis cardinalis. 227
Clielidon erytliroj^astcr, 2^^
Clivicfjla ripara, 257
Comjisothlypis anicricana, 254
Cistothonis .stcllarib, 2Su

paliistris, 2S7
Certhia familiaris americana, 288

D
Dafila acuta, 41
Dendragapus ohscirus richardsonii,

120

canadensis, 121
Dryobates villosus, ibi

pubescens, 162
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 190
Dendroica tigrina, 255

£Estiva, 256

caerulescens, 257

coronata, 258

maculosa, 259

cajrulea, 260

pensylvanica, 2r)i

castanea, 262

striata, 263

blackburnia;, 264

vi-»ns, 2()5

vigorsii, 266

palmarum, 2G7

palmarum hypochrysea, 268

Erismatura rubida, 58
Ereunctes pusillus, 97
Kctopistes migratorius, 128
Elanoides forficatus, 131
Empidonax flaviventris, 180

pusillus, 181

minimus, 182

Fratercula arctica, 8
Fulica americana, 80
Faico percgriuus anatum, 143

colunibarius, 144

sparvcrius, 145

G

Gavia alba, 12

Glaucionetta clangula americana, 48

islandica, 49
Grus mexicana, 74
Gallinula jjaleata, 79
GalUna^'o delicata, 86
Geothlypis agilis, 272

Philadelphia, 273

trichas, 274
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 282

H

Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis,

26
Histrionicus histrionicus, 52
Halixetus leucocephalus, 142
Habia ludoviciana, 228
Helniinthophila chrysoptera, 250

ruficapilla, 251

celata, 252

peregrina, 253
Harporhynchus rufus, 283

I

Icterus spurius, 195

galbula, 196
Icteria virens, 275

Junco hyemalis, 221

U.

INDEX OF SCIKNTIl-IC NAMES.

Larus j,'laiicus, 14

niariiuis, 15

argentatus siuithsonianus, 16

(lelaw.ircnsis, 17

franklinii, iS

Philadelphia, i<j
Lophodytos ciicullatus, 33
Limosa fcdoa, 09

hiL'iiiastica, loo
Lagopus lagopus, 123

rupostris, 124
Loxia ("urvirostra minor, 202

leucoptera, 203
Lanius bon-alis, 241

ludovicianus. 242

e. cubitorides, 243

M

Merganser aniericanus, 31

serrator, 32
Macrorhamphiis griseus, S7
Micropalama himantopiis, 88
Meleagris gallopavo, 127
Megascops asio, 1 54
Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 167

carolinus, 168
Milvulus forficatus, 174
Myiarchus crinitus, 176
Molothrns ater, 191
Melospiza fasciata, 222

lincolni, 223

georgiana, 224
Mniotilta varia, 249
Mimus polyglottos, 281
Merula niigratoria, 301

N

Mycticorax nycticorax nasvius, 73
Numenius longirostris, 109

hudsoniciis, no

borealis, in
Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni, 152

acadica 153
Nyctea nyctea 156

Oidemia americana, 35

deglandi, 5()

perspicillata, 57
Olor coliinibianus, 64

buccinator, ^15
Otocoris alpestris. 1S3

alpcstris, praticola, 1S4

Podilynibus podiceps, 4
PJialacrocorax carbo, 28

dilophus, 20
I'elecanus erythrorhynchos, 30
Plcf^adis autumalis, 66
Porzana noveboracensis, 78

Carolina, 77
Phalaropus lobatus, 82

tricolor, 83
Philohela minor, 85
Pavoncella piignax, 105
PeJiocLttes phasianellus, 126
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, 146
Picoides arcticus, 163

americanus, 164
Pica pica liiidsonica, 185
Perisoreus canadensis, 187
l^'inicola enucleator, 200
Plectrophenax nivalis 210
Poocaetes gramineus, 212
Passerella iliaca, 225
Pipilo erythroplithalmus, 226
Passerina cyanea, 229
Piranga erythromelas, 231
I'iranga rubra, 232
Progne subis, 233
Petrochclidon lunifrons, 234
Parus atricapillus, 291

hudsonicub, 292
Polioptila caerulea, 295

Quiscalus quiscula asneus, 198

111.

INf)KX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMKS.

R

Rissa triciactyla, i.^
Kallus elf^ans, 75

virKinianus, 76
keciirvirostra americana, S4
Rc'gulus satrapa, 293

calendula, 294

Stercorariiis pomarinus, 11
Sterna tschcgrava, 20

sandvicensis acuflavida. 21

forsteii, 22

hinindo, 2j

paradisrea, 24

antillanim, 25
Siila hassana, 27
Spatula clypeata, 40
Soniateria dresseri, 53

spectabilis, 54
S\ riiplumiia seniipalmata. 104
Stiix pratincola, 147
Syinini'i nehulosnm, 150
Siirnia alula, 157
Sphvrapicus varius, 165
Savdrnis phoehe, 177
Stuvnella magna, 194
Scolecophagns carolinus, 197
Spinns tristis, 208

pinus, 209
Spizella monticola, 218

socialis, 219

pusilla, 220
Spiza americana, 230
Stelgidopterix serripennis, 238
Seiurus aurocapilhis, 2'k>

noveboracensis, 270

motocilla, 271
Sylvania mitrata, 276

pusilla, 277

canadensis, 278
Setc)i'h;iga ruticilla, 279
Sitta carolinensis, 289

canadensis, 290
^jialia sialis, 302

Tringa canutus, ■i'o^

niaritima, <)o

ni.'icnlata, 91

tuscicullis, 92

liairtlii, <)3

niinutilla, 9.^

alpina pacifica. os

ferruginea, 96
Totanus molannlfiicus. loi

tlavipes, 102

solitarius, 103
Trvngilfs subruficollis 107
Tvnipaniiclius amcricanus, I2f>
Trochilus cohil)ris. 173
Twannus tyrannus, 17^
Tach)cincta bicol^r, 236
Troglodytes aedon, 284

hiemalis, 283
Turdus mustelinus, 29(1

fuscescens, 297

alicia^ 29S

h.itulatus swainsoni. 299

aonalaschkx pallasii, 300

U

Urinator imber, 5
arcticus, 6
Liimme, 7
Uria lomvia, 10
Ululacinerea, 151

Vireo olivaceus, 244

philadelpbicus. 243
gilvus. 246
flavifrons, 247
solitarius, 248

X;uithoceplialus xanthocephalus, 192

Zenaidura niaoroura, 129
Zonotrichia leucophrys, 2i<)
albicoUis, 217

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

The immbiT opposite each species in the iiulex corresponds witli that to
the left of the same species in the book.

The number to the rii^lit of the name in the hook is thenun'ber of species
in the A. O. U. Check List

Arctic Tern, 24
Av icet, S^

B

Ulack (iiiillemot, f)

Brunnich's Murre. 10

Black-backetl Cinll, 15

Bonaparte's Gull, ig

Black Tern, 26

Black Duck. 35

Baldpate, 37

Barrow's Gohlen ICye, 4(9

Bni'tle-head Duck, 50

Brant, (Sj

Bittern, 67

Least, 68

Baird's Sandpiper, 93

Bartram's Sandpiper, io()

Bnff-breasted Sandpiper, 107

l-{lack-bellied Plover, 112

Hob White, iig

Broad-winged Hawk, iji)

F^ald I^airlp, 142

Barn Owl, 147

Barred Owl, 150

Black-bille-d ("urkoo, iso

Belted KiiiKlisher, 160

Black-backed Three-toed Wood-
peckiT, 163

Banded-backinl Three-toed Wood-
pecker. 164

Blue jay. 1S6
Bobolink, mo
Black-bird. Vcllow-headed, 192

Rustv, 107

Ked-winf,'e(l, 193
Baltimore Oriole, 196
Bronzed Grackle, 19.S
Buntint; Indiv.o, 229

Hl.iek-tliroated. 230
Barn Swallow. 235
Bank Swallow. 2 57
Bohemian W.-ixwiiij,', 2^9
Jiluc lu.'.ided V'ireo. 2.fS
Black and White W.irbler, 249
Black-throat(>d Blue Warbler, 257
Bay-breaste.l Warbler, 262
Black-poll W.ubler, 2r.3
Blackbnruian Warbler, 2(14
Black-throated Green Warbler, 265
Brown Thrasher, 28^
I^rown Creeper, 2S8
Black-capped Tit, 291
Blue-gray (Jnaicitcher, 295
Blue-bird. 302

C

Caspian Tern. 20
CaJKH's Tern, 21
Comiiion Tt;rn. 2 >,
Cornior.int, 28

Double-crested, 29
Canvas-back. 44

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Cana la Goose, 6i
Crane, Sanilhill, 74
Coot, 80
Curlew Sandpiper, 96

Long-hilled, 109

Hudsonian, no

Eskimo, in
Canada Grouse, 121
Cooper's Mawk, i 54
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed, 158

Black-billed, 159
Chimney Swift, 172
Crested Flycatcher, 176
Canada Jay, 187
Crow, 189
Cowbird, 191
Crossbill, Red, 202

White-winged, 203
Chipping Sparrow, 219
Cardinal, 227
Clitf Swallovv, 234
Cedar Waxwing, 240
Cape May Warbler, 255
Cerulean Warbler, 260
Chestnut-sided Warbler, 261
Connecticut Warbler, 272
Canadian Warbler, 278
Catbird, 282
Creeper, Brown, 28S
Chickadee. 291

Hudsonian, 292

D

Dabchick, 4

Double-crested Cormorant, 29
Duck. Mallard, 34

Black, 35

Gadwad, 36

Baldpate, 37

Shoveller, 40

Pintail, 41

Wood, 42

Redhead, 43

Canvas-back, 44

Scaup-back, 45

Scaup, Lesser, 46

Ring-necked, 47

Golden l'"ye, 48

Burrow's I*-ye, 49

Buffle-head, 50

Long-tailed, 51

Harlequin, 52

Eider, 53

King Eider, 54

Scoter, 55

White-winged Scoter, 56

Surf Scoter, 57

Ruddy, 58
Duck Hawk, 143
Downy Woodpecker, 162
Dowitcher, 87

E
Eared Grebe, 3
Kifler Duck, 53

King, 54
Egret, White, 70
I-lskimo ("urlew, ni
Eagle, Golden, 141

Bald, 142
Evening Grosbeak, 199

F

Franklin's Gull, 18

Forster's Tern, 22

Florida Gallinule, 79

Fish Hawk, 146

Fly-catcher, Scissor-tailed, 174

Tyrant, 175

Great-crested, 176

Phoebe, 177

Olive-sided, 178

Wood Peewee, 179

Yellow-bellied, 180

Traill's, 181

Least, 182
Finch, i'urple, 201
Field Sparrow, 220
Fox Colored, 225

G

Grebe, Holbcell's, r

Horned, 2

Eared, 3

Pied-billed, 4
Guillemot, Black, 9

U.

•\5**

ind::x of engush names.

Gull, Ivory, 12
Kittivvake, 13
CilaucouH, 14
Black-backed, 15

Herring. ">

King-billuil 17

Franklin's, i,S

Bonaparte's, nj
Glaucous Gull, 14
Gannet, 27
Goosander, 31
Gad wall, 36
Golden-eye, 48

Barrow's, 49
Goose, Greater Snow, 59

White-fronted, 60 '

Canada, 61

Hutchin's, 62
Glossy Ibis, 66
Groat Blue Heron, 69
Green Heron, 72
Gallinule, Florida, 79
Godwit, Marbled, 99

Hud-onian, 100
Cireater Yellow-legs, loi
Golden Plover, 113
Grouse, Richardson's, 120

Canada, 121

Ruffed, 122

Sharp-tailed, 126
Goshawk, 135
Golden Eagle, 141
Great Gray Owl, 151
Great Horned Owl, 155
Golden-winged Woodpecker, 169
Grackle, Bronzed, 198
Grosbeak, Evening, 199

Pine, 200

Rose-breasted, 228
Greater Redpoll, 207
Goldfinch, 208
Grasshopper Sparrow, 214
Golden-winged Warbler, 250
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 293
Gnatcatcher, Gray, 295
Gray-cheeked Thrush, 298

H

Holbnell's Grebe, i
Homed Grebe, 2
Herring Gull, 16
Hooded Merganser, 33
Harl'j(]uin Duck, 52
Hutchin's Goose, 62
Heron, Great Blue, 60

Snowy, 71

Green, 72

Night, 73
Hudsonian Godwit, 100

Curlew, 1 10
Hawk, Marsh, 132

Sharp-shinned, 133

Cooper's, 134

Gos, 135

Red tailed, 136

Red-shouldered, 137

Swainson's, 138

Broad- winged, 139

Rough-legged, 140

Duck, 143

Pigeon, 144

Sparrow, 145

Fish, 146
Hawk Owl, 157
Hairy Woodpecker, 161
Hummingbird, 173
Horned Lark, 183
Hoary Redjx)ll, 204
Holbcell's Redpoll, 206
Hooded Warbler, 276
House Wren, 284
Hudsonian Chickadee, 292
Hermit Thrush, 300

I

Ivory Gull, 12
Ibis, Glossy, 66
Indigo Bunting, 229

J

Jaegar, F'omarine, 11
Jay, Blue, 186

Canada, 187
Junco, Slate-colored, 221

111.

INDEX OF KNC.I.ISM NAMi:S.

K

Kittiwak*;, (iiill, ij
KinR I''i(l(T, 34

Kill Ictrr I'lovcr, 1 14

Kitt;, Swallow-t.'iileil, 131

Kiii,'risiicr, 160

Kiii^'-hinl, 175

Kiuf^lot, Golilim-crowneiJ, 293

Kiiby-crowiunl, ^l).\
Knot, 8i>

L

Loon, 3

JM;ick-thro.il(Hl, 6

Ke 1-throatecl, 7
Least Vr.vn, 25
Lonj^-tailud Duck 51
Least Hittern, ()S
Least Sandpiper, 94
LonLj-billetl C-iiilew, 109
Loiigeare.l Owl, 148
Least Flycatcher, 182
Lark, Horned, iSj

Prairie, i8|.
Lmnel, Pine, 201)
l^apland Lon,:;.'-piir, 211
Lark Sparrow, 213
Lincoln's Sparrow, 22j
Loj^j^erhea 1 Slirike, 242
Louisiana Water Thrush, 271
Long-billed Marsh Wren, 287

M

Murre, Brunnich's, 10
Merganser, .Vinerican, 31

Keddjreasted, 32

Hooded, 33
Mallard, 34
Marbled (iodwit, 99
Mourning Dove, 129
Marsh Hawk, 132
NL-igpie. 185
Mca lowlark, 194
Martin, Purple, 233
Myrtle Warbler, 238
Magnolia Warbler, 259

Mourning; Warbler, 273
Maryland Yellow-throat, 274
Mockingijird, 2H1

N

Nij^lit Heron, 74
Northern Phalarope, 82
Nit,dit H.'iwk, 171
Northern Shrike, 241
Nashville W.irblitr, 251
Niitiiatili, Wiiite-breastcd, 289
Keddjreasted, 290

O

Osprey, 14()
Owl, Parn, 147

Lon^-eared, 148

Short-eareil, 149

Ha; red, 150

(Ireat Oray, 151

Richardson's, 152

S;iw-whet, 133

Screech, 134

(ire.it Horned, 155

Snowy, I 56

Hawk, 157
Olive-siliid l'"iycatcher, 178
Orchard Oriole, 195
Oriole, Paltiniore, 196
Orant^e-crowned Warbler, 252
Oven-bird, a'x)
(Jliv-e-backed Thrush, 299

Pied-billed Cirebe, 4
Puffin, 8

Poniarine Jaeger, 11
Pelican, 30
I'iniail, 41
Phalarope, Red, 81

Northern, 82

Wilson's, 83
Purple Santlpiper, 90
Pectoral Sandpiper, 91
Plover, Black-bellied, 112

Ciolden, 113

Killdeer, 114

IV.

INnp.X or (■NGLISII NAMES.

273
oat, 274

82

51

;.'isteil, 289

C)

r, 178

Act, 252
Z)g

[12

SfTiiiprxlmatod, it5

J'ipiiiK, IK)

Snowy, 1 17
f^tanni,!,'an Willow, 12,

Kock, 1 2. 1
Pigeon, l'asst:nK«r, 12S
Pere^'riiu; I'alcon, t.j <
Pi„'c!()n Hawk, 144
I'ilcatcd Woo.iiieckor, ihh
I'liiuhc, 177

Prairio lloineil l.ark, 184
Pine (iiosl)i;ak, 200
Purple iMiKh, 201
Pin<; Siskin. 200
I'lirpli; Mai tin, 25^
I'liila.lflphia Virco, 243
Panila \Vari)liT, 254
I'ine Warbler, 261,
Palm WarMer, 2()7
Pipit, 280
Prairio Hen, 125

Q

Quail, 1 1 (J

R

Kinf,'-l)illc.l Cull, 17
Rc(l-hroast(j(i Mer^an.ser, }2
Kf.llicad, 43
l<in;,'-necke(I Duck, 47
Ruildy Duck, 58
Kail, Kin.;, 75
Vir;,'iiiia, 70
Sora, 77
Yellow, 78
Red Plialarope, 81
Uc l-hreasted Snipe, 87
Run. 105

Red-hroasted Sandpiper, 8q
KmUhacked Sandpiper, 95
Richardson's Grouse, 120
Ruffed (irouse, 122
Rock Ptannif,'an, J24
Red-tailed Hawk, i >,(,
Red-shouldered Hawk, 137
Rou^'h le-s,^jd Hawk, 140
Richardson's Owl, 152

"J.I

Red-lipadel Woodpecker, 167
Red-hellied Woodpecker, if)8
J<aven, 188

Re.l win-ed Ml.ickbird
Ru.sty Blackl)ird, i ,7
Retlpoll, Ifoary, 204
Common, 205

I lolliieil's, 2()()

(Jre.lter, 207
Rose-hre.isted Groslie.ik, 228
Ki'd-i)ird, Summer, 2 52
Ron,-li-wmi;ed Swallow, 2 0
Red-eyed V'ireo, 24,1
Redstart, 279

Re |.i)re.iste 1 Niitli.itch, 290
Ruby-crowned l\in,!,det, 294
I'lobin, 301

S

Shoveller, 40
Scaup Duek, 45

I^esser, 46
Scoter, S5

\Vhite-wing(rd, 56
Surf, 57
Snow (ioose. Greater, 59
Swan, Whistling, 64

Trum[)eter, 1)5
Snowy Heron, 71
Sandhill Crane, y^
Sora Rail, 77
Snipe, Wilson's, 86

l^ed-breasted, 87
Sandiiiper, Stilt, 88
Ked-breasted, 89
Pur[)le, 90
Pt-'ctoral, 91
White-rnmped, 92
iiaird's 93
L(;,ist, 94
Rc'd-backed, 95
("urlew, ()()
Semipalmate.l, 97
Bartram's, 106
Huff-breasted, 107
Spotted, 108
Solitary, 103

V.

INUKX OF KNCU-ISH NAMKS.

Sandcrling, gS
Stilt Sandpiper. 88
Suinipaln)ati-<l San<lpiper, ()7
Spotted Sail' '.piper, io8
Semipalmatrd I'lover, 115
SncAvy IMovor, 117
Spriict! Partridge, 121
Sharp-t.'.ilwl Cirniise, 126
Swallow-tailiMl Kitf, iji
Sliarp-sliinncd Hnvvk, 133
Swainson's Hawk, 138
Sp.irrow Hawk, 145
Short-eart-d Owl, 149
Saw-whet Owl, 153
Scrt'i-ch Owl, 134
Snowy Owl, 150
Swift, Chimney, 172
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, 174
Siiowllake, 210
Sparrow, Vesper, 212

Savanna, 213

Orasshopper, 214

I. ark, 215

W'lute-crowned, 216

White-throated, 217

Tree, 218

Chipping, 219

I'ield, 220

Song, 222

Lincoln's, 223,

Swamp, 224

l'"ox Colored, 225
Scarlet Tanager, 231
Summer Ked-biril, 23^
Swallow, Clifl', 23J

Barn, 235

Tree, 236

Hank, 237

Kough-winged, 238
Shrike, Northern, 241

Loggerhead, 242

VVhite-rumped, 243
Short-billed Marsh Wren, 286

Tern, Caspian, 20

Cabot's, 21

I'orstcr's, 22

Clommon, 23

Arctic, 24

Least, 25

Hlack, 2()
Teal, Cir«f'n-winged, 38

Hlue-wingfd, 39
'l'rum]>ctfr Swan, ()5
'i'uriistonc, iiS
Turkey, Wild, 127

Hii//;iril, 130
'I'yrant My catcher, J75
Traill's Flycatcher, 181
Tree Sparrow, 218
Towhee, 2 2f)
Tanager, Scarlet, 231
Tree Swallow, 236
Tennessee Warbler, 253
Thrush, Wooil, 296

Wilson's, 297

(iray-cheeked, 298

Olive-backeil, 299

Hermit, 300

V
Virgini.i Kail, 76
Vulture, Turkey, 130
Vesper Sparrow, 212
Vireo, Red-eyed, 244

riiiladelphia, 245

Warbling, 246

Yellow-throated, 247

Blue-headeil, 24S

W

Wood Duck, 42
White-winged Scoter, 56
White-fronted Goose, 60
Whistling Swan, 64
White Egret, 70
Wilson's rhalarope, 83
Wooilcock, 85
Wilson's Snipe, 86
Willet, 104

White-rumped Sandpiper, 02
Willow Ptarmigan, 123

VI.

INDEX OP ENGLISH NAMES.

253

Wild Tiirkfv, 127
VVo(Hlp<-ikfr, Hairy. i(>i
Downy, Kn

ni.ick-hackfd Three-toed. iC>i
Handed-hacked Tliree-toed, 164
Yell()wl)clliod. 165
I'ileated, i06
Ked-lieaded. 1^17
Ked-l)ellied. lUH
CWildeii-wiiiKed, ifxj
Whip. po.>r- will, 170
Wood IVewee, 179
White-crowned Sparrow, zi6
White-tliroatcd Sp.-irrow, 217
VVaxwiHK', liohemiaii, jj(j

Ced.ir, J.JO
Whitc-nmipcl Shrike. 24 ^
VVariilinn N'ireo. 246
Warbler, Ul.ick and White. 249
(lolden Winj^'eil, 250
Nashville, 231
Orange-crowned, 252
Tennessee, 255
Tarula, 254
Cape M;iy, 255
Yellow, 256

Hlack-throateil, Jilue. 257
Myrtle, 258
Magnolia, 259
Cerulean, 2()0
Chesnut-sided, 261
Bay-breasted, 262

niack-poll, 2f)3
Hlaikbnrnian, 2().(

Ulai K-(hroaled. (ireen, 205
I'ine. 2(.()
I'alm, .'(.7
Vrllow I 'aim, 2().S
Connecticut, 272
Monrnin^j, 27^
Hooded. 27(1
Wilson's, 277
Canai 11,111, 278
Water Thrush. 270
Water Thrush, Louisiana, 271
Wren, House, 2.S4
Winter. 2,s-,

Short-hilled, Marsh, 2.S()
I-oiiK-hilled, Marsh, 287
White-hn-asted Nuthatch, 280
Wood Thrush, 2(/>
Wilson's Thrush, 297

Y

Yellow Rail, 7H
YellowleKs, Creator. loi

Lesser, 102
Yellow-hilled Cuckoo. 15S
Yellow-bellied Woojptxker, 165
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, 180
Yellow-headed HlaL-kbird, i<)2
Yellow-throated Vireo, 247
Yellow Warbler, 236
Yellow l';dni Warbler, 2f),S
Yellow-breasted Chat, 275

^

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