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6

THE

i

BIRDS OF CANADA:

u

WITH DESCKIPnONd OF THEIR

PLUMAGE, HABITS, FOOD, SONG, NESTS, EGGS,
TIMES OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE.

HY

ALEXANDER MILTON ROSS,

M.D., M.A.,

FBLLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIErV OP LITERATUKB

OK KNULAND; member ok the IMPKRIAL .SOCIETY OF

NATURALIHTS OF RUSSIA; MEMBER Oh THE IMl'BRIAL ZOOLOOICAli

ANlt ACCLIMATATION SOCIETY OF FHAMB ; MBMBEIt OF THE ROYAL

I.ISN.KAN SOCIETY OK BKLOIUM ; MEMBKU OK THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOOIETIES

OK KRANCE, BNaLAND, BELOIUM, UNITED STATES, AND CAVADA ; MBMBER OF

THE ROYAL BOTANICAL AND M AL^tJOL'XllCAI, SOCIKriES OK BELOlUM I

I'ORREaPONDlNO MEMBER OK THK ZOOLOOICAL SOCIBTY OK

KNULAND ; MEMBER OK THE AMBRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR

THK ADVANCEMENT OK SCIENCE.

S 1<: C 0 N D K D I T I 0 N

ILLUSTRATED.

TORONTO:

ROWSELL AND HUTCHISON
1872.

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Nova

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

i

Mv object in prcscntinrr this volume to the
public is in some measure to supply a want long
felt by those interested in the study of Canadian
Ornithology,

This work is simply, as the title page states,
a description of the plun age, habits, food, sono-
nests, eggs, times of arrival and departure of the
birds of Canada.

The birds described consist of the permanent
and summer residents, and also such birds as
regularly or accidentally stop in Canada durin
the spring and autunm migrations.

rr

T have in my collection a specimen of each
birtl dcscribetl, except a few of the sea birds
that frequent the coasts of New Brunswick and
Nova Scotia.

IV

Preface.

The information given as to the food and
habits of our birds may probably interest and
benefit the agriculturist. The great majority of
our feathered visitors are insectivorous, and con-
sequently good friends of the farmer, who should
extend his protecting care to these little insect-
destroyers. .

Many of our Canadian birds are extremely
interesting ; and, in beauty of plumage and
sweetness and variety of song, etpial, if they
do not surpass, the birds of any other country.

The arrangement and classification, and the
names that are given in this work, are those
which have been sanctioned .by modern orni-
thologists.

Toronto, Jiccanba', ISJl.

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The First Edition of this work having been
exhausted within a few weeks of its appearance,
I have carefully revised this — the second.

Appended is a Classified Catalogue of the
l>irds of Manitoba and British Columbia, Pro-
vinces which now form a portion of the Dominion
of Canada.

A Synopsis of the lairds of Canada, with
Common and Technical Names, will be found
at the end of the work.

I am much indebted to those of my scientific
and literary friends who have reviewed this work
favorably or otherwise, especially to the latter,
for many valuable suggestions.

With the hope that this edition will meet with
the same generous approval and patronage as
the first, I place it in the hands of my Publishers.

EvEKoiiEKN Grove,
Toronto, July, 1872,

A. M. R.

%

CONTENTS.

Introduction

BIRDS OF CANADA.

Order \,^Raptorcs (Birds of Prey)

Order W.—Scansorcs (Climbers)

Order l\\.~I)iscssorcs (Pcrchcrs)

Order \N.~Rasorcs (Scratchers)

Ordicr V.~Grallatorcs (Waders)

Order V\.~Natatorcs (Swimmers)

Birds oe British Columbia and Mani-
toba

Synopsis of the Birds of Canada —
Scientific Names . . . ,

SvNOPsis of the Birds of Canada —
Common Names

XI

I

20

77
96

12;

^^7

INTRODUCTION.

The Birds of Canada may be divided into two
classes — Granivorous and Carnivorous. Some
of our birds, however, hold a middle nature, and
partake of both. They may also be divided
into six Orders— The Order of Raptorcs, or Birds
of Prey ; the Order of Scausores, or Climbers ;
the Order of Insessores, or Perchers ; the Order
of Rasorcs, or Scratchers ; the Order of Gralla-
torcs, or Waders ; the Order of Nafatorcs, c--
Swimmers ; and ay;ain .subdivided into Sub-
Orders, h\amilies, and Sub-P\amilie.s.

Order I.— Raptores ^;r I^irds of Pre v.

Are mostly birds of large size, havinfr strono-
hooked bills, sharp claws, i^rcat extent of wino-,
and powerful muscles ; the females arc generally
larger than the males, lairds of this Order live
in pairs, such as ICaglcs, Hawks, Buzzards, and
^ Owls.

%

Intrcductioii.

Family Falconid.K. — The Falcons. — 'X:\v^
birds of this Family arc ciiaracterized by a robust
and strong form ; short bill, curved dow nward ;
round nostrils ; wings long, pointed, adapted for
rapid flight. The claws arc strong, large, and
very sharp. Plumage, generally moLtlcd-gic)-,
black, brown, and white.

Family Strigid/t:. — Tiic ch^'/s. — The Owls
have a large head, short and heav)' form, and
some have tufts of feathers that somewhat resem-
bles the ears of quadrupeds. Their flight is slow,
but strong, and without noise ; their e)'cs very
large ; bill, powerful and curved ; le<';s, feathered
to the toes. IMumage, soft and mottletl.

Order II. — Scansdki-s or Cllmkers.

lairds of this Order have their toes in pairs —
two in front and two behind -which especially
facilitate climbing. The Cncurnhi\ or Cuckoo
Family, and the Picidcc, or Woodjieciser i\unily,
belong to this Order.

Family Cuculid.k. — The Cuckoos. — The
Cuckoos are characterized by a long clinical and
slender bill ; tail, has ten feathers of graduated

**

Introduction.

XI

length ; wings, long ; plumage, olivc-grcen above,
white beneath ; toes, two in front, and two
behind.

Fami l.Y PiclD/l':. — The Woodpeckers. — The
Woodpeckers have a strong, straight bill; tongue,
long ; tail feathers, pointed and shafted ; toes,
two in front, and two behind ; wings, short and
rounded.

ORDKR III. — INSESSORES ^r rERClIERS.

This Order embraces a greater number of
s[)ccles than any other, and comprehends all
tiiose birds whicl live habitually among trees,
with the exception of birds of prey and climbing
birds. All true perching birds have three toes
before, and one behind,

r\\Mir,v IIiRUNl)iMD/E. ^ — The Sii'aUcivs. —
T'lie Swallows have a .short, triangular bill ; large
■mouth; wings, long; tail, more or less forked;
ilegs, short and delicate ; toes, thr^e in front, and
.one behind ; [)lumage, bright metallic blue above,
\\vhite or reddish beneath.

l'\\ M 1 1 . V C A I'R iM u LGI 1 ).i:. — TJie Goatsuckers. —
■[file three members of this Family that visit

Xll

Introduction.

Canada, arc characterized by a very short tri-
angular bill ; gape, large ; the inner toe with
three joints, the others with four ; plumage, soft,
lax, and mottled like the Owls.

Family Coloi'TI':rii).i:. — T/w FlycatcJtcrs. —
The birds of this Family are noted for their
activity and courage. The bill is sluu'i), strong,
broad, and slightly bent down and notched.
Wings and tail, about the same length. Three
toes in front, and one behind. Plumage, shaded
black and gray.

Family Tukdiixk — 77/^ TJiyusIics.~'X\\c
Thrushes have the wings and tail rounded, and
rather short, with one exception, that of the
Brown Thrush, which has a very long tail. The
plumage is brown above, and white-spotted with
black and brown beneath.

Family Sylvicolidj:.— 77^^- Warblers. — The
birds of this Family are <|uite numerous, small
in size, with sharp and short bills ; plumage,
variable ; legs, long and slendei', hind toe shorter
than the middle one ; claws, curved and sharp.

Family Frix(;ili,ii).k.— The Finches. - \\\
the birds of this Ivimily are characterizctl l)y

Introduction.

Xlll

sliort and stout bills ; wings, long and pointed ;
legs, black and slender ; toes, three before and
one behind ; plumage, very variable.

Order IV. — Rasores or Scratciiers.

Comprises birds which live mainly upon the
ground, and feed principally upon berries, buds,
tender leaves, and grain ; such as Doves, Grouse,
Partridges, and Turkeys.

1 'AM 1 1 X T i: tr AON I D.i; . — The Grouse. — The
legs are densely feathered ; toes, naked ; tail, has
sixteen feathers, sometimes eighteen ; plumage,
black, brown, and mottled.

Order V. — Grall-viores or Waders.

Birds of this Order live near the water, and
comprise the Herons, Cranes, Bitterns, Plovers,
Sni[)cs, Phalaropes, Sandpipers, and Rails.

Family Ardeid.e. — TJie Herons. — The binls
of this Family have very long and strong bills;
logs, very long and slender, middle toe con-
nected with the outer by a basal web ; head,
crested ; throat, tufted with long feathers.

XIV

Introduction.

Family Ciiaradridti-. — The Plovers. — The
Plovers live on the shore ; bodies, round ; bills,
slender, of variable length ; feathers, compact ;
wings, long and sharp ; tail, stiff, short, and
broad ; legs, slender and delicate, and corres-
pond with the bill and proportions ; plumage,
brownish-black, with circular spots.

Family Scolopacid.e. — The Snipes. — The
Snipes have full and round bodies, large head
and eyes, short and rounded wings, and short
legs. The tail has twelve feathers.

The Sub-Family Tringiner, embraces the
Sandpipers, who have rather long bills. The
wings are long and pointed.

The Sub-Family '\)taiiinie, have the bill as
long as the head, or longer ; the toes are gene-
rally connected by a basal membrane ; wings,
long ; legs, long and strong ; tail, slightly
rounded.

Ordkr VI. — Natatokks or Swimmers.

liirds of this Order are especially fitted for
aquatic life, and comprise the Ducks, Ciccse,
.Swans, Cormorants, (iulis, (irebes, Loons, and
Terns ; Petrels, Auks, Sheldrakes, (iannels,
(niillemots, and Puffins.

Introduction.

XV

Family Anatid.e. — The Sioimmcrs. — Wcb-
footcd Birds. — The Sub-Family Cygnincu, the
Swans, have a very lont;- neck and bill ; the
nostrils are situated in the middle of the bill ;
plumage, white ; bill and legs, black ; feet,
webbed.

The Sub- Family Anserina, the Geese, have a
large red or orange-colored bill ; feet webbed.

The Sub-Family Anatuuc, the River Ducks,
are characterized by a long and broad bill, and
somewhat pointed tail.

The Sub-Family Fuligulince, difter from the
preceding in having much larger feet, and a
membranous plate attached to the hind toe ; the
legs also, are set further back.

The Sub-l'\amily Mcrgiiuc, have a \'ery slender
and narrow bill, terminated by a curved nail ;
edges, serrated ; tail has eighteen feathers ;
head, crested.

1'\\MILV Larid.H — TheGulU. — Bill, short and
straight ; body, full ; wings, long ; neck, sliort ;
feet, webbed ; tail, generally even ; hind toes,
small and elevated.

XVI

LitrodnctioiL

Family Stkrin.-e. — The Tcnis. — The Terns
have slender, straight, and long bills, curved and
pointed ; tail, forked ; feet, webbed ; wings, very
long and pointed.

J^AMHA' CoLYMlJlu.E. — The Dlvcrs. — Have
long, pointed, and compressed bills ; toes, long
and webbed ; legs, situated far behind ; tail,
short ; wings, short.

The Sub-l\aniily Podiciphhv, the Grebes, have
short wings ; sides of the head, tufted ; plumage,
soft ; bill, long and compressed ; tail, a mere
tuft of soft feathers.

Family Alcid.k — Sub-Family Akhuc. — The
Auks. — The Auks are characterized b)' a short,
broad, and strong body ; wings, short ; tail,
short ; bill, about as long as the head, and
hooked at the base ; legs and feet, stout and
strong ; toes, webbed.

Many species of birds that were quite common
in Canada at the beginning of this century, are
now rarely .seen, and several have become extinct
in comparatively recent times.

BIRDS OF CANADA.

;i

I'AMiiA' FALCONID.i^].
Sub-Family V\ i ,coniX/1:. — The Falcons.

I'KIIKCJIUNK FALCON, on DUCK HAWK.

luilco anatiDii.- -Y\\<i rcrcijn'ne Falcon.

This bold and spirited falcon arrives in Canada
about the last of March, and remains until late
in the fall. Color, above, bluish cinereous, with
transverse bands of brownish-black ; untlerncath,
)'ellowish-white, with spots of black on the breast
and abdomen ; bill, light blue ; legs and toes,
yellow. Length, twenty inches. Its food con-

9 Birds cf Canada.

sists principally of ducks and other water-fowl.
Nests, on a high rocky cliff; eggs, four, of a
reddish-brown color, covered with dark blotches.

SPAKROW HAWK.

T'uinunculus sparverius. — The Sparrow Hawk.

The Sparrow Hawk is a sunmicr resident
of Canada. Color, above, light rufous or cinna-.
mon ; underneath, pale rufous, spotted with
black ; quills, brownish-black, with white bars ;
legs, yellow ; bill, light blue. Nests, in a hollow
tree ; eggs, four, of a j-ellowish-buff color,
covered with spots of reddish-brown. Feeds
upon small birds, mice, and squirrels.

Falco coliunharius. — The Pigeon Hawk.

This bird arrives in Canada about the middle
of March. Length, fourteen inches. Color,
above, bluish-slate ; forehead and throat, white ;

Birds of Canada. 3

under-parts, pale yellowish-white, every feather
with a line of brownish-black ; legs, yellow ;
quills, black ; bill, blue. Nests, in low fir-trees ;
e^gs, three ; dull yellowish-brown, with reddish-
brown spots. P^eeds upon sparrows, robins, and
other small birds.

Sub-Family AcciriTRlNyE. — The Hazvks.

Astur atricapillus. — The Goshawk.

This hawk is frequently a resident of Canada
throui;hout the year. Length, twenty inches.
Color, above, dark ashy-blue ; underneath, white,
mottled with ashy-brown ; feet, yellow ; bill,
black ; iris, reddish-orange. Ikiilds its nest
upon the branches of a large tree, near the
trunk ; eggs, three or four in number, of a dull
bluish-white, slightly spotted with reddish-brown.
P\xxls upon ducks and other water-fowl, as well
as pigeons, blackbirds, and squirrels.

Accipitcr Coopcrii. — Cooper's Hawk.

This pretty hawk is fifteen inches in length.
Color, above, dark ashy-brown ; underneath,
transversely barred with light rufous and white.
This bird is the smallest of the so-called '* Hen
Hawks." It feeds upon poultry and small birds.
Usually builds its ne.st in the tops of tall pines ;
eggs, four in number, of a bluish-white, with
light brown spots. This hawk is a summer
resident of Canada.

4 Birds of Canada.

Accipitcr fuscus. — The Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is twelve inches in
length. Color, above, brownish-black ; under-
neath, light rufous, with transverse bands of
white. Legs, slender ; tail, ashy-brown, tipped
with white. Feeds upon sparrows and other
small birds. This is one of the earliest arrivals
of spring, and remains until the last of November.
Nests, in a tree ; eggs, four, bluish-white.

Sub-Family BUTKOMN/li. — The Buzzard liaivks.

Butco borcalis. — The Red-tailed Hawk.

This fine hawk is a resident of Canada through-
out the year. Length, twei.ty-four inches. Color,
above, dark umber brown ; underneath, pale
yellowish-white, with lines and .spots of reddish-
brown ; tail, bright rufous, tipped with white.
Feeds upon domestic fowls, partridges, and rab-
bits. Nests, in a large tree ; egg.s, three in
number, of a yellowish-white, with dark blotches.

Butco lincatus. — The Reil-shouUlcrcd Hawk.

The Red -shouldered Hawk is eighteen or
nineteen inches in length. Color, abu\e, brown ;
underneath, orange-red ; tail, brownish-black ;
feet, yellow. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, five, ))ale
blue, with dark reddish spots. This hawk re-
mains in Canada throughout the year. Feed.s
upon squirrels, poultry, and small birds.

Birds of Canada.

5

B. pcnnsylvanicHS. — The Broad-winged Hawk.

The Broad-winged Hawk is eighteen inches in
length. Color, above, umber-brown ; underneath,
white, with reddish spots ; tail, dark brown. This
bird is a common resident of Canada during the
summer. Nests, in the top of a tali tree ; eggs,
four or five, of a yellowish-white color, with light
brown spot-s. Its food consists of small birds,
reptiles, and squirrels.

Archibntco lagopus. — The Rough-legged Hawk.

This bird is twenty inches in length. Color,
light brown, mottled with reddish-brown and
white. Frequently remains in Canada through-
out the year. Nests, in a tall tree ; eggs, four
or five, of a bluish-white color, blotched with
brown.

m

A. sanctijoJiannis. — The Black Hawk.

The specimen in my collection measures
twenty-four inches in length. Color, glo.s.<5y
black, with a biownish tinife about the head
aiul neck. Tail, black, with bands of white.
1^'rcqucnts marshes and swamps. Ncst.s, in the
top of a large tree ; eggs, five, of a dirty white
coU)r. Remains in Canada throughout the
year.

6 Birds of Canada.

Sub-Family MiLVlN/E.— 77/r Kites.

Circus Jiudsonius. — Tlic Marsli Hawk.

The Marsh I lawk is one of our most common
summer hawks. It arrives here from the soutli
about the first of May. Color, bkiisli-cinercous
above ; beneath, reddish -white. Ne.sts, on tlie
ground ; eggs, four or five, of a dirty white color.
Feeds upon field mice, principally, and the num-
ber of these destructive little animals which it
devours during the breeding season is almo.st
incredible. It is con.sequently entitled to the
protection of the farmer.

0-:

Birds of Canada. f

Sub-Family AquiliN/E. — TJic Eagles.

Halicetiis IcucoccpJialiis. — The White-headed

E.'iLrle.

o

Tliis noble bird is freciuciUi)' met with on the
high shore of Lake Ontario throuL^hout the year,

ii

8

Birds of Canada.

and is often seen in the Ottawa region, near the
interior lakes, and in the vicinity of the Rideau
canal. Feeds upon wild fowl and small animals,
and is equally partial to fish. The nest of this
species, formed of large sticks, sods, moss, and
hay, is usually found in a lofty tree, in a swamp
or morass, and, as it is increased or repaired
every season, becomes of great size ; eggs, two
or three, of a yellowish-white color, with brown
patches. General color, brownish-black ; head
and tail, white ; bill, feet, and iris, yellow.

Aquila canadensis. — The Golden F.agle.

This magnificent eagle is rarely met with
except in the interior of Canada. Tiie general
color of the plumage is deep brown, mixed wilh
tawny on the head and neclc, the feathers on the
back being finely shaded with a darker hue.
I''eeds upon young fawns, raccoons, rabbits, and
large birds. Usually nests on the sides of steep
rocky crags ; eggs, tin-ee in numbrr, of a dull
white, with patches of bronze.

Pandion caro/inrnsis. — The 1ms]\-1 lawk.

This connnon and well known hawk is a summer
resident of Canada. Color, alxn-e, umber-brown ;
beneath, white ; bill and claws, bhiish-black.
Nests, in a large tree, on the margin of the
lakes or rivers; egg.s, three in number, of a
reddish-cream color. I'V^eds entirely u[K)n fish.

Birds of Canada.

Family STRIGID/E. THE OWLS.
S lib-Family BUBONIN.E. — The Horned Ozvls.

If

r.RKvr iioiiNKL) <)\vr,.

Ihilh) 7'irginianns. — The Great Horned Owl.

The Great Horned Owl is a permanent resi-
dent of Canada. It is very destructive to domestic
fowls, and consequently very obnoxious to the

lo Birds of Canada.

farmer. Length, twenty-two inches. Color,
brownish-black, mottled with ashy-white. The
nest of this owl is frequently built in the tt)p-
most branches of tall pines, and sometimes in
the top of a stub ; eggs, three or four, of a yel-
lowish-white.

Scops asio. — ]\Iottled Owl, or Screech Owl.

This owl feeds upon mice and scpiirrels, smull
bird.s, and beetles. Length, ten inches. Color,
pale ashy-brown. Breeds in Canada, Nests, in
a hollow tree ; eggs, four or five, white.

Otus Wilsoniaiins, — The Long-eared Owl.

'I'he Long-eared Owl feeds upon small birtls.
It rears its young in nests which it fintls, seKlom
making one for itself; eggs, four or live, of a
dirty white color. This owl lingers about moun-
tain streams. Its cry is i)rolonged and plaintive.
Breeds in Canada. Length, fifteen inches. Color,
browni.sh-black, mottled with ashy-white.

Bracliyotiis Cassinii. — The Short-eared Owl.

This Owl is a permanent resident of Canada.
Length, fourteen inches. Color, light brown,
mottled with gray. Builds its nest upon the
ground ; egg.s, four in number, pure white.
Feeds upon mice and spiall birds.

Birds of Canada. \i

Sub-Family SyrniN/E. — The Gray On^s.
Syrninin nehidosum. — The Barred Owl.

This is one of our most common owls. Length,
twenty inches. Color, light ashy-brown. Feeds
upon small birds, mice, and reptiles. Nests, in
high trees ; egg.s, three in number, white. Re-
mains in Canada throughout the year.

Syrniuvi cincrcum. — The Cinereous Owl.

This is the largest member of the owl family.
Length, thirty inches. Color, ashy-brown, mot-
tled with ashy-white. Head, large ; eyes small.
Feeds upon rabbits, .squirrels, and other small
animals. It is a rare visitor to this part of
Canada. This owl breeds in the far north.

Nyctalc RicJiardsonii. — The Sparrow Owl.

This pretty little owl is a regular winter visitor.
It is eleven inches in length ; the color, above,
white ; legs and bill, light yellow. Breeds in
the north-west. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, four in
number, pure white. Its food consists of mice
and small birds. Seeks its prey by night.

Nyctalc acadica. — The Saw-whet Owl.

This species is a permanent resident of Canada.
It is the smallest of the family, being only eight
and a-half inches in length. Color, above, red-

^1/ •

12

Birds of Canada,

dish-brown; beneath, ashy-white, with spots of
nifous. It builds its nest in a stump or liollow
tree ; ej^-s, four in number, pure white. The
food of this owl consists of bats, mice, and small
birds.

Sub-Faniily Nwii'iNixj:.- The Day 0:,'h.

Suruia nlnlit.~^Y\\c ILiwk Owl,

The Hawk Owl is a permanent resident of
Canada. It possesses many of the characteristics
of a falcon. Length, eio-hteen inches ; the color,
pale ashy-brown ; throat, white; a laroe brown'
spot on each side of the breast. This bird seeks
its prey by day as well as by night. Nests, in a
tree ; eggs, two in number, pure A\'hite.

Birds of Cixnada.

13

.S.NOWV (tUI..

Nyctca uivca. — Tlic Snowy Owl.

This beautiful owl is a roL;"ular fall and winter
visitor in Canada, it is twenty-seven inches in
length ; the plumage is \)\\xki white, with a few
spots of dark b'-ow n on the back and wings. Its
food consists principall)' of rabbits, birds, and
fish, which it obtains b\' daylight as well as by
twilight. The Snowy Owl Hies with great rapi-
dity, often capturing ducks and other water fowl
upon the wing, Breeds \\\ the arctic regions.

H

Bii'cis of Canada.

Order W.—^tM^mn, {j^Xm^m^

Family CUCULID^. THE CUCKOOS.

CoccygHs anicricanus. — The Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a rare visitor in
Canada. It is eleven inches in length. Color,
above, olive-green, tinged with ash near the bill ;
beneath, white ; tail, olive-green, with a border
of black tipped with white ; upper mandible,
black ; lower, yellow ; quills, orange-cinnamon.
This bird breeds in the United States. Its nest
is built in a low tree or shrub ; eggs, four, of a
bright green color. The song of this cuckoo is
discordant and harsh, and may be represented
by kow-koiv, kozu-kozv. Its food consists of in-
sects and the eggs and young of other birds.

Coccygiis crythropJitluilmus. — The Black-billed

Cuckoo. ,

This species is a regular summer visitor. It
arrives about the tenth of May, and remains
until the first of September. In siz.c, color, and
characteristics, it closely resembles the preceding
bird. It differs only in having both mandibles
black. This cuckoo breeds in Canada. Nests
in a barberry bush or low tree ; eggs, four, of a
bright green color.

Birds of Canada.

15

Family PICID/E. THE WOODPECKERS.

Sub-Family PlCIN.i:.

Pints villosHs. — The Hairy Woodpecker,

The Hairy Woodpecker is a permanent resi-
dent of Canada. Its food consists principally
of insects and their larv.'E. Color, black and
white, spotted. Length, eleven inches. Nests,
in a hole in a tree ; eggs, five, pure white.

Piciis pnbcsccns. — The Downy Woodpecker.

This woodpecker is si.x inches in length. Color,
above, black, with a white band down the back ;
two white stripes on the side of the head ; the
lower parts white. Nests, in a hole in a tree ;
eggs, six, pure white. The food of this bird
consists entirely of in.sects and their larvae.

Picoidcs articus. — The Black-backed, Three-toed

Woodpecker.

This species is a permanent resident of Canada.
Its habits do not differ from those of other wood-
peckers. Back, black ; wings, spotted white and
black ; top of head, saffron color. Nests, in a
stump ; eggs, four, pure white.

Sphyrapicitsvarius. — Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.

This pretty bird is a summer resident of Canada.
It is often seen in orchards, especially in apple-
trees. Feeds upon insects and their larva:. Back

%

i

11

-■.I'l

Jviil

i6

Birds of Canada.

and w in<;s, spotted black and white ; top of head
and throat, red ; belly, yellow. This bird is a
friend to the farmer, as it destroys immense
numbers of insects. Nests, in a decayed tree in
the woods ; eggs, five, pure white.

Ccntnrccs carolincnsis. — The Red-bellied
Woodpecker.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common
summer resident of Canada. It possesses all
the active and noisy habits characteristic of its
family. Length, ten inches. Color, above, black,
crossed with white ; wings, black, tipped with
bars of white ; head, neck, and shoulders, glossy
red ; cheeks and under sides of the neck, pale
buft'; breast and abdomen, yellowish-ash, stained
with bright red ; legs and feet, bluish-green ;
iris, red. Nests, in a hollow limb ; eggs, four,
pure white. This species seldom appears about
orchards or open grounds ; but it often visits
corn fields in search of grain, of which it is
particularly fond. Its principal food is insects,
which it obtains from decayed trees after the
manner of other woodpeckers.

Picoidcs hirsiitits. — The Tjanded Three-toed
W\)odpecker.

This woodpecker is a permanent resident of
Canada. Length, nine mches. Black, above;
white, beneath ; quills, spotted with white; top

Birds of Canada.

\y

of the head, spotted with white ; the crown of
the male, with a yellow patch. Nests, in a stump
or decayed tree ; eggs, four, creamy-white.

Hylatomiu pilcatus. — The Pileated Woodpecker.
This beautiful woodpecker is seldom seen in
the settled portions of Canada, although it is
frequently met with in the interior. It is the
largest and most powerful of the woodpecker
family. General color of body, wings, and tail,
greenish-black ; a narrow white streak just above
the eye to the occiput ; crown of head, bright
red. Length, eiHiteen inches. Nests, in a hole
in a tree or stub; eggs, five in number, pure white.

RED-IIKADED WOODPECKER.

Mdancrpcs crytliroccphalns. — The Red-headed
Woodpecker.

This bird is one of our regular visitors. It

arrives here from the south about the middle
•6

i8

Birds of Canada.

of May. Its habits arc the same as those of
the other species, except that he is a great
lover of fruit and grain. It i.s, however, a
question whether he is not a greater friend
than enemy to the farmer, us he kills great
numbers of in.sects. Hack, black ; belly, white ;
head and neck all round, crimson. Length, ten
inches ; bill and feet, black. Kests, in a hole in
a stub or tree ; eggs, four in number, pure white.

GOLDEN-WINGEU MOODPECKKK.

Colaptes anratus. — Golden-winged Woodpecker.

The Golden-winged Woodpecker is one of our
best known and most beautiful summer visitors.

Birds of Canada.

19

er.

ur
rs.

It is twelve inches long ; the wing six inches.
The top of the head, and the upper part of the
neck, bluish-ash ; a red crescent on the nape ;
the other upper parts, olive brow^i, with trans-
verse bands of black ; the lower parts, yellowish
white, tinged with a brownish, and ornamented
with circular black spots, and with a black cres-
cent on the breast ; the shafts and under surfaces
of the wings are gamboge yellow. This elegant
bird arrives in Canada from the south about the
twentieth of April, and returns late in the fall.
Nests, in a hollow tree ; eggs, six, pure white.
Feeds upon insects, berries, and grains.

20

Birds of Canada.

Ordeu III.— gn,$c$$ovcsi. <^i^m\\tx$.)

Family TROCIIILIU.K. THE HUMMING

JURDS.

TrocJiilns colubris. — The Ruby-throated
Hummin!.': Bird.

This beautiful Httle bird arrives here from the
south about the last of May. Ncst.s, in a tree ;
eggs, two, pure white. Its food consi.sts of in-
sects and the juice of sweet-scented flowers.

Family CYPSELID/E. THE SWIFTS.

Clictiu'cc pdasgia. — The Chimney Swallow.

This swallow arrives here about the last of
May. Leaves for the south about the first of
September. Color, sooty-brown. Nests, in hol-
low trees or unused chinmeys ; eggs, five, pure
white. Feeds upon insects.

Birds of Canada.

21

FxUiiLY HIRUNDINIDiE. THE
SWALLOWS.

BARN SWALLOW.

Hirnndo atucyicana. — The Barn Swallow.

The general color of this swallow is steel-blue
above ; beneath, lit^ht chestnut ; tail, forked.
Receives its name from its frequently attachin^^
its nest to the rafters in barns. Feeds upon
insects.

//. Innifrous. — The Cliff Swallow.

The Cliff Swallow is black, above ; white,
beneath ; tail, green, l^uilds its ne.st under pro-
jecting cliffs ; eggs, six, white, with a purplish
tint. Feeds upon insects.

\\

' I

22 Birds of Canada.

H. riparia. — The Bank Swallow,

This is the smallest of the swallows. Color,
above, grayish-brown ; beneath, pure white. It
takes its name from its habit of making deep,
winding holes in sand banks, in which it builds
its nest ; eggs, four, pure white. Feeds upon
insects.

//. bicolor. — The White-breasted Swallow.

This well-known swallow arrives here about
the middle of May. Color, above, metallic-
green ; beneath, white. Nests, in a hole in a
tree or stub, and sometimes in a martin's bo.x ;
eggs, four, white. Feeds upon insects.

Prognc purpurea. — The Purple Martin.

This pretty and interesting bird arrives in
Canada early in April. Color : the old males
are glossy steel-blue all over ; the females are
glossy steel-blue above, and pale brown beneath.
Two broods arc raised during the season. Nest.s,
in a hole in a tree, or martin's box ; eggs, four
or six, pure white. Karly in September the
martins leave for the .south.

Birds of Canada.

23

Famita- CAPRIMULGID^. THb: GOAT

SCrCKERS.

WHIl'-FUOll-Wll,L.

Capriiiiul^i^iis vocifcnis. — The Whip-poor-will.

The Whip-poor-Avill is a. rci^ular summer resi-
dent of Canada. It is ten and a-half inches
loni.;- ; bill, short, and bent at the point ; mouth,
very lari;e, and beset alon^ the sides with a
number of stiff bristles, which turn inwards ;
eyes, full and laroe ; the plumai^e is variegated
with black, pale cream-brown, and rust color.
The notes of thr whip-poor-will are three, and
have a resemblance to the syllables '' loJiip poor
loill^' from which it takes its name. It begins
its song soon after sunset, and continues till
late at night ; then remains silent till near the
dawn, when it resumes, and continues tiil sunrise.
During the day it sits in the most retired, solitary,
and deep-shaded parts of the woods, generally
on high ground, where it reposes in silence.

I

t '<

24

Birds of Canada.

When disturbed, it rises within ;i lew l\>ct, and
flics slowly throuL;"h the \\(X)ds for thirty oi" forty
yards, and generally settles on a low branch, or on
the ground. Its sight ai)pears deficient during
the day, as it seems to want that vivacity for
which it is distinguished in the- moi'iiing .ind
evening twilight. It does not perch, like other
birds, sitting across the branch, but lengthwise ;
and its hinder toe is capable of being turned
forward as well as backward. It is solitar\' in
its habits, and is generally seen alone. Tlu-
female begins to lay about the second week in
May, selecting for this purpose the most unfre-
quented part of the wood, often where .some
brush, old logs, or heaps of leavers h;ul been
lying, and always on a ilry situation. The eggs,
usually two in number, greenish-white, are ile[)o-
sited on the ground, ov on tlu; leaves, iu»l the
slightest appearance of a nest being visible. Its
food consists entirel)' of night-Hying insect.'..

Birds of Canada,

25

i ' f

NIGHT HAWK.

Chordcilcs pojhiiic.—~T\m Night Hawk.

Tlii.s is a well known bird. It arrives here
(ri)ni tlic south about the middle of May. The
colors of this bird, though pkain, have a beautiful
effect from the elegance of their disposition : the
plumage being beautifully freckled, barred, and
s[)otted with brown, black, grey, and ferrugi-
nous, variously arranged and diversified. The
bill is small, flat, and hooked at the tip; the
eyes are large, full, and black ; the legs are
short, rough, and scal)% and feathered below the
knee. The male is distinguished from the female
4

m

m

26

Birds of Canada.

by an oval white spot, near the end of the first
three quill feathers. Nests, on the bare ground,
sometimes on a rock ; eggs, two, grayish-white,
spotted with brown and lavender. Its food con-
sists entirely of motlis, gnats, beetles, and other
night insects.

C. caroliiioisis. — The Chuck-will's Widow.

The Chuck-will's Widow closely resembles
the Whip-poor-will in general appearance. This
interesting bird is a very rare visitor in Canada.
It derives its name from its repeated utterance
of a cry that exactly resembles the words 'U/mrk
ivilVs widozu." Like the other members of the
Goat Sucker Family, this bird seeks its food by
night. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, two, grayish-
white, mottled with buff.

;r

j^irds of C(^nad(i. 2f

SUB-ORDER CLAMATORES.
(SCREAMERS.)

Family ALCEDINID/E. THE KING-
FISHERS.

is
a.
:c
rk
iie

ll-

BELTED KINGFISHER.

Cerylc alcyon. — The Belted Kingfisher.

This bird is a very common summer resident
of Canada. It arrives here about the tenth of
April. The plumage of this pretty bird is bright
blue above, marked with a great number of dark
streaks caused by the blue-black shaft of each
feather. The wings are blackish-brown, bound
with white, and variegated with blue ; the head,
with a crest ; a band across the breast and sides
of the same color as the back ; the tail, with
transverse bands and spots of white. Length,
twelve inches. Nests, in a long winding hob in a
sand-bank; eggs, six, pure white. Feeds upon fish,

■\\\

-I

'.'ll

28

Birds of Canada.

Family COLOPTERID/E. THE FL V-
CA TCHERS.

Snl)-Eami7y TVRA'^Nm a:. — Tyrant Fl>'-catcher.s.

KINO r.nu).

Tyyaiunis carolinoisis. — The King Bird,

This bravo little bird is a summer inhabitant
of Canada. Color above, dark bluisii-ash, the
lower parts white ; the concealed crest, vermillion
and orange. Its favorite resorts are open fields
or orchards. I'Y'eds upon insects. It is a
courageous little bird, and attacks hawks, crow.s^
and other large birds without the least hesitation.
Nests, in an orchard tree ; eggs, five, of a beau-
tiful creamy-white color, with spots and speck.-,
of brown. Departs for the south, first September.

rs.

Birds of Canada.

29

Myi-arcJuis crinitns. — The Great-crested Fl>'-

catchcr.

This bird arrives in Canada about the middle
of May. The nest is placed in a hollo^v tree or
stub, and nearly always contains the cast-off skin
of a snake, which is coiled at the bottom ; eggs,
four, of a dull cream color, scratched with purple
lines. Feeds upon insects. The general color
of this bird is dull greenish-olive above ; under
parts, bright sulphur-yellow ; head, well defined
crest. Departs for the south first of September.

Sayornis jiiscus. — The Phebe Bird.

This very common bird is too well known to
need a description. It arrixes from the south
about the last of March, and departs the last of
October.

•n.
u-

Contopus virais. — The Wood Pewee.

This is a common summer resident of Canada.
It arrives here about the twentieth of May. Gen-
eral color, dark olive brown ; the lower parts,
pale-yellow. This bird loves the dark quiet
retreats of the forests. Mere, sitting upon a
branch, it may be seen watching for insects,
uttering its low melancholy notes. Nests, in a
tree ; eggs, four or five ; light-yellow, spotted
with red on the large end.

n

30

Birds of Canada.

Empidonax viinivms. — The least Fly-catchei.

This active Httle bird arriv^es from the south
about the first of May. Color, above, oHve-
brovvn ; beneath, yellowish-white ; length, five
inches. Usually nests in an apple tree; eggs,
four ; creamy-white color. Feeds upon insects
entirely.

SUB-ORDER OSCINES.

(SINGING BIRDS.)

Family TURDID^E. THE THRUSHES.

WOOD THRUSH.

Turdus mustdinus. — The Wood Thrush.

This sweet song.ster is a common Canadian
visitor, arriving here about the twentieth of May.
The Wood Thrush delights in deep, shady places,
where there is a small brook. Its soft, half plain-

Birds of Canada.

31

tivc notes excel in sweetness those of any other
Ciinadian bird. Color, above, clear cinnamon-
brown ; the under parts are white, tinged with
buff, marked with blackish spots. Nests, in a
low shrub in the deep woods ; eggs, four in
number, of a blue color, tinted with green. Feeds
u[)on insects.

T. palassii. — The Hermit Thrush.

The Hermit Thrush arrives in Canada about
the middle of May. Color, above, olive-brown ;
beneath, white ; length, eight inches. Nests, in
low trees or bushes ; eggs, four, of a light blue
color. In its habits and song it is similar to the
Wood Thrush. Feeds upon insects.

T. fusccsccns. — The Tawny Thrush.

This is a common summer resident of Canada.
Color, above, light reddish-brown ; below, white.
Nests, on the ground ; eggs, four, of a bluish-
green color. I'^eeds upon insects.

-A

T. Sivainsonii. — The Olive-backed Thrush.

This pretty bird is the least common of all the
thrushes. Color, olivaceous ; breast, white ;
throiit and breast, spotted with brown. Nests,
in the deepest recesses of the forest ; eggs, four,
of a reddish-brown color. Feeds on insects.

32

Birds of Canada.
T. migrator ions. — The Robin.

This is one of the most common and interest-
ing summer residents. Color, above, oHve-gray ;
top and sides of the head, black ; throat, white,
streaked with black ; under parts, chestnut-
brown ; length, ten inches. Its food consists of
caterpillars, earth-worms, and grubs of various
kinds. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, four, greenish-
blue. The popular prejudice against this bird
is unjust. It is a good friend to the farmer,
and should be protected.

Sub-Family MllNllN.E. — Mocking Birds.

ri

HarporhyncJius riifits. — The Brown Thrush, or
Brown Thrasher.

This sweet songster is one of our most welcome
visitors. In the pleasant .spring mornings, this
bird utters the sweetest melodies from the top-
mo.st branches of some i-solated tree. During the
day it prefers low thick bushe.s. The nest is
made in a clump of low bushes, a few feet from
the ground ; eggs, four to six, of a dull buff color,
sprinkled with brown. General color, above,
light cinnamon-red ; below, pale rufous white.
The Brown Thrasher arrives here about the la.st
of April, and departs for its .southern home the
first week in October,

Birds of Canada.

33

CAT BIRD.

Calcoscoptcs caroiifinisis. — 1'hc Cat Bird.

This well known bird arrives in Canada about
the middle of May. Its habits are so well known
that a description is hard])' necessary. General
color, dark plumbeous ; the under tail co\-erts,
dark brown. In s})rin^ its .sony; is varied, mellow,
and sweet. It possesses to s(jme extent the
power to imitate the notes t)f other birds.
Sometimes it mews like a cat, hence its name.
Nests, in low bushes ; e;4'!,;s, four, sometimes six,
L;"reenish-blue. It rears two brootls in a .season.
About the nn'ddle of October the Cat Bird goes
south.

Family SAXICOLUhK 77//: ROCK
INir.' /If'/'IiRS.

Sialia sialis. — The r)lue jjird.

The Blue liird, is a connnon summer resident
of Canada, (n.'neral color, abo\'e, azure-blue ;
beneath, reddish-brown. It is one of the earliest
arrivals, makinf,;" its appearance about the middle

1.5!

34

Birds of Canada.

of March. Nests, in a knot-hole or martin's box ;
eggs, five in number, of a Hght-bhie color. Feeds
entirely upon insects. Leaves for the south the
first of October.

Family SYLVIDyE. THE
INHABITERS.

WOOD

Rcgulus calendula. — The Ruby-crowned Wron.

This pretty little wren is at once distinguished
by the crown, which has a concealed patch of
scarlet feathers, which are white at the base.
Its song is charming, and harmonious. Arrives
here about the middle of May, on its way north
to breed, and visits us again in September, while
migrating .south. I^Yx^ds upon insects and their
larva.'.

Rcgulus satrapa. — The Golden-crested Wren.

This wren is distinguished from the Ruby-
crowned, by a crest of orange-red, encircled by
yellow. Visits Canada in the spring and autumn.
Breeds north of Ontario. I^'eeds upon insects.

Rcgulus cuvicvi. — Cuvier's Golden-crested Wren.

This diminutive and beautiful bird differs from
the Regulus Satrapa in having two black bands
on the crown, separated by a white band. This
wren usually accompanies the two preceding
species, in their spring and fall migrations

Birds of Canada,

35

Family PARID.^.

111.

Ml.

Sub-Fauiily Parin^K. — TJic Titniicr.

Pants atricapillus. — The Black-cap Titmouse, or

Chick-a-dee.

This pretty Httle bird is one of the few species
that remain with us throughout the year. It
builds its nest in a hole in a stump or tree ;
eggs, six in number, white, with reddish-brown
markings at the larger end. Two broods are
raised in a season. General color, ashj'-brown
above, and white beneath ; top of the head and
throat, black ; and the sides of the head between,
white. Feeds entrely upon insects and their
larvai.

/'. liudsonicHs. — Hudson's Bay Titmouse.

This bird is a permanent resident of Canada.
Color, olive brown above ; white beneath ; top
of the head, browti ; sides of the head, white.
Length, five inches. Nests in a shrub ; eggs,
four, pure white.

I 1
'ii

'fl

ccc

"^^WQ^^

.^oo

m

I \ ^'

36

Birds of Canada.

Sttb-Faiiiily SlT'rix.K. — The NutiiatcJics.

AVIllTKnE!,!/ii;i) NUTHATCH.

Sitta cayoliiicnsis. — The Whitc-bcllicd Nurnatcli.

Tliis nuthatch is one of our common summer
birds, and somethnes remains in Canada thn)U!.;h
the winter. Color, ashy-bhie aljove ; the untler
j)arts, white ; to[) of the heatl and neck, black.
Nests, in a hole in a stump or tree ; ei.';i;s, six,
dull white. hV'eds ui)on insects. At nis^ht it
attaches its feet to the bark of a tree, and slee[)S
with its head downwards.

S. canadi'usis. — The Retl-bellied Nuthatch.

The Red-bellied Nuthatch is smaller than the
precediuf.; species ; the l)elly, reiUh"sh-bro\\n ; in
other respects it is similar to tlie Whit., Ijcllicd
Nuthatch.

Birds of Canada.

37

Family CiCRTIIIAD/E. TlIE CREEPERS.

A.MKUICAN CREKPKR.

CcrtJiia aiiirricana. — The Anicrican Creeper.

This industrious insect-hunter is a permanent
resident of Canada. Color, above, dark brown,
each feather streaked with white ; the under
p;uts, rusty-brown ; a wliite streak over the eye.
Feeds upon insects and their larva:. Nests, in a
hollow tree ; e^;-i^s, six, dark gray.

FAMir.vTROGLODYTID/E. THE WREXS.

Cistotlionts palustris. — I.ong-billed ]\Tarsh Wren.

This species lives anion;:;- the rank vegetation
■.•rowiuii in marshes and inlets to the lakes. Here
it builds its nest, and lays six eggs of a deep
chocolate color. This wren is five and a-half

111

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38

Birds of Canada.

inches long ; the upper parts, dull reddish-brown ;
the under parts, and a streak over the eye, white.
Feeds upon insects. It arrives here about the
middle of May, and leaves for the south about
the last of September.

Troglodytes Jiyanalis. — The Winter Wren.

The Winter Wren arrives in Ontario about
the lirst of October, and remains through the
winter, leaving early in the spring for the north,
where it breeds. Color, reddish-brown.

Troglodytes ccdon. — The House Wren.

This well known and interesting bird arrives
from the south the first week in I\Iay. It lives
entirely upon insects, of which it destroys vast
numbers. This little wren delimits in livinc
near the habitations of men, and builds its nest
in any hole in a tree or stump it finds ; eggs,
six, pale reddish-brown. Color, redtlish-brown.

Famh.v SYLVICOLID/E. WARBTERS.

Sub-Fainily SvLVicoLiN.i:. — TJic Wood
Warblers.

Miiiotilta variii. — The Black and White Creeper.

This is a regular summer resident. Nests, in
a low bush ; eggs, four, creamy-white, (jeneral

Birds of Canada,

39

color of the male, black ; the feathers broadly
edited with white. All the birds of this family
are insectivorous. I have thirty species of the
warbler family in my collection.

Parula anicricana. — The Blue Yellow-backed

Warbler.

This warbler arrives here about the middle of
April, on its way to the north, and returns south-
ward about the middle of September. Color,
above, blue, with a yellow stripe on the middle of
the back ; beneath, yellowish-white. This species
utters a soft, prolonged twitter : its only souij.

( I cot lily pis triclias. — The Maryland Yellow Throat.

Tliis very pretty warbler breeds in Ontario.
Color, above, olive-green, tinged with brown ;
throat and neck, bright yellow. Nests, in low
bushes ; eggs, four, creamy-white.

G. pJiiladclphiic. — The Mourning Warbler.

Its note is a little chit, uttered in a soft, pen-
sive tone. General color, ash-gray above, and
black underneath, ]*>reeds in Canada. Nest.s,
in a low bush ; eggs, four, bluish-white.

C. niacg'ilhraii. — Macgillvray's Warbler.

This Warbler is five inches long, the wing less
than two and a -half inches ; the head and neck,

M

\ '

I *-ii

I II

I

40

Birds of Canada.

ash, a narrow frontlet and space around the eye,
black ; the feathers of the forward under parts
really black, but appearing gray from the ashy
tips of the feathers ; the rest of the upper parts,
dark olive-green, and of the lower, yellow. Breeds
in Canada. Nests, in a low bush ; eggs, five,
tlesh-colored.

Dcudroica vivcns — The Black' Throated Green

Warbler.

The Black-throated Green Warbler is live
inches lone", the wind's over two and a-half inches;
the crown and back, olive ; the forehead, super-
ciliary and maxillary stripes, yellow. 15reeds in
Canada. Nests, in a bush near the ground ; eggs,
five, bluish white.

D. palinaruni. — The Yellow Red-poll Warbler.

This bird is five inches long, the wing nearly
two and a-half inches, the crown, sides of the
head, and inferior streaks, yellow ; a white spot on
the end of the tail, superciliary streak and under
parts, yellow. Breeds in the interior of Canada.
Visits Ontario in May and September.

D. tigriua. — Cape May Warbler.

The Cape May W.-^.rbler is five and a-ciuartcr
inches long, the wing nearly three inches, the
bill, acute and decurved ; the color, olive above.

V

I

Birds of Canada.

41

rump and under parts, yellow ; crown, blackish ;
sides of the head, chestnut. This pretty bird
breeds in northern Ontario.

D. canadensis.'

The Black-Throated Blue
Warbler.

This bird is five and a-half inches long, the
wing, two and a-half ; the crown, black ; back,
ash ; maxillary stripe, white. Breeds in Manitoba.
Visits Ontario in the spring and fall.

D. coronata. — The Yellow-rump Warbler.

This Warbler is five and a-quarter inches
long, the wing three inches ; the color, slate blue
above ; throat, white ; head, blackish ; the sides
and rump, with a yellow patch. Breeds north
of Ontario.

D. blackburnicc. — Blackburnian Warbler.
This is, without exception, the most beautiful
of all the warblers. Color : the back, black ;
throat, bright orange ; and a patch on the wing
and outer tail feathers, white. Breeds in the far
north. Remains for a few days in May and
October.

1). castanca. — The r>ay-breastcd Warbler.
This bird is five Inches long; the head, chestnut ;
sides of the head, bhick ; and belly, white. Like
mo.st of the family, this bird breeds in the north-
0

6:

ill

'I I
lit -y - 1

42

Birds of Canada.

crn part of this continent. During the spring
and fall migrations it stops for a few days in
Ontario.

D. pinus. — The Pine-creeping Warbler.
The Pine-creeping Warbler is five and a-half
1 "hes long, and the wing, three inches ; oliv >
green above, and ye:low beneath ; t\vo dull white
bands upon the wings. Breeds in northern
Canada. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, four,
bluish-white.

D. pauuylvaiiica. — The Chestnut-sided Warbler.

This species is five inches long ; the wing, two
and a-half inches ; the crown, yellow, encircled
with white ; sides of the head, black, enclosing a
white patch behind ; and sides of the body^ chest-
nut. Breeds in northern Canada. Visits Ontario
in the spring and fall.

D. striata. — The Black-poll Warbler.

This warbler is five and three-quarter inches
long; the wing, three inches; the crown and sides,
black ; the cheeks below the eye, white. Breeds
north of Ontario. Spring and autumn visitor.

D. astiva. — The Yellow Warbler.

This species arrives here about the middle of
May, and breeds here. Nests, in a willow or
maple tree ; eggs, four, white, with brown blotches.
General color, yellow.

Birds of Canada. 43

D. maculosa. — The Black and Yellow Warbler.

This bird is a summer resident of Canada.
Builds its nest in the willows that j^row in low
marshy grounds ; eggs, four, pure white.

Myiodioctcs canaacnsis. — The Canada Fly-
catcher.

The Canada Fly-catcher is about five and
a-third inches long, the wing, about two and
two-thirds inches ; the back, bluish ; streaks
upon the crown ; stripe on the side of the head
and neck; and breast, black. Breeds in Canada.
Nests, on the ground, or in a low bush ; eggs,
four, pinki.sh-whitc.

M. mitratus.~'\\\(i Hooded Warbler.

The Hooded Warbler is five inches long ; the
head and neck, black ; back, olive-green ; the
front, cheeks, and under parts, yellow. It is
very rarely .seen in Ontario. Breeds in the
.south. Visits Canada in the spring.

]\r. uiinutus. — The Small-headed Fly-catcher.

This little bird is four inches long; olive, above;
yellow, beneath ; and the wing, with two white
bands. Visits Canada in May and October.

M. pnsillns. — The Green Black-cap Fly-catcher.

This Fly-catcher is four and three-quarter
inches long ; the upper parts, olive ; the forehead,

i

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!.;<«

44

Birds cf Canada.

and under parts, brii^ht yellow , the crown, with
a black patcii. Remains here for a few days in
iMay and August.

Hduiithcnisvcnnivorns. — The Worni-cating

Warbler.

'J'hc Worm-catincf Warbler is five inch< s loiic".
Color, olive green, above ; beneath, browni;;h-
yellow. X'isits (Canada during the spring aiul
summer nn'^ratioi-.s. IVecds in the far noith.

HclniintJiopaga piims — The IMue-winged Yellow-
Warbler.

This bird is four and a-half inches long ; the
wing, two and four-tenths inches, Color, above,
olive-green ; the wings and tail, bluish-gray ; the
crown and under parts, rich orange-yellow. Its
nest is elongated, and attached by its upper edge
to several stout stalks of grass ; eggs, four to six,
pure white, with a few pale red spots at the
lan'-er end. Ih-eeds in Canada.

II. cJirysoplcra. — The Golden-winged Warbler.

This beautiful warbler is five inches long;
upper parts bluish-gray ; head antl under parts,
black and yellow. ]3reeds in the interior of
Canada. Remains in Ontario a few days in the
spring and fall.

Birds of Canada.

45

i

I

//. rjtficapilla.—'\\-\Q Nashville Warbler.

The Nashville Warbler is over four and a-half
inches lon^^ ; the wing, two and three-fourths
inches ; the color, above, olive-green ; beneath,
dull white ; the color, olive-green above ; under
parts, deep yellow. Visits Canada in the spring
and fall.

//. pi'rcgrina. — The Tennessee Warbler.

The Tennessee Warbler is four and a-half
inches long ; the wine, two and three-fourths
inches ; the color, above, olive-green ; beneath,
dull white ; the top and sides of the head, ashy-
gray, lireeds in northern Canada. Spring and
fall visitor.

Ictcria viridis. — The Yellow-breasted Chat.

This bird is nearly seven inches in length ;
upper parts, olive-green ; under-parts gamboge-
yellow. Visits Canada in May and September.

SctopJiaga rnticUla. — The Red Start.

The W<iCi Start arrives here about the middle
of May, and leaves about the fifteenth of Septem-
ber. It is five and a quarter inches long ; the
wing two and a half inches ; the general color,
black, the sides of the breast and base of the
quills and tail, reddish-orange, and the abdomen,
white. This is one of the prettiest and liveliest
birds of our forests. The nest is built upon a

46

Birds of Canada.

low busli ; Ci^gs, four to six ; white, sprinkled
with ashy-gray,

Seiiirns aurocapillns. — The Golden-crowned

Thrush.

This beautiful bird is i summer resident of
Canada. It arrives here about the last of April,
and departs the last of September. Color, above,
olive-green, with a tinge of yellow ; crown, with
two streaks of black, enclosing a broad orange
stripe ; beneath, wh'te ; the breast and sides of
the body, black. It builds its nest on the ground,
in the form of an old oven ; eggs, five, creamy-
white.

5. novcboraccnsis. — The Water Thrush, or
Wagtail.

The Water Thrush arrives here about the first
of May ; departs twentieth of Septcjnbcr. Color,
above, olive-brown ; beneath, pale sulphur-yel-
low, brightest on the abdomen. It can be found
near brooks, rivers, or pond.s, wading in the shal-
low water in search of aquatic insects, continually
wagging its tail. Nests, in a swamp ; eggs, five,
reddish-brown.

Sub-Family Taxa(;rix/E. — Tlic Tanagcrs.

Pyranga rubra. — The Scarlet Tanager.

This elegant bird is seven and four-tenths
inches long ; the wing, four inches ; the color.

\

Birds of Canada.

47

bri|^ht scarlet, wings and tail black. Nests, on a
low branch of a tree ; ei^gs, three to five ; dull,
<.n'ecnish-blue, speckled with reddish-brown and
light purple. This is our most gaudy visitor. It
arrives from the .south about the fifteenth of
May, and leaves early in September. This bird
thrives well in confmenient, and makes a beau-
tiful pet. Feeds up(^n insects' berries, and grain.

1 !

48

Birds of Canada.

Family BOAIBYCILLID/E. THE CHAT-

TERERS.
Sub-h'auiily BoMr.YClLLlNJ:. — The Wax ll'/ni^s.

BOHEMIAN CIIATTKIilCU.

/] iiipdis ^arn////s.—Th() l^ohcmian Chatterer.

Tliis very rare and beautiful bird ajipears in
Canada onlv in severe seasons. Lcn</tli. seven
and a-lialf inches ; the win^", four and a-half
inches. The general color, brovv'nish-ash ; pri-
maries and tail feathers, plunvbeous-black, the
tail with a terminal band of yellow ; the head
and throat marked with black ; the win[';s with
white ; and the .secondaries have red hoi ny tips.

Birds of Canada.

49

They live in numerous flocks, keeping by pairs
only in the breeding season. Their food con-
sists chiefly of the buds and seeds of the pine,
cedar, r^nd juniper. Their migrations extend
from Central Asia to the Arctic regions. Tht.y
breed in the northern part of British Columbia
and Alaska.

1

/]. ccdroruin. — The Cedar Bird, or Cherry Bird.

The Cedar Birds arrive here in flocks about
the second week in March. They generally
build their nests in orchard trees ; sometimes in
a cedar or other evergreen tree ; eggs, four or
five in number, of a light blue or clay-white
color, with a slight purple tint, with black spots.
Farmers manifest a great deal of ill-feeling
toward this bird, on account of its occasional
fondness for cherries and other small fruit. It
has, however, a much greater relish for cater-
pillars and the larv.e of insects, of which it
destroys immense numbers, and thereby more
than compensates for the small quantity of
fruit it eats. The only note of the Cherry l^ird
is tiVi'C-tiva\ uttered in a plaintive, soft manner.
The general color is reddish-olive above, passing
into yellow beneatli ; the quills and tail, dark
plumbeous and dusky, tipped with yellow. The
plumage is very .soft and delicate, and its tints
and shadings beautiful.
7

50

Birds of C lada.

Family LANIID/E.

Sitb-FaJiiily Laniin.1i". — The Shrikes.

GUKAT XORTHi:UN HIIHIKi:.

Collyrio borealis.—'\\\Q. Groat Northern Shrike, or

Butcher Bird.

The Butcher l^ird is nine inches loni:^ ; the
color, above, liL;lit bhiish-asli ; the under parts,
white ; the \vinL;s and tail, black, ft feeds prin-
cipally upon insects, sparrows, ami other small
birds. It can imitate the calls of other birds,
especially those indicatiuL; distress ; and has the
cruel habit of impalinj^" its prey on sharp twii^s
and thorns, antl devourins^j it at leisure. Hence,
it has derived the name, lUitcher Jh'rd. The
nest is usuall)' built in a thorn tree or low
shrub ; eL;p,s, four or live in number ; of a
dirty lead-colored white, with spots of brown
on the large end.

Birds of Canada.

51

)r

C. exaibitorides. — The White-rumped Shrike.

The characteristics of this shrike are similar
to those of the preceding species, except that
the tail is shorter and the head larger,

Sub-Family VireonintE. — TJic Vircos.

Vireo olivaccus. — The Red-eyed Vireo.

This is one of our most industrious and inter-
esting little visitors. It is six and a-half inches
long, the wing three and a-half inches. Color,
olive-green, above; white, below; the head, dark
ash ; and iris, red ; a wl:itish line from the bill
over the eye. The nest is generally suspended
from forked twigs ; eggs, four to six, spotted
with reddish-brown. Feeds entirely upon insects
and their larvae. The Red-eyed Vireo is one of
the earliest singers of spring, and the latest of
autumn. Its notes are loud, clear, and melodious.
Throughout the day he hoi)s from branch to
branch, searching in the foliage for caterpillars
and noxious larva.', Arrives in Canada about
the tenth of May, and departs for the south
early in October.

]^. j^'/lrus. — The Warbling Vireo.

This pretty bird is five and a-half inches long;
the color, olive-green, above ; beneath, white,
tinged with yellow. Its song is very mellow and

I 111

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52

Birds of Canada.

sweet. The nest is pensile, and usually built in
tall trees ; eggs, six ; white, with small red spots
on the large end. Arrives here about the ilrst
of May, and leaves late in September,

V. noveboraccusis. — The White-eyed Vireo.

This sweet songster frequents llic thickest
bushes. It arrives in Canada about the Hr.st of
May, and remains until October. Color, bright
olive-green, above ; white, beneath ; iris, white.
Nests, in a brier or raspberry bush ; eggs, four
in number, reddish-brown. While in search of
insects it sings merrily and sweetly.

V.Jiavifrons. — The Yellow-throated Vireo. ,

This is a beautiful and rather unconnnon bird
with us. It usually arrives liere about the fif-
teenth of May. Color, olive-green above; throat
and breast, bright sulphur yellow ; the remaining
under parts, white. It is quite impossible to say
too much in favor of this sweet songster. The
nest is built a few feet from the ground, and is
a beautiful specimen of nest-building ; the eggs
are four in number, pure white, spotted with
brown.

V. solitarius. — The Solitary Vireo.

This beautiful and active fl)'-catcher is fixe
inches in length. Color, above, olive-gn-en ;

Birds of Canada.

53

underneath, white ; sides, yellowish-green ; top
and sides of the head, bluish-ash. Breeds in
Canada. Nests, in the topmost branches of a
tree ; eggs, four, white.

^1 : i-

I m

Family ALAUDID/K. THE SKYLARKS.

SnOUi: LARK.

J'lrcniopJiila cornuta. — The Shore Lark.

The Shore Lark arrives in Canada late in the
fall. Color, pinkish-brown ; the feathers of the
back', marked with dusky-brown ; the frontal
band and under part.s, white ; neck and throat,
yellow : a crcsccntric patch from the bill below
the eye, and along the side of the head, and a
black pectoral crescent. While on the wing
it sings sweetly. Its nest is always built on
the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a faint

m

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54

Birds of Canada.

grayish-brown color. The Sho>'e Lark is one of
our few winter birds ; in March it leaves for the
far north to breed.

Family FRINGILLIDyE.

Sub-Famiiy CoccOTHRAUSTlNyE. — The Finches.

Pinicola canadensis. — The Pine Grosbeak.

This bird visits us during the severest seasons
only. Its habitat is the extreme northern part
of this continent. Large numbers visited this
section of Canada in the winter of 1867. The
Pine Grosbeak is eight and a-half inches long ;
beak, dusky, very thick at the base, and hooked
at the tip ; head, neck, breast, and rump, rose-
colored crimson ; back, black ; greater wing-
coverts, tipped with white, forming two bars on
the wing ; (}uills, black, edged with white ; belly,
straw-colored. The female is brownish above,
greenish-yellow beneath ; the top of the head
and rump, brownish gamboge-yellow. Feeds
upon the small buds which shoot out from the
branches of the fir and other trees.

CarpodacHS pnrpurcns. — The Purple Finch.

The Purple Finch arrives here about the last
of April, in flocks of a dozen or more. It is six

Birds of Canada.

55

and a-half inches long; the color, crimson; belly
and under tail coverts, white ; two thin reddish
bands aross the wings. The female is olive-
brown above, and white beneath. Its sonj.:^ is
sweet and warblinc^. Nests, in a tree, a few
feet from the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a
bluish-green color. Its food consists principally
of the buds and blossoms of fruit trees.

Ciirvsomitris tristis. — The Yellow Bird.

This is a well-known and common summer
visitor. Color, bright yellow ; crown, wings, and
tail, black. The nest is usually built in the
branch of a tr..e, twenty feet from the ground ;
eggs, four or five, white, tinged with blue, and
spotted with reddi.sh-brown. Arrives here in
flocks early in May. In the fall its color is
changed to a greenish-olive, resemblinir the
female. About the last of September they
gather in flocks and move southward.

C. pinus. — The Pine Mnch.

The Pine Finch arrives in Canada late in the
fall, and remains throughout the winter. It
frequents the pine forest.s. rY^eds on the seeds
contained in the pine cones. Color, above,
brownish-olive ; beneath, whitish, streaked with

56

Birds of Canada.

dusky brown ; tail, forked. Breeds north of
Ontario.

Cnrvirostra aiiia'icana. — The Ived Cro.ssbill.

The Red Cros.sbiU is si.x inches lon^r ; the
color, dull red ; the v. ">;s .1 tail, blackish-
brown. This bird is ai initrib'^'ant of the pine
forests of the far north, ■/ '; u.anlly visits us
during- the winter. Its food consist:. ^T the seeds
of the pine and hemlock, which it detaches from
the cones and husks that enclose them with its
peculiarly shaped bill, which is crossed.

Curvirosti'a Icucoptcra. — The White-winged
Crossbill,

This bird has all the general characteristics of
the Red Crossbill, but is readily distinguished by
the white bands across the wings.

yEgiothits I'uiaria. — The Lesser Red-poll.

This is a common winter visitor with us. It
is four and a-half inches long ; the color, above,
light yellowish, each feather streaked with dark
brown ; the crown, crimson ; upper parts of the
breast, tinged with light crimson ; white, under-
neath. Few birds manifest a more affectionate
disposition than the little Red-poll. I have often
seen a dozen or more sitting on a branch, feeding
each other, and exhibiting other marks of kind-
ness and affection. This bird breeds in the arctic

regions.

Birds of Canada. 57

PlectropJiancs nivales. — The Snow Bunting.

This is another very common winter visitor in
this part of Canada. They move in large flocks,
and are sometimes accompanied by Red-polls
and Shore Larks. Color, above, black and white;
underneath, white; head and rump, yellowish-
brown. I'hey breed in Lapland and other parts
of the far north.

P. Lapponicus. — Lapland Bunting.

This Bunting breeds in Lapland. Head and
neck, black, with a red crescent on the hind
neck ; rest of upper parts, black ; lower parts,
white. Visits Canada durintr the fall nii< -rat ions.

4!f

1;

Sub-Faniily SriZKi,LT x.i;. — The Sparnnos.

Passcrciilns savanna. — The Savannah S[)arrow.

This sparrow arrives here about the middle of
April. Is five and a-half inches long ; the upper
parts streaked with dark brown, the crown with
a medium stripe of yellowish-gray; eyelids, }'el-
low ; the forepart of the breast, streaked ; the
under parts white. Nests on the ground ; eggs,
four to six, pale blue, mottled with purplish-
brown. Departs for the south early in October.
All the birds of this family feed upon insects
and seeds. Two broods are raised in a season.

It is a fine singer,
• 8

58

Birds of Canada.

PooccEtes graminats. — The Bay-winged Bunting.

The Bay-winged Bunting is six and a-quarter
inches long ; above, yellowish-brown ; the fea-
thers streaked abruptly with dark brown ; be-
neath, yellowish-white ; the breast and belly
streaked with brown ; the wings, light chestnut-
brown. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, foi.r to six,
bluish-white, with reddish-brown blotches. it
arrives the first week in April, and leaves for the
south the last of September. The Bay-winged
Bunting sings, for an hour at a time, in a sweet,
tender strain.

CvtnrnicHlus passcrinus. — The Yellow-winged

Sparrow.

This sparrow arrives in Ontario about the first
week in May, and leaves early in September.
It is about five inches long ; the feathers above,
brownish-rufous ; the crown, black, with a yel-
lowish-brown .stripe ; the end of the wing, bright
yellow ; the lower parts are brownish-yellow.
Nests, on the ground ; eggs, six, dull white,
sprinkled with brown. Two broods arc raised
in the same season.

Zonotyichia Icucoplirys. — The White-crowned

Sparrow.

This bird visits us during the spring and
autumn migrations. It arrives here from the

Birds of Canada.

59

south about the middle of May, and returns
from the north, where it breeds, in October.
The song of the White-crowned Sparrow is
clear, musical, and plaintive. This bird is over
seven inches long, the wing three and a-quarter
inches ; the head above the upper half of the
loral region, and a line through and behind the
eye to the occiput, black ; a patch upon the
crown, white ; general color, pale ash above,
and white beneath. Feeds on insects, seeds,
and berries.

'■iti

Z. albicollis. — The White-throated Sparrow.

The White-throated Sparrow is seven inches
long ; the crown with two black stripes, sepa-
rated by one of white ; a broad yellow stripe to
the middle of the eye, and white behind it ;
upper part of breast, dark ash ; edge of wing,
yellow ; the back, rufous-brown ; the belly, and
two bands across the wings, white. This beau-
tiful sparrow arrives in Ontario about the first
of May. Its song is indescribably sweet and
musical. I have frequently heard it at night,
when passing through the woods. Its food con-
sists of seeds, berries, and insects. They collect
in small flocks about the middle of October,
and leave for the south. Nest.s, on the ground ;
eggs, four, grayish-white

Birds of Canada.

Juuco Jiyonalis. — The Snow Bird.

The general color of this bird is grayish or
ashy-black ; the breast, belly, and second exter-
nal tail feathers, white ; the third tail feather,
white, margined with black. Length, six inches.
This well-known bird arrives here in large flocks
during the winter, and is quite tanic. Their
migrations extend from the arctic circle to the
Gulf of Mexico. Numbers of these birds remain
here through the summer ; they build their nests
in stumps, or in a clump of moss ; eggs, white,
spotted with reddish-brown and grayi.sh-white.
There is a widespread impression that the Snow
l^ird of winter is the Chipping Sparrow of the
summer. I am satisfied it is a mistake. The
Chipping Sparrow differs in plumage and size
from the Snow l^ird.

Spirjclla monticola. — The Tree Sparrow.

The Tree Sparrow is six and a-quarter inches
long ; the feathers of the back, dark brown
centrally, then rufous, edged with white. The
head, chestnut ; the under parts are white, with
a blotch of brown on the chest. This bird
breeds in the northern forests.

S.pnsilla. — The Field Sparrow.

The Field Sparrow arrives here about the
twentieth of April. Inhabits the pastures and

If

Birds of Canada.

6l

h

low woods. General color, rufous red, the under
parts white, tinged before with yellow. Nests,
upon the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a
grayish-white, with blotches of lavender. The
Field Sparrows collect in flocks about the first
of September, and leave for the south.

vS', sociallis. — The Chipping Sparrow.

This is one of our most common sparrows.
It arrives here the last of March, and leaves for
the south in October. It is five and a-half
inches long. Rump, back of neck, and sides of
neck and head, ashy ; crown, chestnut ; fore-
head, black, separated in middle by white ; a
white streak over the eye ; the under parts;
white. liuilds its nest in low bushes ; ecfos, four
in number, greenish-blue, with dark brown spots.
Feeds upon seeds, berries, and insects.

Mdospiza mclodia. — The Song Sparrow.

The Song Sparrow is rufous-brown above ;
the under parts, white ; the breast and sides of
the body and throat, streaked with dark rufous.
This sparrow is one of our most common birds,
and one of the sweetest songsters of the sparrow
family. It makes its appearance here about the
middle of March. The nest is usually built on
the ground, or in a low bush ; eggs, four or five
in number, bluish-white, and variously marked.
Two broods arc raised in the season.

•il

62 Birds of Canada.

AI. palustvis. — The Swamp Sparrow.

This sparrow arrives from the south about the
middle of April. It prefers low, swampy locali-
ties, and is seldom seen in the open fields. This
sparrow is six inches long ; the crown, chestnut ;
forehead, black ; ash-colored streak on the side
o'{ the head and back ; under parts, whitish,
tinged with ashy. The nest is built at the foot
of a tuft of long grass ; eggs, four in number,
grayi.sh-white, spotted with brown. Its food is
grass-seeds, berries, and insects. The Swamp
Sparrow has no song. Departs for the south
about the tenth of October.

Snb-Faniily PahserelliN/E. — Tlic Buntings.

Passerdla iliaca. — The Fox-colored S[)arrow.

This sparrow is .seven and a-half inches long.
Head, neck, rump, and middle of the back, dull
ash color ; each feather blotched with brownish-
red ; the tail, bright rufous ; the under i)arts of
the breast, sides, and throat, spotted with rufous.
Nests, under a low bush ; eggs, four or five, of a
greeni.sh color, with blotches of brown.

Birds of Canada.

63

a

Sub-Family Spizin/E.

Emhet'iza aincricaiia. — The Black-throated

l^untinc".

The Black-throated Bunting is a rare spring
visitor. Length, six and a-half inches ; sides of
the head, and sides and back of the neck, ash ;
middle of the breast, yellow ; under parts, white,
with a black patch upon the throat. Breeds in
Pennsylvania and Virginia.

IIOSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Giiiraca liidoviciana. — The Rose-breasted
Grosbeak.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrives in Canada
about the first of May, and remains until October,
when it goes south. General color, above, glossy

Birds cf Canada.

black ; a broad carmine crescent across the
breast, auxiliaries, and under wing coverts ; the
rest of the under parts, white. The song of this
beautiful and solitary bird is mellow, plaintive,
and loud. Perched upon the topmost branches
of a t.v'^e in the thickest of the wood, it wafts
forth its tender and affecting song for hours at a
time. Its food consists of berries and buds. The
nest is often built in a low .shrub or tree ; eggs,
three or four in number, of a greeni.sh-blue color,
covered with fine spots of umber-brown.

G. avruia. -The Blue Grosbeak.

The prevailing color of this extremely beautiful
and graceful bird is a brilliant blue. Length,
seven and a -half inches. Habitat, British
Columbia, Manitoba, and the extreme western
part of the United States. A xery rare visitor
in Canada.

Coccoth 1 -(iinstcs i 'cspcrtiiia-
Grosbeak.

The I'A'eninu"

t:>

This Grosbeak is another rare visitor from the
western part of this continent, Ile;ul and ncclc,
black; remaining upper parts, yellow; abdomen,
yellowish-olive ; bill, stout.

C. cardiiialis. — Cardinal, or Red liird.

The general colcjr of this gaudy bird is Ver-
million ; a black band around the upper part of

Birds of Canada.

65

the throat and the base of the bill. Length, eight
and three-quarter inches. Habitat, Virginia and
the Caroh'nas. Occurs very rarely in Canada.

Cyanospiza cyanca-

-The Indigo Bird.

This beautiful bird is five and a-half inches
long. The color, bright ultra-marine blue ; wing
f' ithers tinged with dull bluish-brown. This
bird prefers the skirts of the forests. Its song
is sweet and interesting. Nests, in low bushes ;
eggs, six ; color, blue, with purple spots. It
arrives from the south about the twentieth of
May, and returns late in September. Feeds on
insects and berries.

Pipilo cfythropt/icilifiHs.—'Yhc. Ground Robin, or

Chewink.

This is a common visitor. It arrives in the
vicinity of Toronto about the twentieth of May;
the males arriving about ten days before the
females. For two or three hours after sunrise,
the Chewink sits perched upon the top of a
small tree or bu.sh, and sings with mellow sweet-
ness, which cannot fail to interest the hearer.
Nests, on the ground, beneath a tuft of grass ;
eggs, four in number, of a flesh color, with dark
spots. Two broods, and sometimes three, are
raised in the season. They collect in flocks about
the last of October, and leave for the .south.
0

1

iij

li

66

Birds of Canada.

THE BOBOLINK,

Family JCTICRID/E.

Suh-Fauiily /\( ; i:i ,.\ ki N.i;. — The Starlings.

DolicJionyx oryzivoriis. — The Jjol s>linlv

This well-known and beautify' bird aivivv". ri
Canada about the last of May. Lcnuth, seven
and three-quarter inches. Color, black, beauti-
fully marked with cream color and white. The
female is yellowish beneath ; above, dark brown.
The male assumes the color of the femaK" in the
fall. Its cheerful, loud, and jinL^iini;- soni;- is
heard in every meadow in the sunnner, from
mor'iinj^- until eveninij^. Nests, on the s^round ;
eggs, il\ir :■') six, of a lii^ht ashy-blue color, with

Birds of Canada.

67

■n
Li-
ne
m.
lie

is
|ni

' >

spots of dark brown. This bird feeds on insects
and seeds. Early in September they collect in
large flocks and move southward.

MolotJirus pccoris. — The Cow Bird.

The Co-iy Bird is eight inches long. The
breast, neck, and lower half of the breast, light
brown ; tlic rest of the body, bright black.
During ihe summer, this bird frequents pasture
fields, where cattle are grazing. It builds no
ne^t, but secretly deposits its eggs in the nests
of other birds — usually in the nest of a Sparrow
or Blue Bird. It lays but one egg in each nest,
of a light grayish-blue, with brown spots. The
Cow Bird feeds on insects principally. About
the last of October they collect in large flocks,
and leave for the .south.

Agilaius pJiiCiiiccus. — The Red-winged
Black Bird.

This bird arrives here in small flocks about the
last of March. General color, lustrous black ;
the shoulder.s, vermillion or bright crimson.
Nests, in a low bush in a swamp or meadow ;
eggs, four in number, of a light blue color,
marked with brown spots. About the twentieth
of October the Red-winged Black Birds collect
in large flocks, and leave for their southern home.
Their food consists of the seeds of aquatic grasses
and grain, of which they are e.vtremely fond, to
the injury of the farmer.

VA

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68

Birds of Canada.

MEADOW LARK.

Sturnclla magna. — Tlic Meadow Lark.

The Meadow Lark is one of our most common
and beautiful summer visitors. It arrives here
about the titteenth of March. General color,
above, dark bro^■.n, with streaks of br<n> . ish-
wlnte ; beneath, yellow, with a black pectoral
crescent. Nests, on the ground ; cijgs, four or
five, pure white, slightly sprinkled with reddish-
brovn blotches. Its food consists principally of
insects, worms, beetles, and grass seeds. Leaves
for the south about the first of November.

Siib-Faniily IcTKPlN/E.— 77/f Oriohs.

Icterus spiirins — The Orchard Oriole.

The Orchard Oriole is seven and a-quarter
inches long ; the head, neck, and tail, black ;
under parts, brownish-chestnut ; a narrow white

Birds of Canada.

69

ral

or

-;h-

of

'OS

lite

line across the wings. Nests, in orchard trees or
upon willows ; eggs, four to six, bluish-white,
sprinkled with dark brown. This oriole is a rare
visitor in Ontario. Feeds upon fruit, caterpillars,
and insects.

/. baltuiiorc. — The Baltimore Oriole, or
Golden Robin.

This beautiful and well-known bird is one of
our regular summer visitors. It arrives here
about the middle of May. General color, black ;
the rump, upper tail coverts, lesser wing coverts,
the terminal portion of all but two tail feathers,
and the under parts, orange-red ; the edges of
quills, and a band across the tip of the greater
coverts, white. The nest of this oriole is a beau-
tiful piece of nest-architecture, and is usually
constructed on the outer drooping twigs of elm
or orchard trees ; it is a pendulous cylindric
pouch, of six or seven inches in depth ; eggs,
four or five, of a flesh color. The song of this
beautiful bird is loud, full, and mellow. About
the middle of September the Golden Robin
leaves for the south.

Sub-Family QuiscaliN/E, — The Crackles.

Scolccophagiis fcrnigincus. — The Rusty Grackle.

This bird arrives here about the last of March,
and retires to the low swampy thickets surround-

I 'I

ll'i

70

Birds of Canada.

ing marshes. General color, black, with purple
reflections. Nests, in low bushes near the water ;
eggs, four, bluish-white. It feeds upon the seeds
of aquatic grasses, insects, and worms.

Quiscalus versicolor. — The Purple Grackle.

Th^ ""urple Grackle arrives in Ontario about
the middle of April. General color, steel-blue,
with varied reflections of purple and bronze.
Nests, in a tree in or near a marsh or pond ;
eggs, four, light brown. Food consists of grubs,
worms, and grains. These birds prove very
injurious to the farmers in the fall, as they
collect in large flocks, and visit the corn-fields,
destroying great quantities of grain.

Famifa' CORVIDyF.

Suh-Fai)iily C(JRVlNyi:. — The Croios.

Corviis etnierieanns. — The Crow.

This bird has a very unenviable notoriet}'. It
is an enemy to the farmer, and vcr\' destructive
to small birds, as it feeds upon their young.
Agricultural societies should offer a premium for
its destruction.

Corviis corax. — The Raven.

This interesting bird has become very rare
in Canada. A few specimens are occasionally

Birds of Canada.

71

seen in the vicinity of Niagara Falls and the
Wclland Canal. The Raven is twenty-six inches
in length ; the bill is large and strong ; the
plumage, deep glossy black. This species is
found in every part of the world. Its food con-
sists of dead animal matter, and, like the common
crow, it devours the eggs and young of other
birds.

Sub-Family Garkulinj:. — TJic Jays.

^:

m

BLUE JAY.

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pr

re

Cyanurus crista tiis. — The Blue Jay.

This elegant bird often remains in this section
of Canada throughout the year. It is, without
exception, our most beautiful bird. The head is
handsomely crested, with loose silky plumes;
bill, black ; legs, brown ; the whole bird is of a
fine blue color, the under parts, with the wings
and tail, marked by bars ; neck, encircled with

72

Birds of Canada.

black ring. It has the cruel habit of destroying
the young of other birds. Its nest is usually
built in a small cedar or pine tree ; eggs, four in
number, of a light green color, spotted with
brown. The IMue Jay is one of the noisiest
birds of our forests, its notes being discordant
and harsh, ,

' Pcrisorais canadensis. — The Canada Jay.

This Jay is a rare visitor in Ontario. Its
habitat is Labrador and eastern Canada, Nests,
in a fir-tree ; eggs, four, of a light gray color.
The head, neck, and breast, are white ; rest of
upper parts, ashy-plumbeous ; beneath, light
gray. It resembles the Blue Jay in motions and
note, and is equally rapacious and destructive.

Birds of Canada.

n

Order iv.— gaisiore$. (#crntdter$.)

SUB-ORDER COLUMB^:.

Family COLUMBIDyE. THE DOVES.

Sub-Family CoLUMBlN/ii:.

Ectopistcs migratoria. — The Wild Pigeon.

This well-known bird is a resident of Canada,
except in the most severe cold weather. Its
migrations are made solely to obtain food. They
pass from one section of the continent to another
in immense flocks. The nests are usually built
in the forked branch, of a tree. I have often
seen thirty or forty nests in one tree. The eggs
are two in number, pure white, with a slight red
tint. Feeds upon grain and seeds.

Zcnaiditra carolincnsis. — The Carolina Dove.

The Carolina Dove is an irregular summer
visitor in Canada. Color, above, blue, overlaid
with olive-brown ; under parts, light reddish-
brown ; breast, purplish-red ; bill, black ; feet,
yellow. This dove sits upon the ground during
the night. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, two in
number, pure white,
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74

Birds of Canada.

SUB-ORDER GALLIN/E.

Family TETRAONID.E. THE GROUSE.

Tctrao canadensis. — The Canada Grouse, or
Spruce Partridge.

This well-known bird is a permanent resident,
and may be found in large numbers in the back
settlements of Canada. It is stately and grace-
ful in its movements. General color of the head,
neck, and body of the male bird is transversely
barred with dusky and gray brown ; over the
eyelids is a bare red space ; nostrils covered with
black, with a small white spot on each side, and
one beneath ; throat, breast, and belly, black ;
the latter spotted with white, except the middle ;
sides of the body barred transversely with gray-
brown and dusky ; the feathers with a white
stripe near the tip ; under tail coverts, black and
white ; tail, black, tipped with rufous ; feathers
of the tarsi, gray-brown ; claws, gray ; beak,
black. Nests, upon the ground ; eggs, eight or
ten in number, of a light buff, with brown spots.

Birds of Canada.

7S

RUFFLED GROUSR.

Bonasa umbellus. — The Ruffled Grouse, or
Partridge. *

This Partridge is a permanent resident of
Canada. It is often found in the open woods
and evergreen thickets in well settled districts.
When walking it struts with a haughty step,
elevating its ruff, and spreading its pretty tail.
The habits of this Partridi'v are solitar)^ ; it i;;
seldom found in coveys of more than six or
eight to!/ether. (k-neral color, above, reddish-
brown ; the back', with light brown ; beneath,
white, barred with dull brown ; the feathers of
the ruff, black ; tail, grayish, with a black bar
near the i:ni\. Ner.ts, upon the s?,round, at the
foot of a l)u^;ll, or under an old log ; eggs, eight
to twelve, of a yellow-white color.

Tctr'n) phasiamiliis. — The Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Habitat, Pritish Columbia and Manitoba.
Accidental in Canada. Color, above, yellowish-

76

Birds of Canada.

red and brownish-black ; throat, reddish-white,
with dusky spots ; breast and sides, covered with
dusky spots ; abdomen, white.

Family PERDICID/E.

Sub-Family Ortygin^.

Ortyx virginiamis. — The Virginia Partridge,

or Quail.

The Virginia Partridge is brownish-red, above ;
underneath, white ; the head marked with white
and black. Length, ten incnes. Nests on the
ground ; eggs, white, ten or more in number.
This beautiful Partridge has become almost
extinct in Canada. It is often called " Bob
WJiitc" on account of its peculiar cr)'.

Family PHASIANIDtE.

Miicagris gallopavo. — The Wild Turke)'.

This magnificent fowl is a permanent resident
of Canada. Color, copper-bronze, with green
reflections, each feather with a black margin ;
tail, chestnut, barred with black ; head, livid-
blue, and the legs, red. In other respects it
resembles the domestic turkey. The great
beauty and size of this bird, and the fact of its
being the origin of all the domestic varieties,
render it a most interesting species.

Birds of Canada.

77

SUB-ORDER IIERODIONES.
Family ARDEID/E. THE HERONS.

(illKAT HLUK HKKON.

Ardca Jurodias. — The (iroat IMuc Heron.

The Great Blue Heron is a rei'.ular summer
visitor in Canada. It usually arrives here about

78 Birds of Canada.

the twentieth of April, and remains until the
tenth or fifteenth of October, when it leaves lor
the south. The {general color of this heron is a
delicate ^ray ; throat and neck, white, with
patches of dark bluish-gray ; a black line over
the eye; a pendant tuft at the junction of the
neck and breast ; a long plume of a bluish-black
color. This bird is extremely shy, and is ap-
proached with difficulty. It frequents marshes
and the borders of lakes and rivers, and feeds
upon reptiles and fishes. When standing erect
the Great IMue Heron will measure from lour
and a-half to five feet ; its beak is seven to eight
inches in length, very strong, and can be used
v/ith terrible force as an offensive weapon. The
nest of this bird is usually built in the top of a
large tree ; eggs, four or five, of a pale green
color.

!t

Arddta cxilis. — The Least Bittern.

This bird is a frequent summer visitor to the
marsh, east of Toronto. It is .solitary and noc-
turnal in its habits. General color, dark jneeii,
above, and i)urplish-brown on the sides and
underneath. Length, thirteen inches; wing, four
and a-half inches. Nests, in low hushes on the
margin of ponds or marshes ; eggs, four in num-
ber, of a j.n'eenish-yellow color. Feeds upon
small replilcs and tish.

Birds of Canada.

79

(illKAT ISITrKIlX.

r>ohiiinis Iciiti^iiitwsns. — The (jrcat Bittern,
or Stake Driver.

The (ireat Bittern arrives in Canada about the
middle oi April, and remains until late in Octo-
ber. The <'eneral color of this bittern is a rich
brownish-buff, covered with streaks and mottlings
of black, brown, ij;ray, and chestnut. Nests, on
marshy ground ; eggs, four or five, pale brown.
Its food consists of reptiles and insects.

Butoridcs vircsccns, — The Green Heron.

The Green Heron is eighteen inches loni- ;
above, dark green ; wings and tail, green ; legs,
yellow ; belly, ashy-brown ; head, has a crest of

8o

Birds of Canada.

c^lossy-grccn fcathcr.s. This Heron is occasion-
ally seen in Canada in the spring. Nests, in
trees in swampy woods ; eggs, four in number ;
of a pale light blue color. Feeds upon crabs,
frogs, and worms.

Nyctiardca Gardcuii. — The Night Heron.

The Night Heron arrives in the vicinity of
Toronto about the fifteenth or twentieth of April.
General color, above, steel-green ; wings and
tail, ashy-blue ; under parts and sides, a lilac
color. Length, twenty inches ; the bill is
.slightly arched, strong, and black. During the
day this bird is often seen perched upon the
top of a tall tree in a swamp, but when night
approaches it begins its flight in pursuit of food,
which consists principally of insects, frogs, lizards,
and fish. The nest of the Night Heron is built
in a tree ; eggs, four ; of a greenish-yellow color.

Family GRUIDyE. THE CRANES.

Grits canadensis. — The Sandhill Crane.

The Sandhill Crane is an accidental visitor ;
a few .specimens are occasionally seen during the
spring and autumn migrations. Breeds in Mani-
toba and British Columbia. Length, fifty inches ;
beak, four inches ; top of the head covered with
a red skin ; neck, gray ; belly, breast, sides, and
thighs, ash color ; tail, deep a.sh color ; legs and
bare part of the thigh, black.

Birds of Canada.
Griis amcricana. — The White Crane.

81

This magnificent bird occasionally visits West-
ern Canada. It is fifty-two inches in length ;
the plumage, pure white. Its migrations extend
from South America to the arctic circle.

Ibis falcincllus. — The Glossy Ibis.

This beautiful bird is an accidental visitor.
Head, glossy green, with purple reflections; neck,
back, bieast, and abdomen, dark chestnut ; part
of breast shaded with green ; sides, dusky, tinged
with green ; edge of wings, dark red, upper parts,
dark green, glossed with purple. Breeds in Vir-
ginia and Florida.

SUB-ORDER GRALL.^.
Family CH ARADRID^. THE PLOVERS.

CJiaradrius I'lrjcinicns. — The Golden Plover.

This Plover passes through Canada about the
last of April, on its way north to breed. About
the first of September, they again visit Canada in
small flocks while migrating southward. Color,
above, brownish-black, with irregular spots of
golden-yellow ; beneath, black, with lustrous
brown. Nests, in llie grass; eggs, four, of a
light buft" color,
IJ

$2 Birds of Canada.

yEgialitis vocifcrns. — The Kill-dccr Plover.

The Kill-deer Plover is a summer resident of
Canada. Color, above, light brown ; rump,
rufous ; black band on the breast ; and around
the neck a black ring ; beneath, Avhite. It is
called " Kill-deer^'' from its note. Nests, on the
ground ; eggs, four, light buff color.

JE. mou tames. — The Mountain Plover.

The Mountain Plover is an accidental visitor
in Canada. Length, nine inches. Color, grayish-
brown. Breeds in Manitoba and British Columbia,

yE. Wilsojiiits. — Wilson's Plover.

This bird is occasionally met with in Canada
late in the fall. Breeds in Delaware, Virginia,
and the Carolinas. Color, ashy-brown above,
the feathers edged with pale ashy ; band on the
breast, brownish-black ; bill, black ; legs, yellow.
Length, eight inches.

Ai. scini-palinatns. — Semi-palmated Plover.

This Plover breeds north of Ontario. Spring
and fall visitor. Color, above, light ashy-brown ;
beneath, white. Length, seven inches.

yJi. iiuiodus — The Piping Plover.

The Piping Plover arrives from the south
about the last of April. It is a regular summer

Birds of Canada.

83

visitor in jCanada. Color, above, iii^ht brown ;
bencatli, white ; lengtii, eiL;ht inclies. Nests, in
the sand ; Qggs, four, lii^ht buff.

Squatarola lichctica, — Tlie Black-bellied Plover.

This Plover breeds north of Ontario. Arrives
in Canada in September, in flocks. In their
habits they closely resemble the Golden Plover.
Color, above, white ; beneath, black ; sides of
the neck and rump, ashy ; bill and le<.;>;, black.
Length, eleven and a-half inches.

Family liyEMATOl'IDlDyE. '/'///:
O YSTER-CA TCIIERS.

lliCmatopHs pallia tns. — The C )y ster-catchers.

This species is a rare visitor in Canada. I lead,
neck, upper part of breast, c[uill feathers, and
latter half of tail feathers, deej) shim'ni;- black :
the rest of the plumage is pure white ; bill,
three inches long, and flattened sidewa)'s.

//. iiii^rr. — liackman's Oyster-catcher.

Ihe treneral color o{ this bird is dark brown ;
head and breast, brownish-black. It is occasion-
ally shot, in the fall, on the island opposite
Toronto.

84

Birth of Canada.

ii

Strcpsilas intcrprcs. — The Turnstone.

The Turnstone breeds in Manitoba. Visits
Canada in small numbers in the spring and fall.
Color, black, rufous, and white, above ; abdomen,
white ; head and neck, marked with stripes of
brownish-black.

.V. )}iclanoccpliala. — The Black Tiu'nstone.

This species is an accidental visitor. Color,
darker than the precedint^-. Length, eleven inches.

Family RKCURVIROSTRIDiE. THE

A VOSETS.

Rccurvirostra am erica iia. — The American Avoset.

The Avoset is quite accidental in Canada. On
the shores of the Caspian and the salt lakes of
Tartary they are very abundant. Specimens
have been shot late in the fall on the island,
opposite Toronto. Length, seventeen inches ;
The head and neck, pale reddish-brown ; back
and quills, black ; other parts, white. The bill,
which is three inches long, turns up like a hook,
and is flat, thin, and sharp.

Family PHALAROPODIDyE. THE
PHALAROPES.

PJialaropiis hypcrborcns. — The Northern
Phalarope.

The Northern Phalarope is an occasional
spring and fall visitor in Canada. Breeds in

Bii'ds of Ca.iada.

85

Manitoba ; nests, on the irround ; eggs, fcnir in
number, of a brownish-drab color. This beauti-
ful little bird is a swimmer as well as a wader :
its motions, while swimminir and wading, are
exceedingly graceful and interesting. The migra-
tions of this species extend from Manitoba t(i
the (lulf of Mexico. Head and neck, sooty-
ash color; wings, back, and tail, brownish-black ;
abdomen, white ; legs and bill, dark ; throat and
breast, white ; and the neck, with a rinr/of bris'ht
ferruginous.

/-*. Wilsonii. — Wilson's Phalaropc.

Wilson's Phalarope is also an occasional visitor
in Canada. Color, dark above ; white, beneath ;
a stripe of bright reddish-brown around the neck,
running upwards to the back.

P.juHcarius. — The Red Phalarope.

Several specimens of this rare and beautiful
bird have been shot near Toronto this fall. Gene-
ral color, deep slate, streaked with brownish-
yellow, and reddish-chocolate.

Family SCOLOPACIDyE. THE SNIPES.

PJiiloJida ininur. — The Woodcock.

This well-known bird arrives here cp-ly in
March. Color, above, variegated with reddish-
black and ashy ; underneath, rufous ; legs, pale
red ; bill, dark brown. Nests, on the ground,

86

Birds of Canada.

beneath a log or bush ; eggs, four ; of a yellow-
i.'^h-drab color, with dark brown blotches. I'^ariy
in November the Woodcock leaves for the south.

-'^1

m'm

WH,«ON'S SNU'i:.

(j'aili/iai^o Wilso/iii. — Wilson's Snipe.

Wilson's Sni[)C is a well-known sunnncr visit(.)r
in Canada. It arrives about the tenth of Marcli.
I'V'cds upon earthworms princii)ally. Nests, tm
the L'rountl ; ' eLiiis, four, of an olive-diab eolor,
slightly marked with brown spots, (ieneral eolor,
above, brownish-black, marked with light rufous,
)'ellowish-brown, or ashy-white ; underneath,
white. Late in the fall this snipe goes south.

Birds of Canada.

87

MacrorJiavipJitis grisctis. — The Gray Snipe.

IMie Gray Snipe is dark-ashy above ; pale
reddish and black on the back ; rump and upper
tail coverts, white ; under parts, pale red and
brownish-black'. This snipe arrives here about
the twentieth of April. Breeds in the north, and
again visits Canada about the first of September,

M. scolopacciis. — The Greater I.ongbeak.

This snipe is an irregular visitor in Canada.
Ivcngth, twelve inches ; color, above, brownish-
black, and yellow ; beneath, wood-brown, with
spots of umber.

Sub-Family Trtxcin.e. — The Sandpipers,

Tringa canutus. — The Gray-back, or Robin

Snipe.

The Gray-back is a spring and fall visitor. It
is the largest of the Sandpipers. Upper parts,
light gra}', with irregular spots of black ; under
parts, light reddish-brown. Breeds in the north.

1\ Coiperii. — Cooper's Sandpiper.

This Sandpiper occasionally visits Canada
during the spring antl fall migrations.

T. inaritima. — The Purple Sandpiper.

'JMn's pri-tl\- bird is frequently seen in Canada
in the fall. Breeds in the far north. Head and
upi)er parts, smoky-brown, with a purple tinge ;
under i)arts, white.

88 Birds cf Canada.

T. snbarquata. — The Curlew Sandpiper.

The Curlew Sandpiper is a very rare visitor in
Canada. Upper parts, brownish-black, spotted
with bright yellowish-red ; under parts, dark
yellowish-rufous.

T. ixlpiita. — The Red-backed Sandpiper.

This species visits Canada during the spring
and autumn in large numbers. Upper parts,
dark ash color ; abdomen, white ; breast, pale
ash, with streaks of brown.

T. maculata. — The Jack Snipe.

The Jack Snipe is a regular spring and fall
vititor, usually arriving in Canada early in May
and about the middle of September. It is com-
monly called " Grass Bird," by which name it is
generally known.

T. Wilsonii. — The Least Sandpiper, or Peep.

This Sandpiper is the smallest of the family.
It arrives in Canada about the middle of May,
and soon leaves for the interior of the country,
where it breeds.

T. Bouapavtii. — Bonaparte's Sandpiper.

Bonaparte's Sandpiper is light ashy-brown,
above ; darker on the rump ; under i)arts, white.
yVrrives here in small flocks during the spring
and fall migrations.

Birds of Canada.

Calidris arenaria. — The Sanderling, or
Beach-bird.

89

The Sanderling breeds in Manitoba. It has
all the characteristics of the Sandpipers. Upper
parts, light ashy ; under parts, pure white ; no
hind toe ; front toes rather long ; bill, straight
and rather thick. It visits Canada in small flocks
early in September.

Ercunctcs pctrificatus. — The Semi-palmated
Sandpiper.

This Sandpiper is six and a-half inches in
length, and has the feet semi-palmatcd. In other
respects it resembles the Least Sandpiper.
Breeds in Manitoba. It is accidental in Canada.

Micropalma Jiimaiuopus. — The Stilt Sandpiper.

The Stilt Sandpiper is an occasional visitor
during the fall migrations.

Sub-Fatnily TorANlN/l',. — TJic Stilts.

SynipluDiia scmipalniata. — The Willet.

The Willet is dark ashy above ; rump and
under parts, white. Breeds in Canada. Nests,
on the sandy beach of an island ; eggs, four in
number, of a pale olive color.
12

90

Birds of Canada.

Gambctta vidanolcuca. — The Greater Yellow-legs,

or Tell-tale.

This species breeds in Manitoba. Visits

Canada in the spring and fall. Entire upper

parts of the body, cinereous ; under parts,
white ; neck and legs, long ; legs, yellow.

G. Jlavipcs. — The Yellow-legs.

The Yellow-legs is well-known in Canada as
a spring and fall visitor. It is smaller than the
preceding bird. Breeds in the northern part of
this continent.

Rhyacopliilnssolitaylus. — The Solitary Sandpiper.

The Solitary Sandpiper is frequently called
" Wagtail," from its habit of nodding its head
and tipping up its tail. Remains in Canada
through the summer. Upper parts, greenish-
brown, with spots of ashy-white ; under parts,
white ; bill, curved upward from the middle.

Tritigoidcs macidarius. — The Spotted Sandpiper.

The Spotted Sandpiper arrives in Canada in
large flocks early in April, and remains through
the summer. Nests, in the sand ; eggs, four in
number, of a yellowish-buff color. Upper parts,
brownish- olive-green, with irregular s]:)ots of
brownish-black ; under parts, white.

Birds of Canada. 91

Actiturus Bavirainiits. — The Field Plover.

The I'Meld Flover breeds in Canada. Fre-
quents j;rain fields and meadows. Upper parts
brownish-black, with a <neenish lustre ; under
parts, pale yellowish-white ; middle tail feathers,
greenish-brown ; legs, light }'ellow. Nests, on
the ground ; eggs, four, of a creamy-drab color.

Tryngitcs ritfcsccns. — The Buff-breasted
Sandpiper.

This species is frequently seen in Canada
durinrj: the fall mii'ration. Breeds in the arctic
region:;. Legs, long ; upper parts, jxile ashy-
brown, with a }-ellowish tinge ; under parts, light
}'ello\\ ish-red.

Liniosa fcdoa. — The Marbled God wit.

The Marbled Godwit is a sjjring and autunm
visitor. J)ill, long, curved upwards ; wings, long;
tail, sliort ; legs, long ; upper parts, brownish-
black and pale reddish ; under jKirts, jiale rufous,
with lines of brownish-black.

/.. Iiudsouica. — The Iludsonian Godwit.

This bird is an irregular fdl visitor. Color,
brownish-black above ; underneath, }-e]lowish-
red ; feathers, ti[)[)ed with white ; length, eighteen
inches ; bill, three inches.

ga

Birds of Canada.

J ; I

LONG-BILLED CURLEW.

Numcnius longirostris. — The Long-billed Curlew.

The Long-billed Curlew is a regular spring
and fall visitor i.i Canada. Bill, very long, and
curved downwards ; upper parts, pale rufous,
with lines of black on the neck and sides ; legs,
bluish-brown.

N. liudsonicHs. — The Short-billed Curlew.

The Short-billed Curlew is also a spring and
fall visitor. Bill, smaller than the preceding ;
head, above, brownish-black ; other upper parts,
brownish-black, tinged with ashy.

N. borcalis. — The Esquimaux Curlew.
This Curlew is not often seen in Canada, as it
merely remains for a few days during the spring
and fall migrations. They breed in the far north.
It is easily distinguished from the other two by
its smaller size, and its small and weak bill.

Birds of Canada. 93

Sub-Family RallinAi;. — The Rails.

Rallus clcgans. — The Marsh Hen.

The Marsh Hen occasionally visits Canada in
the spring and autumn. Upper parts, olive-
brown ; underneath, chestnut.

A', crepitans. — The Clapper Rail.

The Clapper Rail is a summer resident of
Canada. Color, above, light ashy-olive ; neck
and breast, tawny ; abdomen and sides, brownish-
black. Nests, on the ground, in or near a marsh ;
eggs, seven, of a creamy-drab color.

R. virginianns. — The Virginia Rail.

This species visits ^'Canada in the spring, and
remains until September. Upper parts, olive-
brown, with stripes of brownish-black ; throat,
white ; breast,^ bright rufous. Nests, in low
meadows ; eggs, eight, of a deep buff color.
Food consists of insects and worms.

PorzanaXearolina. — The Carolina Rail.

The Carolina Rail arrives in Canada about the
tenth of April, and frequents the marshes and
meadows. Upper parts, greenish-brown, with
bands of black ; the sides of the neck and breast,
bluish-ash ; bill, greenish-yellow ; legs, green.
Nests, on the ground ; eggs, eight in number, of

94

Birds of Canuda.

a ycllow-drab color, with an olive-tint. In Oc-
tober, or early in November, this species collect
in flocks and leave for the coasts of Florida and
Louisiana.

P. jamaiccnsis. — The Little Black Rail.

This pretty little Rail is an occasional fall
visitor in Canada. LenL^th, five inches. Color,
blackish-brown.

P. 7iovd)oracaisis.—'Y\\Q Yellcnv Ivail.

This bird is a summer resident of Canada.
Nests, in the grass; eggs, fourteen or fifteen,
pure white. The upper parts are yellow-ochre
color, with stripes of brownish-black ; neck and
breast, reddish-yellow ; abdomen, white.

Crcx pratcusis. — The Corn Crake.

The Corn Crake is accidental in Canada.
Color, blackish-brown. Length, ten inches, liill,
greenish-black.

Fiilica aincricana. — The Coot,

The Coot is fourteen inches long. Upper parts,
dark slate color, with an olive tint on the back
and runi[) ; head, black; abdomen, white. Ih-eeds
in Canada. Nests, in a bog, or near a muddy
pond ; eggs, twelve, of a light buff color.

I

I

Birds of Canada.

95

PURPLE callinulp:.

Gallimdc uiartinica.—Thc Purple Gallinulc.

The Purple Gallinule is twelve inches lonr;.
Upper parts, dark olive-green ; bill, bright red,
tipped with yellow ; under parts, bluish-purple ;
lc>^s yellow. An occasional visitor to the marsh,
east of Toronto.

96

Birds of Canada.

SUB-ORDER ANSERES.
Siib-Familv CygniN/E. — The Swans.

Cygnns amcricanus. — The American Swan.

This magnificent bird is rare in the eastern
part of Canada ; in the west it is occasionally
met with in the vicinity of the river St. Clair.
Several beautiful specimens were obtained near
Goderich in the summer of 1870. The adult
bird is pure white ; the bill and legs, black ; the
tail has twenty feathers. The young birds are
brown, with a reddish tint. Breeds in the north-
west. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, eight in
number, of an olive-green color. This swan is
fifty-four inches long.

C' buccinator. — The Trumpeter Swan.

This beautiful swan is an accidental visitor,
rarely seen cast of Toronto. It is sixty-two
inches long. Pure white ; the bill and legs,
black. Its notes are loud and sonorous. Breeds
in the north-west.

Birds of Canada.
Sub-Family Anserin.e. — The Gccsc.

97

AnsiT Jiypcrborais. — Tlie Snow Goose.

The Snow Goose is an occasional visitor in
Canada. Tl is two feet eight inches in length,
and its extended wings are five feet. The bill
of this bird is very curious, the edges having
each strong projecting teeth ; and the tongue,
which is horny at the extremity, is armed on
each side with thirteen long and .sharp teeth.
The upper mandible is bright red ; the lower,
white. The head, neck, and body of the adult
bird are pure white ; the quills arc white for
half their length, the rest, black ; the legs are
deep red. The Snow Goose inhabits the arctic
regions, occasionally migrating to Canada and
the more temperate climes of Virginia and
Maryland.

A.'GambcUi. — The White-fronted Goose.

The White-fronted Goose is an accidental
visitor. It is smaller than the Snow Goose.
Color, grayish ; forehead, white ; bill and legs,
red. The tail has sixteen feathers. Breeds in
the far north.

A. frontalis. — The Ikown-fronted Goose.

The I-5rown-fronted Goose is occasionally seen
in Canada. Jt inhabits the frozen regions of the
13

9S

Birds of Canada.

north. It resembles tlie White-fronted Goose in
<^cncral appearance. The forehead, however, is
dark brown instead of wliite.

CANADA GOOSL".

iiter^rv

Bcniic/a canadensis. — The Canada Goose,
or Wild Goose.

The Canada Goose is a well known spring and
fall visitor, passin^^ here in flocks, in March or
April, for the northern part of this continent,
where it breeds, and remains until the hard frosts
begin, when they leave for a more temperate
climate. Immense flocks of these geese can be
seen almost daily on their way to the south,

Jiirds of Canada.

99

(lurint( the last of October and tliroii^li tlic
month of November. l^acli flock is usually-
attended by an i^ld gander, who every n(nv and
then calls out his well known '' lionk,'' which is
replied to by several members of the flock. The
Canada Goose is thirty-five inches lon;^^ The
uj)per parts, brownish ; the lower, a pale brown,
\,ith a tinge of purple-gray or smoky-brown ;
head, nock, bill, and feet, black ; a patch of
white on the cheek, behind the eye. Tail, of
eighteen feathers.

/), lencoparcia. — The WHiite-cheeked Goose.

The White-cheeked Goose is smaller than the
Canada Goose, and much darker in color. It is
distinguished by a white cheek. Accidental in
Canada. Habitat, British Columbia.

B. brcnta. — The l^rant.
This bird closely resembles the Canada Goose
in its habits. It is twent)'-ft)ur inches long. I jill,
feet, head, tail, and neck, black. On each side
of the middle of the neck is a small white cres-
cent, .streaked with black ; the belly, gray, pass-
ing into white behind.

Sub- Family AnatiN/1-. — The River Dneks.

Anas boseJias. — The Mallard, or Green-head.
This well known duck breeds in Canada.
Nests, in a meadow, or near a pond ; eggs, ten

100

Birds of Canada.

or twelve, of a yellowish-white. The Green-head
is the original of our domestic duck.

A. obscura. — The Black Duck, or Dusky Duck.

The Black Duck is the most abundant of all
our ducks. Breeds in Canada. Nests, near a
pond or stream ; eggs, six, white. General color,
bluish-brown, tinged with black.

Dafila acuta. — The Pintail Duck.
This beautiful duck is a well known visitor in
Canada. Head and neck, pale brown ; sides of
the breast and part of the back, white, tinged
with pale buff; tail, pointed, the two middle
feathers five inches longer than the others, and
black ; legs, pale lead color. Breeds in the far
north.

Nettiou carcliucnsis. — The (irccn-winged Teal.

This pretty fowl is very abundant in Canada

in the spring and fall. It frequently breeds here.

Nests, on the gro.nd, in close pro.ximity to a

pon

d or stream ; eiiiJis, seven or eight in number,

of a dusky-white color. This Teal is about
fifteen inches in length ; the head is dusky ; the
top of the head, cheeks, and neck are chestnut-
red ; the tliroat is black ; a broad green band
extends from the eye to the nape ; the lower
part of the neck, back, and sides, are alternately
striped with lines (^){ white and blaclc ; the breast
is reddish, and spotted ; the belly, a yellowish-

\\

hit(

Birds of Canada. loi

QiierqiLcdala discors. — The Bluc-wingcd Teal.

The Bkie-wingcd Teal is a regular spring and
fall visitor. This species is smaller than the
preceding ; the bill is long, and of a dark dusky
slate color ; the front and upper part of the
head are black ; from the eye to the chin is a
large crescent of white, the rest of the head and
half the neck are of a dark slate, richly glossed
with green and violet ; remainder of the neck
and breast is black or dusky ; bell)', pale brown,
barred with dusky, in narrow lines ; back, deep
brownish-black, each feather waived with large
semi-ovals of brownish- white ; lesser wing coverts,
a bright light blue. Habits similar to those of
the Green-winged Teal.

Q. cyanoptcra. — The Red-breasted Teal.

This pretty fowl occasionally visits our waters
in company with the other Teals.

Spatula clypeata. — The Shoveller, or Spoonbill.

The Spoonbill breeds in the north-west. Visits
Canada in the spring and autumn. Head and
neck, green ; forepart, and sides of the breast,
white ; nst of undei" parts, purplish-chestnut.

Chaiihiasmus striper us. — The Cad wall, or
Gray Duck.

This species breeds in tiie far north. Visits
Canada during the spring and fall migrations.

102

Birds of Canada.

Head and neck, brownish-white ; forepart of
breast and back, bkackish ; underneath, phnii-
beous-gray.

Marcca amcricana. — Baldpate, or American

Widq;eon.

This beautiful fowl breeds in Manitoba. Visits
Canada in company with Teals and Canvass-
back Ducks. Head and Neck, gray, spotted
with black ; a broad green patch around and
behind the eye ; top of the head, nearly white.

SUMMER DUCK.

Aix spcHsa. — The Summer Duck, or Wood Duck.

This bird is, without exception, the most beau-
tiful of all our ducks. It builds its nest in a

Birds of Canada.

103

hollow tree, or on a limb that hangs over water ;
eggs, twelve or thirteen, of a yellowish-white
color. The Wood Duck is easily domesticated,
and becomes quite tame, breeding, and soon
acquiring all the habits of the common duck.
Head and crest, greenish-purple, with white lines;
throat, white ; breast, reddish-brown, marked
with white ; wings and back, green, with purple
reflections ; sides, ashy-gray ; abdomen, white ;
tail, purplish-green above, brown beneath ; the
whole plumage beautifully variegated with pi r-
l)le, green, chestnut, white, and ashy.

Siib-Famiiy FULIGULTN.I'. — T/ic Sea Ducks.

Fnlix collar is. — The Ring-necked Duck.

This duck is distinguished by a chestnut
collar around the middle of the neck. Color,
above, black ; beneath, white. Frequents the
Lower St. Lawrence in the fall.

F. inarila. — The Scaup Duck, or Blue Bill.

The Scaup Duck breeds in the north-west.
Visits Canada during the spring and autumn
migrations, in small flocks. 1 lead, neck, shoul-
ders, back, and tail, black ; under parts, white ;
bill, blue ; legs plumbeous ; iri.s, yellow.

104 Birds of Canada.

F. affinis. — The Little Black-head Duck.

This pretty and well known bird sometimes
breeds in Canada. It is often called " Blue-bill
Coot " by our sportsmen. Head, neck, shoulders,
lower part of back and tail, black ; belly, sides,
and inner wing surfaces, pure white ; wings,
blackish, with purple reflections.

AytJiya amcricaua. — The Red-head Duck.

This fine duck is generally very abundant in
Canada. It breeds here. Head and neck, for
more than half its length, brownish-red ; rest of
neck and body anterior to the shoulders, and
lower part of the back, black ; beneath, white.

A. vaUhncria- The Canvass-back Duck.

This much esteemed Duck is becoming quite
rare in Ontario, where it was, a few years since,
abundant. This duck is twenty-three or twenty-
four inches long ; beak, large and black ; the
head and part of the neck, of a rich, glossy red-
dish chestnut, ending in a broad span of black
that covers the upper part of the breast ; back,
scapulas, lower part of the breast, and belly,
white ; tail, short and pointed ; legs and feet,
pale ash. Breeds in northern Canada.

Birds of Canada.
BuccpJiala islandica. — l^arrow's Duck.

105

This cluck breeds in the arctic regions. Visits
Canada kite in the fall. Head and neck, violct-
bluc ; a large white patch anterior to the eye ;
lower neck and under parts, white ; a narrow
whit(; patch on the middle wing coverts ; rest of
upper parts, black.

Il.amcyicana. — The Golden-eye, or Whistle Wing.

This duck breeds in Canada. Nests, in a tall
dead tree, or in the top of a stub ; eggs, six or
eight, of a greenish-blue color. Head and upper
part of neck, green ; back and tail, black ; under
parts, white.

/). albcola. — The Buflle-head, or Dipper.

This is a common and well known bird. It
breeds in Canada. Nests, in the holes of dead
trees ; eggs, six, of a yellowish-blue color. Color,
above, Ijlack ; beneath, white ; in front of the
eye and on the sides of the collar behind, rich
green ; a patch of white on each side of the head.

1 listrioiiiius torquatus. — The Harlequin Duck.

The Harle([uin Duck breeds in the far north.

Visits Canada in the fall. Head and neck, dark

blue ; sides and upper parts, light blue, becoming

darker near the tail ; under [)arts generally white.

U

io6

Birds cf Canada.

Hardda glacialis. — The Long-tailed Duck, or

Old Wife.

This duck is a frequent visitor during the
spring and fiill migrations. Breeds in the north-
ern part of this continent. Head, neck, and
breast, blackish-brown ; sides of the head and
body, bluish-gray ; under parts, white.

Mdandta vdvdina. — The Velvet Duck, or
White-winged Coot.

The Velvet Duck is a regular fall visitor,
usually arriving in October. (ieneral color,
black ; a white patch around and behind the
eye, and a large white speculum on the wing.

Pdiondta pcrspicillata. — The Surf J)uck.

The Surf Duck breeds in the northern part of
Canada. Color, black, with, a greenish lustre ;
a white patch on the top of the head.

Oidcuiia aiini'icaua. — The 131ack' Scoter.

'Hie lilack Scoter is an irregular visitoi' in
Canada. (Jleneral color, black.

Soiuatcy'uf nioHissima.- Tlie I'j'dcr Duck.

This well known duck breeds in abundance in
Labrador and in northern Canada. Duringtiic

I

Birds of tannda.

107

fall and early winter it is occasionally shot near
Toronto. Color, above, white ; beneath, black ;
forehead and sides of the head, black.

6\ spcctahilis.— lXxc King Duck, or King Eider.

This is a more northern species than the
preceding. It is seldom seen in Ontario. Speci-
mens are occasionally obtained in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence. Length, twenty-one and a-half
inches. Body and wings, black ; throat, white ;
top of head, bluish-ash ; sitles of the head,
green.

I

Sub-Family IvKisMATrkiNM;.

I'lrisiiialiint rubida. — The Ruddy Duck, or

Di[)per.

TIh: Ruddy Duck is a spring and fall visitor.
Length, sixteen inches ; color, chestnut-red
above ; gra_\'isli-\vhite below ; top of head, black.
Visits Canada during the fall migrati.^ns.

/•;. domiiiica. — The pjlack-masked Duck.

This species is an accid"ntal visitor in Canada,
its habitat is Labrador, the Lower St. Lawrence,
and Lake Champlain.

I08 Birds of Canada.

Siib-Faniily MergiN/I-:. — The SJicldrakcs.

Mcrgus scrrator. — The Rcd-brcastcd Merganser.

The Red-breasted Merganser breeds in Canada,
The head and neck is dark green ; under parts,
yellowish-white. Head with :i conspicuous crest.
Nests, in a marsh, or on an island ; eggs, ten,
light drab.

AI. anicricanus. — The Goosander, or Fish Duck.

This beautiful fowl frequently breeds in On-
tario. It builds its nest on the top of a tall
stump, or on the branch of a dead tree ; eggs,
eight in number, of a pale creamy white. Head
and neck, green ; back, black ; under parts,
salmon color ; wings, white, crossed by a band
of black.

HOODED MKHCANSr.U.

LopJiodytcs cHCitllatiis. — The Hooded Merganser.

This elegant bird is not so common as the
other Mergansers. It breeds in Canada. Nests,

Birds of Canada.

109

in the top of a stub or in a tall pine ; ejTi^s,
twelve or fourteen in number, of a clear white
color. This species is eighteen inches long ; the
head, neck, and tail, black ; the under parts and
centre of the crest, white.

SUB-ORDER GAVIyE.
Family PELICANID^. THE PELICANS.

PcUcanus fuscus. — The Brown Pelican.

The Brown Pelican is fifty-six inches long ;
bill, thirteen and a-half inches ; color, dark.
Several specimens of this fine bird have been
shot in Ontario within the last two years.
They are accidental visitors.

P. erytJirorhyticJuis. — The Rough-billed Pelican.

This magnificent bird is seventy inches in
length ; the prevailing color, white. it is an
occasional visitor in Ontario.

Family SULID/li. THE GANNETS.

Stila bassaiia. — The Connnon Ckinnet.

This species breeds on the coast of Labrador
and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visits Ontario

no

Birds of Canada.

in the fall, in flocks of twenty or thirty. Length,
thirty eight inches ; general color, white. Feeds
upon fish, which it obtains by plunging from a
height, often remaining under water for several
minutes. The nest of the gannet is made of
sea-weed and grasses, placed on the rocks near
the sea coast. It lays but one egg, of a nale
green color.

Family GRACULIDyE.
CORMORANTS.

THE

Graculus carbo. — The Common Cormorant.

This species breeds in Canada. They arc
quite common in the interior of the countr)-.
Nests, in the crevaces of rocks ; eggs, three of a
l;)luish-Lrreer color. Among the A\hole of the
wcb-footed birds which prey on fish, there arc
none so voracious as Cormorants. They anr
most e.vcellent divers, and pursue their pre}'
with astonishing facility beneath the surface of
the water, but upon land the}- arc extremely
awkward in their movements, owinLr to their Icvs
lacing placed so fur backwards : the)', however,
lly with rapidity ; and the tail being rather long,
and furnished with strong feathers, it 1k'1])s to
support the body while walking. As soon as
winter approaches, the}- arc seen dispersed along
the sea shores, entering the mouths of fresh-water

Birds of Canada.

1 1 1

rivers, and threatening destruction to all tiic
fmny tribe. The Common Cormorant is thirty-
seven inches in len<Tth ; the color, bluish-black,
gular sac, yellow, with a broad white band at
the base.

!)ori!(,K-t'iu:s'ri:D eoKMouAXT.

(ii\u!i!,'!s dilophiis. — The Double-crestetl
Cormorant.

This species is not so well known as the pre-
cedin;.';. Us l-,abits are sinn'lar to the Common
Coi'inoiMUL. i)i\-eds in Lal)ratlor. The hc;id,
nccic, lo\\\M' liart oi the bade, and entire undei"
surf.ici', is ;.M-i'c'ni'>li-b!ack ; upper mandible, dark
bi'owM ; lowor, \t11o\v ; iris, ^rc-cn ; K'l;s anil feel,
black; i;u!ar SiV;. oran;.;\' ; l.)i:hind I'ach e}'e is a
tut't of loose feathers, which form the crest.

!

112

Birds of Canada.

Family LAKID/E. THE GULLS.
Sub- Family I.ESTRIDIN/E. — The Skua Gulls.

Stcrcorarius parasiticus. — The Arctic Skua.

The vXrctic Skiui breeds in the northern part
of this continent. During the winter it frequents
the sea coast of Canada. Length, twenty-two
inches ; color, above, brownish-black ; beneath,
white.

.S". pouiariiius. — The Pomarine Skua.

This species breeds in the far north. It is
much more common than the preceding. Color,
dark brown, tinged with black, above ; beneath,
white. Length, twenty inches. A regular visitor
to the sea coast of Nova Scotia and Newfound-
land.

Sub-Family L.VRlN.i:. — The Gulls.

Laxvus inariuus. — The Great Black-backed Gull.

This fme bird is twenty-six inches in length ;
the bill is pale yellow, thick and strong ; ..^.ocr
parts of the back and wing, black ; all the other
parts of its plumage, white ; legs, pale flesh color.
Breeds in Labrador. Is a fall, and, .sometimes,
winter visitor in Canada,

Larus Sabinii. — The {'"ork-taileil Gull.

This full freciuenls the coast of New Hruns-
wick and Nova Scotia. Mead and upper ])art of

Birds of Canada.

11^1

neck, blackish-gray ; lower neck, lower parts,
and tail, white ; back and wings, bluish-gray ;
tail, long and forked.

/.. Rossii. — Ross's Gull.

Ihe habitat of this pretty gull is the arctic
regions. During the fall and winter a few
specimens are occasionally .seen in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, and on tlic coast of Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland, liack and wings, grayish-
blue ; neck, lower part.s, and tail, white ; bill,
black ; feet, red. Discovered by Sir James
Clark Ros.s, the navigator.

Ii

L. Frauklinii. — Franklin's Gull.

This rrull is a rare visitor in Canada. Its
habitat is the arctic rec^ions. ])ill and feet,
Vermillion ; neck, runij), tail, and under plumage,
white ; black hood on naix? ; upper parts, bluish-
gray ; quills, terminated v.itli white.

L. argciilains. — The Herring (nill, or Silvery

Gull.

The Silvery Gull is a regular visitor in Canada.

It is twenty-four inches long ; bill, yellow ; head,

neck, and tail, white ; the back and wing covert.^

bluish-ash ; legs, pale flesh color. Breeds in the

north.
15

!■■■ I

114 Birds of Canada.

L. can Its. — The Common Gull.

The Common Gull is the most numerous of
the family. It is seventeen inches long ; bill,
yellow ; heat!, neck, tail, and whole under side
of the body, white ; the back and coverts of the
wings are gray.

L.glancHs. — The Glaucous Gull.

This gull breeds in the arctic regions. An
accidental visitor in Canada.

L. Icucoptcrns. — The White-winged Gull.

This species breeds in the far north. A rare
visitor.

A. dchuuarciisis. — The Ring-billed Gull.

This gull is a rare visitor in Canada.

[.. ibiinitns.—'Y\\c Ivory Gull.

This beautiful gull is very eonnnoii in the
arctic regions, and occasionally visits Canada
in the fall and winter.

Crcagnis fiircatus. — The .Swallow-tailed Gull.

This pretty gull is an accidental visitor in
Canada. Its habitat is the Pacific coast.

Chroicoccplialiis atricilla. — The Laughing- Gull.

This little gull is a summer resident of Canada.
The head and upper part of the neck is blacki.sh-

Birds of Canada.

115

An

gray ; lower part of neck and entire under
plumage, pure white ; back and wings, grayish-
lead color. ]5recds in Canada. Nests, in marshes;
eggs, three, of an olive-drab color.

C. pJiiladclpJiia. — Bonaparte's Gull.

This well known gull is a summer resident of
Canada. I'^ack' and wings, clear l.)luish-gray ;
uiu'.,.r plumage, rump autl tail, A\iiite ; length,
fourteen inches.

Kissa Iridaciyla. — The Kittiwake Gull.

The Kittiwake Gull occasional!}' visits Lake
Ontario during the fall. The head, neck, and
under plumage is pure white ; back and wings,
light bluish-gray ; bill, greenish-yellow ; legs,
brownish-black.

Sub-Family Sterin.!'. — TJic Tcnis.

Sterna aranca. — The Marsh Ter

n.

This pretty tern is a regular visitor. I lead,
black ; back and wings, light bluish-gray ; untler
plumage, pure white ; bill, legs, antl feet, black.

.S". caspia. — The Caspian Ter

n.

'I'he Casi)ian Tern is a fdl and winter visitor

11

eat I

blacl

!.''lossec

I with irreen ; back and

i->

ii6

Birds of Canada.

wings, light bliiish-asli ; under plumage, pure
white ; bill, and inside of mouth, bright red ;
legs and feet, black ; tail, forked. ]5reeds in the

northern regions.

.S". Wilson ii. — Wilson's Tern.

This is the most common species in Canada.
Head, deep black, tinged with brown ; back and
wings, light grayish-blue ; breast and abdomen,
clear pearl gray, lireeds on the sea coast of New
Brunswick.

AiicTie Ti:i{N.
.S. arctica. — The Arctic Tern.

The Arctic Tern is a fall and winter vi^sitor
in Ontario. Breeds on the sea coast of Nova
Scotia. Head and neck, black ; back and wings,

Birds of Canada.

117

lii^ht grayish-blue ; under parts, bluish-gray, of
a lighter shade than the back ; legs and feet,
crimson ; bill, deep carmine.

S.frenata. — The Least Tern.

The Least Torn is an irregular vis-itor. Breeds
on the sea coa.st. Length, nine inches ; color,
bluish-gray above ; underneath, white ; bill,
orange ; legs and feet, orange-red.

S.fnUginosa. — The Sooty Tern.

This tern is a regular summer visitor. Head,
neck, and abdomen, black ; back and wings,
plumbeous-gray.

S. paridisca. — The Roseate Tern.

The Roseate Tern is an irregular summer
visitor in Canada.

Rliynciiopsnii^ra. — Black Skimmer, or .Sheerwater.

This fowl occasionally visits Lake Ontario in
the spring, retiring .south to i)rocd in June.
Color : head, neck, and wings, black ; throat,
breast, and abdomen, white ; legs, scarlet ;
length of the upper mandible, three inches and
a-half ; of the Unver, foiu- inches and a-half.
The peculiar formation of it.-; bill, the lower
mandible being one inch longer than the upper,
enables it easily to obtain its food while skim-
ming over the surface of the water.

Ii8

Birds of Canada.

Sub-Family Cor^YiMiUN.i:. — TJic Loous.

CillKAT NOUTllKllN DIVKll.

Colyiuluis tonjiiatns.—Thc Great Northern Diver,

or Loon.

The Great Northern Diver is a resident of
Canada. Nests, on an Island, or in a meadow or
niarsli, near the borders of the interior lakes ;
c"-"s two or three in number, of a reddish brown
color, with an olive tint. This bird is twent\'-
L'i!4ht inches in leni^th. Head and neck, bluish-
^•reen ; upper plumay;e and wini; covercs, ilecp
i;lossy black, marked with white s])ots.

,r. siftcii ionalis. — The Red-throated ])ivi'r.

This species is not so common as the Great
Northern Diver, usually arrivini^ here in October

r

Birds of Canada.

119

from the coast of Labrador, where it breeds.
Color, above, brownish-black, tinged with green ;
underneath, white ; bill, bluish-black; iris, bright
red ; feet, brownish-black.

Sub-Family PODICIPIN/E. — The Grebes.

Podiceps q^riseigcna. — The Red-necked Grebe.

The Red-necked Grebe breeds in the far
north ; visits Canada in the fall. Upper parts,
blackish-brown ; lower parts, pure white ; bill,
black ; feet, greenish-black. Length, eighteen
inches,

/'. eristatus. — The Crested Grebe.

This Grebe is a common summer resident of
Canada. It is chiefly valued for the plumage
of its breast, the fle.sh being rank and nauseous.
Color, above, umber-browu ; beneath, pure white;
k)ni'" tufts on each side of the head, of umber-
bi-o\vn color. Nests, in a swamp or marsh ; eggs,
four in number, white.

r. eonintus. — The Horned Grebe.

The 1 lorned (Irebe breeds in northern Canatla.
Visits Ontario in the fall. Color, above, brown-
ish-black ; breast, bright chestnut ; abdomen,
white ; liill, bluish-black ; feet, dark gray.

120 Birds of Canadct.

Podilymbus podiccps. — The Picd-billed Grebe.

This species is a common summer resident of
Canada. Upper parts, dark brown ; breast and
abdomen, grayish-white, mottled with dusky-
spots.

Family PBOCELLARID/E. TPJE
PETRELS.

TJialassidroiua LcacJni. — Leach's Petrel.

Leach's Petrel breeds on the sea coast of New
Brun.Vvvick and Xo\-a Scotia. Tlie general color
of this bird is sooty-brown ; bill and feet, black.
Leneth, eii-ht inches. Nests, in the crevices of
rocks. La\'s (Mie pure white egg.

;;Ttii'MV i'i;'ii;r.!-.

7". nV/.x'////. -WilsDii's .Stoi'Miy Petrel.

This Prliel i^; :■<".• n inches in k'n;.;lh. Coin,-,
deep soot\--black ; tail, green ; wings reacliiu;; a

Birds of Canada.

121

I

';5

little beyond its tip ; tarsus, one and a-half
inches in length. Breeds on the small islands off
the coast of Nova Scotia. Its habits and gene-
ral color are similar to tlio.se of Leach's Petrel.
This is the bird .so much dreaded by .sailors as
the harbinger of a .storm, and to which they
liave given the name of " Mother Carey's
Chicken." It is met with on every part of the
ocean, diving or skimming over the surface of
the rolling waves of the most tempestuous sen.
Captain Sir James Clark Ross, in his "Voyage
to the Antarctic Regions," observes that, when
in hit. 47" 17' S., long. 58" 50' K., "we were
accompanied on our course by petrels of two
or three different kinds. These birds added a
degree of cheerfulness to our solitary wanderings,
which contrasted strongly with the dreary and
unvarying stillness of the tropical region, where
not a sea-bird is to be seen, except only in the
vicinity of its few .scattered islets, which is the
more remarkable where the ocean abounds so
plentifully with creatures fit for their food."

Sub-Family PuFFlNaTS.

Puffinus ciuarus. — Wandering Shearwater.

This bird frequents the sea coast of the
maritime provinces. Upper parts, deep brown ;
hnver iiarts, grayi.sh-white ; bill, yellowi.sh-green ;
feet, light greenish-gray ; length, twenty inches.

J o-l

Birds of Ccxnada.

Puffinus major. — Tlic Greater Shearwater.

The Greater Shearwater frequents the extreme
eastern coast of Canada. Length, twenty inches ;
brownish-ash, above ; grayish-white, below ; bill,
compressed near the end ; a straight spur in
place of a hind toe.

Puffiniis atiglorum. — Mank's Shearwater.

Habitat, the coast of New Brunswick, Nova
Scotia, and Newfoundland. Upper parts, brown-
ish-black ; lower, white ; bill, greenish-black.
Length, fourteen inches. Breeds in burrows ;
lays one white Qg'g.

Puffiniis obsciinis. — Dusk)' Shearwater.

This bird frequents the coast of New l^runs-
wick and the Ciulf of St. Lawrence. Upper
parts, sooty-black ; lower, white ; bill, light blue.
Length, eleven inches.

«

.Family ALCIDyE.

Sub-Family vVl/ciN.l-.— 77/6- Auks.

Alca impcuiiis. — The Great Auk.

The (ircak Auk is becoming very rare : a few
specimens are occasionally .seen oti the '■ asl of
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Colc<: leac!,

Birds of Canada.

123

neck, and upper parts, black ; lower parts,
white. Nests, on the sand ; e^ifj^s, two, reddish-
brown.

Alca tarda. — The Razor-billed Auk.

The Ra/.or-billcd Auk is seventeen inches in
, len,.,th. The L^eneral form of this bird is short
■ uid heavy; bill. Ion*;- ; upper part.s, brownish-
black ; under parts, white. iM-equents the sea
coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Breeds
in t^.e arctic region. They build no nests, but
l.iy their eggs upon the bare edges of lofty
rocks overhanging the .sea. Rarge numbers of
these birds are killeil on the coast for the .sake
of their breast feathers.

a icw

asl <if

\ead ,

Mormon olacialis. — Large-billed i'uffin.

This bird frequents the Bay of h'undy and
the sea coast of New {Brunswick. Jhll and feet,
orange-yellow ; sides of the head and lower
part.s, white ; a dark gra\'ish color extends to
the lower mandible.

I

124

Birds of Canada.

"If

Mormon arctica. — The Arctic Puffin.

This exceedingly quaint looking bird is twelve
inches in length. It has a very large bill, which
has the appearance of a sheath slipped over both
mandibles ; it is curved towards the point, com-
pressed vertically, and transversely furrowed on
the sides ; the chin and checks are white, bor-
dered with gray, the latter much puffed up with
feathers, which makes the head look large and
round. The crown of the head and upper part
of the plumage are black, and a collar of the

Birds of Canada.

125

same color encircles the neck ; the under parts
are white, and the legs are orange. The female
deposits her single whitish-colored egg in a hole
dug out and formed in the ground by her mate
and herself, or in one ready-made by the rabbits,
which they easily dislodge. Puffins arc met with
on almost all the rocky cliffs on the coasts of
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and on many
of the surrounding islands. They are gregarious
and migratory.

Sub-Family Urinm:. — The Guillemots.

BLACK OUILLEMOT.

Uria grylle. — The Black Guillemot.

The Black Guillemot is thirteen inches in
length. Color, black ; a white patch on each
wing. This bird is a resident of eastern Canada
throughout the year. It breeds on the iocky
islands off the coast of New Brunswick ; eggs,
three in number, pure white.

126 ' Birds of Canada.

Uria lomvia. — The Foolish Guillemot,

This species is seventeen inches in lenj^th.
The head, neck, back, \vinL;"s, and tail, are of a
slate color ; the breast and abdomen, whitr.
This bird is very common on the C(^ast of Xrw
Rnmswick, where they occasionall)' breed.

L 'rid Ihiiusi^'ickii. — Lart;e-billed (uiillemot.

This (luillemot frecjuents the coast of Xrw
I'runswick. CoUm*, above, L;ra)-ish-black ; abd(^-
mcn and eck;es of the win^s, white; bill, black ;
feet, dusk)' ; ei^i^s, three, l)luish-L;reen, laid in
the sand.

rria riiis^via. — The r>lurre.

The Murre is the .same size as the prccedin;^" ;
upper parts, dark brown, with a tinge of ash ;
under parts\ white. lM'e([uents the coast of Nova
Scotia and New Ihamswick.

7]/<7;<,7////.s' ^^//<'.— The Arctic Sea Dove.

This species is only eight inches in length.
Color, brownish black, above ; white, beneath.
This bird is a winter visitor to the sea coast of
Canada,

BIRDS

OP

MANITOBA AND IVRlTISIt COLIJMIUA.

As the Provinces of British Columbia and
Manitoba now form part of the Dominion of
Canada, 1 api)end a classified cataloijjiie of those
birds whose miLrrations extend from South
America, California, and the (ireat Plains, to
Jiritish Columbia and Manitoba, not includin^^
those already mentioned in the ')ody of this
work, whose mii^rations extentl eastward from
the above Provinces.

RAPTORJ-:S, OR BIRDS OF PRr:Y.

Falco vulgaris — Common Ikizzard,
^S"//'r cimiculayia — Burrowing 0\\\.
" passcriiioidcs — Columbia Day Owl.

iNSh:ssoRh:s, Ok pi'.Rcmcks.

iliniiiiio llialla;.'iiia — Violet-L;reen Swallow.
J/;tsiii(a/\,' :'(T//uf//s — Arkansas l''l)'i:aklu'i-.
///.'V'Av^/.'.v-- Rocky Mountain
catcher.
" yVM'/'r— Short-legL^ed Pewit.

i\--

128

Birds of Canada.

Insessores — Continued.

Musicicapcc Trailli — Traill's riycatchcr.

" pusilla — Least Pcwcc.

Ptilogonys Tozvnscndi — Townscnd's Pti lo^ony s.
Turdns nccvius — Varied Thrush.
nanus — Dwarf Thrush.
" niontanus — Mountain Mockin_L( l^ird.
Cinclns anicricanns — American Dipper.
SylviiC Audnhonii — Audubon's Warbler.
'* Toivnscndii — Tcwnsend's Warbler.
" occidcntalis — Hermit Warbler.
Troglodytes obsoletus — -Rock Wren.

" Parknianii — Parkman's Wren

Sialia occidentalis — Western Plue l^ird.

" aretiea — Arctic IMue liird.
Pariis niinimns — Chestnut-crowned Tit.
'' Hudsonicus — Hudson's l^ay Tit.
Frino^il/a Ton'nsendii — Townscnd's T^inch.
einera—\\vo\\\\ i'^Incli,
Mortonii — Morton's I'inch.
Orep'onii — Ore-jon Snow l^ird.
/'/•(V/Ar/Z-v— Crimson-fronted I'^inch.
bepJirocolis — Gray-crowned 1^'inch.
till teri:;a pallida — Clay-colored IJuntii^i;-.

lapponica — La[)land Lark Puntin;.;\
ornata — Chestnut-colored Lark Piuntini';
Spiza aniiVna — Lazuli Painted Jhmtin;;-.
Card/ielis psalter; - Arkansas ( m )!d (inch.

npih

o a re tie US

Arctic (irouiid I'iiuli.

Birds of Canada.

129

ys.

tiiiL'"

INSESSORES — Continued.

Corydalina tricolor — Prairie Lark Finch.
Coccothraustcs nidanoccpJuxlns — B I a c k - h e a d c d
Grosbeak.
" vcspcrtina — Evening Grosbeak.

** avrulca — Bkie Grosbeak.

Icterus Bullockii — Bullock's Hany^nest.

** xantJuocephalus — Saffron-headed Black-
bird.
Corvus iV///A?////— Yellow-billed IMagpie.

" Bullockii — Columbian Magpie.
Garrulus S teller i. — Steller's Jay.

////r<:?wrt';7/<'//.v.— Ultramarine Jay.
TrocJiilus Anna — Anna Humming l^ird.

" rufiis — Rufous-ruffed Humming Bird.

SCANSORKS, OR CLIMBERS.

Picus I > neat us — Lineated Woodpecker.
" canadensis — Canadian Woodpecker.
" llarrissii — I larris's Woodpecker.
" Gardnerii — Gardner's Woodpecker.

arcticus — Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.

me.vieans — Red-shafted Woodpecker.

RASORICS, OR SCRATCHk:RS.

Tetrao leucurns — White-tailed Ptarmigan.
" rupestris — Rock Ptarmigan.
mil t us — American Ptarmigan.

II

Pliasianellus — Sharp-tailed Grouse.

17

1^0

Birds of Canada.

Tctrao uropJiasianus — Cock of the Plains.

** ohscurus — Dusky Grouse.
Ortyx plunnfcra — Plumed Partridge.
ColiiDiba fasciata — Band-tailed Pigeon.

GRALLATORES, or WADP:RS.

Scollopax Druninwiidii — Dru:? mond's Snipe.

Ihcniatcpus Townscndii — Townsend's Oyster-
catcher.

ApJiriza Ton'iiscndii — Townsend's Surf l^ird.

Charadriiis viontanns — Rocky IMountain IMover.

nattatorp:s, ok swimaip:rs.

Uria Tozvnsciidii — Slender-billed Guillemot.

" occidcntalis — Horn-billed Guillemot.

antiqua — IMack-throated Guillemot.

PJialois nodirostris — Knob-bi lied Phaleris.

" cristalctta — Curled-crested Phaleris.

ProccUaria iomirstvis — Slender-billed 1 ulmar.

" pacifica — Pacific l'\ilmar.

" gigantica — Gigantic P'ulmar.

Dionicda fusca — Dusky Albatross.

" cJdovrorliyucJius — Yellow-nosed Alba-
tross.

Phalacvoi orax rcsplcndcns — Violet-green Cormo-
rant.

" Toivfiscfidii — Townsend's Cormo-

rant.

Iniligiila dcspar — Western Duck.

Anscr Ilukldiisil — Uutchin's Gocsc.

;cr-

IV cr.

ir.

Iba-

•nio-

rino-

SYNOPSIS

oe

BIRDS OF CANADA

SCIENTIFIC N^IMES.

Order I.— RAPTORES.

Ivilco anatum.

" columbaiius.
TinnuncLilus sparvcrius.
Astur atrica})illus.
Acci[)itcr C()()[)ciii.

fiiscus.
lkitc(i boreal is.
lineatus.
pcnnsylvanicus.
Arcliibutco laL;o[)us.

sancti jolianiiis.
Circus liudsonius.
I Iali;utiis_lcucoccphalus.

At[iiila canadensis.
l*andion carolinensis.
Jiubo virginianis.
Scops asio.
Otus Wilsonianus.
liracliyotus Cassinii.
Syrniiun nebulosuni.

cincreuni.
Nyctale Richardson ii.

" acadica.
N)'ctea ni\'ea.
Surnia uliila.

Ordkr II.— SCANSORICS.

Coccys^us aniericanus. Sphyrapicus varius.

" erythroptlialnuis. I lylatonuis pileatus.

Piciis villosus. Melanerpcs erythroce-

pubescens. phalus.

I'icoides arcticus. Colaptes auratus.

hursLitus.

Ccnturccs carolinensis.

132

Syuopsi'^.

Order III.— INSESSORES.

Trochilus coliibris.
Chctura pelasgia.

Himndo amcricana.
" lunifrons.
" riparia.
" bicolor.

Prognc purpurea.

Caprimulgus vocifcrus.
" carolincnsis.

Chordcilcs popctuc.

Ccryle alcyon.

Tyrannus carolincnsis.

My iarchus crinitus.

Sayornis fuscus.

Contopus vircns.

Empidonax minimus.

Turdus mustclinus.
" pallassii.
" fusccsccns.
" Swainsunii.
" mifjratorius.

I Farporhynchus rufous.

Galcoscoptcs carolincn-
sis.

Sialia sialis.

Rcgulus calendula.

Rcgulus satrapa.

Regulus Cuvicri.

Parus atricapillus.

Sitta carolincnsis.
" canadensis.

Ccrthia amcricana.

Cistothorus palu.stris.
Troglodytes hycmalis.

" a:don.

Mniotilta varia,
Parula amcricana.
Gcothlypis trichas.

" })hiladelphi:ii.
Macgillvrai.
Sylvia trichas.
Dendroica vircns.

palmarum.
" tigrina.

" canadensis.

coronata.
" IMackburniiC.

" castanca.

pinus.

p e n n s y 1 -
vanica.
" striata,

aistiva.
maculosa.
Myiodioctes canadensis,
mitratis.
" minutus.

" pusillus.

Melmitherus vcrmivo-

rus.
Helminthopaga pinus.
chry.soptera.
" ruficapilla.

Synopsis,
Order III. — Insessores. — Continued.

133

Hclminthopaga pcrc-

gnna.

Icteria viridis.
Sctophaga ruticilla.
Sciurus aurocapillus.

" novcboraccnsis.
Pyranga rubra.
Ampclis ccdrorum.
CoUyrio borcalis.

" cxcubitoridcs.
Virco olivaceous

gilvus.

" novcboraccnsis.

" flavifrons.

" solitarius.
ICrcniophila cornuta.
Pinicola canadensis.
Carpodacus purpureus.
Chrysoniitris tristis.
" pinus.

Curvirostra amcricana.
Icucoptcra.
yEL.'iothus linaria.
lMcctro[)hanes nivalis.

Lap[)onicus.
Passerculus savanna.
Pooca^tes graniincus.
Coturniculus passerinus.
Zonotrichia leucophrys.

Zonotrichia albicollis.
J unco hycmalis.
Spizclla monticola.
pusilla.
'* .socialis.
Mclospiza iiiclodia.
palustris.
Passcrella iliaca.
Embcriza amcricana.
Guiraca Ludoviciana.

" cccrula.
Coccothraustes vcspcr-
tina.
" cardinalis.
Cyanospiza cyanea.
Pipilo crythropthalmus.
Doliclionyx oryzivorus.
Molothrus pccoris.
Agclaius pliccniceus.
Sturnclla mainia.
Icterus spurius.

" baltimorc.
Scolccophagus fcrrugi-

neus.
Ouiscalus versicolor.
Corvus americanus.

CO rax.
Cyanurus cristatus.
Pcrisorcus canadensis.

i34

Synopsis.

Ordkr IV.— RASORr:S.

Ectopistcs migratoria.
Zcnaidura carolinensis.
Tctrao canadensis,
lionasa umbel 1 us.

Tetrao pliasianellus.
Ortyx virginianus.
Aleleagris gallopavo.

Order V.— GRALLATORr:S.

Ardea hcrodias.
y\rdetta exilis.
iiotaurus lentignosus.
Jiutorides virescens.
Nyctiardea Gardenii.
Grus canadensis.
" americana.
Ibis falcinellus.
Charadrius virginicus.
/Egialitis vociferus.
Wilsonius.
scnii-palniatus.
niclodus.
montanus.
Squatarola lielvctica.
1 Ixmatfipus palliatus.

" nigcr.

Strepsilas interpres.

" nielanocephala.
Rccurvirostra am c ri -

can a.
I'iialaropus liypcr-
borcus.
" Wilson ii.

'• fulicarius.

J'hilohela minor.

GallinaGfo Wilsonii.

o

Macrorhamphusgriseus.
" scolopaccus.

Tringa canutus.
" Cooperii.
maritima.
" subarquata.
alpina.
maculata.
Wil.sonii.
" I^onapartii.
Calidris arenaria.
1 \ re u 1 1 et cs pet ri fi cat u s.
Micropalma h i m a n -

topus.
Symphemia .semi - pal-

mata.
Gambetta melanoleuca.

" navii)es.

lvhyaco[)liilus solitarius.
Tringoides macularius.
Acti turns ]5artramius.
Trinuites rufescens.
Limo.sa fedoa.
" luidsonica.

Order V.

Synopsis.
-Grallatores.-

135

Continued.

Numeniiis longirostris.
" borcalis.

" hudsonicus.

Rallus clcgans.
crepitans.
" virginianus.

Porzana Carolina.

novcboraccnsis.

jamaiccn.sis.
Crcx pratcnsis.
Fulica amcricana.
Gallinulc martmica.

Order VI.— NATATORES.

ii

Cygnus amcricanus.

buccinator.
Anscr hypcrborcus.
" Ganibclli.
" frontalis.
Bcrnicla canadensis,
leucoparcia.
brenta.
iVnas boschas.
obscura.
Dafila acuta.
Nettion carolinensis.
Qucrqucdula discors.

cyano[)tera.
S|)atula clypeata.
Cbaulclasnuis strenerus.
Marcca amcricana.
i\ix sponsa.
IhiHx niari'a.
" al'tniis.
collaris.
Ayth}'a vallisneria.
" amcricana.

Buccphala islandica.
Huccphala albeola.
llistrionicus torquatus.
Harclda glacial is.
Melanctta vclvctina.
Pelionctta perspicillata.
Oidemia amcricana.
Somatcria mollissima.
s])cctabali:3.
Erismatura rubida.

" dominica.

Mcrgus serrator.

" amcricanus.
Eophodytcs cucullatus.
I'clicanus fuscus.

" erythrorhynchus,
Sula bassana.
Graculus carbo,

" dilophus.

Stcrcorarus parasiticus,
pomarinis.
r.arus marinas.

argcntatus.
Ivossii.

1^.6

Synopsis.

Order VI. — Natatorks. — Continued.

Lai'Lis Franklinii.

" Sabiiiii.

" canus.

" IcLicopterus.
dclawarcnsis.
cbcrncus.
CreaL^rus furcatus.
Chroicoccphalus a t r i -
cilia.
** Philadelphia.
Rissa tridactyla.
Sterna aranea.

" caspia.

" Wiisonii.

" arctica.

" frenata.

" fuliLjno.sa.

" pa rid i sea.
Col ymbiis sep t e n t r i o-

nalis.

Colynibus torquatus,
Podiceps gri.seigcna.
cristatu.s.
cornutu-s.
Podilymbus podiccp.s.
Thai a ss i d ro m a W i 1 so n i i .

Le. chii.
i'uffinus major.
" cinereus.
" anglorum.
obscurus.
Alca inipennis.

" torda.
MerLTulus alio.
Mormon arctica.

^lacialis.
Uria i^rylle.
lomvia.
" rini;"via.
" lirunswickii.

■Cy<s^* :^

:)s.

jnii.

hii.

SYNOPSIS

OK

BIRDS OF CANADA

COMMON NAMES.

Order I.— BIR

Peregrine P'alcon, or

Duck Hawk,
Sparrow Ilawlc.
Pigeon Hawk.
Goshawk.
Cooper's Hawk.
Sharp-shinned I lawk.
Red-tailed Hawk,
Red-shouldered Hawk.
Broad-winged I lawk.
Rough-legged Hawk.
Black Hawk.
Marsh Hawk.
White-headed Ivagle.

Ori)]:r IL—

Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Black-billed Cuckoo,

Hairy Woodpecker.

Downy Woodpecker.

IMack-backed Three-
toed W^ood^iecker.

l^anded Three - toed
Woodpecker.

Plicated Woodpecker.
IS

DS OF PREY.

Golden Eagle.
Fish Hawk.
Great Horned Owl.
Mottled Owl, or Screech

Owl.
Long-eared Owl.
Short-eared Owl.
l^arred Owl.
Cinereous Owl.
Sparrow Owl.
Saw-whet Owl.
Snowy Owl.
Hawk Owl.

CLIMl^iRS.

Yellow^ -bellied Wood-
pecker.

Red - headed Wood-
pecker.

Golden-winged Wood-
pecker.

Red - bellied Wood-
pecker.

T^S

Synopsis.

Okdkr III.— rJ':RCHERS.

Ruby - throated Ilum-

niiny; Bird.

Fly-

Chimney Swallow,
l^arn Swallov,
Cliff Swallow.
White-breasted Swal

lo\^'.
Bank Swallow.
Purple INIartin.
Whip-poor-will.
Chuek-Wiil ^ Widow.
Night Hawk,
j^eited Kingfisher.
King liird.
Great - crested

catcher,
rhcbc Bird.
Wood Pcwce.
Least Flycatcher.
Wood Thnuh.
Heraiit Thrush.
Tawny Thrush.
Olive-backed Thrush.
Robin.

Brown Thrasher.
Cat Bird.
Blue liird.

Ruby-crowned Wren.
Golden-crested Wren.
Cuvicr's Golden-crested

W^-en.
IMack-cap Titmouse.
Whitc-bcllied Nuthatch.

Red-bellied Nuthatch.
American Creeper,
Long - billed Marsh

Wren.
Winter Wren.
House Wren.
Black and

Creeper.

White
Blue Yellow - backed
Yellow-

Warbler.

IVLaryland
throat.

Mourning Warbler.

Gray-headed Warbler.

I\Iacgi"ivray's Wrirbler.

Black - throated Green
Warbler.

Yellow Red-poll Warb-
ler.

Cape I\Iay Warbler.

Black - throated Blue
\\'arblcr.

Yellow-rump Warbler.

Blackburnian Warbler.

Jiay-breasted Warbler.

Pine-creeping Warbler.

Chestnut-sided Warbler,

IMack-poil Warbler.

Yellow Warbler.

15 1 a c k a n d Yell o w;
W^arbler.

Canada r^iycatcher.

Hooded Warbler.

Syuopsis.

39

Order l H.—Perciiers.— av/Z/z/z/r^/.

Small - headed l'\y-

catchcr.
Green Black-cap V\y-

catclier.
Worm - ea t i n <>• \Va r b 1 e r .

o

liliie - wiii'jea Yellow
Warbler."

Golden-winged Warb-
ler.

Nashville Warbler.

Tennessee Warbler.

Yellow-breasted Chat.

Red Start.

(i o 1 d e n - c r o w n e d
Thrush.

W^ater Thrush, or Wau-
tail.

Scarlet Tanauer.

l^ohemian Chatterer.

Cedar l^ird, or Cherr)'
Bir.l.

Great Northern Shrike.

White-rumi)ed Shrike.

Red-eyed Vireo.

Warbling Vireo.

White-eyed Yireo.

Solitary Vireo.

Yellow-throated Vireo.

Shore Lark.

1^'ne Grosbeak.

Purple I'^inch.

Yellow J^ird.

Pine Pencil.

Red Cro.ssbill.

White-winged Crossbill.

Lesser Red-poll.

Snow Bunting.

Savannah Sparrow.

l^ay-winged Bunting.

White - crowned Spar-
row.

White - throated Spar-
row.

Snow Bird.

Tree Sparrow.

iMeld Sparrow.

Chipping Sparrow.

Song S[)arrow.

Swamp Sparrow.

i'^ox-colored Sparrow.

Ro-;e - breasted (rros-
beak.

Indigo J)ird.

Ground Robin, or Chc-
wink.

J^obolink.

Cow J^irtl.

Red-winged Blackbird.

Meadow Lark.

Orchard Oriole.

Baltimore Oriole.

Rusty Grackle.

Pui'i)le (jrackle.

Crow.

Blue Jay.

Canada J a)'.

140

Synopsis.

Order IV.—SCRATCHERS.

Wild Pigeon.

Carolina Dove.
Spruce Partridge.
Ruffled Grouse, or Par-

tridge.

Virginia Partridge, or

Ouail.
Wild Turke>'.

Order V.— VVADKR:

Great Blue Heron.
Least Bittern.
Great Bittern,
(ireen Heron.
Night Heron.
Sandhill Crane.
White Crane.
Golden Plover.
Kill-deer Plover.
Mountain Plover.
Wilson's Plover.
Semi-palmated Plover.
Piping Plover.
P>lack-bellied Plover.
Oy.ster-catcher.
Packman's Oyster-
catcher.
Turnstone.
Black Turnstone.
American Avoset.
Northern Phalaropc.
Wilson's Phalaropc.
Red Phalaropc.
Woodcock.
Wilson's Snipe.

Gray Snipe.

l^ongbeak.

Gray - back, or Robin
Snipe.

Cooper's Sandpiper.

Purple Sandpiper.

Curlew Sandjiiper.

Red-backed Sandpiper.

Jack Snipe.

Least Sand pilfer.

Ijonaparte's Sandpiper.

Sanderling.

Semi - palmatcd Sand-
piper.

Stilt Sandpiper.

Willet.

Tell-tale.

Yellow Legs

Solitary Sandpiper.

Spotted Saiulpiper.

P'ield Plover.

Buff - breasted Sand-
piper.

Marbled Godw't.

Hudsonian God wit.

Synopsis.

141

or

Ordkr v.— Waders.— G'////;///tv/.
Lont^-billcd Curlew. | Carolina Rail.

Short-billed Curlew
I'^squimaux Curlew.
Marsh 1 1 en.
Clapper Rail.
V'in.'-inia Rail.

Little lilack Rail.
! Yellow Rail.
j Corn Crake.
I Coot.
! Purple Ciallinule.

Ordkr VI.— .SWIMMKR.S.

American .Swan. ; Whistle Winir Duck.

Truni[)eter Swan. 1 JUiKle-head, or Dipper.

Snow (ioosc. ' IIarle([uin J)uck.

Canada Goose, or Wild Loni^-tailed Duel:, or

I Old Wife.

(joose.
White-fronted Goose,
llrown-frontetl (joose.
White- ch'.-'eked (jOOse.
liranl.

(jreen-head JJuelc.
IMack- Duck.
I'intail Duck.
(ireen-win;;ed 'i'cal.
JUue- winged Teal.
Red-breasted Teal.
Shoveller Duck,
(jadwall, or (iray Duck.
Baldpate, or vXnierican

Wid<;"e(^n.
Wood Duck'.
Sca"p Duck.
Littie iilack-head Duck.
Red-Head Duck".
Canva.s-backed Duck.
Golden Eye, or Barrow's

Duck.

V^jlvet Duck-, or White-
win f.^ed Coot.

Surf JJuck.

iuder Duel:.

Kinf.;- Duck, or King
I'^ider.

Ruddy Duel:.

! *lacl:-niasked Duck.

Red-breast(jd Mergan-
ser.

Goosander, or Fish
Duck.

1 looded Merganser.

l^rown Pelican.

Roui'h-billed Pelican.

Common Gannct.

Common Cormorant.

Double-crested Cormo-
rant.

Great Black-backed
Gull.

I

142

Sj'/w/ys/s.

Ordkr VI.

I [crriny: Gull.
Arctic Skua.
Pouiarinc Skua. .
Glaucou.s-wini'cd Gull

in

Ross'f. Gull.
Franklin's Gull.
Fork-tailed Gull.
Common (lull.
(ilaucous (lull.
Whitc-wini^ed Gull.
Rin<^-billcd Gull.
Swallow-tailed (iull.
Ivory Gull.
Laughini;' (lull.
J^onaparte's Gull.
Kittiwakc Gull.
IVIarsh Tern.
Caspian Tern.
Wilson's Tern.
Arctic Tern.
Least Tern.
Sooty Tern.
Roseate Tern.

SWI M M I'-.i^S. — Cont'uuicd.

.Great Northern Diver.

Red-throated Diver.
! Red-necked Grebe.

Crested Grebe.

Horned (irebe.

Pied-billed Grebe.

Leach's Petrel.

Wilson's Petrel.

Greater Shearwater, or
Petrel.

Wanderjno- Shearwater.

I\Lank's Shearwatei-.

Dusky Shearwater.

(ireat Auk.

Razor-billed Auk.

Little Auk.
j Arctic Puffm.
i LariTe-billed Guillemot.
I Lari^e-billed l'u(Trii.
! Hlack (niillemet.
j P^oolish Guillemot.
; Murre.
' Arctic Sea Dove.

,

I N D JC X .

I'Aui:

Avosct, American . . . . .84

Auk, Great 123

" Little 126

" Razor-billed 133

liittern, Great . . . . . . 79

Least

• 7^

Blackbird, Red-win<^ed

67

l^Iue liird . . ^ .

.33

]?obolink

66

l^rant ....

99

BuntinLj, Bay-\vinL;ed .

• 5'S

" ' lilack-thVoated

• 63

** Lapland

• 57

" Snow

• 57

Cardinal, or Red Bird

. 64

Cat Bird

1 ^

J J

Catcher, Oyster .

■ «3

" Backnian's Oyster

• «3

Cedar, or Cherry l^ird

• 49

Chat, Yellow-breasted

45

Chatterer, l^oheniian .

4S

Chewink

c^s

Chiek-a-dee .

35

Coot ....

.

94

Cormorant, Conmion .

.

1 10

Crested

.

1 1 1

144

Tudcx.

Cow r)iril
C'rakt', Com
Cr.iiu', vSaiulhill .

Wliilo
Ciwpci', vXmcrican

lUack ami White
Crossbill, \<^(\

Whitc-wini-cd
(Vi)w ....
Cuckoo, Hlack-bilkd .
Vcllow-hillcil .
Curlew, lvsi[uiniaux

Loni^-billcd .
Short-billed .

Diver, Great Northern

Retl-throated
1 )o\e, Carolina
1 )uck, ] Harrow's .
" Hlack

Hlack-niasked

IniClle-head

Canvass-back

1 Cider

luder, or KinL;" I'-idei

(iadwall's (iray

(ireen-head

Harlequin

Little iUack-liead

Lon.i^-tailed, or ( );.l W

Pint;iil

Red-head .

Ruddy
" Scaup ,

Shoveller .

rA<iK

94
.So

o7

;o

'4
'4

9-
9-

hS
iS

/ .■>

iu5

ICK)

lo.l

I L)()

in;

C)|

I., I

U V )

lOl

Index.

145

IHick, vSurf . . . .

" Velvet, or Whitc-winncd Coot
" Whistle Win-
" Wood

l""a<^de, (iolden

" White-headed

1^'inch, Pine .
I'lirple
I'lycatcher, Canada

Great-crcstetl
" ( ireen IMack-cap

Least
Small-headed

TAnr,
106
106
105
lOJ

7

55
55
43
43
43
30
43

Gallinulc, Purple .
Gannet, Coninion
God wit, lludsonian

Marbled .
Goshawk-
Goosander .
Goose, Brown-fronted
Canada
Snow

White-cheeked
White-fronted
Grackle, Purple .
Rusty .
Grebe, Crestetl

Horned .
" Pied-billed
*' Red-necked
(Grosbeak, Blue ,
1%

95
109

9'

9f

iO(S

97
98

97

99

97

70

69

119

119

120

ii9

64

146

Index.

Grosbeak, Evening
Pine .
" Rose-breasted

Grouse, Sharp-tailed .
Guillemot, Black .
" Foolish

" Large-billed

Gull, Bonaparte's
" Common
" Fork-tailed
" Franklin's
" Glaucous

Great Black-backed
" Herring
" Ivory .
" Kittewakc .
Laughing .
Ring-billed .
Ross's

Swallow-tailed
White-winged

t(

PAGE
64

54
^l

75

1:^5
126

126

115
114
1 12

113
114
1 12

113
1 14

115
114

114

113
1 14

114

Haw^k, Black

Broad-winged
Cooper's .
Duck
Fish .
Marsh

It
t(
.(
<i
If
<i
II
II
II

K

(I

Night
IMucon

R oil -shouldered
Ked-tailed
Rough-legged ,
Sharp-shinned ,

5

5

I

8
6

:^5

4
4

5

Ind<

ex.

H7

Ilawlv, Sparrow .
Men, Marsh .
Ilcroii, Great Blue
•* Green
Night
lliinimin<r Bird .

93

77

79

8o

20

Jl>is, Glossy
Indicro Bird

8i

Jay, Blue

Canada

71
72

5
5
3
I
S
6

4
4

5
4

Lark, Shore

" Meadow .
Legs, Yellow

INLallard
ALartin, Purple
Merganser, 1 looded

'' Red-breasted

Murre ....

Nuthatch, Red-bellied
'• White-bellied

Oriole, l^altimore
Orchard .
Owl, Barred

" Cinereous .

" Great Horned

" Hawk .

53
68

90

99

io8
io8

126

36
36

00
68
1 1
1 1

9
12

148

Index.

PAOF.

Owl, Long-cared lo

" Saw-whct .

II

" Screech

lO

" Short-cared

lO

" Sparro\v'

II

" Snowy

13

Oyster-catcher

^Z

" Backman's .

83

Partridge, Ruffled 75

•' Spruce

74

*' Virginia

76

Pehcan, Brown .

109

Rough-billed .

109

Petrel, Greater Shearwater,

or

132

" Leach's

120

Wilson's Stormy

120

Pewee, Wood

29

Phalarope, Northern .

. H

Red .

■ 85

Wilson's

. 85

Phebe Bird .

. 29

Pigeon, Wild

• 73

Plover. Black-bellied .

. 83

Field

• 91

Golden

. 8 1

Kill-deer .

. cS2

Mountain .

. ^>2

Piping

. 82

Semi-pahuated

. 82

Wilson's .

. 82

Puffin, Arctic

. 129

Large-billed

. 123

!

Index.

Rail, Carolina
" Clapper
" Little Black
" VirL;inia
" Ycflow

Raven .

Red-poll, Lesser

Red-start

Robin .

149

I'Adt;

93

93

94

93

94
70

56

45

32

Sandpiper, Bonaparte's
Ruft-brcasted
" Cooper's

" Curlew

" Least

«(

«

Purple
Red-backed
Semi- pa
litar)'

Imat

eel

-)0

Spotted
Stilt .
Yello\v-leL;gcd

Sanderliui,
Sea Dove, Arctic
Shcerwatcr, lilack
" Dusky

Greater
" Manks

" Wander in 1

Swan, American .

Trumpeter
Skua, Arctic

Pomarine .
Shrike. Great Northern

88

91

^7
88

88

«7
88

89

90

90

89

85
89

126

117

1 22

122

122

121

96

96

1 12

1 12

50

ISO

Index.

^.\ciB

Shrike, Whitc-rumpcd . . . . -51

Snipe, Gray . . .

^7

Gra)'-back .

«7

Jack .

• •

88

'• LoHL^beak .

'^7

^' Tell-tale .

90

"' Wilson's .

'^G

vSni A' ])ii\l ....

60

Sparrow, Chippini;

61

Field '.

60

" Fox-colored .

,M

'* Savannah

57

" Song

6[

'' S\vani[) .

Gi

Tree .

60

** White-crowned

58

*' WHiite-throatetl

59

Yellow-wini^ed

5«

Swallow, Hank

22

i^arn .

. 21

'* Chimney

. ao

ClilT '.

. 21

" White-breasted

22

Tana<.;-er, Scarlet .

. 46

Teal, IMue-winged

. 101

Green-\vin_i;ed

. 100

" Red-breasteil

. lOI

Tell-tale

. 90

Tern, Arctic

. 116

Caspian

■ 115

'• Least .

- 117

" lAIarsh

■ 115

'■ Roseate

• 117

" Sooty .

•

. 117

I

\

)

• Index.

Tern, Wilson's

Thrush, Golden-crowned

" Hermit .

-* Olive-backed .

** Tawny .

'* Wood .
Titmouse, Hudson's Bay
Thrasher, Brown . .
Turkey, Wild
Turnstone .

Black .

151

I'AOE

46
31
31

3f

30

3-^
76
84
84

\

Vireo, Red-eyed .
" ' Solitary
" Warblinj^^ .
" White-eyed

Yellow-throated

Woodpecker, l^anded Three-toed
l^ack-backed
" Downy .

Golden-winged
Hairy
rileated .
Red-bellied
Red-headed
Yellow-bellied
Widow, Chuck-Will's .
Whip-poor-will

Wren, Cuvier's Golden-crested
" Golden-crested .
" House
Winter
" LonsJ-biUed

(I

51

5-
51

52

5-

16

15

15
18

15

17
16

17

15

26

> •>
-J

34
34
38
38
17

152

Index.

i'Ar,F,

Wagtail,

or Water-Thrush .

46

Warbler,

Ba)--breastcd

41

ii

IViack and Yellow .

43

<i

l^lackburnian

41

If

Black-poll

4-

tt

Black-throated Blue

41

<(

Black-throated Green

40

«(

Blue-winged Yellow

44

i<

Blue Yellow-backed

'•

39

i(

Cape J\Iay

40

<i

Chestnut-.sided

4-

t(

Golden-winged

44

((

Hooded

43

((

McGillivray'.s

39

<(

Maryland Yellow-throat

39

«

Mourning

39

((

Nashville

45

(t

Pine-creeping

42

<(

Tennessee

45

«

Worm-eating

44

<i

Yellow .

42

«

Yellow-rump

41

i(

Yellow Red-poll .

. 40

Widqcon, American

102

Willet .

•

89

Woodcock ....

«5

Yellow Bird

55

OPINIONS

Of those quai.tfikd to judge of the
Merits of the Work.

Rev. 1u;erton Rverson, D.D., LL. D.,
Chief Supcrintcmknt of Rdiication, of Ontario,
,;ays .•— " I have seen nothini; of the kind (mi the
birds of Canada equal to your excellent book,
cither in rci;ard to the nund)er and description
of Canadian Birds, the beauty of the illustrations,
or the mechanical execution of the whole work.
I shall recommend it to be placed on the cata-
lotrue of Canadian, school, prize, and library
books."

Rev. John McCaue. LL.D., President of
University Col/eor, Toronto, and Professor of Clas-
sieal Literature, Logie, and RJietorie, says:—'' It is
an excellent manual of Canadian Ornitholooy."

J. W. Dawson, I.L. D.. 1". K. S., F. (i. S.,
Prineipal and Professor of Natural History,
University of MeGill College, JMontreal, says :—

i>

" Your interesting book on '' Birds" will emi-
nently advance the interests of popular Natural
History."

Rkv. N. Burwasii, I\I. i\., Professor of
Natural Sciences and Chemistry, University of
Victoria College, Cohourg\ says : — "I have already
recommended your elegant little volume of the
" liirds of Canada" to my class, as a convenient
manual for the study of our native birds ; and I
regard it as a most welcome and valuable sup-
plement to our larger text-books, in which only
Families, or at most Genera, are described."

II. Alleynk Nicholson, M.D., 1). Sc, M.A.,
Ph.D., F.R.S., and F.G.S., hlng., Professor of
Natural History, University College, Toronto,
says : — " I am much pleased with your work on
the " Birds of Canada." It will be of great ser-
vice to all interested in the Ornithology of the
Dominion, and it fills a very decided want. I
am glad to learn that it has met with such a
hearty welcome, and I hope soon to hear of the
appearance of the second edition."

N. B. DUPUIS, M. A., I'. B. .S.. Professor of
Natural History, University of (Jueen's College,
Kingston, says: — "I am well pleased with your
work on Canadian OrnitholoLry."

I

ivill cmi-
Natural

'fcssor of
crsily of

c already
nic of the
onvcnicnt
ds ; and I
lablc sup-
iliich onl)'
ibcd."

. Sc. M.A.,
y of OS so r of
\ Toronto,
ir work on
' L'rcat scr-

1 want. 1
•itli sucli a
icar of the

'rf'ssor of

n s

Colic

J.^>

Danikt, Wii,sox, LL.D., Profcssoy of History
and Euglish Literature, University College, To-
ronto, says:—" It supplies such a book of refer-
ence as was much needed, in a neat and handy
form, and I am sure will be hii^hly acceptable to
Canadian Ornithologists."

John jMacouN, ]\I.A., Professor of Botany
and Geology, Albert University, Belleville, says : —
" I have gone over it careful!}', and am .satisfied
it will be exceedingly useful. To Canadian
Ornithologists it will always be a welcome com-
panion. I have shewn it to many persons well
qualified to judge of its merits, and all were
pleased with its appearance, and .spoke highly of
its content.s."

with }'our

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

"Tnisintcrestingworkon Canadian Ornithology
is got up in elegant .style mechanically, and reflects
great credit upon the industry and Ornithological
knowledge of the author, who is one of the mo.st
laborious and successful of our Canadian Natural-
ists. This work", which must have cost Dr. Ross
much time ami pai nt observation, will be wel-
comed by all who feel any interest in the Natural

History of Canada. How few Canadians in the
rural districts, where birds abound, know much
about their feathered neighbours ! A careful
perusal of Dr. Ross's little book would give them
a new interest in those beautiful and musical
tribes of the air, —

" ' Wlio wiuiJer tliroujih tlie rcahns of space,
Frco guests of ciirth und air.' "

— Chyistian Guardian.

" In thi.i little book we have a pleasantly written
account of the characters, habits, food, nests, eggs,
times of arrival and departure of the Canadian
birds. As a contribution to local Natural His-
tory this work must prove very useful, and it
will no doubt tend to promote a fondness for
Ornithology in |)articular. * * * The worl
deserves, and will doubtless receive, a cordial
reception from the Canadian public." — G/obc.

" Those of our readers who wish to make
themselves acquainted with the Ornithology of
Canada, will Hud this book just what they require.
It is beautifully got up." — Evangelical Witness.

" Dr. A. I\I. Ross, the author of this little
work, has done good service by his recent con-
tribution to the literature of Canadian Natural
History. The book gives brief descriptions of

upwards of three hundred birds, natives of the
country, or regular or occasional visitors, with a
record of the times of arrival and departure of
those who are not permanent residents ; and
tiiese, as every Canadian knows, comprise nearly
the whole number, for the feathered tribes are
very scarce with us in winter, and even the birds
wc see at that season are mostly migrants. The
work is well printed on tinted paper, and contains
numerous woodcuts. Dr. Ross, we luiderstand,
has other works in preparation on some in-
teresting branches of Canadian Entomology."
— Canada Faruicr.

" The work is designed, as the author states in
his jjrcfacc, to sup[)lyin some measure a want long
felt b\' those interested in the study of Canadian
Ornithology ; and it must be confessed that this
"want" has been well and ably supplied therein
b)' Dr. Ross. We do not marvel, however, at
the fund of information presented in "The lairds
o'i Canada," as Dr. Ross is a gentleman who has
matle ornithology the study of many years. He
has in his collection (which has been made in this
Troxince) s|)ecimens (»f almost all the birds which
he describes; and this it is \vhich gives liini such
rare advant.ige in treating accurately and elabo-
rately his clu-iished subji-ct. 'I lu- first edition of
the work is drained to the hist cop)' — a fair cri-

$

terion of its popularity and usefulness : but a
second edition will be issued, and this, too, we
hope, will meet with a like reception," — Iris/i
Canadian.

" It speaks well for the general interest taken
in our feathered visitors, that a thousand copies
of this carefully" written and well executed little
work have been sold since Christmas. . A more
ambitious work would have doubtless found a
ready sale, and the author evinces every qualifi-
cation for the task. Meantime we cordially wel-
come his elementary treatise. .Dr. Ross's book
is embellished with about fifty illustrations of
the birds of Canada, is well printed, elegantly
bound, and is placed at the moderate price of
one dollar. — Mail.

'f

a